Transposable elements contribute to the establishment of the glycine shuttle in Brassicaceae species.

C3 -C4 intermediate photosynthesis has evolved at least five times convergently in the Brassicaceae, despite this family lacking bona fide C4 species. The establishment of this carbon concentrating mechanism is known to require a complex suite of ultrastructural modifications, as well as changes in spatial expression patterns, which are both thought to be underpinned by a reconfiguration of existing gene-regulatory networks. However, to date, the mechanisms which underpin the reconfiguration of these gene networks are largely unknown. In this study, we used a pan-genomic association approach to identify genomic features that could confer differential gene expression towards the C3 -C4 intermediate state by analysing eight C3 species and seven C3 -C4 species from five independent origins in the Brassicaceae. We found a strong correlation between transposable element (TE) insertions in cis-regulatory regions and C3 -C4 intermediacy. Specifically, our study revealed 113 gene models in which the presence of a TE within a gene correlates with C3 -C4 intermediate photosynthesis. In this set, genes involved in the photorespiratory glycine shuttle are enriched, including the glycine decarboxylase P-protein whose expression domain undergoes a spatial shift during the transition to C3 -C4 photosynthesis. When further interrogating this gene, we discovered independent TE insertions in its upstream region which we conclude to be responsible for causing the spatial shift in GLDP1 gene expression. Our findings hint at a pivotal role of TEs in the evolution of C3 -C4 intermediacy, especially in mediating differential spatial gene expression.

The effect of intrinsic image memorability on recollection and familiarity.

Many photographs of real-life scenes are very consistently remembered or forgotten by most people, making these images intrinsically memorable or forgettable. Although machine vision algorithms can predict a given image's memorability very well, nothing is known about the subjective quality of these memories: are memorable images recognized based on strong feelings of familiarity or on recollection of episodic details? We tested people's recognition memory for memorable and forgettable scenes selected from image memorability databases, which contain memorability scores for each image, based on large-scale recognition memory experiments. Specifically, we tested the effect of intrinsic memorability on recollection and familiarity using cognitive computational models based on receiver operating characteristics (ROCs; Experiment 1 and 2) and on remember/know (R/K) judgments (Experiment 2). The ROC data of Experiment 2 indicated that image memorability boosted memory strength, but did not find a specific effect on recollection or familiarity. By contrast, ROC data from Experiment 2, which was designed to facilitate encoding and, in turn, recollection, found evidence for a specific effect of image memorability on recollection. Moreover, R/K judgments showed that, on average, memorability boosts recollection rather than familiarity. However, we also found a large degree of variability in these judgments across individual images: some images actually achieved high recognition rates by exclusively boosting familiarity rather than recollection. Together, these results show that current machine vision algorithms that can predict an image's intrinsic memorability in terms of hit rates fall short of describing the subjective quality of human memories.

Ongoing EEG Phase as a Trial-by-Trial Predictor of Perceptual and Attentional Variability.

Even in well-controlled laboratory environments, apparently identical repetitions of an experimental trial can give rise to highly variable perceptual outcomes and behavioral responses. This variability is generally discarded as a reflection of intrinsic noise in neuronal systems. However, part of this variability may be accounted for by trial-by-trial fluctuations of the phase of ongoing oscillations at the moment of stimulus presentation. For example, the phase of an electro-encephalogram (EEG) oscillation reflecting the rapid waxing and waning of sustained attention can predict the perception of a subsequent visual stimulus at threshold. Similar ongoing periodicities account for a portion of the trial-by-trial variability of visual reaction times. We review the available experimental evidence linking ongoing EEG phase to perceptual and attentional variability, and the corresponding methodology. We propose future tests of this relation, and discuss the theoretical implications for understanding the neuronal dynamics of sensory perception.

Can you ask that over the telephone? Conducting sensitive or controversial research using random-digit dialing.

Social science, medical, and legal researchers often study sensitive or controversial topics and behaviors. This research raises methodological and ethical issues. Using examples from the literature and a recent statewide telephone prevalence survey on sexual assault, we focus on the relative merits of various survey methods, especially those employing new technologies; developing instrumentation that includes explicit behavioral questions; obtaining an appropriate sample in a cost efficient way; gaining informed consent and inquiring about sensitive topics while protecting participants from harm or retraumatization; presenting findings in a way that does not further stigmatize participants; and responding to the media.

