Investigation on mechanical properties of nickel open cell metal foam after heat treatment

This investigation aims to assess the mechanical behavior and energy absorption properties of the open-cell nickel foams. The metal foams produced by electroforming of nickel on PU foams, also a heat treatment has applied to evaporate the PU foam, then a uniaxial compression test was applied to measure maximum compressive strength, energy absorption density, efficiency, and normalized stresses. The results indicate that compared with typical open-cell nickel foams and polymer precursors when the electroforming time is 12 h and a heat treatment has applied, the aforementioned properties of the metal foams had a significant improvement. Improvement of properties will change by increasing the time of electroforming. The heat treatment improved the energy absorption density of open-cell nickel foams for 3.7 times. For the best sample which is a metal foam with 12 h of electroforming with heat treatment the first maximum compressive strength, energy absorption density, and energy absorption efficiency reach 1.84 (MPa), 3.29 (mJ/mm3), and 73%, respectively.

Global incidence of surgical site infections following caesarean section: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Surgical site infection (SSI) is a health-threatening complication following caesarean section (CS); however, to the authors' knowledge, there is no worldwide estimate of the burden of post-CS SSIs. Therefore, this systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to estimate the global and regional incidence of post-CS SSIs and associated factors.

METHODS

International scientific databases were searched systematically for observational studies published from January 2000 to March 2023, without language or geographical restrictions. The pooled global incidence rate was estimated using a random-effects meta-analysis (REM), and then stratified by World-Health-Organization-defined regions as well as by sociodemographic and study characteristics. Causative pathogens and associated risk factors of SSIs were also analysed using REM. Heterogeneity was assessed with I2.

RESULTS

In total, 180 eligible studies (207 datasets) involving 2,188,242 participants from 58 countries were included in this review. The pooled global incidence of post-CS SSIs was 5.63% [95% confidence interval (CI) 5.18-6.11%]. The highest and lowest incidence rates for post-CS SSIs were estimated for the African (11.91%, 95% CI 9.67-14.34%) and North American (3.87%, 95% CI 3.02-4.83%) regions, respectively. The incidence was significantly higher in countries with lower income and human development index levels. The pooled incidence estimates have increased steadily over time, with the highest incidence rate during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic (2019-2023). Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli were the most prevalent pathogens. Several risk factors were identified.

CONCLUSION

An increasing and substantial burden from post-CS SSIs was identified, especially in low-income countries. Further research, greater awareness and the development of effective prevention and management strategies are warranted to reduce post-CS SSIs.

Circulating and cellular levels of miR-193 and miR-217 in patients with common glomerular diseases

Introduction: The definitive diagnosis of the common types of glomerular disease including FSGS (focal segmental glomerulosclerosis) and MN (membranous nephropathy) is still performed by biopsy studies, which has high risks and complications. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) can open a new horizon for the treatment and diagnosis of glomerular diseases. Objectives: In the present study, we focused on miR-217, miR-193-3p, and miR-124 expression in patients with FSGS and MN. Patients and Methods: Sixty cases (30 FSGS and 30 MN) were included based on strict criteria. A group of healthy controls were also included. The relative expression of the microRNAs was evaluated in the plasma and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) by quantitative real-time PCR. The association between the expression levels of microRNAs and clinicopathological parameters were also assessed. Results: There were significant differences in miR-193-3p levels between FSGS and MN group in plasma samples (P = 0.036). Furthermore, significantly decreased levels of miR-217 were observed in plasma samples of patients with NS (P = 0.026) and MN (P = 0.036) groups. Conclusion: The studied miRNAs are dysregulated in clinical samples of patients with nephrotic syndrome and they may be involved in the pathogenesis of FSGS and MN. More research is needed for understanding the relationship between these microRNAs and the pathogenesis of FSGS and MGN.

Endometriosis fertility index for predicting non-assisted reproductive technology pregnancy after endometriosis surgery: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Results of studies that have assessed the accuracy of the endometriosis Fertility Index (EFI) for predicting non-assisted reproductive technology (ART) pregnancy are inconsistent.

OBJECTIVE

We intended to evaluate the accuracy of EFI for the prediction of non-ART pregnancy.

SEARCH STRATEGY

Embase, Medline, Scopus and Web of Science were searched up to 5 October 2019.

SELECTION CRITERIA

We included studies that used EFI to predict non-ART pregnancy in women with surgically documented endometriosis.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

A total of 5547 studies were identified, from which we included 17 studies on 4598 women in the meta-analysis. Eight studies were classified as good quality, and the rest were considered to be of fair quality. Only five (29.41%) studies used appropriate approaches to account for potential confounders. Pooled effect sizes with corresponding 95% CI were calculated using random-effects model.

