Perspectives on weak interactions in complex materials at different length scales.

Nanocomposite materials consist of nanometer-sized quantum objects such as atoms, molecules, voids or nanoparticles embedded in a host material. These quantum objects can be exploited as a super-structure, which can be designed to create material properties targeted for specific applications. For electromagnetism, such targeted properties include field enhancements around the bandgap of a semiconductor used for solar cells, directional decay in topological insulators, high kinetic inductance in superconducting circuits, and many more. Despite very different application areas, all of these properties are united by the common aim of exploiting collective interaction effects between quantum objects. The literature on the topic spreads over very many different disciplines and scientific communities. In this review, we present a cross-disciplinary overview of different approaches for the creation, analysis and theoretical description of nanocomposites with applications related to electromagnetic properties.

Exploring the differences between men's and women's perceptions of gender-based violence in rural Tajikistan: a qualitative study.

BACKGROUND: Most women living in rural provinces of Tajikistan, specifically Khatlon, experience little to no opportunities for education and economic growth, making them vulnerable to gender-based violence (GBV). Unfortunately due to social norms that are bolstered by a patriarchal society, GBV has become tolerated and even normalized in rural areas. This study looks to investigate the differences in perceptions of violence as it relates to empowerment among men and women in rural Tajikistan. METHODS: Data collection was done through participatory workshops and semi-structured interviews (SSI) that were led by Extension Home Economists, which lectured on gender, violence, and empowerment. Community Empowerment Drawings is a novel tool that has been used to further gather sensitive information that was not previously discussed. During this process, participant groups were asked to draw their perception of empowered versus disempowered women, later explaining the different characteristics and traits of both. Random participants across both genders were later contacted for a SSI to triangulate the data from the participatory workshops. This qualitative study implemented qualitative content analysis to explore the data inductively. Analysis of the drawings and transcripts from the workshops and SSIs included two researchers coding through an iterative process. Themes were stratified by men's and women's perceptions and codebooks were compared to ensure consensus. RESULTS: Men and women from 12 villages participated in the Community Empowerment Drawings within each workshop, with 234 participants total. Results were stratified into two categories which were later broken down into notable themes: education, employment, decision-making, marital status, relationship wellness and respect, violence, mental health, and substance abuse. Major findings illustrated how disempowered women were perceived to have more exposure to men who experience alcohol abuse. This study found that differences in perceptions of empowerment between men and women remain-with men still holding onto the traditional power structure within a household and women challenging gender roles and mobility. CONCLUSION: Future studies may find engaging communities through drawings will yield more information regarding sensitive topics rather than traditional instruments. More support and advocacy are needed in areas of mental, neurological, and substance abuse disorders throughout rural Tajikistan.

A re-evaluation of Penicillium section Canescentia, including the description of five new species.

A survey of Penicillium in the fynbos biome from South Africa resulted in the isolation of 61 species of which 29 were found to be new. In this study we focus on Penicillium section Canescentia, providing a phylogenetic re-evaluation based on the analysis of partial beta-tubulin (BenA), calmodulin (CaM) and RNA polymerase II second largest subunit (RPB2) sequence data. Based on phylogenies we show that five fynbos species are new and several previously assigned synonyms of P. canescens and P. janczewskii should be considered as distinct species. As such, we provide descriptions for the five new species and introduce the new name P. elizabethiae for the illegitimate P. echinatum. We also update the accepted species list and synonymies of section Canescentia species and provide a review of extrolites produced by these species. Citation: Visagie CM, Frisvad JC, Houbraken J, et al. 2021. A re-evaluation of Penicillium section Canescentia, including the description of five new species. Persoonia 46: 163-187. https://doi.org/10.3767/persoonia.2021.46.06.

Mitotic spindle disruption in human preimplantation embryos activates the spindle assembly checkpoint but not apoptosis until Day 5 of development.

