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This observational study investigated the relationship between malocclusion and smiling. Adolescents and young adults (n = 72; aged 16-25 years) were identified according to their Dental Aesthetic Index (DAI) and allocated to 3 groups: (1) malocclusion group (n = 24; DAI ≥31), (2) retention group (n = 24; pretreatment DAI ≥31) with a prior malocclusion that had been corrected by orthodontic treatment, (3) control group with no-to-minor malocclusion (n = 24; DAI ≤25). Participants were requested to watch an amusing video. Based on the Facial Action Coding System, automated pattern recognition was used to detect smile episodes and assess their frequency, duration, genuineness, intensity, and extent of tooth show. Demographics, Big Five personality dimensions, and self-perceived smile esthetics-related quality of life were collected from all participants via questionnaires. Data were analyzed by mixed-model analysis and adjusted for possible confounders. Patients from the malocclusion and retention groups smiled significantly less than participants from the control group, with the duration of smiles and smiling time being around half those of control subjects. Smile genuineness, smile intensity, and teeth shown did not differ across groups. Personality traits did not differ significantly among the 3 groups, whereas the malocclusion group scored around 30% less for dental self-confidence than the other 2 groups. Patients with severe malocclusion tend to smile less, but the features of their smiles are similar to those without malocclusion. A lower propensity to smile in patients with a corrected malocclusion may persist after orthodontic treatment. • Features of smiles can be automatedly assessed using pattern recognition software. • Severe malocclusion has a marked impact on smile esthetics – related quality of life. • Patients with severe malocclusion smile less frequently than those with aligned teeth. • A lower propensity to smile may persist after orthodontic treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A genome-wide association study is conducted for the identification of the novel common variants that are associated with the circulating carotenoid levels and known lipid variants associated with [alpha]-tocopherol levels. The common variation taking place in the [beta]-carotene 15,15'-monooxygenase 1 gene is shown to affect the circulating levels of carotenoids.

Approximately 1 in 4 people worldwide have non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD); however, there are currently no medications to treat this condition. This study investigated the role of adiposity-associated orphan G protein-coupled receptor 75 (GPR75) in liver lipid accumulation. We profiled Gpr75 expression and report that it is most abundant in the brain. Next, we generated the first single-cell-level analysis of Gpr75 and identified a subpopulation co-expressed with key appetite-regulating hypothalamic neurons. CRISPR-Cas9-deleted Gpr75 mice fed a palatable western diet high in fat adjusted caloric intake to remain in energy balance, thereby preventing NAFLD. Consistent with mouse results, analysis of whole-exome sequencing data from 428,719 individuals (UK Biobank) revealed that variants in GPR75 are associated with a reduced likelihood of hepatic steatosis. Here, we provide a significant advance in understanding of the expression and function of GPR75, demonstrating that it is a promising pharmaceutical target for NAFLD treatment. [Display omitted] • Hypothalamic RNA-seq revealed Gpr75 co-expression with hunger-promoting neurons • Gpr75 knockout mice calibrate intake of palatable, high-fat diet to remain in energy balance • A sex effect in adiposity features was detected in people and mice with GPR75 mutations • Mutations in GPR75 in people and mice protect against fatty liver disease Leeson-Payne et al. identify that mutations in orphan receptor GPR75 are protective against the development of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. These findings provide a much-needed novel treatment target for a prevalent disease in the global population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• We saw no increase in child abuse at 9 pediatric trauma centers during the first 3 months of the COVID-19 pandemic. • It is possible that we have not seen the full impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on child abuse and this topic needs continued surveillance. Economic, social, and psychologic stressors are associated with an increased risk for abusive injuries in children. Prolonged physical proximity between adults and children under conditions of severe external stress, such as witnessed during the COVID-19 pandemic with "shelter-in-place orders", may be associated with additional increased risk for child physical abuse. We hypothesized that child physical abuse rates and associated severity of injury would increase during the early months of the pandemic as compared to the prior benchmark period. We conducted a nine-center retrospective review of suspected child physical abuse admissions across the Western Pediatric Surgery Research Consortium. Cases were identified for the period of April 1-June 30, 2020 (COVID-19) and compared to the identical period in 2019. We collected patient demographics, injury characteristics, and outcome data. There were no significant differences in child physical abuse cases between the time periods in the consortium as a whole or at individual hospitals. There were no differences between the study periods with regard to patient characteristics, injury types or severity, resource utilization, disposition, or mortality. Apparent rates of new injuries related to child physical abuse did not increase early in the COVID-19 pandemic. While this may suggest that pediatric physical abuse was not impacted by pandemic restrictions and stresses, it is possible that under-reporting, under-detection, or delays in presentation of abusive injuries increased during the pandemic. Long-term follow-up of subsequent rates and severity of child abuse is needed to assess for unrecognized injuries that may have occurred. