Molecular regulation of vasopressin receptor among (mostly) monogamous prairie voles

Intraspecific variation in social behavior is common and often dramatic, but little is known about its underlying mechanisms. We use the prairie vole (Microtus ochrogaster) to examine how intraspecific variation in brain and behavior emerges as a result of genetic, epigenetic and environmental variation. Although prairie voles are socially monogamous, they vary in sexual fidelity; faithful prairie voles are described as intra-pair fertilizing (IPF), while unfaithful voles are extra-pair fertilizing (EPF). EPF males have large home-ranges and frequently mate with other females, but do so at the cost of being cuckolded. IPF males however, form small exclusive home-ranges, rarely intrude and are better at mate-guarding. These behavioral differences are predicted by abundance of the vasopressin receptor 1a (V1aR) in the retrosplenial cortex (RSC), a brain region implicated in spatial memory. We find that variation in RSC-V1aR and associated behaviors are predicted by two alternative avpr1a alleles. These “HI” and “LO” alleles are defined by four linked single nucleotide polymorphisms, one of which is a polymorphic CpG site (polyCpG) located within a putative intron enhancer. This polyCpG is weakly linked to several other polyCpGs in the enhancer. Since CpGs are targets for DNA methylation, polyCpGs may cause individual differences in DNA methylation, gene regulation and environmental sensitivity. The unusually high number of polyCpGs within the intron enhancer drives avpr1a genotype differences in CpG density and methylation, which predict avpr1a expression and RSC-V1aR. Examination of avpr1a methylation among wild-caught voles also showed that RSC-V1aR correlated with enhancer methylation, possibly due to genotype differences in enhancer silencing or affinity for transcription factors, but not with promoter methylation. We also found that genotype differences in RSC-V1aR emerge in the first postnatal week, along with changes in enhancer methylation. Before this neurodevelopmental stage, the LO allele, which has more enhancer CpGs, is more sensitive to environmentally-induced changes in RSC-V1aR. These changes however, are not caused by alteration of enhancer methylation, suggesting additional regulatory elements contribute to genotype differences in RSC-V1aR regulation and its environmental sensitivity. Our findings show how genetic and epigenetic variation at a critical gene can shape intraspecific variation in brain and behavior.Ecology, Evolution and Behavio

Low-level laser for treatment of tinnitus: a self-controlled clinical trial

BACKGROUND: Despite the high prevalence and morbidity, tinnitus still remains an obscure symptom. We assessed the efficacy of low-level laser for treatment of tinnitus. METHODS: It was a self controlled clinical trial study on 61 outpatients with subjective tinnitus. The patients were irradiated with a 650-nm, 5-mW soft laser for twenty days and twenty minutes per day. The sensation of tinnitus was measured on a Visual Analog Scale (VAS) before and two weeks after treatment and they were compared by means of Wilcoxon signed rank-test. RESULTS: Thirty-eight (62.3%) patients were men and twenty-three (37.7%) were women. Fourteen patients (31.8%) worked in noisy environment. The VAS mean difference before and after the treatment was statistically significant (p < 0.0001). The best treatment effect was in the youngest group and there were significant differences between this group and the middle age and older groups (p = 0.018 and 0.001, respectively). The mean VAS score reduction was not statistically significant between male and female patients (p = 0.23). Also, the treatment outcome according to the noise level in patient’s workplaces was not significantly different in women (p = 0.693), but it was significant in men (p = 0.029). CONCLUSIONS: Transmeatal low-level laser irradiation is effective for the treatment of tinnitus and some variables like age and job can affect the treatment outcom

Heterogeneous catalytic ozonation of 2, 4-dinitrophenol in aqueous solution by magnetic carbonaceous nanocomposite: catalytic activity and mechanism

