COVID-19 Stroke Apical Lung Examination Study 2: a national prospective CTA biomarker study of the lung apices, in patients presenting with suspected acute stroke (COVID SALES 2).

BACKGROUND: Apical ground-glass opacification (GGO) identified on CT angiography (CTA) performed for suspected acute stroke was developed in 2020 as a coronavirus-disease-2019 (COVID-19) diagnostic and prognostic biomarker in a retrospective study during the first wave of COVID-19. OBJECTIVE: To prospectively validate whether GGO on CTA performed for suspected acute stroke is a reliable COVID-19 diagnostic and prognostic biomarker and whether it is reliable for COVID-19 vaccinated patients. METHODS: In this prospective, pragmatic, national, multi-center validation study performed at 13 sites, we captured study data consecutively in patients undergoing CTA for suspected acute stroke from January-March 2021. Demographic and clinical features associated with stroke and COVID-19 were incorporated. The primary outcome was the likelihood of reverse-transcriptase-polymerase-chain-reaction swab-test-confirmed COVID-19 using the GGO biomarker. Secondary outcomes investigated were functional status at discharge and survival analyses at 30 and 90 days. Univariate and multivariable statistical analyses were employed. RESULTS: CTAs from 1,111 patients were analyzed, with apical GGO identified in 8.5 % during a period of high COVID-19 prevalence. GGO showed good inter-rater reliability (Fleiss κ = 0.77); and high COVID-19 specificity (93.7 %, 91.8-95.2) and negative predictive value (NPV; 97.8 %, 96.5-98.6). In subgroup analysis of vaccinated patients, GGO remained a good diagnostic biomarker (specificity 93.1 %, 89.8-95.5; NPV 99.7 %, 98.3-100.0). Patients with COVID-19 were more likely to have higher stroke score (NIHSS (mean +/- SD) 6.9 +/- 6.9, COVID-19 negative, 9.7 +/- 9.0, COVID-19 positive; p = 0.01), carotid occlusions (6.2 % negative, 14.9 % positive; p = 0.02), and larger infarcts on presentation CT (ASPECTS 9.4 +/- 1.5, COVID-19 negative, 8.6 +/- 2.4, COVID-19 positive; p = 0.00). After multivariable logistic regression, GGO (odds ratio 15.7, 6.2-40.1), myalgia (8.9, 2.1-38.2) and higher core body temperature (1.9, 1.1-3.2) were independent COVID-19 predictors. GGO was associated with worse functional outcome on discharge and worse survival after univariate analysis. However, after adjustment for factors including stroke severity, GGO was not independently predictive of functional outcome or mortality. CONCLUSION: Apical GGO on CTA performed for patients with suspected acute stroke is a reliable diagnostic biomarker for COVID-19, which in combination with clinical features may be useful in COVID-19 triage.

Virtual reality for acute pain in outpatient hysteroscopy: a randomised controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness of virtual reality as a distraction technique in the management of acute pain and anxiety during outpatient hysteroscopy. DESIGN: Parallel group, prospective randomised controlled trial. SETTING: UK University Hospital. METHODS: Forty consenting, eligible women were randomised to virtual reality intervention (immersive video content as a distraction method) or standard care during outpatient hysteroscopy from August to October 2018. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Pain and anxiety outcomes were measured as a numeric rating score (scale 0-10). RESULTS: Compared with standard care, women with virtual reality intervention experienced less average pain (score 6.0 versus 3.7, mean difference 2.3, 95% CI 0.61-3.99, P = 0.009) and anxiety (score 5.45 versus 3.3, mean difference 2.15, 95% CI 0.38-3.92, P = 0.02). CONCLUSION: Virtual reality was effective in reducing pain and anxiety during outpatient hysteroscopy in a mixed-methods randomised control trial. Its wide potential role in ambulatory gynaecological procedures needs further evaluation. TWEETABLE ABSTRACT: Virtual reality can be used as a part of a multimodal strategy to reduce acute pain and anxiety in patients undergoing outpatient hysteroscopy.

Office hysteroscopy: back to the future!

