Social Skills and Cognitive Training to Support Work-Related Skills and Job Placement in a Group of Autistic Adults : Effectiveness of a Neuropsychological and Social Skills Intervention: A Case Series Study on a Pilot Program.

Autistic people may have difficulties in finding and keeping a job. Studies highlight that only 34% of autistic people are employed compared to 54% of people with disability. 58% of people with ASD have never had a job. Social cognition and cognitive strains may also have a significant impact on working life. The primary goal of our project is supporting autistic people through a training program focused on neuropsychological and social skills training to improve participant' job skills. Through an Individual Placement and Support model the project involved various Partners to guide, identify skills and interests, provide cognitive and psychological support for autistic people. Results highlighted neuropsychological training efficacy, especially in inhibitory control and good rate of employment status at the end of the project. Findings are encouraging and underline the importance of a multidisciplinary approach to support autistic people in their work life considering their expectations, needs and inclinations.

Fetal cerebrovascular impedance is reduced in left congenital diaphragmatic hernia.

OBJECTIVES: Congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) can cause a significant mass effect in the fetal thorax, displacing the heart into the opposite hemithorax. In left-sided CDH (L-CDH), this is associated with smaller left-sided cardiac structures and reduced left-ventricular cardiac output (LVCO). The effect of these physiologic changes on cerebral blood flow is not well understood. We sought to describe the middle cerebral artery (MCA) pulsatility index (PI), a measure of cerebrovascular impedance, in fetuses with L-CDH and those with right-sided CDH (R-CDH) compared with unaffected fetuses, and the relationship between MCA-PI and LVCO. We hypothesized that MCA-PI would be lower in fetuses with L-CDH and similar in those with R-CDH compared to controls, and that MCA-PI would be correlated with LVCO. METHODS: We identified all fetuses with CDH evaluated at The University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA from 2011 to 2018. Fetal echocardiograms and ultrasound scans were reviewed. Umbilical artery and MCA Doppler examinations were assessed to calculate pulsatility indices. Ventricular outputs were calculated using Doppler-derived stroke volume and fetal heart rate. Lung-to-head ratio (LHR), estimated fetal weight, biparietal diameter (BPD) and head circumference (HC) were obtained from fetal sonograms. Measurements in fetuses with CDH, according to the side of the defect, were compared with those in unaffected, gestational age-matched controls. A subset of CDH survivors had available data on neurodevelopmental outcome, as assessed using the Bayley Scales of Infant Development, 3rd edition. RESULTS: A total of 64 fetuses with CDH (L-CDH, n = 53; R-CDH, n = 11) comprised the study groups, with 27 unaffected fetuses serving as controls. Mean gestational age at evaluation was similar between the three groups. Compared to controls, fetuses with L-CDH had significantly lower LVCO expressed as a percentage of combined cardiac output (CCO) (32%; 95% CI, 29-35% vs 38%; 95% CI, 33-42%; P = 0.04) and lower MCA-PI Z-score (-1.3; 95% CI, -1.7 to -1.0 vs 0.08; 95% CI, -0.5 to 0.6; P < 0.001), while they did not differ between the R-CDH group and controls. There was a strong positive association between LVCO as a percentage of CCO and MCA-PI Z-score in the overall cohort of CDH and control fetuses (P = 0.01). BPD and HC were similar between the three groups. At neurodevelopmental follow-up, mean cognitive, motor and language scores in the CDH group were within 1 SD of those in the general population. CONCLUSION: MCA-PI values are significantly lower in fetuses with L-CDH as compared to controls, and lower LVCO was correlated with lower MCA vascular impedance. The neurodevelopmental effect of changes in MCA-PI in response to decreased LVCO is unknown, although, on average, CDH survivors had neurodevelopmental scores in the normal range. This may reflect a fetal compensatory mechanism in response to diminished antegrade cerebral blood flow. © 2020 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Comparison of conservative versus surgical therapy for acute appendicitis with abscess in five German hospitals.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of initially conservative therapy compared to immediate appendectomy for acute appendicitis with abscess in terms of medical and economic outcomes. METHODS: Of all the patients treated for appendicitis from January 2009 to December 2017 in five German hospitals, 240 were included in the study. Fifty-three patients received conservative (CON) and 195 patients received surgical (SUR) therapy as initial treatment. RESULTS: Length of stay was similar (12.5 days in CON vs. 13.3 days in SUR, p = 0.530). Readmission rate was higher in the conservative group (54.7% vs. 6.2%, p < 0.001). The majority (53.7%) of the 41 operations in CON group were appendectomies (22 procedures), 1 (4.5%) of them was in the first hospital stay because of persisting symptoms, 21 (95.5%) after a recovery interval. Seven (33.3%) of the recovery appendectomies were performed due to persisting or recurrent symptoms and 14 (66.7%) due to the request of patient. Twenty-one patients (39.6%) in the CON group did not need surgery. The rates of complication-related operations per patient (0.04 versus 0.58, p < 0.001), conversions of surgical technique (1.9% vs. 34.9%, p = 0.0287), and extended resections (1.9% vs. 31.3%, p < 0.001) were higher in SUR group. Furthermore, morbidity, hospital costs, and loss in quality of life were significantly higher in the surgical group (17.0% vs. 66.2%, p < 0.001; € 5044 vs. € 8457, p < 0.001, and 4.3 days vs. 7.5 days, p < 0.001, CON vs. SUR). CONCLUSION: Initially, conservative treatment for acute appendicitis with abscess is preferable to immediate surgical treatment in reduction of morbidity, hospital costs, and loss in quality of life.

