First record of the plant bug genus Punctifulvius Schmitz from the Oriental Region, with descriptions of three new species (Hemiptera, Heteroptera, Miridae, Cylapinae)

Three new species of the fungal-inhabiting plant bug genus Punctifulvius Schmitz, 1978 (Cylapinae: Fulviini) are described, namely P. aleksanderi n. sp. from Selangor, Malaysia, P. parvus n. sp. from East Kalimantan, Indonesia, and P. sakaerat n. sp. from Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand. The present discovery represents the first record of the genus from the Oriental Region. Punctifulvius members are now confirmed to be widespread from the cold temperate climatic zones in the eastern Palearctic regions, across the tropics of the Oriental Region, to the temperate rainforest of Australia. Punctifulvius kerzhneri Schmitz, 1978 is recorded from Taiwan for the first time. The systematic position of Teratofulvioides Carvalho & Lorenzato, 1978 is discussed, and its single species Teratofulvioides punctatus Carvalho & Lorenzato, 1978 is redescribed. Color adult habitus images of Punctifulvius aleksanderi, P. kerzhneri, P. parvus, P. sakaerat, and Teratofulvius punctatus, images of male (P. parvus and P. sakaerat) and female (P. aleksanderi) genitalic structures, as well as scanning electron micrographs of selected structures of P. aleksanderi, P. kerzhneri, P. parvus, P. sakaerat, and T. punctatus are provided. Key to the species of Punctifulvius is given.

Anti-HEV seroprevalence and rate of viremia in a German cohort of dogs, cats, and horses

Hepatitis E virus (HEV) genotype 3 infections in Germany are mainly transmitted zoonotically through the consumption of swine meat. Furthermore, there is evidence that pets might come into contact with HEV, but the relevance of companion animals as possible sources of HEV transmission in Germany still needs to be defined. A monitoring study was therefore carried out on dogs, cats, and horses from Germany. In total 365 serum samples from pets (124 dogs, 119 cats, and 122 horses) were tested for HEV by PCR and for anti-HEV antibodies by a commercial ELISA. The HEV seroprevalence determined by the sero-assay varied significantly between dogs (10%), cats (6%), and horses (2%). Liver injury-related enzymes, alanine transaminase (ALT), and aspartate transaminase (AST) showed no differences between HEV-positive or negative animals. None of the pet serum samples tested positive for PCR. This serological study suggests that dogs and cats are significantly exposed to HEV in Germany, while horses are of minor relevance.

Revisiting the Taxonomy of Cylapocoris Carvalho, 1954 (Hemiptera: Miridae: Cylapinae) with Descriptions of Five New Species and Morphology-Based Phylogenetic Analysis of the Genus

This paper provides descriptions of five new species of the Neotropical genus Cylapocoris Carvalho, 1954 (C. bimaculatus n. sp., C. brooksi n. sp., C. carvalhoi n. sp., C. scutellatus n. sp., and C. simplexoides n. sp.). Cylapocoris and Cylapocoroides Carvalho, 1989 are redescribed and rediagnosed. Illustrations of male genitalia, scanning electron micrographs of selected structures of certain taxa, and an identification key to species are provided. Female genitalia are described and illustrated for the first time for Cylapocoris in nine out of 19 known species. A cladistic analysis of the genus, based on 62 morphological characters, is presented as a contribution to the understanding of relationships within Cylapocoris and its relationships with other groups of Cylapinae. The analysis comprises 16 ingroup species and 15 outgroup taxa. Both equal and implied weighting parsimony analyses were used in the phylogenetic reconstruction. We confirm the monophyly of Cylapocoris and its sister-group relationship with Cylapocoroides. Additionally, we identify subgroupings within Cylapocoris. Intertribal relationships within Cylapinae are briefly discussed.

Notes on plant bugs (Hemiptera, Heteroptera, Miridae) from Madagascar with a description of new species of the cylapine tribe Fulviini and checklist of Madagascan mirids

A new species of Fulvius StlF. attenboroughi sp. nov.is diagnosed and described. Schmitzofulvius bigibber Gorczyca, 1998 is redescribed. Photographic images of habitus and genital structures, as well as scanning electron micrographs of selected structures of both species, are provided. Fulvius kerzhneri Gorczyca, 2000 is diagnosed. New records of a few plant bugs species (Collaria elsae Matocq, 2021, C. cf improvisa Reuter, 1893, F. kerzhneri, Linnavuoricoris madagascariensis Chrot, 2013, Malagasycoelum dracula Kim & Jung, 2020 and S. bigibber) from Madagascar and the checklist of Madagascan Miridae are also presented.

