Development of novel MnO2 coated carbon felt cathode for microbial electroreduction of CO2 to biofuels

Fabrication of superior and cost-effective cathodic materials is vital in manufacturing sustainable microbial electrolysis cells (MECs) for biofuels production. In the present study, a novel manganese dioxide (MnO₂) coated felt cathode (Mn/CF) has been developed for MECs using electrodeposition method via potentiostat. MnO₂ is considered to encourage exogenous electron exchange and, in this way, improves the reduction of carbon dioxide (CO₂). MnO₂, as a cathodic catalyst, enhances the rate of biofuel production, electron transfer, and significantly reduces the cost of MECs. A maximum stabilized current density of 3.70 ± 0.5 mA/m² was obtained in case of MnO₂-coated Mn/CF based MEC, which was more than double the non-coated carbon felt (CF) cathode (1.70 ± 0.5 mA/m²). The dual chamber Mn/CF-MEC achieved the highest production rate of acetic acid (37.9 mmol/L) that was significantly higher (43.0%) in comparison to the non-coated CF-MEC. The cyclic voltammograms further verified the substantial enhancement in the electron transfer between the MnO₂ coated cathode and microbes. The obtained results demonstrate that MnO₂ interacted electrochemically with microbial cells and enhanced the extracellular electron transfer, therefore validating its potential role in biofuel production. The MnO₂ coated CF further offered higher electrode surface area and better electron transfer efficiency, suggesting its applicability in the large-scale MECs.

Suppresive plants as weed management tool: Managing Parthenium hysterophorus under simulated grazing in Australian grasslands

Parthenium hysterophorus L. is among one of the most problematic invasive grassland weeds in Australia, and in many other countries around the world. It can reduce pasture and livestock production, natural community biodiversity, and negatively affect human and animal health. Sowing of selected suppressive pasture plants in parthenium weed infested grasslands has shown potential to improve efficacy of management. However, such species need to be tested for their ability to suppress weed growth under grazing conditions. The parthenium weed suppressive and fodder production capacity of six selected pasture species [purple pigeon grass (Setaria incrassata), buffel grass (Cenchrus ciliaris), butterfly pea (Clitoria ternatea), Kangaroo grass (Themeda triandra), bull Mitchell grass (Astrebla squarrosa) and Indian bluegrass (Bothriochloa pertusa)] was tested under no (0%), low (25%), moderate (50%) and heavy (75%) simulated grazing pressures in a grassland area of south-central Queensland, Australia. Purple pigeon grass, buffel grass and butterfly pea legume suppressed the growth of parthenium weed by >50% under low and moderate simulated grazing pressures, as well as generating moderate to high amounts of fodder biomass (up to 5.07 t ha^-1 per year). Native species, Kangaroo grass and bull Mitchell grass both suppressed the parthenium weed's growth by >50% under low simulated grazing pressure, however, they generated low to moderate amounts of biomass, 1.83 t ha^-1 and 2.7 t ha^-1 per year, respectively. The sowing of selected suppressive pasture species in parthenium weed infested grasslands with low-to-moderate grazing pressure, assuming this corresponds closely with the simulated treatment, would provide an additional tool to the best practice weed management strategy as well as sustaining fodder production.

Prediction of large-for-gestational-age neonate by routine third-trimester ultrasound

OBJECTIVES

First, to evaluate and compare the performance of routine ultrasonographic estimated fetal weight (EFW) and fetal abdominal circumference (AC) at 31 + 0 to 33 + 6 and 35 + 0 to 36 + 6 weeks' gestation in the prediction of a large-for-gestational-age (LGA) neonate born at ≥ 37 weeks' gestation. Second, to assess the additive value of fetal growth velocity between 32 and 36 weeks' gestation to the performance of EFW at 35 + 0 to 36 + 6 weeks' gestation for prediction of a LGA neonate. Third, to define the predictive performance for a LGA neonate of different EFW cut-offs on routine ultrasound examination at 35 + 0 to 36 + 6 weeks' gestation. Fourth, to propose a two-stage strategy for identifying pregnancies with a LGA fetus that may benefit from iatrogenic delivery during the 38^th gestational week.