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heart attack, or myocardial infarction (MI), is the death of heart tissue following loss of blood flow (ischemia) due to atherosclerosis usually combined with clot formation (thrombosis). Prompt restoration of blood flow can result in salvage of heart tissue and is increasingly being accomplished by thrombolytic (clot-breaking) agents, which are best used as soon as possible after occurrence of MI. Many patients develop stenosis (narrowing) of coronary arteries after thrombolysis, however, with associated risks of greater illness and death. It is difficult to identify these patients; in an effort to do so, MI patients may be routinely catheterized to identify residual stenosis, and some are treated with balloon angioplasty, in which a balloon catheter is inflated at narrowed sites within the blood vessel. However, use of these techniques without better selection of patients at risk may not result in improved function or survival. Thallium imaging, or more precisely, dipyridamole thallium-201 scintigraphy, is a type of radioisotope scanning that is now frequently used to identify the extent of coronary artery disease (CAD). Ischemia (reduced oxygen supply to the heart muscle) is frequently induced during diagnostic studies of CAD by having patients exercise; dipyridamole is a compound which can mimic the exercise effect. The safety and effectiveness of dipyridamole and thallium imaging in studying CAD were evaluated in 50 patients with MI who had received thrombolytic therapy. Dipyridamole was safe to use; 26 percent of patients developed angina (chest pain due to ischemia), which was quickly reversed with aminophylline without any harm. All but two patients had abnormal thallium scans. Residual ischemia was found in 29 patients with scanning, whereas coronary angiography (X-ray of the coronary arteries) had found this in only 19 patients. This suggests that the degree of vessel stenosis determined by angiography does not predict the presence of jeopardized heart muscle tissue determined by thallium scan. This type of thallium scan was not as sensitive to the extent of CAD, whereas angiography could determine the involvement of multiple coronary blood vessels. The study suggests that dipyridamole used in thallium scans may be useful in determining which patients would benefit from balloon angioplasty or coronary artery bypass, but further research is needed. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

To link to full-text access for this article, visit this link: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.cell.2007.05.053 Byline: John M. Perry (1), Linheng Li (1)(2) Abstract: Stem cells reside in a microenvironment or niche that is critical for stem cell maintenance and regulation. But what happens when a stem cell niche is disrupted? In this issue of Cell, two reports () demonstrate in mice that alterations in the niche for hematopoietic stem cells lead to the development of myeloproliferative disease. Author Affiliation: (1) Stowers Institute for Medical Research, 1000 East 50th Street, Kansas City, MO 64110, USA (2) Department of Pathology, Kansas University Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA

Introduction: Effective communication of risk is a requisite for valid consent, shared decision-making, and the provision of person-centered care. No agreed standard for the content of discussions with patients about the risks of orthodontic treatment exists. This study aimed to produce a professional consensus recommendation about the risks that should be discussed with patients as part of consent for orthodontic treatment.Methods: A serial cross-sectional survey design using a modified electronic Delphi technique was used. Two survey rounds were conducted nationally in the United Kingdom using a custom-made online system. The risks used as the prespecified items scored in the Delphi exercise were identified through a structured literature review. Orthodontists scored treatment risks on a 1-9 scale (1 = not important, 9 = critical to discuss with patients). The consensus that a risk should be discussed as part of consent was predefined as ≥70% orthodontists scoring risk as 7-9 and <15% scoring 1-3.Results: The electronic Delphi was completed by 237 orthodontists who reached a professional consensus that 10 risks should be discussed as part of consent for orthodontic treatment; demineralization, relapse, resorption, pain, gingivitis, ulceration, appliances breaking, failed tooth movements, treatment duration, and consequences of no treatment.Conclusions: A professional orthodontic consensus has been reached that 10 key risks should be discussed with patients as part of consent for orthodontic treatment. The information in this evidence base should be tailored to patients' individual needs and delivered as part of a continuing risk communication process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Discusses the potentials of adapting corporate change models for public service organizations such as libraries. Enhancement of definition and focus of library's mission; Consensual accommodation of collaboratively built strategies.

