Automatic prediction of facial trait judgments: appearance vs. structural models

Evaluating other individuals with respect to personality characteristics plays a crucial role in human relations and it is the focus of attention for research in diverse fields such as psychology and interactive computer systems. In psychology, face perception has been recognized as a key component of this evaluation system. Multiple studies suggest that observers use face information to infer personality characteristics. Interactive computer systems are trying to take advantage of these findings and apply them to increase the natural aspect of interaction and to improve the performance of interactive computer systems. Here, we experimentally test whether the automatic prediction of facial trait judgments (e.g. dominance) can be made by using the full appearance information of the face and whether a reduced representation of its structure is sufficient. We evaluate two separate approaches: a holistic representation model using the facial appearance information and a structural model constructed from the relations among facial salient points. State of the art machine learning methods are applied to a) derive a facial trait judgment model from training data and b) predict a facial trait value for any face. Furthermore, we address the issue of whether there are specific structural relations among facial points that predict perception of facial traits. Experimental results over a set of labeled data (9 different trait evaluations) and classification rules (4 rules) suggest that a) prediction of perception of facial traits is learnable by both holistic and structural approaches; b) the most reliable prediction of facial trait judgments is obtained by certain type of holistic descriptions of the face appearance; and c) for some traits such as attractiveness and extroversion, there are relationships between specific structural features and social perceptions.

Polymerase chain reaction assay for verifying the labeling of meat and commercial meat products from game birds targeting specific sequences from the mitochondrial D-loop region

A PCR assay was developed for the identification of meats and commercial meat products from quail (Coturnix coturnix), pheasant (Phasianus colchicus), partridge (Alectoris spp.), guinea fowl (Numida meleagris), pigeon (Columba spp.), Eurasian woodcock (Scolopax rusticola), and song thrush (Turdus philomelos) based on oligonucleotide primers targeting specific sequences from the mitochondrial D-loop region. The primers designed generated specific fragments of 96, 100, 104, 106, 147, 127, and 154 bp in length for quail, pheasant, partridge, guinea fowl, pigeon, Eurasian woodcock, and song thrush tissues, respectively. The specificity of each primer pair was tested against DNA from various game and domestic species. In this work, satisfactory amplification was accomplished in the analysis of experimentally pasteurized (72 degrees C for 30 min) and sterilized (121 degrees C for 20 min) meats, as well as in commercial meat products from the target species. The technique was also applied to raw and sterilized muscular binary mixtures, with a detection limit of 0.1% (wt/wt) for each of the targeted species. The proposed PCR assay represents a rapid and straightforward method for the detection of possible mislabeling in game bird meat products.

Unilateral renal artery stenosis causes a chronic vascular inflammatory response in ApoE-/- mice

Unilateral renal artery ligation (RAL) causes a short-term vascular inflammatory reaction in ApoE-/- mice, but whether this persists is unknown. Partial constriction of the right renal artery resulted in a mild, sustained increase in systolic blood pressure over the 90 days of the study, whereas there was no change in blood pressure in mice that underwent sham-surgery. Atheroma was present in the abdominal aorta, with pronounced staining for macrophages (39% +/- 9% of area of atheroma) and monocyte chemoattractant-1 (MCP-1; 40%+/-15%) in mice with unilateral RAL. Atheroma was also present in the carotid arteries, with pronounced staining for macrophages (56%+/-15%) and MCP-1 (53%+/-21%). Non-muscle myosin-A, a marker of smooth muscle cell dedifferentiation, was observed in atheroma within the abdominal aorta and carotid arteries in mice that underwent unilateral RAL. There were no atheroma and minimal staining for macrophages, MCP-1 or non-muscle myosin A in carotid arteries or abdominal aorta of mice that underwent sham surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

Chronic unilateral partial RAL results in the formation of atheroma in the aorta and carotid arteries of ApoE-/- mice that is characterized by chronic inflammation and dedifferentiation of smooth muscle cells.