METHODS

This was a retrospective study. First, data from 21 989 singleton pregnancies that had undergone routine ultrasound examination at 31 + 0 to 33 + 6 weeks' gestation and 45 847 that had undergone routine ultrasound examination at 35 + 0 to 36 + 6 weeks were used to compare the predictive performance of EFW and AC for a LGA neonate with birth weight > 90^th and > 97^th percentiles born at ≥ 37 weeks' gestation. Second, data from 14 497 singleton pregnancies that had undergone routine ultrasound examination at 35 + 0 to 36 + 6 weeks' gestation and had a previous scan at 30 + 0 to 34 + 6 weeks were used to determine, through multivariable logistic regression analysis, whether addition of growth velocity, defined as the difference in EFW Z-score or AC Z-score between the early and late third-trimester scans divided by the time interval between the scans, improved the performance of EFW at 35 + 0 to 36 + 6 weeks in the prediction of delivery of a LGA neonate at ≥ 37 weeks' gestation. Third, in the database of the 45 847 pregnancies that had undergone routine ultrasound examination at 35 + 0 to 36 + 6 weeks' gestation, the screen-positive and detection rates for a LGA neonate born at ≥ 37 weeks' gestation and ≤ 10 days after the initial scan were calculated for different EFW percentile cut-offs between the 50^th and 90^th percentiles.

RESULTS

First, the areas under the receiver-operating characteristics curves (AUC) of screening for a LGA neonate were significantly higher using EFW Z-score than AC Z-score and at 35 + 0 to 36 + 6 than at 31 + 0 to 33 + 6 weeks' gestation (P < 0.001 for all). Second, the performance of screening for a LGA neonate achieved by EFW Z-score at 35 + 0 to 36 + 6 weeks was not significantly improved by addition of EFW growth velocity or AC growth velocity. Third, in screening by EFW > 90^th percentile at 35 + 0 to 36 + 6 weeks' gestation, the predictive performance for a LGA neonate born at ≥ 37 weeks' gestation was modest (65% and 46% for neonates with birth weight > 97^th and > 90^th percentiles, respectively, at a screen-positive rate of 10%), but the performance was better for prediction of a LGA neonate born ≤ 10 days after the scan (84% and 71% for neonates with birth weight > 97^th and > 90^th percentiles, respectively, at a screen-positive rate of 11%). Fourth, screening by EFW > 70^th percentile at 35 + 0 to 36 + 6 weeks' gestation predicted 91% and 82% of LGA neonates with birth weight > 97^th and > 90^th percentiles, respectively, born at ≥ 37 weeks' gestation, at a screen-positive rate of 32%, and the respective values of screening by EFW > 85^th percentile for prediction of a LGA neonate born ≤ 10 days after the scan were 88%, 81% and 15%. On the basis of these results, it was proposed that routine fetal biometry at 36 weeks' gestation is a screening rather than diagnostic test for fetal macrosomia and that EFW > 70^th percentile should be used to identify pregnancies in need of another scan at 38 weeks, at which those with EFW > 85^th percentile should be considered for iatrogenic delivery during the 38^th  week.

CONCLUSIONS

First, the predictive performance for a LGA neonate by routine ultrasonographic examination during the third trimester is higher if the scan is carried out at 36 than at 32 weeks, the method of screening is EFW than fetal AC, the outcome measure is birth weight > 97^th than > 90^th percentile and if delivery occurs within 10 days than at any stage after assessment. Second, prediction of a LGA neonate by EFW > 90^th percentile is modest and this study presents a two-stage strategy for maximizing the prenatal prediction of a LGA neonate. Copyright © 2019 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Maternal and neonatal complications of fetal macrosomia: cohort study

OBJECTIVE

To estimate the risks of maternal and neonatal complications in pregnancies with macrosomia.

METHODS

This was a retrospective cohort study conducted at a large maternity unit in the UK between January 2009 and December 2016. The incidence of maternal and neonatal complications in pregnancies with macrosomia, defined as birth weight (BW) > 4000 g, and in those with severe macrosomia, defined as BW > 4500 g, was compared with that in pregnancies with normal BW (2500-4000 g). Regression analysis was performed to determine odds ratios (ORs) for complications in macrosomic pregnancies compared to those with normal BW.