Copy number variants analysis in a cohort of isolated and syndromic developmental delay/intellectual disability reveals novel genomic disorders, position effects and candidate disease genes.

BACKGROUND: Array-comparative genomic hybridization (array-CGH) is a widely used technique to detect copy number variants (CNVs) associated with developmental delay/intellectual disability (DD/ID). AIMS: Identification of genomic disorders in DD/ID. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed a comprehensive array-CGH investigation of 1,015 consecutive cases with DD/ID and combined literature mining, genetic evidence, evolutionary constraint scores, and functional information in order to assess the pathogenicity of the CNVs. RESULTS: We identified non-benign CNVs in 29% of patients. Amongst the pathogenic variants (11%), detected with a yield consistent with the literature, we found rare genomic disorders and CNVs spanning known disease genes. We further identified and discussed 51 cases with likely pathogenic CNVs spanning novel candidate genes, including genes encoding synaptic components and/or proteins involved in corticogenesis. Additionally, we identified two deletions spanning potential Topological Associated Domain (TAD) boundaries probably affecting the regulatory landscape. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: We show how phenotypic and genetic analyses of array-CGH data allow unraveling complex cases, identifying rare disease genes, and revealing unexpected position effects.

Unawareness of bipolar disorder: the role of the cingulate cortex.

Reduced awareness of illness is a well-known phenomenon that has been understudied in remitted patients with bipolar disorder. In particular, the relationship between reduced awareness and executive dysfunction is an intriguing question that has yet to be resolved. The aim of the current study is to analyze the link between reduced awareness, brain dysfunction, and concomitant cognitive-behavioral disturbances from a neurocognitive perspective. In previous studies, we demonstrated the role of the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) in the unawareness of distinct pathologies that exhibit overlapping symptoms in the context of overlapping circuit-specific dysfunction. Given the clinical importance of the results obtained, the present study considers six aware and four unaware remitted bipolar disorder patients. Cingulate functionality was assessed with functional magnetic resonance imaging while patients performed a go/no-go task. Patients were also studied on an overall cognitive task battery and with behavioral assessment of mood changes in terms of apathy and disinhibited behavior. Unaware patients showed frontoparietal hypo-perfusion, with a significant reduction of task-sensitive activity in the bilateral superior and middle frontal gyrus, putamen, insular, and ACCs.

