Variables Sex Research Articles

Experiences of access to care, diagnosis and rehabilitation among a multiethnic patient population with long-COVID in Denmark

Abstract Background and aim The aim of the study was to explore the experiences of accessing care, diagnosis, and rehabilitation among patients with long-COVID in a multiethnic population in Denmark. Methods Qualitative research using semi-structured interviews among a purposive sample of 18 people diagnosed with long-COVID, according to the NICE guideline, in the Capital Region of Denmark. Participants were sampled to secure variation in sex, age, ethnicity, migration status and education. Our interview guide was developed using the theoretical framework of candidacy. Interviews were transcribed verbatim, and member checked, and subsequently analyzed using thematic framework analysis and NVivo software. Results The analysis generated four categories: i) living with long-COVID, ii) access to care, iii) experiences in the healthcare system, and iv) experiences with rehabilitation. A main category was identified from these categories: limited knowledge of COVID resulting in uncertainty, which challenged nearly all aspects of access to diagnosis, care and rehabilitation among the informants. In particular, ethnic minorities experienced that their motives for seeking care were questioned or had the experience of differential treatment. In general, participants perceived to be themselves responsible of recovering, while also struggling with the mental, social and work-related consequences of their long-COVID. Conclusions Our study demonstrated how the emergence of a new viral disease with unknown long-term sequelae results in a group of patients who to a great extend carry the burden of getting better themselves. More research into relevant diagnosis, care and support for long-COVID patients is needed, especially among ethnic minorities.

Quantitative analysis of facial shape in children to support respirator design

The COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated the need for respiratory protection against airborne pathogens. Respirator options for children are limited, and existing designs do not consider differences in facial shape or size. We created a dataset of children's facial images from three cohorts, then used geometric morphometric analyses of dense and sparse facial landmark representations to quantify age, sex and ancestry-related variation in shape. We found facial shape and size in children vary significantly with age from ages 2 to 18, particularly in dimensions relevant to respirator design. Sex differences are small throughout most of the age range of our sample. Ancestry is associated with significant facial shape variation in dimensions that may affect respirator fit. We offer guidance on how to our results can be used for the appropriate design of devices such as respirators for pediatric populations. We also highlight the need to consider ancestry-related variation in facial morphology to promote equitable, inclusive products.

Epibionts of mediterranean green crab, Carcinus aestuarii Nardo, 1847 in Çanakkale Strait: Based on seasonal, sexual and color variation

Epibionts of mediterranean green crab, Carcinus aestuarii Nardo, 1847 in Çanakkale Strait: Based on seasonal, sexual and color variation

Factors affecting the syncopal episodes in pediatric vasovagal syncope.

To investigate factors that influence the syncopal episodes in pediatric vasovagal syncope (VVS). A retrospective analysis was performed on the clinical data of 2908 children who were diagnosed with VVS for the first time between January 2001 and February 2023. The study examined the linear relationships among age, sex, height, weight, heart rate (HR), blood pressure, hemodynamic type, and head-up tilt test (HUTT) mode in relation to the onset of syncope. (1) Comparative analysis of intergroup differences revealed statistically significant variations in sex, age, height, weight, HR, systolic blood pressure, hemodynamic classification, and HUTT mode among syncopal episodes groups (P < 0.05); (2) Univariate analysis identified age, female, height, weight, VVS-cardioinhibited type (VVS-CI), VVS-mixed type (VVS-M) as potential risk factors for syncope episodes. Conversely, HR and sublingual nitroglycerin HUTT (SNHUT) emerged as potential protective factors against syncope episodes. (3) Multivariate analysis indicated that the frequency of syncope episodes increased by 0.27/0.02 for each unit increase in age/weight. When females compared to males and VVS-CI and VVS-M compared to VVS-vasoinhibited type (VVS-VI), the frequency of syncope episodes increased by 1.36, 0.53, and 0.66 respectively. Furthermore, SNHUT was associated with a reduction in the number of syncope episodes by 0.34 relative to basic HUTT. Female, age, weight, VVS-CI, and VVS-M were identified as independent risk factors for syncopal episodes, while SNHUT was recognized as an independent protective factor against syncopal episodes.

