Toward Lossless Infrared Optical Trapping of Small Nanoparticles Using Nonradiative Anapole Modes.

A challenge in plasmonic trapping of small nanoparticles is the heating due to the Joule effect of metallic components. This heating can be avoided with electromagnetic field confinement in high-refractive-index materials, but nanoparticle trapping is difficult because the electromagnetic fields are mostly confined inside the dielectric nanostructures. Herein, we present the design of an all-dielectric platform to capture small dielectric nanoparticles without heating the nanostructure. It consists of a Si nanodisk engineered to exhibit the second-order anapole mode at the infrared regime (λ=980 nm), where Si has negligible losses, with a slot at the center. A strong electromagnetic hot spot is created, thus allowing us to capture nanoparticles as small as 20 nm. The numerical calculations indicate that optical trapping in these all-dielectric nanostructures occurs without heating only in the infrared, since for visible wavelengths the heating levels are similar to those in plasmonic nanostructures.

Headache as a reason for consultation: the primary care perspective.

INTRODUCTION: Headache is a frequent reason for consultation with primary care (PC) physicians. However, the condition is underdiagnosed and undertreated. One reason for this may be the lack of specific training on headache in PC. METHODS: We conducted a descriptive cross-sectional study of data gathered with a self-administered survey that was completed by PC physicians from our health district. We collected sociodemographic data and information on previous training in neurology and headache, and training needs. RESULTS: The survey was completed by 104 PC physicians, 53% of whom were women; mean age was 49 years. Most respondents worked in urban settings (42.3%) and had been trained via residency (77.9%). Although 65.4% spent more time with patients with headache than with other patients, only 32.7% used the International Classification of Headache Disorders. In our sample, 68.3% of respondents reported a high or very high interest in headache, and 75.9% wished to receive further training on the condition; theoretical and practical courses and update lectures were regarded as the most useful tools. In clinical practice, 90% used triptans and 78% used preventive treatments. The most frequently used drug was amitriptyline; only 22.1% choose topiramate. CONCLUSIONS: PC physicians are in frequent contact with patients with headache and show interest in receiving training on this condition. This could be helpful in designing training programmes aimed at improving quality of care in this area.

Erratum: Toward Lossless Infrared Optical Trapping of Small Nanoparticles Using Nonradiative Anapole Modes [Phys. Rev. Lett. 127, 186803 (2021)].

This corrects the article DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevLett.127.186803.

Lesión duodeno-ureteral compleja por herida de arma de fuego: diagnóstico y resolución quirúrgica / COMPLEX DUODENAL-URETERAL LESION DUE TO FIREARM INJURY, DIAGNOSIS AND SURGICAL RESOLUTION

Las lesiones traumáticas duodenales son infrecuentes pero producen una tasa de morbi-mortalidad significativa. Se debe tener presente la elevada frecuencia de lesiones asociadas, siendo las de uréter superior las más frecuentes. Masculino de 50 años ingresa por HAF paravertebral derecha. Al ingreso OTE, lucido, vigil, con dolor y defensa abdominal generalizada. En la TC toracobdominal con cte EV y VO se objetiva extravasación de contraste oral a nivel duodenal y en fase excretora renal derecha.Se decide Laparotomía de urgencia objetivando lesión transfixiante de 2da porción de duodeno de < 50% de su circunferencia y sección de uréter derecho proximal. Se realiza rafia en dos planos de duodeno, colocación de pig tail y anastomosis T-T de uréter derecho mas drenaje. Buena evolución postquirúrgica con control tomográfico a las 72 hs sin objetivar fuga. Alta hospitalaria al 6to día. El traumatismo duodenal es una patología rara que se asocia con una tasa considerable de morbimortalidad, su localización retroperitoneal puede hacer que los clásicos signos de peritonismo no estén presentes en el momento de la evaluación, por lo que se recomienda la realización de exámenes clínicos seriados y de estudios complementarios con contraste VO y EV. Las lesiones ureterales asociadas son las más frecuentes. La mayoría tienen una pérdida mínima de tejido, siendo usualmente reparadas mediante desbridación y anastomosis.