STUDY QUESTION: Is the spindle assembly checkpoint (SAC) active during human preimplantation development? SUMMARY ANSWER: Mitotic spindle disruption during mitosis activates the SAC from at least Day 3 of human preimplantation development, but this does not lead to apoptosis until Day 5. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY: Human preimplantation embryos frequently acquire chromosomal abnormalities, but the mechanisms behind this are poorly understood. It has been speculated that a dysfunctional SAC could be responsible. Although research has shown that the SAC components are present during early human development, functional studies are lacking. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION: In vitro study using human preimplantation embryos in a university research laboratory. We studied a total of 38 Day-3, 38 Day-4, 29 Day-5 and 21 Day-6 human preimplantation embryos, donated for research, during 16 h of incubation. PARTICIPANT/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS: We cultured human preimplantation embryos overnight in a time-lapse imaging system, in control or in a nocodazole-containing medium that prevents the formation of a proper mitotic spindle. The embryos were subsequently fixed and analysed by immunocytochemistry for tubulin or mitotic and apoptotic markers, or by FISH. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE: All embryos showed an increase in M-phase cells from 4.1-8.8% to 21.4-53.5% when exposed to nocodazole (P < 0.05; two-way ANOVA for all groups except Day-4 embryos, P = 0.128) suggesting SAC functionality. Apoptosis, which was rarely detected between Day 3 and Day 6 in good-quality control embryos, increased from Day 5 onwards in nocodazole-treated embryos and became statistically different from Day 6 (P < 0.01; two-way ANOVA). The FISH data suggest that in compacted Day-4 embryos, approximately one in six cells started a polyploid new cell cycle rather than to go in apoptosis after the failure to maintain the SAC-mediated M-phase arrest. These results suggest that during early embryo development, blastomeres with unresolved chromosome misalignments during M-phase can escape SAC-mediated apoptosis, continue cell division which can then result in aneuploid daughter cells. LARGE SCALE DATA: Not applicable. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION: This study used nocodazole to inhibit microtubule polymerization, a drug that is regularly used to induce metaphase arrest and SAC activation. Results should be extrapolated to naturally occurring chromosome misalignments with care. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS: Our results provide functional data that can help explain the high aneuploidy rates seen in human cleavage-stage embryos and suggest that this is due to their unusual cell cycle control. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S): This work was supported by the Fund for Scientific Research Flanders (Fonds voor Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek (FWO) Vlaanderen) and the Methusalem grant to Karen Sermon of the Research Council of the Vrije Universiteit Brussel. The authors declare no competing financial interests.

Taxonomic re-evaluation of species in Talaromyces section Islandici, using a polyphasic approach.

The taxonomy of Talaromyces rugulosus, T. wortmannii and closely related species, classified in Talaromyces sect. Islandici, is reviewed in this paper. The species of Talaromyces sect. Islandici have restricted growth on MEA and CYA, generally have yellow mycelia and produce rugulosin and/or skyrin. They are important in biotechnology (e.g. T. rugulosus, T. wortmannii) and in medicine (e.g. T. piceus, T. radicus). The taxonomy of sect. Islandici was resolved using a combination of morphological, extrolite and phylogenetic data, using the Genealogical Concordance Phylogenetic Species Recognition (GCPSR) concept, with special focus on the T. rugulosus and T. wortmannii species complexes. In this paper, we synonymise T. variabilis, Penicillium concavorugulosum and T. sublevisporus with T. wortmannii, and introduce four new species as T. acaricola, T. crassus, T. infraolivaceus and T. subaurantiacus. Finally, we provide a synoptic table for the identification of the 19 species classified in the section.

A taxonomic review of Penicillium species producing conidiophores with solitary phialides, classified in section Torulomyces.