Herein, the catalytic properties of a carbonaceous nanocomposite in the catalytic ozonation process (COP) of 2, 4-dinitrophenol (2, 4-DNP) were investigated and the results were compared with those obtained from single ozonation process (SOP). Magnetic carbonaceous nanocomposite, as a novel catalyst, was applied to optimize the condition for the removal of 2, 4-DNP in the COP, and the influential parameters such as pH, catalyst dosage, addition of radical scavengers, and durability were all evaluated. The results showed that the degradation efficiency of 2, 4-DNP and COD in the COP (98.2, 92) was higher compared to the SOP (75, 61) and the highest catalytic potential was achieved at an optimal pH of 6. The first-order modeling demonstrated that the reactions were dependent on the concentration of the catalyst, with the kinetic constants varying from 0.022 (1/min) in the SOP to 1.377 (1/min) in the COP at the catalyst dosage of 4 g/L and the optimum concentration of catalyst (2 g/L). The addition of radical scavenger noticeably diminished the removal efficiency of 2, 4-DNP in the SOP from 75 down to 54, while the corresponding values for the COP dropped from 98.2 to 93. Furthermore, a negligible reduction in the catalytic properties of the catalyst was observed (~5) after five-time reuse. The results also revealed that the applied method is effectively suitable for the removal of 2, 4-DNP contaminant from industrial wastewaters. © 2015 Balaban Desalination Publications. All rights reserved

Numerical simulation of a multi-inlet microfluidic device for biosensing purposes in osteoporosis management

Objectives In this paper, the effect of the position of the inlet and outlet microchannels on the flow profile and the geometry of the recognition chamber for sample pre-treatment in an electrochemical biosensor to be used in osteoporosis management were investigated. Methods All numerical computation presented in this work were performed using COMSOL Multiphysics and Fluent. Simulation was performed for a three-dimensional, incompressible Navier-Stokes flow and so explicit biphasic volume of fluid (VOF) equations were used. Results In the designed microfluidic system, a pressure-driven laminar flow with no-slip boundary condition was responsible for fluid actuation through microchannels in a reproducible approach. Based on the simulation results, the number of outlets was increased and the angel through which the inlets and outlets were attached to the microchamber was changed so that the dead volume would be eliminated and the fluid flow trajectory, the velocity field and pressure were evenly distributed across the chamber. The Re number in the inlets was equal to 4.41, suggesting a laminar flow at this site. Conclusion The simulation results along with the fact that the design change was tested using laser ablated tape and a color dye at different steps provided the researchers with the opportunity to study the changes in a fast and accurate but cheap method. The absence of backflow helps with the cross-talk concern in the channels and the lack of bubbles and complete coverage of the chamber helps with a better surface modification and thus better sensing performance

1st Place Contest Entry: Psychogenic Non-epileptic Seizures Disorder: Treatment after the Diagnostic Odyssey

This is Heather Andrini, Ashley Okhovat, and Sydni Au Hoy\u27s submission for the 2021 Kevin and Tam Ross Undergraduate Research Prize, which won first place. It contains thier essay on using library resources, a summary of their research project on psychogenic non-epileptic seizures (PNES) disorder, and their works cited list. Heather, Ashley, and Sydni are juniors at Chapman University, majoring in Biological Sciences. Their faculty mentor is Dr. Gregory Goldsmith

