Pinning energy and anisotropy properties of a Fe(Se, Te) iron based superconductor.

The measurements of DC magnetization M as a function of magnetic field (H) and time (t) have been performed in order to study the superconducting and pinning properties of a Fe(Se, Te) iron based superconductor fabricated by means of the Bridgman technique. By performing the superconducting hysteresis loops M(H) at different temperatures in the case of perpendicular and parallel field, the critical current density Jc (H) has been extracted in the framework of the Bean critical state model for both configurations. The Jc (H) curves have shown the presence of the second magnetization peak effect that causes an anomalous increase in the field dependence of the critical current density. In order to obtain the Jc anisotropy of the sample, we have performed the ratio between perpendicular and parallel critical current density values [Formula: see text] and compared its values with the literature ones. The information regarding the pinning energy U have been extracted by means of the relaxation of the irreversible magnetization M(t) in the case H∣∣c. In particular, performing relaxation measurements at different temperatures and magnetic fields, the temperature dependence of the pinning energy U(T) at different magnetic fields has been obtained showing an anomalous temperature scaling of the curves. The presence of a maximum in the U(T) curves suggests a pinning crossover at a given field and temperature H cr(T). The H cr(T) values have been fitted with the equation H cr(T) = H cr(0) (1 - T/T*) n whose results confirm the correlation between the elastic/plastic crossover and the end of the peak effect phenomenon.

Modified transverse coloplasty pouch: new reconstruction techniques after total mesorectal excision. Our experience.

AIM: The incidence of rectal cancer continues to rise. The functional results after complete Total Mesorectal Excision (TME) depend on the segment of colon used for reconstruction of colonic continuity and the form, the volume and the functional proprieties of the "neorectum". The aim of our study is evaluate the efficacy of our Modified Transverse Coloplasty Pouch (MTCP) after the treatment of low rectal cancer in terms of functional outcomes and quality of life. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The study included 136 patients, underwent TME from January 2007 to December 2016 with diagnosis of extraperitoneal carcinoma of the rectum. The average distance of the tumor from the dentate line was 5.6 cm. Our follow-up protocol included functional outcome evaluation at 7th post-operative day (POD), 2nd month, and 6th month after the surgery. RESULTS: All patients (M/F 84/52) underwent anterior rectal resection (TME) with MTCP. Frequency of bowel movements per 24 hours in the studied patients compared at 7th POD, 2 months, and 6 months. Since the first post-operative weeks there is an encouraging reduction of the frequency of bowel movements. CONCLUSION: Modified Transverse Coloplasty Pouch (MTCP) had better functional results and quality of life compared to patients with a Colonic J Pouch (CJP) and traditional Transverse Coloplasty Pouch (TCP).

Pilonidal disease mimicking anterior anal fistula and associated with posterior anal fistula: a two-step surgery. Case report.

AIM: Anal fistula is a common disease originated from abscess according the cryptoglandular theory. A rare etiology is the pilonidal disease. In our case we observed a pilonidal disease mimicking an anterior perianal fistula, associated with another posterior anal fistula. CASE PRESENTATION: A 36-year old man was referred to our department with an anal fistula with an anterior opening. Despite the clinical examination and the endoanal ultrasound, only during the surgery we discovered the origin of the anterior fistula from a misdiagnosed pilonidal sinus. There was also a posterior anal fistula in communication with the same abscess of the anterior one. We performed a two-step surgery with a first fistulectomy of the anterior tract, a drainage of abscess and the positioning of a seton for the posterior fistula. After about one month and the fall of the seton we evaluate the good healing of posterior anal fistula and excised the residual pilonidal sinus. CONCLUSION: This misdiagnosed pilonidal disease created in our clinical report a true challenge. Our goal was to eliminate as much disease as possible, but also to avoid major complications or recurrences. We refused an aggressive approach and chose a two-step surgery, with in the first approach not only a demolitive time but also a reconstruction to facilitate healing, and in the second time the complete eradication of the pathology.

[Left ventricular projectile migration after an accidental close-range gunshot wound]. / Linksventrikuläre Projektilmigration nach akzidentiellem Schrotschuss aus nächster Nähe.

