Recurrent Meningeal Hemangiopericytoma with Multiple Metastasis and Hypoglycemia: A Case Report

Aims. We report on the unusual case of a 43-year-old man who developed recurrent meningeal hemangiopericytoma and presented with hypoglycemia 6 years after excision of the tumor. Methods and Results. We utilized computed tomography to assure multiple tumor metastasis and cranial recurrence of previous meningeal hemangiopericytoma and clinical laboratory tests and immunohistochemical staining to characterize this case. Magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography showed the recurrent tumor at original torcular site was increased in size. Abnormal low levels of growth hormone, insulin, and insulin-like growth factor-I except insulin-like growth factor-II were detected in the serum. By immunohistochemistry, the neoplastic cells characteristically express diffusely CD99, bcl2, and variable CD34. After radio- and chemotherapy, serum glucose level of the patient returned to normal. Conclusions. Comparing other brain tumors, meningeal hemangiopericytoma has a higher recurrent and metastatic rate, but this tumor with hypoglycemia is very rare

Isolation and characterization of a human heart cDNA encoding a new member of the small heat shock protein family — HSPL27

AbstractA novel cDNA clone was isolated from a human adult heart cDNA library. This cDNA clone is similar to the small heat shock protein (smhsp) in both DNA and amino acid sequences, especially in the conserved region. Sequence analysis has shown that the putative novel smhsp, named 27 kDa heat-shock-protein-like protein (HSPL27) is a protein of 241 amino acids with a deduced molecular mass of 26.7 kDa and a deduced pI of 8.0. We have expressed the HSPL27 in E. coli and the expressed protein was found to be present in the soluble fraction of the bacterial cell lysate. Chromosomal mapping data shows that the HSPL27 gene is located at human chromosome 5q11.2

Sustainable mitigation strategies for urban heat island effects in urban areas

The globe is at a crossroads in terms of the urban heat island effect, with rising surface temperatures due to urbanization and an expanding built environment. This cause-and-effect connection may be linked to weather-related dangers, natural disasters, and disease outbreaks. Urbanization and industrialization will not lead to a secure and sustainable future. Finding solutions to problems such as the heat island effect is at the forefront of scientific research and policy development. Sustainable ways to decrease urban heat island impacts are a core principle for urban planners. This literature study examines the benefits of adding green infrastructure and sustainable materials in built-up areas to reduce the urban heat island effect. Materials such as reflective street pavements, coating materials including light-colored paint, phase-change materials, color-changing paint, fluorescence paint, and energy-efficient appliances are considered sustainable materials, whereas green infrastructure like green roofs, green walls, green parking and pavements, and shaded streets are considered to mitigate the urban heat island effect. The hurdles to the widespread adoption of such practices include a lack of governmental legislation, insufficient technological development, an erroneous estimation of economic gains, and unwillingness on the part of impacted parties

Patterning of L10 FePt Nanoparticles with Ultra-High Coercivity for Bit-Patterned Media

L1(0)-ordered FePt nanoparticles (NPs) with ultra-high coercivity were directly prepared from a new metallopolyyne using a one-step pyrolysis method. The chemical ordering, morphology and magnetic properties of the as-synthesized FePt NPs have been studied. Magnetic measurements show the coercivity of these FePt NPs is as high as 3.6 T. Comparison of NPs synthesized under the Ar and Ar/H-2 atmospheres shows that the presence of H-2 in the annealing environment influences the nucleation and promotes the growth of L1(0)-FePt NPs. Application of this metallopolymer for bit-patterned media was also demonstrated using nanoimprint lithography.Department of Applied PhysicsDepartment of Applied Biology and Chemical Technolog

Annexin II-binding immunoglobulins in patients with lupus nephritis and their correlation with disease manifestations

Correspondence: Tak Mao Chan ([email protected]) and Susan Yung ([email protected]) Annexin II on mesangial cell surface mediates the binding of anti-dsDNA antibodies and consequent downstream inflammatory and fibrotic processes. We investigated the clinical relevance of circulating annexin II-binding immunoglobulins (Igs) in patients with severe proliferative lupus nephritis, and renal annexin II expression in relation to progression of nephritis in New Zealand Black and White F1 mice (NZBWF1/J) mice. Annexin II-binding Igs in serum were measured by ELISA. Ultrastructural localization of annexin II was determined by electron microscopy. Seropositivity rates for annexin II-binding IgG and IgM in patients with active lupus nephritis were significantly higher compared with controls (8.9%, 1.3% and 0.9% for annexin II-binding IgG and 11.1%, 4.0% and 1.9% for annexin II-binding IgM for patients with active lupus nephritis, patients with non-lupus renal disease and healthy subjects respectively). In lupus patients, annexin II-binding IgM level was higher at disease flare compared with remission. Annexin II-binding IgG and IgM levels were associated with that of anti-dsDNA and disease activity. Annexin II-binding IgG and IgM levels correlated with histological activity index in lupus nephritis biopsy samples. In NZBWF1/J mice, serum annexin II-binding IgG and IgM levels and glomerular annexin II and p11 expression increased with progression of active nephritis. Annexin II expression was present on mesangial cell surface and in the mesangial matrix, and co-localized with electron-dense deposits along the glomerular basement membrane. Our results show that circulating annexin II-binding IgG and IgM levels are associated with clinical and histological disease activity in proliferative lupus nephritis. The co-localization of annexin II and p11 expression with immune deposition in the kidney suggests pathogenic relevance