RESULTS

The study population of 35 548 pregnancies included 4522 (12.7%) with macrosomia, of which 643 (1.8%) had severe macrosomia, and 31 026 (87.3%) with normal BW. In the macrosomia group, the adjusted OR was 3.1 (95% CI, 2.6-3.6) for Cesarean section for failure to progress, 2.4 (95% CI, 2.0-3.0) for severe postpartum hemorrhage, 2.3 (95% CI, 1.9-2.8) for obstetric anal sphincter injury, 10.4 (95% CI, 8.6-12.6) for shoulder dystocia, 28.5 (95% CI, 8.9-90.7) for obstetric brachial plexus injury, 32.3 (95% CI, 3.8-278.2) for birth fractures and 4.4 (95% CI, 2.2-8.8) for hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy. The respective values in pregnancies with severe macrosomia were 4.3 (95% CI, 3.1-6.1), 2.9 (95% CI, 1.9-4.4), 3.1 (95% CI, 1.9-5.1), 28.7 (95% CI, 20.8-39.8), 73.9 (95% CI, 15.1-363.2), 87.2 (95% CI, 7.7-985.0) and 13.8 (95% CI, 5.2-36.8).

CONCLUSION

Macrosomia is associated with serious adverse perinatal outcomes. This study provides accurate estimates of risks to aid in pregnancy management. Copyright © 2019 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Maternal and neonatal complications of fetal macrosomia: systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

To determine accurate estimates of risks of maternal and neonatal complications in pregnancies with fetal macrosomia by performing a systematic review of the literature and meta-analysis.

METHODS

A search of MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL and The Cochrane Library was performed to identify relevant studies reporting on maternal and/or neonatal complications in pregnancies with macrosomia having a birth weight (BW) > 4000 g and/or those with birth weight > 4500 g. Prospective and retrospective cohort and population-based studies that provided data regarding both cases and controls were included. Maternal outcomes assessed were emergency Cesarean section (CS), postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) and obstetric anal sphincter injury (OASIS). Neonatal outcomes assessed were shoulder dystocia, obstetric brachial plexus injury (OBPI) and birth fractures. Meta-analysis using a random-effects model was used to estimate weighted pooled estimates of summary statistics (odds ratio (OR) and 95% CI) for each complication, according to birth weight. Heterogeneity between studies was estimated using Cochran's Q, I2 statistic and funnel plots.

RESULTS

Seventeen studies reporting data on maternal and/or neonatal complications in pregnancy with macrosomia were included. In pregnancies with macrosomia having a BW > 4000 g, there was an increased risk of the maternal complications: emergency CS, PPH and OASIS, which had OR (95% CI) of 1.98 (1.80-2.18), 2.05 (1.90-2.22) and 1.91 (1.56-2.33), respectively. The corresponding values for pregnancies with BW > 4500 g were: 2.55 (2.33-2.78), 3.15 (2.14-4.63) and 2.56 (1.97-3.32). Similarly, in pregnancies with a BW > 4000 g, there was an increased risk of the neonatal complications: shoulder dystocia, OBPI and birth fractures, which had OR (95% CI) of 9.54 (6.76-13.46), 11.03 (7.06-17.23) and 6.43 (3.67-11.28), respectively. The corresponding values for pregnancies with a BW > 4500 g were: 15.64 (11.31-21.64), 19.87 (12.19-32.40) and 8.16 (2.75-24.23).

CONCLUSION

Macrosomia is associated with serious maternal and neonatal adverse outcomes. This study provides accurate estimates of these risks, which can be used for decisions on pregnancy management. Copyright © 2019 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

High Transverse Scrotal Incision Orchiopexy for Undescended Testes

Bianchi squire first described scrotal incision orchiopexy as an alternative to the traditional approach in the1980s. In maximum premature and some mature infants, palpable testis is a common surgical problem. There are several surgical technique applied to overcome this surgical problems like combined inguinal and scrotal incision or single high transverse scrotal incision. The goal of this study assessed single high transverse scrotal incision for the management of PUT as regards to evaluate operative time, postoperative success and final cosmetic results. One hundred twenty patients were managed at the Paediatric Surgery Department of Mymensingh Medical College Hospital, Mymensingh, Bangladesh with PUT during the period from 2015 to March 2018. We operated all cases between 6 to 12 months and excluded more than 12 months of age and recurrent cases. This technique involves manipulation of the testis down to the scrotum so that it is secured between the thumb and index finger as a fixation is performed. After fixation of testis high transverse scrotal incision was given, all layers were separated. Then enter into inguinal cannel by cutting of external ring. After dissecting the testis come down through the incision. After making dartos pouch through the same incision and orchidopexy done. All infants were followed-up at 1 month, 2 months and 6 months to detect operative times as well as position, testicular atrophy and the final cosmetic appearance. Patient age ranged from 6 months to 12 months. A total of 120 PUTs were operated upon in 100 patients. PUT was bilateral in 15 patients, right-sided in 55 cases and left-sided in 30 cases. Among 120 testes 40 testes were located distal to external inguinal ring (EIR), 70 testes were at internal inguinal ring (IIR) and 10 testes were in between EIR and IIR. A total of 100 patients were successfully placed within scrotum using a single incision. Operative time ranged from 20-36 minutes. There were no cases of testicular atrophy or ascent. The only complications were 3 wound infections (3%), which were successfully treated with antibiotics. Single high transverse scrotal incision was sufficient to deal with PUT especially, in young infants (age 6 months). The procedure results in shorter operative times, similar success and complication rates, and a more cosmetically appealing outcome compared to inguinal orchiopexy.