MAIN RESULTS

The cumulative non-ART pregnancy rate at 36 months was 10% (95% CI: 3, 16%; P < 0.001) for women with an EFI of 0-2, which significantly increased to 69% (95% CI: 58, 79%; P < 0.001) for women with an EFI of 9-10. Compared with women with an EFI of 3-4 (18%, 95% CI: 12, 24%; P < 0.001), the combined cumulative non-ART pregnancy rates were 44% (95% CI: 26, 63%; P < 0.001) for women with an EFT of 5-6 and 55% (95% CI: 47, 64%; P < 0.001) for women with an EFI of 7-8. Paired comparison by the chi-square test showed a significant difference between all categories (P < 0.001). The odds ratio (OR) for EFI was 1.33 (95% CI: 1.17, 1.49, P < 0.001) and the summary area under the curve (AUC) was 72% (95% CI: 65, 80%, P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

The current findings highlighted the good performance of the EFI score in predicting the non-ART pregnancy rate. However, these findings should be considered with caution because of the substantial heterogeneity between studies.

TWEETABLE ABSTRACT

Review findings show the merits of Endometriosis Fertility Index as having a prognostic ability for non-assisted reproductive technology pregnancy.

P1008Increased incidence of supraventricular tachycardia during high influenza activity

Background/Introduction

Influenza remains a major risk to human health, estimated to result in 290,000 to 650,000 annual deaths worldwide. The association of influenza with coronary events is well established but influenza's impact on cardiac arrhythmias has received less attention.

Purpose

We investigated the effect of influenza on triggering supraventricular tachycardia (SVT).

Methods

This retrospective observational study included de-identified data from patients who had a Zio patch continuous cardiac monitoring from October 2012 to September 2017. The “influenza activity” was defined as the percentage of positive respiratory specimens that tested for influenza virus during each influenza season per reports from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. We included all SVT events from the weeks with the highest and lowest influenza activity up to two consecutive weeks after them. A paired t-test was used to compare the incidence of SVT episodes in weeks with the highest and lowest influenza activity.

Results

We reviewed records of 825869 patients (mean age, 61.06±15.31 years; 48.75% male); of these patients, 49984 had Zio patch during highest and lowest influenza activity time frame. The overall average episodes of SVT per person was 25% higher in the highest influenzas activity period comparing to the lowest activity (59.05 vs 47.26) and the higher incidence of SVT episodes in the highest influenza activity was significant (P value <0.01). A similar significant trend was observed during each individual influenza season.

Figure 1. average number of SVT episodes

Conclusion

High seasonal influenza activity is associated with increased odds of supraventricular tachycardia. Prospective studies are needed to determine the clinical implications of this finding.

The Effects of Vitamin D-K-Calcium Co-Supplementation on Endocrine, Inflammation, and Oxidative Stress Biomarkers in Vitamin D-Deficient Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial

The current study was conducted to assess the effects of vitamin D-K-calcium co-supplementation on endocrine, inflammation, and oxidative stress biomarkers in vitamin D-deficient women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). This randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was performed on 60 vitamin D-deficient women diagnosed with PCOS aged 18-40 years old. Participants were randomly allocated into 2 groups to intake either 200 IU vitamin D, 90 μg vitamin K plus, 500 mg calcium supplements (n=30), or placebo (n=30) twice a day for 8 weeks. Endocrine, inflammation, and oxidative stress biomarkers were quantified at the beginning and the end of the study. After 8 weeks of intervention, compared with the placebo, vitamin D-K-calcium co-supplementation resulted in a significant reduction in serum-free testosterone (- 2.1±1.6 vs.+0.1±1.0 pg/ml, p<0.001) and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS) levels (- 0.8±1.0 vs.-0.1±0.5 μg/ml, p=0.006). In addition, a significant increase in plasma total antioxidant capacity (TAC) (+ 75.7±126.1 vs.-80.4±242.8 mmol/l, p=0.005) and a significant difference in plasma malondialdehyde (MDA) concentrations (+ 0.03±0.6 vs.+1.4±2.4 μmol/l, p=0.005) was observed following the supplementation with vitamin D-K-calcium compared with the placebo. A trend toward a greater decrease in luteinizing hormone was observed in vitamin D-K-calcium co-supplement group compared to placebo group (- 7.0 vs.-1.2 IU/l, p=0.09). We did not find any significant effect of vitamin D-K-calcium co-supplementation on prolactin, follicle-stimulating hormone, 17-OH progesterone, inflammatory markers, and glutathione levels. Overall, vitamin D-K-calcium co-supplementation for 8 weeks among vitamin D-deficient women with PCOS had beneficial effects on serum DHEAS, free testosterone, plasma TAC, and MDA levels.

Selenium Supplementation and the Effects on Reproductive Outcomes, Biomarkers of Inflammation, and Oxidative Stress in Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Selenium supplementation could be effective on reproductive outcomes, biomarkers of inflammation, and oxidative stress among women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). The aim of the study was to determine the effects of selenium supplementation on reproductive outcomes, biomarkers of inflammation, and oxidative stress in PCOS patients. The present randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was conducted on 64 women aged 18-40 years old with PCOS at the clinic affiliated to Ardabil University of Medical Sciences, Ardabil, Iran. The participants were randomly assigned to 2 groups receiving either 200 μg selenium daily (n=32) or placebo (n=32) for 8 weeks. Hormonal profiles, biomarkers of inflammation, and oxidative stress were measured and compared both before and after the treatment. After 8 weeks of intervention, pregnancy rate in the selenium group was higher than in the placebo group: 18.8 (6/32) vs. 3.1% (1/32), p=0.04. In addition, alopecia (40.6 vs. 9.4%, p=0.004) and acne (46.9 vs. 12.5 %, p=0.003) decreased following the consumption of selenium supplements compared with placebo. Additionally, patients who received selenium supplements had significantly decreased serum dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) levels (p=0.02), hirsutism (modified Ferriman-Gallwey scores) (p<0.001), serum high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) (p=0.02), and plasma malondialdehyde (MDA) levels (p=0.01) compared with placebo. We did not observe any significant effects of taking selenium supplements on other hormonal profiles, nitric oxide (NO), and other biomarkers of oxidative stress. Taken together, selenium supplementation for 8 weeks among PCOS women had beneficial effects on reproductive outcomes, DHEA, hs-CRP, and MDA levels. Supporting Information for this article is available online at http://www.thieme-connect.de/products.

