Effect of the proton irradiation on the thermally activated flux flow in superconducting SmBCO coated conductors.

We investigate changes in the vortex pinning mechanism caused by proton irradiation through the measurement of the in-plane electrical resistivity for H//c in a pristine and two proton-irradiated (total doses of 1 × 1015 and 1 × 1016 cm-2) SmBa2Cu3O7-δ (SmBCO) superconducting tapes. Even though proton irradiation has no effect on the critical temperature (Tc), the resulting artificial point defect causes an increase in normal state electrical resistivity. The electrical resistivity data around Tc shows no evidence of a phase transition to the vortex glass state but only broadens with increasing magnetic field due to the vortex depinning in the vortex liquid state. The vortex depinning is well interpreted by a thermally activated flux flow model in which the activation energy shows a nonlinear temperature change [Formula: see text] (q = 2). The field dependence of activation energy shows a [Formula: see text] with larger exponents above 4 T. This field dependence is mainly due to correlated disorders in pristine sample and artificially created point defects in irradiated samples. Compared with the vortex pinning due to correlated disorders, the vortex pinning due to the appropriate amount of point defects reduces the magnitude of Uo(H) in the low magnetic field region and slowly reduces Uo(H) in high magnetic fields.

Clinicopathological and Immunohistochemical Study of 14 Cases of Morbihan Disease: An Insight Into Its Pathogenesis.

INTRODUCTION: Morbihan disease (MORD) is rare with only 45 clear-cut cases previously reported. Histopathologic findings are supposed to be nonspecific. We report 14 patients and review the previous cases. OBJECTIVES: To characterize the clinicopathologic findings, outcomes, and immunophenotype of MORD. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Inclusion criteria were a clinical picture of persistent, nonpitting edema affecting the mid and or upper third of the face and histopathological findings fitting previous reports and exclusion of other entities. RESULTS: The majority of our patients were males (71.5%) with a male/female ratio of 10/4. The mean age when diagnosed was 58.8 years. Eyelids and forehead were the most frequently involved areas. Two of the patients presented previous rosacea. Most constant histopathological findings were lymphatic vessel dilatations in the upper dermis and the presence of mast cells (7.5 in 10 high-power field as a mean). Mild edema was also present in most of the cases. Granulomas were found in 7 of the cases, and immunostaining with CD68 and CD14 only revealed an additional case. CONCLUSIONS: MORD occurs more in middle-aged males, not associated with rosacea and mostly affects eyelids and forehead. Granulomas are not mandatory for the diagnosis. Histopathology of MORD fits within the spectrum of localized lymphedema.

Intraductal Carcinoma of Salivary Gland Originating from an Intraparotid Lymph Node: A Case Report.

INTRODUCTION: Salivary gland intraductal carcinoma (IDC) is rare. We present the second case of IDC originating from an intraparotid lymph node (LN) with a more detailed description of the histogenesis, immunohistochemistry (IHC) and updated molecular information. CASE REPORT: An 87-year-old male had a tumour nodule over the left parotid tail for about 20 years. Physical examinations revealed a 4.5 cm soft, non-tender and fixed mass. After the left parotidectomy, pathology confirmed the diagnosis of IDC arising within an intraparotid lymph node. The cystic component of the tumour was lined by single to multilayered ductal cells with micropapillary growth pattern. The solid part showed intraductal proliferation of neoplastic cells in solid, cribriform, micropapillary and Roman bridge-like structure. By immunohistochemistry (IHC), the tumour cells were positive for S-100, CK (AE1/AE3), mammaglobin, SOX10, and estrogen receptor (ER), with myoepithelial cell rimming highlighted by positive p63 and calponin IHC stains. The prognosis of this patient is excellent after complete excision. DISCUSSION: The mechanism of salivary gland tumour arising in the intra-parotid gland LN was assumed to be related to salivary duct inclusion within the intraparotid gland LN which is a normal occurrence during embryology development. Although the terminology may raise some confusion about the relationship between IDC and conventional salivary duct carcinoma (SDA), they are different in immunophenotype and clinicopathologic features. IDC is characterised by S100 (+) ER (+) with predominant intraductal growth and excellent prognosis; while SDC features S100 (-) androgen receptor (+) with predominant invasive growth and aggressive behavior. Recent discovery of recurrent RET gene rearrangement in IDC but not SDC also supports that IDC is not precursor lesion of the SDC.