Duodenal traumatic injuries are rare but produce a significant morbidity and mortality rate. The high frequency of associated lesions should be kept in mind, with those of the upper ureter being the most frequent. 50-year-old male enters for right paravertebral HAF. At hospital admission, lucid patient and vigil. Thoracoabdominal CT with intravenous and oral contrast show extravasation of oral contrast at the duodenal level and in the right renal excretory phase. Emergency laparotomy is decided by objectifying transfixing lesion of the 2nd portion of the duodenum of <50% of its circumference and proximal right ureter section. Raffia is performed in two planes of the duodenum, placement of pig tail and TT anastomosis of the right ureter plus drainage. Good post-surgical evolution with tomographic control at 72 hours without objectifying leakage. Hospital discharge on the 6th day. Duodenal trauma is a rare pathology that is associated with a considerable morbidity and mortality rate, its retroperitoneal location may make the classic signs of peritonism not present at the time of the evaluation, so clinical exams are recommended series and complementary studies with VO and EV contrast. Associated ureteral lesions are the most frequent, Most have minimal tissue loss, usually repaired by debridement and anastomosis.

Headache as a reason for consultation: the primary care perspective. / Cefalea como motivo de consulta: la visión desde atención primaria.

INTRODUCTION: Headache is a frequent reason for consultation with primary care (PC) physicians. However, the condition is underdiagnosed and undertreated. One reason for this may be the lack of specific training on headache in PC. METHODS: We conducted a descriptive cross-sectional study of data gathered with a self-administered survey that was completed by PC physicians from our health district. We collected sociodemographic data and information on previous training in neurology and headache, and training needs. RESULTS: The survey was completed by 104 PC physicians, 53% of whom were women; mean age was 49 years. Most respondents worked in urban settings (42.3%) and had been trained via residency (77.9%). Although 65.4% spent more time with patients with headache than with other patients, only 32.7% used the International Classification of Headache Disorders. In our sample, 68.3% of respondents reported a high or very high interest in headache, and 75.9% wished to receive further training on the condition; theoretical and practical courses and update lectures were regarded as the most useful tools. In clinical practice, 90% used triptans and 78% used preventive treatments. The most frequently used drug was amitriptyline; only 22.1% choose topiramate. CONCLUSIONS: PC physicians are in frequent contact with patients with headache and show interest in receiving training on this condition. This could be helpful in designing training programmes aimed at improving quality of care in this area.

Enzalutamide as monotherapy for advanced prostate cancer: why not? / Enzalutamida como monoterapia para cáncer de próstata avanzado: ¿por qué no?

OBJECTIVES: Prostate cancer (PCa) is an androgen-dependent disease. In some cases, the tumor progresses despite castration levels of serum testosterone, turning into the lethal phenotype of castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC), still driven by androgens and requiring the androgen receptor as a driver and responsible for progression. Enzalutamide, an androgen receptor inhibitor, is indicated for the treatment of metastatic CRPC, asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic, after failure of androgen deprivation. In both clinical trials that led to its approval, Enzalutamide was administered with an LHRH analog, setting the "standard of care" for its use. In this article we evaluate the available evidence and theory on the use of Enzalutamide as monotherapy. METHODS: Androgen deprivation well-known adverse events, together with the fact that its clinical benefit is moderate and the evidence strength is weak, and the direct negative impact on the common chronic conditions affecting this age-group led to investigation of Enzalutamide without LHRH analogs. RESULTS: There are clinical trials on Enzalutamide monotherapy for hormone-sensitive prostate cancer with favourable outcomes, and there are also two ongoing studies in different advanced PCa scenarios, the PROSPER and EMBARK trials. It would be up to now a safe alternative, with less toxicity and lower costs. CONCLUSION: It is mandatory to validate these early results on the use on Enzalutamide monotherapy for advanced prostate cancer, hormone-sensitive or castration resistant, metastatic or not, but in the meantime, we wonder, why not?

Preservation of the native spleen in multivisceral transplantation.

