The Effects of Light at Night on Immune Organ Clock Gene Expression in Siberian Hamsters (Phodopus sungorus)

Honorable Mention Denman Undergraduate Research ForumExposure to light at night (LAN; i.e, light pollution) can interfere with seasonal changes in physiology and behavior in photoperiodic rodents. For example, non-tropical rodents turn off reproduction and bolster immune function in response to short days to improve their odds of winter survival. For Siberian hamsters in particular, dim light at night alters the development of the short-day (winter-like) phenotype and blocks enhanced immune function. The immune and circadian systems are tightly linked. Clock gene expression and their influence on inflammation in peripheral tissues are not well documented. The goal of this study was to explore the underlying gene responses in Siberian hamsters exposed to dim light at night by assaying clock genes and cytokine production in the lymph nodes and spleen. In a full factorial design, Siberian hamsters were exposed to either LD (long day) photoperiods, SD (short day) photoperiods, LD dim light at night (long day dim) photoperiods, and SD dim light at night (short day dim) photoperiods over a period of ten weeks. After extracting RNA from various peripheral organs, lymph nodes, and the spleen, quantitative PCR (qPCR) was performed to analyze gene expression. Dim light at night abolished the short-day body weight, organ mass, and pelage responses in Siberian hamsters. qPCR data and result discussion are forthcoming. Our results may suggest that LAN alters clock gene expression and cytokine production, as well as compromised immune function.No embargoAcademic Major: Neuroscienc

Clima organizacional y desempeño laboral en administrativos del ISTP ESSUMIN - Trujillo - 2017

Se realizó una investigación correlacional descriptiva con el objetivo de determinar la relación entre el clima organizacional y desempeño laboral en los administrativos del I.S.T.P. ESSUMIN - Trujillo 2017, aplicando un cuestionario estructurado en dos secciones para evaluar los niveles de clima laboral percibidos y de desempeño laboral en 38 colaboradores administrativos de la Institución Educativa ESSUMIN, en Trujillo. Se observo en cuanto a clima laboral que la motivación laboral es deficitaria con respecto a las otras dimensiones de comunicación interpersonal y autonomía para toma de decisiones; mientras que en cuanto a motivación laboral la dimensión de eficacia es la más deficitaria. Se encontró que una correlación de 0,678 entre Comunicación Interpersonal laboral y Desempeño Laboral, de 0,702 entre Autonomía para toma de decisiones y Desempeño Laboral, de 0,391 entre Motivación Laboral y el Desempeño Laboral, de 0,618 entre Productividad Laboral y Clima Organizacional, de 0,589 entre eficacia y el Clima Organizacional, de 0,602 entre Eficiencia Laboral y Clima Organizacional y de 0,711 entre Clima Organizacional Y Desempeño Laboral. Se sugiere acentuar estrategias para mejorar la motivación laboral, la eficacia a través de dinámicas y programas que busquen mejores relaciones jerárquicas y horizontales en la organización

A Preliminary Study of Aquatic Hyphomycetes in Iowa

Ten species in seven genera of aquatic Hyphomycetes have been found on submerged leaves from six aquatic sites in Story County, Iowa

A numerical and experimental investigation of stability of natural convective flows within a horizontal annulus

A numerical and experimental study of buoyancy-driven flow in the annulus between two horizontal coaxial cylinders at Rayleigh numbers approaching and exceeding the critical values is presented. The stability of the flow is investigated using linear theory and the energy method. Theoretical predictions of the critical Rayleigh number for onset of secondary flows are obtained for a wide range of radius ratio R and are verified by comparison with results of previous experimental studies. A subcritical Rayleigh number which provides a necessary condition for global flow stability is also determined. The three-dimensional transient equations of fluid flow and heat transfer are solved to study the manifestation of instabilities within annuli having impermeable endwalls, which are encountered in various applications. For the first time, a thorough examination of the development of spiral vortex secondary flow within a moderate gap annulus and its interaction with the primary flow is performed for air. Simulations are conducted to investigate factors influencing the size and number of post-transitional vortex cells. The evolution of stable three-dimensional flow and temperature fields with increasing Rayleigh number in a large gap annulus is also studied. The distinct flow structures which coexist in the large gap annulus at high Rayleigh numbers preceding transition to oscillatory flow, including transverse vortices at the end walls which have not been previously identified, are established numerically and experimentally. The solutions for the large-gap annulus are compared to those for the moderate-gap case to clarify fundamental differences in behaviour. Heat transfer results in the form of local Nusselt number distributions are presented for both the moderate- and large-gap cases. Results from a series of experiments performed with air to obtain data for validation of the numerical scheme and further information on the flow stability are presented. Additionally, the change from a crescent-shaped flow pattern to a unicellular pattern with centre of rotation at the top of the annulus is investigated numerically and experimentally for a Prandtl number of 100. Excellent agreement between the numerical and experimental results is shown for both Prandtl numbers studied. The present work provides, for the first time, quantitative three-dimensional descriptions of spiral convection within a moderate-gap annulus containing air, flow structures preceding oscillation in a large-gap annulus for air, and unicellular flow development in a large-gap annulus for large Prandtl number fluids

