Comparison of metal ion-induced conformational changes in parvalbumin and oncomodulin as probed by the intrinsic fluorescence of tryptophan 102.

The calcium-induced conformational changes of the 108-amino acid residue proteins, cod III parvalbumin and oncomodulin, were compared using tryptophan as a sensitive spectroscopic probe. As native oncomodulin is devoid of tryptophan, site-specific mutagenesis was performed to create a mutant protein in which tryptophan was placed in the identical position (residue 102) as the single tryptophan residue in cod III parvalbumin. The results showed that in the region probed by tryptophan-102, cod III parvalbumin experienced significantly greater changes in conformation upon decalcification compared to the oncomodulin mutant, F102W. Addition of 1 eq of Ca2+ produced greater than 90% of the total fluorescence response in F102W, while in cod III parvalbumin, only 74% of the total was observed. Cod III parvalbumin displayed a negligible response upon Mg2+ addition. In contrast, F102W did respond to Mg2+, but the response was considerably less when compared to Ca2+ addition. Time-resolved fluorescence showed that the tryptophan in both proteins existed in at least two conformational states in the presence of Ca2+ and at least three conformational states in its absence. Comparison with quantum yield measurements indicated that the local electronic environment of the tryptophan was significantly different in the two proteins. Collectively, these results demonstrate that both cod III parvalbumin and oncomodulin undergo Ca2(+)-specific conformational changes. However, oncomodulin is distinct from cod III parvalbumin in terms of the electronic environment of the hydrophobic core, the magnitude of the Ca2(+)-induced conformational changes, and the number of calcium ions required to modulate the major conformational changes

Increases in salience of ethnic identity at work: the roles of ethnic assignation and ethnic identification

To better understand how ethnicity is actually experienced within organisations, we examined reported increases in ethnic identity salience at work and responses to such increases. Thirty British black Caribbean graduate employees were interviewed about how and when they experienced their ethnic identity at work. The findings demonstrated that increased salience in ethnic identity was experienced in two key ways: through ‘ethnic assignation’ (a ‘push’ towards ethnic identity) and ‘ethnic identification’ (a ‘pull’ towards ethnic identity). We explore how and when ethnic assignation and ethnic identification occur at work, and their relevance to how workplaces are experienced by this group of minority ethnic employees. The findings suggest the need for further research attention to the dynamic and episodic nature of social identity, including ethnic identity, within organisations, and to the impact of such increases in salience of social identities on behaviour at work

iStent as a Solo Procedure for Glaucoma Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND: Glaucoma is a leading cause of irreversible blindness. It is firmly entrenched in the traditional treatment paradigm to start with pharmacotherapy. However, pharmacotherapy is not benign and has been well documented to have a number of significant challenges. Minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS) that targets the outflow pathway with minimal to no scleral dissection has resulted in the need to reconsider the glaucoma treatment paradigm. PURPOSE: To perform a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate and quantify the effect on post-operative intraocular pressure (IOP) and number of topical glaucoma medications, in patients receiving the iStent MIGS device as the solo procedure without concurrent cataract surgery. METHODS: A systematic review was conducted by searching various databases between January 1, 2000, and June 30, 2014. Studies reporting up to a maximum follow-up period of 24 months were retrieved and screened using the EPPI-Reviewer 4 gateway. Percentage reduction in IOP (IOPR%), and mean reduction in topical glaucoma medications after surgery were computed. Meta-analysis was performed using STATA v. 13.0. The standardized mean difference (SMD) was calculated as the effect size for continuous scale outcomes. Heterogeneity was determined using the I2 statistics, Z-value, and χ2 statistics. Fixed-effect and random-effect models were developed based on heterogeneity. Sub-group analysis was performed based on the number of iStents implanted and the follow-up period. The outcome measures were changes in the IOP and number of glaucoma medications. RESULTS: The search strategy identified 105 records from published literature and 9 records from the grey literature. Five studies with 248 subjects were included for quantitative synthesis. A 22% IOP reduction (IOPR%) from baseline occurred at 18-months after one iStent implant, 30% at 6-months after two iStents implantations, and 40% at 6-months after implantation of three iStents. A mean reduction of 1.2 bottles per patient of topical glaucoma medications occurred at 18-months after one iStent implant, 1.45 bottles per patient at 6-months after two iStents, and one bottle of medication per patient was reduced at 6-months following placement of three iStents implants. Meta-analysis results showed a significant reduction in the IOP after one iStent (SMD = -1.68, 95% CI: [-2.7, -0.61]), two iStents (SMD = -1.88, 95% CI: [-2.2, -1.56]), and three iStents (SMD = -2, 95% CI: [-2.62, -1.38]) implantation. Results showed a significant drop in the topical glaucoma medications after one iStent (SMD = -2.11, CI: [-3.95, -0.27]), two iStent (SMD = -1.88, CI: [-2.20, -1.56]), and three iStents (SMD = -2.00, CI: [-2.62, -1.38]) implantation. The maximum reduction in IOP occurred at 12-months (SMD = -2.21, CI: [-2.53, -1.88]) and a significant reduction in post-operative topical glaucoma medications occurred even after 18-months of iStent implantation (SMD = -0.71, CI: [-1.15, -0.26]). CONCLUSION: iStent implantation as a solo procedure without concurrent cataract extraction does lower IOP, and reduces the dependency on glaucoma medications. This effect seems to last at least 18 months

