Clearance of interstitial fluid (ISF) and CSF (CLIC) group-part of Vascular Professional Interest Area (PIA), updates in 2022-2023. Cerebrovascular disease and the failure of elimination of Amyloid-β from the brain and retina with age and Alzheimer's disease: Opportunities for therapy

This editorial summarizes advances from the Clearance of Interstitial Fluid and Cerebrospinal Fluid (CLIC) group, within the Vascular Professional Interest Area (PIA) of the Alzheimer's Association International Society to Advance Alzheimer's Research and Treatment (ISTAART). The overarching objectives of the CLIC group are to: (1) understand the age-related physiology changes that underlie impaired clearance of interstitial fluid (ISF) and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) (CLIC); (2) understand the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying intramural periarterial drainage (IPAD) in the brain; (3) establish novel diagnostic tests for Alzheimer's disease (AD), cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA), retinal amyloid vasculopathy, amyloid-related imaging abnormalities (ARIA) of spontaneous and iatrogenic CAA-related inflammation (CAA-ri), and vasomotion; and (4) establish novel therapies that facilitate IPAD to eliminate amyloid β (Aβ) from the aging brain and retina, to prevent or reduce AD and CAA pathology and ARIA side events associated with AD immunotherapy.

Photochemical formation and reversible base-induced cleavage of a phosphagallene

The reactivity of Cp*Ga (Cp* = C₅Me₅) towards phosphanylidenephosphoranes of the type ^ArTerP(PMe₃) (^ArTer = ^DipTer 2,6-(2,6-iPr₂C₆H₃)₂C₆H₃), ^TipTer 2,6-(2,4,6-iPr₃C₆H₂)₂C₆H₃ was investigated. While no thermal reaction was observed (in line with DFT results), irradiation at 405 nm at low temperatures resulted in the formation of phosphagallenes ^DipTerP = GaCp* (1a) and ^TipTerP = GaCp* (1b) accompanied by release of PMe₃. When warming the reaction mixture to ambient temperatures without irradiation, the clean re-formation of ^ArTerP(PMe₃) and Cp*Ga in a second-order reaction was observed. Upon removal of PMe₃, 1a and 1b were isolated and fully characterized. Both derivatives were found to be labile and decomposed to the phosphafluorenes 2a and 2b, indicating generation of the transient phosphinidene ^ArTerP along with Cp*Ga. First reactivity studies show that CO₂ and H₂O cleanly reacted with 1a, affording ^DipTerPCO (3) and ^DipTerPH₂ (4), respectively.

National temporal variation in major trauma in England, Wales and Northern Ireland

Introduction

Trauma is one of the leading causes of mortality worldwide, but little is known of the temporal variation in major trauma across England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Proper workforce and infrastructure planning requires identification of the caseload burden and its temporal variation.

Materials and Methods

The Trauma Audit Research Network (TARN) database for admissions attending Major Trauma Centres (MTCs) between 1st April 2011 and 31st March 2018 was analysed. TARN records data on all trauma patients admitted to hospital who are alive at the time of admission to hospital. Major trauma was classified as an Injury Severity Score (ISS) >15.

Results

A total of 158,440 cases were analysed. Case ascertainment was over 95% for 2013 onwards. There was a statistically significant variation in caseload by year (p < 0.0001), times of admissions (p < 0.0001), caseload admitted during weekends vs weekdays, 53% vs 47% (p < 0.0001), caseload by season with most patients admitted during summer (p < 0.0001). The ISS varied by time of admission with most patients admitted between 1800 and 0559 (p < 0.0001), weekend vs weekday with more severely injured patients admitted during the weekend (p < 0.0001) and by season p < 0.0001). Discussion and Conclusion: There is a significant national temporal variation in major trauma workload. The reasons are complex and there are multiple theories and confounding factors to explain it. This is the largest dataset for hospitals submitting to TARN which can help guide workforce and resource allocation to further improve trauma outcomes.