Gorczyciana sulawesica-a remarkable new plant bug genus and species(Heteroptera: Miridae: Cylapinae) from Indonesia

Gorczyciana gen. nov., a new remarkable genus of the subfamily Cylapinae, tribe Fulviini, is described from Indonesia. The new species Gorczyciana sulawesica sp. nov. from Sulawesi is documented with photographic images, SEM micrographs of the selected body parts, and female genitalic structures. Identification key to the cylapine tribes and genera of the tribe Fulviini of the Oriental Region is also given.

Patterns of vascular graft infection in 18F-FDG PET/CT

BACKGROUND

18F-FDG PET/CT has become an important tool in diagnosis of prosthetic vascular graft infections (PVGI). The aim of the study was to identify the patterns of vascular graft infection in 18F-FDG PET/CT.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The study was performed in 24 patients with vascular graft infection, in 17 patients implanted in an open surgery mode and in 7 patients by endovascular aortic repair (EVAR). Vascular prostheses were evaluated by two visual scales and semi-quantitative analysis with maximum standardized uptake values (SUV max).

RESULTS

In the 3-point scale: 23 patients were in grade 1 and one patient was in grade 2. In the 5-point scale: 19 patients were in grade 5 with the highest activity in the focal area, 4 patients were in grade 4 and one patient in grade 3. The visual evaluation of 18F-FDG PET/CT study revealed that peri-graft high metabolic activity was associated with occurrence of morphological abnormalities (n = 21) like gas bubbles and peri-graft fluid retention or without abnormal CT findings (n = 3). The presence of the gas bubbles was linked to higher uptake of 18F-FDG (p < 0.01, SUVmax 11.81 ± 4.35 vs 7.36 ± 2.80, 15 vs 9 pts). In EVAR procedure, the highest metabolic activity was greater than in classical prosthesis (SUVmax 21.5 vs 13).

CONCLUSIONS

18F-FDG PET/CT is a very useful tool for assessment of vascular graft infections. CT findings like gas bubbles, or peri-graft fluid retention were associated with significantly higher glucose metabolism; however, in some cases without anatomic alterations, increased metabolic activity was the only sign of infection.

Measurement of the Positive Muon Anomalous Magnetic Moment to 0.46 ppm

We present the first results of the Fermilab National Accelerator Laboratory (FNAL) Muon g-2 Experiment for the positive muon magnetic anomaly a_{μ}≡(g_{μ}-2)/2. The anomaly is determined from the precision measurements of two angular frequencies. Intensity variation of high-energy positrons from muon decays directly encodes the difference frequency ω_{a} between the spin-precession and cyclotron frequencies for polarized muons in a magnetic storage ring. The storage ring magnetic field is measured using nuclear magnetic resonance probes calibrated in terms of the equivalent proton spin precession frequency ω[over ˜]_{p}^{'} in a spherical water sample at 34.7 °C. The ratio ω_{a}/ω[over ˜]_{p}^{'}, together with known fundamental constants, determines a_{μ}(FNAL)=116 592 040(54)×10^{-11} (0.46 ppm). The result is 3.3 standard deviations greater than the standard model prediction and is in excellent agreement with the previous Brookhaven National Laboratory (BNL) E821 measurement. After combination with previous measurements of both μ^{+} and μ^{-}, the new experimental average of a_{μ}(Exp)=116 592 061(41)×10^{-11} (0.35 ppm) increases the tension between experiment and theory to 4.2 standard deviations.

Fat and Sugar-A Dangerous Duet. A Comparative Review on Metabolic Remodeling in Rodent Models of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a common disease in Western society and ranges from steatosis to steatohepatitis to end-stage liver disease such as cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. The molecular mechanisms that are involved in the progression of steatosis to more severe liver damage in patients are not fully understood. A deeper investigation of NAFLD pathogenesis is possible due to the many different animal models developed recently. In this review, we present a comparative overview of the most common dietary NAFLD rodent models with respect to their metabolic phenotype and morphological manifestation. Moreover, we describe similarities and controversies concerning the effect of NAFLD-inducing diets on mitochondria as well as mitochondria-derived oxidative stress in the progression of NAFLD.