Hysteroscopy and anesthesia have come a long way in the last 150 years. While traditionally performed in the operating theater under general anesthesia, the alternative approach - so-called 'office' hysteroscopy - has gained popularity in recent years. Supporters of this modality cite the 'see and treat' capabilities, avoidance of anesthesia, more rapid turn-around time, and favorable economics as advantages. On the other hand, some question the success rate, capabilities, and patient comfort levels as potential drawbacks. In this article, we review the evidence behind all of these points as well as the requirements for setting up an office hysteroscopy service.

A divergent transcriptional landscape underpins the development and functional branching of MAIT cells.

MR1-restricted mucosal-associated invariant T (MAIT) cells play a unique role in the immune system. These cells develop intrathymically through a three-stage process, but the events that regulate this are largely unknown. Here, using bulk and single-cell RNA sequencing-based transcriptomic analysis in mice and humans, we studied the changing transcriptional landscape that accompanies transition through each stage. Many transcripts were sharply modulated during MAIT cell development, including SLAM (signaling lymphocytic activation molecule) family members, chemokine receptors, and transcription factors. We also demonstrate that stage 3 "mature" MAIT cells comprise distinct subpopulations including newly arrived transitional stage 3 cells, interferon-γ-producing MAIT1 cells and interleukin-17-producing MAIT17 cells. Moreover, the validity and importance of several transcripts detected in this study are directly demonstrated using specific mutant mice. For example, MAIT cell intrathymic maturation was found to be halted in SLAM-associated protein (SAP)-deficient and CXCR6-deficient mouse models, providing clear evidence for their role in modulating MAIT cell development. These data underpin a model that maps the changing transcriptional landscape and identifies key factors that regulate the process of MAIT cell differentiation, with many parallels between mice and humans.

HIV-1 Gag specifically restricts PI(4,5)P2 and cholesterol mobility in living cells creating a nanodomain platform for virus assembly.

HIV-1 Gag protein assembles at the plasma membrane of infected cells for viral particle formation. Gag targets lipids, mainly PI(4,5)P2, at the inner leaflet of this membrane. Here, we address the question whether Gag is able to trap specifically PI(4,5)P2 or other lipids during HIV-1 assembly in the host CD4+ T lymphocytes. Lipid dynamics within and away from HIV-1 assembly sites were determined using super-resolution microscopy coupled with scanning fluorescence correlation spectroscopy in living cells. Analysis of HIV-1-infected cells revealed that, upon assembly, HIV-1 is able to specifically trap PI(4,5)P2 and cholesterol, but not phosphatidylethanolamine or sphingomyelin. Furthermore, our data showed that Gag is the main driving force to restrict the mobility of PI(4,5)P2 and cholesterol at the cell plasma membrane. This is the first direct evidence highlighting that HIV-1 creates its own specific lipid environment by selectively recruiting PI(4,5)P2 and cholesterol as a membrane nanoplatform for virus assembly.

Communication between the transverse cervical nerve (C2,3) and marginal mandibular branch of the facial nerve: a cadaveric and clinical study.

Several branches of the facial nerve are known to anastomose with branches of the cervical plexus, other cranial nerves, and the trigeminal nerve. Communication between the sensory transverse cervical nerve (C2, 3) and marginal mandibular nerve is, however, less well known, and in a previous study of 86 neck dissections we reported a 2.3% incidence of anastomoses between them. In this prospective study, we meticulously searched for more examples using both formalin-fixed cadavers and neck dissections. A total of 102 necks were included (both sides of 36 cadavers (n=72 necks), and 30 patients who had neck dissection for the management of squamous cell carcinoma). We found communications between these nerves on one side of a cadaver and in one neck dissection. When combined with the numbers from our previous study, the overall incidence was 2.1% in 188 necks. The marginal mandibular nerve was inseparable from the anastomosis with the transverse cervical nerve, and the variant should not be forgotten if we are to reduce the chance of postoperative weakness of the lower lip, particularly when operative exposure is more limited (such as during removal of the submandibular gland).

Morphology of Glycycometus malaysiensis, a domestic mite in Malaysia.