Study of persistent luminescence and thermoluminescence in SrSi2N2O2:Eu2+,M3+ (M = Ce, Dy, and Nd)

The process of persistent luminescence or glow-in-the-dark, the delayed emission of light of irradiated substances, has long fascinated researchers, who have made efforts to explain the underlying physical phenomenon as well as put it to practical use. However, persistent luminescence is an elusive and difficult process, both in terms of controlling or altering its properties, as well as providing a quantitative description. In this paper, we used SrSi₂N₂O₂:Eu²⁺ as a model persistent phosphor, characterized by the broad distribution of structural defects and exhibiting long-lasting Eu²⁺ luminescence that is visible for a few minutes after switching off UV light. We investigated the persistent luminescence process by two complementary methods, namely, thermoluminescence and temperature-dependent persistent luminescence decay measurements. Analysis of experimental data allowed us to determine the depth distribution of traps, and allowed us to distinguish two different mechanisms by which the emission is delayed. The first, the temperature-dependent mechanism, is related to trap activation, while the second, temperature-independent mechanism is related to carrier migration. Finally, we employed the strategy of the co-doping of the phosphor SrSi₂N₂O₂:Eu²⁺,M³⁺ (M = Ce, Nd, Dy) to modify the persistent luminescence properties.

Predictors of extensive subclinical spread in squamous cell carcinoma

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Background: Extensive spread of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is often clinically imperceptible but has a profound impact on risk of recurrence and metastasis. Accurate identification of high-risk SCC enables educated choices in treatment modality and appropriate referrals for Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS). Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study of 1,019 patients with SCC removal by MMS at the Cleveland Clinic. We analyzed the relationship between various patient and tumor characteristics to aggressive subclinical extension (ASE), defined as tumors requiring >3 Mohs layers to obtain clear margins. Tumor locations were grouped into zones according to the American Academy of DermatologyÕs appropriate use criteria (AUC). Results: 67 of 1,149 tumors required >3 Mohs layers for removal. Tumor grade was the only statistically significant variable, with moderately-differentiated tumors having 1.828 times the odds of ASE compared to well-differentiated tumors (95% CI = [1.026, 3.255], p = 0.041). Poorly-differentiated tumors had 4.273 times the odds of ASE compared to well-differentiated tumors (95% CI = [1.755, 10.4], p = 0.001). Conclusions: Current treatment guidelines for SCC are largely derived from data on all non-melanoma skin cancers. SCC is associated with higher metastatic potential than basal cell carcinoma (BCC), emphasizing the importance of independent analysis of SCC. The power of this study was limited by the small number of extensively spread tumors. Despite this limitation, our analysis shows poorly and moderately-differentiated tumors are correlated with a higher rate of ASE compared to well-differentiated tumors. Moderately-differentiated tumor grade is not included in the AUC, however treatment of these tumors with MMS might improve patient outcomes and minimize costs associated with recurrence. Our results show risk stratification by zone has minimal utility in identifying ASE-SCC. Improved understanding of location-based differences in tumor behavior could reveal discrepancies between SCC and BCC, enabling revised zones specific to SCC. [Table: see text]

Low risk of clinically important central nervous system dysraphism in a cohort study of 69 patients with isolated aplasia cutis congenita of the head

BACKGROUND

Aplasia cutis congenita of the head may be associated with underlying fusion defects in the skin, soft tissues, muscle, or bone. The risk of central nervous system dysraphism in patients with aplasia cutis congenita is not known; however, knowledge of underlying structural defects can inform management considerations.

METHODS

This retrospective review investigated the risk of cranial central nervous system dysraphism in children presenting with aplasia cutis congenita of the head, who presented between 1/1/2000 and 6/15/2016. Inclusion criteria were subjects with aplasia cutis congenita of the head who received CT or MR imaging of the head.

RESULTS

We identified a total of 69 subjects with aplasia cutis congenita affecting the head and who received imaging. The most common location of the aplasia cutis congenita lesion was the vertex scalp (49.3%). The hair collar sign was present in 27.5% of patients. Twelve of 69 patients (17.4%) demonstrated abnormalities of the bone, vasculature, or brain on head imaging. Only one patient had a diagnosis of encephalocele that required neurosurgical intervention. There was a statistical association between the hair collar sign and the presence of abnormal imaging findings (P = .029), with a negative predictive value of 89.4%.

