First Evidence of Axial Shape Asymmetry and Configuration Coexistence in

The excited states of N=44 ^{74}Zn were investigated via γ-ray spectroscopy following ^{74}Cu ß decay. By exploiting γ-γ angular correlation analysis, the 2_{2}^{+}, 3_{1}^{+}, 0_{2}^{+}, and 2_{3}^{+} states in ^{74}Zn were firmly established. The γ-ray branching and E2/M1 mixing ratios for transitions deexciting the 2_{2}^{+}, 3_{1}^{+}, and 2_{3}^{+} states were measured, allowing for the extraction of relative B(E2) values. In particular, the 2_{3}^{+}→0_{2}^{+} and 2_{3}^{+}→4_{1}^{+} transitions were observed for the first time. The results show excellent agreement with new microscopic large-scale shell-model calculations, and are discussed in terms of underlying shapes, as well as the role of neutron excitations across the N=40 gap. Enhanced axial shape asymmetry (triaxiality) is suggested to characterize ^{74}Zn in its ground state. Furthermore, an excited K=0 band with a significantly larger softness in its shape is identified. A shore of the N=40 "island of inversion" appears to manifest above Z=26, previously thought as its northern limit in the chart of the nuclides.

Controlled placement of multiple CNS cell populations to create complex neuronal cultures.

In vitro brain-on-a-chip platforms hold promise in many areas including: drug discovery, evaluating effects of toxicants and pathogens, and disease modelling. A more accurate recapitulation of the intricate organization of the brain in vivo may require a complex in vitro system including organization of multiple neuronal cell types in an anatomically-relevant manner. Most approaches for compartmentalizing or segregating multiple cell types on microfabricated substrates use either permanent physical surface features or chemical surface functionalization. This study describes a removable insert that successfully deposits neurons from different brain areas onto discrete regions of a microelectrode array (MEA) surface, achieving a separation distance of 100 µm. The regional seeding area on the substrate is significantly smaller than current platforms using comparable placement methods. The non-permanent barrier between cell populations allows the cells to remain localized and attach to the substrate while the insert is in place and interact with neighboring regions after removal. The insert was used to simultaneously seed primary rodent hippocampal and cortical neurons onto MEAs. These cells retained their morphology, viability, and function after seeding through the cell insert through 28 days in vitro (DIV). Co-cultures of the two neuron types developed processes and formed integrated networks between the different MEA regions. Electrophysiological data demonstrated characteristic bursting features and waveform shapes that were consistent for each neuron type in both mono- and co-culture. Additionally, hippocampal cells co-cultured with cortical neurons showed an increase in within-burst firing rate (p = 0.013) and percent spikes in bursts (p = 0.002), changes that imply communication exists between the two cell types in co-culture. The cell seeding insert described in this work is a simple but effective method of separating distinct neuronal populations on microfabricated devices, and offers a unique approach to developing the types of complex in vitro cellular environments required for anatomically-relevant brain-on-a-chip devices.

Long-term non-invasive interrogation of human dorsal root ganglion neuronal cultures on an integrated microfluidic multielectrode array platform.

Scientific studies in drug development and toxicology rely heavily on animal models, which often inaccurately predict the true response for human exposure. This may lead to unanticipated adverse effects or misidentified risks that result in, for example, drug candidate elimination. The utilization of human cells and tissues for in vitro physiological platforms has become a growing area of interest to bridge this gap and to more accurately predict human responses to drugs and toxins. The effects of new drugs and toxins on the peripheral nervous system are often investigated with neurons isolated from dorsal root ganglia (DRG), typically with one-time measurement techniques such as patch clamping. Here, we report the use of our multi-electrode array (MEA) platform for long-term noninvasive assessment of human DRG cell health and function. In this study, we acquired simultaneous optical and electrophysiological measurements from primary human DRG neurons upon chemical stimulation repeatedly through day in vitro (DIV) 23. Distinct chemical signatures were noted for the cellular responses evoked by each chemical stimulus. Additionally, the cell viability and function of the human DRG neurons were consistent through DIV 23. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on long-term measurements of the cell health and function of human DRG neurons on a MEA platform. Future generations will include higher electrode numbers in customized arrangements as well as integration with different tissue types on a single device. This platform will provide a valuable testing tool for both rodent and human cells, enabling a more comprehensive risk assessment for drug candidates and toxicants.

Chronic invasive fungal rhinosinusitis by Paecilomyces variotii: A rare case report.

