Response of cricket and spider motion-sensing hairs to airflow pulsations

Closed-form analytical solutions are presented for the angular displacement, velocity and acceleration of motion-sensing filiform hairs exposed to airflow pulsations of short time duration. The specific situations of interest correspond to a spider intentionally moving towards a cricket, or an insect unintentionally moving towards or flying past a spider. The trichobothria of the spider Cupiennius salei and the cercal hairs of the cricket Gryllus bimaculatus are explored. Guided by earlier work, the spatial characteristics of the velocity field due to a flow pulsation are approximated by the local incompressible flow field due to a moving sphere. This spatial field is everywhere modulated in time by a Gaussian function represented by the summation of an infinite Fourier series, thus allowing an exploration of the spectral dependence of hair motion. Owing to their smaller total inertia, torsional restoring constant and total damping constant, short hairs are found to be significantly more responsive than long hairs to a flow pulsation. It is also found that the spider trichobothria are underdamped, while the cercal hairs of the cricket are overdamped. As a consequence, the spider hairs are more responsive to sudden air motions. Analysis shows that while two spiders of different characteristic sizes and lunge velocities can generate pulsations with comparable energy content, the associated velocity fields display different patterns of spatial decay with distance from the pulsation source. As a consequence, a small spider lunging at a high velocity generates a smaller telltale far-field velocity signal than a larger spider lunging at a lower velocity. The results obtained are in broad agreement with several of the observations and conclusions derived from combined flow and behavioural experiments performed by Casas et al. for running spiders, and by Dangles et al. for spiders and a physical model of spiders lunging at crickets.

Postprandial lipaemia in patients with impaired fasting glucose, impaired glucose tolerance and diabetes mellitus

AIMS

To compare the postprandial lipid responses in subjects with prediabetes (IFG and IGT), newly detected diabetes mellitus (NDDM) and normal glucose tolerance (NGT).

METHODS

Postprandial lipid responses to a standard oral fat challenge was studied in forty-four subjects who were divided after an OGTT into NGT, pure impaired fasting glucose (PIFG), pure impaired glucose tolerance (PIGT) and NDDM.

RESULTS

There was a significantly higher postprandial triglyceride (PPTg) response with a higher PPTg area under curve (p=0.004) and peak PPTg levels (p=0.003) in patients with NDDM but not with either PIFG (p>0.05) or PIGT (p>0.05) when compared with NGT. Overall, PPTg responses correlated significantly with fasting plasma glucose (p=0.001) and 2h plasma glucose (p=0.001) but not with age, sex, body mass index, waist, or insulin resistance.

CONCLUSION

Subjects with newly detected diabetes mellitus displayed postprandial hypertriglyceridemia after a standard oral fat meal challenge while no such abnormality could be demonstrated in subjects with IFG or IGT. This defect is probably related to glycemic status and insulin resistance.

Primary chondrosarcoma of the breast: a case report

Mammary sarcomas are uncommon tumors. Of these pure chondrosarcoma without any other area of epithelial or mesenchymal differentiation feature as even rarer. This excludes tumors like malignant cystosarcoma phyllodes and metaplastic carcinoma where malignant cartilaginous areas may be present. Further primary chondrosarcoma arises from breast stroma and not from underlying bone or cartilage. Only five cases of pure and primary chondrosarcoma have been reported so far. The sixth case is reported here.

Clozapine impact on clinical outcomes and aggression in severely ill adolescents with childhood-onset schizophrenia

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the impact of clozapine on aggressive behaviour and clinical outcomes in children and adolescents with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder.

METHODS

We reviewed the charts of 6 children and adolescents who were admitted consecutively to a long-term care facility for clinical outcomes, including seclusion and restraints incidents prior to and during clozapine treatment. We also present a representative case history.

RESULTS

We noted clinically significant improvements in social interaction and decreases in the number of violent episodes and homicidal or suicidal thoughts. The global assessment of functioning (GAF) scores improved significantly. Weight gain was significant.

CONCLUSIONS

These cases illustrate the benefits of clozapine treatment in refractory childhood-onset schizophrenia. Outcomes are similar to those described in adults. Even though open data limit conclusions from this study, it is pertinent that there was a clinically significant improvement in aggressive behaviours. This may be particularly important for improved morale of patients, their families, and treating staff. It may also be helpful in discharge to a less restrictive environment.

