Systematic Variation in the Pattern of Gene Paralog Retention between the Teleost Superorders Ostariophysi and Acanthopterygii

Teleost fish underwent whole-genome duplication around 450 Ma followed by diploidization and loss of 80-85% of the duplicated genes. To identify a deep signature of this teleost-specific whole-genome duplication (TSGD), we searched for duplicated genes that were systematically and uniquely retained in one or other of the superorders Ostariophysi and Acanthopterygii. TSGD paralogs comprised 17-21% of total gene content. Some 2.6% (510) of TSGD paralogs were present as pairs in the Ostariophysi genomes of Danio rerio (Cypriniformes) and Astyanax mexicanus (Characiformes) but not in species from four orders of Acanthopterygii (Gasterosteiformes, Gasterosteus aculeatus; Tetraodontiformes, Tetraodon nigroviridis; Perciformes, Oreochromis niloticus; and Beloniformes, Oryzias latipes) where a single copy was identified. Similarly, 1.3% (418) of total gene number represented cases where TSGD paralogs pairs were systematically retained in the Acanthopterygian but conserved as a single copy in Ostariophysi genomes. We confirmed the generality of these results by phylogenetic and synteny analysis of 40 randomly selected linage-specific paralogs (LSPs) from each superorder and completed with the transcriptomes of three additional Ostariophysi species (Ictalurus punctatus [Siluriformes], Sinocyclocheilus species [Cypriniformes], and Piaractus mesopotamicus [Characiformes]). No chromosome bias was detected in TSGD paralog retention. Gene ontology (GO) analysis revealed significant enrichment of GO terms relative to the human GO SLIM database for growth, Cell differentiation, and Embryo development in Ostariophysi and for Transport, Signal Transduction, and Vesicle mediated transport in Acanthopterygii. The observed patterns of paralog retention are consistent with different diploidization outcomes having contributed to the evolution/diversification of each superorder.

Influence of Lentinus edodes and Agaricus blazei extracts on the prevention of oxidation and retention of tocopherols in soybean oil in an accelerated storage test

This study aimed to evaluate the influence of the methanol extracts of mushrooms Lentinus edodes and Agaricus blazei on the retention of tocopherols in soybean oil, when subjected to an accelerated storage test. The following treatments were subjected to an accelerated storage test in an oven at 60 A degrees C for 15 days: Control (soybean oil without antioxidants), TBHQ (soybean oil + 100 mg/kg of TBHQ), BHT (soybean oil + 100 mg/kg of BHT), L. edodes (soybean oil + 3,500 mg/kg of L. edodes extract) and A. blazei (soybean oil + 3,500 mg/kg of A. blazei extract). The samples were analyzed for tocopherols naturally present in soybean oil and mass gain. The results showed, the time required to reach a 0.5% increase in mass was 13 days for TBHQ and 15 days for A. blazei. The content of tocopherols for TBHQ was 457.50 mg/kg and the A. blazei, 477.20 mg/kg.

Implant-retained finger prosthesis with modified retention system

Background: Amputations affect both the physical and the psychological aspects of an individual, causing significant impact on self-esteem. The main causes of finger amputations are work-related accidents with dangerous machinery, road traffic accidents, and animal bites, as well as systemic diseases such as diabetes. This report aims to describe a simple technique for fabrication of implant-retained finger prosthesis with a modified base of the retention system.Case Description and Methods: The O-Ring retention system was used with a modified hexagon-shaped base and a metallic capsule adapted to the acrylic resin to attach the prosthesis to the implant.Findings and Outcomes: The prosthesis was made with silicone, and after osseointegration, it was installed without complications, leading to a patient satisfied with the end result and encouraged to return to social life.

Pre-extrusion aromatization of a soy protein isolate using volatile compounds and flavor enhancers: Effects on physical characteristics, volatile retention and sensory characteristics of extrudates

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)

Trichomes related to an unusual method of water retention and protection of the stem apex in an arid zone perennial species

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)

Improvement of water transport and carotenoid retention during drying of papaya by applying ultrasonic osmotic pretreatment

The effect of ultrasound and osmotic dehydration pretreatments on papaya drying kinetics was investigated. The ultrasound pretreatment was carried out in an ultrasonic bath at 30 A degrees C. The osmotic pretreatment in sucrose solution was carried out in an incubator at 34 A degrees C and agitation of 80 rpm for 210 min. The drying process was conducted in a fixed bed dryer at 70 A degrees C. Experimental data were fitted successfully using the Page model for dried fresh and pretreated fruits, with coefficient of determination greater than 0.9992 and average relative error lower that 14.4 %. The diffusional model was used to describe the moisture transfer, and the effective water diffusivity was identified in the order of 10(-9) m(2) s(-1). It was found that drying rates of osmosed fruits were the lowest due to the presence of infused solutes, while the ultrasound pretreatment contributed to faster drying rates. Evaluation of the dried fruit was performed by means of total carotenoids retention. Ultrasound treatments in distilled water prior to air-drying gave rise to dried papayas with retention of carotenoids in the range 30.4-39.8 % and the ultrasonic-assisted osmotic dehydration of papayas showed carotenoids retention values up to 64.9 %, whereas the dried fruit without pretreatment showed carotenoids retention lower than 24 %.