[Benign metastasizing leiomyoma of the lung--a rare differential diagnosis of pulmonary space-occupying lesions]. / Das benigne metastasierende Leiomyom der Lunge--eine seltene Differentialdiagnose pulmonaler Raumforderungen.

HISTORY AND ADMISSION FINDINGS: A 45-year-old woman was refferred for diagnosis of an accidentally found symptomless space-occupying lesions in the central part of the right lung. She had undergone a hysterectomy 4 years before and reported smoking 15 cigarettes daily since the age of 17 years. Physical examination was normal. INVESTIGATIONS: As primary bronchial carcinoma or metastasis to the lung was suspected she underwent a series of diagnostic tests: sonography, computed tomography (CT), gastroscopy, coloscopy, bronchoscopy, skeletal scintigraphy, gynaecological examination and various laboratory tests, none of which indicated a primary extrapulmonary tumour. CT-guided fine-needle biopsy then suggested benign metastasizing pulmonary leiomyoma (BMPL). TREATMENT AND COURSE: The largest of the tumours were surgically removed, confirming BMPL. Hormone receptors (for oestrogen, progesterone) having been demonstrated, progesterone treatment was initiated as prophylaxis against recurrences. CT 6 months later revealed new intrapulmonary foci. Administration of luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone analog to stop completely any oestrogen effect, and CT of the thorax 6 months later showed that both tumour numbers and their size had been reduced. The patient remained asymptomatic and the findings had not changed in the subsequent 12 months. CONCLUSION: BMPL is a rare cause of a space-occupying pulmonary lesion, predominantly affecting middle-aged women after hysterectomy for uterine myoma. The pathogenesis remains unclear, hormone-dependent tumour growth being discussed as a possible mechanism. Anti-oestrogen administration is the treatment of choice to achieve remission and effective prevention of recurrences.

Cholesterol crystal binding of biliary immunoglobulin A: visualization by fluorescence light microscopy.

AIM: To assess potential contributions of biliary IgA for crystal agglomeration into gallstones, we visualized cholesterol crystal binding of biliary IgA. METHODS: Crystal binding biliary proteins were extracted from human gallbladder bile using lectin affinity chromatography.Biliary IgA was isolated from the bound protein fraction by immunoaffinity chromatography. Pure cholesterol monohydrate crystals were incubated with biliary IgA and fluoresceine isothiocyanate (FITC)conjugated anti IgA at 37 degree. Samples were examined under polarizing and fluorescence light microscopy with digital image processing. RESULTS: Binding of biliary IgA to cholesterol monohydrate crystals could be visualized with FITC conjugated anti IgA antibodies. Peak fluorescence occurred at crystal edges and dislocations. Controls without biliary IgA or with biliary IgG showed no significant fluorescence. CONCLUSION: Fluorescence light microscopy provided evidence for cholesterol crystal binding of biliary IgA. Cholesterol crystal binding proteins like IgA might be important mediators of crystal agglomeration and growth of cholesterol gallstones by modifying the evolving crystal structures in vivo.

[Clinical aspects and therapy of viral hepatitis]. / Klinik und Therapie der Virushepatitiden.

Acute hepatitis can be caused by the enterically spread hepatitis A and E viruses and the parenterally spread hepatitis B, C or D viruses. The clinical features of acute viral hepatitis are similar among the five viruses and include non-specific symptoms and icterus. In general, a specific therapy is not necessary, but patients with fulminant hepatitis may require liver transplantation. For acute hepatitis C, the effect of interferon-alpha on the risk of chronicity is evaluated in clinical trials. Chronic hepatitis is defined as inflammatory reaction in the liver that continues without improvement for at least 6 months after infection with hepatitis B, C or D viruses. Hepatitis B resolves in more than 90% of the patients, but chronic infection can lead to liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Chronic hepatitis C is an insidious disease, because early diagnosis is missed easily due to asymptomatic presentation and about 70% of infected patients develop chronic hepatitis. The benefits of interferon-alpha and/or nucleoside analogues have been proven in recent clinical trials that show sustained responses in more than a third of all patients with chronic viral hepatitis. The future treatment of chronic viral hepatitis will likely include immunomodulation and gene therapy.

A model of infected burn wounds using Escherichia coli O18:K1:H7 for the study of gram-negative bacteremia and sepsis.

