Meter-Scale Terahertz-Driven Acceleration of a Relativistic Beam.

Terahertz (THz) radiation promises breakthrough advances in compact advanced accelerators due to the gigavolts-per-meter fields achievable, but the challenge of maintaining overlap and synchronism between beams and short laser-generated THz pulses has so far limited interactions to the few-millimeter scale. We implement a novel scheme for simultaneous group and phase velocity matching of nearly single-cycle THz radiation with a relativistic electron beam for meter-scale inverse free-electron laser interaction in a magnetic undulator, resulting in energy modulations of up to 150 keV using modest THz pulse energies (≤1 µJ). Using this scheme, we demonstrate for the first time the use of a laser-based THz source for bunch-length compression and time-stamping of a relativistic electron beam.

A brief bedside visual art intervention decreases anxiety and improves pain and mood in patients with haematologic malignancies.

Treatment of cancer-related symptoms represents a major challenge for physicians. The purpose of this pilot study was to determine whether a brief bedside visual art intervention (BVAI) facilitated by art educators improves mood, reduces pain and anxiety in patients with haematological malignancies. Thirty-one patients (21 women and 10 men) were invited to participate in a BVAI where the goal of the session was to teach art technique for ~30 min. Primary outcome measures included the change in visual analog scale, the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory and the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule scale, from baseline prior to and immediately post-BVAI. Total of 21 patients (19 women and two men) participated. A significant improvement in positive mood and pain scores (p = .003 and p = .017 respectively) as well as a decrease in negative mood and anxiety (p = .016 and p = .001 respectively) was observed. Patients perceived BVAI as overall positive (95%) and wished to participate in future art-based interventions (85%). This accessible experience, provided by artists within the community, may be considered as an adjunct to conventional treatments in patients with cancer-related mood symptoms and pain, and future studies with balanced gender participation may support the generalisability of these findings.

Differential expression of IL-8 and IL-8 receptors in benign, borderline and malignant ovarian epithelial tumours.

INTRODUCTION: Ovarian Cancer is the leading cause of death from gynecological malignancy. The poor prognosis is mainly due to presentation at a late stage and poor response to therapy. Much research is needed to identify diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers as well as therapeutic targets for ovarian cancer. Interleukin-8 is expressed by many tumour types and is known to have mitogenic, motogenic and angiogenic effects on tumour cells. AIMS: The aim of this study was to investigate the expression of IL-8 and IL-8 receptors (IL-8RA and IL-8RB) in different histological subtypes of ovarian tumours, as potential prognostic biomarkers in ovarian tumours. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Immunohitochemistry was used to study the expression of IL-8 and IL-8 receptors in 115 ovarian tumours including 21 benign tumours, 25 borderline tumours and 69 carcinomas of serous, clear cell, endometrioid and mucinous types. The correlation of expression profile, tumour type, stage, and progression free survival and overall survival was statistically analysed. RESULTS: IL-8 and IL-8 receptors were expressed in all types of tumours with variable intensity and subcellular distribution. There was a statistically significant correlation between levels of expression and tumour stage and tumour type, being mostly significant in serous tumours. No correlation with patient progression free survival or overall survival was found. CONCLUSION: This is the first study investigating the expression of IL-8 and IL-8 receptors using immunohistochemistry in different types of ovarian tumours, including benign and borderline tumours. IL-8 and IL-8RA are potential prognostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets in ovarian cancer, particularly in ovarian serous carcinoma.

Factors influencing annual fecal testosterone metabolite profiles in captive male polar bears (Ursus maritimus).

The objectives of this study were to assess the effects of season, breeding activity, age and latitude on fecal testosterone metabolite concentrations in captive, adult male polar bears (Ursus maritimus). Fourteen polar bears from 13 North American zoos were monitored for 12-36 months, producing 25-year-long testosterone profiles. Results indicated that testosterone was significantly higher during the breeding season (early January through the end of May) compared with the non-breeding season with the highest concentrations excreted from early January through late March. Variations in excretion patterns were observed among individuals and also between years within an individual, with testosterone peaks closely associated with breeding activity. Results indicate that fecal testosterone concentrations are influenced by season, breeding activity and age, but not by latitude. This is the first report describing longitudinal fecal testosterone metabolite concentrations in individual adult male polar bears.

