First report of Giardia duodenalis genotypes in Zangxiang pigs from China.

Giardia duodenalis is an important zoonotic intestinal protozoan of animals and humans. We collected 450 faecal specimens from four age groups (pre-weaned piglets, weaned piglets, juveniles, adults) of Zangxiang pigs from Shaanxi and Qinghai provinces, to investigate the prevalence and genetic diversity of G. duodenalis at the ß-giardin (bg), triosephosphate isomerase (tpi) and glutamate dehydrogenase (gdh) loci using nested PCRs in the present study. A total of 28 faecal samples were positive for presence of G. duodenalis, with an overall prevalence of 6.2%. Giardia duodenalis was detected in pigs from all age groups and in both investigated provinces. Significant differences (P < 0.0001) in prevalence were observed among the four age groups with prevalence decreasing with age. Sequence analysis indicated existence of genetic diversity of G. duodenalis isolates from Zangxiang pigs, with 4, 2 and 4 haplotypes at the bg, tpi and gdh loci, respectively. Two assemblages were identified, including the zoonotic assemblage B and assemblage E, with the latter as the predominant assemblage found in both locations and all age groups except adults. The present study expanded the host range of G. duodenalis and provided fundamental data for controlling G. duodenalis infection in Zangxiang pigs.

Correction to: Molecular characterization of Blastocystis sp. in captive wild animals in Qinling Mountains.

There were errors in Fig. 1 of the originally published article. Correct fig. 1 is presented here.

Molecular characterization of Blastocystis sp. in captive wild animals in Qinling Mountains.

Blastocystis is one common protist inhabiting in gastrointestinal tracts of animals and humans. Examining the subtypes has important implications for assessing the zoonotic potential of Blastocystis and intestinal health of hosts. In the present study, a total of 497 fecal samples collected from 37 wild animal species in Qinling Mountains were investigated for the presence and subtypes of Blastocystis. Of them, 200 (40.2%) were positive for Blastocystis and 13 subtypes were found, including eight known subtypes (STs1-3, 5, 10, 12-14) and five possible novel subtypes (temporarily named as STs18-22), with ST10 as the predominate subtype and the subtype ST5 was detected in an ostrich for the first time. These findings indicated the wide distribution and specific subtype characteristics of Blastocystis in wild animals of Qinling Mountains.

Characterization of Oesophagostomum asperum and O. columbianum by internal transcribed spacers of nuclear ribosomal DNA.

In the present study, the internal transcribed spacers (ITS) of ribosomal DNA (rDNA) of Oesophagostomum asperum and O. columbianum were amplified and sequenced. The ITS-1, 5.8S and ITS-2 rDNA sequences of O. asperum were 374 bp, 153 bp and 259 bp in length, respectively, and the corresponding sequences of O. columbianum were 259, 153 and 218 bp in length, respectively. Sequence differences in the ITS-1 and ITS-2 rDNA between the two Oesophagostomum species were 9.5-10.2% and 12.7-13.9%, respectively. Sequence differences in the ITS-1 and ITS-2 rDNA among members of the genus Oesophagostomum were 2.5-11.6% and 6.8-22.3%, respectively. Based on genetic markers in the ITS rDNA, an effective polymerase chain reaction (PCR) approach was developed to differentiate O. columbianum from O. asperum with a sensitivity of 0.2 ng/µl DNA. Since accurate characterization of parasites at different taxonomic levels is essential for population genetic studies and control of parasitosis, the present findings have important implications for studying epidemiology, taxonomy and population biology, as well as for the control of oesophagostomiasis.

Effects of 12 weeks of aerobic exercise on body composition and vascular compliance in obese boys.

