Lighting the way: recent developments and applications in molecular optogenetics.

Molecular optogenetics utilizes genetically encoded, light-responsive protein switches to control the function of molecular processes. Over the last two years, there have been notable advances in the development of novel optogenetic switches, their utilization in elucidating intricate signaling pathways, and their progress toward practical applications in biotechnological processes, material sciences, and therapeutic applications. In this review, we discuss these areas, offer insights into recent developments, and contemplate future directions.

Diffuse calcification of pancreas impairs endocrine function and predicts poor outcome in total pancreatectomy with islet autotransplantation.

In patients with chronic pancreatitis, pancreatic calcification is a risk factor for diabetes development, poor islet yield, and metabolic outcomes after total pancreatectomy with islet autotransplantation (TPIAT). We investigated whether calcification pattern based on computed tomography is associated with outcomes using our database of 200 consecutive TPIAT procedures. Three groups were compared: noncalcification (NC); focal calcification, limited to the pancreas head, body, or tail; and diffuse calcification (DC), with calcification in >2 sections. Maximum changes in outcomes were seen in the DC vs focal calcification group. In the DC group, preoperative hemoglobin A1c levels were higher (P < .01), and stimulated C-peptide levels were lower (P < .01) than in the NC group. Islet isolation from the DC pancreas resulted in the lowest islet equivalent (IEQ) yield and IEQ/kg among the 3 groups (P < .0001), with no insulin independence 12 months posttransplant (P < .05 vs NC group). Notably, at 12 months, the DC group was 91.7% narcotic-free, significantly higher than the NC group (P < .05). Although DC is a sign of diabetes risk after TPIAT, the DC group showed exceptional pain relief. These findings suggest that TPIAT can be beneficial for patients with chronic pancreatitis with severe calcification.

Tier 2: A Warm welcome or a Cold Reality?

Since the introduction of the 2006 NHS dental contract, various waiting list initiatives and the subsequent release of NHS commissioning guidance for dental services, there has been a remarkable and rapid shift towards the provision of intermediate services within the profession. the complexity surrounding those non-specialist providers working within these services has lead to much confusion and the further development of competencies required to work within these settings. this paper focuses on explaining and exploring the topics that arise from an area that has attracted much discussion and debate.

Cytologic and Immunophenotypic Features of Malignant Cells in Pediatric Body Fluids.

OBJECTIVE: Cytospin preparations and immunocytochemistry are common methods in hospitals to evaluate malignancies in body fluids. Characteristics of malignant cells in pediatric body fluids have not been adequately evaluated. STUDY DESIGN: 183 pleural, peritoneal and pericardial pediatric fluid specimens were examined by cytospin preparations and immunocytochemistry from two hospitals using similar procedural techniques. Cytologic diagnoses were correlated with the results of clinical history, histology and ancillary studies. RESULTS: Forty cases with malignancy were identified (21.9%); the most common diagnoses were rhabdomyosarcoma and acute lymphoblastic lymphoma (9 and 8 cases, respectively). Small round cell tumors revealed similar morphology as clusters of small round cells with central nuclei and scant cytoplasm with frequent small vacuoles. Twenty-one cases were evaluated by immunocytochemistry, 12 by flow cytometry and 5 by cytogenetic analysis. CD3, CD20, TdT, CD10, desmin and myogenin were the most common markers. Staining artifacts causing interpretation difficulties were noted in 5 cases that were resolved by molecular studies and deferral for surgical specimens. CONCLUSIONS: Small round cell tumors are the most common malignancies encountered in pediatric body fluids and share a nonspecific morphology. Although immunocytochemistry is helpful to arrive at the correct diagnosis, other ancillary studies may be necessary, particularly in hematologic malignancies and other difficult cases.

Development of an immunoaffinity solid phase microextraction method for the identification of penicillin binding protein 2a.

Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a bacterium that is resistant to many antibiotics. Resistance to methicillin is related to production of penicillin binding protein 2a (PBP2a). The currently presented research involves the development of antibody-linked immunoaffinity solid phase microextraction (SPME) sorbents characterized from several aspects that can identify protein PBP2a. The on-sorbent binding constant Kd of monoclonal anti-PBP2a antibody for its antigen protein PBP2a was determined to be 4×10(-10) M. This value was obtained on the basis of the binding curve determined by selective extraction of its antigen PBP2a at different concentrations. The concentration of PBP2a captured by immunoaffinity sorbents was as low as 10ng/mL; lower concentrations could not be tested due to the sensitivity limitation of the LC-MS/MS system available. Surface density was estimated at 59 ng antibody/cm(2). To reduce non-specific binding, especially when the antigen is a protein, bovine serum albumin (BSA) was used to pretreat surfaces. The established immunoaffinity platform technology is expected to provide insights into the development of a practical, specific, sensitive and accurate assay for in vitro and in vivo diagnostics of MRSA.

Fibrous dysplasia and aneurysmal bone cyst of the skull base presenting with blindness: a report of a rare locally aggressive example.

Fibrous dysplasia (FD) and aneurysmal bone cyst (ABC) are uncommon benign intraosseous lesions. Simultaneous occurrence of both lesions is extremely rare. We present an example of concomitant FD and ABC in a 7 year-old with left eye blindness and discharge of one month duration. Physical examination revealed a proptotic left eye and bulging of the hard palate. CT and MRI are consistent with FD and ABC that involved the sphenoid and ethmoidal bones bilaterally. Incomplete combined endonasalcranial resection was performed. The patient presented five months postoperatively with a large recurrence and subsequent follow up was lost. Concomitant FD with ABC may occur in paranasal sinuses and may develop rapidly and exhibit locally aggressive behavior.