Plasticity of axial identity among somites: cranial somites can generate vertebrae without expressing Hox genes appropriate to the trunk

Classic studies have shown that the presomitic mesoderm is already committed to a specific morphological fate, for example, the ability to generate a rib. Hox gene expression in the paraxial mesoderm has also been shown to be fixed early and not susceptible to modulation by an ectopic environment. This is in contrast to the plasticity of Hox expression in neuroectodermal derivatives. We reexamine here the potential of somites for morphological plasticity by transplanting the cranial (occipital) somites 1-4, that normally produce small contributions to the skull, to the trunk of avian embryos. Surprisingly, the transposed cranial somites are able to form reasonably normal vertebral anlage. In addition, the cranial somitic mesoderm produces intervertebral disks, structures not normally found in the skull. These somites are however unable to generate some elements of the vertebrae, such as the costal process. In contrast to the morphogenetic plasticity of the occipital somites, their characteristic inability to support survival of dorsal root ganglia was not significantly modified by posterior transplantation. Dorsal root ganglia initially developed and then degenerated with the same morphological stages as normally observed. In striking contrast to the plasticity of morphology, we found that all four members of the of the fourth paralogous group of Hox genes that are expressed endogenously at the level of the graft are not upregulated in the caudad-transposed cranial mesoderm. It therefore appears that genes other than those of the Hox family normally expressed at this axial level control the position-specific morphogenesis of ectopic vertebrae formed from cranial somites. In evolutionary terms, the present results imply that occipital somites that were incorporated into the "New Head" retain the ability to develop according to their original morphogenetic fate, into vertebrae.

Breeding preferences of Anopheles culicifacies in the rice agro-ecosystem in Kheda district, Gujarat

Breeding preferences of Anopheles culicifacies, a principle malaria vector, in the plains of India was studied in the rice agro-ecosystem of Kheda district in central Gujarat. Extensive breeding of this species was found in the rice field channels (20.83 per cent) and in rice fields (5.32 per cent). However, rice nurseries (0.91 per cent) and post-harvested rice fields (2.51 per cent) were less preferred. The species was found in abundance in newly transplanted rice fields and during early months of rice cultivation with a peak prevalence in the non-monsoon (Rabi) season. The breeding of An. culicifacies was inversely proportional and negatively correlated (r = -0.868; p < 0.05) with the height of the plants, whereas it showed a positive correlation (r = 0.779; p < 0.05) with the distance between plants. Rice fields near the villages supported maximum breeding of An. culicifacies (48 per cent) followed by the rice fields, 0.5 to one km away from the human habitation. Co-efficient of association (C8 index) revealed a positive association of the species with An. annularis, An. pallidus, An. subpictus and Cx. quinquefasciatus. However, it was negatively associated with An. nigerrimus, Cx. tritaeniorhynchus and Cx. vishnui sub groups.

Interstitial laser hyperthermia, a new method in the management of fibroadenoma of the breast: A pilot study

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

This study attempts to evaluate the effect of interstitial laser hyperthermia in breast fibroadenomas as an outpatient procedure.

STUDY DESIGN/MATERIALS AND METHODS

In an uncontrolled prospective study, 27 patients younger than 35 years were subjected to laser phototherapy of their breast fibroadenomas. Under real-time ultrasound monitoring, Nd:YAG laser (1,064 nm wavelength) was used at 2 W for 300 sec (600 J) in a continuous wave mode to produce interstitial hyperthermia. Follow-ups were done at 2, 4, and 8 weeks. Subsequently, excision biopsy of residual lumps was performed.

RESULTS

There was significant decrease in clinical and sonographic sizes (P < 0.001). Follow-up ultrasound showed a progressive change of hyperechoic texture, from a heterogeneous to a nearly homogeneous one. There were minimal scars (2-3 mm) and no keloid or abscess formation.

CONCLUSION

Interstitial laser hyperthermia is a safe, precise, and minimally invasive outpatient procedure for in situ destruction of breast fibroadenomas.

Safety and efficacy of ECT in patients with head injury: a case series

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is a safe and effective treatment for certain psychiatric disorders. Eleven patients who had sustained a closed head injury were treated with ECT for their psychiatric symptoms. Eight patients responded to an index course of ECT: 2 were partial responders and became responders during continuation ECT (cECT); 1 patient was a nonresponder. Post-ECT Neurobehavioral Cognitive Status Examination and Mini-Mental State Examination scores showed no significant decline (P > 0.70 and P > 0.89, respectively) from baseline. Eight patients received cECT, without any lasting cognitive side effects. These findings indicate that ECT can be used effectively in patients with a history of closed head injury, without adverse effects on cognitive functioning.

Cytotoxic effects of 125I-labeled PBZr ligand PK 11195 in prostatic tumor cells: therapeutic implications

The effect of [125I]PK 11195 was examined in human prostatic tumor cells (DU 145) in culture and compared with Na[125I] and non-radioactive PK 11195. [125I]PK 11195 was clearly cytocidal. The data for dose-related cell survival with [125I]PK 11195 showed a linear relationship. Na[125I] or non-labeled PK 11195 at similar concentrations did not lead to any cell killing. The uptake of [125I]PK 11195 and [3H]PK 11195 in cells was very similar. Fragmentation of DNA measured by agarose gel electrophoresis showed that exposure of DU 145 cells to [1251]PK 11195 for 1, 4 or 24 h caused no fragmentation. These results indicate that nuclear DNA is not the prime binding site for [125I]PK 11195, which is consistent with the presence of specific peripheral benzodiazepine receptors (PBZr) in the mitochondria. The cell killing effect of [125I]PK 11195 suggests the use of PBZr ligand for radiotherapy.

