The lateral flow card test: an alternative method for the detection of Trichinella infection in swine

A novel lateral flow card (TS-Card pork) test was developed for the serological detection of Trichinella infected pigs. Based on extensive studies performed in Romania during 1 999-2000 this test proved to be highly specific, sensitive, rapid (3-12 minutes) and easy to use (no need for laboratory facilities). It can be used both for the detection of Trichinella infection in carcasses and for epizootiological studies using a variety of samples including whole or dried blood, serum, or tissue fluids. The TS-Card pork test, used as a screening test, can be the foundation of an on-farm or field based inspection system to significantly improve food safety in countries with a high prevalence of Trichinella in pigs or other food animal species. The results presented are also promising for application of the test in an on-line laboratory based inspection system since the speed of the test allows sufficient time to rail out suspected hog carcasses during the slaughter process

Factors Associated with Revision Surgery after Internal Fixation of Hip Fractures

Background: Femoral neck fractures are associated with high rates of revision surgery after management with internal fixation. Using data from the Fixation using Alternative Implants for the Treatment of Hip fractures (FAITH) trial evaluating methods of internal fixation in patients with femoral neck fractures, we investigated associations between baseline and surgical factors and the need for revision surgery to promote healing, relieve pain, treat infection or improve function over 24 months postsurgery. Additionally, we investigated factors associated with (1) hardware removal and (2) implant exchange from cancellous screws (CS) or sliding hip screw (SHS) to total hip arthroplasty, hemiarthroplasty, or another internal fixation device. Methods: We identified 15 potential factors a priori that may be associated with revision surgery, 7 with hardware removal, and 14 with implant exchange. We used multivariable Cox proportional hazards analyses in our investigation. Results: Factors associated with increased risk of revision surgery included: female sex, [hazard ratio (HR) 1.79, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.25-2.50; P = 0.001], higher body mass index (fo

Effects of differentiation inducers on cell phenotypes of cultured nontransformed and immortalized mammary epithelial cells: A comparative immunocytochemical analysis

We examined the effects of the differentiation-inducing agents 1,25- dihydroxyvitamin D 3 (calcitriol), phorbol myristate acetate (PMA), the cytokine interferon-{gamma} (IFN-{gamma}), and the tumor necrosis factor-{alpha} (TNF-{alpha}) alone and in combination with calcitriol on cell growth and differentiation parameters of cultured nontransformed human mammary epithelial cell (HMEC) lines, the chemically transformed HMEC line H184 A1N4, and the human mammary carcinoma cell line CAL51. Cell differentiation was phenotyped by semi- quantitative immunocytochemistry using a panel of 15 monoclonal antibodies against marker molecules representing epithelial cell differentiation, cell- cell adhesion processes and malignancy. Cell proliferation of HMEC and H184 A1N4, but not of CAL51 cells was reduced by the agents. Cell phenotypes were analyzed by examining the expression of cytokeratins (pan CK and CK19), the epithelial mucin (MUC1), isoactin, and the blood group-related H type 2 carbohydrate antigen. HMEC and H184 A1N4 cells showed characteristics of basal cells, whereas CAL51 cells resembled a lumenal phenotype. The cell-cell adhesion molecules E-cadherin, intracellular adhesion molecule (ICAM-1), and the tumor markers carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) and CD44v6 were expressed on all 3 mammary cell lines, with moderate differences. With respect to effects on cell phenotypes, HMEC were sensitive to PMA and IFN-{gamma} resulting in an increased expression of MUC1, CEA and ICAM-1 molecules. H184 A1N4 cells responded to TNF-{alpha} in combination with calcitriol by increased expression of pan CK, MUC1, and decreased H type 2 antigen expression, suggesting a transition towards a lumenal phenotype. Furthermore, CEA, ICAM-1 and CD44v6 were increased by TNF-{alpha} plus calcitriol. In contrast, CAL51 cells were overall less sensitive to differentiation induction attempts; only TNF-{alpha} stimulated MUC1, isoactin and epithelial cell adhesion molecule (Ep-CAM) expression

ADMAP-2: A New International Magnetic Anomaly Compilation Project to Aid Antarctic Geosciences

The Antarctic Digital Magnetic Anomaly Project completed the first international magnetic anomaly compilation of the Antarctic region south of 6