68Ga-PSMA PET/CT vs. mpMRI for locoregional prostate cancer staging: correlation with final histopathology.

BACKGROUND: Prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) positron emission tomography (PET) can be used to locate lesions based on PSMA avidity, however guidelines on its use are limited by its infancy. We aimed to compare multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI) and PSMA PET/CT to prostatectomy histopathology. METHODS: We conducted a chart review from February 2015 to January 2017 of 50 male patients staged for prostate cancer using PSMA PET/CT and mpMRI who then underwent radical prostatectomy. Pre-operative PSMA PET/CT and mpMRI were paired with corresponding histopathology. Correlations, sensitivity, and specificity were used for comparisons. RESULTS: A total of 81 lesions were confirmed by histopathology. Fifty index lesions were detected by histopathology, all of which were detected by PSMA PET/CT (100% detection), and 47 by mpMRI (94% detection). Thirty-one histologically confirmed secondary lesions were detected, 29 of which were detected by PSMA PET/CT (93.5% detection), and 16 by mpMRI (51.6% detection). PSMA had better sensitivity for index lesion localization than mpMRI (81.1 vs. 64.8%). Specificity was similar for PSMA PET/CT and mpMRI (84.6 vs. 82.7%). SUVmax of index lesions ranged from 2.9 to 39.6 (M = 9.27 ± 6.41). Index lesion SUVmax was positively correlated with PSA (rho = 0.48, p < 0.001) and ISUP grade (rho = 0.51, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: PSMA-PET/CT provided superior detection of prostate cancer lesions with better sensitivity than mpMRI. PSMA-PET/CT can be used to enhance locoregional mpMRI to provide improved detection and characterization of lesions.

Validation of an Instrument to Assess the Mental Capacity to Sign an Enduring Power of Attorney.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the validation of an instrument to assess the mental capacity of an individual to sign an enduring power of attorney. METHODS: An instrument named Capacity Assessment to Sign an Enduring Power of Attorney (CASEPA) was developed following a literature review, focus group discussions, expert reviews, and pilot testing. Chinese persons aged ≥ 60 years who had a range of cognitive abilities were recruited from elderly care centres in Hong Kong to explore its psychometric properties. RESULTS: A total of 85 participants were included. For inter-rater reliability, the intraclass correlation coefficient was 0.93 for understanding, 0.87 for appreciation, and 0.84 for reasoning. For internal consistency, the Cronbach's alpha was 0.75 for understanding, 0.74 for appreciation, and 0.86 for reasoning. The content validity was examined by an international expert in mental capacity and psychiatry and by 5 local experts in the fields of mental health, law, psychiatry, psychology, and geriatrics. The clinician ratings correlated with the ability score for understanding (r = 0.74, p < 0.001), appreciation (r = 0.73, p < 0.001) and reasoning (r = 0.73, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The CASEPA is a potentially useful tool to assess the mental capacity of an individual to sign an enduring power of attorney.

Coronavirus infections in horses in Saudi Arabia and Oman.

Equine coronaviruses (ECoV) are the only coronavirus known to infect horses. So far, data on ECoV infection in horses remain limited to the USA, France and Japan and its geographic distribution is not well understood. We carried out RT-PCR on 306 nasal and 315 rectal swabs and tested 243 sera for antibodies to detect coronavirus infections in apparently healthy horses in Saudi Arabia and Oman. We document evidence of infection with ECoV and HKU23 coronavirus by RT-PCR. There was no conclusive evidence of Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus infection in horses. Serological data suggest that lineage A betacoronavirus infections are commonly infecting horses in Saudi Arabia and Oman but antibody cross-reactivities between these viruses do not permit us to use serological data alone to identify which coronaviruses are causing these infections.

Mapping synaptic glutamate transporter dysfunction in vivo to regions surrounding Aß plaques by iGluSnFR two-photon imaging.

