Geometry and Segmentation of Cerberus Fossae, Mars: Implications for Marsquake Properties.

The NASA InSight mission to Mars successfully landed on 26 November 2018 in Elysium Planitia. It aims to characterize the seismic activity and aid in the understanding of the internal structure of Mars. We focus on the Cerberus Fossae region, a giant fracture network ∼1,200 km long situated east of the InSight landing site where M ∼3 marsquakes were detected during the past 2 years. It is formed of five main fossae located on the southeast of the Elysium Mons volcanic rise. We perform a detailed mapping of the entire system based on high-resolution satellite images and Digital Elevation Models. The refined cartography reveals a range of morphologies associated with dike activity at depth. Width and throw measurements of the fossae are linearly correlated, suggesting a possible tectonic control on the shapes of the fossae. Widths and throws decrease toward the east, indicating the long-term direction of propagation of the dike-induced graben system. They also give insights into the geometry at depth and how the possible faults and fractures are rooted in the crust. The exceptional preservation of the fossae allows us to detect up to four scales of segmentation, each formed by a similar number of 3-4 segments/subsegments. This generic distribution is comparable to continental faults and fractures on Earth. We anticipate higher stress and potential marsquakes within intersegment zones and at graben tips.

Endometrial immunocompetent cells in proliferative and secretory phase of normal menstrual cycle.

BACKGROUND: Menstruation was presented as a result of inflammatory process. The total and relative numbers of the endometrial immunocompetitive cells vary during the different phases of the menstrual cycle. The aim of this morphological study is to make a contribution to understanding different distribution of leukocyte types during proliferative and secretory phase of normal menstrual cycle. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study included 40 women (20 in proliferative and 20 in secretory phase of the menstrual cycle). Exploratory curettage performed as preoperative preparation due to uterine myomas. Immunophenotyping was performed by immunoalkaline phosphatase (APAAP) using monoclonal antibodies: CD15, CD20, CD30, CD45RO, CD56, CD57 and CD68. The results were statistically analysed using SPSS 20.0 software. RESULTS: Natural killer (NK) cells are dominant during secretory, and CD45RO T lymphocytes are dominant during proliferative phase of the menstrual cycle. During the secretory phase of menstrual cycle, leukocytes make 30% of total endometrial cells. NK cells (CD56+ bright subpopulation), activated T lymphocytes, macrophages and B lymphocytes significantly increase in their number during the secretory phase of menstrual cycle. CONCLUSIONS: Significant changes in endometrial leukocyte populations during proliferative and secretory phase of the menstrual cycle are emphasized. Changes in dominance of different leukocyte subpopulations are determined by hormonal and microenvironmental changes in modulatory factors that have not yet been fully explained.

New insights into the origin and the genetic status of the Balkan donkey from Serbia.

The Balkan donkey (Equus asinus L.) is commonly regarded as a large-sized, unselected, unstructured and traditionally managed donkey breed. We assessed the current genetic status of the three largest E. asinus populations in the central Balkans (Serbia) by analysing the variability of nuclear microsatellites and the mitochondrial (mtDNA) control region of 77 and 49 individuals respectively. We further analysed our mtDNA dataset along with 209 published mtDNA sequences of ancient and modern individuals from 19 European and African populations to provide new insights into the origin and the history of the Balkan donkey. Serbian donkey populations are highly genetically diverse at both the nuclear and mtDNA levels despite severe population decline. Traditional Balkan donkeys in Serbia are rather heterogeneous; we found two groups of individuals with similar phenotypic features, somewhat distinct nuclear backgrounds and different proportions of mtDNA haplotypes belonging to matrilineal Clades 1 and 2. Another group, characterized by larger body size, different coat colour, distinct nuclear gene pool and predominantly Clade 2 haplotypes, was delineated as the Banat donkey breed. The maternal landscape of the large Balkan donkey population is highly heterogeneous and more complex than previously thought. Given the two independent domestication events in donkeys, multiple waves of introductions into the Balkans from Greece are hypothesized. Clade 2 donkeys probably appeared in Greece prior to those belonging to Clade 1, whereas expansion and diversification of Clade 1 donkeys within the Balkans predated that of Clade 2 donkeys.

Oxidative stress and DNA damage in horses naturally infected with Theileria equi.