Severe left diaphragmatic hernia limits size of fetal left heart more than does right diaphragmatic hernia.

OBJECTIVES: To assess whether severity of congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) correlates with the degree of left heart hypoplasia and left ventricle (LV) output, and to determine if factors leading to abnormal fetal hemodynamics, such as compression and reduced LV preload, contribute to left heart hypoplasia. METHODS: This was a retrospective cross-sectional study of fetuses at 16-37 weeks' gestation that were diagnosed with CDH between 2000 and 2010. Lung-to-head ratio (LHR), liver position and side of the hernia were determined from stored ultrasound images. CDH severity was dichotomized based on LHR and liver position. The dimensions of mitral (MV) and aortic (AV) valves and LV were measured, and right and left ventricular outputs were recorded. RESULTS: In total, 188 fetuses with CDH were included in the study, 171 with left CDH and 17 with right CDH. Fetuses with severe left CDH had a smaller MV (Z = -2.24 ± 1.3 vs -1.33 ± 1.08), AV (Z = -1.39 ± 1.21 vs -0.51 ± 1.05) and LV volume (Z = -4.23 ± -2.71 vs -2.08 ± 3.15) and had lower LV output (26 ± 10% vs 32 ± 10%) than those with mild CDH. MV and AV in fetuses with right CDH (MV, Z = -0.83 ± 1.19 and AV, Z = -0.71 ± 1.07) were larger than those in fetuses with left CDH, but LV outputs were similarly diminished, regardless of hernia side. Severe dextroposition and abnormal liver position were associated independently with smaller left heart, while LHR was not. CONCLUSION: The severity of left heart hypoplasia correlates with the severity of CDH. Altered fetal hemodynamics, leading to decreased LV output, occurs in both right- and left-sided CDH, but the additional compressive effect on the left heart is seen only when the hernia is left-sided. Improved knowledge of the physiology of this disease may lead to advances in therapy and better risk assessment for use in counseling affected families.

Antitumour and apoptotic effects of a novel Tris-peptide complex obtained after isolation of Raoultella ornithinolytica extracellular metabolites.

AIMS: The characterization of the antitumour activity and chemical identification of the compounds obtained after the isolation of extracellular metabolites of bacteria Raoultella ornithinolytica. METHODS AND RESULTS: The fraction with anticancer activity against the HeLa cell line, T47D and TOV-112D was obtained from the supernatants of R. ornithinolytica culture using ion-exchange chromatography, and separated by Sephadex G-50 medium gel filtration into two subfractions. The obtained compounds were analysed using Fourier Transform-Infrared Spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization MS/MS spectrometry. The antitumour activity of the two subfractions was analysed using 5-bromo-2-deoxy-uridine kit. The subfraction with the highest activity against HeLa cells was identified as Tris-peptide complex. The amino acid sequence of the peptide from the complex was found to be TDAPSFSDIPN and molecular weight was estimated at 1430·6576 Da. Cytotoxic, cytopathic and apoptotic effects in HeLa cells treated with the active complex were observed; however, the cytotoxic effect against normal human skin fibroblasts was minimal. CONCLUSIONS: The Tris-peptide complex from R. ornithinolytica showed selective antitumour activity against the HeLa cell line. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: The Tris-peptide complex due to the high selectivity can be used in biomedicine, and its derivatives may contribute to the development of new anticancer compounds.

Specimen-thickness effects on transmission Kikuchi patterns in the scanning electron microscope.