CONCLUSIONS

The incidence of central nervous system dysraphism in patients with aplasia cutis congenita of the head appears to be low, and it may not be necessary to image the head of each child presenting with this skin lesion. The hair collar sign may be a marker of underlying defects.

Broadband, millimeter-wave antireflection coatings for large-format, cryogenic aluminum oxide optics

We present two prescriptions for broadband ($ {\sim} 77 - 252\;{\rm GHz} $), millimeter-wave antireflection coatings for cryogenic, sintered polycrystalline aluminum oxide optics: one for large-format (700 mm diameter) planar and plano-convex elements, the other for densely packed arrays of quasi-optical elements-in our case, 5 mm diameter half-spheres (called "lenslets"). The coatings comprise three layers of commercially available, polytetrafluoroethylene-based, dielectric sheet material. The lenslet coating is molded to fit the 150 mm diameter arrays directly, while the large-diameter lenses are coated using a tiled approach. We review the fabrication processes for both prescriptions, then discuss laboratory measurements of their transmittance and reflectance. In addition, we present the inferred refractive indices and loss tangents for the coating materials and the aluminum oxide substrate. We find that at 150 GHz and 300 K the large-format coating sample achieves $ (97 \pm 2)\% $ transmittance, and the lenslet coating sample achieves $ (94 \pm 3)\% $ transmittance.

Simultaneous determination of deuteron quadrupole coupling constants and rotational correlation times: the model case of hydrogen bonded ionic liquids

We show that deuteron quadrupole coupling constants, and reorientational correlation times of molecular bonds N–D that are involved in hydrogen bonding, can be determined from NMR T₁ relaxation time experiments simultaneously by assuming anisotropic motion.

Localized hypertrichosis of intermammary cleft in monozygotic twins

Hypertrichosis is a condition in which hair is longer and denser than what is considered normal for an individual based on age, sex, ethnicity, and location on the body and can be classified based on its distribution (generalized vs localized), age of onset (congenital vs acquired), and type of hair (lanugo or vellus vs terminal). We describe a rare case of monozygotic female twins who presented for localized hypertrichosis of the intermammary cleft that developed during puberty. Endocrine examination was unremarkable. Discussion of various treatment modalities should be considered, because localized hypertrichosis may have a considerable psychosocial effect.

The influence of charge compensation defects on the spectroscopic properties of europium doped Ca9Y(PO4)7

In this study, a series of Ca₉Y(PO₄)₇ compounds doped with 5% of Eu ions and with different [Y]/[Ca] ratios was synthesized using the Pechini method.

The effect of diet supplementation with propolis and bee pollen on the physicochemical properties and strength of tibial bones in broiler chickens

Abstract. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of diet supplementation with propolis and bee pollen on selected physical, biomechanical and chemical properties of tibial bones in broiler chickens. The experimental materials comprised 384 Ross 308 chickens (four groups, three replications), divided into groups of males and females, and raised to 35 days of age. Control group 1 birds were fed a commercial diet throughout the experiment. Birds of three other experimental groups received for the first two weeks of rearing standard diets with a different content of propolis and/or bee pollen: group 2 – 0.025 % propolis, group 3 – 0.5 % bee pollen, group 4 – 0.5 % bee pollen and 0.025 % propolis. The following parameters of the tibia were determined: weight, length, mid-shaft circumference, vertical and horizontal external diameters, vertical and horizontal internal diameters. The geometric characteristics of the bones were determined based on the above measurements. Mid-shaft shear strength was measured using an Instron universal testing machine 4301 (Instron, Norwood, MA, USA). The crude ash, calcium (Ca) and phosphorus (P) content of the tibia was also determined. Higher values of geometric parameters were noted in the tibial bones of broilers fed a diet supplemented with a combination of propolis and bee pollen, in comparison with birds fed diets containing propolis or bee pollen administered alone. The shear strength values and physical properties of bones were similar in all groups.

Transfusion of intra-operative autologous whole blood: influence on complement activation and interleukin formation

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Transfusion of autologous whole blood is one available method to reduce the need for allogenic blood transfusion. The objective of this study was to investigate the safety of transfusion of intra-operative autologous whole blood by monitoring plasma concentration of laboratory variables and adverse events after transfusion with the Sangvia(®) system.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The clinical trial was designed as an open, prospective, multi-centre study, and a total of 20 patients undergoing primary hip arthroplasty were included. Systemic blood samples were taken and analysed preoperatively, at transfusion start and end and at 3, 6, 24 and 48 h after the transfusion.

