Testing spatial transferability of species distribution models reveals differing habitat preferences for an endangered delphinid (Cephalorhynchus hectori) in Aotearoa, New Zealand.

Species distribution models (SDMs) can be used to predict distributions in novel times or space (termed transferability) and fill knowledge gaps for areas that are data poor. In conservation, this can be used to determine the extent of spatial protection required. To understand how well a model transfers spatially, it needs to be independently tested, using data from novel habitats. Here, we test the transferability of SDMs for Hector's dolphin (Cephalorhynchus hectori), a culturally important (taonga) and endangered, coastal delphinid, endemic to Aotearoa New Zealand. We collected summer distribution data from three populations from 2021 to 2023. Using Generalised Additive Models, we built presence/absence SDMs for each population and validated the predictive ability of the top models (with TSS and AUC). Then, we tested the transferability of each top model by predicting the distribution of the remaining two populations. SDMs for two populations showed useful performance within their respective areas (Banks Peninsula and Otago), but when used to predict the two areas outside the models' source data, performance declined markedly. SDMs from the third area (Timaru) performed poorly, both for prediction within the source area and when transferred spatially. When data for model building were combined from two areas, results were mixed. Model interpolation was better when presence/absence data from Otago, an area of low density, were combined with data from areas of higher density, but was otherwise poor. The overall poor transferability of SDMs suggests that habitat preferences of Hector's dolphins vary between areas. For these dolphins, population-specific distribution data should be used for conservation planning. More generally, we demonstrate that a one model fits all approach is not always suitable. When SDMs are used to predict distribution in data-poor areas an assessment of performance in the new habitat is required, and results should be interpreted with caution.

Evaluation of the immunoprotective power of a multiple antigenic peptide against Aah II toxin of Androctonus australis hector scorpion.

Scorpion envenoming (SE) is a public health problem in developing countries. In Algeria, the population exposed to the risk of SE was estimated at 86.45% in 2019. Thus, the development of a vaccine to protect the exposed population against scorpion toxins would be a major advance in the fight against this disease. This work aimed to evaluate the immunoprotective effect of a Multiple Antigenic Peptide against the Aah II toxin of Androctonus australis hector scorpion, the most dangerous scorpion species in Algeria. The immunogen MAP1Aah2 was designed and tested accordingly. This molecule contains a B epitope, derived from Aah II toxin, linked by a spacer to a universal T epitope, derived from the tetanus toxin. The results showed that MAP1Aah2 was non-toxic despite the fact that its sequence was derived from Aah II toxin. The immunoenzymatic assay revealed that the 3 immunization regimens tested generated specific anti-MAP1Aah2 antibodies and cross-reacted with the toxin. Mice immunized with this immunogen were partially protected against mortality caused by challenge doses of 2 and 3 LD50 of the toxin. The survival rate and developed symptoms varied depending on the adjuvant and the challenge dose used. In the in vitro neutralization test, the immune sera of mice having received the immunogen with incomplete Freund's adjuvant neutralized a challenge dose of 2 LD50. Hence, the concept of using peptide dendrimers, based on linear epitopes of scorpion toxins, as immunogens against the parent toxin was established. However, the protective properties of the tested immunogen require further optimizations.

Transcending Borders and Bias: The Multifaceted Life and Legacy of Dr. Hector Pérez García.

Héctor Pérez García's transformative leadership in Hispanic civil rights within the U.S. remains an integral topic of academic discussion. As a dedicated physician, a resilient World War II veteran, and a fervent civil rights advocate, García seamlessly merged these roles, paving a distinct path that defined his multifaceted advocacy. His unique approach and steadfast commitment to justice and equality not only solidified his position as a transformative leader but also emphasized the importance of his endeavors in shaping the nation's historical narrative. It is this intricate interplay of his personal experiences and professional pursuits that places García at the epicenter of academic discussions around Hispanic rights and activism. This paper is committed to unpacking the nuances of García's significant contributions, while also providing a comprehensive perspective on the socio-political landscape of his time - a setting that both shaped and was profoundly affected by his groundbreaking efforts.

