Using the ionospheric response to the solar eclipse on 20 March 2015 to detect spatial structure in the solar corona.

The total solar eclipse that occurred over the Arctic region on 20 March 2015 was seen as a partial eclipse over much of Europe. Observations of this eclipse were used to investigate the high time resolution (1 min) decay and recovery of the Earth's ionospheric E-region above the ionospheric monitoring station in Chilton, UK. At the altitude of this region (100 km), the maximum phase of the eclipse was 88.88% obscuration of the photosphere occurring at 9:29:41.5 UT. In comparison, the ionospheric response revealed a maximum obscuration of 66% (leaving a fraction, Φ, of uneclipsed radiation of 34±4%) occurring at 9:29 UT. The eclipse was re-created using data from the Solar Dynamics Observatory to estimate the fraction of radiation incident on the Earth's atmosphere throughout the eclipse from nine different emission wavelengths in the extreme ultraviolet (EUV) and X-ray spectrum. These emissions, having varying spatial distributions, were each obscured differently during the eclipse. Those wavelengths associated with coronal emissions (94, 211 and 335 Å) most closely reproduced the time varying fraction of unobscured radiation observed in the ionosphere. These results could enable historic ionospheric eclipse measurements to be interpreted in terms of the distribution of EUV and X-ray emissions on the solar disc.This article is part of the themed issue 'Atmospheric effects of solar eclipses stimulated by the 2015 UK eclipse'.

Metrological challenges for measurements of key climatological observables, Part 4: Atmospheric relative humidity.

Water in its three ambient phases plays the central thermodynamic role in the terrestrial climate system. Clouds control Earth's radiation balance, atmospheric water vapour is the strongest "greenhouse" gas, and non-equilibrium relative humidity at the air-sea interface drives evaporation and latent heat export from the ocean. In this paper, we examine the climatologically relevant atmospheric relative humidity, noting fundamental deficiencies in the definition of this key observable. The metrological history of this quantity is reviewed, problems with its current definition and measurement practice are analysed, and options for future improvements are discussed in conjunction with the recent seawater standard TEOS-10. It is concluded that the International Bureau of Weights and Measures, (BIPM), in cooperation with the International Association for the Properties of Water and Steam, IAPWS, along with other international organisations and institutions, can make significant contributions by developing and recommending state-of-the-art solutions for this long standing metrological problem, such as are suggested here.

Metrological challenges for measurements of key climatological observables: Oceanic salinity and pH, and atmospheric humidity. Part 1: Overview.

Water in its three ambient phases plays the central thermodynamic role in the terrestrial climate system. Clouds control Earth's radiation balance, atmospheric water vapour is the strongest "greenhouse" gas, and non-equilibrium relative humidity at the air-sea interface drives evaporation and latent heat export from the ocean. On climatic time scales, melting ice caps and regional deviations of the hydrological cycle result in changes of seawater salinity, which in turn may modify the global circulation of the oceans and their ability to store heat and to buffer anthropogenically produced carbon dioxide. In this paper, together with three companion articles, we examine the climatologically relevant quantities ocean salinity, seawater pH and atmospheric relative humidity, noting fundamental deficiencies in the definitions of those key observables, and their lack of secure foundation on the International System of Units, the SI. The metrological histories of those three quantities are reviewed, problems with their current definitions and measurement practices are analysed, and options for future improvements are discussed in conjunction with the recent seawater standard TEOS-10. It is concluded that the International Bureau of Weights and Measures, BIPM, in cooperation with the International Association for the Properties of Water and Steam, IAPWS, along with other international organisations and institutions, can make significant contributions by developing and recommending state-of-the-art solutions for these long standing metrological problems in climatology.

Delivery of HIV test results, post-test discussion and referral in health care settings: a review of guidance for European countries.

OBJECTIVES: HIV testing and counselling (HTC) guidelines support and promote best practice among service providers. Few European countries have national HTC guidelines and most rely on guidance from regional and international bodies. This study examines recommendations in current pan-European and global guidelines regarding test result delivery, post-test discussion and referral pathways in health care settings, and reviews the types of evidence upon which recommendations are based. METHODS: A systematic review and comparative content analysis of relevant guidelines identified through a literature search and review of targeted organization websites were carried out. RESULTS: One global and three pan-European guidelines were reviewed. There was general consensus that any test result should be confidential and delivered privately to a patient; positive results should be delivered in person by a health care professional; negative test results could also be delivered by telephone, text message or post. Analyses show conflicting guidance relating to the provision of post-test counselling, and inconsistencies in referral pathways to specialist treatment for positive test results. There is limited reference to published evidence in support of recommendations. Instead there is heavy reliance on expert opinion/consultation and other previous/existing guidelines when developing guidelines. Scientific evidence, where stated, is often more than ten years old, and based predominantly on US/UK research. CONCLUSIONS: While largely in agreement, current pan-European and global HTC guidelines have inconsistencies, particularly regarding post-test counselling and referral pathways to specialized services. Our findings highlight the need for an up-to-date review of more current evidence from wider European settings to support the process of expert consultation.