We report the case of a 24-year-old female after sustaining a shotgun wound in the left upper extremity and chest. Initial emergency diagnostics revealed numerous shotgun pellets scattered throughout the left-side soft tissue, chest and upper lung lobe with one pellet having migrated into the left ventricle of the heart.Due to the devastating injury pattern, gunshot wounds are interdisciplinarily challenging and should include extended initial diagnostics, such as contrast agent CT. The potential toxicity of elevated lead blood levels have to be taken into further account.

Non-invasive cerebellar stimulation--a consensus paper.

The field of neurostimulation of the cerebellum either with transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS; single pulse or repetitive (rTMS)) or transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS; anodal or cathodal) is gaining popularity in the scientific community, in particular because these stimulation techniques are non-invasive and provide novel information on cerebellar functions. There is a consensus amongst the panel of experts that both TMS and tDCS can effectively influence cerebellar functions, not only in the motor domain, with effects on visually guided tracking tasks, motor surround inhibition, motor adaptation and learning, but also for the cognitive and affective operations handled by the cerebro-cerebellar circuits. Verbal working memory, semantic associations and predictive language processing are amongst these operations. Both TMS and tDCS modulate the connectivity between the cerebellum and the primary motor cortex, tuning cerebellar excitability. Cerebellar TMS is an effective and valuable method to evaluate the cerebello-thalamo-cortical loop functions and for the study of the pathophysiology of ataxia. In most circumstances, DCS induces a polarity-dependent site-specific modulation of cerebellar activity. Paired associative stimulation of the cerebello-dentato-thalamo-M1 pathway can induce bidirectional long-term spike-timing-dependent plasticity-like changes of corticospinal excitability. However, the panel of experts considers that several important issues still remain unresolved and require further research. In particular, the role of TMS in promoting cerebellar plasticity is not established. Moreover, the exact positioning of electrode stimulation and the duration of the after effects of tDCS remain unclear. Future studies are required to better define how DCS over particular regions of the cerebellum affects individual cerebellar symptoms, given the topographical organization of cerebellar symptoms. The long-term neural consequences of non-invasive cerebellar modulation are also unclear. Although there is an agreement that the clinical applications in cerebellar disorders are likely numerous, it is emphasized that rigorous large-scale clinical trials are missing. Further studies should be encouraged to better clarify the role of using non-invasive neurostimulation techniques over the cerebellum in motor, cognitive and psychiatric rehabilitation strategies.

Evaluation of the Impact of Exposure To Heat and to By-Products of Combustion on the Health of Firefighters.

Firefighters are often exposed to high temperatures and by-products of combustion, which can affect their health. In this study, we assessed the impact of acute exposure of firefighters in fire simulators. Twenty male firefighters were exposed to fire simulators, and observed in four phases: pre-exposure (group 0, control) and after the end of the first (group 1), second (group 2), and fourth (group 3) weeks of training. Blood samples were collected and dosed to evaluate the response of the immune, inflammatory (C-reactive protein, IL6, and IL10), and endocrine systems (cortisone, total testosterone, free testosterone, SHBG, bioavailable testosterone, TSH, and free T4). In groups 0, 1, and 3, a thermographic evaluation was also carried out to study the temperature and body heat flow of the participants. Regarding the inflammatory process, an increase in C-reactive protein and a reduction in IL-10 were observed. With respect to hormonal markers, an increase in cortisol and reduced levels of free T4 and bioavailable testosterone were found after exposure, with recovery of testosterone levels in the final week of training. Thermoregulatory adaptation of the organism has been associated with changes in heat flow in the organism in people subjected to extreme temperatures, with emphasis on the performance of the lower limbs. Our findings demonstrate an inflammatory response with hormonal changes after exposure to fire and an adaptive response of thermal balance, which could aid understanding of the physiology of the human body in extreme situations.