The Effectiveness of Teleglaucoma versus In-Patient Examination for Glaucoma Screening: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND: Glaucoma is the leading cause of irreversible visual impairment in the world affecting 60.5 million people worldwide in 2010, which is expected to increase to approximately 79.6 million by 2020. Therefore, glaucoma screening is important to detect, diagnose, and treat patients at the earlier stages to prevent disease progression and vision loss. Teleglaucoma uses stereoscopic digital imaging to take ocular images, which are transmitted electronically to an ocular specialist. The purpose is to synthesize literature to evaluate teleglaucoma, its diagnostic accuracy, healthcare system benefits, and cost-effectiveness. METHODS: A systematic search was conducted to help locate published and unpublished studies. Studies which evaluate teleglaucoma as a screening device for glaucoma were included. A meta-analysis was conducted to provide estimates of diagnostic accuracy, diagnostic odds ratio, and the relative percentage of glaucoma cases detected. The improvements to healthcare service quality and cost data were assessed. RESULTS: Of 11237 studies reviewed, 45 were included. Our results indicated that, teleglaucoma is more specific and less sensitive than in-person examination. The pooled estimates of sensitivity was 0.832 [95% CI 0.770, 0.881] and specificity was 0.790 [95% CI 0.668, 0.876]. The relative odds of a positive screen test in glaucoma cases are 18.7 times more likely than a negative screen test in a non-glaucoma cases. Additionally, the mean cost for every case of glaucoma detected was $1098.67 US and of teleglaucoma per patient screened was$922.77 US. CONCLUSION: Teleglaucoma can accurately discriminate between screen test results with greater odds for positive cases. It detects more cases of glaucoma than in-person examination. Both patients and the healthcare systems benefit from early detection, reduction in wait and travel times, increased specialist referral rates, and cost savings. Teleglaucoma is an effective screening tool for glaucoma specifically for remote and under-services communities

Ocular Pathology Relevant to Glaucoma in a Gja1(Jrt) Mouse Model of Human Oculodentodigital Dysplasia