PIQA: pipeline for Illumina G1 genome analyzer data quality assessment

Summary: PIQA is a quality analysis pipeline designed to examine genomic reads produced by Next Generation Sequencing technology (Illumina G1 Genome Analyzer). A short statistical summary, as well as tile-by-tile and cycle-by-cycle graphical representation of clusters density, quality scores and nucleotide frequencies allow easy identification of various technical problems including defective tiles, mistakes in sample/library preparations and abnormalities in the frequencies of appearance of sequenced genomic reads. PIQA is written in the R statistical programming language and is compatible with bustard, fastq and scarf Illumina G1 Genome Analyzer data formats.

Availability: The PIQA pipeline, installation instructions and examples are available at the supplementary web site (http://bioinfo.uh.edu/PIQA).

Contact:yfofanov@bioinfo.uh.edu

Lactobacillus fermentum BCS87 expresses mucus- and mucin-binding proteins on the cell surface

AIMS

To identify and characterize adhesion-associated proteins in the potential probiotic Lactobacillus fermentum BCS87.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Protein suspensions obtained from the treatment of Lact. fermentum BCS87 with 1 mol 1(-1) LiCl were analysed by Western blotting using HRP-labelled porcine mucus and mucin. Two adhesion-associated proteins with relative molecular weight of 29 and 32 kDa were identified. The N-terminal and internal peptides of the 32 kDa protein (32-Mmubp) were sequenced, and the corresponding gene (32-mmub) was found by inverse polymerase chain reaction. The complete nucleotide sequence of 32-mmub revealed an open reading frame of 903 bp encoding a primary protein of 300 amino acids and a mature protein of 272 residues. A basic local alignment search showed 47-99% identity to solute-binding components of ATP binding cassette transporter proteins in Lactobacillus, Streptococcus and Clostridium. An OpuAC-conserved domain was identified and phylogenetic relationship analysis confirmed that 32-Mmubp belongs to the OpuAC family.

CONCLUSIONS

Adhesion of Lact. fermentum BCS87 appeared to be mediated by two surface-associated proteins. 32-Mmubp is a component of ABC transporter system that also functions as an adhesin.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

Characterization of 32-Mmubp and 32-mmub will contribute to understanding the host-bacteria interactions of Lact. fermentum with the intestinal tract of pigs.

Mesenchymal stem cells and inflammatory lung diseases

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are emerging as a therapeutic modality in various inflammatory disease states. A number of ongoing randomized Phase I/II clinical trials are evaluating the effects of allogeneic MSC infusion in patients with multiple sclerosis, graft-versus-host disease, Crohn's disease, and severe chronic myocardial ischemia. MSCs are also being considered as a potential therapy in patients with inflammatory lung diseases. Several studies, including our own, have demonstrated compelling benefits from the administration of MSCs in animal models of lung injury. These studies are leading to growing interest in the therapeutic use of MSCs in inflammatory lung diseases. In this Review, we describe how the immunoregulatory effects of MSCs can confer substantial protection in the setting of lung diseases such as acute lung injury, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma, and pulmonary hypertension. We also address potential pitfalls related to the therapeutic use of MSCs in fibrotic lung diseases such as idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. In addition, we identify emerging areas for MSC- based therapies in modulating oxidative stress and in attenuating inflammation in alcohol-related acute lung injury.