Analysis of Trace and Macroelements of Lepidocephalichthys berdmorei in Relation to Sex and Seasonal Variation

Analysis of Trace and Macroelements of Lepidocephalichthys berdmorei in Relation to Sex and Seasonal Variation

B-213 Including Turner Syndrome Screening in Newborn Sequencing by Using NGS Read Counts to Infer Sex Chromosomes Copy Number: Leveraging Existing Data to Enhance Early Diagnosis

Abstract Background Turner Syndrome (TS) can lead to heart defects, short stature, and premature ovarian failure. Early diagnosis can improve outcomes, but routine screening is not standard, often delaying diagnosis until symptoms prompt karyotype analysis. Newborn NGS sequencing offers potential for early detection of genetic disorders and targets numerous gene regions on autosomes and sex chromosomes. It could be utilized to deduce sexual chromosomal copy number variations, including not only chrX monosomy but also its partial deletions and structural alterations, and chrY, which increases the risk of gonadoblastoma in TS patients. Thus, this study aims to validate a TS screening approach using NGS read count data from newborn sequencing to develop a strategy for early detection. Methods DNA samples with established chromosomal microarray ChrX and ChrY copy-number assessments were used. The cohort included 13 males (46,XY), 10 females (46,XX), 5 TS cases (45,X), 5 mosaic TS cases (2 with chrY, 3 without), 1 TS case with Isochromosome Xq, 8 Klinefelter Syndrome cases (47,XXY), and one case (48,XXYY). For NGS, a focused newborn sequencing panel targeting 388 genes derived from the larger xGEN Inherited Disease Panel (Integrated DNA Technologies) was employed. The larger panel covers 2,968 chrX regions, 53,455 autosomal regions, and 135 chrY regions. Sample processing utilized the xGEN DNA Library Prep and Hybridization Capture (Integrated DNA Technologies) and sequencing on NextSeq-500 (Illumina). The alignment was conducted with Dragen Enrichment v.3.9.5 and read count analysis with Samtools v.1.19.2. ChrX and ChrY copy numbers were assessed by comparing chrX and chrY read count ratios to autosomal read counts. Hierarchical clustering grouped samples based on ratio similarities, aiding result attribution. To identify structural alterations in each arm of chrX, every tested chrX region was analyzed for read count ratio calculation and subjected to circular binary segmentation using the DNAcopy R package. The observed sex chromosome counts were compared to expected results to validate the approach. Results Observed chrX/autosome and chrY/autosome ratio ranges matched the expected sex chromosome counts: 0.99-1.03 and 0.82-1.02 for 46,XY; 1.92-1.97 and 0.00-0.01 for 46,XX; 1.00-1.02 and 0.00-0.00 for 45,X; 1.15-1.46 and 0.00-0.00 for mosaic TS without chrY; 0.98-1.06 and 0.27-0.32 for mosaic TS with chrY; 2.45 and 0.0 for TS with Isochromosome Xq; 1.82-2.01 and 0.87-0.95 for 47,XXY; and 2.02 and 1.96 for 48,XXYY. Hierarchical cluster analysis grouped these values into three branches: one for 48,XXYY, one for 47,XXY, 46,XX, and Isochromosome Xq, and one for all other TS samples and 46,XY. TS and 47,XXY samples were further divided into subbranches from 46,XX and 46,XY. Circular binary segmentation of chrX read counts provided a visual profile of the copy number for each arm of chrX, explaining structural alterations in out-of-pattern chrX dosages, such as 2.45, 1.15, and 1.46. Conclusions There was complete agreement between the NGS read count-based assessment of sex chromosome copy number and the expected results for 46,XY, 46,XX, 45,X, TS with mosaic and structural variants, 47,XXY, and 48,XXYY samples. This suggests that TS can be effectively screened using newborn sequencing NGS data.

Examining the effects of the HIV-1 protein Tat and morphine on antiretroviral accumulation and distribution within the brain.