PURPOSE. Oculodentodigital dysplasia (ODDD) is a human disorder caused by mutations in the gap junction alpha 1 (GJA1) gene encoding the connexin43 (Cx43) gap junction protein. Causal links between GJA1 mutations and glaucoma are not understood. The purpose in this study was to examine the ocular phenotype for Gja1(Jrt/+) mice harboring a Cx43 G60S mutation. METHODS. In young Gja1(Jrt/+) mice, Cx43 abundance was assessed with a Western blot, and Cx43 localization was visualized using immunohistochemistry and confocal microscopy. Intraocular pressure (IOP) was measured by rebound tonometry, and eye anatomy was imaged using ocular coherence tomography (OCT). Hematoxylin and eosin (H&E)-stained eye sections were examined for ocular histopathology related to the development of glaucoma. RESULTS. Decreased Cx43 protein levels were evident in whole eyes from Gja1(Jrt/+) mice compared with those of wild-type mice at postnatal day 1 (P = 0.005). Cx43 immunofluorescence in ciliary bodies of Gja1(Jrt/+) mice was diffuse and intracellular, unlike the gap junction plaques prevalent in wildtype mice. IOP in Gja1(Jrt/+) mice changed during postnatal development, with significantly lower IOP at 21 weeks of age in comparison to the IOP of wild-type eyes. Microphthalmia, enophthalmia, anterior angle closure, and reduced pupil diameter were observed in Gja1(Jrt/+) mice at all ages examined. Ocular histology showed prominent separations between the pigmented and nonpigmented ciliary epithelium of Gja1(Jrt/+) mice, split irides, and alterations in the number and distribution of nuclei in the retina. CONCLUSIONS. Detailed phenotyping of Gja1(Jrt/+) eyes offers a framework for elucidating human ODDD ocular disease mechanisms and evaluating new treatments designed to protect ocular synaptic network integrity

ОСОБЛИВОСТІ МЕТОДОЛОГІЧНОГО ПІДХОДУ ДО ВИКЛАДАННЯ КУРСУ ФІЗІОЛОГІЇ З ВИКОРИСТАННЯМ КОМП`ЮТЕРНОЇ СИМУЛЯЦІЇ В СИСТЕМІ СУЧАСНОЇ МЕДИЧНОЇ ОСВІТИ В УКРАЇНІ

The aim of the study – a review of modern computer simulation of physiological functions and evaluation of experience and implementation of these technologies in the educational process of the Department of Physiology, State establishment “Dnipropetrovsk Medical Academy of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine”, Dnipro.Materials and Methods. Theoretical and methodological analysis of modern simulation technologies for teaching the curse of physiology, including next software: “Virtual Physiology” (LuPraFi-Sim, program presented by the International Union of humane education – InterNICHE, and supported WSPA), Sim Nerv, Six Second ECG. Descriptive analyze the quality of passing of licensed test examination “Step 1” in the specialty “Dentistry” of Ukrainian students in 2017.Results and Discussion. At present, there are available and successfully implemented in teaching of physiology software simulators in the following sections: physiology of excitable structures, the central and peripheral nervous system, autonomic nervous system, humoral regulation of visceral functions, urinary system, respiratory system, blood, physiology of the digestive tract, cardiovascular system. The results of the license test examination “Step 1” in the specialty “Dentistry” of Ukrainian students in 2017 the average mark of the discipline “Physiology” is 74.9 %, while the overall average score on the exam of 72.5 %.Conclusions. 1. New software have merged text information, graphics, video and animation of physiological processes, enables high-quality mastering theoretical information and promotes more successful integration of the student in clinical sciences. 2. These developments are actively implemented in all sections of the course Physiology and focused on continuity and consistency of training, based on historical experience and humanistic values, development of new educational technologies. 3. The use of modern simulation technology in teaching physiology course has a positive effect on student performance quality and their preparation to the licensed test exam “Step1”.Мета дослідження – огляд сучасних засобів комп’ютерної симуляції фізіологічних функцій та оцінка і досвід впровадження цих технологій  у навчальний процес кафедри фізіології ДЗ “Дніпропетровська медична академія МОЗ України” м. Дніпро.Матеріали та методи дослідження. Теоретичний та методологічний аналіз сучасних симуляційних технологій, які використовуються для викладання курсу фізіології, зокрема програмне забезпечення: “Віртуальна фізіологія” (LuPraFi-Sim, програма представлена Міжнародною спілкою гуманної освіти – InterNICHE, та за підтримки WSPA), Sim Nerv, Six Second ECG. Дескриптивний аналіз якості складання ліцензійного тестового іспиту “Крок-1” за фахом “Стоматологія” вітчизняними студентами у 2017р.Результати й обговорення. На сьогодні доступні та успішно впроваджені у викладання курсу фізіології програми-симулятори з таких розділів, як: фізіологія збудливих структур, центральна та периферична нервова система, автономна нервова система, гуморальна регуляція вісцеральних функцій, система виділення, дихальна система, кров, фізіологія шлунково-кишкового тракту та харчування, серцево-судинна система. За результатами складання ліцензійного тестового іспиту “Крок-1” за фахом “Стоматологія” вітчизняними студентами у 2017 р. середній результат із дисципліни “Фізіологія” складає 74,9 %, при загальному середньому балі по іспиту 72,5 %.Висновки. 1. Нові розробки програмного забезпечення, у яких об’єднані текстова інформація, графіка, відео та анімація фізіологічних процесів, а також можливості впливати на їх перебіг, дають змогу якісного засвоєння теоретичної інформації та більш успішної інтеграції студента до клінічних дисциплін. 2.  Згадані розробки активно реалізуються у всіх розділах курсу фізіології й орієнтовані на безперервність і послідовність навчання, основані на історичному досвіді та гуманістичних цінностях, розвитку нових педагогічних технологій. 3.  Використання сучасних симуляційних технологій у викладанні курсу фізіології чинить позитивний вплив на якісну успішність студентів при складанні ліцензійного тестового екзамену “Крок-1”