Les sapeurs-pompiers (SP) sont régulièrement exposés à la chaleur et aux produits de combustion, qui peuvent avoir un retentissement sur leur santé. Nous avons évalué l'effet d'une exposition aiguë de 22 SP (tous des hommes) à incendie simulé grâce à la répétition à 4 reprises d'une même batterie d'examens (avant- T0, et à la fin des 1ère -T1 2ème - T2 et 3ème - T3 semaines d'entraînement). Des paramètres sanguins relatifs à l'inflammation et l'immunité (CRP, IL6, IL10) ainsi qu'au système endocrinien (cortisol, testostérones totale, libre et biodisponible, SHBG, TSH et T4 libre) étaient prélevés à chaque évaluation. Une étude thermographique, évaluant la température corporelle et le flux thermique corporel était réalisée à T0, T1 et T3. On constatait une augmentation de la CRP et une baisse de IL10. On observait une augmentation de la cortisolémie ainsi qu'une baisse de thyroxine libre et testostérone biodisponible, cette dernière se normalisant à T3. L'adaptation corporelle à la chaleur se traduit par une augmentation du flux thermique, en particulier aux membres inférieurs. Nous observons donc des réponses inflammatoire comme endocrinienne et une adaptation de la thermorégulation en cas d'exposition à un incendie, constatations pouvant contribuer à la compréhension de la physiologie humaine en situations extrêmes.

Long-term functional outcome and health status of patients with critical illness polyneuromyopathy.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the long-term functional outcome and health status of patients with critical illness polyneuromyopathy (CIPNM). METHOD AND SUBJECTS: One hundred and twenty-four consecutive survival intensive care unit patients admitted to a neuro-rehabilitation Unit from January 2003 to December 2007 were identified. Patients with proven CIPNM by the electromyography were prospectively followed. The Barthel and modified Rankin Scales (mRS) were administered to all patients at baseline, discharge and follow-up. The SF-36 questionnaire was administered to ascertain health status. Each patient underwent an individually tailored rehabilitation therapy. RESULTS: Forty-two subjects (23M, 19F, mean age 58.4 ± 13.9) were enrolled. Of these, 30 patients were diagnosed electrophysiologically with CIP, six with critical illness myopathy (CIM) and six with a finding combination of CIP and CIM (CIP/CIM) subtype. The mean Barthel scores at baseline, discharge and follow-up were 16.7 ± 8.6, 81.7 ± 16.4 and 86.7 ± 15.9 (P < 0.001) and the median mRS scores were 5 (IQR: 5-5), 3 (IQR: 0-5) and 1 (IQR: 0-5). The mean length of neuro-rehabilitation stay was 76.2 ± 28.1 days. The SF-36 questionnaire administered at follow-up (mean 31.7 ± 15.8 months), showed significantly lower values compared to Italian normative. CONCLUSION: ICU patients with CIPNM treated in a neuro-rehabilitation setting resulted in a good functional outcome. Despite complete recovery, patients with CIPNM experienced difficulties in health status.

A precursor mechanism triggering the second magnetization peak phenomenon in superconducting materials.

The correlation in type-II superconductors between the creep rate S and the Second Magnetization Peak (SMP) phenomenon which produces an increase in Jc, as a function of the field (H), has been investigated at different temperatures by starting from the minimum in S(H) and the onset of the SMP phenomenon detected on a FeSe0.5Te0.5 sample. Then the analysis has been extended by considering the entire S(H) curves and comparing our results with those of many other superconducting materials reported in literature. In this way, we find evidence that the flux dynamic mechanisms behind the appearance of the SMP phenomenon in Jc(H) are activated at fields well below those where the critical current starts effectively to increase. Moreover, the found universal relation between the minimum in the S(H) and the SMP phenomenon in Jc(H) shows that both can be attributed to a sequential crossover between a less effective pinning (losing its effectiveness at low fields) to a more effective pinning (still acting at high fields), regardless of the type-II superconductor taken into consideration.

Comparative efficacies of two antimony regimens to treat Leishmania braziliensis-induced cutaneous Leishmaniasis in rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta).

This study compared the efficacies of two N-methylglucomine antimoniate (MA) dose regimens for treating macaques with Leishmania braziliensis-induced chronic skin disease. Whereas all animals treated with the full dose (20 mg MA/kg/day) were cured, 50% of the monkeys receiving a low-dose regimen (5 mg MA/kg/day) relapsed. The antimony concentrations in macaque plasma and tissue samples were greater in the full-dose group than in that receiving a subtherapeutic MA regimen. Our data also suggest the presence of drug-induced hepatic pathology.

