A Comprehensive Anatomical Characterization and Radiographic Study of Stage III Testicular Cancer in a 31-Year-Old Male Patient

Presented as a poster at 2020 IUSM Education Day.The purpose of this investigation was to characterize an unusual case of stage III testicular germ cell tumor (TGCT) in a 31-year-old male with metastases to nodes, bone, viscera and brain, and to understand all possible routes of metastatic disease. Testicular cancer (TC) has an increasing incidence worldwide, and its etiology, risk factors and pathogenesis are not completely understood. Medical records were reviewed, and the cadaveric specimen evaluated by physical examination and gross dissection. Paraffin embedded tissue sections of the primary tumor were stained with Hematoxylin and Eosin (H&E) for histological study. To examine metastatic spread, pre- and post-mortem digital radiologic image acquisition was done using x-ray films, and high-resolution CT Scans and MRI Scans. Image analysis, multi-planar reformatting, and three-dimensional (3-D) reconstruction were done on radiographic series. Dissection showed masses bilaterally from the apex through the lung base; masses on the internal thoracic wall, and hepatomegaly and splenomegaly with multiple tumor masses. Testicular parenchyma was composed of primitive germ cells that formed glomeruloid or embryonal-like structures, as well as areas with a micro-cystic histologic pattern and areas of fibrous dysplasia. Medical imaging 3-D video radiographic dissection was notable for a 38.45 mm diameter, mid-brain tumor; extreme hepatomegaly with numerous tumors, a large penetrating tumor of the left ilium, and multiple tumors throughout both lungs and the thoracolumbar spine (T5-S1). This study provides insight into the histology and metastatic spread of TGCT that is essential for clinicians to understand in the evaluation and treatment of TC patients

Selling a story: a survey investigating the willingness of consumers in the Midwest to acquire specialty crops viewed in an online environment

Master of Science - Agricultural Education and CommunicationDepartment of Communications and Agricultural EducationLauri M. BakerThe underpinning of this work is focused on small-scale family-operated farms of specialty crops within the U.S. Midwestern region. The Midwestern region, encompassing the states of: Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin was selected for this study, in part, because of the concentration of specialty crop growers which represent an important and diverse industry. For instance, the value of domestically grown tree nuts, citrus, and noncitrus fruits has increased from $9.1 billion in 1995 to$30.6 billion in 2017. Against this backdrop, the aim of this research is to explore if the manipulation of narratives and or storytelling, prices, and logistics can influence consumers’ willingness to purchase specialty crops viewed in an online environment. Many small-scale family-farms promote their agricultural produce locally to prospective buyers. The types of promotion vary from farm to farm but typically include farmer markets, stores selling locally-grown food and garden centers. Additionally, the local-food movement has redirected consumers’ interest toward agricultural produce emerging from small-scale family-farms. The shift in consumers’ interest can be attributed in part to heightened public concerns with food security at the community level, environmental impact associated with the distribution of food, and perceptions of large agricultural entities. The foregoing concerns have motivated many consumers to acquire cognizance of the origin of their food with the ultimate aim of patronizing local farmers. The aim of this study is to investigate the facets that persuade consumers to purchase specialty crops hinged upon what is observed online. Against this backdrop, this study will embrace the variables of storytelling/narrative, travel distance, door-to-door delivery, and price to explore consumers’ interest to acquire specialty crops. This study referenced the elaboration likelihood model, as persuasive communication is an acknowledged element in selling efforts. This work reviewed literature pertaining to credible sources and how credible sources can contribute to the profitability of selling specialty crops online. The review also included framing messages with an emotional appeal which are best suited for an audience with little or no knowledge of specialty crops. Results indicate that there is interest among consumers to acquire specialty crops viewed in an online environment, as 85.6% of respondents chose to purchase over not purchasing specialty crops. In particular, this study revealed that consumers are willing to have specialty crops delivered door-to-door within the price intervals of $15 to$17.50 for eight to twelve pounds of seasonal local produce–with an additional fixed-delivery fee of $5.00. Although a price of$20.00 resulted in a lesser degree of interest. Also, growers should target technologically savvy consumers comfortable with being online

CD28- cells are increased in early rheumatoid arthritis and are linked with cytomegalovirus status

Objective: CD3+CD8+CD28− cells are higher in Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA). The aim of this study was to assess CD3+CD8+CD28− cells in patients with early RA and assess the effects of cytomegalovirus (CMV) seropositivity. Method: In this prospective observation study, 50 RA patients were recruited from Cardiff University Hospital of Wales (UHW) rheumatology outpatient, 25 patients with early disease (disease duration 0–6 months) and 25 patients with established disease (>2 years). These were compared with 25 healthy controls. Clinical and serological markers of inflammation were noted, and peripheral blood mononuclear cells were analyzed using flow cytometry. Results: The percentage of the CD8+CD28− T cells was increased in RA patients and was associated with disease duration. The percentage of CD8+CD28− T cells was increased in CMV positive early and established RA grouped and early RA patients in comparison to CMV negative patients (p < 0.05). There is a weak but statistically significant correlation between the percentage of CD3+CD8+CD28− cells and CRP in CMV positive RA patients (r = 0.227, p < 0.05). Conclusion: The percentage of CD8+CD28− T cells is higher in RA patients and correlates with disease duration, highlighting a potential role early in the disease process. These cells were also higher in CMV positive early RA patients which may suggest a role of CMV in disease development

Textes sur les doléances des métiers » (« Trades’ Grievances ») dans les Notes to the People

Traduction de textes consacrés à la prise de parole des ouvriers sur leurs conditions de travail dans le cadre des agitations chartistes en 184

Collaborative Environmental Approach for Development of the Lower Laguna Madre Estuary Program Strategic Plan in South Texas

The National Estuary Program (NEP) is a promising eco-system based approach to improve the water quality and ecological integrity of estuaries of national importance in the United States. Due to population growth and concomitant development pressure in South Texas, the future of the Lower Laguna Madre (LLM) without an estuary program is problematic. The development of a management plan for the LLM will enable the region to develop local solutions to local problems. The fundamental purpose of this research was to develop a strategic plan for the foundation of the Laguna Madre Estuary Program of the Gulf Coast of Texas. The comprehensive plan provided local communities with information to restore water quality, conversing habitat, and protecting coastal resources along the Gulf coast. The strategic plan was organized along the lines of the NEP program focused on the three most important foundational elements to establish a NEP for the LLM. The three primary Thrust Areas are as follows: (1) the national significance of the Laguna Madre estuary system, (2) the needs and goals for a proposed program, and finally (3) the plan for the sustainability and support to operate and maintain such a NEP. The outcomes of the strategic plan can be used as a model by the decision-makers to promote community resilience and establish integrated local water quality and ecosystem management plans for their respective communities and jurisdictions. Ultimately, the main objective of this project is to assess the ability to integrate science and public policy development for the common good