Plasmon-assisted degradation of methylene blue with Ag/AgCl/montmorillonite nanocomposite under visible light

Metal-semiconductor compounds, such as Ag/AgX (X=Cl, Br, I), enable visible light absorption and separation of photogenerated electron-hole through surface plasmon resonance (SPR) effect. However, the electron-hole generated and separated by light are vulnerable in Ag/AgX phase because of the occurrence of secondary recombined. In order to more effectively utilize the SPR photocatalytic effect, nanoparticles are located in a matrix. In this article, Ag/AgCl nanoparticles were synthesized in montmorillonite (MMT) matrix using dispersion method and light irradiation. The structure, composition and optical properties of such material were investigated by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), UV-visible diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (UV-Vis DRS), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and FTIR. Powder X-ray diffraction showed intercalation of Ag/AgCl nanoparticles into the clay layers. The as-prepared plasmonic photocatalyst exhibited an enhanced and stable photoactivity for the degradation of methylene blue (MB) under visible light. The high activity was attributed to the surface plasmon resonance (SPR) exhibited by Ag nanoparticles on the surface of AgCl. The detection of reactive species by radical scavengers displays that O2- and OH- are the main reactive species for the degradation of MB under visible light irradiation. The studies showed that 20 min illumination under visible light can complete degradation of methylene blue (MB), and indicate a high stability of photocatalytic degradation. The mechanism of separation of the photo-generated electrons and holes at the Ag/AgCl-MMT nanocomposite was discussed.

The influence of intensity and duration of a painful conditioning stimulation on conditioned pain modulation in volunteers

BACKGROUND AND METHOD

The aim was to investigate influence from variations in intensity of a painful conditioning stimulation (CS) on early (0-6 min) and prolonged (6-12 min) conditioned pain modulation (CPM) in volunteers during concurrent exposure to test stimuli (TS). CS was applied to either forearm using painful heat with an intensity of 2/10 and 5/10, respectively, rated on a 0-10 numerical pain rating scale. At a second session, CS with an intensity of 7/10 was applied to the arm using a tourniquet. Threshold and suprathreshold painful heat and pressure as well as painful repeated monofilament pricking (RMP) were assessed as TS.

RESULTS

Regardless of TS, there was no significant difference in the magnitude of CPM within the same stimulus modality during the various intensities and phases of the CS. Significant modulation of heat pain thresholds (HPTs) was found during the early phase at 5/10 and 7/10, but not at 2/10. Only at 5/10 the prolonged CS resulted in a significant additional increase in HPT. During the early CS phase, CPM of suprathreshold heat pain was found at 2/10 and 5/10. The prolonged CS resulted in a significant additional temperature increase at 5/10. Only during the early phase significant CPM of pressure pain thresholds were found for all three pain intensities in conjunction with a significant CPM of suprathreshold pressure pain at 5/10. There was no CPM of RMP.

CONCLUSION

The CS intensity and the duration of CPM modulated pain sensitivity differentially across TS modalities.

Evaluation of anticonvulsant effect of two novels 4-[1-(4-fluorobenzyl)- 5-imidazolyl] dihydropyridine derivatives in mice

In this study the anticonvulsant effect of two dihydropyridine derivatives [diethyl -1,4- dihydro -2,6-dimethyl -4-(4- fluoro benzyl-2- methylthio -5- imidazolyl)-3,5- pyridine dicarboxilat (A) and diethyl -1,4-dihydro -2,6- diethyl -4-(4- fluoro benzyl-2- methylthio -5- imidazolyl)-3,5- pyridine dicarboxilat (B)] by pentylenetetrazole (PTZ) and electroshock in mice was evaluated. The latency and HLTE (hind limb tonic extensions), the duration of HLTE and the mortality protection in pentylenetetrazole test and the HLTE duration in electroshock test were assessed. Both compounds had significant differences with negative control in all doses used. There was no significant difference between nifedipine and B (96.7 and 169.2 mg/kg doses) in the starting point of HLTE and between nifedipine andA(62.2 and 108.9 mg/kg doses) in the duration of HLTE in the PTZ test. Also, there was no significant difference between nifedipine and B (96.7 and 169.2 mg/kg doses) andA(62.2 and 108.9 mg/kg doses) in electroshock test. All doses ofAand B and nifedipine showed less effect than phenytoin and valproate. This study showed that bothAand B have anticonvulsant activity in the PTZ-induced seizure model and the MES test. These compounds, thus, might be useful in the petit mal and grand mal epilepsy.