We report the effects of varying specimen thickness on the generation of transmission Kikuchi patterns in the scanning electron microscope. Diffraction patterns sufficient for automated indexing were observed from films spanning nearly three orders of magnitude in thickness in several materials, from 5 nm of hafnium dioxide to 3 µm of aluminum, corresponding to a mass-thickness range of ~5 to 810 µg cm(-2) . The scattering events that are most likely to be detected in transmission are shown to be very near the exit surface of the films. The energies, spatial distribution and trajectories of the electrons that are transmitted through the film and are collected by the detector are predicted using Monte Carlo simulations.

Phaeohyphomycosis fungal infections in solid organ transplant recipients: clinical presentation, pathology, and treatment.

BACKGROUND: Dematiaceous, or dark-pigmented, fungi are known to cause infections such as phaeohyphomycosis, chromoblastomycosis, and mycetoma. These fungi are becoming increasingly important opportunistic pathogens in solid organ transplant recipients (SOTR). We present a retrospective chart review of 27 SOTR who developed phaeohyphomycosis infections post transplant from 1988 to 2009. METHODS: Cases were reviewed for fungal species isolated, date and source of culture, immunosuppressive and fungal therapy used, and outcome. The majority of isolates obtained were from the skin and soft tissue, with 3 pulmonary and brain abscesses. RESULTS: The time from transplantation to onset of infection ranged from 2 months to 11 years. The species isolated were Exophiala (11), Ochroconis (3), Alternaria (2), Phoma (2), Wangiella (1), Cladosporium (1), Aureobasidium (1), Chaetomium (1), Coniothyrium (1), and non-sporulating fungi (2). An additional 4 patients had infections confirmed by pathology, but no cultures were done. Most of the affected skin lesions were surgically debrided and treated with itraconazole; 2 patients were treated with voriconazole and 2 with amphotericin D. Death from fungal disease occurred only in patients with pulmonary and brain abscesses. CONCLUSIONS: As the number of SOTR increases, so does the incidence of fungal infections in that population. Surgery, along with antifungal therapy and a reduction in immunosuppression, are the cornerstones of treatment.

How autistic women are aware of their body and take care of their health? Focus on menstruation cycles and gynecological care.

Objective: The combination of femininity and inequality is an increasingly studied in the field of social medicine, even more if the girls or women in question experience conditions of disability or neurodivergence. The onset of menstruation, menarche, constitutes a significant and transformative event in women's lives comprising a true and proper watershed in mental and reproductive health and sexual welfare. The onset of menstruation has a profound effect not just for girls but, in the case of disabled girls, for the whole family. In this scoping review, we have researched the literature in studies which consider the issue of menstruation and autism. The works in scientific literature have been selected which, in the last 5 years, investigated the issue of menstrua-tion for autistic girls and/or women. Results: Selected studies, although few in number, have all equally evidenced the total lack of in-depth understanding of this theme, notwithstanding the fact that females, girls and women with autism would benefit from specialized services if these existed. Families, girls and women involved, moreover, although not experiencing menstruation per se in a negative light, note a deterioration in their condition particularly in respect of sensorial perception and the intensification of anxious depressive instances. This work highlights the need to deepen the aspects concerning the period in autistic girls/women, up to now the question appears to have been little studied, investigated in an uneven way. We propose a social medical program to improve sexual-affective knowledge and body awareness in autistic people.

Parallel And Divergent Morphological Adaptations Underlying The Evolution of Jumping Ability in Ants.