Glycycometus malaysiensis is an allergenic domestic mite found in houses. G. malaysiensis is known to be highly similar to and is often mistaken as Blomia tropicalis, one of the major house dust mite species that causes asthma and allergic diseases in many tropical and subtropical regions. It was also suggested that these mites cross-react with each other and that the prevalence of G. malaysiensis might be higher than previous reports. A review on the taxonomic keys as well as light and scanning electron micrographs of G. malaysiensis are presented to appreciate the fine morphological structures of G. malaysiensis. The mouth, setae, legs (trochanter, femur, genu, tibia and tarsus) and the sexual organs (genital openings, genital setae and genital suckers) of G. malaysiensis are outlined. The morphology of G. malaysiensis is also compared with that of B. tropicalis to delineate the key features for the differentiation between these two mite species.

In vitro adhesion and invasion by Cladosporium sphaerospermum in human bronchial epithelial cells (BEAS-2B) and human pulmonary alveolar epithelial cells (HPAEpiC).

Cladosporium spores are ubiquitous in indoor and outdoor environment and may potentially trigger allergic responses upon inhalation. To date, there is limited investigation on the fate of Cladosporium spores after being inhaled into the respiratory tract. This study was conducted to investigate the interaction of Cladosporium sphaerospermum with Human Bronchial Epithelial Cells (BEAS-2B) and Human Pulmonary Alveolar Epithelial Cells (HPAEpiC). C. sphaerospermum conidia were harvested and co-cultured with BEAS-2B or HPAEpiC cells for 72 hours. At each time point (30 minutes, 2, 4, 24, 48 and 72 hours), adherence and invasion of the cells by C. sphaerospermum conidia (and hyphae) were investigated by immunofluorescence staining. This study demonstrated the adherence and internalization of C. sphaerospermum conidia within these epithelial cells. In addition, the conidia were able to germinate and invade the epithelial cells. The ability of the fungal conidia to adhere, internalize, germinate and invade both the bronchial and alveolar epithelial cells of the respiratory tract in vitro might contribute to the understanding of the pathogenesis of Cladosporium in respiratory infection and allergy in vivo.

Morphology of Glycycometus malaysiensis, a domestic mite in Malaysia

@#Glycycometus malaysiensis is an allergenic domestic mite found in houses. G. malaysiensis is known to be highly similar to and is often mistaken as Blomia tropicalis, one of the major house dust mite species that causes asthma and allergic diseases in many tropical and subtropical regions. It was also suggested that these mites cross-react with each other and that the prevalence of G. malaysiensis might be higher than previous reports. A review on the taxonomic keys as well as light and scanning electron micrographs of G. malaysiensis are presented to appreciate the fine morphological structures of G. malaysiensis. The mouth, setae, legs (trochanter, femur, genu, tibia and tarsus) and the sexual organs (genital openings, genital setae and genital suckers) of G. malaysiensis are outlined. The morphology of G. malaysiensis is also compared with that of B. tropicalis to delineate the key features for the differentiation between these two mite species.

In vitro adhesion and invasion by Cladosporium sphaerospermum in human bronchial epithelial cells (BEAS-2B) and human pulmonary alveolar epithelial cells (HPAEpiC)