Effect of iron containing supplements on rats' dental caries progression

OBJECTIVE

Iron deficiency is the most common form of malnutrition in developing countries. Iron containing supplements have been used effectively to solve this problem. In children, because of teeth staining after taking iron drops, parents have the idea that iron drops are the cause of tooth decay; therefore, they limit this vital supplement in their children's diet. Hereby, we evaluate the histologic effect of iron containing supplements on tooth caries in rice rats with cariogenic or non-cariogenic diet.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Twelve rats were selected and divided into four groups for this interventional experimental study. Four different types of dietary regimens were used for four months; group A, cariogenic diet with iron containing supplements; group B, cariogenic diet without iron containing supplements; group C, non-cariogenic diet with iron containing supplements; group D, non-cariogenic diet without iron containing supplements. After sacrificing the rats, 20-micron histological sections of their posterior teeth were prepared using the Ground Section method, then they were studied under polarized light microscopy. In order to compare the progression of caries in different samples, the depth of the lesions in the enamel was measured as three grades I, II and III.

RESULTS

The mean grade value of A, B, C and D groups were 1.61, 2.61, 1.37 and 1.80, respectively. Statistical analysis revealed that significantly fewer caries were seen in the group which had received iron containing supplements and cariogenic diet compared with cariogenic diet without iron supplements (p<0.05).

CONCLUSION

Ferrous sulfate reduces the progression of dental caries in the cariogenic dietary regimen.

Novel magnesium-nanofluorapatite metal matrix nanocomposite with improved biodegradation behavior

Designing and preparation of magnesium alloys with adjustable biocorrosion rates in the human body and precipitation ability of bone-like apatite layer have been of interest recently. Application of metal matrix composites (MMC) based on magnesium alloys might be an approach to this challenge. The aim of this work was fabrication and evaluation of biocorrosion and bioactivity of a novel MMC made of magnesium alloy AZ91 as matrix and fluorapatite (FA) nano particles as reinforcement. Biodegradable Magnesium-nano fluorapatite metal matrix nanocomposite (AZ91-20FA) was made via a blending-pressing-sintering method. In vitro corrosion tests were performed for evaluation of biocorrosion behavior of produced AZ91-20FA nanocomposite. The results showed that the addition of FA nano particles to magnesium alloy can reduce not only the corrosion rate in a simulated body environment but also accelerate the formation of an apatite layer.

In vitro cultivation of axenic amastigotes and the comparison of antioxidant enzymes at different stages of Leishmania tropica

The present study aimed to establish a simple method to yield large amounts of Leishmania tropica amastigote-like forms in axenic cultures and to compare the superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPX) enzymes at different stages of L. tropica. Different culture conditions were tested to find the optimum condition of axenic amastigotes generation. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPX) activities were determined at logarithmic and stationary phases and axenic amastigote stage of the parasite. A high proportion (88%) of amastigote-like forms of L. tropica was observed in BHI medium supplemented with 20% FCS, pH 4.5, and incubated at 37ºC with 5% CO(2). The results showed that SOD activity was at the lowest level in the logarithmic phase of promastigotes and increased towards the stationary phase of promastigotes and amastigote stage. The results showed that the optimum condition for differentiation of L. tropica promastigotes to axenic amastigotes was BHI medium containing 20% FCS at pH 4.5, incubated at 37ºC in the presence of 5% CO(2). It seems that SOD, but not GPX is a major determinant of intracellular survival of the parasite.

Identification and phylogeny of some species of the genera Sporidiobolus and Rhodotorula using analysis of the 5.8s rDNA gene and two ribosomal internal transcribed spacers

Due to the problems encountered in routine morphological and physiological procedures that are used in yeast identification, DNA-based methods have recently been developed. In the present study, l66 yeast strains were isolated from several apple and citrus cultivars. After analysis by basic morphological methods, the ITS1 and ITS2 regions of the isolates were amplified separately, and the isolates were grouped based on fragment size polymorphism (FSP) of the amplicons. By comparing the electrophoretic patterns of the PCR products with Rhodotorula mucilaginosa, species were identified as Rhodotorula. For precise and final identification, the ITS-PCR products were subjected to sequencing followed by Blast analysis. As a result, eight isolates were identified as belonging to the Rhodotorula genus, of which five were identified as R. mucilaginosa and three as R. glutinis, and one as a Sporidiobolus. We conclude that the method PCR-FSP, in combination with other approaches, is useful for the identification of yeast species.

Protective effects of aqueous and ethanolic extracts of Nigella sativa L. and Portulaca oleracea L. on free radical induced hemolysis of RBCs

BACKGROUND AND THE PURPOSE OF THE STUDY

It has been shown that Nigella sativa L. and Portulaca oleracea L. have many antioxidant components. In the present study, the cytoprotective effect of ethanolic and aqueous extracts of N.sativa and P.oleracea against hemolytic damages induced by free radical initiator, AAPH [2, 2' azobis (2- amidinopropane) hydrochloride] was evaluated.