Prolactin (Prl)-induced phosphorylation of Stat (signal transducer and activator of transcription) 5 is considered a key event in functional mammary development and differentiation. We now demonstrate that not only Prl, but also growth hormone (GH) and epidermal growth factor (EGF), can activate Stat5 in mammary tissue. We investigated the roles of these hormones in mammary development using mice in which the respective receptors had been inactivated. Although Prl receptor (PrlR)-null mice are infertile, we were able to maintain pregnancies in a few mice by treatment with progesterone. Mammary tissue in these mice was severely underdeveloped and exhibited limited differentiation as assessed by the phosphorylation status of Stat5 and the expression of milk protein genes. PrlR +/- mice showed impaired mammary development and alveolar differentiation during pregnancy, which corresponded with reduced phosphorylation levels of Stat5a and 5b, and impaired expression of milk protein genes. Development of the glands in these mice was arrested at around day 13 of pregnancy. While Prl activated Stat5 only in the epithelium, GH and EGF activated Stat5 preferentially in the stroma. To assess the relevance of the GH receptor (GHR) in the mammary gland, we transplanted GHR-null epithelium into cleared fat pads of wild-type mice. These experiments demonstrated that the GHR in the epithelium is not required for functional mammary development. Similarly, the EGFR in the epithelium is not required for alveolar development. In contrast, epithelial PrlR is required for mammary development and milk protein gene expression during pregnancy. Although GH is not required for alveolar development, we were able to demonstrate its lactogenic function in cultured mammary epithelium from PrlR-null mice. However, ductal development in GHR-null mice was impaired, supporting the notion that GH signals through the stromal compartment. Our findings demonstrate that GH, Prl, and EGF activate Stat5 in separate compartments, which in turn reflects their specific roles in ductal and alveolar development and differentiation.

Graphical abstract Abstract The preparation and evaluation of chromogenic substrates for detecting bacterial glycosidase enzymes is reported. These substrates are monoglycoside derivatives of the metal chelators catechol, 2,3-dihydroxynaphthalene (DHN) and 6,7-dibromo-2,3-dihydroxynaphthalene (6,7-dibromo-DHN). When hydrolysed by appropriate bacterial enzymes these substrates produced coloured chelates in the presence of ammonium iron(III) citrate, thus enabling bacterial detection. A β- d -riboside of DHN and a β- d -glucuronide derivative of 6,7-dibromo-DHN were particularly effective for the detection of S. aureus and E. coli respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Within the study of temporal psychology, researchers have classified individuals as ‘past’, ‘present’, or ‘future’ depending on how they respond to items in a variety of scales. This labelling implicitly assumes that if an individual is ‘future’, they are equally ‘future’ in all domains of life. However, emerging research has suggested that orientation to the future might be domain-specific. Building on previous research with adolescents only, we used an adolescent ( N  = 243) sample, and a University ( N  = 173) sample to further examine the psychometric validity, internal consistency, and construct validity of the Domain Specific Consideration of Future Consequences (CFC) Scale. Results of Confirmatory Factor Analysis revealed acceptable validity and internal consistency for scale scores. Domain specificity was demonstrated via correlations between Domain Specific CFC scores and scores on other future-orientated constructs. Endorsing self-reported behavior in each domain was also associated with significantly higher scores on Domain Specific CFC factors, in models adjusted for future temporal focus score, subjective life expectancy, and both gender, and sample. With evidence emerging for the domain specificity of CFC scores, it may be time for this literature to examine domain specificity in all constructs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Lower limb amputees (LLAs) are at increased risk of falling due to the inherent asymmetry resulting from their limb loss, muscle weakness and other neuro-musculoskeletal limitations.Research Question: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of a personalised exercise programme on falls prevention and gait parameters in LLAs.Methods: Fifteen LLAs, recruited from their local prosthetic services centre, were block randomised, by age and level of amputation, into two groups: exercise group (transfemoral, n = 5; transtibial, n = 2) and control group (transfemoral, n = 5; transtibial, n = 3). The exercise group completed a 12-week programme, focusing on strength, balance, flexibility and walking endurance, delivered in group sessions at the University, and combined with a personalised home exercise programme. Temporal-spatial, 3D kinematic and kinetic gait parameters were collected at baseline and post-intervention. Falls incidence was also followed up at 12 months.Results: The exercise group experienced significantly fewer falls in the one-year period from baseline, compared with the average annual falls rate, obtained at baseline (P = 0.020; d = 1.54). Gait speed in the exercise group increased by 0.21 m∙s-1, to 0.98 m∙s-1  (P < 0.001; d = 0.91), through increased intact limb cadence. In the pre-swing phase, there were significant increases in intact limb peak vertical force, and affected limb peak propulsive (anterior) force for the exercise group. Power absorption and generation significantly increased at both the intact and affected hip joints (H3) and the intact ankle (A1 and A2) for the exercise group, resulting in significant group*time interactions.Significance: This is the first study to document the clinically meaningful benefits of an exercise intervention for falls prevention and gait performance in LLAs. Specialised exercise programmes for community-dwelling LLAs should be implemented as a method to reduce falls and improve walking performance in this population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives The purpose of the present study was to examine the predictive capabilities of sportspersonship, moral competence, and emotional intelligence on cooperation in varying competitive conditions. Design An experimental study was conducted, examining responses in a prisoner's dilemma game with manipulated conditions. Method Forty-three participants were randomly assigned to an accumulative or competitive condition, in which they contested 10 rounds of choosing to cooperate or defect. Results Whether the condition was accumulative or competitive did not significantly predict cooperation. In the final round of each contest however, cooperation was significantly reduced. Sportspersonship predicted a significant amount of cooperation percentage, while final round cooperation was predicted by emotional intelligence. Conclusions Cooperation is in part determined by individual levels of sportspersonship in all conditions except when actions are free of future consequence. In such conditions, emotional intelligence appears to be a stronger indicator of cooperation. The implications of the study are that researchers and practitioners should consider how to develop sportspersonship and emotional intelligence to boost cooperation in various domains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The evolution of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) provides an opportunistic approach for the detection of pathogenic bacteria. This approach can be enhanced by the application of VOC-labelled enzyme substrates that target specific enzyme activities of the bacteria under investigation. Detection of the VOCs provides a novel, specific and sensitive approach for the detection of pathogenic bacteria. This review highlights the importance of this approach alongside a range of alternative detection techniques for the identification of pathogenic bacteria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The research of Dr. Bent Flyvbjerg in the 1990s and early 2000s showed that urban rail projects often cost more than estimated and carried fewer riders than projected, a troubling trend suggesting that the forecasts for urban rail projects were too optimistic in terms of cost and ridership. Inspired by that research, this analysis seeks to extend that framework to analyze Bus Rapid Transit (BRT). A study of forecast vs. actual costs and ridership was conducted for 19 BRT projects in the United States. From this, it was found that the cost projections for these projects tended to be quite accurate, but ridership projections tended to be quite inaccurate and showed a clear tendency towards an optimism bias. As BRT becomes a more common choice for rapid transit investment in the US, this analysis suggests that current ridership forecasting methods still leave much to be desired. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Researchers have proposed 1-factor, 2-factor, and bifactor solutions to the 12-item Consideration of Future Consequences Scale (CFCS-12). In order to overcome some measurement problems and to create a robust and conceptually useful two-factor scale the CFCS-12 was recently modified to include two new items and to become the CFCS-14. Using a University sample, we tested four competing models for the CFCS-14: (a) a 12-item unidimensional model, (b) a model fitted for two uncorrelated factors (CFC-Immediate and CFC-Future), (c) a model fitted for two correlated factors (CFC-I and CFC-F), and (d) a bifactor model. Results suggested that the addition of the two new items has strengthened the viability of a two factor solution of the CFCS-14. Results of linear regression models suggest that the CFC-F factor is redundant. Further studies using alcohol and mental health indicators are required to test this redundancy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Aggression Questionnaire (AQ) measures aggression in four domains: Anger, Hostility, Physical Aggression and Verbal Aggression. Moreover, a number of shorter versions of the AQ have emerged. The present study used a large sample of adolescents to test three versions of the AQ. In each case we examined a unidimensional model, a hierarchical model, and a four-factor model. Results of Confirmatory Factor Analysis revealed limited support for a unidimensional model in any of the AQ forms, with results supporting the widely used four-factor model, and to a lesser extent, the hierarchical model. Fit indices for both short-forms of the AQ using Exploratory Structural Equation Modelling were very good. However, results also revealed only partial gender invariance for both scales. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Time perspective continues to evolve as a psychological construct. The extant literature suggests that higher future orientation and lower present orientation are associated with better developmental outcomes. However, the extant literature also suggests that issues remain with the measurement of the construct. Recently, a 25-item version of the Zimbardo Time Perspective Inventory (ZTPI-25) was suggested for use based on high internal consistency estimates and good discriminant validity of scores in a sample of Italian adolescents. However, the genesis of this scale is uncertain. The present study examined the factorial validity, reliability, and concurrent validity of ZTPI-25 scores in Slovenian, American, and British adolescents. Results revealed satisfactory concurrent validity based on correlations with measures used in the development of the full ZTPI. However, internal consistency and factorial validity of scores were unsatisfactory. The present study questions the use of the ZTPI-25 with adolescents in the context of conceptual and measurement issues more broadly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim We qualitatively explored the Sport Drug Control Model (SDCM; Donovan, Eggar, Kapernick, & Mendoza, 2002 ), in order to examine coaches’ perceptions of adolescent athletes’ attitudes and susceptibility towards doping. Methods Eleven coaches ( M = 10) from four countries, who worked in seven different sports (athletics, basketball, kayaking, racquetball, rowing, rugby league, and rugby union) were recruited to take part in semi-structured interviews. Transcribed interviews were analysed via a three-stage inductive and deductive coding process, which allowed us to identify common themes among the participants. Results The coaches believed that adolescents’ attitudes towards doping were influenced by perceptions of threat and benefit appraisals, morality, self-esteem, legitimacy, and reference group opinion. We also identified additional factors, which included age/maturation, sport level, pressure, country of residence, and ethnicity. Conclusions Our findings provide qualitative support for the SDCM, but also offer fresh insight into some of the nuances specific to adolescent athletes from different countries and cultures. Further research is required to test our proposed model with larger samples of adolescent athletes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Four isolates of Gram-negative facultatively anaerobic bacteria, three of them producing NDM-1 carbapenemase, were isolated from hospitalized patients and outpatients attending two military hospitals in Rawalpindi, Pakistan, and studied for their taxonomic position. Initially the strains were phenotypically identified as Citrobacter species. Comparative analysis of 16S rRNA gene sequences then showed that the four strains shared >97%, but in no case >98.3%, 16S rRNA gene sequence similarities to members of the genera Citrobacter, Kluyvera, Pantoea, Enterobacter and Raoultella, but always formed a separate cluster in respective phylogenetic trees. Based on multilocus sequence analysis (MLSA) including partial recN, rpoA, thdF and rpoB gene sequence and respective amino acid sequence analysis it turned out that the strains also here always formed separate clusters. Based on further comparative analyses including DNA–DNA hybridizations, genomic fingerprint analysis using rep- and RAPD-PCRs and physiological tests, it is proposed to classify these four strains into the novel genus Pseudocitrobacter gen. nov. with a new species Pseudocitrobacter faecalis sp. nov. with strain 25 CITT (=CCM 8479T =LMG 27751T) and Pseudocitrobacter anthropi sp. nov. with strain C138T (=CCM 8478T =LMG 27750T), as the type strains, respectively. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Highlights: [•] Use of volatile organic compounds (VCs) as indicators of pathogenic bacteria. [•] Application of VCs to analysis of food and clinical samples. [•] Headspace solid-phase microextraction gas chromatography with mass spectrometry. [•] Development of a diagnostic tool for identification of pathogenic bacteria. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The purpose of this study was to assess the factorial validity of the Mental Toughness Questionnaire-48 (Clough, Earle, & Sewell, 2002). In total, 8207 participants (male n =4019, female n =3922, unspecified=266) aged between 16 and 68years (M =37.00, SD =12.09) completed the MTQ48. Model fit was assessed using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and exploratory structural equation modeling, in addition to the robust maximum likelihood estimator. Overall, our results support the factorial validity of the MTQ48 and indicate that the MTQ48 is a robust psychometric measure of mental toughness. Along with previous data, which supports the internal validity of the MTQ48 in addition to results of this study, it would appear that the MTQ48 is an acceptable method of assessing mental toughness. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Sub-micron sized carbon molecular sieve (CMS) materials were produced via ball milling for subsequent use in hybrid material formation. A detailed analysis of the effects of the milling process in the presence of different milling environments is reported. The milling process apparently alters the molecular scale structure and properties of the carbon material. Three cases: unmilled, air milled and nitrogen milled, were analyzed in this work. The property changes were probed using equilibrium sorption experiments with different gases. Furthermore, WAXD and BET results also showed differences between milling processes. Finally in order to improve the interfacial polymer-sieve region of hybrid membranes, the CMS surface was chemically modified with a linkage unit capable of covalently bonding the polymer to the sieve. A published single-wall carbon nanotube (SWCNTs) modification method was adopted to attach a primary aromatic amine to the surface. Several aspects including rigidity, chemical composition, bulky groups and length were considered in selecting the preferred linkage unit. Fortunately kinetic and equilibrium sorption properties of the modified sieves showed very little difference from unmodified samples, suggesting that the linkage unit is not excessively filling or obstructing access to the pores of the CMSs during the modification process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A total of 200 antenatal high vaginal swabs were screened for the presence of group B Streptococcus (GBS) using a conventional culture method (recommended by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention). Screening was also performed by using a new chromogenic agar, chromID Strepto B, and by using the BD GeneOhm StrepB real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR), which was performed directly on swabs without enrichment. Using a combination of all methods, we detected GBS in 101 samples. A total of 82 samples (81.2%) were positive using PCR, and 83 samples (82.2%) were confirmed as positive by culture (any method). PCR was more sensitive for detection of GBS than direct culture using any method (P < 0.0005). PCR was also more sensitive than any single enrichment method, but this difference was not statistically significant. With culture as a “gold standard”, the PCR method showed a sensitivity of 77.1% and a positive predictive value of 79.3%. Of the culture-positive samples, significantly, more GBSs were detected by direct plating on chromID Strepto B than on selective sheep blood agar (67.5% versus 57% respectively, P < 0.02). After selective enrichment, 92.8% of GBS were isolated on chromID Strepto B compared with 89.2% isolated on sheep blood agar. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The link between gambling and bankruptcy is investigated. By exploiting a natural experiment, refining the identification techniques traditionally used in the literature, and incorporating time effects, it was found that casino style gambling and pari-mutuel wagering have different impacts on bankruptcy rates. The results show that pari-mutuel gambling increases bankruptcies for counties within 25 miles of a gambling facility by 9.25%. This represents a total increase of more than 1500 bankruptcies for the studied counties. Bankruptcy rates for counties more than 25 miles from pari-mutuel gambling establishments are not impacted. In addition, casino style gambling showed no significant impact on county bankruptcies, regardless of accessibility. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The amides 8a–e and 10a–c were prepared as chromogenic aminopeptidase substrates. A range of microorganisms were grown in the presence of these compounds and coloured colonies were produced in several cases after addition of acetic acid—thus giving potential methods for the detection of aminopeptidase activity and for microorganism identification. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Pulmonary nodules are a frequent finding on chest imaging studies, with differential including multiple benign entities, but malignancy is often also a concern. Computed Tomography (CT) and Fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG)-Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scans have improved the characterization of pulmonary nodules. However, many nodules remain indeterminate and require periodic monitoring. Here we report two nodular pulmonary amyloidosis cases as a rare etiology of enlarging pulmonary nodules with FDG avidity. Case 1: 75-year-old woman with a history of asthma, emphysema, bronchiectasis, and a 48 pack-year smoking history was found to have subcentimeter groundglass pulmonary nodules in the right lower lobe (RLL). Follow-up imaging demonstrated an increased solid component of a RLL bulla associated with mild FDG uptake on PET scan. A CT-guided biopsy revealed amyloid deposition. Case 2: 77-year-old man with a history of interstitial lung disease, asbestos exposure, prior tobacco use, and atrial fibrillation treated with amiodarone was found to have a 1.6cm RLL nodule. Follow-up imaging identified an interval increase to 2.0cm associated with moderate FDG uptake on PET scan. Transthoracic biopsy identified amyloid deposition. Nodular pulmonary amyloidosis is a rare form of amyloidosis which may present as an enlarging pulmonary nodule with FDG avidity, raising concern for malignancy. A CT-guided biopsy is a safe way to establish a diagnosis. Recent studies have demonstrated an association between nodular pulmonary amyloidosis and marginal zone lymphomas, which warrants longitudinal follow-up for evolution to lymphoproliferative disorder. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary Regulation of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) by bone marrow (BM) niches has been extensively studied; however, whether and how HSC subpopulations are distinctively regulated by BM niches remain unclear. Here, we functionally distinguished reserve HSCs (rHSCs) from primed HSCs (pHSCs) based on their response to chemotherapy and examined how they are dichotomously regulated by BM niches. Both pHSCs and rHSCs supported long-term hematopoiesis in homeostasis; however, pHSCs were sensitive but rHSCs were resistant to chemotherapy. Surviving rHSCs restored the HSC pool and supported hematopoietic regeneration after chemotherapy. The rHSCs were preferentially maintained in the endosteal region that enriches N-cadherin+ (N-cad+) bone-lining cells in homeostasis and post-chemotherapy. N-cad+ cells were functional bone and marrow stromal progenitor cells (BMSPCs), giving rise to osteoblasts, adipocytes, and chondrocytes in vitro and in vivo. Finally, ablation of N-cad+ niche cells or deletion of SCF from N-cad+ niche cells impaired rHSC maintenance during homeostasis and regeneration. Graphical Abstract Highlights • rHSC and pHSCs are distinguished by their resistance or sensitivity to chemotherapy • pHSCs in the perivascular niche are largely eliminated by chemotherapy • rHSCs are maintained by N-cad+ cells and restore the HSC pool after chemotherapy • N-cad+ BMSPCs expand and produce SCF and other cytokines for rHSCs upon stress Zhao et al. demonstrate that blood-forming stem cells have a back-up system in stressed condition. Both reserve and active stem cells are maintained in the bone marrow by specific niches. While the latter are chemo-sensitive, the former survive and restore stem cells, and thereby generate the blood system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]