AIM: This study tested the hypothesis that 12 weeks of air board exercise would enhance cardiorespiratory fitness and vascular compliance and reduce % body fat in obese Korean boys. METHODS: Twenty-two obese boys (>30% body fat) were studied. They were divided into 2 groups- an aerobic exercise group (N.=12), which trained 3 days/week, 50 min/day for 12 weeks, and a control group (N.=10). Control subjects only performed activities involved in their physical education classes. Body composition, cardiovascular fitness (20 m multistage endurance test performance) and vascular compliance were assessed before and after the completion of exercise training. RESULTS: The % changes in body fat (-4.6±0.9 vs. -1.5±1.0%), fat mass (-5.4±1.5 vs. -0.1±1.6%) and performance on the cardiovascular fitness test (14.3±2.5 vs. 3.7±1.6%) were greater in the exercise group than in the controls Compared to controls, % increases in vascular compliance were greater in the arms and legs of the exercise group (left arm: 2.8±0.5 vs. 2.0±2.9%; left leg: 2.6±1.2 vs. -0.5±2.0%; right arm: 2.9±0.9 vs. 0.3±2.9%; right leg: 4.8±1.8 vs. 1.5±2.0%). CONCLUSION: Results suggest that exercise training can reduce % body fat and enhance vascular compliance in obese male adolescents; changes that may reduce the risk for later development of cardiovascular disease.

Aortic intramural hematoma: aspects of pathogenesis 2011.

Non-invasive tomographic imaging modalities have recently contributed to identifying aortic intramural hematoma, a variant form of classic dissection, which is characterized by the absence of an intimal tear and thus the absence of direct flow communication, and which represents an important disease entity in acute aortic syndrome. Clinical investigations have revealed that intramural hematoma has characteristic clinical features and that the natural remodeling process of hematoma is different from that of classic aortic dissection. These findings suggest that intramural hematoma is not just a precursor to aortic dissection, but may be a unique disease entity with a more favorable prognosis compared to aortic dissection. There is regional heterogeneity regarding the relative incidence of this hematoma, with higher incidence seen in Eastern countries. Due to favorable outcomes with medical treatment in Asian patients with type A intramural hematoma, a tailored or individualized approach based on risk stratification using initial clinical information and including imaging studies and timely surgical repair has been suggested in hemodynamically stable patients; however, these results need to be confirmed in other patient populations. The concept of a "micro-tear" which cannot be easily visualized using conventional imaging modalities has been raised: "echo-free space" on transesophageal echocardiography and "focal contrast enhancement" on ultra-fast computerized tomography have drawn many physicians' attention, and the possibility of a pathophysiologic link between classic aortic dissection and intramural hematoma has been discussed. Further investigations are needed to test whether intramural hematoma begins with an initial intimal tear and a different aortic status--characterized by a more rigid and non-compliant aorta associated with old age or long-standing hypertension--and results in an apparently absent intimal flap.

Factors associated with development of late significant tricuspid regurgitation after successful left-sided valve surgery.

BACKGROUND: Persistent significant tricuspid regurgitation (TR) after successful left-sided valve surgery is frequently reported. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the incidence, risk factors and clinical impact of development of late significant TR after successful left-sided valve surgery. METHODS AND RESULTS: 638 patients (356 men, mean age 52 (SD 14) years) who had mild (or=3/4 at follow-up echocardiography. Clinical events were defined as cardiovascular death, repeated open-heart surgery, and congestive heart failure requiring hospital admission. The overall incidence of late significant TR was 7.7% (49/638). Age (hazard ratio (HR), 1.0, 95% CI, 1.0 to 1.1; p = 0.005), female gender (HR, 5.0; 95% CI 2.0 to 12.7; p = 0.001), rheumatic aetiology (HR, 3.8; 95% CI 1.4 to 10.3; p = 0.011), atrial fibrillation (Af) (HR, 2.6; 95% CI 1.1 to 6.4; p = 0.035) and peak pressure gradient of TR at follow-up (HR, 1.1; 95% CI 1.0 to 1.1; p<0.001) were independent factors associated with development of late significant TR. During clinical follow-up of 101 (24) months, patients who developed late significant TR showed a significantly lower 8-year clinical event-free survival rate (76 (6) vs 91 (1)%, p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Several clinical variables were independent risk factors for development of late significant TR. Early surgical intervention for TR in selected patients with these risk factors may be justified, even though they have only mild TR.