METHODS

Hemolysis was induced by addition of AAPH. To study the cytoprotective effect, aqueous (50, 200, 300, 400, 800 µg/ml) and ethanolic (25, 100, 150, 200 and 400 µg/ml) extracts of N. sativa and aqueous (25, 50, 100, 150, 200 and 400 µg/ml) and ethanolic (300, 600, 900, 1200 and 1800 µg/ml) extracts of P. oleracea were employed. RBCs were incubated with both extracts and AAPH at 37 °C for 6 hrs. In order to evaluate the impact of the time of addition, extracts were added one and 2 hrs after AAPH. Samples of suspensions were removed at different times and the degree of hemolysis was assessed spectrophotometrically by reading the absorption of supernatants at 540 nm.

RESULTS

Aqueous (300, 400 and 800 µg/ml) and ethanolic (150, 200 and 400 µg/ml) extracts of N.sativa and also, aqueous (100, 150, 200 and 400 µg/ml) and ethanolic (1200, 1800 µg/ml) extracts of P.oleracea showed concentration-dependent cytoprotective effects. Addition of extracts one hour after AAPH reduced but did not eliminate protective activities of extracts.

CONCLUSION

Cytorotective effect of aqueous and ethanolic extracts of N. sativa and P. oleracea against AAPH- induced hemolysis may be related to antioxidant properties of these plants.

Plasma column displacement measurements by modified Rogowski sine-coil and Biot-Savart/magnetic flux equation solution on IR-T1 tokamak

The modified Rogowski sine-coil (MRSC) has been designed and implemented for the plasma column horizontal displacement measurements on small IR-T1 tokamak. MRSC operation has been examined on test assembly and tokamak. Obtained results show high sensitivity to the plasma column horizontal displacement and negligible sensitivity to the vertical displacement; linearity in wide, +/-0.1 m, range of the displacements; and excellent, 1.5%, agreement with the results of numerical solution of Biot-Savart and magnetic flux equations.

First Report of Leaf Blotch Caused by Septoria phalaridis on Phalaris paradoxa

Phalaris paradoxa (hood canarygrass) is one of the most abundant weeds in wheat fields of Iran. In a survey conducted from 2005 to 2007 in Ilam (Dehloran City) and Golestan (Gorgan City) provinces, leaf blotch symptoms were prevalent on P. paradoxa. Initial symptoms were pale brown and necrotic lesions that were 3 to 4 mm long on the leaves. Severity of the disease on the lower leaves was higher than on the upper leaves. Pycnidia were observed on the adaxial surface of infected leaves, scattered or sometimes in clusters, dark brown, globose, and 70 to 90 μm in diameter, with the ostiole approximately 10 μm in diameter. Conidia were filiform, hyaline, 0 to 3 septate (mostly 1 septate), and 17 to 40 × 1.5 to 2.0 μm. Conidiogenesis type was holoblastic. On the basis of the above morphological characters, this species was identified as Septoria phalaridis Cocc. & Morini (2,3). Sequencing the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region of the fungus (GenBank Accession No. GU123926) showed 98% homology to Mycosphaerella graminicola strain 687 and 97% to S. passerinii strain ATCC26515 (GenBank Accession Nos. AB435068.1 and AF181696.1). To confirm pathogenicity of the fungus, 25 P. paradoxa seedlings were inoculated at the three-leaf stage with 20 ml of 1 × 10⁷ spores/ml suspension with a hand sprayer. Plants were covered with a clear polyethylene bag to increase humidity and prevent cross contamination. After 72 h, bags were removed and plants were kept in a greenhouse at 21 ± 2/16 ± 2°C (day/night) and a 16-h photoperiod. Control plants received sterilized distilled water only. Leaves of each plant were visually inspected every day and the appearance of disease symptoms was recorded. After 1 month, all inoculated leaves showed symptoms and signs of the disease such as chlorosis, necrosis, and pycnidia, whereas control plants showed no symptoms or signs of disease. The infected plant tissues were examined with a microscope, the pycnidia and pycnidiospores were measured, and S. phalaridis was reisolated from leaf lesions. The first description of S. phalaridis was on P. brachystachys (1); however, to our knowledge, this is the first report of this pathogen on P. paradoxa. In addition, this is a new fungal species for the mycobiota of Iran. Two voucher specimens (IRAN 14078 F and IRAN 14218 F) were deposited in the Fungus Collection of the Ministry of Jihad-e Agriculture, Tehran, Iran. References: (1) G. Cocconi and F. Morini. Mem. R. Accad. Sci. Ist. Bologna, Cl. Sci. Fis. Ser. 4, 6:371, 1884. (2) M. J. Priest. Fungi of Australia, Septoria. ABRS, Canberra. CSIRO Publishing, Melbourne, 2006. (3) D. N. Teterevnikova-Babayan. Fungi of the Genus Septoria in the USSR. Akademiya Nauk Armyanskoi SSR, Yerevan, 1987.

Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis in children with Ebstein Barr virus infection

Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis (JRA) is a disease of unknown etiology. A total of 50 patients with JRA who were hospitalized in the Pediatrics Rheumatology Ward of Imam Khomeini Hospital in Tehran during the years 2001-2002, were assessed serologically (IgM and IgG specific viral capsid antigens) for EBV infection and their response to therapy was studied. Minimum age of the patients was at least 6 months and mean age was 60.96 plus/minus 43.46 months. EBV infection was seen in 44 (88%) patients 24 of whom were girls and 20 boys. Ninety two percent of girls and 83% boys were infected with the virus. Ebstein barr virus (EBV) infection was seen in 33 cases, 6 cases, 4 cases and 1 case in the polyarticular, pauciarticular, systemic and spondylitis group, respectively. Fifty four percent of EBV-positive patients with JRA did not respond to the classic therapy. EBV virus is involved in the pathogenesis of JRA and patients with EBV are in greater risk of developing JRA.

Renal Artery Stent Bending Fatigue Analysis

During normal breathing, the kidneys move up and down due to the diaphragm motion and the renal artery subsequently experiences bending. Whether bending of the renal artery during respiration impacts stent bending fatigue was not previously known. This study presents the first evaluation of the effect of the kidney movement on renal stent bending fatigue performance. Measurements of fluoroscopic images demonstrated a minor (1.7deg) change in bending angle between inspiration and expiration for an 18mm long renal stent after removing rigid-body motion. Finite element analysis revealed excellent fatigue resistance of the studied renal stent under simulated respiratory motion.

Analysis of speech-related variance in rapid event-related fMRI using a time-aware acquisition system

Speech production introduces signal changes in fMRI data that can mimic or mask the task-induced BOLD response. Rapid event-related designs with variable ISIs address these concerns by minimizing the correlation of task and speech-related signal changes without sacrificing efficiency; however, the increase in residual variance due to speech still decreases statistical power and must be explicitly addressed primarily through post-processing techniques. We investigated the timing, magnitude, and location of speech-related variance in an overt picture naming fMRI study with a rapid event-related design, using a data acquisition system that time-stamped image acquisitions, speech, and a pneumatic belt signal on the same clock. Using a spectral subtraction algorithm to remove scanner gradient noise from recorded speech, we related the timing of speech, stimulus presentation, chest wall movement, and image acquisition. We explored the relationship of an extended speech event time course and respiration on signal variance by performing a series of voxelwise regression analyses. Our results demonstrate that these effects are spatially heterogeneous, but their anatomic locations converge across subjects. Affected locations included basal areas (orbitofrontal, mesial temporal, brainstem), areas adjacent to CSF spaces, and lateral frontal areas. If left unmodeled, speech-related variance can result in regional detection bias that affects some areas critically implicated in language function. The results establish the feasibility of detecting and mitigating speech-related variance in rapid event-related fMRI experiments with single word utterances. They further demonstrate the utility of precise timing information about speech and respiration for this purpose.

Microsatellite markers provide evidence for sexual reproduction of Mycosphaerella graminicola in Saskatchewan

This study examined the genetic structure of a Saskatchewan population of Mycosphaerella graminicola, cause of the foliar disease Septoria tritici blotch of wheat. Such knowledge is valuable for understanding the evolutionary potential of this pathogen and for developing control strategies based on host resistance. Nine pairs of single-locus microsatellite primers were used to analyze the genomic DNA of 90 isolates of M. graminicola that were collected using a hierarchical sampling procedure from different locations, leaves, and lesions within a wheat field near Saskatoon. Allelic series at eight different loci were detected. The number of alleles per locus ranged from one to five with an average of three alleles per locus. Genetic diversity values ranged from 0.04 to 0.67. Partitioning the total genetic variability into within- and among-location components revealed that 88% of the genetic variability occurred within locations, i.e., within areas of 1 m(2), but relatively little variability occurred among locations. Low variability among locations and a high degree of variability within locations would result if the primary source of inoculum was airborne ascospores, which would be dispersed uniformly within the field. This finding was confirmed by gametic disequilibrium analysis and suggests that the sexual reproduction of M. graminicola occurs in Saskatchewan.

Steroid-responsive charles bonnet syndrome in temporal arteritis

The authors report a patient with biopsy-proven temporal arteritis who manifested Charles Bonnet syndrome (CBS). Treatment with steroid resulted in prompt resolution of visual hallucinations, despite persistent visual loss, suggesting that cerebral ischemia is a cofactor for the development of CBS.

Response of Balloon-Expandable Endoprosthetic Metallic Stents Subjected to Over-Expansion In Vitro

