Neoparaseuratum travasssosi, n. g., n. sp. (Nematoda: Quimperiidae), a new parasite from thorny catfish Pterododas granulosus in Brazil

A new nematode genus and species. Neoparaseuratum travassosi n. g., n. sp., is described from the intestine of the freshwater thorny catfish, Pterodoras granulosus (Valenciennes), from the Paraná River, Brazil. This seuratoid nematode species represents a new genus of the family Quimperiidae, being characterized mainly by the presence of numerous narrow longitudinal bands of inflated cuticle extending along the cephalic region of the body, small deirids, postoesophageal position of the excretory pore, relatively short (0.159-0.303 mm), equal spicules and a gubernaculum, the absence of caudal alae and preanal sucker in the male, and by some other features.

Rosickyite (monoclinic gamma-sulphur) from La Presta Asphalt Mine, Neuchatel, Switzerland: new X-ray powder diffraction data

Rosickyite, the natural monoclinic gamma -form of sulphur, exists in only a few localities around the globe. In the old asphalt mine at La Presta, Neuchatel. Switzerland, rosickyite occurs locally as small, but very well formed crystals suitable for crystallographic studies. It grows as an alteration product of pyrite-rich asphalt. Rosickyite from La Presta mine is pure molecular sulphur, as revealed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The X-ray powder diffraction data of La Presta rosickyite does not match the one previously published for this species. Therefore, a single crystal study was undertaken and a new indexed X-ray powder diffraction diagram for natural rosickyite is proposed.

A randomized controlled clinical trial evaluating the performance and safety of platelets treated with MIRASOL pathogen reduction technology.

BACKGROUND: Pathogen reduction of platelets (PRT-PLTs) using riboflavin and ultraviolet light treatment has undergone Phase 1 and 2 studies examining efficacy and safety. This randomized controlled clinical trial (RCT) assessed the efficacy and safety of PRT-PLTs using the 1-hour corrected count increment (CCI(1hour) ) as the primary outcome. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: A noninferiority RCT was performed where patients with chemotherapy-induced thrombocytopenia (six centers) were randomly allocated to receive PRT-PLTs (Mirasol PRT, CaridianBCT Biotechnologies) or reference platelet (PLT) products. The treatment period was 28 days followed by a 28-day follow-up (safety) period. The primary outcome was the CCI(1hour) determined using up to the first eight on-protocol PLT transfusions given during the treatment period. RESULTS: A total of 118 patients were randomly assigned (60 to PRT-PLTs; 58 to reference). Four patients per group did not require PLT transfusions leaving 110 patients in the analysis (56 PRT-PLTs; 54 reference). A total of 541 on-protocol PLT transfusions were given (303 PRT-PLTs; 238 reference). The least square mean CCI was 11,725 (standard error [SE], 1.140) for PRT-PLTs and 16,939 (SE, 1.149) for the reference group (difference, -5214; 95% confidence interval, -7542 to -2887; p<0.0001 for a test of the null hypothesis of no difference between the two groups). CONCLUSION: The study failed to show noninferiority of PRT-PLTs based on predefined CCI criteria. PLT and red blood cell utilization in the two groups was not significantly different suggesting that the slightly lower CCIs (PRT-PLTs) did not increase blood product utilization. Safety data showed similar findings in the two groups. Further studies are required to determine if the lower CCI observed with PRT-PLTs translates into an increased risk of bleeding.

Magnetic resonance coronary lumen and vessel wall imaging.

Coronary magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) is a technique aimed at establishing a noninvasive test for the assessment of significant coronary stenoses. There are certain boundary conditions that have hampered the clinical success of coronary MRA and coronary vessel wall imaging. Recent advances in hardware and software allow for consistent visualization of the proximal and mid portions of the native coronary arteries. Current research focuses on the use of intravascular MR contrast agents and black blood coronary angiography. One common goal is to create a noninvasive test which might allow for screening for major proximal and mid coronary artery disease. These novel approaches will represent a major step forward in diagnostic cardiology.

Can MMTV exploit TLR4?

The recognition of microbial pathogens based on their molecular patterns is essential for host defense. Recently, Toll-like receptors have been shown not only to recognize viruses as well as bacteria and fungi, but also to trigger an efficient immune response. A recent publication proposed that the retrovirus mouse mammary tumor virus exploits the pattern-recognition receptor Toll-like receptor 4 to achieve more efficient infection.

Bimodal magmatism as a consequence of the post-collisional readjustment of the thickened Variscan continental lithosphere (Aiguilles Rouges - Mont Blanc Massifs, Western Alps)

High Precision U-Pb zircon and monazite dating in the Aiguilles Rouges-Mont Blanc area allowed discrimination of three short-lived bimodal magmatic pulses: the early 332 Ma Mg-K Pormenaz monzonite and associated 331 Ma peraluminous Montees Pelissier monzogranite; the 307 Ma cordierite-bearing peraluminous Vallorcine and Fully intrusions; and the 303 Fe-K Mont Blanc syenogranite. All intruded syntectonically along major-scale transcurrent faults at a time when the substratum was experiencing tectonic exhumation, active erosion recorded in detrital basins and isothermal decompression melting dated at 327-320 Ma. Mantle activity and magma mixing are evidenced in all plutons by coeval mafic enclaves, stocks and synplutonic dykes. Both crustal and mantle sources evolve through time, pointing to an increasingly warm continental crust and juvenile asthenospheric mantle sources. This overall tectono-magmatic evolution is interpreted in a scenario of post-collisional restoration to normal size of a thickened continental lithosphere. The latter re-equilibrates through delamination and/or erosion of its mantle root and tectonic exhumation/erosion in an overall extensional regime. Extension is related to either gravitational collapse or back-are extension of a distant subduction zone.