Use of Dyna-CT Angiography in Neuroendovascular Decision-Making. A Case Report.

SUMMARY: A successful neuroendovascular procedure depends on accurate anatomical understanding of a target vessel in relation to surrounding anatomical structures or endovascular devices, such as coils and stents. During an endovascular procedure, with conventional or three dimensional (3D) rotational angiography, this type of information is extremely difficult to obtain in a timely manner. To overcome this drawback, a DynaCT was combined with low dose contrast injection to create CT angiography (CTA)-like images (DynaCTA). The images obtained were similar to those of conventional CTA but with better quality in analyzing vessels to surrounding anatomical structures and endovascular devices while the patient was on the table. The authors present three illustrative cases in which information added by the DynaCTA helped improve understanding of anatomy, and affected our clinical decision-making. Although better quality images may be obtained by other imaging modalities or careful angiographic interpretations, DynaCTA can be an easy and effective rescue technique worth keeping in mind in clarifying the relation of a vessel to surrounding anatomy.

Experimental study of high-temperature smectic- C_{FI2}{ *} phase in chiral smectic liquid crystals that exhibit phase-sequence reversal.

We report the results of an experimental study of a recently observed phase sequence reversal of smectic-C_{FI2}{ *} [ SmC;{ *}(q_{T}=1/2); a four layer antiferroelectric] phase appearing in the temperature range above the smectic-C{ *} (SmC;{ *}) phase from the results of optical birefringence, spontaneous polarization, selective reflection, conoscopy, and dielectric spectroscopy. The SmC_{FI2}{ *} phase is observed in an antiferroelectric liquid crystalline compound, 10OHF, in a temperature range above that of SmC{ *} phase and is found to be thermodynamically monotropic, i.e., it appears only upon cooling from SmC_{alpha}{ *} phase. This is also unstable as if it is once transformed to SmC{ *} by the application of the bias, it does not return to its original state unless the sample is heated and cooled again in the absence of the bias. Nevertheless this phase is stabilized by the addition of a chiral smectic compound 9OTBBB1M7 (abbreviated as C9), having a wide temperature range of the SmC_{FI2}{ *} phase. The temperature range of the low temperature SmC{ *} decreases with increase in the concentration of C9 and for a concentration of 55 wt. %, SmC{ *} disappears and the transition takes place directly from SmC_{FI2}{ *} to the crystalline phase on cooling. The existence of such a high-temperature SmC_{FI2}{ *} phase is also supported by a phenomenological model.

Emergent image-guided treatment of a large CSF leak to reverse "in-extremis" signs of intracranial hypotension.

We report the use of an emergent, targeted fibrin spinal epidural blood patch with subarachnoid saline infusion to rapidly reverse "in-extremis" clinical and imaging signs of posterior-fossa coning brought about by acute-on-chronic intracranial hypotension, itself consequent to a cervicothoracic CSF leak. Treatment resulted in a dramatic recovery and eventual discharge with return to normal lifestyle and occupation. The clinical and imaging danger signs are reviewed; fibrin patch technique and potential pitfalls in postprocedure management are analyzed.

Interval change in size of venous pouch canine bifurcation aneurysms over a 10-month period.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The natural history study of experimental aneurysms is important for the evaluation of new endovascular occlusion devices. Our purpose was to evaluate the natural history of experimental venous pouch bifurcation aneurysms in mongrel dogs up to a 10-month period. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Serial digital subtraction angiography was performed in 5 bifurcation aneurysms 1, 4, 7, and 10 months after surgical creation. Aneurysm dimensions, including height, width, and neck diameter, and animal body weights were measured. Comparisons of each parameter were performed using the Friedman test and the paired Wilcoxon signed-rank test. RESULTS: Four of 5 aneurysms were patent during a 10-month follow-up period. One aneurysm was regarded as a partially thrombosed aneurysm at 1 month, though the extent of partial thrombosis lessened at 10 months. Bifurcation aneurysms progressively increased in size (aneurysm height, width, and neck diameter) during the first several months. CONCLUSION: If this experimental model is used to evaluate new endovascular devices for cerebral aneurysm treatment, investigators should be aware of early progressive aneurysm enlargement.

