Computer Reconstruction of the Cellular Architecture of the Daphnia Magna Optic Ganglion

Author(s):  
E. R. Macagno ◽  
C. Levinthal

The optic ganglion of Daphnia Magna, a small crustacean that reproduces parthenogenetically contains about three hundred neurons: 110 neurons in the Lamina or anterior region and about 190 neurons in the Medulla or posterior region. The ganglion lies in the midplane of the organism and shows a high degree of left-right symmetry in its structures. The Lamina neurons form the first projection of the visual output from 176 retinula cells in the compound eye. In order to answer questions about structural invariance under constant genetic background, we have begun to reconstruct in detail the morphology and synaptic connectivity of various neurons in this ganglion from electron micrographs of serial sections (1). The ganglion is sectioned in a dorso-ventra1 direction so as to minimize the cross-sectional area photographed in each section. This area is about 60 μm x 120 μm, and hence most of the ganglion fit in a single 70 mm micrograph at the lowest magnification (685x) available on our Zeiss EM9-S.

2016 ◽  
Vol 57 (3-4) ◽  
pp. 139-154 ◽  
Author(s):  
Laura Schwarz ◽  
Sonia Sippel ◽  
Andrew Entwistle ◽  
Anna Kathrin Hell ◽  
Sarah Koenig

Purpose: Given the high attrition rate in the field of academic surgery, we aimed to characterise the professional and personal situations of female and male academic surgeons as well as to gather data on their respective perceptions of career advancement and work satisfaction. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional survey in Germany, inviting all identifiable academically highly qualified female surgeons and their male counterparts in a 1:2 ratio to participate. An anonymous 103-item online questionnaire was designed and the data collected between July and September 2014. Results: The questionnaire was sent to 93 female and 200 male surgeons, of whom 63 women (67.7%) and 70 men (35.0%) replied. The average age was 47.5 and 47.1 years, respectively. Respondents identified ‘high degree of expertise', ‘ambition', and ‘clarity of one's professional aims' as important factors affecting professional career development. Both groups felt ‘workload', ‘working hours/shifts', and ‘gender' to be a hindrance, the latter of significantly greater importance to female surgeons. The mean work satisfaction scores were high in both female (69.5%) and male (75.7%) surgeons. The predictors ‘support from superiors' (standardised β coefficient = 0.41) and ‘manual aptitude' (β = 0.41) contributed incrementally to the variance in ‘high degree of work satisfaction' (90-100%) observed for female surgeons. However, childcare provided by ‘kindergarten/crèche/after-school care' had the greatest negative predictive value (β = -1.33). Conclusions: Although there are many parallels, female faculty members experience the culture of academic surgery to some extent differently from their male counterparts, especially when impacted by parenthood and childcare. Faculty development programmes need to develop strategies to improve perceived equality in career opportunities by respecting individuals' requirements as well as offering gender-appropriate career guidance.


Author(s):  
Jorge L. Ordóñez-Carrasco ◽  
María Sánchez-Castelló ◽  
Elena P. Calandre ◽  
Isabel Cuadrado-Guirado ◽  
Antonio J. Rojas-Tejada

Several studies have emphasized the heterogeneity of fibromyalgia patients. Furthermore, fibromyalgia patients are considered a high-risk suicide group. The ideation-to-action framework proposes a set of transdiagnostic psychological factors involved in the development of suicidal ideation. The present study aims to explore the existence of different subgroups according to their vulnerability to suicidal ideation through these transdiagnostic psychological variables and a set of variables typically associated with fibromyalgia. In this cross-sectional study, 151 fibromyalgia patients were assessed through the Revised Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire, Beck Depression Inventory-II, Plutchik Suicide Risk Scale, Interpersonal Needs Questionnaire, Defeat Scale, Entrapment Scale, Psychache Scale, and Beck Hopelessness Scale. A K-means cluster analysis identified two clusters, one (45.70%) according to a low vulnerability, and a second (54.30%) with a high vulnerability to suicidal ideation. These clusters showed statistically significant differences in suicidal ideation and suicide risk. However, no differences were observed in most socio-demographic variables. In conclusion, fibromyalgia patients who present a clinical condition characterized by a moderate-high degree of physical dysfunction, overall disease impact and intensity of fibromyalgia-associated symptoms, along with a high degree of perceived burdensomeness, thwarted belongingness, defeat, entrapment, psychological pain and hopelessness, form a homogeneous group at high risk for suicidal ideation.


