Randomization of left-right asymmetry due to loss of nodal cilia generating leftward flow of extraembryonic fluid in mice lacking KIF3B motor protein

Microtubule-dependent motor, murine KIF3B, was disrupted by gene targeting. The null mutants did not survive beyond midgestation, exhibiting growth retardation, pericardial sac ballooning, and neural tube disorganization. Prominently, the left-right asymmetry was randomized in the heart loop and the direction of embryonic turning. lefty-2 expression was either bilateral or absent. Furthermore, the node lacked monocilia while the basal bodies were present. Immunocytochemistry revealed KIF3B localization in wild-type nodal cilia. Video microscopy showed that these cilia were motile and generated a leftward flow. These data suggest that KIF3B is essential for the left-right determination through intraciliary transportation of materials for ciliogenesis of motile primary cilia that could produce a gradient of putative morphogen along the left-right axis in the node.     

Arch-length asymmetry related to an odontoma in a three-year-old

Hypothyroidism developed in a neonate following the excision of a large cervical teratoma. This finding supports the observation that cervical teratomas commonly arise from thyroid tissue. Thyroid function tests should be performed routinely in all patients in whom identifiable residual thyroid tissue is not demonstrated at the conclusion of the operation.     

Ascites due to hypothyroidism

A 77-year-old man presented with ascites which was due to hypothyroidism. After the ascites had been brought into remission by salt restriction, diuretics and paracentesis, monotherapy with levothyroxine prevented recurrence. Ascites reappeared as soon as levothyroxine was withdrawn due to the patient's non-compliance. Distinctive aspects of this type of ascites are the high concentration of total protein in the ascites and the high serum-to-ascites albumin gradient (SAAG). The pathogenesis of ascites in hypothyroidism is unknown. Possible hypotheses include increased capillary permeability, obstruction to lymphatic flow caused by hyaluronic acid-albumin complexes, and diminished water diuresis due to excess antidiuretic hormone. A patient with unexplained ascites should be tested for hypothyroidism, especially when the SAAG is high (> 11 g/l).     

Frontal brain asymmetry predicts infants' response to maternal separation.

Examined whether certain features of infant temperament might be related to individual differences in the asymmetry of resting frontal activation. EEG was recorded from the left and right frontal and parietal scalp regions of 13 normal 10-month-old infants. Infant behavior was then observed during a brief period of maternal separation. Those infants who cried in response to maternal separation showed greater right frontal activation during the preceding baseline period compared with infants who did not cry. Frontal activation asymmetry may be a state-independent marker for individual differences in threshold of reactivity to stressful events and vulnerability to particular emotions. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Preferential orienting to faces in newborns: a temporal-nasal asymmetry

To determine the effect of oral adjuvant-assisted and parenteral vaccination, germ-free piglets were vaccinated orally with and without labile toxin adjuvant or parenterally and challenged with viable Helicobacter pylori. All prechallenge vaccination regimens induced anti-H. pylori antibodies and suppressed bacterial colonization, but no vaccination regime completely prevented infection. Parenteral vaccination given after infection had no effect on bacterial colonization. Lymphocytic gastritis was present in all piglets challenged with live bacteria regardless of vaccination status. Neutrophilic gastritis was present in vaccinated challenged piglets but not in infected, unvaccinated piglets. Gastritis was not present in uninfected control piglets regardless of vaccination status. In gnotobiotic piglets, vaccination suppresses but does not prevent infection by H. pylori, and parenteral vaccination does not cure infected piglets. Vaccination does not ameliorate gastritis due to H. pylori in piglets but does induce neutrophilic gastric inflammation in some infected piglets.     

Resting frontal brain asymmetry predicts affective responses to films.

This article assessed whether resting electroencephalographic (EEG) asymmetry in anterior regions of the brain can predict affective responses to emotion elicitors. Baseline EEG was recorded from 32 female adults, after which Ss viewed film clips preselected to elicit positive or negative affect. Resting alpha power asymmetry in the frontal region significantly predicted self-reported global negative affect in response to clips and predicted the difference between global positive and negative affect. Analyses of discrete emotions revealed a strong relation between frontal asymmetry and fear responses to films. Effects were independent of Ss' mood ratings at the time at which baseline EEG was measured. Resting anterior asymmetry may be a state-independent index of the individual's predisposition to respond affectively. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)