Order in a Spatially Anisotropic Triangular Antiferromagnet

The phase diagram of the spin-1/2 Heisenberg antiferromagnet on an anisotropic triangular lattice of weakly coupled chains, a model relevant to Cs2CuCl4, is investigated using a renormalization group analysis, which includes marginal couplings important for connecting to numerical studies of this model. In particular, the relative stability of incommensurate spiral spin-density order and collinear antiferromagnetic order is studied. While incommensurate spiral order is found to exist over most of the phase diagram in the presence of a Dzyaloshinskii-Moriya (DM) interaction, at small interchain and extremely weak DM couplings, collinear antiferromagnetic order can survive. Our results imply that Cs2CuCl4 is well within the part of the phase diagram where spiral order is stable. The implications of the renormalization group analysis for numerical studies, many of which have found spin-liquidlike behavior, are discussed.Comment: 10 pages, 7 figures, minor edits and reference adde

Effect of perceptual motor interventions on dexterity of mentally retarded children

Introduction: Given the importance of the development of gross and fine motor activities and coordination between in performing activities of daily life, improving the hand function in mentally disabled children is one of the priorities of occupational therapists. Perceptual motor deficit in children with intellectual disability result in hand dysfunction such as dexterity. Considering the importance of dexterity and the consequences of problems on the activities of daily living, as well as its reliance on a person's ability to perform fine motor, coordination, speed, gross motor and perceptual abilities, in this study were considered the effect of perceptual motor intervention on dexterity of children with mental retardation. Materials and Methods: Using simple non-probability method for sampling, based the pattern of monitoring and sample size, we selected 10 children for treatment and 10 children for control groups. The treatment group was trained for perceptual motor intervention for 10 weeks, 3 sessions of 60 min per week. Both groups were trained by an occupational therapiest. After 10 weeks, all subjects were re-evaluated. Purdopeg board test used to assess dexterity. Statistical analysis was performed, using SPSS software. Results: One way analysis of variance showed that the scores of Purdopeg board test between the two groups was not significant (P � 0/05), though there was a significant correlation between full scores of Bruininks � Oseretsky Test and Purdopeg board test except assembly test (P � 0/05). Conclusion: Results of present study showed that although the speed test in the left hand was affected by perceptual motor intervention more than any other tests of dexterity, the intervention did not significantly affect the dexterity of mentally retarded children. © 2016, Semnan University of Medical Sciences. All rights reserved

Review of optical sensing and manipulation of chiral molecules and nanostructures with the focus on plasmonic enhancements [Invited]

This is the final version. Available on open access from the Optical Society of America via the DOI in this recordData availability: No data were generated or analyzed in the presented research.Chiral molecules are ubiquitous in nature; many important synthetic chemicals and drugs are chiral. Detecting chiral molecules and separating the enantiomers is difficult because their physiochemical properties can be very similar. Here we review the optical approaches that are emerging for detecting and manipulating chiral molecules and chiral nanostructures. Our review focuses on the methods that have used plasmonics to enhance the chiroptical response. We also review the fabrication and assembly of (dynamic) chiral plasmonic nanosystems in this context.University of ExeterEngineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC)European Union Horizon 2020Royal Societ

Drug-related mutational patterns in hepatitis B virus (HBV) reverse transcriptase proteins from Iranian treatment-Naïve chronic HBV patients

Background: Immunomodulators and Nucleotide analogues have been used globally for the dealing of chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. However, the development of drug resistance is a major limitation to their long-term effectiveness. Objectives: The aim of this study was to characterize the hepatitis B virus reverse transcriptase (RT) protein variations among Iranian chronic HBV carriers who did not receive any antiviral treatments. Materials and Methods: Hepatitis B virus partial RT genes from 325 chronic in active carrier patients were amplified and directly sequenced. Nucleotide/amino acid substitutions were identified compared to the sequences obtained from the database. Results: All strains belonging to genotype D.365 amino-acid substitutions were found. Mutations related to lamivudine, adefovir, telbivudine, and entecavir occurred in (YMDD) 4% (n = 13), (SVQ) 17.23% (n = 56), (M204I/V + L180M) 2.45% (n = 8) and (M204I) 2.76% (n = 9) of patients, respectively. Conclusions: RT mutants do occur naturally and could be found in HBV carriers who have never received antiviral therapy. However, mutations related to drug resistance in Iranian treatment-naïve chronic HBV patients were found to be higher than other studies published formerly. Chronic HBV patients should be monitored closely prior the commencement of therapy to achieve the best regimen option. © 2013, KOWSAR Corp