Management of Radiation Induced Carotid Stenosis in Head and Neck Cancer

OBJECTIVES: Presentation of radiation-induced lesions in carotid arteries of patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) and the evaluation of the effectiveness of endovascular treatment of symptomatic stenoses. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed 26 patients who underwent surgery and subsequently cervical radiotherapy (RT) for HNSCC, focusing on radiation-induced vascular disease in neck arteries—from the latency period to the occurrence of neurological events—and the endovascular treatment of the internal carotid artery (ICA) and/or of common carotid artery (CCA) stenoses. The vascular lesions were diagnosed with Doppler ultrasonography and selective digital angiography. Patients with >70% stenoses of ICA and/or CCA were scheduled for carotid artery stenting (CAS). They were followed-up with neurological examinations and Doppler ultrasonography at 6, 12, and 24 months after stenting. RESULTS: Radiation-induced vascular diseases occurred in the ICA in 22 patients (85%), CCA in 15 (58%), and in ECA in 15 (58%). The stents were implanted in 25 ICA and 17 CCA. Thirteen patients (50%) had one stent, eight (30%) had two stents, four (15%) had three stents, and one patient had five stents. Overall, 46 stents were implanted. Technical success was achieved in all patients. No cerebrovascular events occurred in the 24-months follow-up. CONCLUSION: RT in patients with HNSCC holds a significant risk factor of developing carotid artery stenosis and cerebrovascular events. Carotid stenting is preferable mode of treatment for radiation-induced stenosis. A screening program with doppler ultrasonography enables pre-stroke detection of carotid stenosis.

Diagnostic imaging in patients after endovascular aortic aneurysm repair with special focus on ultrasound contrast agents

INTRODUCTION Endovascular treatment of abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) constitutes an alternative to the classic surgical approach. The procedure may be associated with specific complications, including persistent flow within the aneurysm sac, otherwise known as endoleak. OBJECTIVES The aim of the study was to assess the utility of ultrasound contrast agents in the diagnosis of endoleaks after endovascular AAA repair. PATIENTS AND METHODS A total of 198 patients with AAA underwent endovascular treatment. Follow‑up examinations were performed at 6 and 12 months after the procedure, including pre- and postcontrast ultrasound, followed by computed tomography angiography (CTA) as a reference. Each ultrasound examination consisted of B‑flow, color, and power Doppler evaluation before and after contrast injection, supplemented by a contrast‑enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) scan. RESULTS At 6 months, endoleaks were diagnosed in 16 and 22 patients during pre- and postcontrast ultrasound, respectively. CEUS confirmed the presence of 22 previously diagnosed and 4 new (type II) endoleaks. At 12 months, endoleaks were detected in 7 and 13 patients by means of pre- and postcontrast ultrasound, respectively. CEUS confirmed the presence of endoleaks in 17 patients. None of the endoleaks diagnosed solely with CEUS at 6 and 12 months were detected by CTA. CONCLUSIONS Contrast agents substantially increase the sensitivity of ultrasound in the diagnosis of endoleaks, particularly type II. CEUS proved to have the highest sensitivity for the diagnosis of endoleaks by revealing pathologies undetected by other modalities, including CTA. CEUS may substitute CTA in surveillance of patients after stent graft deployment.

Taxonomic review of the bifenestratus species group of the genus Fulvius Stål with descriptions of two new species (Hemiptera, Heteroptera, Miridae, Cylapinae)

Two new species of the genus Fulvius Stål are described from the Philippines and Papua New Guinea. A taxonomic review of representatives of the F.bifenestratus species group, illustrations of the male genitalia, a color habitus image of each species, and a key to species of the group are provided.

Minimal contribution of cell-bound antibodies to the immunoscintigraphy of inflamed joints with 99mTc-anti-CD4 monoclonal antibodies

Aim: The cellular joint infiltrate in rheumatoid arthritis patients is rich in CD4-positive T-helper lymphocytes and macrophages, rendering anti-CD4 monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) suitable for specific immunoscintigraphy of human/ experimental arthritis. Following intravenous injection, however, mAbs are present both in the free form and bound to CD4-positive, circulating monocytes and T-cells. Thus, the present study aimed at analyzing the relative contribution of the free and the cell-bound component to the imaging of inflamed joints in experimental adjuvant arthritis (AA). Methods: AA rat peritoneal macrophages or lymph node T-cells were incubated in vitro with saturating amounts of 99mTc-anti-CD4 mAb (W3/25) and injected i.v. into rats with AA. Results: In vitro release of 99mTc-anti-CD4 mAb from the cells was limited (on average 1.57%/h for macrophages and 0.84%/h for T-cells). Following i.v. injection, whole body/joint scans and tissue measurements showed only negligible accumulation of radioactivity in inflamed ankle joints (tissue: 0.22 and 0.34% of the injected activity, respectively), whereas the radioactivity was concentrated in liver (tissue: 79% and 71%, respectively), kidney, and urinary bladder. Unlike macrophages, however, anti-CD4 mAb-coated T-cells significantly accumulated in lymphoid organs, the inflamed synovial membrane of the ankle joints, as well as in elbow and knee joints. Conclusion: While the overall contribution of cell-bound mAbs to the imaging of arthritic joints with anti-CD4 mAbs is minimal, differential accumulation of macrophages and T-cells in lymphoid organs and the inflamed synovial membrane indicates preferential migration patterns of these 2 cell populations in arthritic rats. Although only validated for 99mTc-anti-CD4 mAbs, extrapolation of the results to other anticellular mAbs with similar affinity for their antigen may be possible.

