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Abstract: The present study characterizes the clinical picture of viral encephalopathy and retinopathy associated with betanodavirus infection in hatchery-reared juvenile thread-sail filefish. Necrotic encephalomyelitis was clearly evident in the spinal cord, the medulla oblongata, and the cerebellum. Necrotic retinitis and gastroenteritis were also noted. Immunohistochemistry using an anti-betanodavirus rabbit serum revealed that the viral antigens were present in the gastrointestinal tract, the spinal cord, the brain and the retina correlating with the histopathological changes. Strong positive immunohistochemical reactions in the stomach and intestine suggest that the gastrointestinal tract was a possible portal of entry into fish. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Highlights: [•] Doping-dependence of uniaxial pressure effects in Ba(Fe1−xCo x )2As2 was investigated. [•] The single crystals of Ba(Fe1−xCo x )2As2 were grown by self-flux method. [•] Transport measurements under the c-axis pressure were performed. [•] Not only the SC state but also the normal state under pressure were examined. [•] Superconductivity and the competing SDW order were sensitive to the c-axis pressure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: We have succeeded in growing single crystals of the Sr2VFeAsO3 superconductor, which are large enough to experimentally elucidate the anisotropic physical properties in this system. Using the obtained single crystals, superconducting properties under magnetic fields parallel to the c-axis (H//c) and ab-plane (H//ab) have been evaluated. It is found that the irreversibility field/temperature, below which the superconducting critical current density (J c) becomes finite, is highly anisotropic in Sr2VFeAsO3: the irreversible region is reduced by approximately half for the case of H//c as compared with H//ab. The suppression of the irreversibility temperature by H//c is found to be the largest among the Fe-based superconductors and comparable to the highly anisotropic Bi–Cu-based high-T c superconductors. The rapid decrease of J c with increasing H//c and T in the irreversible region is also observed. Therefore, there are pronounced fluctuations in the mixed state of Sr2VFeAsO3, suggesting that the vortices are in the pancake state as discussed in the Bi–Cu-based high-T c superconductors. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: We study the dynamic properties of the vortex-solid driven by a radial current I in the Corbino-disk (CD) of a thick amorphous a-Mo x Si1−x film with moderately strong pinning and a thick a-Mo x Ge1−x film with weaker pinning. In CD, vortices rotate around the center of the sample by feeling a Lorentz force f L inversely proportional to the radius r of rotation. We measure the voltages, V(r 12) and V(r 23), induced at the two voltage probes placed radially (r 12 < r 23), as a function of f L (or I). For both films the initial dynamic state of driven solid is the plastic flow, indicating significant pinning effects. For the a-Mo x Si1−x film the large difference between V(r 12) and V(r 23) is observed at lowest I, which is attributed to the stronger pinning effects in the a-Mo x Si1−x film. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

To investigate the real-world data on overall survival (OS) in patients with stage III non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) treated with concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) with or without consolidation durvalumab, and to perform an exploratory analysis on effective radiation dose to the immune cells (EDIC). In our multi-institutional retrospective study, patients who received CCRT between July 2018 and July 2019 for stage III NSCLC in Japan were investigated. EDIC was estimated using mean lung dose, mean heart dose, body volume, body mean dose, and body weight, as reported in the secondary analysis of RTOG 0617. The cut-off value of EDIC was calculated using the maximally selected log-rank statistics. One hundred and seventy-eight patients were eligible for the analysis (136 patients, CCRT with consolidation durvalumab [CCRT+D] cohort; 42 patients, CCRT cohort). The median follow-up period was 42.5 months. Three-year OS rates were 59.8% in the overall cohort: 60.5% in the CCRT+D cohort, and 58.0% in the CCRT cohort with no significant difference (hazard ratio [HR], 0.76; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.45–1.27; P = 0.29). Univariate analysis showed that ECOG-PS, smoking history, histology, EGFR mutational status, gross tumor volume and EDIC were significantly associated with OS. Multivariate analysis showed that ECOG-PS 2, gross tumor volume ≥ 57 cm3 and EDIC ≥ 4.4 Gy were associated with poor OS. Among 21 EGFR-mutated patients, 3 year-OS rates were 64.7% in the CCRT+D cohort and 100% in the CCRT cohort, while 3 year-OS rates were 68.8% and 58.7% among 90 EGFR wild-type patients. Three-year OS rates were 64.6% and 47.6% for EDIC < 4.4 Gy and EDIC ≥ 4.4 Gy in the overall cohort (HR, 1.82; 95% CI, 1.14–2.90; P = 0.015). In the subgroup analysis, 66.3% vs. 44.4% in the CCRT+D cohort (HR, 2.01; 95% CI, 1.17–3.47; P = 0.016), and 59.0% vs. 56.1% in the CCRT cohort (HR, 1.20; 95% CI, 0.48–3.01; P = 0.70), respectively. Our real-world data in Japan showed that there was no significant difference in OS between the CCRT+D cohort and the CCRT cohort. High EDIC could be a risk for poor OS in patients treated with CCRT and consolidation durvalumab compared with those treated with CCRT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rosemary ( Rosmarinus officinalis ) is a new therapeutic agent against streptococcosis and monogenean infections in fish. However, the toxicity of rosemary and the kinetics of one of its major component (1,8-Cineole) are unclear. In the present study, liver, kidney and intestine histopathology, plasma chemistry, kinetics of 1,8-Cineole in blood and mucus were examined in common carp fed a diet containing rosemary extract. Feeding the fish ≥20 ml aqueous extract/100 g feed caused nuclear pyknosis and cell atrophy in the liver. Fish fed ≥40 ml aqueous extract/100 g developed pyknotic cells with cytoplasmic vacuoles in the kidney, leading to tubular necrosis. Feeding