The genus Torulomyces was characterised by species that typically have conidiophores consisting of solitary phialides that produce long chains of conidia connected by disjunctors. Based on the phylogenetic position of P. lagena (generic ex-neotype), the genus and its seven species were transferred to Penicillium and classified in sect. Torulomyces along with P. cryptum and P. lassenii. The aim of this study was to review the species currently classified in sect. Torulomyces using morphology and phylogenies of the ITS, BenA, CaM and RPB2 regions. Based on our results, we accept 16 species in sect. Torulomyces, including 12 new species described as P. aeris, P. austricola, P. cantabricum, P. catalonicum, P. oregonense, P. marthae-christenseniae, P. riverlandense, P. tubakianum, P. variratense, P. williamettense, P. wisconsinense and P. wollemiicola. In addition, we reclassify P. laeve and P. ovatum in sect. Exilicaulis and correct the typification of P. lagena. We provide descriptions and notes on the identification of the species.

Chromosomal meiotic segregation, embryonic developmental kinetics and DNA (hydroxy)methylation analysis consolidate the safety of human oocyte vitrification.

Oocyte vitrification has been introduced into clinical settings without extensive pre-clinical safety testing. In this study, we analysed major safety aspects of human oocyte vitrification in a high security closed system: (i) chromosomal meiotic segregation, (ii) embryonic developmental kinetics and (iii) DNA (hydroxy)methylation status. Fresh and vitrified sibling oocytes from young donors after intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) were compared in three different assays. Firstly, the chromosomal constitution of the fertilized zygotes was deduced from array comparative genomic hybridization results obtained from both polar bodies biopsied at Day 1. Secondly, embryo development up to Day 3 was analysed by time-lapse imaging. Ten specific time points, six morphokinetic time intervals and the average cell number on Day 3 were recorded. Thirdly, global DNA methylation and hydroxymethylation patterns were analysed by immunostaining on Day 3 embryos. The nuclear fluorescence intensity was measured by Volocity imaging software. Comprehensive chromosomal screening of the polar bodies demonstrated that at least half of the zygotes obtained after ICSI of fresh and vitrified oocytes were euploid. Time-lapse analysis showed that there was no significant difference in cleavage timings, the predictive morphokinetic time intervals nor the average cell number between embryos developed from fresh and vitrified oocytes. Finally, global DNA (hydroxy)methylation patterns were not significantly different between Day 3 embryos obtained from fresh and from vitrified oocytes. Our data further consolidate the safety of the oocyte vitrification technique. Nevertheless, additional testing in young and older sub-fertile/infertile patients and sound follow-up studies of children born after oocyte cryopreservation remain mandatory.

Chromosome constitution of human embryos generated after in vitro maturation including 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine in the oocyte collection medium.