The microvascular network of the pituitary gland: a model for the application of fractal geometry to the analysis of angioarchitecture and angiogenesis of brain tumors.

In geometrical terms, tumor vascularity is an exemplary anatomical system that irregularly fills a three-dimensional Euclidean space. This physical characteristic, together with the highly variable vessel shapes and surfaces, leads to considerable spatial and temporal heterogeneity in the delivery of oxygen, nutrients and drugs, and the removal of metabolites. Although these biological features have now been well established, quantitative analyses of neovascularity in two-dimensional histological sections still fail to view tumor architecture in non-Euclidean terms, and this leads to errors in visually interpreting the same tumor, and discordant results from different laboratories. A review of the literature concerning the application of microvessel density (MVD) estimates, an Euclidean-based approach used to quantify vascularity in normal and neoplastic pituitary tissues, revealed some disagreements in the results and led us to discuss the limitations of the Euclidean quantification of vascularity. Consequently, we introduced fractal geometry as a better means of quantifying the microvasculature of normal pituitary glands and pituitary adenomas, and found that the use of the surface fractal dimension is more appropriate than MVD for analysing the vascular network of both. We propose extending the application of this model to the analysis of the angiogenesis and angioarchitecture of brain tumors.

Redox regulation of anoikis: reactive oxygen species as essential mediators of cell survival.

Proper attachment to the extracellular matrix (ECM) is essential for cell survival. The loss of integrin-mediated cell-ECM contact results in an apoptotic process termed anoikis. However, mechanisms involved in regulation of cell survival are poorly understood and mediators responsible for anoikis have not been well characterized. Here, we demonstrate that reactive oxygen species (ROS) produced through the involvement of the small GTPase Rac-1 upon integrin engagement exert a mandatory role in transducing a pro-survival signal that ensures that cells escape from anoikis. In particular, we show that ROS are responsible for the redox-mediated activation of Src that trans-phosphorylates epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) in a ligand-independent manner. The redox-dependent phosphorylation of EGFR activates both extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase and Akt downstream signalling pathways, culminating in degradation of the pro-apoptotic protein Bim. Hence, our results shed new light on the mechanism granting the adhesion-dependent antiapoptotic effect, highlighting a fundamental role of ROS-mediated Src regulation in ensuring anoikis protection.

Increase in urokinase plasminogen activator mRNA synthesis in human carcinoma cells is a primary effect of the potent tumor promoter, phorbol myristate acetate.

The effect of tumor promoters and growth factors on the synthesis of urokinase and urokinase mRNA in human carcinoma cells has been investigated. In urokinase-producing human carcinoma cells (A1251), a 20-40-fold increase in urokinase mRNA level is obtained after treatment with 10 nM phorbol myristate acetate (PMA), a smaller effect (two- to fourfold) with 2 ng/ml platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) and no effect with epidermal growth factor (EGF) (up to 50 nM). After treatment with PMA, urokinase mRNA level increases already at 30 min peaking 2-4 h thereafter. Cell line A431, which has an abnormally high number of EGF receptors, shows the same response to PMA, but also responds to EGF (two- to fourfold increase in mRNA). The kinetics are similar to those of A1251. Nuclear transcription experiments show that the PMA-induced increase in urokinase mRNA is due to increased synthesis. The protein synthesis inhibitor, cycloheximide (10 micrograms/ml), also increases the level of urokinase mRNA. When both cycloheximide and PMA are used, super-induction is observed. This result may indicate that a short-lived protein negatively regulates the level of urokinase. The different efficiency of the effectors (PMA and PDGF better than EGF) and their kinetics, as well as the effect of cycloheximide on urokinase mRNA synthesis, (a) are reminiscent of the effect of PDGF and PMA on competence phase genes (Kelly, K., B.H. Cochran, C.D. Stiles, and P. Leder, 1983, Cell, 35: 603-610), (b) demonstrate that the synthesis of urokinase is part of the early cellular response to these factors, and (c) provide a preliminary insight in the overproduction of urokinase by primary malignant tumors and transformed cells in culture.

Dynamics of immune granuloma formation in a Leishmania braziliensis-induced self-limiting cutaneous infection in the primate Macaca mulatta.