Despite combination antiretroviral therapy effectively suppressing HIV within the periphery, neuro-acquired HIV (neuroHIV) remains a significant problem and approximately half of people living with HIV will experience HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders (HAND). Concurrent opioid use exacerbates neuroHIV by promoting neuroinflammation, neuronal injury and synaptodendritic culling, viral replication, and potentially altering antiretroviral concentrations within the brain. The present study examined the effects of HIV and morphine co-exposure on the accumulation and spatial distribution of antiretroviral drugs across multiple regions within the brain in an HIV-1 Tat transgenic mouse model by using infrared-matrix-assisted laser desorption electrospray ionization mass spectrometry imaging (IR-MALDESI MSI). Morphine exposure uniquely decreased antiretroviral concentrations in anterior cerebral (primary motor and somatosensory) cortices, corpus collosum (anterior forceps), caudoputamen, nucleus accumbens, and posterior regions including the hippocampus, corpus callosum (main body), cerebral cortex (somatosensory and auditory cortices), thalamus, and hypothalamus. Interestingly, male mice experienced greater morphine-associated decreases in antiretroviral concentrations than females. The study also assessed whether changes in antiretroviral concentrations were linked with inflammation in astroglia, assessed through the measurement of astroglial activation using glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) as a marker. Alterations in antiretroviral concentrations co-registering with areas of astroglial activation exhibited sex-specific treatment differences. This study highlights the intricate interplay between HIV, opioids, and antiretroviral drugs within the CNS, elucidating distinct regional and sex variations in responsiveness. Our findings emphasize the identification of vulnerabilities within the neural landscape and underscore the necessity of carefully monitoring opioid use to maintain the efficacy of antiretroviral therapies.

Factors associated with attitudes towards sexuality in Venezuelan migrants in Pamplona, Colombia

Introduction: Sexuality is an essential dimension in human beings. Migrants become a vulnerable population in situations that affect their sexual and reproductive rights. Objective: This study aimed to identify the factors associated with attitudes towards sexuality in Venezuelan migrants in Colombia. Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted with a sample of Venezuelan migrants over 18 years of age, selected at convenience. Sociodemographic characteristics were evaluated, and the Trueblood Sexual Attitudes Questionnaire (TSAQ) scale was applied, which evaluates attitudes towards one's sexuality (self) and others. Results: Participated 369 adults. The study group's average TASQ score was 5.81 ± 0.65. By subscale, the highest average occurred in homosexuality (8.39), followed by sexual variation (6.37), autoeroticism (4.93), commercial sex (4.70), and heterosexuality (4.27). Conclusions: Sociodemographic factors such as schooling, having children, occupation, level of study, social stratum, and sexual orientation influence attitudes toward sexuality in migrants.

Seasonal and Sexual Variations in Corticosterone and Total Triiodothyronine: A Pilot Study in Mediterranean Tortoises (Testudo hermanni).

The Mediterranean tortoise Testudo hermanni inhabits different regions bordering the northwestern Mediterranean. This species is vulnerable, protected by legislation, and involved in various breeding and reintroduction programs. Wild populations face numerous environmental and anthropogenic stressors that can potentially interfere with their conservation. While seasonal changes in stress-response biomarkers, such as glucocorticoids and thyroid hormones, have been widely studised in mammals and birds, there is a paucity of research in reptile species. Therefore, the present study aimed to evaluate the seasonal fluctuations in corticosterone and total triiodothyronine levels in adult and juvenile Hermann's tortoises (Testudo hermanni) as a measure of the physiological stress response. Blood samples were collected seasonally (winter, spring, summer, and autumn) and posteriorly analyzed by using a specific and validated enzyme immunoassay for both hormones, respectively. The results showed that corticosterone levels varied seasonally and differed between sexes, whereas total triiodothyronine levels changed seasonally but did not differ between sexes. Notably, juveniles exhibited no seasonal changes in either corticosterone or total triiodothyronine levels. Additionally, no correlation between blood extraction duration and hormonal concentrations was observed. This study is pioneering in its comprehensive evaluation of corticosterone and total triiodothyronine changes across all four seasons, including winter, and its focus on juvenile Hermann's tortoises.

Evaluation of Axillae Skin Thickness by High-Frequency Ultrasound.