A new species and a new synonymy of the plant bug genus <i>Fulvius</i> from Japan (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Miridae: Cylapinae)

Fulvius Stål (Cylapinae: Fulviini) is a large plant bug genus, with more than 80 described species distributed throughout the world (Schuh, 1995; 2002-2014). In Japan, five species listed below have been recorded mostly from the subtropical Ryukyu arc (Yasunaga, 2000, 2001; Yasunaga & Miyamoto, 2006; Yasunaga et al., 2012). Our recent closer examinations of these Japanese species suggest that (1) what was previously identified as Fulvius dimidiatus Poppius represents an undescribed species, and (2) F. nakatai Yasunaga & Miyamoto described from Okinawa Island is evidently conspecific with F. subnitens Poppius that was described from New Guinea but is now known from pantropical zones as well as Taiwan, Europe and United States (Gorczyca, 2006; Henry et al., 2011). The present paper provides a revised checklist for the Japanese species of Fulvius, with updated distributional records. A new species, F. nozawai, is diagnosed and described, its habitat and biology are also documented, and Fulvius nakatai is proposed as a junior synonym of the pantropical F. subnitens.

Sulawesifulvius thailandicus - a new species of the genus Sulawesifulvius Gorczyca, Chérot & Štys from Thailand (Hemiptera, Heteroptera, Miridae, Cylapinae)

A new species of the genus Sulawesifulvius, Sulawesifulviusthailandicus Wolski, Yasunaga & Gorczyca, sp. n., is described from Thailand. The present finding also represents the first distribution record in Indochina for the genus. Color adult habitus images for Sulawesifulviusthailandicus and Sulawesifulviusschuhi (type species of the genus), male genital drawings of Sulawesifulviusthailandicus, and scanning electron micrographs of selected structures of Sulawesifulviusschuhi and Sulawesifulviusthailandicus are provided.

Cylapofulvidius Chérot & Gorczyca, 2000-a synonym of Fulvidius Poppius, 1909 (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Miridae: Cylapinae)

The genus Cylapofulvidius Chérot & Gorczyca, 2000 is proposed as a junior subjective synonym of Fulvidius Poppius, 1909 syn. nov. and all members of Cylapofulvidius are transferred to the genus Fulvidius. The genus Fulvidius and its type species F. punctatus Poppius, 1909 are redescribed, and diagnoses of each Fulvidius species, habitus picture of the adult and illustration of male genital structures of most of the treated species are provided. Scanning electron micrographs of selected structures of Fulvidius webbi (Chérot & Gorczyca, 2000) are presented for the first time. A key to species of Fulvidius is provided.

Evaluation of Effectiveness of Embolization in Pelvic Congestion Syndrome with the New Vascular Occlusion Device (ArtVentive EOS™): Preliminary Results

Purpose

This study aimed to collect confirmatory data in support of the safety and efficiency of the ArtVentive EOS™ for the treatment of the pelvic congestion syndrome (PCS). This study was based on the OCCLUDE 1 Study Protocol approved by the Local Ethics Committee.

Materials and Methods

A prospective study carried out in June and July 2014 included 12 women aged 21–48 years (mean 31 years) scheduled for PCS embolization using the ArtVentive EOS™. The inclusion criteria were clinical symptoms of PCS documented by transvaginal Doppler ultrasound and pelvic MRI. The pelvic pain was assessed by VAS score from 0 to 10 (0 represents lack of pain and 10 unbearable pain). A decrease in pelvic pain intensity based on the VAS was considered a clinical success.

