Surgical Management of Massive Labial Edema in a Gravid Preeclamptic Diabetic

Background. Massive labial edema is a rare complication during pregnancy that can jeopardize vaginal delivery, as well as leading to maternal and fetal morbidity. It can be related to systemic pathologies, but has been commonly associated with preeclampsia and diabetes. This increased and sometimes longstanding pressure may result in a “labial compartment syndrome� leading to microvascular damage and tissue necrosis if not resolved in a timely fashion. Case. Massive labial edema was treated first conservatively and then surgically in a gravid diabetic patient with severe preeclampsia. Immediately after Cesarean section, the labial compartment syndrome was relieved surgically and resolved rapidly. Conclusion. When conservative attempts at management of labial edema fail, or rapid resolution is critical to maternal and fetal outcome, surgical alternatives should be considered

E151 (sym15), A Pleiotropic Mutant of Pea (Pisum sativum L.), Displays Low Nodule Number, Enhanced Mycorrhizae, Delayed Lateral Root Emergence, and High Root Cytokinin Levels

In legumes, the formation of rhizobial and mycorrhizal root symbioses is a highly regulated process which requires close communication between plant and microorganism. Plant mutants that have difficulties establishing symbioses are valuable tools for unravelling the mechanisms by which these symbioses are formed and regulated. Here E151, a mutant of Pisum sativum cv. Sparkle, was examined to characterize its root growth and symbiotic defects. The symbioses in terms of colonization intensity, functionality of micro-symbionts, and organ dominance were compared between the mutant and wild type. The endogenous cytokinin (CK) and abscisic acid (ABA) levels and the effect of the exogenous application of these two hormones were determined. E151 was found to be a low and delayed nodulator, exhibiting defects in both the epidermal and cortical programmes though a few mature and functional nodules develop. Mycorrhizal colonization of E151 was intensified, although the fungal functionality was impaired. Furthermore, E151 displayed an altered lateral root (LR) phenotype compared with that of the wild type whereby LR emergence is initially delayed but eventually overcome. No differences in ABA levels were found between the mutant and the wild type, but non-inoculated E151 exhibited significantly high CK levels. It is hypothesized that CK plays an essential role in differentially mediating the entry of the two micro-symbionts into the cortex; whereas it would inhibit the entry of the rhizobia in that tissue, it would promote that of the fungus. E151 is a developmental mutant which may prove to be a useful tool in further understanding the role of hormones in the regulation of beneficial root symbioses

Climate adaptation by crop migration.

Many studies have estimated the adverse effects of climate change on crop yields, however, this literature almost universally assumes a constant geographic distribution of crops in the future. Movement of growing areas to limit exposure to adverse climate conditions has been discussed as a theoretical adaptive response but has not previously been quantified or demonstrated at a global scale. Here, we assess how changes in rainfed crop area have already mediated growing season temperature trends for rainfed maize, wheat, rice, and soybean using spatially-explicit climate and crop area data from 1973 to 2012. Our results suggest that the most damaging impacts of warming on rainfed maize, wheat, and rice have been substantially moderated by the migration of these crops over time and the expansion of irrigation. However, continued migration may incur substantial environmental costs and will depend on socio-economic and political factors in addition to land suitability and climate

Insulinlike Growth Factor 1- and 2-Augmented Collagen Gel Repair of Facial Osseous Defects

BACKGROUND: Defects of the facial bone structure are common problems for the facial plastic surgeon. Native type 1 collagen gels (T1CGs) have been shown to mediate repair of facial critical-size defects in rat models. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy of T1CG augmented with insulinlike growth factor (IGF) 1, IGF-2, and a combination of IGF-1 and IGF-2 on the repair of facial critical-size defects in a rodent model. METHODS: Twenty-four retired male breeder Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into 4 groups of 6 animals. Facial critical-size defects were created by removing the nasalis bones with a bone-cutting drill. Defects were treated with 300 pg of type 1 collagen gel (T1CG), T1CG augmented with 3 microg of IGF-1, T1CG augmented with 3 microg of IGF-2, or T1CG augmented with a combination of 3 microg of IGF-1 and 3 microg of IGF-2. After 30 days the animals were examined at necropsy with precise planimetry, histological analysis of new bone growth, and radiodensitometric analysis of bone thickness. RESULTS: Radiodensitometric measurements showed that IGF-2 augmentation resulted in greatest osseous healing, with measurements being statistically significant over those of all other groups (P\u3c or = .03). Combination IGF-1 and IGF-2 had osseous healing that was intermediate between IGF-1 augmentation and IGF-2 augmentation alone, with measurements being statistically significant over those of unaugmented gels (P CONCLUSION: Collagen gels augmented with IGF significantly enhance the osteoconductive repair of nasal critical-size defects in a rodent model, with IGF-2 showing highest efficacy