the fish the rosemary diet for 10 and 20 days increased plasma aspartate aminotransferase levels, a sign of liver damage. Following oral administration of 80 ml aqueous extract/100 g feed, the 1,8-Cineole blood level peaked at 60 min at 117.9 ± 3.5 ng/ml. The elimination half-life (T 1/2 ) of 1,8-Cineole in the blood was 248 min. In mucus, the levels of 1,8-Cineole at the end of 5, 10 and 20 days were 1.5 ± 0.8 ng, 5 ± 4.1 ng and 6.1 ± 3.8 ng per mg crude dried mucus, respectively. These results suggest that at high doses, rosemary aqueous extract diets can cause liver and kidney damage in common carp. Further studies are needed to establish a suitable dosage for oral treatment of parasitic diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Monogenean parasites are important ectoparasites of fish, and are responsible for severe economic impacts in the aquaculture industry. They are usually treated with chemicals, but the chemicals can have harmful side effects in the fish and may pose threats to human health. Rosemary ( Rosmarinus officinalis ) is a common medicinal herb, with antimicrobial and antitumor properties. Here, we examined the anthelmintic activity of rosemary extract against the monogenean ( Dactylogyrus minutus ) in vitro and in vivo using bath treatment and oral administration. The in vitro experiments showed that parasite survival was affected by both rosemary extract concentration and the solvent (water and ethanol). Parasites were dead at 61.8 ± 5.6 and 7.8 ± 1.4 min when exposed to 100 and 200 g aqueous rosemary extract solution/L of water respectively. It took 166.7 ± 48.2 and 5.4 ± 1.01 min to kill the parasites when exposed to 1 and 32 g ethanol rosemary extract solution/L of water respectively. Moreover, pure component of rosemary extract obtained commercially used in in vitro experiments showed that 1,8-Cineole was the most toxic component of the main components tested. Parasite intensity and prevalence in fish exposed to 50 and 100 g aqueous rosemary solution/L water for 30 min were significantly lower than they were in controls ( p < 0.05). In oral treatment experiments, diets of Cyprinus carpio were supplemented with eight different concentrations of aqueous rosemary extract. The intensity of parasites was significantly less in fish fed for 30 days with feed containing 60, 80 and 100 ml aqueous extract/100 g feed than in control ( p < 0.05). Together these results indicate that rosemary is a promising candidate for prevention and control of monogenean infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva (FOP) is an autosomal dominant congenital disorder characterized by postnatal progressive heterotopic ossification in soft tissues, especially skeletal muscle. In FOP, acute heterotopic ossification is induced by muscle injury, such as accidental trauma or surgical operations. Currently, no definitive treatment exists for FOP. The activin receptor type IA/ activin-like kinase 2 (ACVR1/ALK2) gene has been identified as the responsible gene for both familial and sporadic cases of FOP, and disease-associated ALK2 mutations have been found. ALK2 protein, which is one of the signaling receptors for bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) and which induce heterotopic bone formation in skeletal muscle in vivo and initiate the differentiation pathway through which myoblasts convert to osteoblastic cells in vitro. Chemical inhibitors such as dorsomorphin to the pathogenic ALK2 receptors are considered possible medical agents for FOP, but their adverse effects on normal ALK2 and other receptors cannot be excluded. Here we describe another treatment strategy for FOP using allele-specific RNA interference (ASP-RNAi), and show modified small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) conferring allele-specific silencing against disease-causing ALK2 mutants (R206H and G356D) found in FOP, without affecting normal ALK2 allele. Thus, the siRNAs presented here may become novel therapeutic agents for FOP, and their induced ASP-RNAi may pave the way for the achievement of radical treatment of FOP and/or for the relief of its severe symptoms. Takahashi M et al. PNAS 2010;107(50):21731–6; Takahashi M et al. Gene Therapy 2011, in press. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The continuing evolution of a variety of laparoscopic instrument and device has been gradually applied to the laparoscopic hepatectomy in many countries. Recent experience has persuaded us that there are great potential benefits derived from laparoscopic hepatectomy and much has been learned about patient selection, the grade of surgical difficulty with respect to tumor location, and the required instrumentation. Among these efforts, various ways of hepatic parenchymal transection with mechanical devices have been attempted and continuing to innovate to perform safe laparoscopic hepatectomy Important technologic developments and improved endoscopic procedures are being established equipment modifications. For safe laparoscopic hepatectomy, it is important to have all necessary equipment. The intraoperative laparoscopic ultrasonography, microwave coagulators, ultrasonic dissection, argon beam coagulators, laparoscopic coagulation shears, endolinear staplers and TissueLink monopolar sealer are essential. This procedure is in need that well experienced endoscopic surgeon and well-experienced liver surgeon should be collaborated in laparoscopic hepatectomy and the indications are strictly followed based upon the location and size of tumors. Finally critical determinant for success and safe laparoscopic hepatectomy is through familiarity with the relevant laparoscopic instruments and equipments. Laparoscopic hepatectomy is expected to develop further in the future as a new surgical instrument, equipment and method, which improves patients' quality of life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Investigates the influence and onset of heart rate for microvolt T-wave alternans (TWA) during pacing in patients with and without ventricular tachyrhythmia (VT). Association between the presence of TWA on the surface electrocardiogram and an increased susceptibility to VT in various pathophysiological conditions; Relation between the positivity rate for TWA increases and the heart rate.