Results

Successful embolization procedures with ArtVentive EOS™ were performed in 11 out of 12 patients. Nine patients underwent unilateral embolization of the left ovarian vein, and two had bilateral embolization of the ovarian veins. Complete ovarian vein occlusion confirmed by post deployment venography was achieved in all 11 patients. Procedures lasted from 19 to 45 min (average 28 min). Pain intensity decrease was observed in all 11 patients—a decrease of 5.6 points—from 7.3 pre-procedure to 1.6 post-embolization (standard deviation: 0.67). In one case, the left ovarian vein was injured by guide wire manipulation with contrast extravasation—not clinically significant.

Conclusions

The use of ArtVentive EOS™ for occlusion of the ovarian veins in PCS patients is safe and effective.

The Cylapinae (Insecta, Hemiptera, Heteroptera: Miridae) of India: review of the subfamily with description of new species

The subfamily Cylapinae (Insecta, Heteroptera: Miridae) from India is reviewed. Three tribes, seven genera and nineteen species are cited from the country, keyed and described. Six species are described as new: Fulvius kadapaensis sp. nov., Peritropis kodava sp. nov., Peritropis pathaki sp. nov., Peritropis sangai sp. nov., Peritropis yasunagai sp. nov. and Rhinomiris prathapani sp. nov. A new synonymy is published: Peritropis lewisi (Distant, 1904) (valid name) = Peritropis indicus Gorczyca, 2006b (new junior subjective synonym).

Hydrogen-sulfide-mediated vasodilatory effect of nucleoside 5'-monophosphorothioates in perivascular adipose tissue

Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is synthesized in perivascular adipose tissue (PVAT) and induces vasorelaxation. We examined whether the sulfur-containing AMP and GMP analogs AMPS and GMPS can serve as the H2S donors in PVAT. H2S production by isolated rat periaortic adipose tissue (PAT) was measured with a polarographic sensor. In addition, phenylephrine-induced contractility of aortic rings with (+) or without (-) PAT was examined. Isolated PAT produced H2S from AMPS or GMPS in the presence of the P2X7 receptor agonist BzATP. Phenylephrine-induced contractility of PAT(+) rings was lower than of PAT(-) rings. AMPS or GMPS had no effect on the contractility of PAT(-) rings, but used together with BzATP reduced the contractility of PAT(+) rings when endogenous H2S production was inhibited with propargylglycine. A high-fat diet reduced endogenous H2S production by PAT. Interestingly, AMPS and GMPS were converted to H2S by PAT of obese rats, and reduced contractility of PAT(+) aortic rings isolated from these animals even in the absence of BzATP. We conclude that (i) AMPS and GMPS can be hydrolyzed to H2S by PAT when P2X7 receptors are activated, (ii) a high-fat diet impairs endogenous H2S production by PAT, (iii) AMPS and GMPS restore the anticontractile effects of PAT in obese animals without P2X7 stimulation.

Revision of the plant bug genus Xenocylapidius (Hemiptera, Heteroptera, Miridae, Cylapinae), with descriptions of five new species from Australia and New Caledonia

The genus Xenocylapidius Gorczyca, 1997 is revised. Five new species: Xenocylapidiusacutipennissp. n., Xenocylapidiusatersp. n., Xenocylapidiusbimaculatussp. n., Xenocylapidiusgemellussp. n., and Xenocylapidiusrolandisp. n. are described from Australia and New Caledonia. Illustrations of the male genitalia, color photographs of dorsal and lateral views of the adults of all species, and key to species of the genus Xenocylapidius are provided.

Experimental validation of a novel compact focusing scheme for future energy-frontier linear lepton colliders

A novel scheme for the focusing of high-energy leptons in future linear colliders was proposed in 2001 [P. Raimondi and A. Seryi, Phys. Rev. Lett. 86, 3779 (2001)]. This scheme has many advantageous properties over previously studied focusing schemes, including being significantly shorter for a given energy and having a significantly better energy bandwidth. Experimental results from the ATF2 accelerator at KEK are presented that validate the operating principle of such a scheme by demonstrating the demagnification of a 1.3 GeV electron beam down to below 65 nm in height using an energy-scaled version of the compact focusing optics designed for the ILC collider.

Notes on the genera Peritropisca Carvalho & Lorenzato and Rewafulvius Carvalho (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Miridae: Cylapinae), with the description of a new species of Peritropisca from Indonesia

The genera Peritropisca Carvalho & Lorenzato, 1978 and Rewafulvius Carvalho, 1972 are redescribed. A description of a new species of the genus Peritropisca from Indonesia-P. laticostata sp. nov. and a redescription of P. bituberculata Carvalho & Lorenzato, 1978 are provided. The genus Euchilofulviella Gorczyca, 1999 is proposed as a junior synonym of Rewafulvius Carvalho, 1972 syn. nov. A color habitus picture of the adult and male genitalia drawings of each treated species are provided. A key to the genus Peritropisca is given.