STUDY QUESTION: Do cleavage-stage embryos obtained from oocytes matured in vitro after pre-incubation with a phosphodiesterase inhibitor (IBMX) carry more chromosomal abnormalities than those generated from oocytes matured in vivo? SUMMARY ANSWER: The rate and type of chromosomal abnormalities in normally developing cleavage-stage embryos generated with an in vitro maturation (IVM) system including pre-incubation with IBMX are not different from those observed in supernumerary embryos obtained from oocytes matured in vivo. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY: Very limited information is available about the chromosomal constitution of IVM embryos. Previous studies were carried out using FISH on single biopsied blastomeres or arrested whole embryos and only provided fragmentary information on chromosomal abnormalities in IVM embryos. There is no systematic study of chromosomal abnormalities in all blastomeres of human Day 3 embryos with good morphology. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION: Between July 2012 and December 2012, 16 young (age <35 years old) egg donors underwent 18 IVM cycles for the generation of research embryos. Eighteen embryos developed to Day 3 and were analysed using array comparative genomic hybridization (aCGH). PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS: Immature oocytes were retrieved from 2 to 10 mm follicles after mild ovarian stimulation with gonadotrophins but without hCG ovulation trigger. At collection, oocytes were pre-incubated with 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine (IBMX), a phosphodiesterase inhibitor and matured in vitro. After IVM culture, mature oocytes were microinjected with sperm from a single donor. Embryos were cultured to Day 3 after ICSI and all blastomeres of 18 good-morphology embryos were collected individually for aCGH. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE: Oocyte maturation rate in vitro was 50.2% (120/239). The mean fertilization rate was 68.3% (82/120) and 30.5% (25/82) of fertilized oocytes developed into a morphologically good quality embryo on Day 3 after ICSI. Of these, 18 embryos that developed well up to Day 3 were analysed using aCGH. Eighty of the 123 blastomeres analysed showed at least one chromosomal abnormality. Three out of eighteen embryos had completely normal cells. A single embryo carried a meiotic abnormality, 11 embryos were mosaic and three were chaotic. Although the aneuploidy data of this study are too limited to allow statistical analysis, these data are comparable to our own published data on the chromosome constitution of whole day 3 and day 4 embryos after conventional ART. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION: Array CGH technology determines relative quantification of chromosomal domains but does not allow for the visualization of chromosomal rearrangements, assessment of ploidy or detection of uniparental isodisomy. Conclusions drawn on segmental abnormalities should be treated with caution. Although the limited number of embryos analysed here precludes firm conclusions, they provide valuable data on possible causes of the reduced potential of IVM embryos. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS: This is the first study to describe the complete chromosome complement of all single blastomeres of good-morphology day 3 embryos obtained with IVM (including the presence of IBMX in a pre-incubation medium). The results demonstrate that a high proportion of good-morphology embryos are aneuploid and that there is no obvious increase in aneuploidies as a result of IVM which seems to suggest that the reduced efficiency of IVM technology compared with standard IVF may be accounted for by factors other than aneuploidy, such as cytoplasmic defects or reduced endometrial receptivity. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTERESTS: This study was funded by the TBM (Applied Biomedical Research with Societal Finality) programme of the IWT (Agency for Innovation through Science and Technology - Flanders, 110680) and by a Methusalem grant of the Vrije Universiteit Brussel. C.S. is a post-doctoral fellow of the Fund for Scientific Research Flanders (FWO - Vlaanderen). K.J. is a PhD student funded by the FWO. The University of Adelaide owns a patent family associated with IVM technologies that is licensed to Cook Medical. R.B.G. and J.G.T. are inventors. The remaining authors have no conflict of interest to declare.

Journeys of adjustment: the experiences of adolescents living with juvenile idiopathic arthritis.

BACKGROUND: Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is one of the most common diseases of childhood causing pain, swelling of joints and reduced mobility. Previous research has focused on the challenges and psychosocial impact of JIA, but there has been limited attention given to how young people adjust and adapt to living with a long-term condition such as JIA. The aim of this qualitative study was therefore to explore adolescents' experiences of living with JIA, with particular focus on the process of adjustment. METHODS: Ten adolescents (7 female, 3 male) aged 13-17 years with good treatment adherence were recruited from an adolescent arthritis clinic. In-depth interviews were conducted, and data were analysed by two researchers independently using interpretative phenomenological analysis. RESULTS: These adolescents described the physical and psychosocial 'burden of living with JIA' and the challenges faced by an underlying preoccupation 'to be a normal teenager'. However, their accounts also revealed ways in which they regained agency and developed 'resilience through taking control' over their lives. This resilience helped the adolescents re-establish a sense of well-being through an ongoing process of 'acceptance and self-growth'. CONCLUSIONS: Although much research has adopted a deficit model that focuses on adjustment problems, the current study highlights the resourcefulness of young people in managing the challenges of living with a long-term condition. These experiences of successful adjustment can be used as the basis of positive, strength-based intervention approaches for adolescents with arthritis to enhance resilience and well-being.

Gain of 20q11.21 in human embryonic stem cells improves cell survival by increased expression of Bcl-xL.