Evaluation of muscle activity and fatigue in extensor forearm muscles during isometric contractions

Work-related upper extremity disorders as epycondylitis and tendonitis are closely related to localized muscle fatigue of extensor forearm muscles. The aim of this work is to evaluate levels of activity, fatigue and interactions between the main extensor muscles of the wrist. Surface EMG signals were acquired from extensor carpi radialis (ECR), extensor digitorum comunis (EDC) and extensor carpi ulnaris (ECU) muscles during isometric contractions using linear electrode array technique. Parameters such as muscle fiber conduction velocity (CV), EMG average rectified value (ARV) and frequency parameters were estimated to study muscle activity during selective contractions, during a non specific task at different percentage of the maximum voluntary contraction (MVC) level and during a fatiguing exercise at 50% MVC. Results show that it is possible to enhance significantly ECR and ECU muscle ARV during their selective activation. Moreover, in the non selective task, ECU muscle ARV significantly decreases with respect to the other muscles with the increase of the MVC level. The activity of ECR muscle in a non specific task is predominant with respect to the other muscles at 80%MVC. EMG spectral parameters and CV show fatigue in all muscles during a sustained contraction at 50%MVC.

Dislocation of an enlarged fabella as uncommon cause of knee pain: a case report

The fabella is a sesamoid bone that can very occasionally act as a source of atypical knee pain, often mistaken for a more common cause of clinical symptoms, such as an intra-articular loose body or an osteophyte. We report a case of symptomatic dislocation of an osteoarthritic, enlarged fabella, 4 years after total excision of the patella for a comminuted fracture, that was primarily overlooked and led to repeated diagnostic arthroscopy of the knee. A thorough history and physical examination of the joint as well as appropriate roentgenographic studies could have spared this patient an unnecessary arthroscopy and indicated the correct therapy.

[Vertebral fractures: radiological diagnosis, differential diagnosis and prognostic implications]

Vertebral fractures are a relevant problem for the heavy clinical implications and carrying disability. Vertebral fractures can be traumatic or pathologic, the latter can be benign or malignant, both mostly frequent in the elderly. An initial approach to this issue can use plain radiographs, but the correct extension and evaluation must involve CT and MR imaging. In particular MR is a useful tool for the prognostic evaluation of spine marrow injuries and the differential diagnosis of osteoporotic and metastatic fractures.

Technical note: Detection of cat, dog, and rat or mouse tissues in food and animal feed using species-specific polymerase chain reaction

A PCR method based on the nucleotide sequence variation in the 12S ribosomal RNA, mitochondrial gene has been developed for the specific and qualitative detection and identification of cat, dog, and rat or mouse tissue in food and feedstuffs. The primers designed generated specific fragments of 108, 101, and 96 bp in length for cat, dog, and rat or mouse tissues, respectively. Specificity of the primers was tested against 32 nontarget species including mammals, birds, fish, and plant species. This PCR method allowed detection of raw and heated cat, dog, and rat or mouse tissues in meat/oats mixtures even when the concentration of the target species was reduced to 0.1%. Furthermore, the performance of the method was not affected by prolonged heat-treatment (up to 133 degrees C for 20 min at 300 kPa), and consequently, it could be very useful to verify the origin of raw materials in food and feedstuffs submitted to denaturing technologies, for which other methods cannot be applied.

Technical note: detection of chicken, turkey, duck, and goose tissues in feedstuffs using species-specific polymerase chain reaction

PCR method was applied for the qualitative identification of chicken (Gallus gallus), turkey (Meleagris gallipavo), duck (Anas platyrhynchos x Cairina muschata), and goose (Anser anser) tissues in feed-stuffs, on an individual basis. The assay uses oligonucleotide primers that are specific for each avian species, targeting the 12S rRNA mitochondrial gene. The primers designed generated amplicons of 95, 122, 64, and 98 bp length for chicken, turkey, duck, and goose, respectively. The specificity of the primers was tested against 29 animal species including mammals, birds, and fish, as well as 8 plant species. Analysis of experimental feedstuffs demonstrated the detection of each target species in the range of 0.1 to 100%. The performance of this method was not affected by prolonged heat-treatment (up to 133 degrees C for 20 min at 300 kPa), and consequently, it could be very useful for the accurate identification of tissues from these 4 avian species in products submitted to denaturing technologies, for which other methods cannot be applied.