The aim of this study was to determine the concentrations of oxidative stress parameters and DNA damage in horses infected by Theileria equi. Initial screening of 110 horses with duplex PCR enabled the selection of 30 infected horses with T. equi and 30 free of infection (control). Specimens from the 60 horses were further analysed by determining the following oxidative stress parameters: extent of haemolysis (EH), plasma free haemoglobin (PHb), catalase (CAT), Cu,Zn superoxide dismutase (SOD1), paraoxonase (PON1), nitrite (NO2-), total nitrate and nitrite (NOx), malondialdehyde (MDA) and free thiol groups (-SH). In addition, relative distribution of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH1-LDH5) activity and the DNA-damaging effects of T. equi infection were evaluated. Compared to control horses, horses infected with T. equi had significantly higher SOD1 activities (P <0.05) and PHb (P <0.01), NO2- (P <0.001), NOx (P <0.05) and MDA concentrations (P <0.001), and significantly lower EH (P <0.001), CAT (P <0.01) and PON1 (P <0.001) activities, and thiol group concentrations (P <0.05). The comet assay demonstrated significantly increased DNA damage in T. equi infected cells compared to non-infected cells (P <0.001). Infected horses had significantly increased LDH5 isoenzyme activities (P <0.05). There was higher production of ROS/RNS in T. equi-infected horses, which resulted in changes in osmotic fragility, damage to lipids, proteins and DNA, haemolysis and hepatocellular damage. Oxidative stress in horses naturally infected with T. equi could contribute to the pathogenesis of the infection.

Dabigatran for the Treatment and Secondary Prevention of Venous Thromboembolism; A Cost-Effectiveness Analysis for the Netherlands.

BACKGROUND: Dabigatran was proven to have similar effect on the prevention of recurrence of venous thromboembolism (VTE) and a lower risk of bleeding compared to vitamin K antagonists (VKA). The aim of this study is to assess the cost-effectiveness (CE) of dabigatran for the treatment and secondary prevention in patients with VTE compared to VKAs in the Dutch setting. METHODS: Previously published Markov model was modified and updated to assess the CE of dabigatran and VKAs for the treatment and secondary prevention in patients with VTE from a societal perspective in the base-case analysis. The model was populated with efficacy and safety data from major dabigatran trials (i.e. RE-COVER, RECOVER II, RE-MEDY and RE-SONATE), Dutch specific costs, and utilities derived from dabigatran trials or other published literature. Univariate, probabilistic sensitivity and a number of scenario analyses evaluating various decision-analytic settings (e.g. the perspective of analysis, use of anticoagulants only for treatment or only for secondary prevention, or comparison to no treatment) were tested on the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER). RESULTS: In the base-case scenario, patients on dabigatran gained an additional 0.034 quality adjusted life year (QALY) while saving €1,598. Results of univariate sensitivity analysis were quite robust. The probability that dabigatran is cost-effective at a willingness-to-pay threshold of €20,000/QALY was 98.1%. From the perspective of healthcare provider, extended anticoagulation with dabigatran compared to VKAs was estimated at €2,158 per QALY gained. The ICER for anticoagulation versus no treatment in patients with equipoise risk of recurrent VTE was estimated at €33,379 per QALY gained. Other scenarios showed dabigatran was cost-saving. CONCLUSION: From a societal perspective, dabigatran is likely to be a cost-effective or even cost-saving strategy for treatment and secondary prevention of VTE compared to VKAs in the Netherlands.

Intra-amnial methotrexate in cervical pregnancy treatment.

Cervical pregnancy is an extremely rare condition with potential devastating consequences if not diagnosed and treated early enough. The authors present a case with ultrasound images of early cervical ectopic pregnancy in a woman with a history of previous cesarean section who was successfully treated with intra-amnial methotrexate (MTX).

Behaviour of non-standard composition copper bearing anodes from the copper refining process.

This paper addresses on investigation the possibility of electrolytic treatment the sulphur acidic waste solution, obtained in the conventional electrolytic copper refining process. Beside the high copper concentration, the high concentration of other metals, in this case nickel, is the main characteristic of these waste solutions. Due to this fact, the copper bearing anodes with non-standard nickel, lead, tin and antimony content were specially prepared for the refining process. Nickel content of all anodes was approximately 7.5 mass%, and the content of lead, tin and antimony was varied. The preliminary results, obtained using the standard electrochemical techniques, have indicated that the copper bearing anodes could be used under the same conditions as well as in the conventional copper refining process. The measurements in constant galvanostatic pulse have pointed out that the all chemical elements from copper bearing anodes were dissolved and only copper was deposited onto the cathode. It was also pointed out that Ni concentration in the base working electrolyte (sulphur acidic waste solution), after 72 h of process, increased to 102 mass% at T(1)=63+/-2 degrees C and up to 122 mass% at T(1)=73+/-2 degrees C, while arsenic concentration decreased to a minimum value.