Caspase-8 has an essential role in resveratrol-induced apoptosis of rheumatoid fibroblast-like synoviocytes.

OBJECTIVE: Resveratrol is a naturally occurring polyphenol, which possesses chemotherapeutic potential through its ability to trigger apoptosis. The objective of this study was to investigate the major determinant for the apoptotic cell death induction by resveratrol in fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLS) derived from patients with RA. METHODS: The effect of resveratrol on apoptotic cell death was quantified in a population of subG1 in RA FLS by flow cytometry. The underlying signalling mechanism for apoptotic death was examined by analysing mitochondrial membrane potential, activation of the caspase cascade and translocation of Bid. RESULTS: We show that activation of caspase-8 is essential for triggering resveratrol-induced apoptotic signalling via the involvement of the mitochondrial pathway in RA FLS. Our findings also suggest that this enhanced apoptosis caused by resveratrol occurred in RA FLS irrespective of p53 status. Exposure to resveratrol caused extensive apoptotic cell death, along with a caspase-dependent (activation of caspase-9 and -3, poly ADPribose polymerase (PARP) cleavage and mitochondrial cytochrome c release) or caspase-independent [translocation of apoptosis-inducing factor (AIF) to the nucleus] signalling pathway. Analysis of upstream signalling events affected by resveratrol revealed that the activated caspase-8 triggered mitochondrial apoptotic events by inducing Bid cleavage without any alteration in the levels of Bax, Bcl-xL or Bcl2. The caspase-8 inhibitor or over-expression of crmA abrogated cell death induced by resveratrol and prevented processing of the downstream cascade. CONCLUSION: The results suggest that resveratrol causes activation of caspase-8, which in turn results in modulation of mitochondrial apoptotic machinery to promote apoptosis of RA FLS.

Three-dimensional characteristics of functional mitral regurgitation in patients with severe left ventricular dysfunction: a real-time three-dimensional colour Doppler echocardiography study.

OBJECTIVES: We sought to evaluate the three-dimensional (3D) features of functional mitral regurgitation (FMR) and their geometric determinants by real-time 3D colour Doppler echocardiography. METHODS: Real-time 3D colour Doppler echocardiography was performed in 52 patients with severe left ventricular dysfunction. With aliasing velocity set around 40 cm/s, proximal isovelocity surface area (PISA) radius was measured on medial, central and lateral antero-posterior planes at a mid-systole frame, and the largest (PISAmax) was determined. Geometric investigations of the left ventricle and mitral valve were performed. RESULTS: The distal length from the anterior leaflet angulation on the central plane was significantly longer in the 29 patients (56%) with eccentric PISA than in the 23 patients with central PISA (1.73 (0.44) vs 1.47 (0.33) cm, p<0.05). The 18 patients (35%) with both-sides dominant PISA had a smaller anterior leaflet bending angle (141 degrees (8 degrees ) vs 147 degrees (8 degrees ), p<0.05) and a longer distal length from the angulation on the central plane (1.80 (0.36) vs 1.51 (0.41) cm, p<0.05) than the remaining 34 patients. The 14 patients (27%) with separate PISAs had smaller PISAmax (0.33 (0.13) vs 0.45 (0.16) cm, p<0.05), and tenting height (0.91 (0.20) vs 1.06 (0.24) cm, p<0.05) and tenting area (2.1 (0.6) vs 2.7 (0.8) cm(2), p<0.05) on the central plane than in those with single PISA. CONCLUSIONS: 3D features of FMR are quite diverse. The shape and site of anterior leaflet bending determine the shape of the regurgitant orifice, and small mitral valve tenting generates separate small regurgitant orifices of FMR in patients with severe left ventricular dysfunction.