Hector Marino. Pionero de la Cirugía Plástica latinoamericana / Hector Marino. Pioneer Of Latin American Plastic Surgery

Héctor Marino (1905-1996) es considerado un pionero de la cirugía plástica Latinoamericana por sus importantes aportes. Fue miembro fundador de la Sociedad Argentina de Cirugía Plástica, la Sociedad Latinoamericana de Cirugía Plástica y la Sociedad Internacional de Cirugía Plástica Estética. Se describen algunos aspectos biográficos, su carrera profesional y su legado

Héctor Marino (1905-1996) is considered a pioneer of Latin American Plastic Surgery because of his important contributions. He was founding member of the Argentinean Plastic Surgery Society, the Latin American Plastic Surgery Society and the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ISAPS). Some biographical aspects, his professional career and his legacy are described.

2D SLAM Algorithms Characterization, Calibration, and Comparison Considering Pose Error, Map Accuracy as Well as CPU and Memory Usage.

The present work proposes a method to characterize, calibrate, and compare, any 2D SLAM algorithm, providing strong statistical evidence, based on descriptive and inferential statistics to bring confidence levels about overall behavior of the algorithms and their comparisons. This work focuses on characterize, calibrate, and compare Cartographer, Gmapping, HECTOR-SLAM, KARTO-SLAM, and RTAB-Map SLAM algorithms. There were four metrics in place: pose error, map accuracy, CPU usage, and memory usage; from these four metrics, to characterize them, Plackett-Burman and factorial experiments were performed, and enhancement after characterization and calibration was granted using hypothesis tests, in addition to the central limit theorem.

Voyager pour apprendre : les Canadiens reçus docteurs en médecine à Paris au XIXe siècle.

Thirteen Canadians obtained a doctoral degree from the Faculty of Medicine of Paris between 1822 and 1905. Their studies in France played a decisive role in some of the major trends of 19th-century Canadian history: the formation of a French-Canadian professional bourgeoisie, the formalization of diplomatic ties between Canada and France, the development of bacteriology in America, and the rise of French-Canadian nationalism at the turn of the 20th century. This article traces the careers of these medical doctors by using unpublished sources, mainly their student files and doctoral theses, located through the Pierre Moulinier database and made available by the Bibliothèque Interuniversitaire de Santé of the Université Paris-Descartes. By examining these doctors' travels to Paris, it shows the impact on the Canadian medical profession of the relationship between a former North American colony and its former imperial capital.

Treize Canadiens sont reçus docteurs à la Faculté de médecine de Paris entre 1822 et 1905. Leurs séjours en France jouent un rôle déterminant dans certaines tendances majeures de l'histoire canadienne du XIXe siècle, notamment la formation d'une bourgeoisie professionnelle canadienne-française, l'officialisation des liens diplomatiques entre le Canada et la France, l'essor de la bactériologie en Amérique et la montée du nationalisme canadien-français au tournant du XXe siècle. Grâce à des sources inédites, principalement les dossiers étudiants et les thèses doctorales recueillis dans le fichier Pierre Moulinier de la Bibliothèque Interuniversitaire de Santé de l'Université Paris-Descartes, cet article retrace les parcours de ces docteurs canadiens. En s'attardant à leurs séjours à Paris, il examine les effets sur la profession médicale des rapports entre une ancienne colonie d'Amérique du Nord et sa première capitale impériale.

Voyager pour apprendre : les Canadiens reçus docteurs en médecine à Paris au XIXe siècle.

Thirteen Canadians obtained a doctoral degree from the Faculty of Medicine of Paris between 1822 and 1905. Their studies in France played a decisive role in some of the major trends of 19th-century Canadian history: the formation of a French-Canadian professional bourgeoisie, the formalization of diplomatic ties between Canada and France, the development of bacteriology in America, and the rise of French-Canadian nationalism at the turn of the 20th century. This article traces the careers of these medical doctors by using unpublished sources, mainly their student files and doctoral theses, located through the Pierre Moulinier database and made available by the Bibliothèque Interuniversitaire de Santé of the Université Paris-Descartes. By examining these doctors' travels to Paris, it shows the impact on the Canadian medical profession of the relationship between a former North American colony and its former imperial capital.

