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Few-layer graphene possesses low-energy carriers that behave as massive Fermions, exhibiting intriguing properties in both transport and light scattering experiments. Lowering the excitation energy of resonance Raman spectroscopy down to 1.17 eV, we target these massive quasiparticles in the split bands close to the Kpoint. The low excitation energy weakens some of the Raman processes that are resonant in the visible, and induces a clearer frequency-separation of the substructures of the resonance 2D peak in bi- and trilayer samples. We follow the excitation-energy dependence of the intensity of each substructure, and comparing experimental measurements on bilayer graphene with ab initiotheoretical calculations, we trace back such modifications on the joint effects of probing the electronic dispersion close to the band splitting and enhancement of electron–phonon matrix elements.

While rapamycin has been in use for years in transplant patients as an antirejection drug, more recently it has shown promise in treating diseases of aging, such as neurodegenerative disorders and atherosclerosis. We recently reported that rapamycin reverses the cellular phenotype of fibroblasts from children with the premature aging disease Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome (HGPS). We found that the causative aberrant protein, progerin, was cleared through autophagic mechanisms when the cells were treated with rapamycin, suggesting a new potential treatment for HGPS. Recent evidence shows that progerin is also present in aged tissues of healthy individuals, suggesting that progerin may contribute to physiological aging. While it is intriguing to speculate that rapamycin may affect normal aging in humans, as it does in lower organisms, it will be important to identify safer analogues of rapamycin for chronic treatments in humans in order to minimize toxicity. In addition to its role in HGPS and normal aging, we discuss the potential of rapamycin for the treatment of age-dependent neurodegenerative diseases.

The Perforin-Granzyme B and Fas/Fas Ligand apoptotic mechanisms are involved in the development of acute renal rejection (AR). We describe our experience of analyzing the expression of cytotoxic T-lymphotoxins (CTL) in biopsies and peripheral blood leukocytes (PBL) for the diagnosis of AR.

Here we report the cloning and characterization of a novel cDNA named spata 2. SPATA2 is the ortholog of PD1, a human testicular protein which has been suggested to play a role in spermatogenesis. The spata 2 sequence reveals an open reading frame encoding a protein of 511 amino acids. Northern blot analysis with rat mRNA demonstrated two distinct transcripts of 2.2 and 4.0 kb. Tagging recombinant SPATA2 with the green fluorescent protein (GFP) and expressing the chimeric polypeptide in HLtat transfected cells indicated that SPATA2 is located in the nucleus. RT-PCR analysis revealed that spata 2 mRNA is expressed in the testis and to a lesser extent in the brain while skeletal muscle and kidney showed a barely visible signal. The same analysis demonstrated that isolated Sertoli cells express spata 2 mRNA. Treating Sertoli cells with FSH in vitro induced remarkable changes in the steady-state level of spata 2 mRNA in a time-dependent manner. In developing testis spata 2 transcripts were first detected 10 days post partum and expression levels increased steadily with age. The ability of FSH to stimulate spata 2 mRNA expression as well as its developmental expression suggests that this protein might play a role in regulating spermatogenesis and thus, according to the Gene Nomenclature Committee, we propose the name SPATA2 (Spermatogenesis associated protein 2) for this protein (or gene).

PD1 is a novel protein particularly expressed at the testicular level. The relative cDNA sequences were cloned from human and rat testis libraries revealing an open reading frame for a protein of 520 and 511 amino acids respectively. The human PD1 amino acid sequence shows 85% identity with rat sequence suggesting that PD1 gene has been highly conserved during mammalian evolution. Immunohistochemical analysis showed that this protein is detected in the tubular compartment of the testis and, in particular, in the cytoplasm of the Sertoli cells. PD1 expression is not constitutive but seems to be under the influence of neighboring spermatogenic cells as demonstrated by its reduction in hypospermatogenesis with respect to normal spermatogenesis and a further reduction in Sertoli cell-only syndrome. During testicular development in the rat (from 2 to 45 days of age) the PD1 mRNA level became detectable at 14 days and then increased steadly with an advancement of age. These findings suggest that PD1 may play a role in the regulation of spermatogenesis and may be a potential candidate gene for defects of male fertility.

A novel human cDNA sequence has been isolated from human testis cDNA library. This sequence, named PD1, reveals an open reading frame encoding a protein of 520 amino acids. A partial sequence similarity has been found with the RBM gene involved in the regulation of human spermatogenesis. Northern blot analysis for PD1 mRNA from several human tissues demonstrated two distinct transcripts of 2.7 (more abundant) and 4.0 kb and revealed that PD1 is expressed in testis and to a lesser extent also in spleen, thymus, and prostate. Immunohistochemical analysis of human testis showed that this protein is detected in the cytoplasm of Sertoli cells. Antibodies against a rhPD1 fragment were used for Western blot analysis, which confirmed the presence of a 60-kDa molecule in crude extract of human testicular cells obtained from fine-needle aspiration and showed different patterns in various testiculopathies, suggesting a role for such gene in human spermatogenesis.

We report two cases of Kaposi's sarcoma in recipients of solid organ transplants, presenting (Case 1) 12 months after liver transplantation and (Case 2) 7 months after kidney transplantation. Both patients share the following features: natives from the Mediterranean area (Southern Italy), multiple immunosuppressive regimen, infection with hepatitis B and cytomegalovirus. During the 3 yr of follow‐up after the diagnosis, their immunosuppressive regimen was reduced and they were treated with alpha interferon with remission of the clinical findings. The management of Kaposi's sarcoma in organ transplant recipients remains a controversial issue because of the risks of organ rejection associated with the reduction of immunosuppression and with the use of interferon.