Outcomes of repeat two-stage exchange hip arthroplasty for prosthetic joint infection

Aims

The increasing infection burden after total hip arthroplasty (THA) has seen a rise in the use of two-stage exchange arthroplasty and the use of increasingly powerful antibiotics at the time of this procedure. As a result, there has been an increase in the number of failed two-stage revisions during the past decade. The aim of this study was to clarify the outcome of repeat two-stage revision THA following a failed two-stage exchange due to recurrent prosthetic joint infection (PJI).

Patients and Methods

We identified 42 patients who underwent a two-stage revision THA having already undergone at least one previous two stage procedure for infection, between 2000 and 2015. There were 23 women and 19 men. Their mean age was 69.3 years (48 to 81). The outcome was analyzed at a minimum follow-up of two years.

Results

A satisfactory control of infection and successful outcome was seen in 26 patients (57%). There therefore remained persistent symptoms that either required further surgery or chronic antibiotic suppression in 16 patients (38%). One-third of patients had died by the time of two years’ follow-up.

Conclusion

The rate of failure and complication rate of repeat two-stage exchange THA for PJI is high and new methods of treatment including host optimization, immunomodulation, longer periods between stages, and new and more powerful forms of antimicrobial treatment should be investigated. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2019;101-B(6 Supple B):110–115.

Routine ultrasound at 32 vs 36 weeks' gestation: prediction of small-for-gestational-age neonates

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate and compare the performance of routine ultrasonographic estimated fetal weight (EFW) and fetal abdominal circumference (AC) at 31 + 0 to 33 + 6 and 35 + 0 to 36 + 6 weeks' gestation in the prediction of a small-for-gestational-age (SGA) neonate.

METHODS

This was a prospective study of 21 989 singleton pregnancies undergoing routine ultrasound examination at 31 + 0 to 33 + 6 weeks' gestation and 45 847 undergoing routine ultrasound examination at 35 + 0 to 36 + 6 weeks' gestation. In each case, the estimated fetal weight (EFW) from measurements of fetal head circumference, AC and femur length was calculated using the Hadlock formula and expressed as a percentile according to The Fetal Medicine Foundation fetal and neonatal population weight charts. The same charts were used for defining a SGA neonate with birth weight < 10^th and < 3^rd percentiles. For each gestational-age window, the screen-positive and detection rates, at different EFW percentile cut-offs between the 10^th and 50^th percentiles, were calculated for prediction of delivery of a SGA neonate with birth weight < 10^th and < 3^rd percentiles within 2 weeks and at any stage after assessment. The areas under the receiver-operating characteristics curves (AUC) in screening for a SGA neonate by EFW and AC at 31 + 0 to 33 + 6 and at 35 + 0 to 36 + 6 weeks' gestation were compared.

RESULTS

First, the AUCs in screening by EFW for a SGA neonate with birth weight < 10^th and < 3^rd percentiles delivered within 2 weeks and at any stage after screening at 35 + 0 to 36 + 6 weeks' gestation were significantly higher than those at 31 + 0 to 33 + 6 weeks (P < 0.001). Second, at both 35 + 0 to 36 + 6 and 31 + 0 to 33 + 6 weeks' gestation, the predictive performance for a SGA neonate with birth weight < 10^th and < 3^rd percentiles born at any stage after screening was significantly higher using EFW Z-score than AC Z-score. Similarly, at 35 + 0 to 36 + 6 weeks, but not at 31 + 0 to 33 + 6 weeks, the predictive performance for a SGA neonate with birth weight < 10^th and < 3^rd percentiles born within 2 weeks after screening was significantly higher using EFW Z-score than AC Z-score. Third, screening by EFW < 10^th percentile at 35 + 0 to 36 + 6 weeks' gestation predicted 70% and 84% of neonates with birth weight < 10^th and < 3^rd percentiles, respectively, born within 2 weeks after assessment, and the respective values for a neonate born at any stage after assessment were 46% and 65%. Fourth, prediction of > 85% of SGA neonates with birth weight < 10^th percentile born at any stage after screening at 35 + 0 to 36 + 6 weeks' gestation requires use of EFW < 40^th percentile. Screening at this percentile cut-off predicted 95% and 99% of neonates with birth weight < 10^th and < 3^rd percentiles, respectively, born within 2 weeks after assessment, and the respective values for a neonate born at any stage after assessment were 87% and 94%.