Jumping is a rapid locomotory mode widespread in terrestrial organisms. However, it is a rare specialization in ants. Forward jumping has been reported within four distantly related ant genera: Gigantiops, Harpegnathos, Myrmecia, and Odontomachus. The temporal engagement of legs/body parts during jump, however, varies across these genera. It is unknown what morphological adaptations underlie such behaviors and whether jumping in ants is solely driven directly by muscle contraction or additionally relies on elastic recoil mechanism. We investigated the morphological adaptations for jumping behavior by comparing differences in the locomotory musculature between jumping and non-jumping relatives using X-ray micro-CT and 3D morphometrics. We found that the size-specific volumes of the trochanter depressor muscle (scm6) of the middle and hind legs are 3-5 times larger in jumping ants, and that one coxal remotor muscle (scm2) is reduced in volume in the middle and/or hind legs. Notably, the enlargement in the volume of other muscle groups is directly linked to the legs or body parts engaged during the jump. Furthermore, a direct comparison of the muscle architecture revealed two significant differences between jumping vs. non-jumping ants: First, the relative Physiological Cross-Sectional Area (PCSA) of the trochanter depressor muscles of all three legs were larger in jumping ants, except in the front legs of Odontomachus rixosus and Myrmecia nigrocincta; second, the relative muscle fiber length was shorter in jumping ants compared to non-jumping counterparts, except in the front legs of O. rixosus and M. nigrocincta. These results suggest that the difference in relative muscle volume in jumping ants is largely invested in the area (PCSA), and not in fiber length. There was no clear difference in the pennation angle between jumping and non-jumping ants. Additionally, we report that the hind leg length relative to body length was longer in jumping ants. Based on direct comparison of the observed vs. possible work and power output during jumps, we surmise that direct muscle contractions suffice to explain jumping performance in three species, except for O. rixosus, where the lack of data on jumping performance prevents us from drawing definitive conclusions for this particular species. We suggest that increased investment in jumping-relevant musculature is a primary morphological adaptation that separates jumping from non-jumping ants. These results elucidate the common and idiosyncratic morphological changes underlying this rare adaptation in ants. まとぅみ (Okinawan language-Uchinaaguchi) (Japanese) РЕЗЮМЕ (Kazakh) ZUSAMMENFASSUNG (German).

Predictive value of computed tomography on surgical resectability in locally advanced pancreatic cancer treated with multiagent induction chemotherapy: Results from a prospective, multicentre phase 2 trial (NEOLAP-AIO-PAK-0113).

PURPOSE: To assess the role of current imaging-based resectability criteria and the degree of radiological downsizing in locally advanced pancreatic adenocarcinoma (LAPC) after multiagent induction chemotherapy (ICT) in multicentre, open-label, randomized phase 2 trial. METHOD: LAPC patients were prospectively treated with multiagent ICT followed by surgical exploration within the NEOLAP trial. All patients underwent CT scan at baseline and after ICT to assess resectability status according to national comprehensive cancer network guidelines (NCCN) criteria and response evaluation criteria in solid tumors (RECIST) at the local study center and retrospectively in a central review. Imaging results were compared in terms of local and central staging, downsizing and pathological resection status. RESULTS: 83 patients were evaluable for central review of baseline and restaging imaging results. Downstaging by central review was rarely seen after multiagent ICT (7.7%), whereas tumor downsizing was documented frequently (any downsizing 90.4%, downsizing to partial response (PR) according to RECIST: 26.5%). Patients with any downsizing showed no significant different R0 resection rate (37.3%) as patients that fulfilled the criteria of PR (40.9%). The sensitivity of any downsizing for predicting R0 resection was 97% with a negative predictive value (NPV) of 0.88. ROC-analysis revealed that tumor downsizing was a predictor of R0 resection (AUC 0.647, p = 0.028) with a best cut-off value of 22.5% downsizing yielding a sensitivity of 65% and a specificity of 61%. CONCLUSIONS: Imaging-based tumor downsizing and not downstaging can guide the selection of patients with a realistic chance of R0-resection in LAPC after multi-agent ICT.

Linear phase-and-frequency-modulated photonic links using optical discriminators.

We report our experimental results for linear analog optical links that use phase or frequency modulation and optical discrimination. The discriminators are based on two architectures: a cascaded MZI FIR lattice filter and a ring assisted MZI (RAMZI) IIR filter. For both types of discriminators, we demonstrate > 6 dB improvement in the link's third-order output intercept point (OIP3) over a MZM link. We show that the links have low second-order distortion when using balanced detection. Using high optical power, we demonstrate an OIP3 of 39.2 dBm. We also demonstrate 4.3dB improvement in signal compression.