Cell Chromatography: Biocompatible Chromatographic Separation and Interrogation of Microbial Cells.

The isolation of pure, single colonies lies at the heart of experimental microbiology. However, a microbial colony typically contains around 1 million cells at all stages of the life cycle. Here, we describe a novel cell chromatography method that facilitates the capture, purification, and interrogation of microbial cell populations from both single and mixed cultures. The method described relies on, but is not limited to, differences in surface charge to separate bacterial strains. The method is fully biocompatible, leading to no significant loss of cell viability. The chromatographic capture of cells, combined with selective elution methods, facilitates a greater level of experimental control over the sample inputs required for downstream high-throughput and high-sensitivity analytical methods. The application of the method for interrogating the antibiotic resistance of bacterial strains and for the separation of bacteria from environmental samples is illustrated. IMPORTANCE This is the first report of a method for separating microbial cells using chromatography, with full retention of cell viability. Differences in the surface chemistry of microbial cells provides a means of attracting cells to immobilized microbeads. Some cells are attracted, and some are repelled. The differences in, for example, surface charge can be harnessed to capture, interrogate, and separate environmental samples, thus circumventing the need to use conventional bacterial plating methods. This method will greatly facilitate drug discovery and bioprospecting for novel microbial compounds.

LARP1 post-transcriptionally regulates mTOR and contributes to cancer progression.

RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) bind to and post-transcriptionally regulate the stability of mRNAs. La-related protein 1 (LARP1) is a conserved RBP that interacts with poly-A-binding protein and is known to regulate 5'-terminal oligopyrimidine tract (TOP) mRNA translation. Here, we show that LARP1 is complexed to 3000 mRNAs enriched for cancer pathways. A prominent member of the LARP1 interactome is mTOR whose mRNA transcript is stabilized by LARP1. At a functional level, we show that LARP1 promotes cell migration, invasion, anchorage-independent growth and in vivo tumorigenesis. Furthermore, we show that LARP1 expression is elevated in epithelial cancers such as cervical and non-small cell lung cancers, where its expression correlates with disease progression and adverse prognosis, respectively. We therefore conclude that, through the post-transcriptional regulation of genes such as mTOR within cancer pathways, LARP1 contributes to cancer progression.

Safety and immunogenicity of a pentavalent diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, hepatitis B and polio combination vaccine in infants.

INTRODUCTION: The objectives of this study were to evaluate the safety and immunogenicity of a new combination vaccine (DTaP-HB-IPV) containing diphtheria, tetanus, acellular pertussis and hepatitis B (HB) and a new inactivated poliovirus vaccine (IPV) manufactured by GlaxoSmithKline (GSK). This vaccine was given in an all IPV or sequential IPV and oral polio vaccine (OPV) schedule. Another combination vaccine, DTaP-HB (GSK), was similarly evaluated given with OPV or IPV. METHODS: Four hundred infants were randomized into one of four study groups and immunized at 2, 4 and 6 months of age. Group A received three doses of DTaP-HB-IPV; Group B received DTaP-HB-IPV at 2 and 4 months and DTaP-HB with OPV (Orimune) at 6 months; Group C received three doses of DTaP-HB with licensed IPV (IPOL) administered separately; Group D received separate doses of OPV, DTaP (Infanrix; GSK) and HB (Engerix; GSK). All subjects received conjugate Haemophilus influenzae type b vaccine (Hib) (OmniHIB) at 2, 4 and 6 months of age given at a separate injection site. Subjects who returned at 12 to 18 months of age (229) received booster immunization with DTaP and Hib. Safety was evaluated after each vaccine dose. Blood was drawn before the first dose and one month after the third dose as well as before and after the booster dose. RESULTS: There were no vaccine-related serious adverse events in any group after any vaccine dose. Minor systemic and local adverse events were also not significantly different among the four groups after any dose. There were no differences in the immune response rates for Hib, HB, polio (types 1, 2 and 3), diphtheria, tetanus or pertussis antigens (pertussis toxin, filamentous hemagglutinin, pertactin) among groups, although there were some quantitative differences in specific antibody titers among groups. DTaP-HB-IPV and DTaP-HB combination vaccines had safety and immunogenicity equivalent to those of standard individually administered vaccines. The new IPV was not inferior to IPOL. CONCLUSION: Use of the pentavalent combination vaccine would greatly reduce the number of required injections during the first 2 years of life, thereby simplifying the immunization schedule, enhancing compliance and facilitating acceptance of additional injections engendered by introduction of newer vaccines.