@#Cladosporium spores are ubiquitous in indoor and outdoor environment and may potentially trigger allergic responses upon inhalation. To date, there is limited investigation on the fate of Cladosporium spores after being inhaled into the respiratory tract. This study was conducted to investigate the interaction of Cladosporium sphaerospermum with Human Bronchial Epithelial Cells (BEAS-2B) and Human Pulmonary Alveolar Epithelial Cells (HPAEpiC). C. sphaerospermum conidia were harvested and co-cultured with BEAS-2B or HPAEpiC cells for 72 hours. At each time point (30 minutes, 2, 4, 24, 48 and 72 hours), adherence and invasion of the cells by C. sphaerospermum conidia (and hyphae) were investigated by immunofluorescence staining. This study demonstrated the adherence and internalization of C. sphaerospermum conidia within these epithelial cells. In addition, the conidia were able to germinate and invade the epithelial cells. The ability of the fungal conidia to adhere, internalize, germinate and invade both the bronchial and alveolar epithelial cells of the respiratory tract in vitro might contribute to the understanding of the pathogenesis of Cladosporium in respiratory infection and allergy in vivo. INTRODUCTION Cladosporium species is a member of the phylum Ascomycota. The common species include C. herbarum, C. cladosporioides and C. sphaerospermum. This genus has worldwide distribution. Aerobiological studies reported that majority of fungal spores in outdoor air is from the phyla Ascomycota and Basidiomycota, while Cladosporium is one of the most studied allergenic Ascomycetes fungi (Knutsen et al., 2012). Cladosporium spores are found abundantly in indoors and outdoors at approximately 18/m3 and 141/m3 respectively (Codina et al., 2008). As an imperfect dematiaceous fungus, Cladosporium species causes opportunistic infections such

Kytococcus sedentarius and Micrococcus luteus: highly prevalent in indoor air and potentially deadly to the immunocompromised - should standards be set?

The multifarious types of infections contracted from indoor environments show that buildings can serve as a reservoir for infectious bacteria. This study is an investigation into the type and concentrations of bacteria in the indoor and outdoor environments of an electronic factory, an office and a winery in Malaysia. Trypticase soy agar (TSA) (with ambient air incubation) and TSA supplemented with haemin and NADH (with CO2 enhanced incubation) were used for the isolation of bacteria. The plates were incubated at 37ºC for 3 days. A random selection of bacterial isolates were Gram stained and identified using the BD BBL Crystal Identification Systems. Kytococcus sedentarius and Micrococcus luteus were the predominant bacterial species identified from indoor air. These bacteria were present at relatively high concentrations in indoor air, at times, above 800 colony forming units per cubic meter (CFU/m3) of air. This indicates that both K. sedentarius and M. luteus can survive a wide range of adverse conditions, including chemical contamination and ultraviolet exposure. M. luteus is a known cause of pneumonia in immunocompromised individuals and has also been implicated in skin infections. Recent reports suggest species of kytococci as emerging opportunistic pathogens of the immunocompromised, paediatrics and the elderly. We postulate that opportunistic bacteria, such as the kytococci and the micrococci, may also have a potential role in instigating subclinical, more subtle symptoms of disease in inmmunocompetent individuals.

Parasites in soil samples from Signy island, Antarctica.

Studies on parasite populations in Antarctic soils are scarce and thus little is known about the threat of these parasites towards either the natural fauna or human visitors. However, human presence in Antarctica, mainly through research and tourism, keeps increasing over time, potentially exposing visitors to zoonotic infections from Antarctic wildlife and environment. Most available literature to date has focused on faecal samples from Antarctic vertebrates. Therefore, this study addressed the possible presence of parasites in Antarctic soil that may be infectious to humans. Soil samples were obtained from five locations on Signy Island (South Orkney Islands, maritime Antarctic), namely North Point and Gourlay Peninsula (penguin rookeries), Pumphouse (relic coal-powered pump house), Jane Col (barren high altitude fellfield) and Berntsen Point (low altitude vegetated fellfield close to current research station). Approximately 10% of the soil samples (14/135) from 3 out of the 5 study sites had parasites which included Diphyllobotridae spp. eggs, Cryptosporidium sp., an apicomplexan protozoa (gregarine), Toxoplasma gondii, helminths (a cestode, Tetrabothrius sp., and a nematode larva) and mites. The presence of parasites in the 3 sites are most likely due to the presence of animal and human activities as two of these sites are penguin rookeries (North Point and Gourlay Peninsula) while the third site (Pumphouse Lake) has human activity. While some of the parasite species found in the soil samples appear to be distinctive, there were also parasites such as Cryptosporidium and Toxoplasma gondii that have a global distribution and are potentially pathogenic.