Amyloid-ß (Aß) plaques, a hallmark of Alzheimer's disease (AD), are surrounded by regions of neuronal and glial hyperactivity. We use in vivo two-photon and wide-field imaging of the glutamate sensor iGluSnFR to determine whether pathological changes in glutamate dynamics in the immediate vicinity of Aß deposits in APPPS1 transgenic mice could alter neuronal activity in this microenvironment. In regions close to Aß plaques chronic states of high spontaneous glutamate fluctuations are observed and the timing of glutamate responses evoked by sensory stimulation exhibit slower decay rates in two cortical brain areas. GLT-1 expression is reduced around Aß plaques and upregulation of GLT-1 expression and activity by ceftriaxone partially restores glutamate dynamics to values in control regions. We conclude that the toxic microenvironment surrounding Aß plaques results, at least partially, from enhanced glutamate levels and that pharmacologically increasing GLT-1 expression and activity may be a new target for early therapeutic intervention.

A computer-based model to assess costs associated with the use of factor VIII and factor IX one-stage and chromogenic activity assays.

BACKGROUND: Measurement of coagulation factor factor VIII (FVIII) and factor IX (FIX) activity can be associated with a high level of variability using one-stage assays based on activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT). Chromogenic assays show less variability, but are less commonly used in clinical laboratories. In addition, one-stage assay accuracy using certain reagent and instrument combinations is compromised by some modified recombinant factor concentrates. Reluctance among some in the hematology laboratory community to adopt the use of chromogenic assays may be partly attributable to lack of familiarity and perceived higher associated costs. OBJECTIVES: To identify and characterize key cost parameters associated with one-stage APTT and chromogenic assays for FVIII and FIX activity using a computer-based cost analysis model. METHODS: A cost model for FVIII and FIX chromogenic assays relative to APTT assays was generated using assumptions derived from interviews with hematologists and laboratory scientists, common clinical laboratory practise, manufacturer list prices and assay kit configurations. RESULTS: Key factors that contribute to costs are factor-deficient plasma and kit reagents for one-stage and chromogenic assays, respectively. The stability of chromogenic assay kit reagents also limits the cost efficiency compared with APTT testing. Costs for chromogenic assays might be reduced by 50-75% using batch testing, aliquoting and freezing of kit reagents. CONCLUSIONS: Both batch testing and aliquoting of chromogenic kit reagents might improve cost efficiency for FVIII and FIX chromogenic assays, but would require validation. Laboratory validation and regulatory approval as well as education and training in the use of chromogenic assays might facilitate wider adoption by clinical laboratories.

[Apoptosis of neutrophils in the patients with the high risk of peritonitis occurrence after operation for acute diseases of the abdominal organs].

The processes of apoptosis of neutrophils of peripheral blood were studied in 43 patients, who were operated on for an acute abdominal diseases on the first and fourth postoperative day. Dynamic changes of apoptotic processes in neutrophils were established postoperatively. Unfavorable course of early postoperative period in the patients owing primarily high and middle risk of postoperative peritonitis occurrence have coincided with inhibition of the apoptosis processes in neutrophils.

[Prognostication of the puncture-draining sanation interventions efficacy performed under ultrasound investigation guidance for severe acute pancreatitis].

The results of treatment of 47 patients, in whom the focal accumulations of liquid (FAL) have appeared in severe acute pancreatitis (SAP), were analyzed. The puncture-draining sanation (PDS) was performed in all the patients. In 61.7% patients the PDS under ultrasonographic guidance have appeared the one-staged definite procedure. The staged PDS were conducted in 10.6% patients. In 27.6% patients after conduction of PDS under ultrasonographic guidance there was open necrsequesterectomy performed. There was a scale elaborated for the PDS efficacy estimation under ultrasonographic guidance. Dynamic estimation of the PDS efficacy in presence of FAL in patients, suffering SAP, have had promoted the treatment results improvement. The PDS efficacy depends on the disease duration, the infiltrate spreading, the sequesters presence and the FAL infectioning.

A Japanese-specific recurrent mutation and a novel splice site mutation in the LAMC2 gene identified in two Japanese families with Herlitz junctional epidermolysis bullosa.