High-frequency ultrasound has been utilized in dermatology to visualize superficial cutaneous structures. Axillae are often target of treatments for hair removal, for spot clearing, and for skin conditions such as hyperhidrosis, bromhidrosis, and hidradenitis. Detailed knowledge of armpit thickness can help improve existing therapies and increase their effectiveness. To describe the mean skin thickness of axillae, by further investigating possible correlations with variations in age, sex, and body mass index (BMI). Axillae were divided into 5 quadrants, 1 central and 4 peripherals. Skin has been assessed by ultrasonography, measuring the distance from epidermis surface to dermal depth, in millimeters, for each of the regions. Thirty healthy patients participated, most of them were female (n = 22; 73%), mean age 50 years (26-70 years). Most patients have maximum thickness in the center of axillae (87%). Average skin thickness in the central region was 3.1 ± 0.4 mm. There was significant difference between axillary thickness in central and peripheral regions (p < .05). On the periphery, the mean thickness was smaller (1.8 mm) without significant variation between the squares. There was no significant variation of skin thickness by sex, age, and BMI. This study shows a difference between thickness of axillae in the central region and in its periphery.

Racial and Sex Differences in Genomic Profiling of Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma.

Racial and sex disparities in the incidence and outcomes of patients with intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (iCCA) exist, yet potentialgenomic variations of iCCA based on race and sex that might be contributing to disparate outcomeshave not been well studied. Data from the American Association for Cancer ResearchProject GENIE registry (version 15.0) were analyzed to assess genetic variations in iCCA. Adult patients (age >18 years) with histologically confirmed iCCA who underwent next-generation sequencing were included in the analytic cohort. Racial and sex variations in genomic profiling of iCCA were examined. The study enrolled 1068 patients from 19 centers (White, 71.9%; Black, 5.1%; Asian, 8.4%, other, 14.6%). The male-to-female ratio was 1:1. The majority of the patients had primary tumors (73.7%), whereas 23.0% had metastatic disease sequenced. While IDH1 mutations occurred more frequently in White versus Black patients (20.8% vs. 5.6%; p = 0.021), FGFR2 mutations tended to be more common among Black versus White populations (27.8% vs. 16.1%; p = 0.08). Males were more likely to have TP53 mutations than females (24.3% vs. 18.2%, p = 0.016), whereas females more frequently had IDH1 (23.3% vs 16.0 %), FGFR2 (21.0% vs. 11.3%), and BAP1 (23.4% vs. 14.5%) mutations than males (all p < 0.05). Marked variations in the prevalence of other common genomic alterations in iCCA were noted across different races and sexes. Distinct genomic variations exist in iCCA across race and sex. Differences in mutational profiles of iCCA patients highlight the importance of including a diverse patient population in iCCA clinical trials as well as the importance ofrecognizing different genetic drivers that may be targetable to treatdistinct patient cohorts.

Study on Sex Determination and Variation in Gender Expression of Individual Trees in a Population of Cedrusdeodara (Roxb.) G. Don. From Dense Temperate Forests of Northern India

Conifers are reported to exhibit predominantly monoecious behaviour however, numerous species and some genera show uncertainties regarding their gender expression. The factors influencing the sexual differentiation of strobili in monoecious or dioecious conifers remain poorly understood. To investigate this unpredictable phenomenon in conifers, we selected three populations representing pure stands of Cedrusdeodara in dense temperate forests of Northern India, specifically one in Uttarakhand and two in Himachal Pradesh. Each site was surveyed, and total 900 trees were marked as male, female, monoecious and neutral trees based on their reproductive behaviour and sexual representation. Selection criteria were based on the reproductive age of Cedrusdeodara, as it attains maturity when it reaches a height of 19 to 20 meters. Our findings revealed that Cedrusdeodara exhibits subdioecious behaviour, characterized by the occurrence of four basic sex forms such as male trees, female trees, monoecious trees, and neutral trees. Yearly observations from 2014 to 2016 unveiled that Cedrusdeodara does not exhibit consistent reproductive behaviour. Instead, the species displays a fascinating pattern of alternation between dioecy and monoecy. Additionally, it was also found that individual trees demonstrated change in their expression of sex during each reproductive cycle. These findings underscore the complexity of sex determination and reproductive plasticity in Cedrusdeodara. The study has revealed that the monoecious behaviour was more dominant than the dioecious behaviour, and the individual tree changes its sexual representation depending upon the rate of seed production the previous year. This research pave the way for future investigations into the factors influencing sex expression and reproductive behaviour in conifers and will contribute to our broader knowledge of plant sexuality and plant evolution.

