Timed receptor tyrosine kinase signaling couples the central and a peripheral circadian clock in Drosophila

Circadian clocks impose daily periodicities to behavior, physiology, and metabolism. This control is mediated by a central clock and by peripheral clocks, which are synchronized to provide the organism with a unified time through mechanisms that are not fully understood. Here, we characterized in Drosophila the cellular and molecular mechanisms involved in coupling the central clock and the peripheral clock located in the prothoracic gland (PG), which together control the circadian rhythm of emergence of adult flies. The time signal from central clock neurons is transmitted via small neuropeptide F (sNPF) to neurons that produce the neuropeptide Prothoracicotropic Hormone (PTTH), which is then translated into daily oscillations of Ca2+ concentration and PTTH levels. PTTH signaling is required at the end of metamorphosis and transmits time information to the PG through changes in the expression of the PTTH receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK), TORSO, and of ERK phosphorylation, a key component of PTTH transduction. In addition to PTTH, we demonstrate that signaling mediated by other RTKs contributes to the rhythmicity of emergence. Interestingly, the ligand to one of these receptors (Pvf2) plays an autocrine role in the PG, which may explain why both central brain and PG clocks are required for the circadian gating of emergence. Our findings show that the coupling between the central and the PG clock is unexpectedly complex and involves several RTKs that act in concert and could serve as a paradigm to understand how circadian clocks are coordinated.

Underestimated olfactory domains in Huntington's disease: odour discrimination and threshold

BACKGROUND

Olfaction has recently found clinical value in prediction, discrimination and prognosis of some neurodegenerative disorders. However, data originating from standard tests on olfactory dysfunction in Huntington's disease are limited to odour identification, which is only one domain of olfactory perceptual space.

METHOD

Twenty-five patients and 25 age- and gender-matched controls were evaluated by the Sniffin' Sticks test in three domains of odour threshold, odour discrimination, odour identification and the sum score of them. Patients' motor function was assessed based on the Unified Huntington's Disease Rating Scale.

RESULTS

Compared with controls, patients' scores of all olfactory domains and their sum were significantly lower. Besides, our patients' odour threshold and odour discrimination impairments were more frequently impaired than odour identification impairment (86 per cent and 81 per cent vs 34 per cent, respectively).

CONCLUSION

Olfactory impairment is a common finding in patients with Huntington's disease; it is not limited to odour identification but is more pronounced in odour discrimination and odour threshold.

Isolation and characterization of exopolysaccharide derived from Lacticaseibacillus paracasei AS20(1) with probiotic potential and evaluation of its antibacterial activity

This study was done to find exopolysaccharide (EPS)-producing lactic acid bacteria (LAB) against foodborne pathogens. Isolated LAB were screened to find the ones with the ability to produce antibacterial EPS against foodborne pathogens. Among tested EPSs, EPS of AS20(1) isolate showed inhibitory effects on the growth of Listeria monocytogenes (MIC = 0·935 mg ml^-1 , MBC = 0·935 mg ml^-1 ), Yersinia enterocolitica (MIC = 12·5 mg ml^-1 , MBC = 50 mg ml^-1 ) and Bacillus cereus (MIC = 6·25 mg ml^-1 , MBC = 12·5 mg ml^-1 ). According to 16S rRNA sequencing, AS20(1) showed the closest similarity to Lacticaseibacillus paracasei (100%). This antibacterial EPS showed negligible toxicity (4·4%-5·2%) against red blood cells. Lacticaseibacillus paracasei AS20(1) showed probiotic properties, including high acid resistance, hydrophobicity (47·5%), autoaggregation and coaggregation with foodborne pathogens. Also, L. paracasei AS20(1) showed no haemolysis activity and antibiotic resistance. Characterization of antibacterial EPS revealed that it is a heteropolysaccharide with various functional groups, amorphous structure, and smooth surface, sheet and compact structure, which can be suitable for food packaging. L. paracasei AS20(1) and its antimicrobial EPS can be used to make functional food.

The outcome of olfactory impairment in patients with otherwise paucisymptomatic coronavirus disease 2019 during the pandemic

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to measure the duration and recovery rate of olfactory loss in patients complaining of recent smell loss as their prominent symptom during the coronavirus disease 2019 outbreak.

METHOD

This was a prospective telephone follow-up observational study of 243 participants who completed an online survey that started on 12 March 2020.

RESULTS

After a mean of 5.5 months from the loss of smell onset, 98.3 per cent of participants reported improvement with a 71.2 per cent complete recovery rate after a median of 21 days. The chance of complete recovery significantly decreased after 131 days from the onset of loss of smell (100 per cent sensitive and 97.7 per cent specific). Younger age and isolated smell loss were associated with a rapid recovery, whereas accompanying rhinological and gastrointestinal symptoms were associated with longer loss of smell duration.

CONCLUSION

Smell loss, occurring as a prominent symptom during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, showed a favourable outcome. However, after 5.5 months from the onset, around 10 per cent of participants still complained of moderate or severe hyposmia.