2021 ◽  
pp. 192-194
Author(s):  
Shazia Bashir ◽  
Aamir Hussain ◽  
Irm Yasmeen

AIM: To evaluate and compare the cytograding of breast cancers using Robinson's and Moriquand's grading methods MATERIAL AND METHODS: This study was a cross-sectional retrospective study conducted over a period of three years w. e .f October 2014 to October 2017 and includes diagnosed or highly suspicious malignant cases of breast carcinoma. Slides were retrieved from the cytology section of Department of Pathology, GMC Jammu. A total of 84 cases of breast cancers were studied and grading was done using Robinson's and Mouriquand's methods and the two grading methods were then compared. RESULTS: Out of 84 cases of breast cancers , on using Robinson's grading method , 11 cases [13.10%] were graded as grade 1, 65 cases [77.38%] were graded as grade 2 and 8 cases [9.52%] cases as grade 3. 9 (10.71%) cases are graded as Grade I by Mouriquand's method with score less than 5. 68(80.95%) cases were graded as Grade II with score 5-9 and 7 (8.33%) were graded ad Grade III with score ≥10. On doing comparison between the two cytograding methods, we found a high degree of concordance between the two systems [ 96.42% ] . The relationship observed between the scores obtained by the two methods was also seen to be highly signicant. CONCLUSION: There is possibility of comprehensive cytograding of breast cancers by using the two different methods proposed by Robinson's and Moriquand's but out of the two methods inspite of a high degree of concordance between the two methods , the grading system of Robinson's because of its more objective set of criterias and easy reproducibility has been found to be easier and better.


2021 ◽  
Vol 15 (10) ◽  
pp. 2619-2621
Author(s):  
Mariya Manzoor ◽  
Haseeb Ahmed Khan ◽  
Sabiha Riaz ◽  
Imrana Tanvir ◽  
Atiya Batool Gardezi ◽  
...  

Aim: To determine the degree of agreement between Ki67 and histopathology to differentiate between hydatidiform mole and hydropic abortus. Methods: Descriptive, Cross Sectional Survey was conducted in the Department of Pathology, Fatima Memorial Hospital, Lahore during 6 months (May 11, 2016 to Nov 11, 2016). Using non-probability consecutive sampling, 105 cases were included in this study as per the inclusion and exclusion criteria. 10% buffered formalin was used to fix the sepecimens. Gross examination and staining with Hematoxylin and Eosin was done. The cases were diagnosed by a histopathologist. IHC staining Ki67 was performed, assessed by histopathologist and the data was recorded on the proforma. Results: The mean age was 27.79±5.81 years with minimum and maximum ages of 18 years and 42 years respectively. The histopathological findings showed hydatidiform mole in 41 (39%) women and hydropic abortus in 64(61%) women. The Ki67 was reported to be >25 in 41(39%) patients and less than or equal to 25 in 64(61%) patients. The agreement of differentiation in the two types for histopathology and Ki67 was found in 101(96.2%) patients. Kappa statistics showed 92% (p-value= 0.000) strength of agreement between histopathology and Ki67. Conclusion: There is high degree of agreement between Ki67 and histopathology for differentiation of hydatidiform mole and hydropic abortus. So Ki67 can be used as an adjacent in histopathologic diagnosis of hydatidiform mole in difficult cases. MeSh words: Hydatidiform Mole, Immunohistochemistry, Ki-67 Antigen


Author(s):  
Teresa Neves ◽  
Vitor Rodrigues ◽  
João Graveto ◽  
Pedro Parreira

Objective to contribute to the validation study of the Scale of Adverse Events associated with Nursing Practices in the hospital context. Method cross-sectional study, in public hospital units, in the central and northern regions of Portugal. The exploratory factor analysis of the Scale of Adverse Events associated to Nursing Practices was conducted with a sample of 165 nurses and the confirmatory factorial analysis was made with a sample of 685 nurses. Reliability, internal consistency and construct validity were estimated. The invariance of the model was evaluated in two subsamples to confirm the stability of the factorial solution. Results the global sample consisted of 850 nurses aged between 22 and 59, mostly licensed professionals. The model had a good overall fit in the subscales (Nursing Practices: χ2/df = 2.88, CFI = 0.90, GFI = 0.86, RMSEA = 0.05, MECVI = 3.30; Adverse Events: χ2/df = 4.62, CFI = 0.93, GFI = 0.95, RMSEA = 0.07, MECVI = 0.39). There was a stable factor structure, indicating strong invariance in the subscale Nursing Practices and structural invariance in the subscale Adverse Events. Conclusion the refined model of the Scale of Adverse Events associated with Nursing Practices revealed good fit and stability of the factorial solution. The instrument was adjusted to evaluate the perception of nurses about adverse events associated with health care, precisely nursing care, in the hospital setting.