Studies cerebral circulation during the head-up tilt test (HUT) by measurement of cerebral blood flow velocity using transcranial Doppler ultrasonography. Response to HUT; Alterations in blood pressure, heart rate and transcranial Doppler flow velocity in subjects with induced syncope; Effect of isoproterenol in transcranial Doppler flow velocity.

Exercise-induced myocardial ischemia is difficult to detect with ST-T changes in patients with right bundle branch block (RBBB). We sought to predict exercise-induced myocardial ischemia with QT interval behavior during exercise in patients with RBBB. Twenty-two patients with angiographically proven coronary artery disease and RBBB and 9 healthy volunteers underwent nitrogen-13 ammonia positron emission tomography with bicycle ergometer exercise at a fixed workload of 25 W. Regional myocardial blood flow (RMBF) and electrocardiographic changes were measured both at rest and after 5 minutes of exercise. The QT interval was measured from the onset of the QRS complex to the offset of the T wave in lead V5. The deltaQT and deltaRMBF, which indicated values after 5 minutes of exercise minus values at rest, were negatively correlated (r = -0.74, p <0.001). Exercise-induced shortening of the QT interval (422 +/- 27 to 381 +/- 38 ms, p = 0.0020) was observed in 15 patients (group 1) and no change or prolongation (411 +/- 45 to 420 +/- 37 ms, p = NS) was observed in 7 patients (group 2). Multivessel disease was significantly more frequent but collateral circulation was significantly less in group 2 than in group 1 (p <0.01, p <0.05, respectively). Cardiac output at rest was significantly lower in groups 1 and 2 than in healthy volunteers (4.52 +/- 0.83 and 4.51 +/- 0.84 vs 6.20 +/- 0.83 L/min; p = 0.0014, p = 0.0003). Although RMBF at rest did not differ significantly among groups 1 and 2 and healthy volunteers (0.63 +/- 0.20 vs 0.69 +/- 0.13 and vs 0.77 +/- 0.14 ml/min/g), RMBF after 5 minutes of exercise was significantly lower in group 2 than in group 1 and healthy volunteers (0.78 +/- 0.11 vs 0.96 +/- 0.20 and vs 1.20 +/- 0.18 ml/min/g; p = 0.0289, p <0.0001). The number of regions of critical coronary artery disease was significantly greater in group 2 than in group 1 (4.0 +/- 1.2 vs 2.1 +/- 1.3, p = 0.0039). Our results suggest that the absence of QT interval shortening during exercise may indicate severe myocardial ischemia induced by exercise in patients with RBBB and coronary artery disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The use of lactic acid bacteria from human origins as a potential probiotic supplementation in aquaculture feed is now widely accepted. Here, we examined some of the properties and mechanisms of the action of Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG, originating from humans, on growth performance, gut mucosal immunity and humoral and cellular immune response in tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). The results suggested that supplementation of L. rhamnosus gave an advantage in promoting the intestinal structure and the mucosal immunity of tilapia. Probiotic fish had a greater villous height in all parts of the intestines and, significantly, in the proximal and middle part. The population of intraepithelial lymphocytes was significantly higher in the probiotic group than in the control group in all parts of the intestines. The population of acidophilic granulocyte in the probiotic group was significantly higher at the proximal and distal parts when compared with the control group. The higher serum complement activity as well as the enhanced phagocytosis and killing ability of the head kidney leukocytes in the probiotic supplemented fish corresponded with the higher level of TNF alpha and IL-1 gene expression, suggesting that the induction of IL-1 and TNF alpha cytokines by L. rhamnosus served as an important regulator of gut associated immune systems. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]