Hyper IgE Syndrome and Renal Cell Carcinoma

Hyper IgE Syndrome (HIES) is an immunodeficiency disorder characterized by increased serum levels of IgE, eczema, and recurrent cutaneous and pulmonary infections. In this report, we present, to our knowledge, the first documented case of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) found in a patient with HIES. The patient received infectious disease clearance prior to obtaining a partial nephrectomy which revealed clear cell histology. Both HIES and RCC have an immunological basis for their pathophysiology and may involve common pathways. Further studies may provide insight into any possible link and clinicians should be mindful of immunocompromised patients who present with risk factors for genitourinary malignancy

Percutaneous and Endoscopic Management of Nephrolithiasis in a Patient with Five Native Ureters (Trifid Right and Bifid Left Collecting System)

Triplication of the ureter is a rare urologic finding that has been well described in the literature. Patients can present with urinary tract infections, incontinence, and calculi. We present the case of a patient with extensive stone burden with right trifid and left bifid collecting systems. Stone management was performed with a multimodal approach using a combination of endoscopic and percutaneous approaches. Our systematic and staged approach highlights a method for efficacious stone treatment in a complex endourologic case

Coordination chemistry of amide-functionalised tetraazamacrocycles: structural, relaxometric and cytotoxicity studies

Three different tetraazamacrocyclic ligands containing four amide substituents that feature groups (namely allyl, styryl and propargyl groups) suitable for polymerisation have been synthesised. Gadolinium(III) complexes of these three ligands have been prepared as potential monomers for the synthesis of polymeric MRI contrast agents. To assess the potential of these monomers as MRI contrast agents, their relaxation enhancement properties and cytotoxicity have been determined. A europium(III) complex of one of these ligands (with propargyl substituents) is also presented together with its PARACEST properties. In addition, to gain further insight into the coordination chemistry of the tetra-propargyl substituted ligand, the corresponding zinc(II) and cadmium(II) complexes have been prepared. The X-ray crystal structures of the tetra-propargyl ligand and its corresponding gadolinium(III), zinc(II) and cadmium(II) complexes are also presented

Melanocortin peptides protect chondrocytes from mechanically induced cartilage injury

Introduction Mechanical injury can greatly influence articular cartilage, propagating inflammation, cell injury and death – risk factors for the development of osteoarthritis. Melanocortin peptides and their receptors mediate anti-inflammatory and pro-resolving mechanisms in chondrocytes. This study aimed to investigate the potential chondroprotective properties of α-MSH and [DTRP8]-γ-MSH in mechanically injured cartilage explants, their ability to inhibit pro-inflammatory and stimulate anti-inflammatory cytokines in in situ and in freshly isolated articular chondrocytes. Methods The effect of melanocortins on in situ chondrocyte viability was investigated using confocal laser scanning microscopy of bovine articular cartilage explants, subjected to a single blunt impact (1.14 N, 6.47 kPa) delivered by a drop tower. Chondroprotective effects of α-MSH, [DTRP8]-γ-MSH and dexamethasone on cytokine release by TNF-α-activated freshly isolated articular chondrocytes/mechanically injured cartilage explants were investigated by ELISA. Results A single impact to cartilage caused discreet areas of chondrocyte death, accompanied by pro-inflammatory cytokine release; both parameters were modulated by α-MSH, [DTRP8]-γ-MSH and dexamethasone. Melanocortin pre-treatment of TNF-α-stimulated freshly isolated chondrocytes resulted in a bell-shaped inhibition in IL-1β, IL-6 and IL-8, and elevation of IL-10 production. The MC3/4 antagonist, SHU9119, abrogated the effect of [DTRP8]-γ-MSH but not α-MSH on cytokine release. Conclusion Melanocortin peptide pre-treatment prevented chondrocyte death following mechanical impact to cartilage and led to a marked reduction of pro-inflammatory cytokines, whilst prompting the production of anti-inflammatory/pro-resolving cytokine IL-10. Development of small molecule agonists towards melanocortin receptors could thus be a viable approach for preventing chondrocyte inflammation and death within cartilage and represent an alternative approach for the treatment of osteoarthritis

