Chronic tooth pulp inflammation induces persistent expression of phosphorylated ERK (pERK) and phosphorylated p38 (pp38) in trigeminal subnucleus caudalis

Background: Extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase are transiently phosphorylated (activated) in the spinal cord and trigeminal nucleus by acute noxious stimuli. Acute stimulation of dental pulp induces short-lived ERK activation in trigeminal subnucleus caudalis (Vc), and p38 inhibition attenuates short-term sensitization in Vc induced by acute pulpal stimulation. We have developed a model to study central changes following chronic inflammation of dental pulp that induces long-term sensitization. Here, we examine the effects of chronic inflammation and acute stimulation on the expression of phosphorylated ERK (pERK), phosphorylated p38 (pp38) and Fos in Vc. Results: Chronic inflammation alone induced bilateral expression of pERK and pp38 in Vc, but did not induce Fos expression. Stimulation of both non-inflamed and inflamed pulps significantly increased pERK and pp38 bilaterally; expression was greatest in inflamed, stimulated animals, and was similar following 10-min and 60-min stimulation. Stimulation for 60 min, but not 10 min, induced Fos in ipsilateral Vc; Fos expression was significantly greater in inflamed, stimulated animals. pERK was present in both neurons and astrocytes; pp38 was present in neurons and other non-neuronal, non-astrocytic cell types. Conclusions: This study provides the first demonstration that chronic inflammation of tooth pulp induces persistent bilateral activation of ERK and p38 within Vc, and that this activation is further increased by acute stimulation. This altered activity in intracellular signaling is likely to be linked to the sensitization that is seen in our animal model and in patients with pulpitis. Our data indicate that pERK and pp38 are more accurate markers of central change than Fos expression. In our model, localization of pERK and pp38 within specific cell types differs from that seen following acute stimulation. This may indicate specific roles for different cell types in the induction and maintenance of pulpitic and other types of pain

Energetic particle influence on the Earth's atmosphere

This manuscript gives an up-to-date and comprehensive overview of the effects of energetic particle precipitation (EPP) onto the whole atmosphere, from the lower thermosphere/mesosphere through the stratosphere and troposphere, to the surface. The paper summarizes the different sources and energies of particles, principally galactic cosmic rays (GCRs), solar energetic particles (SEPs) and energetic electron precipitation (EEP). All the proposed mechanisms by which EPP can affect the atmosphere are discussed, including chemical changes in the upper atmosphere and lower thermosphere, chemistry-dynamics feedbacks, the global electric circuit and cloud formation. The role of energetic particles in Earth’s atmosphere is a multi-disciplinary problem that requires expertise from a range of scientific backgrounds. To assist with this synergy, summary tables are provided, which are intended to evaluate the level of current knowledge of the effects of energetic particles on processes in the entire atmosphere

Clinical practice guidelines for perinatal bereavement care - an overview

Background: High quality perinatal bereavement care is critical for women and families following stillbirth or newborn death. It is a challenging area of practice and a difficult area for guideline development due to a sparse and disparate evidence base. Aim: We present an overview of the newly updated Perinatal Society of Australia and New Zealand/Stillbirth Centre of Research Excellence guideline for perinatal bereavement care. The guideline aims to provide clear guidance for maternity health care providers and their services to support the provision of care that meets the needs of bereaved parents. Discussion: The Guideline for Respectful and Supportive Perinatal Bereavement Care is underpinned by a review of current research combined with extensive stakeholder consultation that included parents and their organisations and clinicians from a variety of disciplines. The Guideline contains 49 recommendations that reflect five fundamental goals of care: good communication; shared decision-making; recognition of parenthood; effective support; and organisational response. Conclusion: Best available research, parents’ lived experiences and maternity care providers’ insights have contributed to a set of implementable recommendations that address the needs of bereaved parents.Frances M.Boyle, Dell Horey, Philippa F. Middleton, Vicki Flenad

Branhamella (Moraxella) catarrhalis: Pathogenic significance in respiratory infections

To assess the pathogenic significance of Branhamella catarrhalis isolates in patients with respiratory infections and to define the clinical characteristics of such patients.Respiratory specimens were assessed in a three-year prospective study performed in a Brisbane metropolitan hospital. Assessment of the pathogenic significance of isolates of B. catarrhalis was based on four predetermined criteria: (i) clinical evidence of respiratory infection based on history, examination and chest x-ray; (ii) isolation of B. catarrhalis as the sole potential pathogen; (iii) absence of antibiotic treatment in the previous two weeks; and (iv) subsequent clinical response to an antibiotic to which the isolate was sensitive.B. catarrhalis was identified in 118 respiratory samples, 92 (78%) being from patients less than 10 years old. Infection with B. catarrhalis was more commonly seen in winter months and was community-acquired in two-thirds of cases. Isolation of this organism was associated with a broad variety of upper and lower respiratory tract syndromes. Isolates were considered to be of pathogenic significance (all four above criteria satisfied) in 35% of cases and of possible significance (the first and fourth criteria satisfied) in a further 15% of cases. Isolates were more likely to be of pathogenic significance in older patients and in those with pre-existing cardiorespiratory disease; however, a number of serious infections were observed in previously-well children. Expectorated sputum and tracheal aspirates were more likely to yield a clinically significant isolate than nasopharyngeal aspirates. Production of beta-lactamase was demonstrated in 88% of isolates.B. catarrhalis causes respiratory infection more frequently than is generally appreciated. Isolation of this organism from the respiratory tract had pathogenic significance or possible pathogenic significance in 50% of our patients. If therapy is indicated in patients with respiratory infection caused by this organism, traditional beta-lactam regimens cannot be relied upon, as shown by the high rate of beta-lactamase production in this study; a tetracycline, erythromycin, a second or third generation cephalosporin, or the combination of a penicillin derivative and beta-lactamase inhibitor should be considered

Structural requirements for the modulatory effect of 6-substituted pterins on interleukin 2 receptor binding.