Le soignant face au patient lombalgique chronique: l'expérience clinique de l'Unité Rachis à l'Hôpital orthopédique [The health professional's approach to chronic lumbago: clinical experience at the Spinal Cord Unit at the orthopedic hospital]

The treatment of back pain patients refers to the biopsychosocial model of care. This model includes illness in patient's personal and relational life. In this context, it is not only the physical symptom of the patient which is focused but also his psychological distress often hidden by algic complain. Clinical interviews conducted with back pain patients have highlighted psychosocial aspects able to influence the relationship between health care user and provider. Taking account of psychosocial aspects implies an interdisciplinary approach that identify and assesses patients' needs through adequate tools. As a result, the different health care providers implied with back pain patients have to collaborate in a structured network.

L'Etica protestante 'tra i milleni'

Esquisse d'une éthique protestante, non plus système de valeurs et de normes, mais lieu de coexistence, espace de reconnaissance mutuelle et d'échange réciproque

Antibody isotypes, including IgG subclasses, in Ecuadorian patients with pulmonary Paragonimiasis

An ELISA test was developed to detect Paragonimus-specific antibodies, including IgG subclasses, using P. mexicanus crude water-soluble antigens. The test was standardized to detect antibodies in sera of Ecuadorian patients with pulmonary paragonimiasis and negative controls from the endemic area. The detected mean levels of IgG (0.753, SEM: 0.074) and IgM (0.303, SEM: 0.033) were significantly elevated (P<0.05). Within the IgG subclasses, IgG4 showed the highest detected mean level (0.365, SEM: 0.116) and the other three subclasses showed considerably lower mean levels (IgG1, 0.186 SEM: 0.06; IgG2, 0.046 SEM: 0.01; IgG3, 0.123 SEM: 0.047). The number of P. mexicanus eggs found in sputum of infected individuals showed a positive correlation with the level of antibodies detected for IgM, IgG and its subclasses (P<0.001). The relevance of these findings in Ecuadorian patients suffering from pulmonary paragonimiasis is discussed.

Approche biochimique et morphologique des espèces du genre Trichia (Helicidae, Gastropoda) de Suisse occidentale

The highly polymorphic so called "Trichia hispida group" is taxonomically problematic. According to different authors, one to about one hundred species are recognized in this group. Some recent publications admit 8 species for Central Euorpe. The present study gives arguments from biochemical data (12 enzymatic loci are electrophoretically analysed) for regrouping 5 morphological types into 2 species : Trichia sericea (Müller) var. sericea, plebeia, montana and striolata, and T.hispida(L.). A multivariate analysis of morphological measurments, and patterns of coexistence seem to corroborate this interpretation. T. sericea presents a wider ecological and morphological range, and both species need further investigations on their ecological and taxonomical relationship.

Ultraviolet reflectance in a melanin-based plumage trait is heritable

Question: Is ultraviolet (UV) reflectance of melanin-based plumage ornaments heritable? Data studied: We considered the barn owl (Two alba), a species that varies continuously from white to reddish-brown, a pheomelanin-based trait. Methods: To perform a partial cross-fostering experiment. we exchanged one to three hatchlings between 16 pairs of nests with a similar hatching date. This experiment allocated hatchlings randomly among rearing environments. Forty-nine days later, we collected three feathers per individual to measure UV reflectance. Conclusions: The cross-fostering experiment showed that. independently of human-visible coloration, variation in UV reflectance is significantly sensitive to origin-related factors.

Does previous hip arthroscopy negatively influence the short term clinical result of total hip replacement?

INTRODUCTION: The risk that hip preserving surgery may negatively influence the performance and outcome of subsequent total hip replacement (THR) remains a concern. The aim of this study was to identify any negative impact of previous hip arthroscopy on THR. METHODS: Out of 1271 consecutive patients who underwent primary THR between 2005 and 2009, 18 had previously undergone ipsilateral hip arthroscopy. This study group (STG) was compared with two control groups (CG, same approach, identical implants; MCG, paired group matched for age, BMI and Charnley categories). Operative time, blood loss, evidence of heterotopic bone and implant loosening at follow-up were compared between the STG and the MCG. Follow-up WOMAC were compared between the three groups. RESULTS: Blood loss was not found to be significantly different between the STG and MCG. The operative time was significantly less (p < 0.001) in the STG. There was no significant difference in follow-up WOMAC between the groups. No implant related complications were noted in follow-up radiographs. Two minor complications were documented for the STG and three for the MCG. CONCLUSION: We have found no evidence that previous hip arthroscopy negatively influences the performance or short-term clinical outcome of THR.