Bioelectrical impedance vector analysis and track and field jump performance across different specialties: Sex differences and electrode configuration.

The assessment of athletic performance using non-invasive methods has been a significant focus in research aimed at measuring physiological parameters. This study explores the application of bioelectrical impedance vector analysis (BIVA) among track and field athletes, with a focus on sex differences, electrode configuration, and the correlation between BIVA parameters and jump performances. This cross-sectional study involved 61 Italian track and field athletes: 31 females and 30 males (age: 21.4 ± 3.8; 21.1 ± 2.6 years; stature: 166.1 ± 6.1; 180.1 ± 5.0 cm; body mass: 57.4 ± 9.7; 72.5 ± 10.5 kg, respectively). Anthropometric measurements, bioelectrical impedance analysis, and athletic jump performance were conducted. The RXc graph, two-sample Hotelling's T2 test for BIVA, and one-way ANOVA for specialty comparisons were employed. Pearson and Spearman's tests evaluated the correlations between BIVA parameters and jump performance. Differences in bioimpedance values were observed between athlete groups. Lateral asymmetries were more pronounced in females. Correlations between BIVA and jump performance also varied by sex and electrode configuration, ranging from r = -0.072, p = 0.699-r = 0.555, p = 0.001 in females, and from r = 0.204, p = 0.281-r = 0.691, p = 0.001 in males. This study highlights the utility of BIVA in providing rapid and non-invasive assessments of body composition and its relationship with jump performance, considering variations in athlete sex and electrode configuration.

All-cause mortality due to conduction abnormalities in the United States: Sex, racial, and geographic variations from 1999 to 2022

BackgroundMortality related to conduction abnormalities in the United States (US) population is not well documented. Population-based stratification approaches can improve public health policies and targeted strategies. ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to evaluate all-cause mortality related to conduction abnormalities in the US population MethodsThe Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Wide-Ranging Online Data for Epidemiologic Research database was used to calculate the age-adjusted mortality rate (AAMR) per 100,000 individuals older than 35 years related to conduction abnormalities between 1999 and 2022. ResultsA total of 207,861 deaths were attributed to conduction abnormalities throughout the study period ,with 56,186 of these deaths occurring between 2020 and 2022. All-cause mortality related to conduction abnormalities has increased during the past decade with an exponential growth in 2020–2021 (coronavirus disease 2019 era; annual percent change of 16.6% per year). Although the mortality rates decreased in 2022, they remained elevated compared to 2019–2020. Throughout the past 2 decades, males consistently exhibited higher mortality rates than females, with the rate in 2022 being 1.5 times higher (AAMR 11.4 vs 7.0 per 100,000). Non-Hispanic Black patients experienced a significantly higher mortality rate compared to non-Hispanic White individuals in the study period (AAMR 13.7 vs 8.6 per 100,000 in 2022). In the past 2 decades, mortality has been persistently higher in rural and small- to medium-sized metropolitan areas than in large metropolitan urban areas. ConclusionMortality rates related to conduction abnormalities have increased over the past decade, and persistent disparities have been observed. These data suggest that continued innovative outreach approaches and engagement with underrepresented populations remain essential.

A non-invasive measure of bone growth in mammals: Validating urinary CTX-I as a bone resorption marker through long-bone growth velocity in bonobos.

Assessing bone growth trajectories in mammals is crucial for understanding life history dynamics, but the quantification of bone growth in natural settings can be challenging. Bone resorption markers that can be measured in urine, such as C-telopeptide of type I collagen (CTX-I), offer a non-invasive solution to assess bone growth. Although measurement of urinary CTX-I levels has been applied extensively in human studies, its use in other species is so far limited to a few clinical studies. To validate urinary CTX-I as a bone resorption marker under less controlled conditions, we investigated within-individual day-to-day variation, diurnal patterns, and sex and age-specific variation in zoo-housed bonobos (Pan paniscus). We then also correlated urinary CTX-I levels with forearm growth velocity measures. We found a day-to-day variability in urinary CTX-I levels of around 25%, comparable to human variation. Diurnally, CTX-I levels decreased, aligning with observations in humans and other species. Both sexes showed an age-related decline in urinary CTX-I levels, with a steady decrease after the age of 10 years. Additionally, we found a positive correlation between forearm growth velocity and urinary CTX-I levels across age in female, but not in male, bonobos. Our results demonstrate that urinary CTX-I levels are a meaningful measure of bone growth and highlight its potential to examine bone growth trajectories also in wild populations to investigate life history dynamics.