Gain of 20q11.21 is a chromosomal abnormality that is recurrently found in human pluripotent stem cells and cancers, strongly suggesting that this mutation confers a proliferative or survival advantage to these cells. In this work we studied three human embryonic stem cell (hESC) lines that acquired a gain of 20q11.21 during in vitro culture. The study of the mRNA gene expression levels of the loci located in the common region of duplication showed that HM13, ID1, BCL2L1, KIF3B and the immature form of the micro-RNA miR-1825 were up-regulated in mutant cells. ID1 and BCL2L1 were further studied as potential drivers of the phenotype of hESC with a 20q11.21 gain. We found no increase in the protein levels of ID1, nor the downstream effects expected from over-expression of this gene. On the other hand, hESC with a gain of 20q11.21 had on average a 3-fold increase of Bcl-xL (the anti-apoptotic isoform of BCL2L1) protein levels. The mutant hESC underwent 2- to 3-fold less apoptosis upon loss of cell-to-cell contact and were ∼2-fold more efficient in forming colonies from a single cell. The key role of BCL2L1 in this mutation was further confirmed by transgenic over-expression of BCL2L1 in the wild-type cells, leading to apoptosis-resistant cells, and BCL2L1-knock-down in the mutant hESC, resulting in a restoration of the wild-type phenotype. This resistance to apoptosis supposes a significant advantage for the mutant cells, explaining the high frequency of gains of 20q11.21 in human pluripotent stem cells.

A taxonomic and phylogenetic revision of Penicillium section Aspergilloides.

Species belonging to Penicillium section Aspergilloides have a world-wide distribution with P. glabrum, P. spinulosum and P. thomii the most well-known species of this section. These species occur commonly and can be isolated from many substrates including soil, food, bark and indoor environments. The taxonomy of these species has been investigated several times using various techniques, but species delimitation remains difficult. In the present study, 349 strains belonging to section Aspergilloides were subjected to multilocus molecular phylogenetic analyses using partial ß-tubulin (BenA), calmodulin (CaM) and RNA polymerase II second largest subunit (RPB2) sequences. Section Aspergilloides is subdivided into 12 clades and 51 species. Twenty-five species are described here as new and P. yezoense, a species originally described without a Latin diagnosis, is validated. Species belonging to section Aspergilloides are phenotypically similar and most have monoverticillate conidiophores and grow moderately or quickly on agar media. The most important characters to distinguish these species were colony sizes on agar media, growth at 30 °C, ornamentation and shape of conidia, sclerotium production and stipe roughness.

Effects of circuit resistance training and timely protein supplementation on exercise-induced fat oxidation in tetraplegic adults.

BACKGROUND: Substrate utilization during exercise in persons with spinal cord injury (SCI) remains poorly defined. PURPOSE: To investigate effects of circuit resistance training (CRT) and timing of protein supplementation (PS) on fuel utilization in persons with tetraplegia. METHODS: Eleven individuals with chronic tetraplegia underwent 6 months of CRT 3 times weekly. Five randomly assigned participants received immediate PS (iPS) administered in split doses prior to and following all exercise sessions. Other participants consumed a matched dose of PS that was delayed until 24 hours post-exercise (dPS). Participants underwent a maximal graded exercise test (GXT) to volitional exhaustion at 4 conditioning time points: 3 months before (-3mo), at the beginning of (0mo), 3 months into (3mo), and 6 months following (6mo) the CRT conditioning program. Respiratory measures were continuously obtained throughout the GXT via open-circuit spirometry. Fuel utilization and energy expenditure were computed from the respiratory data. RESULTS: The differences in changes in substrate utilization between the PS groups were not significant as determined by the interaction of PS group and conditioning time point, F (3, 27) = 2.32, P = .098, η(2) P = .205. Maximal absolute fat oxidation did not change significantly from 0 to 6mo (mean difference, 0.014 ± 0.031 g/min; P = .170), and fat oxidation remained low never exceeding an average of 0.10 ± 0.09 g/min for any given exercise intensity. CONCLUSION: Maximum fat utilization during exercise and fat utilization at matched exercise intensities were not increased in persons with tetraplegia, independent of PS, and levels of fat oxidation remained low after training.