Anti-Candida albicans action of the glyco-protein complex purified from metabolites of gut bacterium Raoultella ornithinolytica isolated from earthworms Dendrobaena veneta.

AIMS: The aim of our research was to isolate the compounds from the metabolites of Raoultella ornithinolytica with the activity against Candida albicans and to analyse the action of the compounds on the metabolic activity and morphology of the fungus cells. METHODS AND RESULTS: The effect of active protein fractions on the cell morphology, growth, and metabolic activity of C. albicans was analysed under a light microscope with Nomarski contrast and after staining with calcofluor-white. The LIVE/DEAD Yeast Viability Kit F-7030 FUN 1 was used for determination of C. albicans metabolic activity. The biomolecules obtained after isolation by ion exchange chromatography were further fractionated by Sephadex G-50 medium gel filtration. Then, after molecular sieve, the fractions were analysed by FTIR and SERS Spectroscopy. A subfraction was isolated from the antifungal protein fraction above 100 kDa. The active subfraction identified as the glyco-protein complex caused a decrease in the metabolic activity and morphological changes of C. albicans cells. CONCLUSIONS: The glyco-protein complex obtained from metabolites of bacteria Raoultella ornithinolytica possesses antifungal activity against C. albicans and shows minimal toxicity (1%) against fibroblasts. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: Studies on the glyco-protein complex obtained from earthworm gut bacteria R. ornithinolytica can lead to their application in biological fungicide and pharmaceutical industry.

Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Adults - Fourth Edition profiles of adults with autism spectrum disorder.

AIM: In this study, we have compared 229 Wechsler Adults Intelligence Scale - Fourth Edition (WAIS-IV) cognitive profiles of different severity adults with autism spectrum disorder to verify the impact of several variables including sex, age, level of education and autism severity level in an Italian sample. Moreover, we wanted to find out the optimal cut points for the major intelligence quotients in order to discriminate autism severity levels. METHODS: Participants were recruited from two National Health System Center in two different Italian regions and were assessed with gold-standard instruments as a part of their clinical evaluation. According to DSM-5, cognitive domains were also measured with multi-componential tests. We used the Italian adaptation of WAIS-IV. We checked our hypotheses using linear regression models and receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curves. RESULTS: Our results showed that age and level of education have a strong impact on Verbal Comprehension (VCI) and Working Memory Indexes (WMI). Gender differences are relevant when considering the VCI and Processing Speed index (PSI) in which women obtained the best performance. These differences are still relevant when considering cut points of ROC because 69 resulted to be the optimal cut point for women, 65 for men. CONCLUSIONS: Few conclusions can be assumed only examining Full Scale Intelligence Quotient (FSIQ) scores as it includes many different information about broader cognitive abilities. Looking deeper at main indexes and their subtests findings are consistent with previous research on the disorder (moderate correlations of FSIQ, Perceptual Reasoning index, WMI and PSI with the participants' age), while other results are unforeseen (no effect of sex found on FSIQ score) or novel (significant effect of education on VCI and WMI). Using an algorithm predicting optimal cut point for discriminating through autism severity levels can help clinicians to better label and quantify the required help a person may need, a test cannot replace diagnostic and clinical evaluation by experienced clinicians.

Prognostic and predictive value of CA 19-9 in locally advanced pancreatic cancer treated with multiagent induction chemotherapy: results from a prospective, multicenter phase II trial (NEOLAP-AIO-PAK-0113).