Mind-Body Skills Groups for Adolescents with Depression in Primary Care: A Pilot Study

Objective: To determine acceptability and preliminary effectiveness of Mind-Body Skills Groups (MBSGs) as a treatment for depressed adolescents in primary care. Methods: A single arm clinical trial was conducted. A 10-week MBSG program was implemented in primary care. Participants completed self-report measures at baseline, post-intervention, and 3-months following the MBSGs. Measures included the Children’s Depression Inventory-2, Suicidal Ideation Questionnaire, Mindful Attention Awareness Scale, Self-Efficacy for Depressed Adolescents, rumination subscale of the Children’s Response Style Questionnaire, and a short acceptability questionnaire. Results: Participants included 43 adolescents. The total depression scores significantly improved following the MBSG intervention and continued to improve significantly from post-treatment to follow-up. Mindfulness, self-efficacy, rumination, and suicidal ideation all had significant improvement following the intervention. Acceptability of the program was strong, and attendance was excellent. Discussion: Preliminary evidence suggests that MBSGs are an acceptable treatment for primary care settings and lead to improved depression symptoms in adolescents.Sandra Eskenazi Mental Health Center and the Herbert Simon Family Foundation (070241-00002B

openWAR: An Open Source System for Evaluating Overall Player Performance in Major League Baseball

Within baseball analytics, there is substantial interest in comprehensive statistics intended to capture overall player performance. One such measure is Wins Above Replacement (WAR), which aggregates the contributions of a player in each facet of the game: hitting, pitching, baserunning, and fielding. However, current versions of WAR depend upon proprietary data, ad hoc methodology, and opaque calculations. We propose a competitive aggregate measure, openWAR, that is based upon public data and methodology with greater rigor and transparency. We discuss a principled standard for the nebulous concept of a "replacement" player. Finally, we use simulation-based techniques to provide interval estimates for our openWAR measure.Comment: 27 pages including supplemen

Global transcriptional response of Escherichia coli O157:H7 to growth transitions in glucose minimal medium

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background:</p> <p>Global patterns of gene expression of <it>Escherichia coli </it>K-12 during growth transitions have been deeply investigated, however, comparable studies of <it>E. coli </it>O157:H7 have not been explored, particularly with respect to factors regulating virulence genes and genomic islands specific to this pathogen. To examine the impact of growth phase on the dynamics of the transcriptome, O157:H7 Sakai strain was cultured in MOPS minimal media (0.1% glucose), RNA harvested at 10 time points from early exponential to full stationary phase, and relative gene expression was measured by co-hybridization on high-density DNA microarrays. Expression levels of 14 genes, including those encoding Shiga toxins and other virulence factors associated with the locus of enterocyte effacement (LEE), were confirmed by Q-PCR.</p> <p>Results:</p> <p>Analysis of variance (R/MAANOVA, Fs test) identified 442 (36%) of 1239 O157-specific ORFs and 2110 (59%) of 3647 backbone ORFs that changed in expression significantly over time. QT cluster analysis placed 2468 of the 2552 significant ORFs into 12 groups; each group representing a distinct expression pattern. ORFs from the largest cluster (<it>n </it>= 1078) decreased in expression from late exponential to early stationary phase: most of these ORFs are involved in functions associated with steady state growth. Also represented in this cluster are ORFs of the TAI island, encoding tellurite resistance and urease activity, which decreased ~4-fold. Most ORFs of the LEE pathogenicity island also decreased ~2-fold by early stationary phase. The ORFs encoding proteins secreted via the LEE encoded type III secretion system, such as <it>tccP </it>and <it>espJ</it>, also decreased in expression from exponential to stationary phase. Three of the clusters (<it>n </it>= 154) comprised genes that are transiently upregulated at the transition into stationary phase and included genes involved in nutrient scavenging. Upregulated genes with an increase in mRNA levels from late exponential to early stationary phase belonged to one cluster (<it>n </it>= 923) which includes genes involved in stress responses (e.g. <it>gadAB</it>, <it>osmBC</it>, and <it>dps</it>). These transcript levels remained relatively high for > 3 h in stationary phase. The Shiga toxin genes (<it>stx</it>1AB and <it>stx</it>2B) were significantly induced after transition into stationary phase.</p> <p>Conclusion:</p> <p>Expression of more than 300 O157-specific ORFs, many implicated in virulence of the O157 pathogen, was modulated in a growth dependent manner. These results provide a baseline transcriptional profile that can be compared to patterns of gene expression of this important foodborne pathogen under adverse environmental conditions.</p