Biogeographic study of the honey bee (Apis mellifera L.) from Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Republic of Macedonia based on mitochondrial DNA analyses.

In this work, Apis mellifera carnica and A. m. macedonica honey bees from Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Republic of Macedonia were analysed using molecular techniques in order to improve our knowledge about biogeography of A. mellifera on the Balkan peninsula. This is the first time that the indigenous honey bees from Bosnia and Herzegovina and Republic of Macedonia have been analyzed using a molecular approach. Sampling was carried out from 560 stationary apiaries where bees were kept in traditional hives (woven skeps). The COI-COII regions of 1680 samples were PCR-amplified and sequenced. To reveal the haplotype of studied bees, the obtained sequences were aligned with published sequence data of haplotypes that belong to A. mellifera C phylogenetic lineage. The C2D mtDNA haplotype was found in all honey bees sampled from Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Republic of Macedonia. These results show that A. m. carnica and A. m. macedonica share the same C2D mtDNA haplotype. COI gene segments of 1680 samples were PCR-amplified and digested with restriction enzymes NcoI and StyI in order to discriminate A. m. macedonica from A. m. carnica. Amplified fragment patterns produced by both restriction enzymes matched with diagnostic pattern characteristic for A. m. macedonica in case of samples from east, south and south-west parts of Serbia, and Republic of Macedonia, fragments of samples from northern part of Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina did not include NcoI and StyI restriction sites. These results indicate that honey bees from east, south and south-west parts of Serbia, and Republic of Macedonia belong to the A. m. macedonica, and honey bees from northern part of Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina belong to another subspecies, probably to the A. m. carnica. Therefore A. m. macedonica has much wider area of distribution than it was previously considered.

Invasive inflammatory pseudotumor of the pelvis: a case report with review of the literature.

Inflammatory pseudotumor (IPT) is a rare benign lesion of unknown etiology, which mimics malignant neoplasm and may arise from various organs. A 53-year-old woman was submitted to diagnostic evaluation because of bilateral, hydroureteronephrosis and oedema of the left leg after a 3-month history of fever of unknown origin. On bimanual vaginal and rectal examination, a mass was involving the uterus, parametria and mostly left adnexa, while the cervix appeared normal. Computed tomographic (CT) scan revealed a 13x10.5 cm mass in the pelvis, mostly at the place of the left adnexa, uterus and both parametria, also involving the surrounding tissues and producing bilateral hydroureteronephrosis. At laparotomy, a grey solid mass was seen, mainly involving the reproductive system. As no radical operation could be performed, the mass was only biopsied and histology showed an inflammatory pseudotumor. Antibiotic therapy was given for one month. Follow-up CT 4 and 8 months after laparotomy showed local regression of IPT. The last follow-up CT, 20 months after laparotomy, revealed no evidence of tumor.

Cytogenetic effects of 8-Cl-cAMP on human and animal chromosomes.

PURPOSE: To assess the cytogenetic effects in vitro and in vivo of a non-cytotoxic antitumor agent with biomodulator activity, 8-chloro-3',5' cyclic adenosine monophosphate (8-ClcAMP). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Cytogenetic effects of 8-Cl-cAMP where evaluated using the in vitro chromosome cytogenetic assay (CA) on human peripheral blood lymphocytes of healthy individuals and by bone marrow micronucleus assay in adult BALB/c mice. RESULTS: In the in vitro chromosome CA, 8-Cl-cAMP (in all respective doses; 1.5 and 15 microm) induced mitotic inhibition and premature centromere separation (PCS) but no chromosomal damage in cultured human peripheral blood lymphocytes. In the in vivo test, single intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection of 8-Cl-cAMP in doses of 10, 80 and 150 mg/kg showed a dose-related effect on the frequency of micronuclei, detected in murine polychromatic erythrocytes (PCE). CONCLUSION: The results of the present study show that genotoxicity of 8-Cl-cAMP has a different matrix of response when comparing results in vitro and in vivo, suggesting that high metabolic activity in vivo is responsible for the clastogenic potential of 8-Cl-cAMP. These comparative results indicate a need of having an available battery of genotoxic tests in order to evaluate possible cytogenetic effects of novel antitumor agents.