A description of two novel Psilocybe species from southern Africa and some notes on African traditional hallucinogenic mushroom use.

Two new Psilocybe species (Hymenogastraceae), P. ingeli and P. maluti, are described from southern Africa. Morphology and phylogeny were used to separate the two novel fungi from their closest relatives in the genus. Psilocybe ingeli was found fruiting on bovine manure-enriched grasslands in the Kwa-Zulu Natal Province of South Africa and differs from its closest relative P. keralensis and others in the internal transcribed spacer ITS1-5.8S-ITS2, partial 28S nuc rDNA, and translation elongation factor 1-alpha regions, distribution, and having larger basidiospores. Similarly, P. maluti was collected from the Free State Province of South Africa and observed in the Kingdom of Lesotho, growing on bovine manure. A secotioid pileus, geographic distribution, and differences in the same DNA regions distinguish P. maluti from its closest relative P. chuxiongensis. Furthermore, the spore dispersal and traditional, spiritualistic use of P. maluti are discussed here.

Silicon nanowires with controlled sidewall profile and roughness fabricated by thin-film dewetting and metal-assisted chemical etching.

This paper presents a non-lithographic approach to generate wafer-scale single crystal silicon nanowires (SiNWs) with controlled sidewall profile and surface morphology. The approach begins with silver (Ag) thin-film thermal dewetting, gold (Au) deposition and lift-off to generate a large-scale Au mesh on Si substrates. This is followed by metal-assisted chemical etching (MacEtch), where the Au mesh serves as a catalyst to produce arrays of smooth Si nanowires with tunable taper up to 13°. The mean diameter of the thus fabricated SiNWs can be controlled to range from 62 to 300 nm with standard deviations as small as 13.6 nm, and the areal coverage of the wire arrays can be up to 46%. Control of the mean wire diameter is achieved by controlling the pore diameter of the metallic mesh which is, in turn, controlled by adjusting the initial thin-film thickness and deposition rate. To control the wire surface morphology, a post-fabrication roughening step is added to the approach. This step uses Au nanoparticles and slow-rate MacEtch to produce rms surface roughness up to 3.6 nm.

Trace element content in tea brewed in traditional metallic and stainless steel teapots.

The migration of metals in tea brewed in metallic teapots was investigated. The teapots were obtained from North Africa stores in Brussels in 2005-2006 and in 2011. Chinese gunpowder green tea, the most commonly used tea in the Moroccan community, was used to prepare the tea. Tea brewed in metallic teapots was compared to tea brewed in a glass vessel in order to evaluate the contribution of the tea and the teapots to the metal concentrations in the brewed tea. Tea samples were also collected in Moroccan households and in tearooms in Brussels. The elements As, Cd, Pb, Sn, Mn, Fe, Cr, Co, Ni, Cr, Cu, Zn, and Al were analyzed by high-resolution sector field inductively coupled mass spectrometry. The relationship between the metal composition of the alloy of the teapot and the metal concentration in tea was also investigated. Migration of Pb and to a lesser amount Ni, Cu, and Zn was observed in brass teapots and migration of Cd from a number of stainless steel teapots was observed. The soldering connecting the sprout to the teapot was shown to be an important source of Pb to the tea. High levels of Mn and Al were also observed in the brewed tea and these elements where shown to originate from the tea itself. Metal exposure from tea drinking was calculated for different tea consumption levels and different metal concentration levels and compared to toxicological reference values.

Five new Penicillium species in section Sclerotiora: a tribute to the Dutch Royal family.

