Spectropolarimetry of SN 2011dh in M51: geometric insights on a Type IIb supernova progenitor and explosion

We present seven epochs of spectropolarimetry of the Type IIb supernova (SN) 2011dh in M51, spanning 86 days of its evolution. The first epoch was obtained 9 days after the explosion, when the photosphere was still in the depleted hydrogen layer of the stripped-envelope progenitor. Continuum polarization is securely detected at the level of P~0.5% through day 14 and appears to diminish by day 30, which is different from the prevailing trends suggested by studies of other core-collapse SNe. Time-variable modulations in P and position angle are detected across P-Cygni line features. H-alpha and HeI polarization peak after 30 days and exhibit position angles roughly aligned with the earlier continuum, while OI and CaII appear to be geometrically distinct. We discuss several possibilities to explain the evolution of the continuum and line polarization, including the potential effects of a tidally deformed progenitor star, aspherical radioactive heating by fast-rising plumes of Ni-56 from the core, oblique shock breakout, or scattering by circumstellar material. While these possibilities are plausible and guided by theoretical expectations, they are not unique solutions to the data. The construction of more detailed hydrodynamic and radiative-transfer models that incorporate complex aspherical geometries will be required to further elucidate the nature of the polarized radiation from SN 2011dh and other Type IIb supernovae.Comment: Post-proof edit. Accepted to MNRAS 2015 Aug 1

Endoscopic endonasal approaches to the skull base tumors: minimally-invasive approach with achievement of radicality. Our experience

Objective: to optimize surgical tactic of endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal (EET) approaches in cases of tumors with intra- and extracranial extension.Material and methods. For the period of 2013–2019, we retrospectively reviewed 39 patients with tumors of intra-extra skull base location or just extracranial extension. Tumor location and pathology: tumors in pterygopalatine fossa (paraganglioma, carcinoma, neurilemmoma, neurofibroma, chondrosarcoma) — 10 (25.6 %), pituitary adenomas with sphenoid sinus and/or parasellar extension — 14 (35.9 %), sphenoid sinus tumors (carcinoma, neurilemmoma, fibrous dysplasia, angiofibroma, esthesioneuroblastoma) — 8 (20.5 %), petroclival tumors — 6 (15.4 %): hemangiopericytoma — 1, clival tumors — 5 (chordoma), sella turcica lesion with posterior clinoid recess extension (osteoma) – 1 (2.5 %). The extended EET approaches used were as follows: EET + transpterygoid approach — 22 (56.4 %) (in 4 (18.1 %) cases transmaxillary approach was additionally used), extended EET + transclival approach — 4 (10.2 %), EET + transcavernous approach — 2 (5.1 %), EET + transethmoidal approach — 11 (28.2 %). In all cases, we used Karl Storz rigid 4mm 18cm with 0 and 30-degree angled optics. The extent of resection was determined based on routine postoperative CT scans performed within 24 hours after surgery. The volume of resection was evaluated using gadolinium. Gross total resection was defined as the resection of 100 % of the target lesion, subtotal resection as less than 100 % volumetric reduction of the lesion on postoperative CT scans. Further follow-up was done in three, six months and 1 year after surgery, then annually by MRI scanning with gadolinium.Results. Gross total resection was achieved in 7 (77.8 %) cases of tumor in pterygopalatine fossa. In cases of pituitary adenomas with Knosp 3, Knosp 4 cavernous sinus extension, gross total resection was achieved in 7 (53.8 %) individuals. Sphenoid sinus tumors were totally removed in 5 (62.5 %) cases. Subtotal resection was achieved in 11 (28.2 %) cases. Partial resection was achieved in 8 (20.5 %) cases. Postoperative complications were observed in 5 (12.1 %) cases.Conclusions Transethmoidal extended endoscopic endonasal approach is sufficient and good to access the anterior wall of the cavernous sinus improving visualization and better removing of cavernous sinus pathology extension. Transpterygoid extended endoscopic endonasal approach provides sufficient visualization of pterygopalatine fossa, petroclival region. Transmaxillary extension allows reaching the subtemporal region