Composite dialysis access grafts.

Hemodialysis access devices constructed of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) require a maturation period of seven to 14 days before cannulation. Percutaneously placed dual-lumen catheters can be used for temporary access during this interval but are associated with significant short and long term complications. Access devices constructed of Plasma-TFE (pl-TFE) (Atrium, Hollis) conduits have been reported to tolerate cannulation immediately after placement, but long term patency is inferior to that of conventional ePTFE. To combine the immediate access advantages of pl-TFE and the long term patency of ePTFE, composite grafts were constructed, which consisted of 10 to 12 centimeters of pl-TFE and the remainder of ePTFE. The pl-TFE segment was made available for immediate access and the ePTFE segment after an appropriate maturation period. Thirty percent of composite grafts were cannulated on the day of placement and 83.8 percent were cannulated within 72 hours. No complications of early access of the pl-TFE segment occurred. These grafts were compared with a cohort of conventional ePTFE grafts for the occurrence of thrombosis, infection and pseudoaneurysm. No significant differences were noted. Event-free patency of the two groups was equal (327.7 versus 346.3 days, p = 0.282). Patency after an initial thrombotic episode was slightly better in the composite group. We conclude that composite dialysis access grafts can be cannulated immediately after placement and demonstrate long term performance at least equal to that of conventional ePTFE grafts. Use of the composite graft concept should be considered when immediate dialysis is needed and to avoid the use of temporary access catheters.

Identification of lesion components that influence visual function in age related macular degeneration.

AIMS: To explore the relation between lesion composition as assessed by fundus photography and fluorescein angiography with clinical measures of vision in eyes of patients with age related macular degeneration (AMD). METHODS: A standardised visual function assessment along with colour stereo pair fundus photography was carried out in both eyes of 58 subjects with a confirmed clinical diagnosis of AMD. The size, location, and composition of the macular lesion (blood, exudate, subretinal fluid, pigment, membrane, atrophy, and fibrosis) were measured on the colour photographs using computer assisted image analysis. Of the 58 subjects, 44 also had concurrent fluorescein angiography. Classic and occult choroidal neovascularisation (CNV), blood, blocked fluorescence, fibrosis, geographic atrophy, and the total area of abnormal fluorescence were measured. Multiple linear regression was used to examine the relation between clinical measures of vision and the location and extent of lesion components identified by both colour and fluorescein image capture. RESULTS: The composition of the macular lesion strongly influenced visual function, with atrophy (p=0.001) and fibrosis (p=0.002) accounting for most of the variation. When the location of the lesion with respect to the fovea was examined, fibrosis within the fovea significantly influenced all clinical measures of vision (p=0.008). The regression model selected the total area of abnormal fluorescence and a composite parameter (a semiquantitative measure of the following characteristics: atrophy, exudates, blood, and fibrosis ) from colour photography (r(2) =0.52) as the variables that explained most of the variation in clinical measures of vision. CONCLUSIONS: The composition and extent of the macular lesion strongly influences visual function in eyes with AMD. Both colour photography and angiography yielded information, which together explained considerably more of the variation in the clinical measures of vision than either on its own.

Temperature and Pomaceous Flower Age Related to Colonization by Erwinia amylovora and Antagonists.

ABSTRACT Fire blight of apple and pear is initiated by epiphytic populations of Erwinia amylovora on flower stigmas. Predicting this disease and managing it with microbial antagonists depends on an understanding of bacterial colonization on stigmas. Detached 'Manchurian' crab apple flowers were inoculated with E. amylovora and subjected to a range of constant temperatures or various fluctuating temperature regimes. Results may have application to disease risk assessment systems such as the Cougarblight model, which now are based on in vitro growth of the pathogen. In other experiments, detached crab apple flowers and attached 'Gala' apple flowers were maintained at different temperatures for various periods before inoculation with E. amylovora or antagonists (Pseudomonas fluorescens strain A506 and Pantoea agglomerans strains C9-1 and E325). Maximum stigma age supporting bacterial multiplication decreased as temperature increased, and was reduced by pollination. Stigmas were receptive to bacteria at ages older than previously reported, probably due to less interference from indigenous organisms. The study revealed antagonist limitations that possibly affect field performance (e.g., the inability of strain A506 to grow on relatively old stigmas conducive to the pathogen). Such deficiencies could be overcome by selecting other antagonists or using antagonist mixtures in the orchard.