Treize Canadiens sont reçus docteurs à la Faculté de médecine de Paris entre 1822 et 1905. Leurs séjours en France jouent un rôle déterminant dans certaines tendances majeures de l'histoire canadienne du XIXe siècle, notamment la formation d'une bourgeoisie professionnelle canadienne-française, l'officialisation des liens diplomatiques entre le Canada et la France, l'essor de la bactériologie en Amérique et la montée du nationalisme canadien-français au tournant du XXe siècle. Grâce à des sources inédites, principalement les dossiers étudiants et les thèses doctorales recueillis dans le fichier Pierre Moulinier de la Bibliothèque Interuniversitaire de Santé de l'Université Paris-Descartes, cet article retrace les parcours de ces docteurs canadiens. En s'attardant à leurs séjours à Paris, il examine les effets sur la profession médicale des rapports entre une ancienne colonie d'Amérique du Nord et sa première capitale impériale.

Cross Pharmacological, Biochemical and Computational Studies of a Human Kv3.1b Inhibitor from Androctonus australis Venom.

The voltage-gated K+ channels Kv3.1 display fast activation and deactivation kinetics and are known to have a crucial contribution to the fast-spiking phenotype of certain neurons. AahG50, as a natural product extracted from Androctonus australis hector venom, inhibits selectively Kv3.1 channels. In the present study, we focused on the biochemical and pharmacological characterization of the component in AahG50 scorpion venom that potently and selectively blocks the Kv3.1 channels. We used a combined optimization through advanced biochemical purification and patch-clamp screening steps to characterize the peptide in AahG50 active on Kv3.1 channels. We described the inhibitory effect of a toxin on Kv3.1 unitary current in black lipid bilayers. In silico, docking experiments are used to study the molecular details of the binding. We identified the first scorpion venom peptide inhibiting Kv3.1 current at 170 nM. This toxin is the alpha-KTx 15.1, which occludes the Kv3.1 channel pore by means of the lysine 27 lateral chain. This study highlights, for the first time, the modulation of the Kv3.1 by alpha-KTx 15.1, which could be an interesting starting compound for developing therapeutic biomolecules against Kv3.1-associated diseases.

Impact of pile-driving on Hector's dolphin in Lyttelton Harbour, New Zealand.

Several dolphin species occur close inshore and in harbours, where underwater noise generated by pile-driving used in wharf construction may constitute an important impact. Such impacts are likely to be greatest on species such as the endangered Hector's dolphin (Cephalorhynchus hectori), which has small home ranges and uses this habitat type routinely. Using automated echolocation detectors in Lyttelton Harbour (New Zealand), we studied the distribution of Hector's dolphins using a gradient sampling design over 92 days within which pile-driving occurred on 46 days. During piling operations, dolphin positive minutes per day decreased at the detector closest to the piling but increased at the mid-harbour detector. Finer-grained analyses showed that close to the piling operation, detections decreased with increasing sound exposure level, that longer piling events were associated with longer reductions in detections, and that effects were long-lasting - detection rates took up to 83 h to return to pre-piling levels.

Underwater noise levels of pile-driving in a New Zealand harbour, and the potential impacts on endangered Hector's dolphins.

Impact pile-driving generates loud underwater anthropogenic sounds, and is routinely conducted in harbours around the world. Surprisingly few studies of these sounds and their propagation are published in the primary literature. To partially redress this we studied pile-driving sounds in Lyttelton Harbour, New Zealand, during wharf reconstruction after earthquake damage. That Lyttelton harbour is routinely used by Hector's dolphins (Cephalorhynchus hectori), an endangered species found only in New Zealand, provided further context for this study. Steel piles of 0.61 or 0.71 m diameter were driven using three different pile-drivers. Maximum calculated source SEL was 192 dB re 1 µPa2s @ 1 m (SPL0-p of 213 dB re 1 µPa @ 1 m). Propagation of piling noise was strongly influenced by harbour bathymetry and a rock breakwater near the piling operation. We calculated range estimates at which Hector's dolphins may suffer temporary hearing threshold shift and behavioural change.

Ultrasensitive sensing of Androctonus australis hector scorpion venom toxins in biological fluids using an electrochemical graphene quantum dots/nanobody-based platform.