Neutrophil gelatinase associated lipocalin (NGAL) is elevated in type 2 diabetics with carotid artery stenosis and reduced under metformin treatment

Abstract Background Neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL), an acute phase protein released by neutrophils, has been described as biomarker of inflammatory states. Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is characterized by increased inflammation and an elevated risk for embolization of carotid artery stenosis (CAS). We aimed to explore the role of NGAL systemically and in plaques of diabetics undergoing carotid endarterectomy. Moreover, the potential anti-inflammatory effect of metformin on NGAL was addressed in diabetics. Methods Serum NGAL and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9/NGAL levels were measured in 136 patients (67 with T2DM vs. 69 non-diabetics) by specific ELISA. Endarterectomy samples were graded histologically according to the American Heart Association´s classification. NGAL mRNA expression was detected using RealTime-PCR in carotid endarterectomy specimens. Results Serum NGAL [median 107.4 ng/ml (quartiles: 75.2–145.0) vs. 64.4 (50.4 –81.3), p < 0.0001] and MMP-9/NGAL [41.5 ng/ml (20.8–63.9) vs. 27.6 (16.0–42.4), p = 0.017] were significantly elevated in diabetics compared to non-diabetics, as were leukocytes, neutrophils, C-reactive protein and fibrinogen (all p < 0.05). In patients with symptomatic and asymptomatic CAS diabetics had higher NGAL levels compared to non-diabetics [128.8 ng/ml (100.8–195.6) vs. 64.8 (48.9–82.2] and [101.6 ng/ml (70.1–125.3) vs. 63.8 (51.0–81.3), respectively, both p < 0.0001]. Presence of T2DM and type VI plaques (with surface defect, hemorrhage or thrombus) had a profound impact on NGAL levels (both p < 0.01) in multiple linear regression analysis. NGAL mRNA was detectable in 95% of analyzed carotid artery lesions of diabetics compared to 5% of non-diabetics (p < 0.0001). Accordingly, cerebral embolization was more frequent in diabetics (52.2% vs. 29%, p = 0.006). Metformin treatment was associated with decreased NGAL [60.7 ng/ml (51.9–69.2) vs. 121.7 (103.7–169.9), p < 0.0001] and MMP-9/NGAL [20.8 ng/ml (12.1–26.5) vs. 53.7 (27.4–73.4), p = 0.007] in diabetics and reduced leukocyte infiltration in carotid lesions of diabetics. Conclusions Higher NGAL levels in serum and plaques are associated with T2DM in patients with CAS. Metformin significantly reduced the inflammatory burden including NGAL in diabetics. Early treatment of these patients may be recommended, as elevated NGAL levels were linked with vulnerable plaques prone for embolization

Mapping the human cortical surface by combining quantitative T(1) with retinotopy

We combined quantitative relaxation rate (R1= 1/T1) mapping-to measure local myelination-with fMRI-based retinotopy. Gray-white and pial surfaces were reconstructed and used to sample R1 at different cortical depths. Like myelination, R1 decreased from deeper to superficial layers. R1 decreased passing from V1 and MT, to immediately surrounding areas, then to the angular gyrus. High R1 was correlated across the cortex with convex local curvature so the data was first "de-curved". By overlaying R1 and retinotopic maps, we found that many visual area borders were associated with significant R1 increases including V1, V3A, MT, V6, V6A, V8/VO1, FST, and VIP. Surprisingly, retinotopic MT occupied only the posterior portion of an oval-shaped lateral occipital R1 maximum. R1 maps were reproducible within individuals and comparable between subjects without intensity normalization, enabling multi-center studies of development, aging, and disease progression, and structure/function mapping in other modalities