Stripped corn oil controls scald and maintains volatile production potential in golden supreme and delicious apples.

Effects of stripped (alpha-tocopherol < 5 mg L(-)(1)) corn oil on flesh firmness, skin color, acidity, soluble solids content (SSC), scald, and fruit volatiles during 6 months at 0 degrees C were studied using Golden Supreme and Delicious apples. Treatment with 10% oil emulsion reduced production of ethylene, alpha-farnesene, and major volatile esters in the first 3 months of storage, but this trend reversed after 5 months. After 6 months at 0 degrees C plus 7 days at 20 degrees C, oil-treated fruit were firmer and greener and had higher levels of titratable acidity than the controls. In addition, control fruit developed 27% and 42% scald in Golden Supreme and Delicious apples, respectively, whereas oil-treated fruit were free from scald. Soluble solids content and ethanol production were unaffected by oil treatment.

Effects of the asymmetric tonic neck reflex and high-frequency muscle vibration on isometric wrist extension strength in normal adults.

The effects of the asymmetric tonic neck reflex and high-frequency muscle vibration on isometric wrist extension strength were studied in 150 normal, right-handed adults between the ages of 18 and 40. Subjects were randomly assigned to one of five groups. From data collected from two control groups, we determined any confounding effects of fatigue, experimental learning, or weight of the vibrator in contact with the skin surface overlying the wrist extensor muscle bellies. From measurements taken from three experimental groups, we determined the individual and combined effects of the asymmetric tonic neck reflex and vibration. The reflex was elicited with active head rotation. Strength significantly increased with active head rotation toward the extending wrist; active head rotation away from the wrist significantly decreased strength. Vibration of the extensor surface of the forearm with the head in neutral significantly increased strength. The combination of active head rotation toward the extending wrist and vibration of the extensor surface resulted in a greater increase in strength than did either technique individually.

Non-invasive determination of recirculation in the patient on dialysis.

Recirculation of blood flow occurs when the fistula flow rate is inadequate to support the desired dialyzer blood flow. The percentage recirculation is normally calculated using the blood urea nitrogen of blood samples from the two dialyzer blood lines and a peripheral blood sample. However, this method is time consuming, costly, and may not always give accurate measurements. A technique was developed to measure recirculation using the injection of saline into the venous dialysis line. For this technique, an optical detector is placed across the arterial dialysis tubing, and the light intensity, which is proportional to the hematocrit, is continually measured using a computerized data collection system. After a baseline data collection period, 10 ml of saline is injected into the venous dialysis line using the sampling port. The saline that appears in the arterial dialysis line as a result of recirculation will cause a dilution of the blood and an increase in light intensity. In vitro testing showed an excellent correlation between the area under the dilution curve and percentage recirculation. This technique will provide a quick, inexpensive, and reliable measurement of recirculation.

Fibular nonunion and equinovarus deformity secondary to posterior tibial tendon incarceration in the syndesmosis: a case report after a bimalleolar fracture-dislocation.

A 39-year-old woman sustained a grade II open bimalleolar fracture-dislocation of the left ankle. Six months after an ORIF of these fractures was performed, she presented with a nonunion of the distal fibula fracture and with a fixed hindfoot equinovarus and forefoot adduction deformity. At surgery for repair of the fibular nonunion, the posterior tibial tendon (PTT) was found to be entrapped in the posterior tibiotalar joint, with a portion of the tendon interposed between the tibia and the fibula in the area of the posterior syndesmosis. After extrication of the PTT, the hindfoot varus and forefoot adduction deformity were corrected. To our knowledge, this is the first case report in the English literature of a missed PTT syndesmotic entrapment that resulted in a fibular nonunion and in a fixed foot deformity after an open bimalleolar ankle fracture dislocation.