Anterior Microsurgical Approach to Ventral Lower Cervical Spine Meningiomas

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A yeast synthetic network for in-vivo assessment of reverse engineering and modelling.

Systems biology approaches are extensively used to model and reverse engineer gene regulatory networks from experimental data. Conversely, synthetic biology allows ‘‘de novo’’ construction of a regulatory network to seed new functions in the cell. At present, the usefulness and predictive ability of modeling and reverse engineering cannot be assessed and compared rigorously. We built in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae a synthetic network, IRMA, for in vivo ‘‘benchmarking’’ of reverse-engineering and modeling approaches. The network is composed of five genes regulating each other through a variety of regulatory interactions; it is negligibly affected by endogenous genes, and it is responsive to small molecules. We measured time series and steady-state expression data after multiple perturbations. These data were used to assess state-of-the-art modeling and reverse-engi- neering techniques. A semiquantitative model was able to capture and predict the behavior of the network. Reverse engineering based on differential equations and Bayesian networks correctly inferred regulatory interactions from the experimental data

Cardiogenic Shock in Obstructive Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Plus Apical Ballooning: Management With VA-ECMO and Myectomy

A patient with known obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy developed worsening left ventricular outflow tract obstruction, severe mitral regurgitation, and apical ballooning leading to cardiogenic shock, a combination in which treatment of each component could worsen the others. Emergency veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, levosimendan, and noradrenaline transiently restored adequate systemic perfusion and gas exchange. Surgical myectomy offered a more definitive solution. (Level of Difficulty: Intermediate.

Is the monoclonal spread of the ST258, KPC-3-producing clone being replaced in southern Italy by the dissemination of multiple clones of carbapenem nonsusceptible, KPC-3-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae?

Spread of carbapenemase-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae has been identified as an issue of serious worldwide concern from clinical and public health perspectives. Italy is an country endemic for and a reservoir of K. pneumoniae carbapenemases (KPC). Nineteen isolates of CR-Kp from 16 different patients admitted in two hospital of Palermo in the period April-May 2014 were studied. Seven of 16 isolates belonged to ST307, six to ST258 and three to ST273. All isolates were KPC-3 producers. Our data emphasize the increasing difficulties in controlling the spread of KPC-K

Effect of sodium intake on blood pressure, serum levels and renal excretion of sodium and potassium in normotensives with and without familial predisposition to hypertension

1. Seventeen normal volunteers aged 19 to 22 were randomly subjected, in a trial of crossover design, to three distinct regimens of sodium chloride intake : high (16 to 20 g), normal (8 to 12 g) and low (0 .5 to 1 g). Each regimen lasted nine days, with determination of blood pressure and heart rate (in the supine position and after sudden rising), body weight, and urinary output of creatinine, sodium and potassium on the third, sixth and ninth days. 1n addition, plasma levels of creatinine, sodium and potassium were determined on the ninth day so that sodium and potassium clearance and fractional excretion could be calculated. 2. Eleven of the volunteers had a family history of hypertension. Compared to the' six without such a history, these subjects showed : 1) higher supirie systolic blood pressure on the third day of sodium overload (124 .7 ± 3.0 vs 112.3 ± 2.9 mmHg, P <o;02); 2) higher supine diastolic blood pressure on ·the third day of sodium overload (76 .5 ·± 2.8 vs 64.5 ± 4.3 mmHg; P < 0.05); 3) higher supine diastolic blood pressure on the sixth day of sodium overload (73 .7 ± 2.3 vs 63 .8 ± 3.2 mmHg, P < 0 .05); 4) lower supine heart rate on the ninth day of sodium overload (6 LO ± 3.1 vs 72.7 ± 4.6: P< 0.05), and 5) lower plasma potassium on the ninth day of sodium overload (4.10 ±0.05 vs 4-28 ± 0.06 mEq/1, P <0.05). 3. These results suggest that normal individuals whose familial history places them at risk for the development of hypertension differ from those not at risk during their adaptation to sodium load by suffering a transient elevation of blood pressure within a few days of the increase in load. The low levels of plasma potassium observed in these volunteers after a period of sodium load may be due to the operation of different renal mechanisms of sodium excretion in this group, leading to increased kaliuresis, and may explain the high vascular reactivity of such individuals

Desempenho de bovinos de corte em sistemas integrados de produção agropecuária com capim-marandu e mandioca