In order to unravel the physiopathology of leishmaniasis in humans, it is necessary to better understand how Leishmania are able to survive for years within immunologically active granulomas. In the present study, we used a macaque (Macaca mulatta) model of infection with Leishmania braziliensis as a means of assessing the usefulness of this primate system. This model more closely mirrors human protective immunity to Leishmania than the murine model; therefore, we used it to study the host inflammatory granulomatous response involved in the control of cutaneous leishmaniasis. Infected primates developed localized long-term skin ulcerations, but complete spontaneous clinical healing occurred in all infected animals. The infection induced the recruitment and activation of inflammatory mast cells, granulocytes, mononuclear phagocytes, and lymphocytes at the site of infection. During the acute reaction, polymorphonuclear leukocytes were more prominent than other cell types and apparently destroyed many parasites; macrophages then rapidly engulfed dying neutrophils together with their parasitic cargo. In the chronic phase, persisting parasites induced a typical T helper (Th) cytokine, type 1-mediated, immunity-induced granulomatous reaction. By this time, more or less differentiated macrophage accumulations were found, and these evolved to become mature tissue granulomas consisting of all the specific cell types found within human granulomas. In the healing stage, fibroblasts proliferated at the periphery and finally invaded the granulomas with fibrotic substitution. These findings point to the feasibility of using this model to elucidate the potentially disabling Th1-cell mechanisms that may eventually render the host granulomatous response inadequate for fighting L. braziliensis infections.

Magnetic field and temperature dependence of the critical vortex velocity in type-II superconducting films.

We study the vortex dynamics in the instability regime induced by high dissipative states well above the critical current in Nb superconducting strips. The magnetic field and temperature behavior of the critical vortex velocity corresponding to the observed dynamic instability is ascribed to intrinsic non-equilibrium phenomena. The Larkin-Ovchinnikov (LO) theory of electronic instability in high velocity vortex motion has been applied to interpret the temperature dependence of the critical vortex velocity. The magnetic field dependence of the vortex critical velocity shows new features in the low-field regime not predicted by LO.

Telephone follow-up for patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

The relentless evolution of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a severe neurodegenerative disorder of the upper and lower motoneurons, leads to an increasing level of disability. Most patients, during the course of the disease, become unable to attend the tertiary clinical care center and are thus prevented from enrolling in clinical trials or benefiting from specialized care and management. The main objective of this study was to verify whether the ALS functional rating scale (ALSFRS) could be reliably administered by telephone to patients, when unable to attend the ALS clinic, or to their caregivers. ALSFRS is a validated instrument that assesses the functional status and the disease progression in ALS. We first administered the functional rating scale directly in the clinic to 30 patients, with definite or probable ALS, and to their respective caregivers, and found a very high agreement between the two groups for the total score and the majority of the rating items. Next, we showed, in both patients and caregivers, a high degree of correlation between the total score of the ALSFRS measured by telephone and that reported in the clinic. This indicates that ALSFRS is a reliable instrument for monitoring the disease progression in homebound patients, even when the person contacted by telephone is the caregiver. We also performed a telephone clinic, based on an unstructured interview, with 16 ALS patients at an advanced stage of the disease and unable to attend the ALS clinic. On some occasions, the person interviewed was the caregiver. The symptoms most frequently reported were a worsening of muscle strength, swallowing and breathing problems, constipation, and inability to clear lung secretions. Several patients asked for assistive and adaptive equipment. All patients and caregivers found the telephone clinic very useful and considered it a good complement to the management and care programme.

Spacer promoters are orientation-dependent activators of pre-rRNA transcription in Drosophila melanogaster.