Response to chronic crowding stress in shy and bold behavioral groups of male and female zebrafish.

In recent years, there has been a burgeoning interest in exploring the nuances of animal stress physiology, particularly in relation to parameters such as sex and behavioral phenotype-dependent variations, which is crucial for understanding phenotypic variation and its role in evolutionary selection. However, a significant dearth remains in how chronic stressors affect organismal stress physiology concerning the aforesaid parameters. This void is even wider pertaining to the response of peripheral tissues, such as the skin, the organ with the highest surface contact area with the environment. Hence, we behaviorally grouped the zebrafishes based on their boldness and the body condition, whole body cortisol response, along with examining the transcriptional response, global DNA methylome, and oxidative DNA damage in the skin upon chronic crowding. Upon baseline conditions, clear distinction between bold and shy phenotypes was found, particularly in males. The boldness index score distribution exhibited greater uniformity in males than in females. Regarding the body condition response to chronic crowding, shy males showed a significant relative decline compared with their bold counterparts, while this trend did not hold true for females. qPCR data revealed distinctive expression patterns in key genes that play critical roles in cellular processes such as stress-mediated gene regulation, immune response, oxidative stress protection, and maintenance of genomic integrity through epigenetic modifications across behavioral phenotypes and sexes under both with and without chronic crowding stress. Global DNA methylation levels significantly declined only in chronically crowded shy males, and sex/behavioral phenotype-dependent trends in oxidative DNA damage were identified.NEW & NOTEWORTHY This paper analyzes the response of zebrafish to crowding stress through a new approach focused on the peripheral response dynamics of the skin, the main mucosal tissue, and involving sex and behavioral phenotype influences. Shy males showed significant distress as observed by body condition, physiological and transcriptional response, and global DNA methylation. Nuances in stress response across behavioral phenotypes and sex indicate a genetic and behavioral specificity and further inherent epigenetic regulatory dimension.

Reliability of Moyer's and Tanaka Johnston's prediction methods in a non-Caucasian heterogeneous population - a cross-sectional study.

Mixed dentition analyses are used to determine possible tooth-size and arch-length discrepancies during the transition from primary to permanent dentition. Prediction methods using a probability table or linear regression equation use the sum of the mesiodistal widths of mandibular permanent incisors to predict the mesiodistal width of unerupted permanent teeth. Racial and sexual variations and sexual dimorphism in tooth size have been reported. The objective of this study is to validate Moyer's and Tanaka Johnston's mixed dentition analyses in a contemporary South Indian population.

Evaluating utility of routine ferritin testing in blood donors: A hospital-based blood donor centre experience.

Iron deficiency (ID) poses a prevalent concern among blood donors, especially impacting young donors, premenopausal females and frequent donors. In alignment with recommendations to address ID, routine ferritin testing was implemented in a hospital-based donor centre. Data set, encompassing 26 164 ferritin values from 16 464 blood donors over 33 months, were analysed retrospectively. Ferritin levels were assessed concerning donor characteristics such as sex, age, ethnicity and donation frequency. Ferritin testing revealed age, sex and ethnicity variations, emphasising the heightened risk of ID in young females meeting all donation criteria under 23 year of age who demonstrated the lowest mean baseline ferritin (41% [CI: 34%-48%] < 26 ng/mL; 20% [CI: 14%-25%] < 15 ng/mL). Postmenopausal females exhibited ferritin levels similar to similarly aged males. Irrespective of sex, donors showcased mean ferritin recovery within 6 months. Analysis of ferritin recovery post-donation showed a five-fold increase in risk (compared with first visit) of ID when donors return at a 2-month interval. 'Regular' donors (≥10 visits) approach a median steady ferritin level (~30-35 ng/mL) by the sixth visit. As reliance on regular blood donors increases, donation policies must strike a balance between blood centre resources and the risks posed to both regular and at-risk donors. Frequent blood donation led to donors attaining a mean steady state ferritin level above the threshold for ID. At-risk groups, particularly premenopausal females, were several times more likely to experience ID after donation but demonstrated recovery rates similar to their group's baseline levels. This valuable information informed the development of new donor deferral policies.