BACKGROUND: Herlitz junctional epidermolysis bullosa (H-JEB) is an extremely rare genodermatosis characterized by lethality owing to severe blister formation. We report two unrelated Japanese patients with H-JEB. Genetic analyses detected a single nonsense mutation on the LAMC2 gene in these two patients. AIM: To identify the mutation involved and describe the first reported Japanese recurrent mutation in the LAMC2 gene. METHODS: Direct sequencing was performed of DNA from either peripheral blood or fetal cells in amniotic fluid. Reverse transcriptase PCR was used to confirm that an aberrant transcript resulted from the splice site mutation. A haplotype analysis was performed to define the origin of the recurrent mutation. RESULTS: Both patients had blisters and erosions on the trunk and limbs at birth, with nail dystrophy. Patient 1 died as a result of sepsis at 30 weeks of age, and patient 2 died as a result of disseminated intravascular coagulation at 20 weeks of age. Mutation analysis of the LAMC2 gene revealed that patient 1 was compound heterozygous for a nonsense mutation (p.Cys553X) and a novel splice site mutation (c.2868+1delG), and patient 2 was a homozygous for p.Cys553X. Prenatal diagnosis performed during a subsequent pregnancy in family 2 revealed that this second child was heterozygous for p.Cys553X, and was thus not affected. Haplotype analysis suggested that a p.Cys553X allele derived from the same origin had been independently inherited by these two unrelated families. CONCLUSIONS: p.Cys553X in the LAMC2 gene may be a Japanese-specific recurrent mutation as a result of a founder effect, and it may therefore be useful for initial screening in the mutation analysis of H-JEB.

Heterogeneous Fenton-like degradation of Rhodamine 6G in water using CuFeZSM-5 zeolite catalyst prepared by hydrothermal synthesis.

In this study, heterogeneous Fenton-like degradation of reactive azo dye Rhodamine 6G in water was investigated over a CuFeZSM-5 zeolite catalyst prepared by hydrothermal synthesis. At initial pH of 3.4, a color removal of 100% was achieved after a reaction time of 45 min. TOC elimination was measured to be 51.8% after 2 h of oxidation. Initial decolorization rate was described by an equation of -r(A0) = 4.56 x 10(2) e(-24.83/RT)C(R6G,0)C(0.35)(H2O2,0) where R is in kJ/mol. The leaching of iron and copper cations from zeolite structure into the solution during oxidation was dependent on pH strongly. The regulation of pH from 6.5 (dye solution pH) to 3.4, increased leaching for iron from 0.7 to 0.8 mg/dm3 and for copper from 1.4 to 2.1 mg/dm3. The copper was totally leached from the catalyst during the process at pH 3.4.

The current status of percutaneous nephrolithotomy in the management of kidney stones.

Large kidney stones (>2 cm) is a common problem affecting all population groups across the globe and may result in significant complications if left untreated. The treatment for this condition has evolved dramatically over the past seven decades with the advent of minimally invasive treatment options. At the forefront of this paradigm shift is the development of percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL). This has resulted in shorter hospital stays, reduced postoperative pain, and quicker convalescence compared with the previous criterion standard of open stone surgery. PCNL is only one of the many minimally invasive treatment options available for this condition, but remains the most efficient in all patient groups. However, it continues to be one of the more challenging urological procedures, which if not performed well, can be associated with significant complications. Refinements in techniques, improvement in equipment and increasing clinical experience have led to improved stone free rates being achieved with acceptably low patient morbidity. In this article, authors review the technical aspects, outcomes, and current role of PCNL in the treatment of large kidney stones.

Cloning and differential expression of manganese superoxide dismutase (Mn-SOD) of Trichinella pseudospiralis.

The complete coding sequence of manganese superoxide dismutase (Mn-SOD) of Trichinella pseudospiralis (Tp) was obtained and characterized for the first time by degenerative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and rapid amplification of complementary DNA ends (RACE) reactions. The open reading frame of Tp Mn-SOD contained 663 nucleotides, encoding 220 amino acid residues. This included the conserved histidine and aspartate residues for metal binding, cysteine residues for disulfide bond formation, and arginine residue for directing the superoxide ion to the protein. The presence of mitochondrial transit peptides and maturation cleavage site suggest that the cloned Tp Mn-SOD gene is a mitochondrial enzyme. It is a single copy gene containing three introns. Northern blotting suggested that the expression level of Mn-SOD is lower than Cu/Zn SOD in infective stage larvae. Semi-quantitative RT-PCR demonstrated that a single dominant transcript of Tp Mn-SOD was highly expressed in the infective-stage larvae but not in adult worms. The information provides a better understanding of the highly compartmentalized superoxide dismutases of adenophorean nematodes.