Rapid and sensitive detection of low levels of scorpion venom toxins in biological fluids is of tremendous importance for decision-taking in cases of envenomation by scorpions stings. In Tunisia, at least 1200 severe envenomation cases by Androctonus australis hector (Aah) scorpion stings were reported annually. In this work, we report on a novel electrochemical immuno-sandwich to detect the Aah50 toxic fraction within the Aah scorpion venom using the bispecific nanobody format specially designed to highly recognize and neutralize the two most toxic molecules in the AahG50 venom fraction (i.e. AahI and AahII toxins), graphene quantum dots (GQDs) constructed on the surface carbon screen-printed electrodes. Hydroquinone/H2O2/peroxidase system was used to amplify the current in order to achieve the detection of low levels of AahG50. Electrochemical studies revealed a high sensitivity toward the AahG50 with a sensitivity of 18.2 nA mL pg-1 and a picomolar limit of detection as low as 0.55 pg mL-1. The platform exhibits very good metrological performances such as repeatability, reproducibility, selectivity and long storage stability. Matrix effect was found to be insignificant as demonstrated by assays performed in human blood serum and urine.

Value of cytokeratin-19, Hector Battifora mesothelial-1 and galectin-3 immunostaining in the diagnosis of thyroid neoplasms.

BACKGROUND: Diagnosis of types and aggressiveness of thyroid cancers is difficult. The "gold standard" in diagnosis is using routine hematoxylin and eosin staining. Several markers have been investigated for differentiating them among which cytokeratin-19 (CK-19), Hector Battifora mesothelial cell (HBME-1), and galectin-3 are found to be most commonly used. Most studies have evaluated the single expression of markers in various thyroid lesions. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To know the value of immunohistochemical expression of CK-19, HBME-1, and galectin-3 in diagnosing thyroid neoplasms. To study the expression and compare the results of HBME-1, CK-19, and galectin-3 immunohistochemical markers in histopathologically diagnosed malignant lesions and nonmalignant lesions and demonstrate their usefulness in differentiating them. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prospective study was carried out on thyroidectomy specimens sent in 10% buffered formalin to Department of Pathology, SVIMS, Tirupati, from May 2013 to August 2014. Sensitivity and specificity for each marker and their combination in diagnosis were calculated. RESULTS: Among 120 cases, nonmalignant lesions were 70 (58.33%) and malignant lesions 50 (41.67%). Among nonmalignant lesions, 65 (93%) were adenomatous goiter and 5 (7%) were follicular adenomas. In malignant lesions, 48 (96%) were papillary carcinoma and 1 (2%) each of follicular carcinoma and anaplastic carcinoma. Among papillary carcinomas, classical were 26 (54.16%) followed by 17 follicular variant (35.41%). Galectin-3 had highest sensitivity of 90% and HBME-1 had highest specificity of 97.14%. CONCLUSIONS: Panel of HBME-1+ galectin-3 or CK-19, HBME-1, and galectin-3 increase the accuracy of diagnosis in histopathologically difficult cases.

Involvement of Alveolar Macrophages and Neutrophils in Acute Lung Injury After Scorpion Envenomation: New Pharmacological Targets.

Androctonus australis hector (Aah) scorpion venom is well known to induce a systemic inflammatory response associated with cell infiltration in lung and edema formation. The present study investigate (i) in vivo the evolution of lung and systemic inflammation triggered by Aah venom and (ii) analyze in vitro the signaling cascade, upstream of inflammatory cytokine expression after Aah venom-stimulated mouse alveolar macrophage (MH-S), the main resident immune cells in the lung. The inflammation induced by Aah venom was assessed in mice through inflammatory cell count, nitric oxide metabolite, and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity in blood, concordantly with neutrophil sequestration in tissue and lung histology. In the in vitro study, MH-S cells are stimulated with Aah venom in the presence of signaling pathway inhibitors, NG25 an inhibitor of transforming growth factor ß-activated kinase (TAK1), PD184352 MAP kinase (MKK)1/2 inhibitor, BI605906 an inhibitor of IKκ-ß (inhibitor of nuclear factor kappa B), and BIRB0796 an inhibitor of p38 MAPK. Obtained results showed that leukocyte transmigration is important in some area of the lung and is closely associated with systemic increase of nitric oxide and LDH. The in vitro study showed that Aah venom induce significantly an increase of the expression of TNF-α, IL-1ß, and MIP-2 in MH-S cells. The pretreatment with inhibitors showed that cytokine increase involves TAK1, IKκ-ß, and ERK1/2 pathways, similarly to Toll-like receptor activation. These findings highlight the contribution of alveolar macrophage and their secretory products to tissue damage and made of TAK1 and ERK1/2, an interesting target in scorpion envenomation.