Quantitation of the physicochemical properties of myelin using Nile Red fluorescence spectroscopy.

Myelin is a vital structure that is key to rapid saltatory conduction in the central and peripheral nervous systems. Much work has been done over the decades examining the biochemical composition and morphology of myelin at the light and electron microscopic levels. Here we report a method to study myelin based on the fluorescent probe Nile Red. This lipophilic dye readily partitions into live and chemicallyfixed myelin producing bright, well-resolved images of the sheath. Using spectral confocal microscopy, a complete emission spectrum of Nile Red fluorescence can be acquired for each pixel in an image. The solvatochromic properties of Nile Red cause its emission spectrum to change depending on the polarity of its local environment. Therefore, measuring spectral shifts can report subtle changes in the physicochemical properties of myelin. We show differences in myelin polarity in central versus peripheral nervous system and in different regions of central nervous system white matter of the mouse brain, together with developmental and sex variations. This technique is also well suited for measuring subtle changes in myelin properties in live exvivo white matter specimens. We also demonstrate how light deprivation induces a myelin polarity change in adult mouse optic nerve underscoring a continuing myelin plasticity in response to axonal activity well into adulthood. The Nile Red spectroscopic method allows measurement of subtle physicochemical changes in myelin that can importantly influence its electrical properties and by extension, conduction velocities in axons.

Perception of dental appearance and aesthetic analysis among patients, laypersons and dentists.

Current concepts of beauty are increasingly subjective, influenced by the viewpoints of others. The aim of the study was to evaluate divergences in the perception of dental appearance and smile esthetics among patients, laypersons and dental practitioners. The study goals were to evaluate the influence of age, sex, education and dental specialty on the participants' judgment and to identify the values of different esthetic criteria. Patients sample included 50 patients who responded to a dental appearance questionnaire (DAQ). Two frontal photographs were taken, one during a smile and one with retracted lips. Laypersons and dentists were asked to evaluate both photographs using a Linear Scale from (0-10), where 0 represent (absolutely unaesthetic) and 10 represent (absolutely aesthetic). One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and t-test analysis were measured for each group. Most patients in the sample expressed satisfaction with most aspects of their smiles and dental appearance. Among laypersons (including 488 participants), 47 pictures "with lips" out of 50 had higher mean aesthetic scores compared to pictures "without lips". Among the dentist sample, 90 dentists' perception towards the esthetic smile and dental appearance for photos "with lips" and "without lips" were the same for 23 out of 50 patients. Perception of smile aesthetics differed between patients, laypersons and dentists. Several factors can contribute to shape the perception of smile aesthetic. To compare the perception of dental aesthetic among patients, laypersons, and professional dentists, to evaluate the impact of age, sex, educational background, and income on the judgments made by laypersons, to assess the variations in experience, specialty, age, and sex on professional dentists' judgment, and to evaluate the role of lips, skin shade and tooth shade in different participants' judgments. Patients sample included 50 patients who responded to DAQ. Two frontal photographs were taken: one during a smile and one with retracted lips. Laypersons and dentists were asked to evaluate both photographs using a Linear Scale from (0-10), where 0 represent (absolutely unaesthetic) and 10 represent (absolutely aesthetic). One-way ANOVA and t-test analysis were measured for each group. Most patients in the sample expressed satisfaction with most aspects of their smiles and dental appearance. Among laypersons (including 488 participants), 47 pictures "with lips" out of 50 had higher mean aesthetic scores compared to pictures "without lips". Whereas among the dentist sample, 90 dentists' perception towards the esthetic smile and dental appearance for photos "with lips" and "without lips" were the same for 23 out of 50 patients. Perception of smile aesthetics differed between patients, laypersons and dentists. Several factors can contribute to shape the perception of smile aesthetic.