Promotion of knowledge and awareness of parents in HK about infant oral health care

Aim: To promote the knowledge and awareness of infant oral health (OH) care among Hong Kong parents with children aged 0 to 2 years through an interactive workshop and to evaluate its effectiveness. Methods: Parents were recruited from government-registered childcare centers and private playgroups. Interactive workshops consisted of a 30-minute PowerPoint presentation and 20 minutes of small-group activities, which included infant oral hygiene instruction with custom-made infant dentition models, diet analysis and question-and-answer session. Self-completed questionnaires used to evaluate the knowledge and attitude of parents were distributed before and after the workshops. Scores on general OH knowledge (range=0-18), infant OH knowledge (0-10) and parent’s attitude (0-4) were computed. Scores of at least 70% were considered proficient. Results: Among the 111 participants (aged 26 to 54 years, 64% mothers), 96% had a child aged 0 to 30 months. 30% had their children’s mouth cleaned at least twice a day. Only one participant had brought his/her child to see a dentist. Weaker aspects in parents’ OH knowledge and common misconceptions were identified in the pre-survey. Only 35% identified frequent meals as an increased caries risk; only 59% and 79% identified starchy food and formula milk as cariogenic food respectively. 58% did not know water fluoridation can prevent caries, while 33% of parents pointed out calcium supplement can prevent caries. Before the workshop, 41% had proficient general OH knowledge (mean=11.9) and 16% had proficient infant OH knowledge (mean=4.8). Over half of parents showed positive attitude (mean=3.4). Significant improvements in general OH knowledge (mean=15.6, p<0.001), infant OH knowledge (mean=8.8, p<0.001) and attitude (mean=3.9, p<0.001) were observed. Parents reflected the workshops were useful (94%) and they learned new practices to improve their infants’ OH (95%). Conclusion: Several deficiencies in oral health knowledge and behaviour are identified. The interactive workshops can effectively promote the knowledge and awareness of infant oral health care among parents with children aged 0 to 2 years. Large-scale infant oral health survey is needed. Interactive workshops with longer follow-up periods are recommended. More guidelines can be provided to parents and general dentists for prevention of caries.published_or_final_versio

Recommendations from the International Consensus Conference on Anemia Management in Surgical Patients (ICCAMS)

Background: Perioperative anemia has been associated with increased risk of red blood cell transfusion and increased morbidity and mortality following surgery. The optimal approach to the diagnosis and management of perioperative anemia is not fully established. Objective: To develop consensus recommendations for anemia management in surgical patients. Methods: An international expert panel reviewed the current evidence and developed recommendations using modified RAND Delphi methodology. Results: The panel recommends that all patients be screened for anemia prior to surgery. Appropriate therapy for anemia should be guided by an accurate diagnosis of the etiology. The need to proceed with surgery in some patients with anemia is expected to persist. However, early identification and effective treatment of anemia has the potential to reduce the risks associated with surgery and improve clinical outcomes. As with preoperative anemia, postoperative anemia should be treated in the perioperative period. Conclusions: Early identification and effective treatment of anemia has the potential to improve clinical outcomes in surgical patients

Consensus Statement on the Pathology of IgG4-Related Disease

IgG4-related disease is a newly recognized fibro-inflammatory condition characterized by several features: a tendency to form tumefactive lesions in multiple sites; a characteristic histopathological appearance; and—often but not always—elevated serum IgG4 concentrations. An international symposium on IgG4-related disease was held in Boston, MA, on 4–7 October 2011. The organizing committee comprising 35 IgG4-related disease experts from Japan, Korea, Hong Kong, the United Kingdom, Germany, Italy, Holland, Canada, and the United States, including the clinicians, pathologists, radiologists, and basic scientists. This group represents broad subspecialty expertise in pathology, rheumatology, gastroenterology, allergy, immunology, nephrology, pulmonary medicine, oncology, ophthalmology, and surgery. The histopathology of IgG4-related disease was a specific focus of the international symposium. The primary purpose of this statement is to provide practicing pathologists with a set of guidelines for the diagnosis of IgG4-related disease. The diagnosis of IgG4-related disease rests on the combined presence of the characteristic histopathological appearance and increased numbers of IgG4+ plasma cells. The critical histopathological features are a dense lymphoplasmacytic infiltrate, a storiform pattern of fibrosis, and obliterative phlebitis. We propose a terminology scheme for the diagnosis of IgG4-related disease that is based primarily on the morphological appearance on biopsy. Tissue IgG4 counts and IgG4:IgG ratios are secondary in importance. The guidelines proposed in this statement do not supplant careful clinicopathological correlation and sound clinical judgment. As the spectrum of this disease continues to expand, we advocate the use of strict criteria for accepting newly proposed entities or sites as components of the IgG4-related disease spectrum