The diagnosis of early fetal cardiac changes of the gestational diabetic mothers: Presenting the preload index

Objectives: To evaluate fetal cardiac changes in gestational diabetic mothers, compared to healthy ones by means of different indices and to determine which index can first represent the alterations. Methods: The study was conducted as an observational cross-sectional study, including 25 pregnant women with gestational diabetes as the cases and 50 healthy pregnant women as the controls. The preload index, left and right side myocardial performance index (MPI), Interventricular septal hypertrophy, the left and right side cardiac output were assessed in all the patients. Results: The gestational ages were 31.65 ± 8.02 and 31.64 ± 5.37 weeks in case and control group respectively, without any significant difference. Both of the left and right ventricular MPI did not differ statistically between the case and controls. The cases had a greater Interventricular septal hypertrophy but the cardiac output was similar. The preload index was higher in the fetuses of the gestational diabetic mothers. Conclusions: In our study, the MPI did not show any difference between the fetuses of the gestational diabetic mothers and non-diabetic ones; but, fetuses of gestational diabetic mothers had a greater value of PLI, representing early diastolic function changes in right heart even before the overt heart failure occurred. This could be a sign of vasculopathy in gestational diabetic mothers. Copyright © 2019, Author(s)

Common variants in signaling transcription-factor-binding sites drive phenotypic variability in red blood cell traits

Genome-wide association studies identify genomic variants associated with human traits and diseases. Most trait-associated variants are located within cell-type-specific enhancers, but the molecular mechanisms governing phenotypic variation are less well understood. Here, we show that many enhancer variants associated with red blood cell (RBC) traits map to enhancers that are co-bound by lineage-specific master transcription factors (MTFs) and signaling transcription factors (STFs) responsive to extracellular signals. The majority of enhancer variants reside on STF and not MTF motifs, perturbing DNA binding by various STFs (BMP/TGF-β-directed SMADs or WNT-induced TCFs) and affecting target gene expression. Analyses of engineered human blood cells and expression quantitative trait loci verify that disrupted STF binding leads to altered gene expression. Our results propose that the majority of the RBC-trait-associated variants that reside on transcription-factor-binding sequences fall in STF target sequences, suggesting that the phenotypic variation of RBC traits could stem from altered responsiveness to extracellular stimuli

The mTORC1/4E-BP pathway coordinates hemoglobin production with L-leucine availability

In multicellular organisms, the mechanisms by which diverse cell types acquire distinct amino acids and how cellular function adapts to their availability are fundamental questions in biology. We found that increased neutral essential amino acid (NEAA) uptake was a critical component of erythropoiesis. As red blood cells matured, expression of the amino acid transporter gene Lat3 increased, which increased NEAA import. Inadequate NEAA uptake by pharmacologic inhibition or RNAi-mediated knockdown of LAT3 triggered a specific reduction in hemoglobin production in zebrafish embryos and murine erythroid cells through the mTORC1 (mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1)/4E-BP (eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4E–binding protein) pathway. CRISPR-mediated deletion of members of the 4E-BP family in murine erythroid cells rendered them resistant to mTORC1 and LAT3 inhibition and restored hemoglobin production. These results identify a developmental role for LAT3 in red blood cells and demonstrate that mTORC1 serves as a homeostatic sensor that couples hemoglobin production at the translational level to sufficient uptake of NEAAs, particularly L-leucine.National Institutes of Health (U.S.) (P01 HL032262

Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging of hydatid disease: A pictorial review of uncommon imaging presentations