Dose-finding study of capecitabine in combination with weekly paclitaxel for patients with anthracycline-pretreated metastatic breast cancer.

PURPOSE: Capecitabine and paclitaxel show high efficacy, non-overlapping toxicity profiles and preclinical synergism, providing the rationale for their combination in metastatic breast cancer (MBC). This dose-escalation study aimed at determining the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) of capecitabine plus paclitaxel in anthracycline-pretreated MBC patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients with MBC received fl at-dose of oral capecitabine (1,000 mg/m(2) twice daily, days 1-14) plus weekly paclitaxel 60, 75, or 90 mg/m(2), i.v., days 1, 8 and 15, every 3 weeks. RESULTS: All 11 patients enrolled onto study were evaluable for toxicity and response. Two patients receiving paclitaxel 75 mg/m(2) experienced grade 3 nail toxicity, with grade 3 hand-foot syndrome (HFS) in one patient and grade 2 dermatitis in the other. Although not life-threatening, these were considered unacceptable and the preceding dose level was selected. Eight of 11 patients achieved objective responses. CONCLUSION: The recommended regimen is capecitabine 1,000 mg/m(2) twice daily, days 1-14, plus paclitaxel 60 mg/m(2)/week. Escalation of the paclitaxel dose above 60 mg/m(2)/week is not feasible due to severe skin toxicity.

ATP stimulates calcium-dependent glutamate release from cultured astrocytes.

ATP caused a dose-dependent, receptor-mediated increase in the release of glutamate and aspartate from cultured astrocytes. Using calcium imaging in combination HPLC we found that the increase in intracellular calcium coincided with an increase in glutamate and aspartate release. Competitive antagonists of P(2) receptors blocked the response to ATP. The increase in intracellular calcium and release of glutamate evoked by ATP were not abolished in low Ca(2+)-EGTA saline, suggesting the involvement of intracellular calcium stores. Pre-treatment of glial cultures with an intracellular Ca(2+) chelator abolished the stimulatory effects of ATP. Thapsigargin (1 microM), an inhibitor of Ca(2+)-ATPase from the Ca(2+) pump of internal stores, significantly reduced the calcium transients and the release of aspartate and glutamate evoked by ATP. U73122 (10 microM, a phospholipase C inhibitor, attenuated the ATP-stimulatory effect on calcium transients and blocked ATP-evoked glutamate release in astrocytes. Replacement of extracellular sodium with choline failed to influence ATP-induced glutamate release. Furthermore, inhibition of the glutamate transporters p-chloromercuri-phenylsulfonic acid and Ltrans-pyrolidine-2,4-dicarboxylate failed to impair the ability of ATP to stimulate glutamate release from astrocytes. However, an anion transport inhibitor, furosemide, and a potent Cl(-) channel blocker, 5-nitro-2(3-phenylpropylamino)-benzoate, reduced ATP-induced glutamate release. These results suggest that ATP stimulates excitatory amino acid release from astrocytes via a calcium-dependent anion-transport sensitive mechanism.

Comparative studies of the serum lipoproteins and lipids in some domestic, laboratory and wild animals.

1. The concentration of lipoproteins and lipids in the sera of several species of healthy adult laboratory animals (guinea-pig, rabbit and rat), domestic animals (cattle, sheep, goat, horse and swine) and wild animals (deer, wild boar, mink and fox) have been investigated under physiological conditions. Special attention was paid to the lipoproteins which are precipitated with heparin-MnCl2 and to the ratio of lipids in separated alpha and beta lipoproteins. 2. Most of the studied animals had significantly lower concentrations of total lipoproteins, beta lipoproteins and cholesterol than those in man (P < 0.001). Only some wild animals (mink and fox) had concentrations of total lipoproteins, beta lipoproteins, phospholipids and cholesterol which were significantly higher than man's (P < 0.001). 3. The ratio of lipids in the separated lipoprotein fractions also differed between the examined animals. Thus, in the sheep, rabbit, guinea-pig and wild boar most of the cholesterol (70-76%) was in beta lipoproteins. However, in the horse (60%), mink (60%), fox (65%), goat (70%) and cattle (73%) the high density lipoprotein fraction was the main carrier of cholesterol. 4. With the exception of the guinea-pig (42%) most of the serum phospholipids were found in the high density lipoprotein fraction.