In Drosophila melanogaster, 240-base-pair (bp) repeats, clustered in tandem arrays within the ribosomal DNA nontranscribed spacer region, include sites of RNA polymerase I-dependent transcription initiation and elements that stimulate the rate of transcription from the downstream precursor rRNA (pre-rRNA) promoter. We have analyzed the in vivo transcriptional activity of a large set of recombinant constructs in which tandem arrays of distinct segments derived from a 240-bp repeat were inserted upstream of the pre-rRNA promoter. The results indicate that activating spacer elements are confined to a region of 70 bp. Enhancing units overlap with spacer promoters, since DNA segments that stimulate transcription at the gene promoter also efficiently drive transcription initiation. The finding that artificial spacer arrays invariably stimulate pre-rRNA transcription initiation in an orientation-dependent fashion suggest that spacer-initiated transcription is involved in the enhancement process. The minimal spacer activating segment includes a perfect copy of a core domain of the gene promoter extending from -24 to +10 flanked by poorly homologous upstream DNA sequences. Spacer and gene promoters are functionally interchangeable as activating units. However, the different combination of DNA elements within the two determines a functional hierarchy, as only the pre-rRNA promoter is responsive to the stimulatory action of upstream units.

Clinical and microbiological parameters of naturally occurring periodontitis in the non-human primate Macaca mulatta.

Background: Non-human primates appear to represent the most faithful model of human disease, but to date the oral microbiome in macaques has not been fully characterized using next-generation sequencing. Objective: In the present study, we characterized the clinical and microbiological features of naturally occurring periodontitis in non-human primates (Macaca mulatta). Design: Clinical parameters of periodontitis including probing pocket depth (PD) and bleeding on probing (BOP) were measured in 40 adult macaques (7-22 yrs), at six sites per tooth. Subgingival plaque was collected from diseased and healthy sites, and subjected to 16S rDNA sequencing and identification at the species or higher taxon level. Results: All macaques had mild periodontitis at minimum, with numerous sites of PD ≥ 4 mm and BOP. A subset (14/40) had moderate-severe disease, with >2 sites with PD ≥ 5mm, deeper mean PD, and more BOP. Animals with mild vs moderate-severe disease were identical in age, suggesting genetic heterogeneity. 16S rDNA sequencing revealed that all macaques had species that were identical to those in humans or closely related to human counterparts, including Porphyromonas gingivalis which was present in all animals. Diseased and healthy sites harboured distinct microbiomes; however there were no significant differences in the microbiomes in moderate-severe vs. mild periodontitis. Conclusions: Naturally occurring periodontitis in older macaques closely resembles human adult periodontitis, thus validating a useful model to evaluate novel anti-microbial therapies.

Leishmania infantum-induced primary and challenge infections in rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta): a primate model for visceral leishmaniasis.

Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) was experimentally induced in rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta) by intravenously inoculating 2 x 10(7)amastigotes/kg of body weight of Leishmania infantum. The macaques developed a systemic disease showing characteristic features of human VL such as fever, diarrhoea, body weight loss, anaemia, hypergammaglobulinaemia and transient lymphocytosis, as well as lymph node, liver and/or spleen enlargement. Nine weeks after infection, one primate showed pronounced weight loss, became moribund and was euthanized. The necropsy findings included granulomas composed of parasite-containing macrophages, lymphocytes and plasma cells in the liver, spleen and lymph nodes. The remaining macaques had a sustained course of infection but developed a mild-to-moderate illness that subsequently showed evidence of self-cure. Of note, pathological findings included a typical cell-mediated immunity-induced granulomatous reaction that had an effect on the control of parasite replication. All infected monkeys responded with increased production of anti-Leishmania-specific IgG antibodies. Despite the fact that clinical resistance to L. infantum was not consistently associated with a parasite-specific cell-mediated immune response, drug-cured macaques from the primary infection acquired immunity to homologous re-infection. These findings point to the feasibility of using the L. infantum macaque model for pre-clinical evaluation of novel chemotherapeutics or vaccine candidates for human VL.

Responses of Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis cutaneous infection to N-methylglucamine antimoniate in the rhesus monkey (Macaca mulatta) model.

The antileishmanial efficacy of the reference drug N-methylglucamine antimoniate (Glucantime) was evaluated in groups of rhesus monkeys with acute and chronic Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis cutaneous infection. The therapeutic responses in experimental animals to either a low dose (5 mg/kg body wt/day for 28 days) or a routine dose (20 mg/kg/day for 28 days) of pentavalent antimony were similar to those reported in the human disease. Primates were cured of their lesions after treatment, but with cryptic parasitism and/or relapse. The rhesus model of L. (V.) braziliensis cutaneous leishmaniasis therefore provides an additional resource for preclinical trials with newer drugs.