CONCLUSIONS

The predictive performance for a SGA neonate of routine ultrasonographic examination during the third trimester is higher if, first, the scan is carried out at 35 + 0 to 36 + 6 weeks' gestation than at 31 + 0 to 33 + 6 weeks, second, the method of screening is EFW than fetal AC, third, the outcome measure is birth weight < 3^rd than < 10^th percentile, and, fourth, if delivery occurs within 2 weeks than at any stage after assessment. Prediction of a SGA neonate by EFW < 10^th percentile is modest and prediction of > 85% of cases at 35 + 0 to 36 + 6 weeks' gestation necessitates use of EFW < 40^th percentile. Copyright © 2019 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Abstract OT2-07-04: A phase 1b study of poziotinib in combination with T-DM1 in women with advanced or metastatic HER2-positive breast cancer

Background:Poziotinib represents a new class of irreversible quinazoline inhibitors of ErbB receptor tyrosine kinases that inhibit the proliferation of tumor cells in culture and in vivo by inhibiting HER-1 (EGFR), HER-2, HER-4. ErbB signaling plays important roles in the progression of HER2+ breast cancer. Poziotinib has promising clinical activity in breast cancer, and other solid tumors including lung, gastric, and colorectal cancers.

Study SPI-POZ-101, is being conducted to evaluate the safety and efficacy of the combination of daily poziotinib and T-DM1, HER2 antibody-drug-conjugate every three weeks in patients with HER2+ advanced or metastatic breast cancer.

Trial Objectives and Design: The primary objectives of the study are to determine the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) or maximum administered dose (MAD) of daily poziotinib plus T-DM1 (every 3 weeks) in women with advanced or metastatic HER2 positive breast cancer; and to evaluate the Objective Response Rate (ORR) in these patients.

The secondary objectives include disease control rate (DCR), progression-free-survival (PFS), safety and pharmacokinetics at the MTD/MAD dose level of poziotinib plus T-DM1.

In Part 1, the dose of poziotinib plus standard dose of T-DM1 (3.6 mg/kg IV) on Day 1 of each cycle will be determined using a “3+3” design with up to 3 escalating dose levels, 8, 10 and 12 mg with no DLT or to de-escalate to 6 mg with DLT observed in Cycle 1. Patients in current dose cohort, if not discontinued, will continue treatment until discontinuation of therapy.

In Part 2 of the study, approximately 10 patients will be treated at the MTD/MAD to confirm dose for safety of the combination and to evaluate preliminary efficacy.

Eligibility Criteria: The study will enroll female patients between 18 and 90 years with confirmed HER2 overexpression or gene-amplified tumor via immunohistochemistry [IHC] with IHC 3+ or IHC 2+ with confirmatory fluorescence in situ hybridization [FISH]+ or [ISH]+ and must have had at least 2 lines of anti-HER2 directed therapies either in the metastatic or early-stage disease setting. Patients must have adequate hematologic, hepatic, cardiac and renal functions and have at least one measurable lesion per RECIST 1.1 criteria. Exclusion criteria includes unstable CNS metastases or seizure disorder; anticancer chemotherapy, TKIs, biologics, immunotherapy, radiotherapy, or investigational treatment within 15 days; ≥ Grade 2 adverse events; known hypersensitivity to receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors or any of the components of poziotinib tablets or T-DM1 IV solution.

Statistical Methods: Part 1 of the study will enroll 3 to 6 patients at each dose using 3+3 design. Part 2 will enroll 10 patients at the MTD/MAD. The efficacy analysis will be conducted using the Evaluable Population based on RECIST 1.1. The Clopper-Pearson 95% confidence interval will be estimated using exact method based on binomial distribution.