The native spleen is usually removed in patients undergoing MTV. The consequential asplenic state is associated with a high risk of sepsis, especially in immunosuppressed children. In contrast, the inclusion of an allogeneic spleen in multivisceral grafts has been associated with a high incidence of GVHD. We propose an alternative technique for patients undergoing MTV, consisting of the preservation of the native spleen. This approach avoids the additional risk of infection that characterizes the asplenic state without the detrimental side effects of the allogeneic spleen.

Outcome of radical prostatectomy in patients meeting criteria for active surveillance.

OBJECTIVES: Advances in diagnosis of prostate cancer (PCa)have led to an increased detection of these tumors, some of them with low-risk of progression, with the consequent risk of overdiagnosis and overt treatment. In consequence, there is a tendency to offer alternatives to active therapy, like active surveillance (AS)however, some patients under AS need definitive therapy and after surgery it becomes evident that they are not "low-risk" patients. We retrospectively reviewed the data of patients who met criteria for low-risk tumors treated with radical prostatectomy. METHODS: We selected 21 out of 190 patients treated with radical prostatectomy from January 2004 to December 2008 who met Epstein's criteria for low-risk tumors. We analyzed the number of organ-confined tumors,Gleason undergrading and understaging by biopsy, surgical margins and postoperative PSA. RESULTS: Mean age was 58.6 years; mean PSA was 6.6 ng/ml, predominant Gleason score was 6 (3+3), 76%were unilateral tumors and 90%were organ-confined, 10% had extracapsular extension, none had involvement of the seminal % vesicles, 15% of the patients had Gleason score >6 and surgical margins were positive in 30% of the specimens. Eighty five percent had their first postoperative PSA <0.10 ng/ml and 75% remain free of biochemical recurrence. According to the Johns Hopkins criteria for "incurable tumors ", our cohort had 28%. CONCLUSION: Patients with low-risk prostate cancer include cases that may have greater risk than estimated. In our series, we had 10% extracapsular disease, 15% understaging for Gleason score and 25% biochemical recurrence, which demonstrates that current criteria do not warrant good oncological results. Active surveillance offers good quality of life and acceptable oncological results, it can be proposed until definitive therapy, without seriously endangering the patient. Anyway, as a therapeutic tool, it still requires improvements. Technical advances are awaited so as to properly assess each patient's risk and to define the best therapeutic option for every case.

The management of pain in metastatic bone disease.

BACKGROUND: Metastatic bone disease is a common cause of pain in cancer patients. A multidisciplinary approach to treatment is often necessary because simplified analgesic regimens may fail in the face of complex pain generators, especially those involved in the genesis of neuropathic pain. From the origins of formalized guidelines by the World Health Organization (WHO) to recent developments in implantable therapies, great strides have been made to meet the needs of these patients. METHODS: The authors review the existing literature on the pathophysiology and treatment options for pain generated by metastatic bone disease and summarize classic and new approaches. RESULTS: Relatively recent animal models of malignant bone disease have allowed a better understanding of the intimate mechanisms involved in the genesis of pain, resulting in a mechanistic approach to its treatment. Analgesic strategies can be developed with specific targets in mind to complement the classic, opioid-centered WHO analgesic ladder obtaining improved outcomes and quality of life. Unfortunately, high-quality evidence is difficult to produce in pain medicine, and these concepts are evolving slowly. CONCLUSIONS: Treatment options are expanding for the challenging clinical problem of painful metastatic bone disease. Efforts are concentrated on developing alternative nonopioid approaches that appear to increase the success rate and improve patients' quality of life.

Evidence for a TCR affinity threshold delimiting maximal CD8 T cell function.