ДІАГНОСТИКА КЛІЩОВИХ ІНФЕКЦІЙ У ВАГІТНИХ

The aim of the study – to determine the frequency of infection with B. burgdorferi sensu lato (s. l.), A. phagocytophilum, Babesia spp. and tick-borne encephalitis virus (ТВEV) of pregnant women in Ternopil region. Materials and Methods. 43 pregnant women at 22–27 weeks of pregnancy, who had pathology of pregnancy, were examined. Specific IgM and IgG antibodies to B. burgdorferi s.l. were determined in blood serum by ELISA test, as well as DNA of: B. burgdorferi s. l. and A. phagocytophilum; RNA of: Babesia spp. and TBEV in the blood of pregnant women by real-time PCR. Results and Discussion. Specific IgM and/or IgG antibodies to B. burgdorferi s. l. (B. burgdorferi sensu stricto, B. afzeli, B. garinii) by ELISA test were detected in the sera of 41.9 % of pregnant women. By PCR method DNA of B. burgdorferi s. l. found in the blood of 9.3 % in pregnant women; DNA of A. phagocytophilum – in 6.9 %, RNA of Babesia spp. – in 4.7 %, RNA TBEV – in 4.7 %. Сonclusion. Detection of nucleic acids of tick-borne infections in pregnant women with pathology of pregnancy probably indicates the possible involvement of these pathogens in the occurrence of this pathology. Pregnant women can become infected by consuming uncooked goat's and cattle milk.Цель исследования – установить частоту инфицирования B. burgdorferi sensu lato (s. l.), A. phagocytophilum, Babesia spp. и вирусом клещевого энцефалита (ВКЭ) беременных Тернопольщины. Материалы и методы. Обследовано 43 беременных на 22–27-й неделях беременности, которые имели патологию беременности. В сыворотке крови определяли специфические антитела классов IgM и IgG к B. burgdorferi s. l. методом ИФА, а также ДНК B. burgdorferi s. l, A. phagocytophilum и РНК Babesia spp. и ВКЕ в крови беременных с помощью ПЦР в режиме реального времени. Результаты исследования и их обсуждение. Специфические антитела IgM и/или IgG к B. burgdorferi s. l. (B. burgdorferi sensu stricto, B. afzeli, B. garinii) с помощью ИФА выявлено в сыворотках крови 41,9 % беременных. Методом ПЦР ДНК B. burgdorferi s. l. найдено в крови 9,3 % беременных, ДНК A. phagocytophilum – в 6,9 %, РНК Babesia spp. – у 4,7 %, РНК ВКЭ – у 4,7 %. Вывод. Выявление нуклеиновых кислот возбудителей клещевых инфекций у беременных с патологией беременности, вероятно, свидетельствует о возможной причастности отмеченных возбудителей к возникновению этой патологии. Возможно инфицирование беременных при употреблении термически не обработанного молока коз и крупного рогатого скота.Мета дослідження – з’ясувати частоту інфікування B. burgdorferi sensu lato (s. l.), A. phagocytophilum, Babesia spp. і вірусом кліщового енцефаліту (ВКЕ) вагітних Тернопільщини. Матеріали та методи. Обстежено 43 вагітних на 22–27-му тижнях вагітності, які мали патологію вагітності. В сироватці крові визначали специфічні антитіла класів IgM та IgG до B. burgdorferi s. l. методом ІФА, а також ДНК B. burgdorferi s. l., A. phagocytophilum та РНК Babesia spp. і ВКЕ в крові вагітних за допомогою ПЛР у режимі реального часу. Результати дослідження та їх обговорення. Специфічні антитіла IgM і/чи IgG до B. burgdorferi s. l. (B. burgdorferi sensu stricto, B. afzeli, B. garinii) за допомогою ІФА виявлено у сироватках крові 41,9 % вагітних. Методом ПЛР ДНК B. burgdorferi s. l. знайдено в крові 9,3 % вагітних; ДНК A. phagocytophilum – у 6,9 %, РНК Babesia spp. – у 4,7 %, РНК ВКЕ – у 4,7 %. Висновок. Виявлення нуклеїнових кислот збудників кліщових інфекцій у вагітних із патологією вагітності, ймовірно, свідчить про можливу причетність зазначених збудників до виникнення цієї патології. Можливе інфікування вагітних при вживанні термічно не обробленого молока кіз і великої рогатої худоби