Idiopathic chronic eosinophilic pneumonia in 7 horses.

BACKGROUND: Idiopathic chronic eosinophilic pneumonia of horses is incompletely described. OBJECTIVES: To describe the physical examination, clinicopathologic, histopathologic, and radiographic features and response to corticosteroid treatment of idiopathic chronic eosinophilic pneumonia of horses. ANIMALS: Seven horses with eosinophilic pneumonia. METHODS: Retrospective, descriptive study. RESULTS: Anamnesis, clinical signs, and clinicopathologic and radiologic findings in 7 adult horses with histologically confirmed eosinophilic pneumonia were reviewed. The horses were examined for signs of chronic respiratory disease. The horses ranged in age from 8 to 20 years. Significant findings on physical examination included tachypnea and abnormal respiratory sounds. Thoracic radiography revealed severe diffuse interstitial patterns of increased pulmonary density in all horses. There was a predominance of eosinophils in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), and 6 of 7 horses had peripheral blood eosinophilia. Lung biopsies revealed eosinophilic infiltrates in all horses. Dexamethasone was administered to 3 horses and resulted in short-term clinical improvement in all three. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: A diagnosis of idiopathic eosinophilic pneumonia should be considered in horses with a history of chronic pulmonary disease, diffuse interstitial pattern of increased pulmonary density on thoracic radiographs, and a predominance of eosinophils in BALF. Horses with this condition may show a temporary response to treatment with dexamethasone.

Strain-dependent in vitro and in vivo effects of oleic acid anilides on splenocytes and T cells in a murine model of the toxic oil syndrome.

The toxic oil syndrome is an exogenously-induced autoimmune disease in humans, which is believed to be due to the accidental ingestion of oleic acid anilides. In a previously established murine model anilides-treated A/J mice developed a wasting disease after 1 week. Anilides-treated B10.S mice showed after 6 weeks a hyperimmunglobulinemia with autoantibody production, but no clinical symptoms. We now compared in vitro the effects of anilides on splenocytes and T cells in A/J and B10.S mice. Splenocyte proliferation was similar in both strains. After in vivo treatment of mice with anilides and in vitro restimulation, splenocytes of sick A/J mice showed a significant increase in splenocyte proliferation. Splenocytes from B10.S mice, however, had a suppressed baseline response and did not proliferate on restimulation. Adherent cells were necessary to induce proliferation in A/J mice-derived T cells. Apoptosis in splenocytes was significantly elevated in anilides-treated A/J and in B10.S mice as compared to saline-treated controls. These data show that anilides are able to affect the immune system in a strain-dependent way and may therefore take part in inducing the disease seen in humans and mice.

(2-Fluorophenylimino)tri(1-pyrrolyl)phosphorane.

The P atom of the title compound, C(18)H(16)FN(4)P, has a slightly distorted tetrahedral geometry. The P--N bond lengths range from 1.671 (3) to 1.680 (3) A, while the P==N bond is 1.517 (3) A. The pyrrolyl groups are arranged around the P atom in a chiral propeller-like geometry.

Owner survey of headshaking in horses.

OBJECTIVE: To determine signalment, history, clinical signs, duration, seasonality, and response to various treatments reported by owners for headshaking in horses. DESIGN: Owner survey. ANIMALS: 109 horses with headshaking. PROCEDURE: Owners of affected horses completed a survey questionnaire. RESULTS: 78 affected horses were geldings, 29 were mares, and 2 were stallions. Mean age of onset was 9 years. Headshaking in 64 horses had a seasonal component, and for most horses, headshaking began in spring and ceased in late summer or fall. The most common clinical signs were shaking the head in a vertical plane, acting like an insect was flying up the nostril, snorting excessively, rubbing the muzzle on objects, having an anxious expression while headshaking, worsening of clinical signs with exposure to sunlight, and improvement of clinical signs at night. Treatment with antihistamines, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, corticosteroids, antimicrobials, fly control, chiropractic, and acupuncture had limited success. Sixty-one horses had been treated with cyproheptadine; 43 had moderate to substantial improvement. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Headshaking may have many causes. A large subset of horses have similar clinical signs including shaking the head in a vertical plane, acting as if an insect were flying up the nostrils, and rubbing the muzzle on objects. Seasonality and worsening of clinical signs with exposure to light are also common features of this syndrome. Geldings and Thoroughbreds appear to be overrepresented. Cyproheptadine treatment was beneficial in more than two thirds of treated horses.

Case control study of thermal environment preceding haemorrhagic shock encephalopathy syndrome.