Parasites in soil samples from Signy island, Antarctica

@#Studies on parasite populations in Antarctic soils are scarce and thus little is known about the threat of these parasites towards either the natural fauna or human visitors. However, human presence in Antarctica, mainly through research and tourism, keeps increasing over time, potentially exposing visitors to zoonotic infections from Antarctic wildlife and environment. Most available literature to date has focused on faecal samples from Antarctic vertebrates. Therefore, this study addressed the possible presence of parasites in Antarctic soil that may be infectious to humans. Soil samples were obtained from five locations on Signy Island (South Orkney Islands, maritime Antarctic), namely North Point and Gourlay Peninsula (penguin rookeries), Pumphouse (relic coal-powered pump house), Jane Col (barren high altitude fellfield) and Berntsen Point (low altitude vegetated fellfield close to current research station). Approximately 10% of the soil samples (14/135) from 3 out of the 5 study sites had parasites which included Diphyllobotridae spp. eggs, Cryptosporidium sp., an apicomplexan protozoa (gregarine), Toxoplasma gondii, helminths (a cestode, Tetrabothrius sp., and a nematode larva) and mites. The presence of parasites in the 3 sites are most likely due to the presence of animal and human activities as two of these sites are penguin rookeries (North Point and Gourlay Peninsula) while the third site (Pumphouse Lake) has human activity. While some of the parasite species found in the soil samples appear to be distinctive, there were also parasites such as Cryptosporidium and Toxoplasma gondii that have a global distribution and are potentially pathogenic.

Detection of dengue viruses and Wolbachia in Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus larvae from four urban localities in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Dengue fever (DF) is currently one of the most important mosquito-borne diseases that affects humans. Dengue fever (DF) and dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) are caused by four serotypes of dengue viruses (DENV-1 to DENV-4). The main vector transmitting dengue is Aedes aegypti while Aedes albopictus acts as a secondary vector. As treatment is unavailable and the first dengue vaccine approved in Mexico, Dengvaxia® has yet to be accepted worldwide, prevention of the disease relies heavily on surveillance and control of mosquito vectors. A transgene driver, Wolbachia was found to limit the transmission of dengue virus in Aedes mosquitoes. Wolbachia alone was able to inhibit viral replication, dissemination and transmission in A. aeygpti mosquitoes in experimental studies. In A. albopictus, Wolbachia did not affect the replication of dengue virus but was able to reduce the viral infection of mosquito salivary glands and limit transmission. Studies on Wolbachia have all been carried out in adult Aedes mosquitoes, hence this study was conducted to determine the presence of dengue virus serotypes and Wolbachia in A. aegypti and A. albopictus larvae collected from ovitraps in four localities in Kuala Lumpur viz. Happy Gardens, IMU Bukit Jalil, Ampang and Taman Yarl. Another objective of this study was to determine the association between dengue virus serotypes and the presence of Wolbachia in A. aegypti and A. albopictus larvae. A total of 300 mosquito larvae was collected; 99 (Happy Gardens), 85 (Bukit Jalil), 73 (Ampang) and 43 (Taman Yarl). Out of 300 larvae collected, 284 were identified as A. albopictus and 16 others were identified as A. aegypti. Of the 284 A. albopictus larvae collected, 211 (74.3%) and 73 (25.7%) were found to be negative and positive for dengue virus respectively. The dengue serotypes detected were 2 DENV-2 (2.7%), 58 DENV-3 (79.5%) and 13 DENV-4 (17.8%). DENV-1 was not detected in any of the A. albopictus larvae. For A. aegypti, out of 16 A. aegypti larvae collected, 12 (75%) were found to be negative and 4 (25%) were positive for DENV-2. For the detection of Wolbachia in A. albopictus, 71 out of 284 (25%) and 213 (75%) larvae were found to be positive and negative for Wolbachia respectively. For A. aegypti, 4 (25%) and 12 (75%) out of 16 larvae were positive and negative for Wolbachia respectively. This is the first report of Wolbachia in A. albopictus and A. aegypti larvae in Malaysia. A chisquare test analysis to determine the association between dengue virus and Wolbachia in A. albopictus and A. aegypti larvae collected from the four localities in Kuala Lumpur showed that there was no association (χ2 = 3.080; df = 1; P > 0.05).