Serum galectin-3 and galectin-3 binding protein levels in Behçet's disease and their association with disease activity.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the serum levels of galectin-3 (Gal-3) and galectin-3 binding protein (G3BP) and to evaluate the associations between clinical features and these levels in patients with Behçet's disease (BD). METHODS: Fifty patients with BD (mean age 40.6 +/- SEM 1.4 years; 21 males, 29 females; 26 active and 24 inactive patients), 20 patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and 20 patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) were enrolled. Clinical features of BD patients including BD activity and severity over the previous 4 weeks were reviewed and serum levels of Gal-3 and G3BP were determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA). RESULTS: Serum Gal-3 levels were significantly higher in total BD patients than in healthy controls (mean +/- SEM, 10.68 +/- 0.93 versus 7.59 +/- 0.48 ng/mL; p = 0.0042 by Student's t-test), and active BD patients had significantly higher levels of serum Gal-3 than inactive patients and controls (13.08 +/- 1.53 in active BD, 8.08 +/- 0.71 ng/mL in inactive BD; p = 0.000039 by one way ANOVA). Although mean G3BP serum levels were not different in total BD patients and controls, active BD patients (6806.63 +/- 468.58 ng/mL) had higher G3BP levels than controls (5421.05 +/- 286.02 ng/mL; p = 0.031 by one way ANOVA). Additionally, serum Gal-3 significantly increased in patients with RA (p = 0.019 by t-test) and SLE (p = 0.00069) and G3BP increased in patients with SLE (p = 0.000012), compared to those in healthy controls. When we analyzed for associations with clinical features over the previous 4 weeks, Gal-3 was associated with orogenital ulcers (p = 0.036 by t-test) and time elapsed from symptom onset (p = 0.032, Pearson's coefficient = 0.314). Serum concentrations of Gal-3 (p = 0.013) and G3BP (p = 0.032) were positively correlated with the BD severity score for the previous 4 weeks. Gal-3 levels were significantly correlated with TNF-alpha (p = 0.048, Pearson's coefficient = 0.281) and G3BP levels were correlated with levels of C-reactive protein (p = 0.021, Pearson's coefficient = 0.329) in total BD patients. In multivariate analysis of all cytokines levels, only Gal-3 was significantly related to BD activity or severity for the previous 4 weeks. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that serum levels of Gal-3 and G3BP are increased in active BD patients and Gal-3 can be a new biomarker indicating disease activity in BD although their increments are not disease-specific.

Operative treatment of ventral hernia using prosthetic materials.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to summarize the clinical experiences in repairing abdominal incisional hernia with prosthetic materials. METHODS: Eighty-three patients with ventral hernia were analyzed retrospectively. RESULTS: Two patients developed pulmonary infection, one developed adhesive ileus, and five developed wound infection. All wounds healed completely during follow-up. Seventy-three (88%) patients were free of pain, and ten patients (12%) felt pain in the operated area within the last month; only one patient required pain-relieving drugs. Twenty-nine patients (35%) felt discomfort, such as stiffness. Four cases experienced postoperative recurrence. CONCLUSIONS: Incisional herniorrhaphy with prosthetic materials is safe and effective but has a high discomfort rate. Open giant incisional hernia or recurrent incisional hernia should be performed by trained surgeons. Placing mesh in a suitable position and using a patch with minimal reaction and enough tensile strength may improve the prognosis. Further studies are necessary utilizing light polypropylene mesh.

Preparation and properties of electrophoretic microcapsules for electronic paper.

This paper shows two types of microcapsules used for electrophoretic display. One is prepared by in-situ polymerization which is based on urea, melamine and formaldehyde and another by complex coacervation, which is composed of gelatin and gum Arabic. Microcapsules attract interests of many research groups for longer lifetime of electrophoretic display by reducing agglomerization or lateral movements of nanoparticles. The gelatin microcapsules were more attractive in providing more uniform microcapsule coverage on electrodes due to their flexibility as compared to the melamine-urea microcapsules. The properties of microcapsules were characterized by FTIR, OM, SEM and TGA. Migration of nanoparticles in the two types of microcapsules was also observed when an electric field was applied.

A new hemostasis valve for neuroendovascular procedures.