The purpose of the study was to investigate whether the thermal environment in which babies slept before developing haemorrhagic shock encephalopathy syndrome (HSES) differed from that of other babies. Data were collected by standardised interview from parents of 31 babies who had had HSES before the age of 7 months and compared with equivalent data for 124 control babies, with matching for outside temperature on the relevant night and for age. Multivariate analysis showed a strong association between HSES and covering of the baby's head by bedding, the odds ratio being 30.7 (95% confidence interval, 2.5 to 384). There were weaker associations with other aspects of the thermal environment. This suggests a link between HSES and some cases of cot death, supports the suggestion that HSES may be caused by overheating, and reinforces advice that babies should be placed to sleep in such a way that they are less likely to become totally covered.

Involvement of nuclear factor-kappaB in a murine model for the acute form of autoimmune-like toxic oil syndrome.

The toxic oil syndrome (TOS) represents an exogenously induced autoimmune disease with acute or chronic symptoms similar to systemic lupus erythematosus or scleroderma. When genetically different mouse strains were exposed to oleic acid anilide (OAA), it was possible to mimic the different syndrome manifestations. The aim of the present study was to examine the role of NF-kappaB/Rel transcription factors in the development of the severe acute wasting disease observed in A/J mice. Within a week of OAA exposure, the A/J, but not B10.S strain, displayed weight loss, cachexia, apathy, reduced activity, and breathing difficulties. In affected A/J mice we observed a marked increase in NF-kappaB activation (p50/p65 dimers) both in splenic T cells and peritoneal macrophages as well as in tissue from aorta and gut. Incubation of splenocytes with OAA in vitro induced a dose-dependent removal of IkappaB-alpha, accompanied by NF-kappaB activation, whereas Sp-1 binding was not affected. Furthermore, we demonstrated the increased expression of the two NF-kappaB target genes IL-6 and IL-1beta in OAA-exposed mice and a transient OAA-induced accumulation of TNFalpha in vitro. This is the first report which implicates NF-kappaB/Rel in acute forms of chemically induced autoimmune-like disease and may serve as a paradigm for the involvement of this transcriptional system in acute processes associated with autoimmunity, suggesting possible avenues of therapeutic intervention.

The acute pathology of fatty acid anilides and linoleic diester of 3-phenylamino-1,2-propanediol in mice: possible implication as aetiologic agents for the toxic oil syndrome.

Two groups of compounds, the fatty acid anilides and the mono- and diester of 3-phenylamino-1,2-propanediol (PAP) are suspected as aetiologic agents for the toxic oil syndrome (TOS). Intraperitoneal administration of oleoyl and linoleoyl anilides in mice caused severe weight loss followed by death in 50% of the animals and histopathological changes mainly to the lungs. Linoleic diester of PAP led to weight loss, haemorrhage, congestion and emphysema in the lungs and an increase in blood eosinophilia. Although not producing the full spectrum of symptoms the effects of the substances resemble the acute human disease. Possibly, the two groups of substances led together to the full spectrum of disease manifestations seen in TOS.

Autoantibodies to C-reactive protein (CRP) and other acute-phase proteins in systemic autoimmune diseases.

Autoantibodies to CRP were reported previously in patients suffering from toxic oil syndrome. This syndrome resembles autoimmune diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) or systemic scleroderma. We therefore examined the prevalence of antibodies to CRP and other acute-phase proteins in autoimmune diseases, including SLE, subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus (SCLE), systemic scleroderma (SSc), and primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC), as well as in bone marrow transplantation-induced chronic graft-versus-host disease and eosinophilia-myalgia syndrome. IgG antibodies to CRP were found in 78% of SLE and in 30% of SCLE patients, while 16% of patients with PBC were positive. In up to 45% of patients with SSc predominantly IgG antibodies to ceruloplasmin were detectable. Lack of systemic involvement as in discoid lupus erythematosus and localized scleroderma (morphea) correlated with low or absent antibody formation. However, no correlation was found between anti-acute-phase protein antibodies with liver disease or other organ involvement. Adsorption studies revealed that non-native epitopes on the CRP molecule, termed modified CRP, are the main target of antibodies. Chronic inflammatory tissue injury in systemic autoimmune disease might increase the presentation of cryptic epitopes of CRP to the threshold required for T cell activation.

[Granuloma eosinophilicum faciei simulating rhinophyma. Therapeutic long-term outcome after surgical intervention]. / Granuloma eosinophilicum faciei unter dem Bild eines Rhinophyms. Therapeutischer Langzeiterfolg durch chirurgische Intervention.

A 53 year old man presented with a giant variant of granuloma faciale, closely resembling rhinophyma. Therapeutic approaches with cryosurgery and dapsone were unsuccessful. Surgical reconstruction of the nasal skin resulted in an excellent and long lasting effect. We give a short overview of this relatively rare disease, describe an unusual manifestation and discuss the therapeutic possibilities. Surgical procedures seem to offer the best results, despite the inflammatory pathogenesis of the disease.

