Ventricular androgenic-anabolic steroid-related remodeling: an immunohistochemical study

Background: Several fatal cases of bodybuilders, following a myocardial infarction after long exposure to androgenicanabolic steroids (AAS), are reported. In recent years, evidence has emerged of cases of heart failure related to AAS consumption, with no signs of coronary or aorta atherosclerosis. This study aims to further investigate the pathogenesis of the ventricular AAS-related remodeling performing immunohistochemistry (IHC). Method: In order to examine innate immunity activity and myocytes and endothelial cell apoptosis, IHC analyses were performed on heart tissue of two cases of bodybuilders who died after years of supratherapeutic use of metelonone and nandrolone and where no atherosclerosis or thrombosis were found, using the following antibodies: anti-CD68, anti-iNOS, anti-CD163, anti-CD 15, anti-CD8, anti-CD4, anti-HIF1 α, and in situ TUNEL staining. Results: Results confirm the experimental findings of recent research that, in the absence of other pathological factors, if intensive training is combined with AAS abuse, myocytes and endothelial cells undergo apoptotic alterations. The absence of inflammatory reactions and the presence of an increased number of M2 macrophages in the areas of fibrotic remodeling confirm that the fibrotic changes in the heart are apoptosisrelated and not necrosis-related. Conclusions In conclusion, the study indicates that, in very young subjects with chronic hypoxia-related alterations of the heart, signs of a heart failure in the other organs and a history of AAS abuse, death can be ascribed to progressive heart failure due to the direct apoptotic cardiac and endothelial changes produced by AAS

Dichlorido(di-2-pyridyl sulfide-κ2 N,N′)zinc(II)

The crystal structure of the title compound, [ZnCl2(C10H8N2S)], consists of a six-membered chelate ring in which the Zn atom is approximately tetra­hedrally coordinated by two chloride ions and by the two pyridyl N atoms of a single di-2-pyridyl sulfide ligand. As usual for this type of complex, the sulfide group does not participate in zinc coordination. The dihedral angle between the two pyridine rings is 50.4 (1)°

(Di-2-pyridyl sulfide-κ2 N,N′)diiodidozinc(II)

The title compound, [ZnI2(C10H8N2S)], contains a six-membered chelate ring adopting a boat conformation in which the Zn atom is coordinated by two iodide ions and by the two pyridyl N atoms of a single di-2-pyridyl sulfide ligand within a slightly distorted tetra­hedron. The Zn, S and I atoms are located on a crystallographic mirror plane. As usual for this type of complex, the sulfide group does not participate in zinc coordination. The dihedral angle between the two pyridine rings is 60.1 (1)°

Overexpression of TEAD4 in atypical teratoid/rhabdoid tumor: New insight to the pathophysiology of an aggressive brain tumor

BackgroundAtypical teratoid/rhabdoid tumor (AT/RT) is a highly malignant embryonal brain tumor that occurs mainly in early childhood. Although most of the tumors are characterized by inactivating mutations of the tumor suppressor gene, SMARCB1, the biological basis of its tumorigenesis and aggressiveness is still unknown.ProcedureWe performed high‐throughput copy number variation analysis of primary cell lines generated from primary and relapsed tumors from one of our patients to identify new genes involved in AT/RT biology. The expression of the identified gene was validated in 29 AT/RT samples by gene expression profiling, quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction, and immunohistochemistry (IHC). Furthermore, we investigated the function of this gene by mutating it in rhabdoid tumor cells.ResultsTEAD4 amplification was detected in the primary cell lines and its overexpression was confirmed at mRNA and protein levels in an independent cohort of AT/RT samples. TEAD4’s co‐activator, YAP1, and the downstream targets, MYC and CCND1, were also found to be upregulated in AT/RT when compared to medulloblastoma. IHC showed TEAD4 and YAP1 overexpression in all samples. Cell proliferation and migration were significantly reduced in TEAD4‐mutated cells.ConclusionsWe report the overexpression of TEAD4 in AT/RT, which is a key component of Hippo pathway. Recent reports revealed that dysregulation of the Hippo pathway is implicated in tumorigenesis and poor prognosis of several human cancers. Our results suggest that TEAD4 plays a role in the pathophysiology of AT/RT, which represents a new insight into the biology of this aggressive tumor.Peer Reviewedhttps://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/137309/1/pbc26398_am.pdfhttps://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/137309/2/pbc26398.pd

Atomic-scale characterization of nitrogen-doped graphite: Effects of dopant nitrogen on the local electronic structure of the surrounding carbon atoms

We report the local atomic and electronic structure of a nitrogen-doped graphite surface by scanning tunnelling microscopy, scanning tunnelling spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and first-principles calculations. The nitrogen-doped graphite was prepared by nitrogen ion bombardment followed by thermal annealing. Two types of nitrogen species were identified at the atomic level: pyridinic-N (N bonded to two C nearest neighbours) and graphitic-N (N bonded to three C nearest neighbours). Distinct electronic states of localized {\pi} states were found to appear in the occupied and unoccupied regions near the Fermi level at the carbon atoms around pyridinic-N and graphitic-N species, respectively. The origin of these states is discussed based on the experimental results and theoretical simulations.Comment: 6 Pages, with larger figure