Target Accrual:Part 1: 6-18 patients Part 2: 10 patients

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03429101

Contact Information: Spectrum Pharmaceuticals. SPI-POZ-101@sppirx.com

Poziotinib is currently under clinical investigation and has not been approved for use in breast cancer.

Citation Format: Bhat G, Potter D, Bharadwaj J, Khan N, Shabazz L, Tache J, Yang Z. A phase 1b study of poziotinib in combination with T-DM1 in women with advanced or metastatic HER2-positive breast cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2018 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2018 Dec 4-8; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2019;79(4 Suppl):Abstract nr OT2-07-04.

Effects of cross-fostering and developmental exposure to mixtures of environmental contaminants on hepatic gene expression in prepubertal 21 days old and adult male Sprague-Dawley rats

The notion that adverse health effects produced by exposure to environmental contaminants (EC) may be modulated by the presence of non-chemical stressors is gaining attention. Previously, our lab demonstrated that cross-fostering (adoption of a litter at birth) acted as a non-chemical stressor that amplified the influence of developmental exposure to EC on the glucocorticoid stress-response in adult rats. Using liver from the same rats, the aim of the current study was to investigate whether cross-fostering might also modulate EC-induced alterations in hepatic gene expression profiles. During pregnancy and nursing, Sprague-Dawley dams were fed cookies laced with corn oil (control, C) or a chemical mixture (M) composed of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB), organochlorine pesticides (OCP), and methylmercury (MeHg), at 1 mg/kg/day. This mixture simulated the contaminant profile reported in maternal human blood. At birth, some control and M treated litters were cross-fostered to form two additional groups with different biological/nursing mothers (CC and MM). The hepatic transcriptome was analyzed by DNA microarray in male offspring at postnatal days 21 and 78-86. Mixture exposure altered the expression of detoxification and energy metabolism genes in both age groups, but with different sets of genes affected at day 21 and 78-86. Cross-fostering modulated the effects of M on gene expression pattern (MM vs M), as well as expression of energy metabolism genes between control groups (CC vs C). In conclusion, while describing short and long-term effects of developmental exposure to EC on hepatic transcriptomes, these cross-fostering results further support the consideration of non-chemical stressors in EC risk assessments.

Hepatic Hydatid Cyst: A Case Report

Hepatic hydatid disease is a goonotic disease caused by Echinococcus granulosus and it is endemic in different parts of the world. This infection is an important public health problem. Although it is distributed throughout the world but common in the livestock grazing regions of the world such as in Central Europe, Africa, South America, Central Asia and China. Here we present the case "30 years old female" with the complaints of right upper abdominal pain for 3 months, nausea & occasional vomiting for 1 month and was admitted under general surgery ward at Mymensingh Medical College Hospital, Mymensingh, Bangladesh on 12th March 2018. Considering history, physical examination, serological investigations, imaging studies and exploratory laparotomy the diagnosis is hepatic hydatid cyst. Echinococcus granulosus produces cysts in almost every organs of the body most commonly in the liver. Man is the incidental intermediate host where definitive host is carnivores such as dogs. Hydatid cyst always starts as a fluid filled, cyst like structure (stage I), which may proceed to a stage II lesion if daughter cysts and/or matrix develop. In some instances, the stage II lesion becomes hypermature and due to starvation, dies to become a mummified, inert, calcified, stage III lesion. Ultrsound is the preferred firstline imaging but CECT give more precise information regarding the morphology of the cyst. Magnetic Resonance Imaging is particularly useful because of its multiplaner capabilities and more detail anatomical resolution.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Cerebral Palsy in the Assessment of Time of Brain Insult