Treatment of aggression and irritability after head injury

Thirteen patients who experienced problems with irritability and aggression following closed head injury (CHI) participated in a non-blind, 8 week open trial and sertraline HCl. Significant reduction in irritability and aggressive outbursts was observed. No significant changes were observed in depressive symptomatology. Results suggest that serotonergic agents may be useful in treating aggression and irritability after head injury. Further placebo-controlled studies using serotonergic agents are indicated.

Antidepressant efficacy and cardiovascular safety of venlafaxine in young vs old patients with comorbid medical disorders

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether venlafaxine exerts a differential effect on blood pressure in young versus old depressed patients.

METHOD

We compared thirty-four consecutive patients treated with 50-250 mg/day venlafaxine for major depressive disorder or another major mood disorder at our medical college's ambulatory neuropsychiatry program. We obtained baseline and follow-up blood pressure measurements. Each patient also received a baseline and final Clinical Global Impressions (CGI) score; global improvement was determined by consensus of two clinicians.

RESULTS

Sixteen nongeriatric patients (age, 13 to 56 years) were compared with eighteen elderly patients (age, 65 to 86 years). Most patients (88%) had serious medical comorbidities or histories. Despite a higher mean daily venlafaxine dosage for patients in the young group, no significant changes in systolic blood pressure were noted in either group. For the older group, we found a non-statistically significant 4.7 mm Hg mean increase in diastolic blood pressure. No patient became hypertensive. We also found a negative correlation between baseline diastolic blood pressure and change in diastolic blood pressure during treatment with venlafaxine. This inverse relationship was statistically significant in the older patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Venlafaxine was not associated with significant, sustained changes in blood pressure in any patient receiving dosages of 50-250 mg/day. Minimal changes in diastolic blood pressure were no more likely to occur in older venlafaxine-treated patients than in younger ones. Higher baseline diastolic blood pressure in older patients, but not in younger ones, seemed to protect against diastolic adrenergic blood pressure effects of venlafaxine.

Species diversity and interspecific associations among mosquitoes in rice agro-ecosystem of Kheda district, Gujarat

Rice agro-ecosystem of Kheda district in Central Gujarat was inhabited by 14 species of anophelines and 15 species of culicines. Anopheles subpictus and Culex vishnui gr dominated the respective groups. Species diversity in rice fields as well as in associated habitats remained high during non-monsoon (rabi) period. There existed several positive and negative interspecific associations. Malaria vector An. culicifacies showed positive association with An. subpictus, An. annularis, An. pallidus and Cx. quinquefasciatus but was found negatively associated with An. nigerrimus, Cx. vishnui and Cx. tritaeniorhynchus.

Prevalence of apathy following head injury

Although several studies have examined the demographics of mood disorders and personality changes following closed head injury (CHI), there are no studies that address the prevalence of apathy after CHI. Utilizing standardized evaluation tools, this study examines the prevalence of apathy in 83 consecutive patients seen in a neuropsychiatric clinic. A total of 10.84% had apathy without depression while an equal number were depressed without apathy; another 60% of patients exhibited both apathy and depression. Younger patients were more likely to be apathetic than older patients who were more likely to be depressed and apathetic. Patients with severe injury were more likely to exhibit apathy alone. Family members rated the patients higher on apathy scale. These findings suggest that apathy is a frequent symptom after head injury and may occur either alone or in association with depression.

Tc-HMPAO SPECT in persistent post-concussion syndrome after mild head injury: comparison with MRI/CT

The purposes of this study were: (1) to determine the prevalence of abnormal 99mTc-HMPAO SPECT scans in patients suffering from persistent post-concussive syndrome (PPCS) after mild closed head injury (CHI); (2) to compare SPECT with structural neuroimaging (MRI and CT) in patients with mild CHI; and (3) to investigate correlations between SPECT and clinical data obtained from the patient sample (neuropsychological testing, demographics, psychiatric diagnoses). Forty-three patients were included. SPECT was read as abnormal in 53% of patients and showed a total of 37 lesions while MRI was read as abnormal in 9% and CT scan in only 4.6% of patients after mild CHI. SPECT appears to be more sensitive in detecting cerebral abnormalities after mild CHI, especially in patients with PPCS symptoms, than either CT or MRI. No statistically significant relationship was found between SPECT scan abnormalities and age, past psychiatric history, history of substance abuse, or history of multiple CHI. Education level did not differ between patients with normal and abnormal SPECT. Current neuropsychiatric symptoms did not seem to have any impact on the results of SPECT scan.

Socio-economic aspects of malaria in Kheda district, Gujarat

Study on the socio-cultural factors and economic loss due to malaria in rural and urban areas of Kheda district, Gujarat revealed that factors such as education, profession, income, housing pattern, social groups, water storage and treatment seeking behaviour play an important role in malaria transmission. However, the difference of these components in respect to malaria cases between rural and urban areas were statistically insignificant. Mean monetary loss per malaria episode was found to be more in urban area (Rs. 393.59) as compared to rural (Rs. 157.59). The study also suggests the importance of socio-cultural factors in implementing any community health programme. Health education is needed to make the people aware and health conscious for prevention of disease at their own level.