An experimental test was carried out to evaluate the stocking rate in animal units per hectare (AU ha-1), average daily gain (ADG) and weight gain per area of beef cattle, in the summer and winter periods, in the following treatments: perennial marandu grass pasture; SIPA - cassava in conventional cultivation or no-tillage, followed by two years of pasture; and cassava in conventional cultivation or no-tillage, followed by four years of pasture. A randomized block design with 4 replications and 4 test animals per treatment was used. Over the seven seasons evaluated, the average stocking rate obtained in the summer period did not differ between the perennial pasture and SIPA areas (8.16 vs. 7.63 AU ha-1) (P&gt;0.05), but in winter it was significantly higher on perennial pasture (3.00 vs. 2.37 AU ha-1) (P&lt;0.05). The ADG of animals on perennial marandu grass pasture was 0.624 kg in summer and 0.387 kg in winter. In SIPA, gains were 0.561 and 0.390 kg in summer and winter, respectively. In perennial pasture, body weight gain (BWG) per area was 1,156 kg ha-1 in summer and 170 kg ha-1 in winter. In SIPA, the GPC was 911 and 122 kg ha-1, respectively, in summer and winter. These gains allowed a significantly higher production of carcass arrobas on perennial pasture compared to SIPA (38.50 vs. 30.40 @ ha-1) (P&lt;0.01) in the summer period. In winter this production did not differ between SIPA and perennial pasture (5.68 vs. 4.46 @ ha-1) (P&gt;0.05). The SIPA with cassava are viable alternatives for the production of beef cattle, allowing animal performance similar to the system with perennial marandu grass pasture.Se realizó un ensayo experimental para evaluar la carga animal en unidades animales por hectárea (UA ha-1), ganancia media diaria (GMD) y ganancia de peso por área de ganado vacuno de carne, en los periodos de verano e invierno, en los siguientes tratamientos: pastizal de pasto marandú perenne; SIPA - yuca en cultivo convencional o sin labranza, seguida de dos años de pastoreo; y yuca en cultivo convencional o sin labranza, seguida de cuatro años de pastoreo. Se utilizó un diseño de bloques al azar con 4 repeticiones y 4 animales de prueba por tratamiento. En las siete temporadas evaluadas, la carga animal promedio obtenida en el período de verano no difirió entre las áreas de pasto perenne y SIPA (8.16 vs. 7.63 AU ha-1) (P&gt;0.05), pero en invierno fue significativamente mayor en las áreas de pasto perenne. pasto (3.00 vs. 2.37 AU ha-1) (P&lt;0.05). La GMD de los animales en pasto marandú perenne fue de 0,624 kg en verano y de 0,387 kg en invierno. En SIPA, las ganancias fueron de 0,561 y 0,390 kg en verano e invierno, respectivamente. En pasto perenne, la ganancia de peso corporal (BWG) por área fue de 1,156 kg ha-1 en verano y 170 kg ha-1 en invierno. En el SIPA, la GPC fue de 911 y 122 kg ha-1, respectivamente, en verano e invierno. Estas ganancias permitieron una producción significativamente mayor de arrobas en canal en pasto perenne en comparación con SIPA (38.50 vs. 30.40 @ ha-1) (P&lt;0.01) en el período de verano. En invierno esta producción no difirió entre SIPA y pasto perenne (5.68 vs 4.46 @ ha-1) (P&gt;0.05). Los SIPA con yuca son alternativas viables para la producción de ganado vacuno de carne, permitiendo un comportamiento animal similar al sistema con pasto marandú perenne.Foi realizado ensaio experimental para avaliação da taxa de lotação em unidades animais por hectare (UA ha-1), ganho médio diário (GMD) e o ganho de peso por área de bovinos de corte, nos períodos de verão e inverno, nos seguintes tratamentos: pasto perene de capim-marandu; SIPA - mandioca em cultivo convencional ou plantio direto, seguida de dois anos de pasto; e mandioca em cultivo convencional ou plantio direto, seguida de quatro anos de pasto. Utilizou-se delineamento em blocos casualizados, com 4 repetições, e 4 animais testadores por tratamento. Ao longo das sete safras avaliadas, a taxa de lotação média obtida no período de verão não diferiu entre as áreas de pasto perene e SIPA (8,16 vs. 7,63 UA ha-1) (P&gt;0,05), mas no inverno ela foi significativamente maior no pasto perene (3,00 vs. 2,37 UA ha-1) (P&lt;0,05). O GMD dos animais no pasto perene de capim-marandu foi de 0,624 kg no verão e 0,387 kg no inverno. Já no SIPA os ganhos foram de 0,561 e 0,390 kg no verão e inverno, respectivamente. No pasto perene o ganho de peso corporal (GPC) por área foi de 1.156 kg ha-1 no verão, e de 170 kg ha-1 no inverno. No SIPA o GPC foi de 911 e 122 kg ha-1, respectivamente, no verão e no inverno. Estes ganhos permitiram uma produção de arrobas de carcaça significativamente superior no pasto perene em relação ao SIPA (38,50 vs. 30,40 @ ha-1) (P&lt;0,01) no período de verão. No inverno esta produção não diferiu entre o SIPA e o pasto perene (5,68 vs. 4,46 @ ha-1) (P&gt;0,05). Os SIPA com mandioca são alternativas viáveis para a produção de bovinos de corte, permitindo desempenho animal semelhante ao sistema com pasto perene de capim-marandu

Whole-body vibration exercise improves functional parameters in patients with Osteogenesis imperfecta: a systematic review with a suitable approach