A new method for concentrated ascitic fluid reinfusion using a double ultrafiltration device is reported as 22 procedures in 20 cirrhotic patients (6 females, 14 males; median age 55 years, range 33–69) with tense, refractory ascites. Eight of the 20 patients had elevated creatinine levels. The mean time for each procedure was 189±82 min, during which a mean of 7.7 liters (1.3–13.3) of ultrafiltered ascitic fluid was removed and 613 ml (140–1700) of concentrated ascitic fluid rich in albumin (mean: 60 g, range 14–175) was reinfused. The procedure resulted in a mean weight loss of 8.1 kg (2.2–14.0) and a mean increase of 163 ml in urine output (24 hr). A reduction in the serum creatinine level (P<0.05) and an increase in the plasma atrial natriuretic factor level (P<0.02) 24 hr after reinfusion, while no changes in serum albumin, plasma and urinary electrolytes, plasma renin activity, aldosterone, and antidiuretic hormone levels were noted. Although minor evidence for a disturbance in coagulation was observed, there were no episodes of clinical bleeding. Four patients (20%) had transient chills or fever. Based upon this experience, it can be concluded that reinfusion of cascade filtrated and concentrated ascitic fluid is a rapid, safe, and effective treatment for patients with tense ascites; it appears to have less side effects than more traditional methods and importantly does not require administration of heterologous plasma derivatives.

AbstractThe classical model of faulting predicts that slip planes occur in two conjugate sets. Theoretically, more sets can be contemporarily active if pre-existing structures are reactivated in a three-dimensional strain field. Four to six sets of faults have been active in the Holocene in the Zailiski Alatau mountain range, Kazakstan. Faults strike with the highest frequency ENE and ESE and show mostly left-lateral reverse and right-lateral reverse motions, respectively. These faults have a bimodal distribution of dips, forming four sets arranged in orthorhombic symmetry. Locally, NNW- to NNE- striking vertical faults have also been active in the Holocene and show right-lateral strike-slip and left-lateral strike-slip motions, respectively. All these fault sets accommodated the general three-dimensional deformation, given by N-S-directed horizontal shortening, vertical extension, and E-W-directed horizontal extension. Field evidence also shows that the reverse motions, even if with a minor strike-slip component, occurred on high-angle planes with inclination of 65°-85°. ENE- and ESE-striking faults reactivated older fracture zones, whereas the other sets are newly formed. Comparison of these field results with the structures obtained from published analogue models shows a strong similarity of fault geometry and kinematics.

We measured the plasma levels of atrial natriuretic factor (ANF) during orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) in eight adult patients with cirrhosis and ascites. The aim of this study was to determine whether significant differences in ANF concentration may be detected during the individual phases of OLT and to correlate these changes with hemodynamics. In each patient a hemodynamic assessment was achieved using a Swan-Ganz fiber optic catheter for continuous monitoring of cardiac output (CO), systemic vascular resistance index (SVRI), right filling pressure as assessed by central venous pressure (CVP), and left filling pressure by means of pulmonary arterial wedge pressure (PAWP). During reperfusion a clear-cut increase in ANF values was observed (P<0.05). Concurrently, an increase in CVP (P<0.05) and a decrease in SVRI were observed without any significant increase in diuresis. These data suggest that ANF might play a role in the development of the reperfusion syndrome.

We compared the efficacy and safety of apheresisand reinfusion of concentrated ascites (ARCA) versustotal paracentesis plus intravenous albumin (PARA) in aprospective trial on cirrhotic patients with tense ascites. Twenty-four patients wererandomized to either ARCA (N = 12) or PARA (N = 12), andfollowed for two years. Sex, age, Child's class, andrenal and liver function were similar in the two groups. The times of the procedures were 2.7 ±1.0 (ARCA) vs 2.2 ± 1.1 (PARA) hr, with removalof 8.8 ± 3.5 (ARCA) and 6.9 ± 3.4 (PARA)liters of ascites and intravenous infusion of 59.8± 35.2 (ARCA) and 42.5 ± 20.5 (PARA) g of albumin. Both procedures were safe.Biochemical signs of coagulative disturbances having noclinical relevance were observed after ARCA, with anincrease in prothrombin time (P = 0.005) and serum FSP (P = 0.02). No significant changes in renalfunction, serum albumin, or plasma and urinaryelectrolytes were shown. Plasma renin activity increasedafter PARA (P = 0.02) and plasma atrial natriureticfactor increased after ARCA (P = 0.008), although nodifferences were observed in diuresis in the immediatefollow-up. During the long-term follow-up, patientsurvival and recurrence of tense ascites were the same in both groups. We conclude that apheresis andreinfusion of concentrated ascites are as safe andeffective as total paracentesis with albumin infusionfor the treatment of tense ascites in cirrhoticpatients.

Neural cells derived from induced pluripotent stem cells from patients with genetic forms of Parkinson’s disease provide insights into disease pathogenesis.

Shown previously to extend longevity in animals, the drug rapamycin might serve as a treatment for a human premature aging syndrome.

Several letters to the editor are presented in response to articles in previous issues, including "Murder and Mercy," by Rebecca Godfrey in the January 2007 issue, "Cosmetic Enhancement," by Zoe Cormier in the January 2007 issue and "A Lifetime in Recipes," by Katherine Ashenburg in the December 2006 issue.