BACKGROUND: The prognostic and predictive value of carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (CA 19-9) in locally advanced pancreatic cancer (LAPC) has not yet been defined from prospective randomized controlled trials (RCTs). PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 165 LAPC patients were treated within the NEOLAP RCT for 16 weeks with multiagent induction chemotherapy [ICT; either nab-paclitaxel/gemcitabine alone or nab-paclitaxel/gemcitabine followed by FOLFIRINOX (combination of fluorouracil, leucovorin, irinotecan, and oxaliplatin)] followed by surgical exploration of all patients without evidence of disease progression. CA 19-9 was determined at baseline and after ICT and correlated with overall survival (OS) and secondary R0 resection rate. RESULTS: From the NEOLAP study population (N = 165) 133 patients (81%) were evaluable for CA 19-9 at baseline and 81/88 patients (92%) for post-ICT CA 19-9 response. Median OS (mOS) in the CA 19-9 cohort (n = 133) was 16.2 months [95% confidence interval (CI) 13.0-19.4] and R0 resection (n = 31; 23%) was associated with a significant survival benefit [40.8 months (95% CI 21.7-59.8)], while R1 resected patients (n = 14; 11%) had no survival benefit [14.0 (95% CI 11.7-16.3) months, hazard ratio (HR) 0.27; P = 0.001]. After ICT most patients showed a CA 19-9 response (median change from baseline: -82%; relative decrease ≥55%: 83%; absolute decrease to ≤50 U/ml: 43%). Robust CA 19-9 response (decrease to ≤50U/ml) was significantly associated with mOS [27.8 (95% CI 18.4-37.2) versus 16.5 (95% CI 11.7-21.2) months, HR 0.49; P = 0.013], whereas CA 19-9 baseline levels were not prognostic for OS. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that a robust CA 19-9 response was an independent predictive factor for R0 resection. Using a CA 19-9 decrease to ≤61 U/ml as optimal cut-off (by receiver operating characteristic analysis) yielded 72% sensitivity and 62% specificity for successful R0 resection, whereas CA 19-9 nonresponders (<20% decrease or increase) had no chance for successful R0 resection. CONCLUSIONS: CA 19-9 response after multiagent ICT provides relevant prognostic and predictive information and is useful in selecting LAPC patients for explorative surgery. CLINICAL TRIAL NUMBER: ClinicalTrials.govNCT02125136; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02125136; EudraCT 2013-004796-12; https://www.clinicaltrialsregister.eu/ctr-search/trial/2013-004796-12/results.

[Rescue of injured horses, cattle and pigs from manure and cesspools by the large animal rescue service Switzerland and Liechtenstein (GTRD CH/FL)®]. / Bergung von verunfallten Pferden, Rindern und Schweinen aus Mist- und Jauchegruben durch den Grosstier­rettungsdienst Schweiz und Liechtenstein (GTRD CH/FL)®.

INTRODUCTION: One of the varied tasks of the Large Animal Rescue Service Switzerland and Liechtenstein (GTRD CH/FL)® is the recovery of animals from manure and cesspools. The aim of the present retrospective study was the evaluation of the rescue protocols of the GTRD CH/FL from such operations and the documentation of a rescue procedure. In the past 25 years, a total of 176 animals have been rescued from manure and cesspools. These included 113 cattle, 51 horses and 12 pigs. All animals could be safely rescued with the animal rescue and transport net (TBTN) or the large animal vertical rescue set (GTVBS). The TBTN is used when the opening of the cesspool is large enough to recover the animal in a horizontal position. The GTVBS is particularly suitable for narrow openings, as the recovery in a -vertical position does not require any constructional modification or the enlargement of the cesspool opening. Both rescue harnesses are characterized by reliable handling and allow gentle recovery.