Protective adaptive immune responses rely on TCR-mediated recognition of Ag-derived peptides presented by self-MHC molecules. However, self-Ag (tumor)-specific TCRs are often of too low affinity to achieve best functionality. To precisely assess the relationship between TCR-peptide-MHC binding parameters and T cell function, we tested a panel of sequence-optimized HLA-A(*)0201/NY-ESO-1(157-165)-specific TCR variants with affinities lying within physiological boundaries to preserve antigenic specificity and avoid cross-reactivity, as well as two outliers (i.e., a very high- and a low-affinity TCR). Primary human CD8 T cells transduced with these TCRs demonstrated robust correlations between binding measurements of TCR affinity and avidity and the biological response of the T cells, such as TCR cell-surface clustering, intracellular signaling, proliferation, and target cell lysis. Strikingly, above a defined TCR-peptide-MHC affinity threshold (K(D) < approximately 5 muM), T cell function could not be further enhanced, revealing a plateau of maximal T cell function, compatible with the notion that multiple TCRs with slightly different affinities participate equally (codominantly) in immune responses. We propose that rational design of improved self-specific TCRs may not need to be optimized beyond a given affinity threshold to achieve both optimal T cell function and avoidance of the unpredictable risk of cross-reactivity.

[Intestinal transplant: in what phase are we?]. / Trasplante intestinal: ¿en qué fase estamos?

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the evolution of Small Bowel Transplantation program since the beginning of the program. MATERIAL AND METHODS: [corrected] All children who underwent intestinal transplantation between 1997 and 2009 were retrospectively reviewed: epidemiological data, status before transplant, surgical technique, immunosupression, results, survival and long.term quality of life were analysed. RESULTS: Fifty-two intestinal transplants were performed in 46 children (20 isolated bowel, 20 combined liver and intestine, and 12 multivisceral); median age was 32m (range 7m-19a); weight 12,3 kg (range 3,9-60); 31 had short gut syndrome, 8 dismotility, 5 intractable diarrhea, and two were miscellaneous. Intestinal adaptation was initially attempted in 26 patients, without success, 20 were directly listed for transplant. The modality of transplant was modified in 17 while listed. Baseline immunosupression consisted of tacrolimus and steroids, although 5 required conversion to Sirolimus later. Six died during the first month, due to sepsis/multiorganic failure (poor status at transplant); 13 died during the long-term follow-up. Acute rejection was seen in 20, chronic rejection in 3, PTLD in 8 (6 died) and GVHD in 5 patients (3 died). Overall survival after 5 years of follow-up is 65,2 % (51,7% for the graft). From 2006 to 2008, overall patient/graft survival at 6 m, 1 and 3 years after transplant is 88,7/84,1, 81,2/81,2 and 81,2/71,1%, respectively. After a median follw-up of 39 +/- 29 months, 27 patients are alive (59%), off TPN, (70% had their ostomy taken down), go to school, are scarcely hospitalized and enjoy a good quality of life. CONCLUSIONS: Intestinal transplantation has consolided itself as a good choice for irreversible intestinal failure, being feasible to achieve a normal life. Although overall survival diminishes over time, the center experience has improved the results. These patients need a very close follow-up, once transplant is over, in order to get an early diagnose of immunological complications.

The excitatory neuronal network of the C2 barrel column in mouse primary somatosensory cortex.

Local microcircuits within neocortical columns form key determinants of sensory processing. Here, we investigate the excitatory synaptic neuronal network of an anatomically defined cortical column, the C2 barrel column of mouse primary somatosensory cortex. This cortical column is known to process tactile information related to the C2 whisker. Through multiple simultaneous whole-cell recordings, we quantify connectivity maps between individual excitatory neurons located across all cortical layers of the C2 barrel column. Synaptic connectivity depended strongly upon somatic laminar location of both presynaptic and postsynaptic neurons, providing definitive evidence for layer-specific signaling pathways. The strongest excitatory influence upon the cortical column was provided by presynaptic layer 4 neurons. In all layers we found rare large-amplitude synaptic connections, which are likely to contribute strongly to reliable information processing. Our data set provides the first functional description of the excitatory synaptic wiring diagram of a physiologically relevant and anatomically well-defined cortical column at single-cell resolution.

Transmission of Babesia microti by blood transfusion in Texas.