We attempted to evaluate the in vitro behavior and performance of balloon-expandable endoprosthetic metallic stents subjected to over-expansion (OE). Seventy-two balloon-expandable endoprosthetic stents, representing 22 models from six manufacturers, were overexpanded in vitro. Stents were initially expanded to their maximum manufacturer- recommended diameter and then over-expanded incrementally to their endpoints. Endpoints for OE were either stent disarticulation or an inability to undergo further expansion despite balloon insufflation to maximum burst pressure. Measurements of stent dimensions were recorded at each overexpanded diameter and comparisons were made to manufacturer's specifications. A total of 288 balloon-driven expansions were performed on 72 stents. Sixteen stents were expanded to large diameters (> or = 16 mm), 20 stents underwent OE of 50% or greater. One model tended to disarticulate after OE greater than 50%. There were five models that had a tendency to disarticulate after minimal OE. Five models were resistant to OE (25% or less OE) but did not disarticulate. Nearly all stents showed some degree of foreshortening with OE, while 36 stents underwent foreshortening of 30% or more. Models that are not recommended for OE include Intrastent, Intrastent DoubleStrut, NIR Royale and Omniflex. Good candidates for OE include Intrastent DoubleStrut LD, Palmaz large, Medtronic Extra Support Biliary Plus and Medtronic Flexible Biliary. Palmaz XL remains the only model available for expansion from 20 to 28 mm in diameter. For the remaining stents, OE is possible, however, caution should be used.

Lack of germline transmission of vector sequences following systemic administration of recombinant AAV-2 vector in males

A potential consequence of systemic administration of viral vectors is the inadvertent introduction of foreign DNA into recipient germ cells. To evaluate the safety of in vivo recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV) mediated gene transfer approaches for hemophilia B, we explored the risk of germline transmission of vector sequences following intramuscular (IM) injection of rAAV in four species of male animals (mouse, rat, rabbit and dog). In vector biodistribution studies in mice and rats, there is a dose-dependent increase in the likelihood that vector sequences can be detected in gonadal DNA using a sensitive PCR technique. However, in dogs DNA extracted from semen is negative for vector sequences. To address this discrepancy, studies were done in rabbits, and both semen and testicular DNAs were analyzed for the presence of vector sequences. These studies showed that no AAV vector sequences were detected in DNA extracted from rabbit semen samples collected at time points ranging from 7 to 90 days following IM injection of 1 x 10(13) vector genomes rAAV (vg) per kg. In contrast, DNA extracted from gonadal tissue was positive for vector sequences, but the positive signals diminished in number and strength with time. By FISH analysis, AAV signals were localized to the testis basement membrane and the interstitial space; no intracellular signal was observed. We observed similar findings following hepatic artery administration of rAAV in rats and dogs, suggesting that our findings are independent of the route of administration of vector. Attempts to transduce isolated murine spermatogonia directly with AAV-lacZ were unsuccessful. In clinical studies human subjects injected IM with an AAV vector at doses up to 2 x 10(12) vg/kg have shown no evidence of vector sequences in semen. Together, these studies suggest that rAAV introduced into skeletal muscle or the hepatic artery does not transduce male germ cells efficiently. We conclude that the risk of inadvertent germline transmission of vector sequences following IM or hepatic artery injection of AAV-2 vectors is extremely low.

Herpes simplex encephalitis--an atypical case

Herpes simplex virus (HSV) is a common cause of viral encephalitis. Herpes simplex encephalitis (HSE) typically presents with acute neurologic changes and the initial cerebrospinal fluid examination is nearly always abnormal. We report a case of a patient with HSE and normal initial CSF analysis. This resulted in delayed diagnosis and therapy with subsequent severe neurolgical sequelae. Herpes simplex infection should be included in the differential diagnosis of encephalopathic patients and a normal CSF examination.

GPIIb-IIIa receptor inhibitors: what the interventional radiologist needs to know

The glycoprotein IIb-IIIa (GPIIb-IIIa) receptor inhibitors have established themselves as first line therapy in the treatment of acute coronary syndromes (ACS) and percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). The benefit of these agents rests in their ability to attenuate the deleterious effects of platelet activation, both at the site of an inflamed vessel wall (due to a ruptured plaque or PCI) and in the microcirculation as a result of embolization. Based on these results, interventional radiologists are beginning to explore the potential of using GPIIb-IIIa inhibitors during interventions in the peripheral circulation. This paper reviews the molecular biology of the GPIIb-IIIa receptor, the pharmacology of the GPIIb-IIIa receptor inhibitors, the current coronary and peripheral vascular literature as it pertains to the GPIIb-IIIa receptor inhibitors, and potential future applications of the GPIIb-IIIa receptor inhibitors in the peripheral circulation.

Contrast echocardiography improves the accuracy and reproducibility of left ventricular remodeling measurements: a prospective, randomly assigned, blinded study

OBJECTIVES

We sought to assess the impact of contrast injection and harmonic imaging, on the measure by echocardiography of left ventricular (LV) remodeling.

BACKGROUND

Left ventricular remodeling is a precursor of LV dysfunction, but the impact of contrast injection and harmonic imaging on the accuracy or reproducibility of echocardiography is unclear.

METHODS

We prospectively collected LV images by using simultaneous methods. Then, LV volumes were measured off-line, in blinded manner and in random order. The accuracy of echocardiography was determined in comparison to electron beam computed tomography (EBCT) in 26 patients. The reproducibility of echocardiography was assessed by three blinded observers with different training levels in 32 patients.