Fungal infection of the paranasal sinuses is an increasingly recognised entity, both in normal and immunocompromised individuals. The recent increase in mycotic nasal and paranasal infections is due to both improved diagnostic research and an increase in the conditions that favour fungal infection. Aspergillus, Candida, and Mucor species are the most common causative agents of fungal sinusitis, but infection with lesser known species have been reported across the world infrequently. This article reviews and presents a case report of chronic fungal sinusitis in an immunocompetent adult male infected with Paecilomyces variotii which is opportunistic soil saprophyte, uncommon to humans.

Role of HRCT Chest in Post Stem Cell Transplant Recipients Suspected of Pulmonary Complications.

INTRODUCTION: Stem cell transplantation is today's procedure of choice for management of various hematopoietic malignant and severe immunogenic disorders. High Resolution Computed Tomography (HRCT) is a common technique for the diagnosis of pulmonary complications in stem cell transplant recipients. There are a large number of complications which can complicate the post-transplant period. AIM: To study the role of HRCT chest in stem cell transplant patients developing pulmonary complications, detect any evidence of infection, detect clinical signs of lung infections, Graft versus Host Disease (GvHD) or other regimen related toxicities outlined earlier, detect any evidence of GvHD and correlate these clinical signs with radiological changes in the lungs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was a prospective study of 52 participants with indication of stem cell transplantation. The study included recipients of HSCT transplant and the exclusion criteria was patients who failed for engraftment and having an associated history of pulmonary embolism. Patients were screened for pre-transplant chemotherapy, clinical examination, laboratory investigations including blood and biochemical examinations, imaging by ultrasound, chest radiography, baseline HRCT and a follow-up for post-transplant infections and complications with 16 slice Siemens CT scan. Statistical analysis was done using Pearson's chi-squared test. RESULTS: Four patients among the total 56 were excluded due to non-engraftment. The most common associated findings in decreasing order are (these patients died): consolidation, pancytopenia and gastrointestinal tract symptoms with VOD (Veno-Occlusive Disease). These findings were seen on HRCT as consolidation, cavities, ground glass opacities, fibrotic changes, bronchiectatic changes and tree in bud appearance. CONCLUSION: The study highlights the significant positive findings on the HRCT which were missed on routine chest radiograph and can be used for early diagnoses. Thus, HRCT helped in decreasing the mortality. The abnormal vitals and TLC counts showed a significant relation between the numbers of death in the study.

Safe mechanical ventilation in patients without acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS).

Insights into the pathogenesis of lung deformation injury inspired a benchmark clinical trial, which demonstrated that reducing tidal volumes compared to previous norms was associated with improved patient survival in acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Since many critically ill patients without ARDS possess ventilator associated lung injury (VALI) risk factors, there is no need to expose them to tidal volumes that are larger than would be needed to achieve acceptable blood gas tensions. In the following perspective we will argue that lung protection from deformation injury should guide ventilator management in all patients, irrespective of the presence of ARDS. That is not to say that all lung diseases share the same VALI risk, but we contend that adopting a low tidal ventilation strategy is a simple and safe starting point in most instances. We will review studies in the medical and surgical literature that have addressed "lung protective ventilation" in patients without ARDS and summarize them with a focus on tidal volume, positive end expiratory pressure and oxygen supplementation settings. In addition, we will briefly discuss under what circumstance one might consider deviating from a conventional approach.

A clinical evaluation of ophthalmic assessment in children with sensori-neural deafness.

BACKGROUND: Since 1991, children with sensori-neural deafness and their families within Southern Derbyshire have been supported by a multiagency approach to their diagnosis and management. RESULTS: One hundred and twenty-two children were seen at the Child Development Centre for an holistic assessment, and 110 of these children have had an ophthalmic assessment, of whom 48 (43.6%) were found to have ophthalmic abnormalities. These included 43 children (39.1%) with refractive errors, ranging from mild to severe. Of 82 children with uncomplicated deafness, 26 (31.7%) had refractive errors. The prevalence of ophthalmic problems was higher than the prevalence in hearing school children in the literature and in local pre-school children. There were six cases of Usher syndrome. Twenty-one children had more than one eye defect. The findings indicate that deaf and hearing impaired children are two to three times more likely to develop ophthalmic abnormalities than their hearing peers, which makes early detection of paramount importance. An important local outcome has been the establishment of guidelines for ophthalmic assessment to include assessment of vision and screening for Usher syndrome by electro-physiological testing at aged 7 years and above. Screening has been completed to date in 78 children with congenital sensori-neural deafness. CONCLUSIONS: Sensitive and efficient ophthalmic assessment and management are essential for all deaf and hearing impaired children and national guidelines need to be established for both assessment of vision and screening for Usher syndrome, based on further evaluated research.