Background: Patients with osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) have abnormal bone modelling and resorption. The bone tissue adaptation and responsivity to dynamic and mechanical loading may be of therapeutic use under controlled circumstances. Improvements due to the wholebody vibration (WBV) exercises have been reported in strength, motion, gait, balance, posture and bone density in several osteopenic individuals, as in post-menopausal women or children with disabling conditions, as patients with OI. The aim of this investigation was to systematically analyse the current available literature to determine the effect of WBV exercises on functional parameters of OI patients.Materials and methods: Three reviewers independently accessed bibliographical databases. Searches were performed in the PubMed, Scopus, Science Direct and PEDro databases using keywords related to possible interventions (including WBV) used in the management of patients with osteogenesis imperfecta.Results: Three eligible studies were identified by searches in the analysed databases.Conclusion: It was concluded that WBV exercises could be an important option in the management of OI patients improving the mobility and functional parameters. However, further studies are necessary for establishing suitable protocols for these patients.Keywords: whole body vibration exercise, osteogenesis imperfecta, mobility, functional parameters, Database

Nuclear medicine procedures and the evaluation of male sexual organs: a short review

Sexuality consists of three aspects that are interrelated and inseparable, biological, physiological and social. The biological aspect considers the individual's capability to give and to receive pleasure. In consequence, it covers the functionality of the sexual organs and the physiology of human sexual response cycle. Diagnostic imaging modalities, such as single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) and positron emission tomography (PET) have been used to evaluate clinical disorders of the male reproductive system. PET and SPECT procedures basically involve the administration of a radiopharmaceutical that has a higher uptake in a specific tumor or tissue. The aim of this brief review is to present some radiopharmaceuticals that have been used in the clinical evaluation of the male sexual organs (testes, prostate, seminal vesicles, penis) related with male sexuality. This information could be useful in better understanding the male sexual response cycle, as well as the sexual disorders, when considering the male sexual organs and the pelvic floor. Moreover, the findings obtained with PET and SPECT imaging could help to evaluate the efficacy of clinical results of therapeutic procedures. In conclusion, the knowledge from these images could aid in better understanding the physiology of the different organs related with sexuality. Furthermore, they could be important tools to evaluate the physiological integrity of the involved organs, to improve clinical strategies and to accompany the patients under treatment

Altered retinal structure and function in Spinocerebellar ataxia type 3

Spinocerebellar ataxia type 3 (SCA3) is an autosomal dominant neurodegenerative disorder caused by expansion of a polyglutamine (polyQ)-encoding CAG repeat in the ATXN3 gene. Because the ATXN3 protein regulates photoreceptor ciliogenesis and phagocytosis, we aimed to explore whether expanded polyQ ATXN3 impacts retinal function and integrity in SCA3 patients and transgenic mice. We evaluated the retinal structure and function in five patients with SCA3 and in a transgenic mouse model of this disease (YACMJD84.2, Q84) using optical coherence tomography (OCT) and electroretinogram (ERG). In the transgenic mice, we further: a) determined the retinal expression pattern of ATXN3 and the distribution of cones and rods using immunofluorescence (IF); and b) assessed the retinal ultrastructure using transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Some patients with SCA3 in our cohort revealed: i) reduced central macular thickness indirectly correlated with disease duration; ii) decreased thickness of the macula and the ganglion cell layer, and reduced macula volume inversely correlated with disease severity (SARA score); and iii) electrophysiological dysfunction of cones, rods, and inner retinal cells. Transgenic mice replicated the human OCT and ERG findings with aged homozygous Q84/Q84 mice showing a stronger phenotype accompanied by further thinning of the outer nuclear layer and photoreceptor layer and highly reduced cone and rod activities, thus supporting severe retinal dysfunction in these mice. In addition, Q84 mice showed progressive accumulation of ATXN3-positive aggregates throughout several retinal layers and depletion of cones alongside the disease course. TEM analysis of aged Q84/Q84 mouse retinas supported the ATXN3 aggregation findings by revealing the presence of high number of negative electron dense puncta in ganglion cells, inner plexiform and inner nuclear layers, and showed further thinning of the outer plexiform layer, thickening of the retinal pigment epithelium and elongation of apical microvilli. Our results indicate that retinal alterations detected by non-invasive eye examination using OCT and ERG could represent a biological marker of disease progression and severity in patients with SCA3

Large spin-mixing conductance in highly Bi-doped Cu thin films

Spin Hall effect provides an efficient tool for the conversion of a charge current into a spin current, opening the possibility of producing pure spin currents in non-magnetic materials for the next generation of spintronics devices. In this sense, giant Spin Hall Effect has been recently reported in Cu doped with 0.5 % Bi grown by sputtering and larger values are expected for larger Bi doping, according to first principles calculations. In this work we demonstrate the possibility of doping Cu with up to 10 % of Bi atoms without evidences of Bi surface segregation or cluster formation, as studied by different microscopic and spectroscopic techniques. In addition, YIG/BiCu structures have been grown, showing a spin mixing conductance larger that the one shown by similar Pt/YIG structures. These results reflects the potentiality of these new materials in spintronics devices.Comment: 6 pages, 4 figure