RESULTS

Elevated values of complement activation and pro-inflammatory cytokines were seen in the intra-operatively collected blood but the impact on systemic levels were limited with low peak levels, systemic elevations before transfusion and normalization during the study period. Elevated levels of free haemoglobin and potassium were also detected in the intra-operatively collected blood, but systemic values were within reference values after the transfusion. No clinically relevant adverse event occurred during the study.

CONCLUSION

Inflammatory mediators and plasma haemoglobin were increased in intra-operatively salvaged and filtered blood compared to circulatory levels. Intra-operative retransfusion of autologous whole blood caused a transient systemic increase that normalized in the early postoperative period. There were no significant adverse events reported in the study. These data suggest that the Sangvia(®) system can be used for intra-operative collection and retransfusion of salvaged blood.

Effect of body weight on the carcass composition of French Lop rabbits

The experiment was performed on 60 male French Lop rabbits reared under extensive conditions and sacrificed at body weights of approximately 3 kg at the age of 150 d (30 animals) and approximately 4.5 kg at the age of 210 d (30 animals). Chilled carcasses without heads were divided into the front, middle and hind sections, which were then dissected to separate lean meat (including intramuscular fat), fat and bones. An increase in the body weight of rabbits at slaughter was accompanied by a decrease, of about 0.60%, in the proportion of the head and giblets (kidneys, liver, heart and lungs) in the carcass, and by an increase in the perirenal fat content from 0.66 to 1.69%. The average carcass dressing percentage of rabbits sacrificed at an average body weight of 3054 g reached 49.13%, and it was 2.49% higher than in rabbits slaughtered at a body weight of 4427 g. The percentage content of the front, middle and hind sections of the carcasses of the lighter rabbits was 38.50, 21.76 and 39.74%, respectively. In the carcasses of the heavier rabbits, the proportion of the front section was 2.29% higher, the proportion the hind section was 2.45% lower, while the proportion of the middle section remained at a similar level as in the lighter rabbits. The carcasses of the lighter rabbits, compared with the carcasses of the heavier rabbits, had a higher percentage content of meat (82.60 vs. 81.15%; P ≤ 0.01) and a lower percentage content of fat (1.78 vs. 4.38%). In addition, rabbits sacrificed at a body weight of approximately 3.0 kg were marked by a higher content of lean meat in the middle and front sections of the carcass (by 1.89 and 3.07%, respectively), and by a slightly lower content of lean meat in the hind section (by 0.85%). Key words: Rabbit, body weight, slaughter quality

Use of a modified skin slice with subcutaneous fat and carcase weight without this slice for prediction of meatiness and fatness in young slaughter geese

1. White Italian geese (40 males and 40 females) were reared until 12 weeks of age and fed standard diets ad libitum. After rearing ended, the geese were weighed (males-5216 g, females-4945 g) and killed. Carcases were chilled and skin slices with subcutaneous fat removed. The remaining part of the carcase was dissected into meat, intermuscular fat and bones. 2. The weight of a skin slice with subcutaneous fat, taken from the carcase surface excluding the forewings and wing tips (X2), and the weight of a carcase excluding this slice, the forewings and wing tips (X1) were very good indicators of the content of skin with fat (r > 0.99) and meat (r > 0.98) in a whole carcase. 3. The above traits provided a basis for deriving regression equations to estimate the content of meat (Y) or skin with subcutaneous and intermuscular fat (U) in whole carcases of White Italian geese. The following equations are recommended for practical application: Y = 0.755X1 - 27.8 (Sy = 26.3 g); U = 1.070X2 + 19.5 (Su = 11.4 g).