RESULTS

End-diastolic volume (EDV), end-systolic volume (ESV), stroke volume (SV) and ejection fraction (EF), as measured by EBCT (195 +/- 55, 58 +/- 24 and 137 +/- 35 ml and 71 +/- 5%, respectively) and echocardiography with harmonic imaging and contrast injection (194 +/- 51, 55 +/- 20 and 140 +/- 35 ml and 72 +/- 4%, respectively), showed no differences (all p > 0.15) and excellent correlations (all r > 0.87). In contrast, echocardiography using harmonic imaging without contrast injection underestimated the EBCT results (all p < 0.01). Reproducibility was superior with rather than without contrast injection for intraobserver and interobserver variabilities (all p < 0.001). Values measured by different observers were different without contrast injection, but were similar with contrast injection (all p > 0.18). Consequently, intrinsic patient differences represented a larger and almost exclusive proportion of global variability with contrast injection for EDV (94 vs. 79%), ESV (93 vs. 82%), SV (87 vs. 53%) and EF (84 vs. 41%), as compared with harmonic imaging without contrast injection (all p < 0.005).

CONCLUSIONS

For assessment of LV remodeling, echocardiography with harmonic imaging and contrast injection improved the accuracy and reproducibility, as compared with imaging without contrast injection. With contrast injection, variability was almost exclusively due to intrinsic patient differences. Therefore, when evaluation of LV remodeling is deemed important, assessment after contrast injection should be the preferred echocardiographic approach.

Bone mineral content in girls perinatally infected with HIV

BACKGROUND

Early diagnostic efforts and advances in multidrug therapy have considerably prolonged the survival time of children infected perinatally with HIV. Despite these advances, few studies have addressed calcium status and bone growth in HIV-infected children.

OBJECTIVE

Our objective was to examine the effect of HIV infection on calcium status and bone growth in children.

DESIGN

We measured calcitropic hormones, urinary calcium excretion, bone mineral content, and body composition in 19 young girls aged 9.2 +/- 2.6 y (range: 5.9-15.2 y) who were infected perinatally with HIV.

RESULTS

Serum concentrations of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D [1,25(OH)(2)D] and parathyroid hormone concentrations were elevated above normal ranges in 25% and 12% of these girls, respectively. Urinary calcium excretion normalized for creatinine excretion was also elevated (Ca/Cr >0.18) in 17% of these children despite suboptimal calcium intakes (679 +/- 437 mg/d). Total-body bone mineral content, measured with the use of dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, averaged 845.1 +/- 279.0 g and was on average 2.7 z scores below age- and race-matched values reported in non-HIV-infected healthy girls. Significant positive correlations were found between an indirect marker of bone resorption in urine (N:-telopeptide) and 1,25(OH)2D (P < 0.02, r2 = 0.586, n = 9), and between serum N-telopeptide and total alkaline phosphatase (P < 0.001, r2 = 0.541, n = 17), suggesting that calcium insufficiency may be increasing bone resorption in this group.

CONCLUSIONS

Young girls with HIV infection had low bone mass and evidence of calcium insufficiency. Nutritional counseling of children with HIV infection should emphasize adequate calcium intakes because of the importance of this age period in bone mineral acquisition.

Photoangioplasty for human peripheral atherosclerosis: results of a phase I trial of photodynamic therapy with motexafin lutetium (Antrin)

BACKGROUND

In photoangioplasty, light activation of a photosensitive drug offers the potential for treatment of long segments of vascular disease. This is a brief description of a study designed to evaluate the safety and tolerability of a new photosensitizer, Antrin (motexafin lutetium), in the endovascular treatment of atherosclerosis.

METHODS AND RESULTS

An open-label, single-dose, escalating drug- and light-dose study was performed in patients with atherosclerotic peripheral arterial insufficiency. Clinical evaluation, serial quantitative angiography, and intravascular ultrasonography were performed. Therapy was well tolerated, and only minor side effects were observed. Treatment produced no deleterious vascular effects. Although this study was not designed to examine clinical efficacy, several secondary end points suggested a favorable therapeutic effect.

CONCLUSIONS

This phase I study demonstrates that photoangioplasty with motexafin lutetium is well tolerated and safe. Preliminary efficacy data suggest a future role for the treatment of flow-limiting atherosclerosis.

Hemiplegic migraine induced by exertion

BACKGROUND

It is known that exertion can aggravate migraine headache. However, the relationship between exertion and migraine aura is unknown.

OBJECTIVE

To study the relationship between exertion and migraine aura.

DESIGN

Case report.

SETTING

Tertiary care hospital.

PATIENT

A 67-year-old man presented with recurrent attacks of exertion-induced hemiplegic migraine. Since the hemiparetic attacks were exertion induced, they were initially ascribed to recurrent transient ischemic attacks. However, the clinical picture, normal findings on cerebral angiography and neuroimaging (during the period of hemiparesis), lack of response to treatment with antiplatelets and anticoagulants, and successful treatment with verapamil suggested that the hemiparesis was not due to ischemia, but was indeed a migraine aura. We suggest that exertion induced the aura of hemiparesis by lowering the threshold for the development of cortical spreading depression. Even though our patient had no family history of hemiplegic migraine, a mutation in an ion channel gene (eg, the CACNA1A gene on chromosome 19) might account for his episodic attacks.

CONCLUSION

Migraine aura should be included in the differential diagnosis of exertion-induced focal neurologic deficit.