Tephra-stratigraphical study of the 1988-1989 eruption of Tokachi-dake Volcano, central Hokkaido

Twenty-three small-scale eruptions took place at Tokachi-dake from December 16, 1988 to March 5, 1989. The pyroclastic fall deposits, ballistic fragments, and pyroclastic surge and flow deposits were dispersed over the flank and leeward areas of the volcano. Because the pyroclasts of each eruption were well-preserved in snow during the winter, the stratigraphy and distribution of these deposits could be studied in detail. The volume of the pyroclastic fall deposits are nearly equal to those of the pyroclastic surge and flow deposits. The total volume of these pyroclasts is estimated to be 7.4×105 m3. Judging from the sequential changes of the volume and composition of the pyroclasts, the characteristic features of the eruption can be summarized as follows: At first, a vent was opened by ejection of altered rock fragments in December, 1988. Then, essential fragments were ejected in January, 1989. Finally the activity level of magma declined and the altered rock fragments content increased again in February to March, 1989

Dibromido(di-2-pyridyl sulfide-κ2 N,N′)zinc(II)

The molecule of the title compound, [ZnBr2(C10H8N2S)], contains a six-membered chelate ring in a boat conformation in which the Zn atom is coordinated by two Br atoms and by the two pyridyl N atoms of a single di-2-pyridyl sulfide (dps) ligand within a slightly distorted tetra­hedron. The dihedral angle between the pyridine rings is 52.7 (1)°. As is usual for this type of complex, the sulfide group does not participate in the zinc coordination

Magnetic resonance imaging and previous cesarean section in placenta accrete spectrum disorder: Predictor model

Objective: To evaluate objective criteria of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) of Placenta Accreta Spectrum disorder (PAS) analyzing interobserver agreement and to derive a model including imaging and clinical variables to predict PAS. Methods: A retrospective review including patients submitted to MRI with suspicious findings of PAS on ultrasound. Exclusion criteria were lack of pathology or surgical information and missing or poor-quality MRI. Two radiologists analyzed six MRI features, and significant clinical data were also recorded. PAS confirmed on pathology or during intraoperative findings were considered positive for the primary outcome. Variables were tested through logistic regression models. Results: Final study included 96 patients with a mean age of 33 years and 73.0% of previous C-sections. All MRI features were significantly associated with PAS for both readers. After logistic regression fit, including MRI signs with a moderate or higher interobserver agreement, intraplacental T2 dark band was the most significant radiologic criteria, and ROC analysis resulted in an AUC = 0.782. After including the most relevant clinical data (previous C-section) to the model, the ROC analysis improved to an AUC = 0.893. Conclusion: Simplified objective criteria on MRI, including intraplacental T2 dark band associated with clinical information of previous C-sections, had the highest accuracy and was used for a predictive model of PAS

Impact of glycemic control on the incidence of acute kidney injury in critically ill patients: a comparison of two strategies using the RIFLE criteria

OBJECTIVE: To compare the renal outcome in patients submitted to two different regimens of glycemic control, using the RIFLE criteria to define acute kidney injury. INTRODUCTION: The impact of intensive insulin therapy on renal function outcome is controversial. The lack of a criterion for AKI definition may play a role on that. METHODS: Included as the subjects were 228 randomly selected, critically ill patients engaged in intensive insulin therapyor in a carbohydrate-restrictive strategy. Renal outcome was evaluated through the comparison of the last RIFLE score obtained during the ICU stay and the RIFLE score at admission; the outcome was classified as favorable, stable or unfavorable. RESULTS: The two groups were comparable regarding demographic data. AKI developed in 52% of the patients and was associated with a higher mortality (39.4%) compared with those who did not have AKI (8.2%) (p<0.001). Renal function outcome was comparable between the two groups (p=0.37). We observed a significant correlation between blood glucose levels and the incidence of acute kidney injury (p=0.007). In the multivariate logistic regression analysis, only APACHE III scores higher than 60 were identified as an independent risk factor for unfavorable renal outcome. APACHE III scores>60, acute kidney injury and hypoglycemia were risk factors for mortality. CONCLUSION: Intensive insulin therapy and a carbohydrate-restrictive strategy were comparable regarding the incidence of acute kidney injury evaluated using RIFLE criteria

Shock wave apparatus for studying minerals at high pressure and impact phenomena on planetary surfaces

Shock wave and experimental impact phenomena research on geological and planetary materials is being carried out using two propellant (18 and 40 mm) guns (up to 2.5 km/sec) and a two‐stage light gas gun (up to 7 km/sec). Equation of state measurements on samples initially at room temperature and at low and high temperatures are being conducted using the 40 mm propellant apparatus in conjunction with Helmholtz coils, and radiative detectors and, in the case of the light gas gun, with streak cameras. The 18 mm propellant gun is used for recovery experiments on minerals, impact on cryogenic targets, and radiative post‐shock temperature measurements