INTRODUCTION: L'une des multiples tâches du Service de sauvetage des grands animaux de Suisse et du Liechtenstein (GTRD CH/FL)® est de sortir des animaux de fosses à fumier ou à lisier. Le but de la présente étude rétrospective était l'évaluation des protocoles de sauvetage du GTRD CH/FL sur la base de ces opérations et la documentation d'un processus de sauvetage. Au cours des 25 dernières années, 176 animaux au total ont été tirés de fosses à fumier ou à lisier. Il s'agissait de 113 bovins, 51 chevaux et 12 porcs. Tous les animaux ont pu être secourus en toute sécurité grâce au filet de sauvetage et de transport des animaux (TBTN) ou à l'équipement de sauvetage vertical pour grands animaux (GTVBS). Le TBTN est utilisé lorsque l'ouverture de la fosse à lisier est suffisamment grande pour récupérer l'animal en position horizontale. Le GTVBS est particulièrement adapté aux ouvertures étroites, car la récupération en position verticale permet de ne pas devoir ou modifier modifiées par d'autres mesures structurelles les ouvertures des fosses. Les deux harnais de sauvetage se caractérisent par une manipulation fiable et permettent une récupération en douceur.

Cytostatic elimination of syngeneic rat tumor cells in vitro by nonspecifically activated macrophages.

Syngeneic tumor cell lines induced in inbred DA rats by polyoma virus, dimethylbenzanthracene, or methylcholanthrene were interacted in vitro with syngeneic effector cells. Glycogen-induced peritoneal exudate cells, predominantly polymorphonuclear leukocytes, and proteose peptone-induced peritoneal cells, principally macrophages, were the effector cells employed. Activated, nonimmune macrophages or exudative polymorphonuclear leukocytes produced pronounced morphological changes in syngeneic tumor cells as evidenced by a substantial reduction in tumor cell numbers and appearance of shrunken cells, even though there was no increase in cell debris. Polymorphonuclear leukocytes exerted a generally similar but quantitatively much diminished effect. These effector cells constantly produced a decrease in the incorporation by tumor cells of DNA precursors such as [(3)H]thymidine and of RNA precursors such as [(3)H]uridine. In this regard, the effector cells were quite refractory to high doses of X-irradiation. Interaction of target cells with activated, nonimmune macrophages yielded low but consistent signs of cytotoxicity, whereas polymorphonuclear leukocytes gave no such effects. Elimination of functional macrophages by silica, an agent specifically toxic for macrophages, resulted in unrestricted tumor cell proliferation despite continued generation of cytotoxicity. Accordingly, cytostatic mechanisms appear to play a predominant role in the elimination of tumor cells by nonimmune phagocytes. Evidence from a variety of experimental approaches suggest that the cytostatic effect is dependent on cell-to-cell contact.

Alpha-fetoprotein synthesis by murine lymphoid cells in allogeneic reactions.

Surface-bound alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) was demonstrated by immunofluorescence on approximately 1/3 of splenic lymphocytes in chronic murine graft vs. host (GVH) reactions. Splenic lymphocytes were also shown to have a suppressed phytohemagglutinin (PHA) response compared to controls while lymph node cells from the same GVH animals revealed no surface AFP and had normal PHA responses. Splenic lymphocytes showed marked synthesis of AFP in the GVH and mixed lymphocyte culture (MLC) reactions by [14C]leucine incorporation and by radioimmunoassay in MLC supernates. Lymph node cells, however, demonstrated less synthetic activity and 14C counts in their membrane fractions were not markedly elevated.

Identification and characterization of Nasonia Pax genes.

Pax genes are a group of critical developmental transcriptional regulators in both invertebrates and vertebrates, characterized by the presence of a paired DNA-binding domain. Pax proteins also often contain an octapeptide motif and a C-terminal homeodomain. The genome of Nasonia vitripennis (Hymenoptera) has recently become available, and analysis of this genome alongside Apis mellifera allowed us to contribute to the phylogeny of this gene family in insects. Nasonia, a parasitic wasp, has independently evolved a similar mode of development to that of the well-studied Drosophila, making it an excellent model system for comparative studies of developmental gene networks. We report the characterization of the seven Nasonia Pax genes. We describe their genomic organization, and the embryonic expression of three of them, and uncover wider conservation of the octapeptide motif than previously described.