In the USA, seasonal tickborne transmission of Babesia microti occurs in the Northeast and upper Midwest. A resident of Texas became infected through a red blood cell transfusion from an asymptomatic local donor who had summered in Massachusetts. The patient's infection was diagnosed by blood smear examination in January, 7 weeks post-transfusion. He died 1 week later from variceal haemorrhage complicated by haemolysis. Premortem patient specimens and archived blood from the donor unit tested positive for B. microti antibodies and DNA. Babesiosis should be included in the differential diagnosis of post-transfusion haemolytic anaemia or thrombocytopenia, regardless of the geographical region or season.

[Multidisciplinary approach in the management of intestinal failure]. / Tratamiento multidisciplinario del fallo intestinal.

OBJECTIVE: [corrected] Our aim was to analyze our results in the management of intestinal failure with a multidisciplinary approach including optimized parenteral nutrition, reconstructive surgery and intestinal transplantation (ITx). MATERIAL AND METHODS: We included all patients evaluated by our team with the diagnosis of IF. We assessed outcome, mortality and complications in children that achieved adaptation and those listed for ITx. RESULTS: Seventy one children (40 boys, 31 girls) were evaluated between 1997 and 2006 because of IF. Forty eight (76%) were referred from other institutions. In 56 cases (80%) IF began in the newborn period. Causes of IF were: short bowel syndrome (52) intestinal motility disorders (16) and intestinal epithelial disorders (3). Median birth weight in the group of SBS was 2.2 Kg and prematurity was an associated condition in 15% of them. Overall, fourteen patients (20%) achieved intestinal adaptation with progressive weaning from PN, the management of these children consisted of optimized parenteral and enteral nutrition and autologous intestinal reconstructive surgery. Nine (13%) are stable under home parenteral nutrition regimen. Eight children (11%), all of them listed for liver and small bowel transplantation, died in the waiting list after a mean waiting time of more than 300 days, with a median of 4 laparotomies and 4 episodes of catheter related sepsis. Four children (5.6%) died in the adaptation process or before their inclusion on the waiting list. Finally, twenty five (35,2%) children underwent 28 intestinal transplantation: 9 isolated small bowel transplantation (SBTx), 16 combined liver and small bowel (CLSB) and 3 multivisceral (MVTx). Among transplanted patients, 9 (36%) died, (3 MVTx, 1 SBTx and 8 CLSB) and four were retransplanted. CONCLUSIONS: Intestinal Transplantation is an established alternative to parenteral nutrition in the treatment of IF, although complications and mortality rates are still considerable, especially MVTx and CLSBTx. Mortality in children listed for intestinal transplantation remains also high. Intestinal adaptation can be achieved with adequate rehabilitation therapy even in some cases with apparently irreversible intestinal transplantation. Early referral before liver failure or other complications arise is crucial is crucial in order to improve the outcome of these patients.

Non stenotic food impaction due to eosinophilic esophagitis: a potential surgical emergency.

AIM: Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is an emergent condition in which a mucosal infiltrate of > 20 eosinophils per high power microscopic field is accompanied by motor disturbances that may cause food impaction in the absence of esophageal stricture. We report a series of such cases to point out the potential involvement of pediatric surgeons in diagnosis and treatment. Furthermore, data on the motor function of the esophagus investigated manometrically is included. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Thirteen patients with EoE were referred to our emergency room for acute food bolus impaction. Their median age at diagnosis was 12 years (range 7.6-14.4). History of allergy, endoscopy with biopsy and esophageal function (24-h combined ambulatory manometry with simultaneous pH-metry) were investigated. RESULTS: In 7 patients emergency endoscopic extraction of the impacted bolus was necessary. Allergic tests were positive in eight patients. The pH probe showed gastroesophageal reflux in two cases. Upon endoscopy, typical features of EoE (esophageal trachealization and whitish papular exudates) were found. Ambulatory 24-h manometry revealed abnormal motility of the distal esophagus with strikingly high amplitudes (> 150 mmHg) and long duration (> 7 sec) of the waves, particularly during the night. Six patients responded rapidly to steroids and/or antiallergic treatment. The remaining patients had a good outcome with dietary treatment alone. CONCLUSIONS: EoE is an emergent condition that may involve the pediatric surgeon in both the diagnosis and treatment. Typical endoscopic findings and biopsy are required for proper diagnosis. Ambulatory manometry reveals a marked propulsive dysfunction that explains impaction. This dysfunction is reversible, since the symptoms usually disappear with steroids or antiallergic treatment.