Interventional Ductoscopy as an Alternative for Major Duct Excision or Microdochectomy in Women Suffering Pathologic Nipple Discharge: A Single-center Experience

Introduction: Pathologic nipple discharge (PND) is, after palpable lumps and pain, the most common breast-related reason for referral to the breast surgeon and is associated with breast cancer. However, with negative mammography and ultrasound, the chance of PND being caused by malignancy is between 5% and 8%. Nevertheless, most patients with PND still undergo surgery in order to rule out malignancy. Ductoscopy is a minimally invasive endoscopic technique that enables direct intraductal visualization. The aim of this study was to evaluate (interventional) ductoscopy as an alternative to surgery in patients with negative conventional imaging. Materials and Methods: All patients with PND referred between 2010 and 2017 to our hospital for ductoscopy were retrospectively analyzed. Ductoscopy procedures were performed under local anesthesia in the outpatient clinic. The follow-up period was at least 3 months, and the primary outcome was the number of prevented surgical procedures. Furthermore, we evaluated possible complications after ductoscopy (infection and pain). Results: A total of 215 consecutive patients undergoing ductoscopy were analyzed. In 151 (70.2%) patients, ductoscopy was successful. In 102 procedures, an underlying cause for PND was visualized, of which 34 patients could be histologically proven and 82 patients treated. Sixty of the 215 patients were eventually operated, 8 owing to suspicious findings during ductoscopy, 42 owing to persistent PND, and 10 because of recurrent PND. In 7 patients, a malignancy was found (5 of them classified as suspicious at dusctoscopy). No serious side effects were seen. Conclusion: Ductoscopy can be safely used as an alternative for surgery in the workup for PND. Ductoscopy is a minimally invasive technique that is currently used to detect, and sometimes remove, lesions that cause pathologic nipple discharge (PND). This study shows that ductoscopy is an alternative for surgery in patients with PND that have negative conventional imagery for breast cancer. Additionally, this study shows that ductoscopy has a high sensitivity, specificity, and negative predictive value for the detection of breast cancer in patients with PND with negative conventional imagery

МОДЕЛИРОВАНИЕ ДИНАМИЧЕСКИХ ПРОЦЕССОВ В ПЛАНЕТАРНЫХ РЕДУКТОРАХ МОТОР-КОЛЕС КАРЬЕРНОГО САМОСВАЛА ПРИ ТРОГАНИИ И РАЗГОНЕ

The paper describes a mathematical model for planetary double-row in-wheel motor gear box. Main parameters of its dynamic system have been determined in the paper. The paper reveals simulation of transition processes during starting and acceleration of a mine truck with electric motor wheels. Its own gear box frequency has been established theoretically and experimentally in the paper. The paper proposes an algorithm and program for calculations as an alternative to high-cost tests while investigating gear mechanism dynamics of large-size planetary gearboxes.Дано описание математической модели планетарного двухрядного редуктора мотор-колеса. Определены основные параметры его динамической схемы. Проведено моделирование переходных процессов при трогании и разгоне карьерного самосвала с электромоторколесами. Теоретически и экспериментально определены собственные частоты редуктора. Алгоритм и программа расчета предлагаются в качестве альтернативы дорогостоящим испытаниям по исследованию динамики зубчатых механизмов крупногабаритных планетарных редукторов.

Beyond the water column: aquatic hyphomycetes outside their preferred habitat

Aquatic hyphomycetes have adapted to running waters by their uncommon conidial shape, which facilitates dispersal as well as adherence to plant substrata. However, they have been early and regularly reported to occur in a variety of environments other than their preferred habitat (e.g., in lentic freshwaters, brackish and marine environments, in terrestrial niches such as stream banks, dew, canopy waters and tree holes). In addition, several aquatic hyphomycetes have adapted to a mutualistic lifestyle which may involve plant defence, as endophytes in leaves, gymnosperm needles, orchids and terrestrial roots. There are several lines of evidence suggesting that aquatic hyphomycetes survive under terrestrial conditions due to their sexual states. Although exhibiting higher diversity in pristine streams, aquatic hyphomycetes can survive environmental stress, e.g., pollution or river intermittency. They also inhabit ground and hyporheic waters, where they appear to be subjected to both physical and physiological selection. Appropriate methods including molecular ones should provide a more comprehensive view of the occurrence and ecological roles of aquatic hyphomycetes outside their preferred habitat