Comparison of Newly Diagnosed Ocular Hypertension and Open-Angle Glaucoma: Ocular Variables, Risk Factors, and Disease Severity

Purpose. To describe the distribution of ocular variables, risk factors, and disease severity in newly diagnosed ocular hypertension (OH) or open-angle glaucoma (OAG). Methods. Eligible subjects underwent a complete history and examination. Adjusted odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) obtained from multiple logistic regression models were used to compare OAG to OH and advanced to early/moderate OAG. Results. 405 subjects were enrolled: 292 (72.1%) with OAG and 113 (27.9%) with OH. 51.7% had early, 27.1% moderate, and 20.9% advanced OAG. The OR for OAG versus OH was 8.19 (P < 0.0001) for disc notch, 5.36 (P < 0.0001) for abnormal visual field, 1.45 (P = 0.001) for worsening mean deviation, 1.91 (P < 0.0001) for increased cupping, 1.03 for increased age (P = 0.030), and 0.36 (P = 0.010) for smoking. Conclusions. Increased age was a risk for OAG, and smoking decreased the risk of OAG compared to OH. Almost half of the OAG subjects had moderate/advanced disease at diagnosis

Political mobilisation by minorities in Britain: negative feedback of ‘race relations'?

This article uses a political opportunity approach to study the relationship of minority groups to the political community in Britain. The main argument is that the British race relations approach established in the 1960s had an important effect that still shapes the patterns of political contention by different minority groups today. Original data on political claims-making by minorities demonstrate that British 'racialised' cultural pluralism has structured an inequality of opportunities for the two main groups, African-Caribbeans and Indian subcontinent minorities. African-Caribbeans mobilise along racial lines, use a strongly assimilative 'black' identity, conventional action forms, and target state institutions with demands for justice that are framed within the recognised framework of race relations. Conversely, a high proportion of the Indian subcontinent minority mobilisation is by Muslim groups, a non-assimilative religious identity. These are autonomously organised, but largely make public demands for extending the principle of racial equality to their non-racial group. Within the Indian subcontinent minorities, the relative absence of mobilisation by Indian, Sikh and Hindu minorities, who have achieved much better levels of socio-economic success than Pakistani and Bangladeshi Muslims, suggests that there is also a strong socioeconomic basis for shared experiences and grievances as Muslims in Britain. This relativises the notion that Muslim mobilisation is Britain is purely an expression of the right for cultural difference per se, and sees it as a product of the paradoxes of British race relations