Nutritional status after intestinal transplantation in children.

INTRODUCTION: The management of children receiving small bowel grafts involves potentially life-threatening complications that affect their nutritional status. The aim of this paper was to define these factors and their influence on nutritional outcome. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients with intestinal failure (IF) who received an isolated small bowel transplantation (SBT) or small bowel/liver transplantation (SBLT) at our hospital during the last 6 years were reviewed for weight Z-score, biochemical nutritional parameters, total parenteral nutrition (TPN) weaning, catheter-related sepsis, rejection and steroid treatment. RESULTS: Twenty patients, 11 females and 9 males, received a SBT or a SBLT and survived the postoperative period; in the present study we only included 11 children with follow-up periods longer than 1 year. Seven males and 4 females with a mean age of 4.5 years (range, 1 to 20 years) received 6 SBLT and 5 SBT. Nine (82%) were weaned from TPN to an amino-acid or peptide enteral formula during the first 6 months after surgery. During the first year there was a significant increase in total protein from 5.11 +/- 1.8 mg/dl to 6.1 +/- 1.5 mg/dl (p < 0.05) and an increase in albumin from 3.8 +/- 0.9 mg/dl to 4.5 +/- 1.1 mg/dl (p < 0.05). There was an increase in weight Z-score in 9 patients (82%) during the first year. Mean Z-score improved from - 2.6 +/- 1 at transplant to - 1.0 +/- 0.6 (p < 0.05) after 1 year. Three patients (27.2%) had at least one rejection period, which was treated with steroids alone or in combination. Mean weight Z-score 1 year after surgery was - 0.9 +/- 0.6 for patients without rejection and - 1.24 +/- 0.8 for those with at least one rejection episode treated with steroids (p > 0.1). Four patients (36%) had at least one catheter-related sepsis episode. Mean weight Z-score 1 year after surgery was - 1.01 +/- 0.6 for patients without catheter-related sepsis and - 1.24 +/- 0.8 for those with at least one catheter-related sepsis episode (p > 0.1). CONCLUSIONS: There was a significant improvement in weight Z-score and biochemical nutritional parameters 1 year after receiving a small bowel graft. No influence of steroids or catheter-related sepsis on children's nutritional status was noted 1 year after surgery, although this point will need further evaluation.

Intestinal transplantation in children: differences between isolated intestinal and composite grafts.

The results of the isolated intestinal grafts were compared with those of composite grafts (intestinal graft + liver) in a series of 18 transplantations performed in 17 children; 5 isolated intestinal grafts, 12 hepatointestinal grafts, and 1 multivisceral graft. Causes of intestinal failure were short bowel syndrome (n = 13), motility disorders (n = 2) and congenital epithelial disorders (n = 2). Transplantation was indicated due to end-stage liver disease (n = 14), loss of venous access (n = 2), untreatable diarrhea (n = 1) and high morbidity associated with a poor quality of life (n = 1). Six children, all with a composite graft, died after transplantation due to lymphoma (n = 2), sepsis (n = 1); intraabdominal bleeding (n = 1); pneumonia (n = 1); and overwhelming adenoviral infection (n = 1). Digestive autonomy was achieved in 16 of 18 grafts, the 11 surviving children are free of parenteral nutrition with a reasonably good quality of life. In conclusion, intestinal transplantation is a viable therapeutic alternative for children with permanent intestinal failure. The results of transplantation with an isolated intestine are clearly better that those with a composite graft.

[Results of an intestinal transplantation program in Spain. Five years later]. / Resultados de un programa de trasplante intestinal. Cinco años después.