Effect of dexamethasone therapy on factors of adhesiveness and coagulation in acute lower limb ischemia

Leukocyte-platelet adhesion during hypoxia, tissue damage, activation of inflammation and coagulation is associated with the expression of ICAM-1 membrane molecules and integrins by blood and tissue cells. At the same time, platelet adhesion receptors determine their adhesion to the endothelium and recruited lymphocytes. The role of platelets in the pathogenesis of ischemic cardiovascular diseases also consists in their ability to modulate both hemostasis and inflammatory reactions, which is accompanied by the secretion of inflammatory mediators and factors that promote the recruitment of leukocytes to tissue damage sites. Purpose of the study: to study the effect of the synthetic glucocorticoid dexamethasone on the expression of adhesion receptors CD18+ and CD54+ on leukocytes, the content of platelets and fibrinogen in the blood of patients with ALLI, the relationship of these indicators with the severity and outcome of the disease.To study the effect of anti-inflammatory therapy, a group of 32 patients treated with dexamethasone was formed; the comparison group was represented by 71 patients with basic therapy, the control group consisted of 15 volunteers. After revascularization, all patients received antiplatelet and anticoagulant therapy. Dexamethasone infusions were carried out in a course of 4 to 6 days after reconstructive surgery. In all patients, the content of C-reactive protein in the blood, the content of platelets and fibrinogen were determined. The number of lymphocytes expressing adhesion molecules ICAM-1 (CD54+) and integrins (CD18+) was counted using the immunocytochemical method. Studies were performed before surgery and on days 1, 3, 7, and 10 after surgery.With exacerbation of ischemia and damage to the endothelium, the accumulation of cytolysis products, the expression of adhesion molecules increases both on endotheliocytes and on inflammatory effector cells – leukocytes and platelets. Adhesion molecules conduct an activation signal inside the cell, which promotes adhesion of leukocytes and platelets to the endothelium, lymphocytic-platelet adhesion, the formation of a parietal thrombus, and possible occlusion of damaged vessels. Increased expression of adhesion molecules is associated with the activation of metabolism, inflammation, coagulation and oxidative stress, stimulates all hematopoietic lineages, including platelets. The level of involvement of cellular reactions in the pathogenesis of the disease affects the effectiveness and duration of treatment, the risk of recurrent thrombosis and death. Anti-inflammatory therapy with dexamethasone contributed to earlier remission, a decrease in the proportion of infectious complications, such as wound suppuration from 10% to 6%, the number of necessary amputations from 32% to 16%, the frequency of deaths from 31% to 6%, and a reduction in hospital stay from 13 days to 10.Inflammation, adhesiveness of effector cells and thrombosis are important factors in the pathogenesis of acute lower limb ischemia. Therapy with dexamethasone helps to reduce the level of systemic inflammatory response, the number of necessary amputations, the number of complications and adverse outcomes in the treatment of ALLI, and reduce the length of stay in the hospital

Minimally invasive approach to diseases of the breast and contemporary factors affecting breast cancer surgery

Pathological nipple discharge is defined as unilateral outflow from the breast. In case of negative imaging, surgery is often recommended in which the milk duct (s) are removed. This operation is under general anaesthesia and may cause problems during breastfeeding. At the same time, malignancy occurs in only 5-8% of patients with pathological nipple discharge. This thesis shows that ductoscopy is more effective than MRI for detecting the cause of the pathological nipple discharge when mammography and/or ultrasound is negative. At the same time, this thesis also shows that this also prevents 60-70% surgery under general anaesthesia, making ductoscopy more cost-effective in the diagnostic work-up compared to MRI. This thesis quantifies the postoperative risk of compilation after robotic nipple-sparing mastectomy and compares this with traditional nipple-sparing mastectomy. Given the similar postoperative risk, this could pave the way for a less invasive alternative for patients eligible for mastectomy. This thesis describes that low socio-economic status in the Netherlands leads to less frequent breast-conserving operations in women with a low breast cancer stage. In addition, women with a low socioeconomic status less often undergo direct breast reconstruction after mastectomy. Finally, this thesis describes the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic on breast surgery. Fewer women are operated on, most often women with a low tumor stage. This can mainly be explained by the temporary stop of the population screening