Incorporating priorities for waiting customers in the hypercube queuing model with application to an emergency medical service system in Brazil

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)

Herpes zoster-associated acute urinary retention in immunocompetent patient

Herpes zoster-associated urinary retention is an uncommon event related to virus infection of the S2-S4 dermatome. The possible major reasons are ipsilateral hemicystitis, neuritis-induced or myelitis-associated virus infection. We report a case of a 65-year-old immunocompetent female patient who presented an acute urinary retention after four days under treatment with valacyclovir for gluteal herpes zoster. The patient had to use a vesical catheter, was treated with antibiotics and corticosteroids and fully recovered after eight weeks.

Influence of crown-to-implant ratio, retention system, restorative material, and occlusal loading on stress concentrations in single short implants

Purpose: The aim of this study was to assess the contributions of some prosthetic parameters such as crown-to-implant (C/I) ratio, retention system, restorative material, and occlusal loading on stress concentrations within a single posterior crown supported by a short implant. Materials and Methods: Computer-aided design software was used to create 32 finite element models of an atrophic posterior partially edentulous mandible with a single external-hexagon implant (5 mm wide × 7 mm long) in the first molar region. Finite element analysis software with a convergence analysis of 5% to mesh refinement was used to evaluate the effects of C/I ratio (1:1; 1.5:1; 2:1, or 2.5:1), prosthetic retention system (cemented or screwed), and restorative material (metal-ceramic or all ceramic). The crowns were loaded with simulated normal or traumatic occlusal forces. The maximum principal stress (σmax) for cortical and cancellous bone and von Mises stress (σvM) for the implant and abutment screw were computed and analyzed. The percent contribution of each variable to the stress concentration was calculated from the sum of squares analysis. Results: Traumatic occlusion and a high C/I ratio increased stress concentrations. The C/I ratio was responsible for 11.45% of the total stress in the cortical bone, whereas occlusal loading contributed 70.92% to the total stress in the implant. The retention system contributed 0.91% of the total stress in the cortical bone. The restorative material was responsible for only 0.09% of the total stress in the cancellous bone. Conclusion: Occlusal loading was the most important stress concentration factor in the finite element model of a single posterior crown supported by a short implant.

Competition Between Novelty and Cocaine Conditioned Reward Is Sensitive to Drug Dose and Retention Interval

The conditioned rewarding effects of novelty compete with those of cocaine for control over choice behavior using a place conditioning task. The purpose of the present study was to use multiple doses of cocaine to determine the extent of this competition and to determine whether novelty’s impact on cocaine reward was maintained over an abstinence period. In Experiment 1, rats were conditioned with cocaine (7.5, 20, or 30 mg/kg ip) to prefer one side of an unbiased place conditioning apparatus relative to the other. In a subsequent phase, all rats received alternating daily confinements to the previously cocaine paired and unpaired sides of the apparatus. During this phase, half the rats had access to a novel object on their initially unpaired side; the remaining rats did not receive objects. The ability of novelty to compete with cocaine in a drug free and cocaine challenge test was sensitive to cocaine dose. In Experiment 2, a place preference was established with 10 mg/kg cocaine and testing occurred after 1, 14, or 28 day retention intervals. Findings indicate that choice behaviors mediated by cocaine conditioning are reduced with the passing of time. Taken together, competition between cocaine and novelty conditioned rewards are sensitive to drug dose and retention interval.

Positively Impacting the Retention Rates and Performance for Students-of-Color

This session reports on a first-year program designed to assist students-of-color in adjusting to higher education. Session participants will have the opportunity to view the overall structure of the program, including training components, academic tracking methodology, assessment and technology, enhancement programs, and additional services that S.T.A.R.S. provides.

Black Faculty Recruitment and Retention in the Voices of Black Faculty

“Black faculty focus groups explored major issues and concerns, examined awareness levels of Black faculty, and identified factors that have positive impact on recruitment and retention efforts.”

"IF YOU BUILD THEM UP, THEY WILL STAY": THE ROLE OF RECOGNITION AND FEEDBACK ON STUDENT RETENTION

While such stratagems are certainly well founded, and have achieved varying degrees of success, it may be that a more fundamentally vital area of examination is being largely overlooked, namely the impact of the high school experience.

Role of Two Clusters of Male Alcoholics in Treatment Retention

Aims: This study aimed to classify alcohol-dependent outpatients on the basis of clinical factors and to verify if the resulting types show different treatment retention. Methods: The sample comprised 332 alcoholics that were enrolled in three different pharmacological trials carried out at Sao Paulo University, Brazil. Based on four clinical factors problem drinking onset age, familial alcoholism, alcohol dependence severity, and depression - K-means cluster analysis was performed by using the average silhouette width to determine the number of clusters. A direct logistic regression was performed to analyze the influence of clusters, medication groups, and Alcoholics Anonymous ( AA) attendance in treatment retention. Results: Two clusters were delineated. The cluster characterized by earlier onset age, more familial alcoholism, higher alcoholism severity, and less depression symptoms showed a higher chance of discontinuing the treatment, independently of medications used and AA attendance. Participation in AA was significantly related to treatment retention. Discussion: Health services should broaden the scope of services offered to meet heterogeneous needs of clients, and identify treatment practices and therapists which improve retention. Information about patients' characteristics linked to dropout should be used to make treatment programs more responsive and attractive, combining pharmacological agents with more intensive and diversified psychosocial interventions. Copyright (C) 2012 S. Karger AG, Basel