BACKGROUND: More than two thirds of all intestinal transplantations (ITx) performed around the world correspondent to recipients younger than 18. OBJECTIVE: To analyze our 5-year experience in pediatric ITx. PATIENTS: We assessed the outcome of the 19 children included in list out of 41 patients considered for ITx from 1997. The main cause of intestinal failure was short bowel syndrome (14) followed by intestinal motility disorders (3) and congenit disorders of intestinal epithelium (CDIE) (2). The median of age, at the moment of including in the list, was 0.9 years (range 0.4-17) and median of weight was 6.4kg (range 0.4-29.3). Ten children were included for liver and small bowel transplantation (LSBTx), 7 to isolated small bowel (SBTx), and 2 for multivisceral transplantation (MVTx). Indications for SBx were hepatic fibrosis/cirrhosis (10), hepatic fibrosis in evolution (5) (to avoid later LSBTx), intractable diarrhoea (1), recurrent line infections (1), lost of central vein access (1), and bad quality of life in one. RESULTS: Five children died in the waiting list, after a median time of 325 days (range 19-581). Seven remain in the waiting list (median 139 days, range 30-778). In 3 of these the indication changed from SBTx to LSBTx because of progression to end stage liver disease. Six children recieved seven grafts (1 MVTx, 4 LSBTx, 2 SBx) after a median time in the waiting list of 352 days (range 66-732). Six out of seven grafts achieved normal function and all survivals reached full digestive autonomy after Tx. We had to rejection episodes, one with good response to medical treatment and one that required removal of intestinal allograft and later LSBTx. Two children died 1 because of problem not related to the procedure (hemorrage following liver biopsy) and one girl died 29 months after transplant due to post-transplantation lymphoproliferative disease. CONCLUSIONS: ITx is a realistic alternative in our country for children with intestinal failure. The main problems are immunologic (rejection, lynphoproliferative and disease) Shortage of small weight donors is a dramatic limitation that prompts the discussion of surgical alternatives.

Reticulon 1-C/neuroendocrine-specific protein-C interacts with SNARE proteins.

Reticulons are proteins of neuroendocrine cells localized primarily to the endoplasmic reticulum membrane. Despite their implication in cellular processes like apoptosis or axonal regeneration, their intracellular molecular function is still largely unknown. Here, we show that reticulon 1-C can be detected in a protein complex of 150-200 kDa, and that a number of soluble N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor attachment protein receptor (SNARE) proteins, i.e. syntaxin 1, syntaxin 7, syntaxin 13 and VAMP2, can be co-immunoprecipitated with reticulon 1-C. Moreover, it localizes to a nocodazole-sensitive, but calreticulin-negative domain of the endoplasmic reticulum. Finally, overexpression in PC12 cells of a reticulon 1-C fragment which binds to SNAREs, significantly enhances human growth hormone secretion. These results suggest that reticulons are involved in vesicle trafficking events, including regulated exocytosis.

Design and validation of a tool for neurite tracing and analysis in fluorescence microscopy images.

BACKGROUND: For the investigation of the molecular mechanisms involved in neurite outgrowth and differentiation, accurate and reproducible segmentation and quantification of neuronal processes are a prerequisite. To facilitate this task, we developed a semiautomatic neurite tracing technique. This article describes the design and validation of the technique. METHODS: The technique was compared to fully manual delineation. Four observers repeatedly traced selected neurites in 20 fluorescence microscopy images of cells in culture, using both methods. Accuracy and reproducibility were determined by comparing the tracings to high-resolution reference tracings, using two error measures. Labor intensiveness was measured in numbers of mouse clicks required. The significance of the results was determined by a Student t-test and by analysis of variance. RESULTS: Both methods slightly underestimated the true neurite length, but the differences were not unanimously significant. The average deviation from the true neurite centerline was a factor 2.6 smaller with the developed technique compared to fully manual tracing. Intraobserver variability in the respective measures was reduced by a factor 6.0 and 23.2. Interobserver variability was reduced by a factor 2.4 and 8.8, respectively, and labor intensiveness by a factor 3.3. CONCLUSIONS: Providing similar accuracy in measuring neurite length, significantly improved accuracy in neurite centerline extraction, and significantly improved reproducibility and reduced labor intensiveness, the developed technique may replace fully manual tracing methods.