Hydatid disease (HD), also known as echinococcal disease or echinococcosis, is a worldwide zoonosis with a wide geographic distribution. It can be found in almost all parts of the body and usually remains silent for a long period of time. Clinical history can be varied based on the location, size, host immune response, and complications. The most common imaging modalities used for diagnosis and further evaluations of HD are ultrasound, computed tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Although conventional radiography may be the first used tool, rarely can lead to a definite judgment. Clinical indications and cyst location may alter the choice of imaging. MRI and CT would be useful when the involved area is inaccessible for ultrasound or surgical treatment is required. CT is particularly valuable for osseous organ involvements and the presence of calcifications in the cyst and also demonstrates the size, number, and local complications. MRI can differentiate HD from neoplasms in cases with an unusual appearance on imaging. Moreover, it is preferable in biliary or neural involvements. Besides, more detailed images of MRI and CT could help to resolve the diagnostic uncertainty. Imaging is the main stem for HD diagnosis. Brain, orbit, muscle, bone, and vascular structures are less commonly involved areas. Familiarity with typical clinical presentation, CT scan and MR imaging findings of HD in this sites facilitate the radiologic diagnosis and guiding appropriate treatment. © 2021 The Author(s

Unveiling the pathogenic mechanisms of NPR2 missense variants: insights into the genotype-associated severity in acromesomelic dysplasia and short stature

Introduction: Natriuretic peptide receptor 2 (NPR2 or NPR-B) plays a central role in growth development and bone morphogenesis and therefore loss-of-function variations in NPR2 gene have been reported to cause Acromesomelic Dysplasia, Maroteaux type 1 and short stature. While several hypotheses have been proposed to underlie the pathogenic mechanisms responsible for these conditions, the exact mechanisms, and functional characteristics of many of those variants and their correlations with the clinical manifestations have not been fully established.Methods: In this study, we examined eight NPR2 genetic missense variants (p.Leu51Pro, p.Gly123Val, p.Leu314Arg, p.Arg318Gly, p.Arg388Gln, p.Arg495Cys, p.Arg557His, and p.Arg932Cys) Acromesomelic Dysplasia, Maroteaux type 1 and short stature located on diverse domains and broadly classified as variants of uncertain significance. The evaluated variants are either reported in patients with acromesomelic dysplasia in the homozygous state or short stature in the heterozygous state. Our investigation included the evaluation of their expression, subcellular trafficking and localization, N-glycosylation profiles, and cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) production activity.Results and Discussion: Our results indicate that variants p.Leu51Pro, p.Gly123Val, p.Leu314Arg, p.Arg388Gln have defective cellular trafficking, being sequestered within the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), and consequently impaired cGMP production ability. Conversely, variants p.Arg318Gly, p.Arg495Cys, and p.Arg557His seem to display a non-statistically significant behavior that is slightly comparable to WT-NPR2. On the other hand, p.Arg932Cys which is located within the guanylyl cyclase active site displayed normal cellular trafficking profile albeit with defective cGMP. Collectively, our data highlights the genotype-phenotype relationship that might be responsible for the milder symptoms observed in short stature compared to acromesomelic dysplasia. This study enhances our understanding of the functional consequences of several NPR2 variants, shedding light on their mechanisms and roles in related genetic disorders which might also help in their pathogenicity re-classification

Active and poised promoter states drive folding of the extended HoxB locus in mouse embryonic stem cells

Gene expression states influence the three-dimensional conformation of the genome through poorly understood mechanisms. Here, we investigate the conformation of the murine HoxB locus, a gene-dense genomic region containing closely spaced genes with distinct activation states in mouse embryonic stem (ES) cells. To predict possible folding scenarios, we performed computer simulations of polymer models informed with different chromatin occupancy features, which define promoter activation states or CTCF binding sites. Single cell imaging of the locus folding was performed to test model predictions. While CTCF occupancy alone fails to predict the in vivo folding at genomic length scale of 10 kb, we found that homotypic interactions between active and Polycomb-repressed promoters co-occurring in the same DNA fibre fully explain the HoxB folding patterns imaged in single cells. We identify state-dependent promoter interactions as major drivers of chromatin folding in gene-dense regions