Multiple osteochondroses of bilateral knee joints: a case report

Knee injuries in young athletes include not only the typical adult bone injuries, ligament and cartilage, but also the growth plate lesions. Osteochondroses are idiopathic, self-limited disturbance of enchondral ossification in which a rapid growth spurt is present. The patella could be affected by two different kinds of osteochondroses: Kohler syndrome and Sinding-Larsen-Johansson. Here we are reporting the first case of simultaneous location of osteochondroses of the two ossification centers of both patella. A 9-year-old boy, competitive skater, presented a history of anterior knee pain involving both knees. Standard X-rays, axial patellar view, MRI and arthro-MR were performed. In order to follow the natural history of the pathology and the evolution of the healing, examinations at 2 years were repeated. We proposed the young skater a medical and a physiotherapeutic treatment based on unloading, isometric exercises, NSAID. As the symptoms improve a gradual return to competitive sports activity was allowed. The case mentioned above can be considered an atypical case because the patient suffered for a bilateral knee osteochondroses, involving simultaneously the primary ossification centre (Kohler syndrome) and the secondary ossification centre (Larsen syndrome) of the patella.

Has evidence changed practice?: appropriateness of carotid endarterectomy after the clinical trials

OBJECTIVE

To assess how appropriateness of and indications for carotid endarterectomy (CEA) have changed following the publication of several large international randomized controlled trials (RCTs) designed to rationalize use of CEA.

METHODS

The New York Carotid Artery Surgery Study (NYCAS) is a population-based cohort study of all CEAs performed on elderly patients from January 1998 through June 1999 in New York State. Detailed clinical data were abstracted from medical charts to assess indications for and appropriateness of surgery using a list of 1,557 indications for CEA developed by national experts using RAND appropriateness methods. Deaths and strokes within 30 days of surgery were ascertained and confirmed by two physicians.

RESULTS

Among the 9,588 patients, the mean age was 74.6 years and 93.6% had 70 to 99% carotid stenosis. Nearly three-quarters of patients (72.3%) underwent CEA for asymptomatic stenosis, 18.6% for TIA, and 9.1% for stroke. Overall, 87.1% of operations were done for appropriate reasons, 4.3% for uncertain reasons, and 8.6% for inappropriate reasons (vs 32% inappropriate before the RCTs, p < 0.0001). Among procedures judged inappropriate, the most common reasons were high comorbidity in asymptomatic patients (62.2%), operating after a major stroke (14.2%), or for minimal stenosis (10.5%). Among asymptomatic patients, those with high comorbidity had over twice the risk of death or stroke compared to those without high comorbidity (7.13% vs 2.69%, p < 0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

Since publication of the randomized controlled trials, there has been a reduction in the proportion of patients undergoing carotid endarterectomy (CEA) for inappropriate reasons. The shift toward many asymptomatic patients undergoing CEA is concerning because the net benefit from surgery for these patients is low and is reduced further for patients with high comorbidity.

Conceptos actuales en la fisiopatología, monitorización y resolución del edema pulmonar

Pulmonary edema, both in its lesional as well as hydrostatic version, is a frequent cause of acute respiratory failure. From the pathophysiological point of view, the most important advance is undoubtedly the knowledge that the reabsorption process of pulmonary edema is an active process with energy consumption. This concept has revolutionized this field due to the possibility of finding substances or factors that stimulate or inhibit this reabsorption. Furthermore, in the monitoring field, significant advances have also been experimented due to the possibility of quantifying the edema in a simple and reliable way with transpulmonary thermodilution.

Greengenes, a chimera-checked 16S rRNA gene database and workbench compatible with ARB

A 16S rRNA gene database (http://greengenes.lbl.gov) addresses limitations of public repositories by providing chimera screening, standard alignment, and taxonomic classification using multiple published taxonomies. It was found that there is incongruent taxonomic nomenclature among curators even at the phylum level. Putative chimeras were identified in 3% of environmental sequences and in 0.2% of records derived from isolates. Environmental sequences were classified into 100 phylum-level lineages in the Archaea and Bacteria.