A Theoretical Investigation of the One– and Two–photon Properties of Porphyrins

The one‐ and two‐photon properties of free base porphin, free base porphin dianion, and the 2,4‐substituted diformyl and divinyl analogs of these molecules are studied using a semiempirical SCF‐MO formalism (CNDO‐π‐SCF‐MO‐PSDCI) including extensive single and double configuration interaction. Strongly two‐photon allowed states are predicted to lie in the Soret region as well as in the region between the Soret and visible bands. A number of the two‐photon allowed states in the Soret region are predicted to have two‐photon absorptivities exceeding 100×10−50 cm4 s molecule−1 photon−1. The calculations indicate that the visible (Q) states are well characterized by the four orbital model, whereas the Soret (B) states contain significant contributions from configurations comprised of other orbitals. The inclusion of extensive double configuration interaction significantly reduces the Soret‐visible (B–Q) splitting, increases the Qx–Qy splitting, and yields calculated oscillator strengths for the Qbands in better agreement with experiment than values calculated using single CI alone. The effects of conjugation into the porphyrin macrocycle are predicted to be more significant than inductive effects on macrocycle π orbitals due to substituent polarity. The 〈Qx‖r‖S0〉 and 〈Qy‖r‖S0〉 transition moment vectors are predicted to lie approximately through adjacent pyrrole rings in 2‐ and 4‐monoformyl free base porphin dianions and approximately through adjacent methine bridges in 2,4‐diformyl free base porphin dianion

Increased Adherence and Expression of Virulence Genes in a Lineage of Escherichia coli O157:H7 Commonly Associated with Human Infections

Enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC) O157:H7, a food and waterborne pathogen, can be classified into nine phylogenetically distinct lineages, as determined by single nucleotide polymorphism genotyping. One lineage (clade 8) was found to be associated with hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), which can lead to kidney failure and death in some cases, particularly young children. Another lineage (clade 2) differs considerably in gene content and is phylogenetically distinct from clade 8, but caused significantly fewer cases of HUS in a prior study. Little is known, however, about how these two lineages vary with regard to phenotypic traits important for disease pathogenesis and in the expression of shared virulence genes.Here, we quantified the level of adherence to and invasion of MAC-T bovine epithelial cells, and examined the transcriptomes of 24 EHEC O157:H7 strains with varying Shiga toxin profiles from two common lineages. Adherence to epithelial cells was >2-fold higher for EHEC O157:H7 strains belonging to clade 8 versus clade 2, while no difference in invasiveness was observed between the two lineages. Whole-genome 70-mer oligo microarrays, which probe for 6088 genes from O157:H7 Sakai, O157:H7 EDL 933, pO157, and K12 MG1655, detected significant differential expression between clades in 604 genes following co-incubation with epithelial cells for 30 min; 186 of the 604 genes had a >1.5 fold change difference. Relative to clade 2, clade 8 strains showed upregulation of major virulence genes, including 29 of the 41 locus of enterocyte effacement (LEE) pathogenicity island genes, which are critical for adherence, as well as Shiga toxin genes and pO157 plasmid-encoded virulence genes. Differences in expression of 16 genes that encode colonization factors, toxins, and regulators were confirmed by qRT-PCR, which revealed a greater magnitude of change than microarrays.These findings demonstrate that the EHEC O157:H7 lineage associated with HUS expresses higher levels of virulence genes and has an enhanced ability to attach to epithelial cells relative to another common lineage