Author(s):  
Mirela Ioana Flueraşu ◽  
Ioana Corina Bocşan ◽  
Ioan-Andrei Țig ◽  
Simona Maria Iacob ◽  
Daniela Popa ◽  
...  

The aim of the present study was to establish the prevalence of sleep/awake bruxism among young students in Transylvania and to correlate the presence of this muscle activity with behavioral variations. This analytical, observational, cohort, cross-sectional, and prospective study involved 308 volunteers aged between 19 and 30 years of different nationalities, all students of the “Iuliu Hațieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy in Cluj-Napoca, Romania. Subjects were asked to complete an anonymous questionnaire which was structured in five sections. The results obtained from the questionnaires were analyzed separately for sleep bruxism and for awake bruxism. We did not find any statistically significant correlation between awake bruxism or sleep bruxism and age (p = 0.30 and p = 0.37, respectively), sex (p = 0.44 and p = 0.48, respectively), or nationality (p = 0.55 and p = 0.67, respectively). Only a high degree of stress and frustration (p = 0.035 and p = 0.020) was observed in European subjects except for the Romanians and the French, likely related to the difficulties of adapting to the language and lifestyle in Romania. Female sex was statistically significantly associated with an increased level of stress (p = 0.004), duty-related depression (p = 0.006), and duty-related anxiety (p = 0.003). Stress and anxiety can be favorable factors in the appearance of both types of bruxism; however, depression is associated only with awake bruxism.


2017 ◽  
Vol 17 (1) ◽  
pp. 95-132
Author(s):  
Umar Dantani ◽  
Peter Nungshak Wika ◽  
Muhammad Maigari Abdullahi

Abstract The paper examines the politics of security deployment by the Federal Government of Nigeria to Jos, metropolis. A cross-sectional study was conducted and Public Opinion Theory adopted. Methodologically, mixed methods of data collection were conducted that involved the administration of 377 questionnaires to adult respondents, six In-Depth Interviews with religious and community leaders while three Key Informant Interviews with security personnel working with Special Task Force. The survey reveals that, the deployment of Mobile Police from 2001-2010 and the formation of Special Task Force in 2010 has generated mixed reactions and divergent perceptions among the residents of Jos metropolis. Majority of the ethnic groups that are predominantly Christians were more contented with the deployment of the Mobile Police whereas ethnic groups that are dominantly Muslims questioned the neutrality, capability, performance and strength of the Nigerian Police Force in managing the crises. The study recommends that, security personnel should display high degree of neutrality in order to earn the confidence of the residents and change their perceptions.


2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (2) ◽  
pp. 16
Author(s):  
Manuel Andrade Bella Méndez ◽  
Pedro Mora Andrey Ortiz ◽  
María Alejandra Pérez ◽  
Frangher Salas Juan Zambrano