The aim of this cross-sectional study was to find out the role of Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the assessment of time of brain insult in cerebral palsy (CP). The study was conducted in the Department of Radiology & Imaging, Mymensingh Medical College Hospital, Mymensingh and a total number of 35 patients with were enrolled from January 2015 to December 2016. Maximum patients (57.2%) were under five years followed by 34.3% were of 5 to <8 years and 8.7% were of 8 to <12 years of age and mean age was 4.7 years. Majority of the patients were male 28(80%) and female were 7(20%). Among the patients 23(65.7%) came from poor, whereas 11(31.4%) came from middle class and only one (2.9%) from rich socioeconomic group. According to gestational age of the patients, 26(74.3%) were term (≥37weeks) at delivery and rest (25.7%) were preterm (<37 weeks). Delayed cry after birth were present in 32 (80%) patients. Regarding types of cerebral palsy spastic diplegia, spastic quadriplegia, hemiplegia and extrapyramidal were found 3(8.6%), 25(71.4%), 4(11.4%) and 3(8.6%) respectively. Abnormal MRI was reported in 94.2% patients and gave clues to time of insult in 79.9% (excluding the 14.3% miscellaneous findings). The findings were mal-developments (5.7%), periventricular white matter lesions (25.7%), cortical or deep grey matter lesions (48.6%), miscellaneous (14.3%) and normal (5.7%). Brain mal-developments were more seen in term than in preterm born children (5% vs. 0%). Periventricular white matter lesions were seen significantly more in preterm than in term born children (77.8% vs. 3.9%). Cortical or deep grey matter lesions occurred significantly more in term than in preterm born children (60% vs. 20%). Based on the study it can be concluded that Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) can help in the assessment of time of insult to the developing brain in cerebral palsy (CP).

Paraneoplastic cerebellar degeneration in a patient with anaplastic non-Hodgkin's lymphoma

A 31-year-old man presented with a subacute cerebellar syndrome of unknown aetiology. Investigations including a paraneoplastic antibody screen were negative and a working diagnosis of possible vasculitis was concluded. After 1 month, he re-presented with worsening of his symptoms and a neck lump. He was diagnosed with anaplastic lymphoma kinase, negative non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and paraneoplastic cerebellar syndrome. A more extensive paraneoplastic antibody screen found patient to be Tr (delta/notch-like epidermal growth factor-related receptor) antibody positive. After a period of chemotherapy and steroid treatments, his symptoms are now stable in terms of cerebellar function. This case report summarises a very rare diagnosis of paraneoplastic cerebellar degeneration with a positive onconeuronal antibody associated with anaplastic non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.

Visualization and Classification of Deeply Seated Collateral Networks in Moyamoya Angiopathy with 7T MRI

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Collateral networks in Moyamoya angiopathy have a complex angioarchitecture difficult to comprehend on conventional examinations. This study aimed to evaluate morphologic patterns and the delineation of deeply seated collateral networks using ultra-high-field MRA in comparison with conventional DSA.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Fifteen white patients with Moyamoya angiopathy were investigated in this prospective trial. Sequences acquired at 7T were TOF-MRA with 0.22 × 0.22 × 0.41 mm³ resolution and MPRAGE with 0.7 × 0.7 × 0.7 mm³ resolution. Four raters evaluated the presence of deeply seated collateral networks and image quality in a consensus reading of DSA, TOF-MRA, and MPRAGE using a 5-point scale in axial source images and maximum intensity projections. Delineation of deeply seated collateral networks by different imaging modalities was compared by means of the McNemar test, whereas image quality was compared using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test.

RESULTS

The relevant deeply seated collateral networks were classified into 2 categories and 6 pathways. A total of 100 collateral networks were detected on DSA; 106, on TOF-MRA; and 73, on MPRAGE. Delineation of deeply seated collateral networks was comparable between TOF-MRA and DSA (P = .25); however, both were better than MPRAGE (P < .001).

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrates excellent delineation of 6 distinct deeply seated collateral network pathways in Moyamoya angiopathy in white adults using 7T TOF-MRA, comparable to DSA.

Translocation of a gut pathobiont drives autoimmunity in mice and humans

Despite multiple associations between the microbiota and immune diseases, their role in autoimmunity is poorly understood. We found that translocation of a gut pathobiont, Enterococcus gallinarum, to the liver and other systemic tissues triggers autoimmune responses in a genetic background predisposing to autoimmunity. Antibiotic treatment prevented mortality in this model, suppressed growth of E. gallinarum in tissues, and eliminated pathogenic autoantibodies and T cells. Hepatocyte-E. gallinarum cocultures induced autoimmune-promoting factors. Pathobiont translocation in monocolonized and autoimmune-prone mice induced autoantibodies and caused mortality, which could be prevented by an intramuscular vaccine targeting the pathobiont. E. gallinarum-specific DNA was recovered from liver biopsies of autoimmune patients, and cocultures with human hepatocytes replicated the murine findings; hence, similar processes apparently occur in susceptible humans. These discoveries show that a gut pathobiont can translocate and promote autoimmunity in genetically predisposed hosts.