Revision of the plant bug genus Cylapocoris Carvalho (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Miridae: Cylapinae), with descriptions of seven new species from Costa Rica, Brazil, Ecuador, and Venezuela

The plant bug genus Cylapocoris Carvalho, 1954 is revised. Seven new species: Cylapocoris costaricaensis sp. nov., C. cucullatus sp. nov., C. fulvus sp. nov., C. laevigatus sp. nov., C. marmoreus sp. nov., C. plectipennis sp. nov., and C. simplex sp. nov. are described from Costa Rica, Brazil, Ecuador, and Venezuela. The genus Adcylapocoris Carvalho, 1989 is synonymized with Cylapocoris. Five species: C. castaneus (Carvalho, 1989), C. funebris (Distant, 1883), C. pilosus Carvalho, 1954, C. sulinus Carvalho & Gomes 1971, and C. tiquiensis Carvalho, 1954 are redescribed. Illustrations of the male genitalia, color photographs of dorsal and lateral views of the adult of most species, scanning electron micrographs of selected structures of C. simplex, and keys to species of the genus Cylapocoris are provided.

[Chimney technique--stent implantation to the left common carotid artery in patient treated with thoracic aortic stentgraft]

Proximal fixation is often limiting for endovascular thoracic aortic aneu. rysm repair and the stentgraft may need to cover the origin of the arch branch vessels. Chimney technique have been proposed to preserve flow into over stented branches during or after stent graft implantation. The aim of this report is to share our initial experience of this technique.

Drug-eluting microspheres transarterial chemoembolization (DEM TACE) in patients with liver metastases. Pilot study

BACKGROUND

Only 10 to 20% of patients with hepatic metastases qualify for radical resection of their lesions. The treatment issue among the rest of patients is a small clinical response to overall chemiotherapy and the frequent inability to treat patients with percutaneous thermoablation. In the latter circumstance, parallel to the radical surgery, the reason is the size of the lesion or lack of access to it.

MATERIAL/METHODS

15 patients with hepatic metastases, who had been rejected from consideration of radical resection and thermoablation were subjected to chemoembolization of the proper hepatic artery branches. The procedure was performed using Hepasphere 50-100 μm impregnated with 100 mg of Doxorubicine. The primary tumor sites included: colorectal ca, cholangiocarcinoma, gastrinoma, gallbladder ca, pancreatic ca, GIST, lung ca, kidney ca, breast ca and larynx ca. The evolution of the disease was monitored by MRI scanning, which was performed after a mean time of 7.6 weeks from the chemoembolization. During the study, we compared patients' quality of life (using Edmonton Evaluating System); length of hospital stay, chemoembolization side effects, and remission or progression of the disease by the RECIST 1.1 scale.

RESULTS

26.7% of patients had remission of the metastatic disease, 33.4% experienced stable desease and 26,7% suffered lesion progression. Two patients did not report to the MRI examination. Chemoembolzation's side effects were small and the quality of patients' live improved. Effectiveness depended on the overal condition of the patient, and the stage of the primary disease.

CONCLUSIONS

Chemoembolization is a minimally invasive, safe and possibly effective palliative procedure in patients with hepatic metastases. Further investigation on a larger group of patients is required and will be continued.

[Papillary fibroelastoma of the left atrial appendage]

Primary cardiac tumours are very rare (0.02%). Typically fibroelastoma arises from valvular endocardium, nonvalvular locations occur occasionally. Usually fibroelastoma is asymptomatic, however in some cases it may produce small superficial thrombi with substantial risk of embolisation. We report 59 year-old male with left atrial appendage location of papillary fibroelastoma diagnosed during transesophageal echocardiography. Computed tomography confirmed morphological signs typical for this tumour.

Antibacterial activity of gentamicin-bonded gelatin-sealed polyethylene terephthalate vascular prostheses

OBJECTIVES

To create an antibiotic-modified vascular prosthesis with a prolonged bactericidal activity, susceptible to endothelialisation.

METHODS

We used a covalent method of gentamicin sulphate immobilisation to polyethylene terephthalate prosthesis sealed with gelatin. Antibacterial activity was assayed in Luria-Bertani medium against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains. Prosthesis endothelialisation was performed using bovine aorta endothelial cells (BAEC).