A Novel Approach to Recalcitrant Postoperative Chylous Ascites in Liver Re-Transplantation: A Case Report

In this report we have discussed our experience with a special home-made platelet-rich plasma (PRP)-fibrin glue (FG) as a last resort for treatment of a challenging case of postoperative CA. A 25 years old, ill woman was admitted with severe ascites and hepatic encephalopathy in our center. She was a known case of autoimmune hepatitis and cirrhosis who had undergone liver transplantation 5 years ago and developed chronic rejection. During the surgery an old organized thrombosis in the portal vein was detected, accordingly an iliac vein graft was used to bypass the superior mesenteric vein. After surgery the patient developed chylous ascites. Having no other choice, based on our experience with PRP-FG in similar situations, we decided to use this method as a last resort to treat postoperative chylous ascites. It can be concluded that when conservative management is not working for the treatment of postoperative chylous ascites in intractable cases, PRP-FG can be considered as a last resort treatment. A special home-made PRP-FG was prepared for the patient and of that, 90 mL was injected to the abdominal cavity via the drainage tube followed by a 25 mL of isotonic saline solution to prevent clot formation within the tube. Few days after treatment, chylous secretion decreased and then completely ceased. It can be concluded that when conservative management is not working for the treatment of postoperative chylous ascites in intractable cases, PRP-FG can be considered as a last resort treatment.

A very simple and high-yield method to synthesize nanolayered Mn oxide

Nanolayered Mn oxides have been prepared by a very simple, low-cost and high-yield method using soap, KOH, MnCl2 and H2O2. Scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, dynamic light scattering, thermogravimetric analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction spectrometry have been used to characterize the phase and the morphology of the nanolayered Mn oxide. The nanolayered Mn oxide shows good catalytic activity toward water oxidation in the presence of cerium(iv) ammonium nitrate.

The role of nano-sized manganese oxides in the oxygen-evolution reactions by manganese complexes: towards a complete picture

Eighteen Mn complexes with N-donor and carboxylate ligands have been synthesized and characterized. Three Mn complexes among them are new and are reported for the first time. The reactions of oxygen evolution in the presence of oxone (2KHSO5·KHSO4·K2SO4) and cerium(iv) ammonium nitrate catalyzed by these complexes are studied and characterized by UV-visible spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction spectrometry, dynamic light scattering, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, membrane-inlet mass spectrometry and electrochemistry. Some of these complexes evolve oxygen in the presence of oxone as a primary oxidant. CO2 and MnO4(-) are other products of these reactions. Based on spectroscopic studies, the true catalysts for oxygen evolution in these reactions are different. We proposed that for the oxygen evolution reactions in the presence of oxone, the true catalysts are both high valent Mn complexes and Mn oxides, but for the reactions in the presence of cerium(iv) ammonium nitrate, the active catalyst is most probably a Mn oxide.

Nano-sized Mn oxides on halloysite or high surface area montmorillonite as efficient catalysts for water oxidation with cerium(iv) ammonium nitrate: support from natural sources

We used halloysite, a nano-sized natural mineral and high surface area montmorillonite as supports for nano-sized Mn oxides to synthesize efficient water-oxidising catalysts.

Correction: Antimicrobial effects of silver deposited on nanolayered manganese oxide

Correction for ‘Antimicrobial effects of silver deposited on nanolayered manganese oxide’ by Mohammad Mahdi Najafpour et al., RSC Adv., 2014, 4, 64688–64691.

Sexual function after non-nerve-sparing radical cystoprostatectomy: a comparison between ileal conduit urinary diversion and orthotopic ileal neobladder substitution

OBJECTIVE

To compare the erectile function (EF) and sexual desire (SD) in men after radical cystoprostatectomy (RCP) who had either an ileal conduit urinary diversion or orthotropic ileal neobladder substitution.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Eighty one sexually active men with bladder cancer were enrolled in this prospective study. After RCP according to patients' preferences they underwent either ileal conduit urinary diversion (n = 41) or orthotropic ileal neobladder substitution (n = 40). EF and SD were assessed using International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) questionnaire. Patients were assessed at 4-week before surgery and were followed up at 1, 6, and 12-month postoperatively using the same questionnaire.

RESULTS

Postoperatively the EF and SD domains deteriorated significantly in both groups, but in a small proportion of the patients submitted to ileal neobladder they gradually improved with time (P = 0.006). At 12-month postoperative period, 4 (9.8 %) and 14 (35.0 %) patients in ileal conduit and ileal neobladder groups were able to achieve erections hard enough for vaginal penetration and maintained their erection to completion of intercourse, respectively (P = 0.006). Among patients in the ileal conduit and ileal neobladder groups, additional 4 (9.8 %) and 7 (17.1 %) patients were able to get some erection, but were unable to maintain their erection to completion of intercourse (P = 0.02). At 12-month follow up period 24.4 % of the ileal conduit and 45.0 % of the ileal neobladder patients rated their sexual desire very high or high (P = 0.01).

CONCLUSION

When performed properly, orthotopic ileal neobladder substitution after RCP offers better long-term results in terms of EF and SD.

A hexanuclear manganese(ii) complex: synthesis, characterization and catalytic activity toward organic sulfide oxidation

A hexanuclear [Mn^II₆] wheel-like assembly with naphthalene-1,8-dicarboxylate and 1,10-phenanthroline was reported. The compound acts as a catalyst toward organic sulfide oxidation.