The effect of lidocaine spray early after tonsillectomy on pain and vomiting

زمینه و هدف: تانسیلکتومی (tonsillectomy) یکی از شایعترین اعمال جراحی است که با عوارضی نظیر استفراغ و درد همراه می باشد. در این مطالعه اثر اسپری لیدوکائین در کاهش عوارض مذکور بررسی شده است. روش مطالعه: این مطالعه یک کارآزمایی بالینی تصادفی دو سویه کور می باشد که در طی پنج ماه روی 100 بیمار که با رعایت تصادفی سازی به دو گروه مورد و شاهد تقسیم شده بودند انجام گرفت. در گروه مورد بلافاصله بعد از اتمام تانسیلکتومی در بستر لوزه اسپری لیدوکائین 10 mg/kg)4) و در گروه کنترل همان حجم اسپری نرمال سالین به عنوان دارونما استفاده شد. مقدار استامینوفن مصرفی توسط بیماران در سه روز بعد از عمل در پرسشنامه هایی ثبت شد. نتایج: میانگین و انحراف معیار دفعات مصرف استامینوفن بر حسب mg/kg/day در گروه کنترل به ترتیب 43/1±01/3، 62/1±80/2 و 2/1±86/1 در روز اول، دوم و سوم بعد از عمل محاسبه شد و در گروه مورد این مقادیر به ترتیب 92/0±3/1، 02/1±07/1 و 83/0±94/0 بدست آمد. میانگین و انحراف معیار مقدار مصرف استامینوفن بر حسب mg/kg/day در گروه کنترل در روزهای اول و دوم و سوم بعد از عمل به ترتیب 02/13±93/28، 40/12±46/26 و 41/12±3/18 بود و درگروه مورد به ترتیب ارقام 71/9±07/12، 71/7±39/10 و 23/6±03/9 بدست آمد. با توجه به آنالیز نتایج با تست t، مقدار و دفعات مصرف استامینوفن در گروه مورد به طور معنی داری از گروه کنترل کمتر بود ولی کاهش استفراغ در گروه مورد از نظر آماری معنی دار نبود. نتیجه گیری: با توجه به نتایج فوق، مصرف لیدوکائین بعد از عمل تانسیلکتومی برای بیماران مفید به نظر می رسد

Temperature Evolution of Spark Kernels in Quiescent and Cross-flow Conditions

Numerous physical and chemical processes are required for successful ignition of a flammable mixture, many of which have been well characterized. However, one aspect of the ignition process that has received limited consideration is understanding the temperature of the spark kernel. A spark kernel is the volume of heated gas that develops after plasma formation and dissipation by an electrical discharge. Thermal measurements are critical for determining if reactions become self-sustaining and improving the validity of modeling efforts. The need for quantified kernel temperatures is extended to conditions that approach the flow fields within combustion applications, such as gas turbine engines. Based on the motivation, the focus of this work was to determine the temperature of kernels and investigate the influence a cross-flow has on the temporal temperature evolution. Representative results were compared against kernel temperatures in a quiescent environment to highlight differences between the two flow conditions. In this study, a sunken fire igniter was placed in an open loop wind tunnel and discharged into a non-reacting cross-flow. Kernel temperatures, after the plasma dissipated, were determined from radiation intensity measurements and by solving the radiation transfer equation. The temperature evolution was investigated in a quiescent environment and for a range of cross-flow velocities (5.8-15.6 m/s). For both quiescent and cross-flow conditions, kernels developed into a toroidal vortex. Surrounding air was entrained into the center of the kernel, resulting in relatively lower temperatures compared to the edges. Average peak kernel temperatures in quiescent conditions were 950 K, whereas kernels in a cross-flow approached 1250 K. The higher peak temperatures were attributed to a reduced relative velocity of the vortex caused by the interaction with the cross-flow. This resulted in decreased entrainment, particularly located at the upstream side of the kernel. Most of the temperature evolution of kernels was experienced within 1.3 ms after plasma was no longer detected; up to a 500 K difference was determined between 0.6 and 1.3 ms. Kernels beyond 1.3 ms reached a uniform temperature near 600 K and had little to no variation as radiation intensities dissipated beyond optical detection. Bifurcation of kernels was detected in one-third of all spark events for both quiescent and cross-flow conditions. The sensible energy of kernels was reported to decrease with time for all cases. Higher cross-flow velocities resulted in less sensible energy. This was attributed to a reduction in apparent kernel volume even with higher temperatures

Development Of A High-Dose Engineered Tcr T Cell Manufacturing Process Using Automated Semi-Continuous Perfusion Bioreactors

Clinical activity with engineered TCR (eTCR) T cell products directed against solid tumor indications may require doses up to two orders of magnitude greater than those investigated during CAR-T studies in hematological malignancies.1 Novel methods for optimizing productivity and production times are required to progress the industrial feasibility of high-dose cell therapies. We developed an automated semi-continuous perfusion culture method suitable for rapidly generating high T cell densities with the aid of risk-based process models. The result is a robust manufacturing process capable of generating a target dose with high certainty, and minimal operational complexity and variability. Please click Additional Files below to see the full abstract