RESULTS

Gentamicin was bound to vascular prostheses in the amount of 12g per kg of prosthesis. Ninety-seven percent of antibiotic bound in covalent way and remained on the biomaterial for at least 30 days during shaking in PBS solution. Gentamicin-modified prostheses exerted bactericidal or bacteriostatic effect on growth of clinical and reference bacterial strains, prevented biofilm formation and were highly susceptible to endothelialisation. BAEC viability exceeded 90%, which indicated that gentamicin-vascular prostheses were not toxic for these cells.

CONCLUSIONS

Covalent gentamicin immobilisation resulted in effective antibacterial protection of vascular prostheses against clinical and reference strains of S. aureus, E. coli and P. aeruginosa and allowed for a strong adherence of endothelial cells to antibiotic-modified prostheses.

Achievement of ultralow emittance beam in the accelerator test facility damping ring

For high luminosity in electron-positron linear colliders, it is essential to generate low vertical emittance beams. We report on the smallest vertical emittance achieved in single-bunch-mode operation of the Accelerator Test Facility, which satisfies the requirement of the x-band linear collider. The emittances were measured with a laser-wire beam-profile monitor installed in the damping ring. The bunch length and the momentum spread of the beam were also recorded under the same conditions. The smallest vertical rms emittance measured at low intensity is 4 pm at a beam energy of 1.3 GeV, which corresponds to the normalized emittance of 1.0x1.0(-8) m. It increases by a factor of 1.5 for a bunch intensity of 10(10) electrons. The measured data agreed to the calculation of intrabeam scattering within much better than a factor of 2.

Chlamydia pneumoniae infection in abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) patients and its clinical impact

The aim of our study was to assess the presence of Chlmydia pneumoniae infection in AAA patients and to evaluate its association with clinical symptoms and histological signs of inflammation in the aortal wall. Fifty-two AAA patients participated in the research. Thirty healthy controls took part in serological examination. C. pneumoniae was detected by PCR and immunofluorescence in situ reaction in aorta samples of 84.6% and 86.54% of the patients, respectively. Serological markers of chronic C. pneumoniae infection were detected in 86.5% of AAA patients and in 33.3% of healthy controls. High titers of specific IgG and IgA were found in 37.8% of AAA patients with serologically defined chronic infection. All patients in "high serology" group had symptomatic aneurysm and inflammatory infiltrations in their aortal wall samples. AAA patients infected with C. pneumoniae are not a homogenous group. "High serology" group is much more prone to have symptomatic aneurysm than the remaining of AAA patients. Serology can be very useful in predicting the risk of AAA rupture. Inter-laboratory standardization of direct and indirect detection methods of C. pneumoniae infection is required to elucidate the role of these bacteria in AAA development.

Immunofluorescence in situ and the serologic indices of Chlamydia pneumoniae infection in patients with an abdominal aortic aneurysm

The aim of the study was to evaluate the frequency of Chlamydia pneumoniae infection in patients with abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) using selected methods. The histological specimens of aneurysm wall were evaluated, the method of immunofluorescence was used to reveal the antigen in the wall of AAA and the titers of specific antibodies of IgG, IgM and IgA classes in blood plasma were marked. Atherosclerotic changes in the aneurysm wall were found in all patients. In 20(87%) patients the C. pneumoniae antigen was seen in the wall of abdominal aneurysm using the indirect immunofluorescence method. A significant relation between the method of direct C. pneumoniae diagnosis, aneurysm symptoms and histologically detected inflammation in its wall was confirmed. Serologic markers of the chronic C. pneumoniae infection were seen in 20(87%) out of 23 patients and in 6(30%) out of 20 subjects of the control group and this difference was statistically significant. It was observed, that all patients with serologic indices of active C. pneumoniae infection, had symptomatic aneurysm. The presence of Chlamydia pneumoniae in the wall of AAA as well as the occurrence of serologic indices of the chronic infection in these patients can confirm the hypothesis of the relation between the infection with this microorganism and the development of the disease.

Histoclinic of the abdominal aortic aneurysms

The aim of this study was to analyze the scientific protocol of 21 patients operated due to abdominal aortic aneurysm. Arterial hypertension was the common feature for the whole group. Typical microscopic changes for true aortic aneurysm in all histopathological findings were approved. A different in size thrombus was always present inside the aortic sac. In every case atherosclerotic lesions were recognized in the aneurysm wall. In some samples the multiple inflammatory infiltration consisting of mononuclear cells were observed. Simultaneously an intensive angiogenesis process was seen.