Reactogenicity and safety assessment of an attenuated nanovaccine against scorpion envenomation: Preclinical study.

An attenuated nanovaccine (Nps - V∗) has been developed to protect humans from fatal scorpion envenomation in at-risk regions. This study was conducted to evaluate the toxicity and the local reactogenicity of the Nps - V∗ nanovaccine developed against Androctonus australis hector (Aah) venom. Assessment of the systemic inflammatory response and serum cytokine levels were evaluated in vaccinated mice with 100µg of irradiated Aah venom (V∗) encapsulated or not into polymeric calcium-alginate nanoparticles (Nps) and injected by subcutaneous (s.c) route. The local reactogenicity was evaluated by dermal Draize observations and skin tissue analysis at the injection site of vaccinated rabbits with 250 or 500µg of V∗-loaded into Nps. All animals gained weight and had normal food consumption during the study. Additionally, results showed that the nanoformulation Nps - V∗ did not cause clinical evidence of systemic toxicity in mice or rabbits, a transient edema/erythema at the injection site was only recorded as treatment-related reactogenicity. These results indicated a favorable safety profile for Nps - V∗ and supported its use in superior animal tests, then in a Phase 1 clinical trial.

Age-Related Changes in Inflammatory Response after Experimental Envenomation: Impact on the Susceptibility to Androctonus australis hector Venom.

In regions at risk of scorpion envenomation, children remain the principal victims; they exhibit severe symptoms and represent a higher mortality rate compared to adults. The pathophysiology of envenomation is related to an excessive inflammatory response; however, no studies have identified the differences in immune responses to scorpion stings and mainly the mechanisms of inflammation between children and adults, which may be a determinant key of the susceptibility of children to scorpion envenomation. In this study, we compared the systemic (blood and lung) and the central (brain) inflammatory responses after injection of Androctonus australis hector (Aah) venom to 7 and 21 postnatal days (pnds) and adult mice by subcutaneous route. Results revealed that 7 and 21 pnd mice were more sensitive to Aah venom than adults and presented also severe systemic and central inflammatory responses characterized by a high activation of immune cells, NO liberation, and lipid peroxidation. Lymphocyte levels were much lower in young animals than in adults; however, neutrophil levels seemed to be higher in immature mice. The antioxidant GSH and catalase levels were more reduced in 7 and 21 pnd mice compared to adults leading to more pronounced tissular alterations and edema formation in lung and brain. These findings show a relationship between the severity of the pathophysiological effects of Aah venom and the age. The vulnerability of immature animals to Aah venom might result from uncontrolled inflammatory response and central nervous system alterations. Data from the present study emphasize the need for the development of age-specific therapeutic modalities.

Diagnostic accuracy of CK-19, Galectin-3 and HBME-1 on papillary thyroid carcinoma: a meta-analysis.

The study aimed at evaluating the diagnostic accuracy of cytokeratin 19 (CK-19), Galectin-3 and hector battifora mesothelial antigen-1 (HBME-1) for papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC). The eligible studies were searched in relevant databases with predefined key searching terms and inclusion criteria. Then, the quality assessment was performed by using Diagnostic Accuracy Studies scoring tool. Following the heterogeneity test, a meta-analysis of pooled several effect size including sensitivity, specificity, positive likelihood ratio (PLR), negative likelihood ratio (NLR) and diagnostic odds ratio (DOR) with their 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were conducted by Meta-DiSc software. Next, the summary receiver operating characteristic ROC (SROC) curve was drawn. Total 29 studies with high quality were included in this meta-analysis. The pooled result of CK-19 showed that sensitivity, specificity, PLR, NLR and DOR were 0.816 (95% CI: 0.799-0.832), 0.872 (95% CI: 0.855-0.888), 5.900 (95% CI: 5.193-6.703), 0.205 (95% CI: 0.185-0.228), respectively. For Galectin-3, the pooled sensitivity, specificity, PLR, NLR and DOR were 0.842 (95% CI: 0.825-0.858), 0.833 (95% CI: 0.814-0.851), 5.057 (95% CI: 4.494-5.690), 0.176 (95% CI: 0.154-0.200) and 33.312 (95% CI: 26.403-42.029). For HBME-1, the pooled sensitivity, specificity, PLR, NLR and DOR were 0.928 (95% CI: 0.913-0.941), 0.864 (95% CI: 0.847-0.880), 6.204 (95% CI: 5.498-7.002), 0.082 (95% CI: 0.067-0.102), 57.107 (95% CI: 43.421-75.107), respectively. The area under curve (AUC) value in SROC curve of CK-19, Galectin-3 and HBME-1 were 0.9134 (95% CI: 0.877-0.950), 0.8452 (95% CI: 0.809-0.882) and 0.9047 (95% CI: 0.868-0.941), respectively. Compared with CK-19 and Galectin-3, HBME-1 was a more accurate maker and might be used independently for PTC diagnosis. CK-19 and Galectin-3 might as second-line detection for PTC diagnosis.