Illusory Stimuli Can Be Used to Identify Retinal Blind Spots

Background. Identification of visual field loss in people with retinal disease is not straightforward as people with eye disease are frequently unaware of substantial deficits in their visual field, as a consequence of perceptual completion ("filling-in'') of affected areas. Methodology. We attempted to induce a compelling visual illusion known as the induced twinkle after-effect (TwAE) in eight patients with retinal scotomas. Half of these patients experience filling-in of their scotomas such that they are unaware of the presence of their scotoma, and conventional campimetric techniques can not be used to identify their vision loss. The region of the TwAE was compared to microperimetry maps of the retinal lesion. Principal Findings. Six of our eight participants experienced the TwAE. This effect occurred in three of the four people who filled-in their scotoma. The boundary of the TwAE showed good agreement with the boundary of lesion, as determined by microperimetry. Conclusion. For the first time, we have determined vision loss by asking patients to report the presence of an illusory percept in blind areas, rather than the absence of a real stimulus. This illusory technique is quick, accurate and not subject to the effects of filling-in

Optic Flow Stimuli in and Near the Visual Field Centre: A Group fMRI Study of Motion Sensitive Regions

Motion stimuli in one visual hemifield activate human primary visual areas of the contralateral side, but suppress activity of the corresponding ipsilateral regions. While hemifield motion is rare in everyday life, motion in both hemifields occurs regularly whenever we move. Consequently, during motion primary visual regions should simultaneously receive excitatory and inhibitory inputs. A comparison of primary and higher visual cortex activations induced by bilateral and unilateral motion stimuli is missing up to now. Many motion studies focused on the MT+ complex in the parieto-occipito-temporal cortex. In single human subjects MT+ has been subdivided in area MT, which was activated by motion stimuli in the contralateral visual field, and area MST, which responded to motion in both the contra- and ipsilateral field. In this study we investigated the cortical activation when excitatory and inhibitory inputs interfere with each other in primary visual regions and we present for the first time group results of the MT+ subregions, allowing for comparisons with the group results of other motion processing studies. Using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), we investigated whole brain activations in a large group of healthy humans by applying optic flow stimuli in and near the visual field centre and performed a second level analysis. Primary visual areas were activated exclusively by motion in the contralateral field but to our surprise not by central flow fields. Inhibitory inputs to primary visual regions appear to cancel simultaneously occurring excitatory inputs during central flow field stimulation. Within MT+ we identified two subregions. Putative area MST (pMST) was activated by ipsi- and contralateral stimulation and located in the anterior part of MT+. The second subregion was located in the more posterior part of MT+ (putative area MT, pMT)

Inhibitory Effects of Prior Low-dose X-irradiation on Ischemia-reperfusion Injury in Mouse Paw

We have reported that low-dose, unlike high-dose, irradiation enhanced antioxidation function and reduced oxidative damage. On the other hand, ischemia-reperfusion injury is induced by reactive oxygen species. In this study, we examined the inhibitory effects of prior low-dose X-irradiation on ischemia-reperfusion injury in mouse paw. BALB/c mice were irradiated by sham or 0.5 Gy of X-ray. At 4 hrs after irradiation, the left hind leg was bound 10 times with a rubber ring for 0.5, 1, or 2 hrs and the paw thickness was measured. Results show that the paw swelling thickness by ischemia for 0.5 hr was lower than that for 2 hrs. At 1 hr after reperfusion from ischemia for 1 hr, superoxide dismutase activity in serum was increased in those mice which received 0.5 Gy irradiation and in the case of the ischemia for 0.5 or 1 hr, the paw swelling thicknesses were inhibited by 0.5 Gy irradiation. In addition, interstitial edema in those mice which received 0.5 Gy irradiation was less than that in the mice which underwent by sham irradiation. These findings suggest that the ischemia-reperfusion injury is inhibited by the enhancement of antioxidation function by 0.5 Gy irradiation