Proximal femoral focal deficiency : a case report

Proximal Femoral Focal Deficiency (PFFD) is a rare and complex congenital anomaly (1:50,000-200,000 population) that results in varying degrees of femoral hypoplasia with limb shortening and pelvic abnormalities. It may be present bilaterally in association with other malformations/deficiencies of the lower limbs, and the upper limbs may also be involved. Other anomalies may also be present such as cleft palate, congenital heart defects, and spinal anomalies. The aetiology is unknown. We present a case of PFFD who was born locally.peer-reviewe

The re-emergence of the B1 cell compartment : is this a pre-lymphoma stage?

Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL) are in some cases stereotyped for immunoglobulin variants in different populations, suggesting emergence of B cell subsets following presentation of the same antigen. CLL cells may originate from CD5+ naïve cells and from CD5 memory cells. Gene expression studies characterized a common cell of origin of the two clinical categories of CLL; the unmutated aggressive type and the mutated indolent type. The aim of this study was to investigate the presence of CD5 positive B cells in the elderly and their potential stimulation with exosomes derived from tumor cells. The findings from this study is aimed to create a model to identify instigating carcinomatous factors that may stimulate B1 cells to transform into a CLL-like model. In this study we show that CD19\textsuperscript+ cells (B cells) in cord blood have a high expression of CD5. CD19/CD5 staining of blood samples from senior citizens showed the presence of B cells which also express the CD5 marker, though at a lower expression when compared to CLL cells (CD19+/CD5 dim B cells). Measurement of clonality using λ/Κ flow cytometry staining show a monoclonal origin of the human CD19+/CD5 dim B cells. Monoclonal B cell Lymphocytosis in the elderly is a potential cell compartment that represents the origin of B cell proliferative disorders. The origin of the B cell proliferative disease requires antigen stimulation. A preliminary experiment showed that sorted lymphocytes can be stimulated by exosomes isolated from 2 cancer cells lines, A549 (lung epithelial) and PC3 (prostate cell line). In comparison with phytohaemagglutinin (PHA) and phorbolmyristate acetate (PMA), known lymphocyte stimulators, the exosomes stimulated the proliferation of monocytic-like cells. Further characterization is required to know the origin of these cells. The result shows that one can speculate that exosomes present cancer-derived antigens and stimulate cell proliferation. Further studies are required to evaluate the potential transformation capacity of cancer-derived exosomes. In addition, various cytokines were measured in the sera of senior citizens to investigate a differential release of cytokines in the presence or absence of the CD19+/CD5 dim B cells. Cytokines examined were not significantly different between the 2 groups and further evaluation of cytokine levels is required.peer-reviewe

Observations on courtship and mating behaviour in Maltese populations of the killifish Apnonius fasciatus (Pisces : Cyprinodontidae)

Courtship and mating behaviour of a Maltese population of Aphanius fasciatus kept in laboratory culture is described. Moles showed a brightening of their coloration. increased aggression towards other moles. and paid more attention to females during the period April-October. Moles took the lead in courtship. Courtship behaviour consisted of a number of acts. Some involved touching the female and these appeared to be designed to arouse sexual interest; others served to exhibit the male's body and to inhibit the female from swimming away. Mating commenced with the female pushing itself into floating algal mots: the male responded by wrapping its body tightly round that of the female. following which ejaculation of eggs and sperm occurred.peer-reviewe

Random matrix approach in search for weak signals immersed in background noise

We present new, original and alternative method for searching signals coded in noisy data. The method is based on the properties of random matrix eigenvalue spectra. First, we describe general ideas and support them with results of numerical simulations for basic periodic signals immersed in artificial stochastic noise. Then, the main effort is put to examine the strength of a new method in investigation of data content taken from the real astrophysical NAUTILUS detector, searching for the presence of gravitational waves. Our method discovers some previously unknown problems with data aggregation in this experiment. We provide also the results of new method applied to the entire respond signal from ground based detectors in future experimental activities with reduced background noise level. We indicate good performance of our method what makes it a positive predictor for further applications in many areas.Comment: 15 pages, 16 figure

E. E. C. economic policy towards the Mediterranean : the special case of Malta

At a meeting of the Association Committee in Luxembourg on April 25th 1972, the Maltese delegation expressed their dissatisfaction with the functioning and results of the EEC/Malta Association Agreement which commenced in April 1971. The delegation stated that although Malta had obtained substantial tariff concessions in the industrial sector, she was 'unable to take advantage of them'. The raison d'etre of the Agreement was to cosolidate and extend the economic and commercial relations, between the EEC and Malta, by the harmonious development of trade. This was made possible under the terms of Article 238 of the Treaty of Rome. 1 It was hoped that the Agreement would result in an extension of Malta's home market for industrial exports which would absorb the existing spare capacity within the industrial sector. It was also seen as a natural extension of European integration, consolidating the political and economic interests involved.peer-reviewe

The Vanishing Stenosis: ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction and Rhythm Disturbance due to Coronary Artery Spasm-Case Report and Review of the Literature

A 62-year-old lady was admitted with clinical and electrocardiograph features of acute myocardial infarction. Urgent coronary arteriography was performed, demonstrating a single discrete stenosis of one coronary artery. Following intracoronary injection of GTN, this stenosis completely resolved, as the symptoms did. The causes of acute myocardial infarction with normal coronary arteries are reviewed

Conference scene : Golden Helix Pharmacogenomics Days : educational activities on pharmacogenomics and personalized medicine

The Golden Helix Pharmacogenomics Days are high-profile international educational scientific meetings discussing pharmacogenomics and personalized medicine. Here, we provide an overview of the scientific lectures and the topics discussed during the 4th Golden Helix Pharmacogenomics Day, held in Cagliari, Italy, on 7 October 2011, and the 5th Golden Helix Pharmacogenomics Day, that was held in Msida, Malta, on 3 December 2011. The scientific programs of both events included scientific and company lectures on pharmacogenomics, bioinformatics and personalized medicine by local and international speakers from Europe and the USA.peer-reviewe