Investigation of the transverse beam dynamics in the thermal wave model with a functional method

We investigated the transverse beam dynamics in a thermal wave model by using a functional method. It can describe the beam optical elements separately with a kernel for a component. The method can be applied to general quadrupole magnets beyond a thin lens approximation as well as drift spaces. We found that the model can successfully describe the PARMILA simulation result through an FODO lattice structure for the Gaussian input beam without space charge effects.Comment: 12 pages, 6 figure

Excision of a Nasal Dermoid Sinus Cyst via Open Rhinoplasty Approach and Primary Reconstruction Using Tutoplast-Processed Fascia Lata

Nasal dermoid sinus cysts are the most common congenital midline nasal lesion, accounting for 1% to 3% of all dermoid cysts, and 4% to 12% of all head and neck dermoids. Selection of the appropriate reconstruction technique, after dermoid resection, is important for treatment. Here we describe the successful management of a case with a nasal dermoid sinus cyst using an open rhinoplasty approach, and primary reconstruction using Tutoplast-processed fascia lata and crushed septal cartilage

Enhanced Interferon-β Response Contributes to Eosinophilic Chronic Rhinosinusitis

Type I interferon (IFN-I, including IFN-α and IFN-β) response has been implicated in eosinophilic inflammation, in addition to antiviral function. This study aimed to investigate the role of IFN-I in the pathogenesis of eosinophilic chronic rhinosinusitis (ECRS). IFN-α, IFN-β, cytokine expression, and IFN-β cellular localization in the sinonasal tissue from control subjects and ECRS patients with nasal polyps (NP) were determined using real time-PCR, ELISA, and immunohistochemistry. ECRS was induced in wild-type (WT) and IFNAR1 knockout (Ifnar1−/−) mice by intranasal challenge with Aspergillus protease and ovalbumin. Stromal cells cultured from NP tissue were stimulated by exogenous IFN-β, and their CCL11 production and IRF3, IRF7, STAT1, STAT2, and IRF9 gene and/or protein expression were measured. IFN-β, IL-5, IL-13, and CCL11 expression was higher in the NP tissue from ECRS patients, compared to the control group. IFN-β was highly colocalized with the CD11c+ cells in NP. IFN-β levels positively correlated with IL-5, IL-13, and CCL11 levels as well as the number of eosinophils in the NP tissue and CT score. The histological severity of ECRS, levels of IL-4, IL-5, IL-13, and CCL11 in the nasal lavage fluid, and total serum IgE levels were less in Ifnar1−/− mice than in WT mice. CCL11 production, and STAT1 and STAT2 mRNA and STAT1, phospho-STAT1, and phospho-STAT2 protein expression were significantly increased by exogenous IFN-β in NP stromal cells. Our data suggest that IFN-β response was upregulated in ECRS and may play role in ECRS development. IFN-β may contribute to ECRS by enhancing CCL11 production. Thus, increased IFN-β response in the sinonasal mucosa may underlie ECRS pathogenesis

A Newly Formed and Ruptured Atheromatous Plaque within Neointima after Drug-Eluting Stent Implantation: 2-Year Follow-Up Intravascular Ultrasound and Optical Coherence Tomography Studies

Late stent thrombosis (LST) which is a life threatening complication has emerged as a serious problem of drug-eluting stents (DES). Several studies have suggested that incomplete neointimal coverage of stent struts contributes to LST. Progressive atherosclerosis within the neointima is an another possible cause of LST, but this phenomenon has seldom been reported in DES. We present a case of LST following DES implantation after a period of 28 months due to ruptured atheromatous plaque, despite complete neointimal coverage of stent struts proven by optical coherence tomography

Serotype-Independent Protection Against Invasive Pneumococcal Infections Conferred by Live Vaccine With lgt Deletion

Streptococcus pneumoniae is the most common respiratory bacterial pathogen among cases of community-acquired infection in young children, older adults, and individuals with underlying medical conditions. Although capsular polysaccharide-based pneumococcal vaccines have contributed to significant decrease in invasive pneumococcal infections, these vaccines have some limitations, including limited serotype coverage, lack of effective mucosal antibody responses, and high costs. In this study, we investigated the safety and immunogenicity of a live, whole-cell pneumococcal vaccine constructed by deleting the gene for prolipoprotein diacylglyceryl transferase (lgt) from the encapsulated pneumococcal strain TIGR4 (TIGR4Δlgt) for protection against heterologous pneumococcal strains. Pneumococcal strain TIGR4 was successfully attenuated by deletion of lgt, resulting in the loss of inflammatory activity and virulence. TIGR4Δlgt colonized the nasopharynx long enough to induce strong mucosal IgA and IgG2b-dominant systemic antibody responses that were cross-reactive to heterologous pneumococcal serotypes. Finally, intranasal immunization with TIGR4Δlgt provided serotype-independent protection against pneumococcal challenge in mice. Taken together, our results suggest that TIGR4Δlgt is an avirulent and attractive broad-spectrum pneumococcal vaccine candidate. More broadly, we assert that modulation of such “master” metabolic genes represents an emerging strategy for developing more effective vaccines against numerous infectious agents