SUMMARY: A hemostasis valve is routinely used in neuroendovascular procedures to decrease the risk of thromboembolism (1,2) . Recently, a new hemostasis valve that is designed to minimize blood loss has been introduced. We report our initial experience in using this new hemostasis valve. In neuroendovascular procedures, a hemostasis valve is commonly used for continuous irrigation of guide and microcatheters to decrease the risk of thromboembolism(1,2,3). A conventional hemostasis valve has a rotating seal at the end, which is turned open or closed each time a wire or microcatheter/guidewire is introduced or extracted. Often this results in significant back bleeding. When a rotating seal is adjusted suboptimally during a wire or microcatheter manipulation, leakage of pressurized saline from the end of a hemostasis valve results in stagnation of blood within a guiding catheter, which becomes a potential source of emboli during a procedure. The Guardian Haemostasis Valve (Zerusa Limited, Galway, Ireland) is a new hemostasis valve that is designed to minimize blood loss during interventional procedures by minimizing the opening time of the valve during wire or microcatheter insertion. A continuous sealing mechanism during wire or microcatheter positioning minimizes blood loss and stagnation of blood within the guide catheter. We report our initial experience with the Guardian hemostasis valve.

Treatment of cerebral aneurysms with hydrogel-coated platinum coils (HydroCoil): early single-center experience.

PURPOSE: The authors report their experience using HydroCoils in the treatment of cerebral aneurysms. METHODS: We performed a retrospective review of the first 100 nonrandomized patients (104 coiled saccular cerebral aneurysms) treated with HydroCoils during a 27-month period. RESULTS: The average percentage of HydroCoil by length detached in treated aneurysms was 45.5% (range, 9.9-100%). Immediate postprocedure angiography demonstrated complete aneurysm occlusion in 34%, neck remnant in 35%, and incomplete occlusion in 32%. Immediate procedure-related morbidity and mortality rates were 5.8% and 0%, respectively. Angiographic follow-up was obtained in 51% (51/100 patients; 53/104 aneurysms; average, 10.3 months; range, 0-31 months). In these 53 angiographically followed aneurysms, the overall recanalization rate was 21%: no recanalization occurred in 23 aneurysms with small size (<10 mm)/small neck (<4 mm) (S/S); 4 recanalizations occurred in 7 aneurysms with small size/wide neck (>4 mm) (S/W); 6 recanalizations (27%) occurred in 22 large (L) aneurysms (>10-25 mm, 70% angiographic follow-up); and 1 giant (G) (>25 mm) aneurysm recanalized. A large proportion of aneurysms that were not initially completely occluded were completely occluded on follow-up (15/43 [35%]). Clinical follow-up was obtained in 73 patients (73%; average, 5.3 months; range, 0-24 months): 93% of these patients were neurologically improved or unchanged. Three patients rehemorrhaged and 3 patients with unruptured aneurysms developed delayed hydrocephalus. CONCLUSIONS: The overall safety profile of HydroCoils appears acceptable. Preliminary midterm observations suggest less coil compaction/aneurysm recanalization in large aneurysms. However, HydroCoil-related delayed hydrocephalus is a concern.

Cervical juxtafacet cysts: case report and literature review.

BACKGROUND: Juxtafacet cysts of the cervical and thoracic spine are rare and often present with myelopathy. Juxtafacet cysts are well recognized entities found commonly in the lumbar spine but are unusual in the cervical and thoracic spine. We present a case of a patient with gait disturbance and early myelopathy who was found to have a juxtafacet cyst at the cervico-thoracic junction. We further review the literature. PURPOSE: To describe a case of a cervico-thoracic juxtafacet cyst and review the literature. STUDY DESIGN: Case report and subject review. METHODS: One patient presenting with early myelopathy and pain underwent surgery for resection of the lesion. Pathologic analysis revealed a juxtafacet cyst. RESULTS: The patient recovered uneventfully with relief of his pain. Pubmed review revealed less than 30 similar cases in the literature. CONCLUSION: Juxtafacet cysts of the cervical spine are rare entities. These lesions comprise both synovial cysts and ganglion cysts. The benign lesions present with myelopathy and should be considered in patients with cystic lesions in the cervical spinal canal.