(6R)-5,6,7,8-Tetrahydrobiopterin is produced by stimulated human T lymphocytes, and is known to affect various aspects of interleukin-2-directed T cell proliferation. Using an increased apparent affinity of interleukin 2 receptor to interleukin 2 as a measure of activity, this study explores whether other 6-substituted pterins might have the same effect, and what structural features are necessary for activity. Of the compounds tested, only the T-lymphocyte-derived (6R)-5,6,7,8-tetrahydrobiopterin was active. The diastereomeric (6S)-5,6,7,8-tetrahydrobiopterin was inactive, as were 7,8-dihydrobiopterin, sepiapterin, 5,6,7,8-tetrahydroneopterin, 6,7-dimethyl-5,6,7,8-tetrahydropterin and 6-hydroxymethylpterin. 7,8-Dihydroneopterin and neopterin were also found to be inactive. It follows that neither of these compounds participates in the feedback modulation of IL-2 receptor affinity, although both of them can be detected upon IFN-γ stimulation of human monocytes/macrophages. A computer-based molecular modelling study of (6R)-5,6,7,8-tetrahydrobiopterin and (6R)-5,6,7,8-tetrahydroneopterin revealed substantial differences in overall shape between the two molecules, with certain features figuring prominently in the low-energy conformers of (6R)-5,6,7,8-tetrahydrobiopterin

Perinatal bereavement care during COVID-19 in Australian maternity settings

Objectives: Perinatal bereavement care is a complex area of practice. The COVID-19 pandemic led to reconfiguration of maternity and perinatal bereavement care services. This study explores Australian health care providers’ perspectives of the impact of COVID-19 on the provision of respectful and supportive care following stillbirth or neonatal death. Methods: Members of a perinatal bereavement care network were consulted at the commencement of the pandemic in Australia using an online feedback form. Respondents provided ratings and free-text comments on the impact of COVID-19 on implementation of 49 recommendations contained in the Perinatal Society of Australia and New Zealand/Stillbirth Centre of Research Clinical Practice Guideline for Respectful and Supportive Perinatal Bereavement Care. Results: Responses were received from 35 health care providers who provided perinatal bereavement care in clinical settings or through support organisations in Australia. Major impacts of COVID-19 were reported for 8 of 49 guideline recommendations. Impacts included reduced: support for mothers due to visitor restrictions; availability of cultural and spiritual support and interpreters; involvement of support people in decision-making; options for memory-making and commemorative rituals; and staff training and supervision. Adaptations to minimise impacts included virtual consultations, online staff training, use of cold cots, and increased staff support for memory-making. Conclusions: Health care providers encounter substantial challenges as they strive to implement best practice perinatal bereavement care in pandemic conditions. Some practice adaptations developed during the COVID-19 pandemic could benefit parents; however, evaluation of their effectiveness and acceptability is needed.Frances M. Boyle, Dell Horey, Julie H. Dean, Aditi Lohan, Philippa Middleton and Vicki Flenad

Code accompanying - Variation in spatiotemporal activity may reduce competitive interactions between invasive wild pigs (Sus scrofa) and native mammal species

<p>This repository contains the code accompanying the paper “Variation in spatiotemporal activity may reduce competitive interactions between invasive wild pigs (Sus scrofa) and native mammal species”.</p&gt

RNA concentration and the RNA to protein ratio in cephalopod tissues: sources of variation and relationship with growth rate

NA and protein concentrations, and the RNA to protein ratio, were measured in four species of cephalopods, to evaluate sources of variation and the potential for using RNA concentration and the RNA to protein ratio as growth indices. In field samples of Loligo forbesi and Eledone cirrhosa, RNA concentrations and the RNA to protein ratio were higher in immature animals than in mature animals. In Loligo forbesi, values were also higher in males than in females and higher in smaller individuals than in large individuals. Both these trends are consistent with expected differences in growth rate, i.e. RNA is higher in faster growing animals. Mature female Eledone cirrhosa, a species in which the female is larger and presumably grows faster, had higher RNA concentrations than mature males. However, no such difference between the sexes was seen for immature E. cirrhosa or Todarodes sagittatus. Methods for transport and maintenance of Loligo forbesi in captivity in the Azores are described. Many of the captive squid showed poor growth and survival but results from these animals nevertheless confirmed that RNA concentrations were higher in males than in females and higher in animals with smaller gonads than in animals with large gonads. Higher protein concentrations were found in males than in females, and protein concentration was also positively correlated with feeding rate and digestive gland indices. Octopus vulgaris held in captivity grew rapidly and consistently and RNA concentrations were lower in bigger animals than in smaller animals. Neither experiment provided direct support for the hypothesis that RNA concentration or the RNA to protein ratio is directly related to growth rate. Systematic variation in protein concentration, e.g. in relation to recent feeding, leads us to suggest that protein concentration (mg/g fresh body weight) is likely to provide a more reliable index than the RNA to protein ratio