Nanolayered manganese–calcium oxide as an efficient catalyst toward organic sulfide oxidation

We for the first time report that nanolayered Mn–Ca oxide in the presence of H₂O₂ is an efficient catalyst toward sulfide oxidation to sulfoxide.

Antimicrobial effects of silver deposited on nanolayered manganese oxide

The antimicrobial effects of silver deposited on nanolayered manganese oxide for Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus were considered.

Quality of life after radical cystectomy for bladder cancer in men with an ileal conduit or continent urinary diversion: A comparative study

AIM

To investigate quality of life (QoL) domains with three forms of urinary diversions, including ileal conduit, MAINZ pouch, and orthotopic ileal neobladder after radical cystectomy in men with muscle-invasive bladder cancer.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In a prospective study, 149 men underwent radical cystectomy and urinary diversion (70 ileal conduit, 16 MAINZ pouch, and 63 orthotopic ileal neobladder). Different domains of QoL, including general and physical conditions, psychological status, social status, sexual life, diversion-related symptoms, and satisfaction with the treatment were assessed using an author constructed questionnaire. Assessment was performed at three months postoperatively.

RESULTS

In questions addressing psychological status, social status, and sexual life, patients with continent diversion had a more favorable outcome (P = 0.002, P = 0.01, and P = 0.002, respectively). The rate of erectile dysfunction did not differ significantly between the three groups (P = 0.21). The rate and global satisfaction was higher with the MAINZ pouch (68.7%) and ileal neobladder (76.2%) as compared with the ileal conduit group (52.8%) (P = 0.002).

CONCLUSION

Continent urinary diversion after radical cystectomy provides better results in terms of QoL as compared with ileal conduit diversion.

Effect of lullaby and classical music on physiologic stability of hospitalized preterm infants: a randomized trial

BACKGROUND

Music is considered a subset of developmental supportive care. It may act as a suitable auditory stimulant in preterm infants. Also, it may reduce stress responses in autonomic, motor and state systems.

OBJECTIVE

To assess and compare the influence of lullaby and classical music on physiologic parameters.

METHOD

This is a randomized clinical trial with cross-over design. A total of 25 stable preterm infants with birth weight of 1000-2500 grams were studied for six consecutive days. Each infant was exposed to three phases: lullaby music, classical music, and no music (control) for two days each. The sequence of these phases was assigned randomly to each subject. Babies were continuously monitored for heart rate, respiratory rate, and oxygen saturation and changes between phases were analyzed.

RESULT

Lullaby reduced heart rate (p < 0.001) and respiratory rate (p = 0.004). These effects extended in the period after the exposure (p < .001 and p = 0.001, respectively). Classical music reduced heart rate (p = 0.018). The effects of classical music disappeared once the music stopped. Oxygen saturation did not change during intervention.

CONCLUSION

Music can affect vital signs of preterm infants; this effect can possibly be related to the reduction of stress during hospitalization. The implications of these findings on clinical and developmental outcomes need further study.

Amniotic fluid lamellar body count and its sensitivity and specificity in evaluating of fetal lung maturity

This prospective study was designed to perform lamellar body count of amniotic fluid to evaluate fetal lung maturity. Lamellar body counts of 80 amniotic fluid samples from 80 pregnant women (28-40 weeks of gestation) were evaluated. After delivery, each infant was evaluated for any evidence of respiratory distress syndrome. Standard clinical and radiographic criteria were used to diagnose respiratory distress syndrome, and the diagnosis was confirmed by reviewing newborn records. Twenty (25%) infants delivered within 24 hours of sample collection developed RDS. Lamellar body count more than 50,000/microl predicted pulmonary maturity. Seventeen out of 20 respiratory distress syndrome cases had been predicted correctly. The negative predictive value of lamellar body count>50,000/microl was 93% and positive predictive value was 48% and the sensitivity for prediction of RDS was 85% and specificity was 70%. Lamellar body count can be used as a favourable predictor of fetal lung maturity because it is quick, simple and universally available. Also it can be used as an extremely inexpensive, reliable screening test for evaluating fetal lung maturity.

Photoelastic analysis of stresses and forces in steady cutting

The results are presented of tests conducted at three different depths of cut and a velocity of 3.1 m/min on a work-hardening lead-alloy workpiece with a 10-degree-rake photoelastic tool. In addition to examining the behaviour of the chip-tool contact stresses, the paper considers the forces acting on the tool and distinguishes three areas: rake, nose, and flank. It evaluates the rake forces from the photoelastic results directly, estimates the nose forces by making certain assumptions with regard to the distribution of stresses, and neglects the stresses on the flank. The sum of the forces so obtained is then compared with the measured resultant cutting force; there is good agreement.

There is a particularly significant observation which, contrary to previously published results, shows that the frictional stresses vary linearly in the so-called sticking zone and tend towards a constant only at relatively high depths of cut. This is discussed in relation to the general concept of plastic friction and the variation of the coefficient of friction on the rake face. The significance of the measured resultant coefficient of friction is also considered.