A difficulty that has emerged in the development and preclinical evaluation of adjuvant therapies for gram-negative sepsis is the lack of easily studied animal models that closely mimic human infection. An objective of this study was to adapt a previously described model of infection in burned mice to rats with a defined bacterial strain of Escherichia coli. Challenge with two colonies of live E. coli O18:K1:H7 bacteria into an 8% full-thickness burn of the dorsal skin surface of rats produced predictable bacteremia at 24 to 48 h and 80 to 100% mortality at 3 to 4 days. E. coli O18:K1:H7 was approximately 10-million-fold more virulent than several other gram-negative bacterial strains. The model should be a useful tool in studying the pathogenicity of burn wound infections and in evaluating the efficacy of novel adjuvant therapies for gram-negative sepsis.

Familial Duane's retraction syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Duane's retraction syndrome (DRS) has been described as a clinical entity for more than a century. Although the majority of cases occur spontaneously, some cases of DRS are inherited. CASE REPORTS: A young Romanian boy with a known left abduction deficit was determined to have DRS. On thorough examination of other family members, it was discovered that his younger brother and father also had the syndrome. Clinical findings of the affected family members are described. RESULTS: All three family members showed left esotropia in primary gaze, along with a compromised ability to turn the left eye outward. They also demonstrated an anomalous head turn to the left, and mild narrowing of the palpebral fissure and retraction of the globe on adduction. These are all classic signs of unilateral DRS. CONCLUSION: These findings provide further evidence of an autosomal dominant mode of inheritance in some cases of DRS.

Long-term survival after diagnosis of hepatic metastatic VIPoma: report of two cases with disparate courses and review of therapeutic options.

This report describes two patients with pancreatic cholera caused by vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP)-producing tumors, which originated in the pancreas and showed metastases in both hepatic lobes at time of diagnosis. However, the two tumors displayed remarkably disparate clinical courses. Due to the protracted but progressive course over more than 10 years, a multifaceted therapeutic approach was performed to control symptoms and to improve quality of life. The long-acting somatostatin analog octreotide was the most effective treatment for relieving symptoms and correcting fluid and electrolytes disturbances. The effects of complementary treatments, including systemic chemotherapy and hyperselective chemoembolization, as well as concurrent application of octreotide and prednisolone or interferon with respect to clinical symptoms, VIP levels, and tumor growth are reviewed. Our experience, although small, emphasizes the need for an expert, well-planned, adaptive, and multidisciplinary approach in the care of these complex patients.

[New TIPS placement in pregnancy in recurrent esophageal varices hemorrhage--assessment of fetal radiation exposure]. / TIPS-Neuanlage in der Schwangerschaft bei rezidivierender Osophagusvarizenblutung--Abschätzung der fetalen Strahlenexposition.

Recurrent variceal bleeding due to liver cirrhosis led to treatment with a transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) in a pregnant woman at 20 weeks' gestation. Fetal radiation exposure was estimated to be less than 10 mSv. The use of a graduated catheter allowed measurement of field size and reliable determination of the patient's entrance dose. Radiation exposure of an approximated fetal dosage of 5.2 mSv did not justify abortion for medical reasons. Therefore, TIPS procedure is not generally contraindicated during pregnancy itself. TIPS placement may be a therapeutic option related to the severity of the underlying maternal disease, after radiation exposure of the fetus has been estimated.

A theoretical formalism for aggregation of peroxidized lipids and plasma membrane stability during photolysis.

The objective of this investigation was to examine, from a theoretical perspective, the mechanism underlying the lysis of plasma membranes by photoinduced, chemically mediated damage such as is found in photolysis. Toward this end, a model is presented which relates the membrane lifetime to the thermodynamic parameters of the membrane components based upon the kinetic theory of aggregate formation. The formalism includes a standard birth/death process for the formation of damaged membrane components (i.e., peroxidized lipids) as well as a terminating condensation process for the formation of aggregates of peroxidized plasma membrane lipids. Our theory predicts that 1) the membrane lifetime is inversely correlated with predicted rate of membrane damage; 2) an upper limit on the duration of membrane damage exists, above which the mean and variance of the membrane lifetime is independent of further membrane damage; and 3) both the mean and variance of the time of membrane lifetime distribution are correlated with the number of sites that may be damaged to form a single membrane defect. The model provides a framework to optimize the lysis of cell membranes by photodynamic therapy.