  Los beneficios del apego temprano, diada madre e hijo al momento del nacimiento, se basan en una estrecha interrelación con incidencia sobre aspectos fisiológicos y psicológicos de ambos. El objetivo fue analizar los efectos del apego temprano en la evolución fisiológica y psicológica madre-hijo. El estudio fue aplicado, mixto, exploratorio y descriptivo, de diseño no experimental, de campo y transversal. El área de estudio fue el Ambulatorio Urbano Palo Gordo con un número de partos mensuales promedio de cuatro. También se aplicaron dos cuestionarios: Maternal Attachment Inventory (MAI) y Escala de Apego durante Estrés (ADS). Se evaluaron dos partos eutócicos, con recién nacidos masculino y femenino, con talla, peso, temperatura y Apgar normales. El contacto piel a piel fue inadecuado en ambos, con mejores tiempos el primero, lo que se reflejó en un exitoso proceso de lactancia materna exclusiva. El desarrollo psicomotor no presentó diferencias. Una de las diadas madre-hijo presentó un alto grado de vinculación afectiva y conductas relacionadas con un apego sano, mientras que la otra no.   Palabras clave: Apego temprano, evolución, madre, hijo.   Abstract The benefits of early attachment, mother and child dyad at birth, are based on a close interrelation with incidence on physiological and psychological aspects of both. The objective was to analyze the effects of early attachment on the mother-child physiological and psychological evolution. The study was applied, mixed, exploratory and descriptive, with a non-experimental, field and cross-sectional design. The study area was the Palo Gordo Urban Outpatient Clinic with an average number of monthly deliveries of four. Two questionnaires were also applied: Maternal Attachment Inventory (MAI) and Attachment Scale during Stress (ADS). Two eutocic deliveries were evaluated, with male and female newborns, with normal height, weight, temperature and Apgar. Skin-to-skin contact was inadequate in both, with better times the first, which was reflected in a successful process of exclusive breastfeeding. Psychomotor development did not show differences. One of the mother-child dyads presented a high degree of bonding and behaviors related to healthy attachment, while the other did not.   Keywords: Early attachment, evolution, mother, son


2008 ◽  
Vol 24 (7) ◽  
pp. 491-500 ◽  
Author(s):  
Y Verma

Aquatic toxicity of textile dyes and textile and dye industrial effluents were evaluated in an acute toxicity study using Daphnia magna as an aquatic experimental animal model. The 48-h EC50 value for the azo dyes, Remazol Parrot Green was 55.32 mg/L and for Remazol Golden Yellow was 46.84 mg/L. Whereas 48-h EC50 values for three dye industrial effluents (D1, D2, and D3) were 14.12%, 15.52%, and 29.69%, respectively. Similarly, EC50 value for three textile mill effluents (T1, T2, and T3) were >100%, 62.97%, and 63.04%, respectively. These results also showed linear relationship with high degree of confidence ( r2 = >0.84 to >0.99) between immobility and test concentrations. The ratio of 24 to 48-h EC50 remains to be in between 1.1 and 1.2. The general criteria of toxicity classification showed that both dyes were minor acutely toxic having 48-h EC50 in between 10 and 100 mg/L. Of the six textile and dye industrial effluents tested, one was not acutely toxic (48-h EC50 > 100%) and five were minor acutely toxic (48-h EC50 > 14.12–29.69%). The toxicity classification of effluent based on toxic unit (TU) showed that of the six effluents tested five were found toxic (TU = >1) and one was non-toxic (TU = <1). Thus, dye effluents showed highest toxicity and textile effluents lowest toxicity. The study also suggested that the assay with D. magna was an excellent method for evaluation of aquatic toxicity of dyes and dyes containing industrial effluents.


Author(s):  
Wenhuan Sun ◽  
Jason Paulovich ◽  
Victoria Webster-Wood

Abstract Electrochemically Aligned Collagen (ELAC) threads fabricated by the isoelectric focusing (IF) of collagen have previously shown potential in tissue engineering and more recently in the fabrication of biohybrid robot structures. For applications in biohybrid robotics, ELAC structures are needed that are both robust and compliant enough to facilitate muscle actuation. However, studies on the effects of IF parameters, and the interactions of such fabrication parameters, on the mechanical and geometric properties of resulting ELAC threads have not been previously found in literature. Understanding the impact of these manufacturing parameters on the material properties is critical to facilitate biohybrid robot design. In this study, the effects of IF duration, IF voltage, and collagen solution concentration were investigated and showed statistically significant effects on adjusting ELAC properties via single-factor experiments. The interactions between parameters exhibited significant joint effects on ELAC property tuning through two-factor experiments. Scanning electron microscopy and 2,4,6-trinitrobenzenesulfonic assays revealed the correlation between high mechanical properties and a combination of low porosity and high degree of crosslinking. By simply tuning IF parameters without changing other fabrication steps, such as crosslinker concentration, ELAC threads with a wide range of mechanical and geometric properties were fabricated. The average tensile modulus of the resulting ELAC threads ranged from 198±90 to 758±138 MPa. The average cross-sectional area ranged from 7756±1000 to 1775±457 µm2. The resultant mapping between IF parameters and ELAC thread properties enabled the production of strong and flexible threads with customizable properties.


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