Charles William Lacaillade. Biologist, Parasitologist, Educator, and Mentor.

Charles William Lacaillade (1904-1978) was an eminent biologist in the middle decades of the twentieth century. He was born in Lawrence, Massachusetts of parents whose ancestors were French Canadians. His father, also named Charles William Lacaillade, was a dentist who graduated from Tufts University School of Dentistry in 1898. His mother, Elodia Eno, came from a family of very successful businessmen. Lacaillade was the third of six children. His two older brothers, Harold Carleton and Hector Eno, both graduated from the University of Louisville, School of Dentistry, while his younger brother, Lawrence, became a businessman. His sister, Luemma, married Dr. Henry Steadman, a veterinarian, while his youngest sister, Gloria, married a U.S. Army officer, Lieutenant Colonel Victor Anido. Lacaillade received his MS and PhD degrees in biology and zoology from Harvard University. He then became a fellow at The Rockefeller Institute for Medical Research. At both institutions, he studied under some of the most eminent biological scientists of the time. These included Rudolf W. Glaser, George Howard Parker, Theobald Smith, Carl TenBroeck, and William Morton Wheeler. At the Rockefeller Institute, he co-discovered the vector and mode of transmission of Eastern Equine Encephalomyelitis. This discovery, and the research he conducted with Rudolf W. Glaser, quickly established him as an outstanding biological researcher. However, a change in leadership at the Rockefeller Institute resulted in research priorities being given to the disciplines of general physiology, physical chemistry, and nutrition. This shift in the research agenda away from the biological sciences precluded career advancement at the Rockefeller Institute for post-doctoral fellows like Lacaillade. It was the height of the Great Depression, and even biologists with terminal doctoral degrees found it difficult to find positions. In 1935, Lacaillade accepted a position as an assistant in biology at St. John's College in Brooklyn, New York. Although a small single-gender college for men, the Department of Biology there under Dr. Andrew I. Dawson had an impressive record of research achievements. Lacaillade remained at this institution for the remainder of his career until his retirement in 1970. He eventually became Distinguished Professor of Biology, Chair of the Department of Biology, and the recipient of numerous awards and recognitions. Lacaillade quickly developed a reputation as an outstanding teacher, mentor, and scientist. He taught introductory courses in biology as well as advanced ones in parasitology and entomology. He preceptored graduate students and guided their dissertation research. Above all else, he was a superb mentor who provided sage advice to pre-professional students planning careers in medicine and dentistry. Lacaillade effortlessly adapted to the transformation of St. John's College, with an annual enrollment of some 600, to St. John's University, with an average annual student census of 20,000. He also oversaw the geographic relocation of his department from Brooklyn to the then new campus in Jamaica, New York in 1955. He proved to be a stabilizing presence during the faculty strike of 1966 and its aftermath which included a reorganization of the university. Throughout his life, Lacaillade was admired as a man of letters. His interests spanned art, literature, opera, and the theater. He had a passionate interest in English literature, about which he wrote, and was proud of his collection of first editions of English writers. Charles William Lacaillade was an eminent success as a research biologist early in his career. However, his greater successes came later as an outstanding educator and mentor. As such, he had a positive and lasting influence on the lives and careers of many students and colleagues. He passed away on 17 September 1978 in Danvers, Massachusetts.

Development and characterization of a new carrier for vaccine delivery based on calcium-alginate nanoparticles: Safe immunoprotective approach against scorpion envenoming.