Detection of dengue viruses and Wolbachia in Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus larvae from four urban localities in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Dengue fever (DF) is currently one of the most important mosquito-borne diseases that affects humans. Dengue fever (DF) and dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) are caused by four serotypes of dengue viruses (DENV-1 to DENV-4). The main vector transmitting dengue is Aedes aegypti while Aedes albopictus acts as a secondary vector. As treatment is unavailable and the first dengue vaccine approved in Mexico, Dengvaxia® has yet to be accepted worldwide, prevention of the disease relies heavily on surveillance and control of mosquito vectors. A transgene driver, Wolbachia was found to limit the transmission of dengue virus in Aedes mosquitoes. Wolbachia alone was able to inhibit viral replication, dissemination and transmission in A. aeygpti mosquitoes in experimental studies. In A. albopictus, Wolbachia did not affect the replication of dengue virus but was able to reduce the viral infection of mosquito salivary glands and limit transmission. Studies on Wolbachia have all been carried out in adult Aedes mosquitoes, hence this study was conducted to determine the presence of dengue virus serotypes and Wolbachia in A. aegypti and A. albopictus larvae collected from ovitraps in four localities in Kuala Lumpur viz. Happy Gardens, IMU Bukit Jalil, Ampang and Taman Yarl. Another objective of this study was to determine the association between dengue virus serotypes and the presence of Wolbachia in A. aegypti and A. albopictus larvae. A total of 300 mosquito larvae was collected; 99 (Happy Gardens), 85 (Bukit Jalil), 73 (Ampang) and 43 (Taman Yarl). Out of 300 larvae collected, 284 were identified as A. albopictus and 16 others were identified as A. aegypti. Of the 284 A. albopictus larvae collected, 211 (74.3%) and 73 (25.7%) were found to be negative and positive for dengue virus respectively. The dengue serotypes detected were 2 DENV-2 (2.7%), 58 DENV-3 (79.5%) and 13 DENV-4 (17.8%). DENV-1 was not detected in any of the A. albopictus larvae. For A. aegypti, out of 16 A. aegypti larvae collected, 12 (75%) were found to be negative and 4 (25%) were positive for DENV-2. For the detection of Wolbachia in A. albopictus, 71 out of 284 (25%) and 213 (75%) larvae were found to be positive and negative for Wolbachia respectively. For A. aegypti, 4 (25%) and 12 (75%) out of 16 larvae were positive and negative for Wolbachia respectively. This is the first report of Wolbachia in A. albopictus and A. aegypti larvae in Malaysia. A chisquare test analysis to determine the association between dengue virus and Wolbachia in A. albopictus and A. aegypti larvae collected from the four localities in Kuala Lumpur showed that there was no association (χ2 = 3.080; df = 1; P > 0.05).

Randomized clinical trial of chewing gum after laparoscopic colorectal resection.

BACKGROUND: Chewing gum may enhance intestinal motility after surgery. This trial studied whether chewing gum could lead to a further reduction in ileus in patients who had a laparoscopic colorectal resection and followed an enhanced recovery programme. METHODS: Patients undergoing laparoscopic colorectal resection were randomized to a control or intervention group. Patients in the control group received a standardized recovery programme. Patients in the intervention group were, in addition, given chewing gum three times daily from day 1 until discharge. Primary outcome measures were time to first flatus and first bowel motion. Time to feeling hungry and hospital stay were secondary outcome measures. RESULTS: Forty-one patients were randomized into each group. Thirty-seven patients underwent rectal resection and 45 had a colonic resection. Time to passage of flatus was shorter (18 versus 34 h; P = 0·007), first bowel motion occurred earlier (19 versus 44 h; P = 0·001) and time to feeling hungry was earlier (16 versus 25 h; P = 0·001) in the intervention group. There was no difference in the duration of hospital stay (5 days in the intervention group versus 5·5 days in the control group). Subgroup analyses revealed that the benefits of chewing gum were clearer in patients who had a colonic resection, with a shorter time to first flatus (20 versus 35 h; P = 0·043), first bowel motion (19 versus 53 h; P = 0·014) and feeling hungry (14 versus 40 h; P = 0·001). No adverse events were attributed to chewing gum. CONCLUSION: Chewing gum is a simple intervention that speeds intestinal transit in patients managed with a recovery programme after laparoscopic colorectal resection. REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT02419586 (https://clinicaltrials.gov/).