Reflexões sobre a cor na conservação/restauração

This paper presents some research possibilities related to Colour as a main issue. Some examples of the study of colour in textiles and modern art are given. Architecture related issues are not covered.Este texto apresenta algumas possibilidades de pesquisa do tema Cor dentro das áreas de conservaçÃo/restauraçÃo de bens móveis. SÃo apresentados alguns exemplos do tema Cor relacionado aos tecidos e às artes contemporâneas. Questões específicas à Arquitetura nÃo sÃo abordadas

Diving into the vertical dimension of elasmobranch movement ecology

Knowledge of the three-dimensional movement patterns of elasmobranchs is vital to understand their ecological roles and exposure to anthropogenic pressures. To date, comparative studies among species at global scales have mostly focused on horizontal movements. Our study addresses the knowledge gap of vertical movements by compiling the first global synthesis of vertical habitat use by elasmobranchs from data obtained by deployment of 989 biotelemetry tags on 38 elasmobranch species. Elasmobranchs displayed high intra- and interspecific variability in vertical movement patterns. Substantial vertical overlap was observed for many epipelagic elasmobranchs, indicating an increased likelihood to display spatial overlap, biologically interact, and share similar risk to anthropogenic threats that vary on a vertical gradient. We highlight the critical next steps toward incorporating vertical movement into global management and monitoring strategies for elasmobranchs, emphasizing the need to address geographic and taxonomic biases in deployments and to concurrently consider both horizontal and vertical movements

Diving into the vertical dimension of elasmobranch movement ecology

Knowledge of the three-dimensional movement patterns of elasmobranchs is vital to understand their ecological roles and exposure to anthropogenic pressures. To date, comparative studies among species at global scales have mostly focused on horizontal movements. Our study addresses the knowledge gap of vertical movements by compiling the first global synthesis of vertical habitat use by elasmobranchs from data obtained by deployment of 989 biotelemetry tags on 38 elasmobranch species. Elasmobranchs displayed high intra- and interspecific variability in vertical movement patterns. Substantial vertical overlap was observed for many epipelagic elasmobranchs, indicating an increased likelihood to display spatial overlap, biologically interact, and share similar risk to anthropogenic threats that vary on a vertical gradient. We highlight the critical next steps toward incorporating vertical movement into global management and monitoring strategies for elasmobranchs, emphasizing the need to address geographic and taxonomic biases in deployments and to concurrently consider both horizontal and vertical movements

Global Spatial Risk Assessment of Sharks Under the Footprint of Fisheries

Effective ocean management and conservation of highly migratory species depends on resolving overlap between animal movements and distributions and fishing effort. Yet, this information is lacking at a global scale. Here we show, using a big-data approach combining satellite-tracked movements of pelagic sharks and global fishing fleets, that 24% of the mean monthly space used by sharks falls under the footprint of pelagic longline fisheries. Space use hotspots of commercially valuable sharks and of internationally protected species had the highest overlap with longlines (up to 76% and 64%, respectively) and were also associated with significant increases in fishing effort. We conclude that pelagic sharks have limited spatial refuge from current levels of high-seas fishing effort. Results demonstrate an urgent need for conservation and management measures at high-seas shark hotspots and highlight the potential of simultaneous satellite surveillance of megafauna and fishers as a tool for near-real time, dynamic management

Th17 Cells and IL-17 in Protective Immunity to Vaginal Candidiasis

Background: Th17 cells play a major role in coordinating the host defence in oropharyngeal candidiasis. In this study we investigated the involvement of the Th17 response in an animal model of vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC). Methods: To monitor the course of infection we exploited a new in vivo imaging technique. Results: i) The progression of VVC leads to a strong influx of neutrophils in the vagina soon after the challenge which persisted despite the resolution of infection; ii) IL-17, produced by vaginal cells, particularly CD4 T cells, was detected in the vaginal wash during the infection, reaching a maximum 14 days after the challenge; iii) The amount and kinetics of IL-23 in vaginal fluids were comparable to those in vaginal cells; iv) The inhibition of Th17 differentiation led to significant inhibition of IL-17 production with consequent exacerbation of infection; v) An increased production of bdefensin 2 was manifested in cells of infected mice. This production was strongly reduced when Th17 differentiation was inhibited and was increased by rIL-17 treatment. Conclusions: These results imply that IL-17 and Th17, along with innate antimicrobial factors, have a role in the immune response to vaginal candidiasis