Synthesis of derivatives of C-nucleoside analogues using 'push-pull' functionalized monosaccharides

7-Deoxy-1,2:3,4-di-O-isopropylidene-alpha-D-galacto-heptopyranos-6-ulose (1) reacted with carbon disulphide and methyl iodide in the presence of a base to furnish 7,8-dideoxy-1,2:3,4-di-O-isopropylidene-8,8-[bis(methylthio)]-alpha-D-galacto-oct-7-enopyranos-6-ulose (2). This 'push-pull' activated unsaturated monosaccharide underwent a ring closure reaction with hydrazine hydrate to give the 'inversed' C-nucleoside analogue 3. Compound 1 and malononitrile yielded the 7-cyano-6,7-dideoxy-1,2:3,4-di-O-isopropylidene-6-methyl-alpha-D-galacto-oct-6-enopyranurononitrile (4). Treatment of 4 with carbon disulphide and methyl iodide in the presence of a base afforded the sugar 'push-pull' butadiene 5 which was transformed into the pyridine nucleoside analogue 6.

Diabetes management in a health maintenance organization. Efficacy of care management using cluster visits

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effectiveness of a cluster visit model led by a diabetes nurse educator for delivering outpatient care management to adult patients with poorly controlled diabetes.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

This study involved a randomized controlled trial among patients of Kaiser Permanente's Pleasanton, CA, center who were aged 16-75 years and had either poor glycemic control (HbA1c > 8.5%) or no HbA1c test performed during the previous year. Intervention subjects received multidisciplinary outpatient diabetes care management delivered by a diabetes nurse educator, a psychologist, a nutritionist, and a pharmacist in cluster visit settings of 10-18 patients/month for 6 months. Outcomes included change (from baseline) in HbA1c levels; self-reported changes in self-care practices, self-efficacy, and satisfaction; and utilization of inpatient and outpatient health care.

RESULTS

After the intervention, HbA1c levels declined by 1.3% in the intervention subjects versus 0.2% in the control subjects (P < 0.0001). Several self-care practices and several measures of self-efficacy improved significantly in the intervention group. Satisfaction with the program was high. Both hospital (P = 0.04) and outpatient (P < 0.01) utilization were significantly lower for intervention subjects after the program.

CONCLUSIONS

A 6-month cluster visit group model of care for adults with diabetes improved glycemic control, self-efficacy, and patient satisfaction and resulted in a reduction in health care utilization after the program.

Effect of Average Number of Piglets in the First Three Litters of Polish Large White Sows-Family Founders on the Reproduetive Performance of Gilts in the Next Generations

Abstract. The studies concerned the reproduetive perfonnance of four generations of sows originating from families where the average number of piglets in the first three litters amounted to: 8.1–9.0 (group A), 9.1–10.0 (group B), 10. 1–11.0 (group C) and more than 11.0 (group D). 988 sows and 2964 litters were examined altogether. The average number of piglets reared up to the age of 21 days in the first three litters of sows-family founders has a significant effect on the fertility and feeundity levels of sows in the next generations. The best results are to be expected in the case of sows originating from families where the average number of piglets in three successive litters was higher than 10. Sows coming from families in which the average number of piglets on 21st day was lower do not show promise of equally good reproductive performance, in spite of higher weight gains and better appearance (resulting from better conditions in the periods of pre- and postnatal development). In the private sector there were no sows originating from family founders in the group < 9,0 while 95% of them belonged to groups with average piglet number >10,0.

[Occurrence of rota-I adenoviruses in diarrhea states of children]

98 children aged 6 weeks to 5 years with diarrhoea were examined. Rotaviruses and adenoviruses were detected by latex tests Rotalex and Adenolex produced by Orion Diagnostica. Rotaviruses were found in 20.4% of cases, most frequently in children of the age from 6 to 18 months. Adenoviruses were found in 11.2% of cases, most frequently in children of the age from 18 months to 5 years, mainly in mixed infection by- and adenoviruses. Viruses infection were most rare in infants aged from 6 weeks to 6 months. In 4.1% studied cases the coexisting of viral and bacterial infection was observed (K. pneumoniae, E. coli).

[Extensive lymphogenous and haematogenic formation of metastases in a case of malignant thymoma (author's transl)]

Case report on course and radiological symptomatology of malignant thymoma. The unusual course of the young patient and the extensive haematogenic and lymphogenic metastases are stressed. The current opinion on a low tendency of malignant thymoma to metastasize is discussed. Therapeutic regimen and radiological criteria of thymoma are described.