Strain-dependent cytokine profile and susceptibility to oleic acid anilide in a murine model of the toxic oil syndrome.

The toxic oil syndrome (TOS) was caused by the ingestion of an adulterated rapeseed oil containing oleic acid anilide (OAA). It was characterized by lethal symptoms in the acute phase and by symptoms of idiopathic autoimmune diseases in the chronic phase. The pathogenetic mechanisms remain unclear. In a murine model of TOS we demonstrate strain-dependent effects on the immune system after treatment with OAA intraperitoneally. While C57BL/6 (H-2b) mice develop a polyclonal B cell activation without disease symptoms, most A/J (H-2a) mice suffer an acute lethal wasting disease. These differences are reflected in the splenic cytokine gene expression and secretion and in the Ig production. Increased IgE serum levels and reduced TNF-beta mRNA suggest a Th2 cell response in C57BL/6 mice. In A/J mice, splenocytes express IL-1alpha, IL-10, and IFN-gamma mRNA in vivo and secrete high levels of TNF-alpha in vitro. These observations resemble the human condition in TOS with development of either an acute lethal disease or a chronic autoimmune-like disease. As in other chemical-induced reactions genetic susceptibility seems to be important.

Characterisation of headshaking syndrome--31 cases.

Headshaking is a maturity onset condition with the most commonly reported clinical signs being 'flipping' of the nose, nose rubbing, snorting or sneezing, and acting like a bee is flying up the nostril. A questionnaire was completed by owners of 31 horses with headshaking syndrome. The history, time of onset, clinical presentation and treatment of this condition were reported. Headshaking appeared to be light-stimulated in approximately 60% of the horses. The condition is seasonal and recurring in the majority of horses. Treatment with cyproheptadine produced improvement of symptoms in 76% of cases. The clinical signs are suggested to be compatible with neuropathic pain producing itching, tingling or electric like sensations in the face and muzzle area of affected horses.

Tinea axillaris, a variant of intertriginous tinea, due to non-occupational infection with Trichophyton verrucosum.

The term tinea axillaris has been used only a few times in the literature. In this paper we describe a male patient with widespread tinea corporis and unguium affecting also both axillary regions. Trichophyton verrucosum was isolated as the causative agent. The patient admitted to no direct contact with infected animals, but had lived in a rural area until a year before the infection became widespread. Topical treatment with glucocorticosteroids probably promoted propagation over large parts of his body and may have led to the infection of the axillary region, an unusual site for fungal infection. Treatment with itraconazole over 4 weeks led to complete clearing of all lesions on glabrous skin. Thereafter, itraconazole pulse therapy was used to treat the nail infection.

Specificity of antinuclear antibodies in scleroderma-like chronic graft-versus-host disease: clinical correlation and histocompatibility locus antigen association.

Chronic graft-versus-host disease after bone marrow transplantation presents, in a few cases, as mild to severe scleroderma-like changes. Patients with chronic graft-versus-host disease with and without sclerodermatous skin changes were analysed for antinuclear autoantibodies (ANA) and antinucleolar autoantibodies (ANoA) and the results correlated with disease symptoms and histocompatibility locus antigen (HLA) pattern. Nineteen patients with chronic graft-versus-host disease and scleroderma-like skin changes, 18 with chronic graft-versus-host disease without scleroderma, and 17 controls on immunosuppressive treatment were screened for ANA and ANoA using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, immunodiffusion and immunoblot techniques. Four patients with severe scleroderma had antibodies to topoisomerase I, two had antibodies against PM-Scl, both characteristic serological findings in idiopathic systemic scleroderma. One patient had La/SSB antibodies and, in three cases, antibodies to the nucleolar antigen C23 (nucleolin) could be identified. A possible correlation between antinucleolin antibodies and disease activity was observed. HLA-A1, -B1, and -B2 were found significantly more often in patients with scleroderma-like symptoms in comparison to patients without scleroderma-like symptoms. Chronic graft-versus-host disease with scleroderma-like manifestations can be associated with the occurrence of ANA specific for idiopathic scleroderma. The development of scleroderma after bone marrow transplantation might have a HLA-linked genetic background.

The toxic oil syndrome: an example of an exogenously induced autoimmune reaction. Toxic oil syndrome.

The toxic oil syndrome (TOS) is a chemically induced autoimmune-like reaction in humans. The etiologic agent(s) have so far not clearly been identified. A short overview is given on this disease which is associated with a unique antibody specificity to cryptic epitopes of C-reactive protein in affected patients. In addition a murine model for TOS is described which suggests that genetic susceptibility might play a role in inducing a similar syndrome in mice. These differences are reflected in the immunological alterations and cytokine production caused by the toxicant.