Intra-articular injection of synovial mesenchymal stem cells improves cartilage repair in a mouse injury model.

Controversy remains whether articular cartilage has an endogenous stem/progenitor cell population, since its poor healing capacity after injury can lead to diseases such as osteoarthritis. In the joint environment there are mesenchymal stem/progenitor cells (MSCs) in the synovial membrane and synovial fluid that can differentiate into cartilage, but it is still under debate if these cells contribute to cartilage repair in vivo. In this study, we isolated a Sca-1 positive, chondrogenesis capable population of mouse synovial MSCs from C57BL6 and MRL/MpJ "super-healer" strains. Intra-articular injection of Sca-1 + GFP + synovial cells from C57BL6 or MRL/MpJ into C57BL6 mice following cartilage injury led to increased cartilage repair by 4 weeks after injury. GFP expression was detected in the injury site at 2 weeks, but not 4 weeks after injury. These results suggest that synovial stem/progenitor cells, regardless of strain background, have beneficial effects when injected into an injured joint. MSCs derived from MRL/MpJ mice did not promote an increased repair capacity compared to MSCs derived from non-healing C57BL6 controls; however, MRL/MpJ MSCs were observed within the defect area at the time points examined, while C57BL6 MSCs were not.

Sero-prevalence study of IgE responses to allergens from Malaysian house dust (HDM) and storage mites (SM).

Allergens of Dermatophagoides and Blomia species are well-characterized but not for other species. This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of allergic sensitization to house dust (HDM) and storage mites (SM). One hundred adult subjects (aged ≥ 18) were recruited. The mite specific IgE of all allergic subjects were higher compared with healthy subjetcs despite being not statistically significant except for D. farinae and G. malaysiensis. The mean serum IgE levels against HDM and SM for allergic subjects were significantly higher compared with those in healthy subjects. They were mainly sensitized to Dermatophagoides farinae (35%) and Glycycometus malaysiensis (37%). Immunoblots revealed not all allergic subjects showed positive immuno-reactivity against the mites tested. Single or multiple bands were observed for different species. The subjects were commonly sensitized to Group 2 (9-12 kDa), 10 (38 kDa) and 18 (40-48 kDa) allergens. Twenty-one out of 60 allergic subjects were sensitized to either one or more species. The majority of them (71%) were sensitized to single species. The allergic subjects were mainly sensitized to D. pteronyssinus, followed by Tyrophagus putrecentiae and Aleuroglyphus ovatus. Seven were solely sensitized to HDM while 10 were solely sensitized to SM. Four subjects were sensitized to both. Pre-adsorption study revealed no cross-reactivity. There was difference between the prevalence and reactivity to allergens of HDM and SM in these subjects. Both ELISA and immunoblot did not correlate well but can complement each other in improving the detection of mite allergens to the species level.

Atmospheric benzenoid emissions from plants rival those from fossil fuels.

Despite the known biochemical production of a range of aromatic compounds by plants and the presence of benzenoids in floral scents, the emissions of only a few benzenoid compounds have been reported from the biosphere to the atmosphere. Here, using evidence from measurements at aircraft, ecosystem, tree, branch and leaf scales, with complementary isotopic labeling experiments, we show that vegetation (leaves, flowers, and phytoplankton) emits a wide variety of benzenoid compounds to the atmosphere at substantial rates. Controlled environment experiments show that plants are able to alter their metabolism to produce and release many benzenoids under stress conditions. The functions of these compounds remain unclear but may be related to chemical communication and protection against stress. We estimate the total global secondary organic aerosol potential from biogenic benzenoids to be similar to that from anthropogenic benzenoids (~10 Tg y(-1)), pointing to the importance of these natural emissions in atmospheric physics and chemistry.