Surgical treatment of simple syndactylism with secondary deep digital flexor tendon contracture in a Basset Hound.

A five-month-old, female Basset Hound was presented for lameness associated with a fused 3rd and 4th digital pad on the left hind limb (simple incomplete syndactyly), and secondary contracture of the deep digital flexure tendon of the 3rd and 4th digit. An onychectomy of the third phalanx of the third and fourth digits was performed. Following the operation, the dog gained good use of the affected limb for one month until intermittent non-weight bearing lameness developed. A second surgery was performed six months later, partially removing the second phalanx of digits three and four. Follow-up reports indicate that the dog is doing well and is without lameness. This is the first report of deep digital flexor tendon contracture and surgical treatment of this complication in canine simple syndactylism.

Heat-inducible translationally controlled tumor protein of Trichinella pseudospiralis: cloning and regulation of gene expression.

To elucidate the mechanism of inducing translationally controlled tumor protein (TCTP) in stress adaptation of adenophorean nematodes, the complete coding sequence of TCTP of the infective-stage larvae of Trichinella pseudospiralis was characterized. Two cDNA clones with different 3' untranslated region were identified. Tp-TCTP contained an open reading frame of 534 bp encoding 177 residues. The gene with five introns was expressed as histidine-tagged fusion protein having a molecular mass of 17.5 kDa. Quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) analysis showed that TCTP RNA was not accumulated when the infective-stage larvae were heat-shocked for 1 h at 45 or 60 degrees C. Using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and antiserum against the fusion protein, the expression of TCTP was found to be up-regulated at the translational level. The data suggest that translational regulation of TCTP may play an important role in the early heat-stress adaptation of the trichinellid. Cluster analysis demonstrated that the TCTP sequence of T. pseudospiralis is closely related to that of T. spiralis, but is diverged from the secernentean species.

A case of takotsubo cardiomyopathy: transient left ventricular apical ballooning.

A 78-year-old woman was admitted to hospital with central chest pain and the electrocardiographic and cardiac marker changes typical of acute anterior myocardial infarction. Coronary angiography revealed normal epicardial coronary arteries, and left ventriculography showed apical akinesis as well as basal hyperkinesis. This is a case of transient left ventricular apical ballooning or takotsubo cardiomyopathy, possibly attributable to catecholamine-mediated myocardial stunning.

Short-term low-dose propofol anaesthesia associated with severe metabolic acidosis.

Propofol-induced metabolic acidosis is well recognised in the paediatric literature, but the existence of such a syndrome in adults remains contentious. In most reported cases, metabolic acidosis complicated prolonged administration of propofol in critically ill patients. We present a case of severe non-fatal reversible metabolic acidosis, without ventilatory depression or hypoxia, related to short-term propofol infusion in an adult during and after coronary artery bypass grafting. We suggest that lactic acidosis occurred in a genetically susceptible patient with an abnormality of mitochondrial function. This report discusses an unusual adverse effect of propofol anaesthesia and sedation and highlights the need for further investigation to define propofol toxicity.

Cell-mediated response at the muscle phase of Trichinella pseudospiralis and Trichinella spiralis infections.

The cell-mediated response in BALB/c mice infected either by Trichinella pseudospiralis or Trichinella spiralis was compared at days 30-50 post-infection (muscle phase). The former species is non-encapsulated, whereas the latter is encapsulated in host muscles. The pattern of response against the two species was similar. Both species elicited T(H)0 or T(H)1/T(H)2 response, with the last one being dominant. Productions of interferon gamma (IFN-gamma), interleukin (IL)-4 and IL-5 were observed after antigenic restimulation of splenocytes from infected mice. No significant difference was observed between the levels of response to concanavalin A (Con-A) by the splenocytes from both infected and non-infected animals. There was a significant increase in serum IgG(1) and IgG(2a). Flow cytometric analysis revealed a marked proliferative response of splenocytes from infected mice to worm antigens, dominated by B (CD19) lymphoblasts. Only a few helper (CD4+) and cytotoxic (CD8+) T lymphoblasts were present. This was confirmed by an up-regulation of CD69, with a dominant expression on B lymphoblasts. In conclusion, the minimal or lack of intense cellular response against T. pseudospiralis in muscles is likely not due to depression of cell-mediated immunity.