Current literature accepts 17 species in Penicillium section Sclerotiora. Several produce colonies in bright yellow to orange colours and have monoverticillate conidiophores, apart from P. herquei, P. malachiteum and P. nodositatum, which are biverticillate. The focus of this paper is to refine the concepts of the species currently accepted in the section and introduce five new species, named after the Dutch Royal family as P. vanoranjei, P. maximae, P. amaliae, P. alexiae and P. arianeae. Penicillium vanoranjei produces orange (Dutch = oranje) colonies in culture, and is named after Willem-Alexander Claus George Ferdinand, 'Zijne Koninklijke Hoogheid de Prins van Oranje' (translated from Dutch as: 'His Royal Highness the Prince of Orange') and his family, to coincide with his coronation. We review the current taxonomic positions of P. lilacinoechinulatum and P. nodositatum, both currently considered to be synonyms of P. bilaiae. Sequence data generated in this study show that both species are phylogenetically distinct. Penicillium lilacinoechinulatum is closely related to P. amaliae sp. nov., whereas P. nodositatum does not belong to Penicillium sensu stricto. All species were compared morphologically and phylogenetically, based on ß-tubulin and calmodulin DNA data. A table summarising the morphological characters of all species is included, together with photomicrographs and recommended DNA markers for identification.

Changes in spleen volume after resection of hepatic colorectal metastases.

AIM: To identify and describe changes in spleen volume occurring in patients with colorectal metastases to the liver after partial hepatectomy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-one consecutive patients (20 men, 21 women) with histopathology-proven colorectal liver metastases who underwent partial hepatectomy between August 2007 and April 2011 were included. Liver and spleen volumes were measured by computed tomography (CT) volumetry on the most recent CT prior to surgery and on all CTs obtained within a year after partial hepatectomy. Patients were carefully evaluated for and excluded if they had co-morbid conditions known to cause splenomegaly or risk factors for portal hypertension such as underlying liver disease and portal vein thrombosis. RESULTS: Thirty-two (78%) patients demonstrated an increase in spleen volume on the first post-operative CT, with more than a double increase in volume amongst five patients. Spleen volume increased by an average of 43% within 3 months of partial hepatectomy (p < 0.0001) and remained increased through 6 months after surgery, returning to near baseline thereafter. In the remaining nine (22%) patients, the spleen was observed to decrease an average of 11% in volume on first postoperative CT (p < 0.005). CONCLUSIONS: Splenic enlargement after partial hepatectomy of colorectal metastases is a common finding on CT. Increased familiarity amongst radiologists of this phenomenon as likely reflecting physiological changes is important in order to avoid unnecessary evaluation for underlying conditions causing interval enlargement of the spleen.

Aerobic training does not alter CRP in apparently healthy, untrained men.

AIM: Regular aerobic exercise may reduce cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk by lowering the concentration of inflammatory markers, such as C-reactive protein (CRP). While studies in diseased populations have shown significant decreases in CRP concentrations with regular aerobic training, little has been conclusively determined regarding the effects of aerobic training on CRP concentrations in apparently healthy, untrained populations. Aim of the study was to examine the effects of a 17-wk half marathon training program (TP) on CRP concentrations, aerobic fitness, and body composition in apparently healthy, untrained men. METHODS: Twenty men (29.3±1.0 y) enrolled as training subjects (TRN) in a 17-wk half marathon TP. An additional 22 men (27.8±1.4 y) served as controls (CON). Fasting blood samples were taken at four time points over the TP and were analyzed for CRP and interleukin-6 (IL-6) concentrations. Aerobic capacity (VO2max) and body fat percent (BF%) were measured before and after the TP. RESULTS: No significant post-training changes in CRP (P=0.70) or IL-6 concentrations (P=0.67) were seen in TRN as a result of the TP, despite significant improvements in VO2max (42.2±1.9 ml∙kg-1∙min⁻¹, P<0.0001) and significant reductions in resting heart rate (P=0.004), BF% (P=0.03), and body mass index (BMI, P=0.05). No significant changes in CRP, VO2max, BMI, or BF% were detected in CON over time. CONCLUSION: Regular aerobic training does not appear to affect CRP concentrations in apparently healthy, untrained men despite significant improvements in bodyweight, BF%, BMI, and VO2max.