Minimal contribution of cell-bound antibodies to the immunoscintigraphy of inflamed joints with 99mTc-anti-CD4 monoclonal antibodies

AIM

The cellular joint infiltrate in rheumatoid arthritis patients is rich in CD4-positive T-helper lymphocytes and macrophages, rendering anti-CD4 monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) suitable for specific immunoscintigraphy of human/experimental arthritis. Following intravenous injection, however, mAbs are present both in the free form and bound to CD4-positive, circulating monocytes and T-cells. Thus, the present study aimed at analyzing the relative contribution of the free and the cell-bound component to the imaging of inflamed joints in experimental adjuvant arthritis (AA).

METHODS

AA rat peritoneal macrophages or lymph node l-cells were incubated in vitro with saturating amounts of 99mTc-anti-CD4 mAb (W3/25) and injected i.v. into rats with AA.

RESULTS

In vitro release of 99mTc-anti-CD4 mAb from the cells was limited (on average 1.57%/h for macrophages and 0.84%/h for T-cells). Following i.v. injection, whole body/joint scans and tissue measurements showed only negligible accumulation of radioactivity in inflamed ankle joints (tissue: 0.22 and 0.34% of the injected activity, respectively), whereas the radioactivity was concentrated in liver (tissue: 79% and 71%, respectively), kidney, and urinary bladder. Unlike macrophages, however, anti-CD4 mAb-coated T-cells significantly accumulated in lymphoid organs, the inflamed synovial membrane of the ankle joints, as well as in elbow and knee joints.

CONCLUSION

While the overall contribution of cell-bound mAbs to the imaging of arthritic joints with anti-CD4 mAbs is minimal, differential accumulation of macrophages and T-cells in lymphoid organs and the inflamed synovial membrane indicates preferential migration patterns of these 2 cell populations in arthritic rats. Although only validated for 99mTc-anti-CD4 mAbs, extrapolation of the results to other anticellular mAbs with similar affinity for their antigen may be possible.

[The relation between Chlamydia pneumoniae infection and abdominal aortic aneurysm]

The aim of our study was to evaluate the frequency of C. pneumoniae infection in abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) patients by measuring C. pneumoniae specific serum IgG, IgM and IgA levels and the activation of their immune system by measuring the concentrations of IL-10, IL-12, IFN-gamma and TNF-alpha in patients' serum. Microimmunofluorescence method was applied to evaluate the level of anti-C. pneumoniae IgG, IgA and IgM. The concentrations of cytokines were evaluated using ELISA method. Serologic markers of persistent C. pneumoniae infection have been detected in 25/28 (89.3%) patients and in 6/20 (30%) healthy controls. In 40% (10/25) of patients with serologic markers of persistent C. pneumoniae infection high titers of specific IgG and IgA indicated active infection--reinfection or exacerbation of chronic infection. Mean concentrations of IL-10, IL-12, IFN-gamma and TNF-alpha indicated lack of protection against intracellular pathogens. Since all patients in this group were diagnosed as having symptomatic AAA, we suggest that active infection can exacerbate inflammation in the AAA wall and accelerate progression of the disease. In our opinion patients with active C. pneumoniae infection may be candidates to the antimicrobial treatment.

[Cytokines: regulations of immune response during infection]

The aim of this work is to review state-of-the-art knowledge about cytokines and their role as regulators of immune response during infections caused by different pathogens.

Joint uptake and body distribution of a technetium-99m-labeled anti-rat-CD4 monoclonal antibody in rat adjuvant arthritis

Joint uptake and body distribution of a 99mTc-labeled monoclonal antibody (Mab) to the rat CD4 molecule (W3/25; IgG1) were investigated after intravenous injection in normal rats and in animals with experimentally induced adjuvant arthritis. An isotype-matched Mab with irrelevant specificity (anti-human carcino-embryonic-antigen) was used as control. A 4 hr sequential gamma-camera imaging revealed that both anti-CD4 and control Mab accumulated to a higher degree in arthritic than in normal ankle joints; the accumulation was comparable for the two Mabs. In contrast to the inflamed joints, a specific accumulation of the anti-CD4 Mab was found in organs rich in CD4-positive cells, i.e. spleen, bone marrow and lymph nodes, as assessed by direct well counter measurements 16 hr after injection. The control Mab displayed no preferential organ accumulation in either normal or diseased animals. These results indicate that a specific accumulation of anti-CD4 Mabs occurs in CD4-positive-cell-rich tissues in both normal and diseased animals and that immunoglobulins accumulate preferentially in inflamed joints regardless of their antibody specificity.