To enhance humoral defense against diseases, vaccine formulation is routinely prepared to improve immune response. Studies in nanomaterials as a carrier of vaccine delivery are promising and interesting. In this study, attenuated Androctonus australis hector (Aah) venom and its toxic fraction were encapsulated into different formulations inside calcium-alginate nanoparticles (Ca-Alg Nps), and used as a vaccine delivery system against scorpion envenomation. Ca-Alg Nps were prepared by ionic gelation and characterized. An immunization schedule was undertaken in rabbits in order to study how Aah venom entrapped in Ca-Alg Nps might induce protective immunity. Results showed the influence of different parameters on the suitable nanoparticle formation. They also showed no toxicity of free Ca-Alg Nps and a different inflammatory profile depending on the nanovaccine formulations. More interestingly, evaluation of specific IgG titer and IgG1/IgG2a isotype balance revealed a protective effect with the nanoparticles encapsulating the attenuated antigens. Challenge up to 6 LD 50 of native venom, allowed to an important immunoprotection of all immunized rabbits, with no recorded death. Taken together and with respect to the properties of nanoparticles and high immunogenicity, calcium-alginate nanoparticles could be considered as a new promising adjuvant system and a vaccine delivery against scorpion envenomation.

Intercellular adhesion molecule 1 is a sensitive and diagnostically useful immunohistochemical marker of papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) and of PTC-like nuclear alterations in Hashimoto's thyroiditis.

Intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1) is important in the progression of inflammatory responses. Recently, increased levels of ICAM-1 have been reported in a number of types of malignancy. The present study aimed to investigate ICAM-1 expression in papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) and in Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT) with PTC-like nuclear alterations, and to assess the predictive value of ICAM-1 in thyroid lesions. ICAM-1 expression was retrospectively investigated in 132 consecutive cases of PTC, 72 cases of HT, 10 of follicular cancer, 15 of follicular adenoma, 16 of nodular goiter and 8 samples of normal thyroid tissue using immunohistochemical analyses, and in 42 PTC patients using western blotting. ICAM-1 expression was not detected in normal follicular cells, follicular lesions (adenoma and cancer) and benign nodular hyperplasia, but was frequently overexpressed in PTC cells. ICAM-1 overexpression was associated with extra-thyroidal invasion and lymph node metastasis; no association was found with age, gender, tumor size, multifocality, pathological stage, recurrence or distant metastasis. ICAM-1 expression in HT patients with PTC-like nuclear alterations was significantly higher than that in HT cases with non-PTC-like features. Compared with antibodies against cytokeratin 19, galectin-3 and Hector Battifora mesothelial-1, ICAM-1 was the most sensitive marker for the detection of PTC-like features in HT. These findings demonstrate that ICAM-1 expression is upregulated in PTC and in HT with PTC-like nuclear alterations. This feature may be an important factor in the progression of cancer of the thyroid gland.

Helmet Use and Head Injury in Homer's Iliad.

BACKGROUND: Homer's detailed descriptions of head injuries inflicted during the Trojan War are of particular interest to individuals in the medical community. Although studies have examined the prevalence of such injuries, none have examined the preventive measures taken to avoid them. An in-depth review of helmet use in Homer's Iliad was conducted to address this previously unexplored facet of the epic. METHODS: An English translation of Homer's text was reviewed for all references to helmet use. The number of helmet references in each book was recorded, along with other pertinent details for each reference. RESULTS: There were 87 references to helmets (40 combat, 47 noncombat). The helmet belonged to a Greek warrior in 41 cases (47.1%), a Trojan warrior in 38 cases (43.6%), a divinity in 5 cases (5.7%), and a general group of warriors in 3 cases (3.4%). Helmet use provided protective benefit to Greek warriors at a rate of 30.0% (3 of 10) and Trojan warriors at a rate of 11.1% (2 of 18). This difference was not statistically significant (P = 0.23). The overall combined protective benefit of helmet use in the text was 17.9% (5 of 28). Helmets belonging to 15 specific Greek warriors and 18 specific Trojan warriors were referenced in the text. Helmets belonging to Hector (n = 12) and Achilles (n = 8) were most frequently mentioned. CONCLUSIONS: Helmet use and head injury both play a prominent role in Homer's Iliad. Helmets are frequently used in combat settings but with relatively little success. Helmets are also used in various noncombat settings.