Meta-analysis uncovers genome-wide significant variants for rapid kidney function decline

10.1016/j.kint.2020.09.030Kidney International994926-93

Meta-analysis uncovers genome-wide significant variants for rapid kidney function decline

Rapid decline of glomerular filtration rate estimated from creatinine (eGFRcrea) is associated with severe clinical endpoints. In contrast to cross-sectionally assessed eGFRcrea, the genetic basis for rapid eGFRcrea decline is largely unknown. To help define this, we meta-analyzed 42 genome-wide association studies from the Chronic Kidney Diseases Genetics Consortium and United Kingdom Biobank to identify genetic loci for rapid eGFRcrea decline. Two definitions of eGFRcrea decline were used: 3 mL/min/1.73m(2)/year or more ("Rapid3"; encompassing 34,874 cases, 107,090 controls) and eGFRcrea decline 25% or more and eGFRcrea under 60 mL/min/1.73m(2) at follow-up among those with eGFRcrea 60 mL/min/1.73m(2) or more at baseline ("CKDi25"; encompassing 19,901 cases, 175,244 controls). Seven independent variants were identified across six loci for Rapid3 and/or CKDi25: consisting of five variants at four loci with genome-wide significance (near UMOD-PDILT (2), PRKAG2, WDR72, OR2S2) and two variants among 265 known eGFRcrea variants (near GATM, LARP4B). All these loci were novel for Rapid3 and/or CKDi25 and our bioinformatic follow-up prioritized variants and genes underneath these loci. The OR2S2 locus is novel for any eGFRcrea trait including interesting candidates. For the five genome-wide significant lead variants, we found supporting effects for annual change in blood urea nitrogen or cystatin-based eGFR, but not for GATM or (LARP4B). Individuals at high compared to those at low genetic risk (8-14 vs. 0-5 adverse alleles) had a 1.20-fold increased risk of acute kidney injury (95% confidence interval 1.08-1.33). Thus, our identified loci for rapid kidney function decline may help prioritize therapeutic targets and identify mechanisms and individuals at risk for sustained deterioration of kidney function

Fracture fixation in the operative management of hip fractures (FAITH): an international, multicentre, randomised controlled trial

Background Reoperation rates are high after surgery for hip fractures. We investigated the effect of a sliding hip screw versus cancellous screws on the risk of reoperation and other key outcomes. Methods For this international, multicentre, allocation concealed randomised controlled trial, we enrolled patients aged 50 years or older with a low-energy hip fracture requiring fracture fixation from 81 clinical centres in eight countries. Patients were assigned by minimisation with a centralised computer system to receive a single large-diameter screw with a side-plate (sliding hip screw) or the present standard of care, multiple small-diameter cancellous screws. Surgeons and patients were not blinded but the data analyst, while doing the analyses, remained blinded to treatment groups. The primary outcome was hip reoperation within 24 months after initial surgery to promote fracture healing, relieve pain, treat infection, or improve function. Analyses followed the intention-to-treat principle. This study was registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT00761813. Findings Between Mar

DUNE Offline Computing Conceptual Design Report

International audienceThis document describes Offline Software and Computing for the Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment (DUNE) experiment, in particular, the conceptual design of the offline computing needed to accomplish its physics goals. Our emphasis in this document is the development of the computing infrastructure needed to acquire, catalog, reconstruct, simulate and analyze the data from the DUNE experiment and its prototypes. In this effort, we concentrate on developing the tools and systems thatfacilitate the development and deployment of advanced algorithms. Rather than prescribing particular algorithms, our goal is to provide resources that are flexible and accessible enough to support creative software solutions as HEP computing evolves and to provide computing that achieves the physics goals of the DUNE experiment

DUNE Offline Computing Conceptual Design Report

This document describes Offline Software and Computing for the Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment (DUNE) experiment, in particular, the conceptual design of the offline computing needed to accomplish its physics goals. Our emphasis in this document is the development of the computing infrastructure needed to acquire, catalog, reconstruct, simulate and analyze the data from the DUNE experiment and its prototypes. In this effort, we concentrate on developing the tools and systems thatfacilitate the development and deployment of advanced algorithms. Rather than prescribing particular algorithms, our goal is to provide resources that are flexible and accessible enough to support creative software solutions as HEP computing evolves and to provide computing that achieves the physics goals of the DUNE experiment