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The influence of mixed ion‐electronic conductive fillers on the physical characteristics of protonated polyaniline (P‐PANI) nanocomposite films is investigated by incorporating titanium nanoparticles (TiNPs) and lithium trifluoromethanesulfonate (LiOTf) at various concentrations. The introduction of TiNPs into the P‐PANI matrix results in the appearance of additional X‐ray diffraction peaks ascribed to a titanium phase, confirming the presence of TiNPs. The incorporation of LiOTf leads to changes in intensities, linewidths, and diffraction angles, indicating interactions between Li+ ions and nitrogen atoms in the PANI matrix. The bandgap energy for the pristine P‐PANI film is 3.40 eV, being reduced to 3.29 eV upon incorporating TiNPs in the P‐PANI matrix. An increase in the concentration of LiOTf in the P‐PANI/TiNPs composite films with decreasing TiNPs concentration leads to a continuous increase in bandgap energy to 3.59 eV. The electrical conductivity of pristine P‐PANI is 0.49 mS/cm. The addition of TiNPs increases the conductivity to 2.16 mS/cm, while the addition of LiOTf increases it to 1.72 mS/cm. Notably, (P‐PANI)/TiNPs nanocomposite films with 7:3 and 5:5 wt.% ratios exhibit superior electrical conductivity compared with individual (P‐PANI)/TiNPs and (P‐PANI)/LiOTf films, attributed to effective ionic‐electronic coupling at phase‐separated region interfaces. This study reveals impact of TiNPs and LiOTf on the structural, optical, and electrical properties of P‐PANI nanocomposite films, thereby enhancing their potential for integration into advanced electronic and optoelectronic devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The multifunctional catechol‐azomethine‐benzoic acid derivative 4‐[(E)‐[(2,3‐dihydroxyphenyl)methylidene]amino]benzoic acid (1) was prepared and the structure were confirmed by EI‐MS and 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopy. A Single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction study revealed coplanarity of the two aromatic rings within the imine function, supported by intramolecular N−H⋯O hydrogen bonds. In the crystal structure intermolecular O−H⋯O hydrogen bonds form chains, propagating along [010]. FT‐IR and Hirshfeld surface analysis confirms the multiple hydrogen bonding. DFT/DMol3 calculations localized the highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) on the o‐catechol unit, while the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) is delocalized over the entire molecule. The calculated map of electrostatic potential (MEP) showed relatively low values for both electrophilic and nucleophilic susceptibility. A molecular docking study of 1 in comparison with the established inhibitor geldanamycin (G) using the protein structure of the heat shock protein 90 co‐crystallized with G (Hsp90⋅G) showed that 1 occupies the same binding pocket as G in the Hsp90⋅G structure, indicating that the title structure might be a suitable inhibitor. The Swiss ADME approach showed promising general drug‐likeness properties for 1 with a relatively high lipophilicity (logP=1.68) and a logS value of −2.99 which lies in the middle of the logS distribution of traded drugs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, the Density Functional Theory (DFT) analysis of the Tl2SnX3 series (X = S, Se, Te) is performed, and the ground states are confirmed by the calculation of the elastic constant Cij. Based on the DFT calculation, the Tl2SnX3 structures are direct‐gap semiconductors with bandgaps of 1.434, 1.181, and 0.907 eV, respectively. Chalcogen substitution significantly impacts their electronic structures, notably increasing the Density of States (DOS) width in the valence band from sulfur to tellurium, and shifting the dielectric function's real part, ε1(ω), toward lower energies. This change means that the optical activity and response to electric fields are better, with Tl2SnTe3 showing the best polarization response and light‐matter interaction abilities. Optical tests show that Tl2SnTe3 has very high optical absorption, peaking at ≈17 × 104 cm−1 along [010], and reflectivity levels above 90%, marking its suitability for high‐reflectivity applications. Moreover, loss energy function analysis also shows that Tl2SnTe3 has a strong electron loss resonance at lower energies, which means it has strong interactions with electrons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Foot involvement is present in approximately 60%–90% of children with Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). It is a major cause of disability, which can lead to deterioration in daily activities and quality of life. However, it is often overlooked and can compromise patient management. Purpose: Our objective was to describe the ankle and foot involvement in JIA and to appraise the functional impact of this damage on the child's performance and quality of life by using validated scores. Methods: The cross‐sectional study included patients with JIA. Functional impairment was assessed through the Juvenile Arthritis Functionality Scale (JAFS) and the Oxford Ankle and Foot Questionnaire for children. Results: Twenty‐three patients aged 12.75 ± 3.9 and with 41 months of disease duration. After completing the Oxford score, the physical domain appeared to be the most altered. A long delay in diagnosis was associated with an alteration in the emotional domain of the Oxford score. Higher disease activity was significantly associated with impairment in both the physical activity and the footwear domains of the Oxford score. As regards clinical examination data, the presence of foot pain as well as the presence of tendinopathy were associated with an alteration of all Oxford score domains. The presence of flat feet significantly affected all domains of the Oxford score. The JAFS was reported to affect the child's performance ability and was associated with impairment in physical activity, school and play, and emotional domains. Conclusion: Ankle and foot involvement was common in our study. Functional ability was most impaired in the lower limbs. High disease activity, foot and ankle pain, tenosynovitis, and flat feet were associated with poorer quality of life and higher functional impact. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The aim of this study was to describe clinical and imaging features of atlantoaxial subluxation (AAS) and the associated risk factors in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Methods: We conducted a retrospective and comparative study including 51 RA patients with AAS and 51 RA patients without AAS. Atlantoaxial subluxation was defined by the presence of an anterior C1C2 diastasis on the cervical spine radiograph in hyperflexion and/or an anterior, posterior, lateral or rotatory C1C2 dislocation on MRI with/without inflammatory signal. Results: In G1, clinical presentations revealing AAS were mainly neck pain (68.7%) and neck stiffness (29.8%). MRI revealed: diastasis C1C2 (92.5%), periodontoid pannus (92.5%), odontoid erosion (23.5%), vertical subluxation (9.8%) and spinal cord involvement (7.8%). A collar immobilisation and corticosteroid boluses were indicated in 86.3% and 47.1% of cases. C1‐C2arthrodesis was performed in 15.4% of cases. Atlantoaxial subluxation was significantly associated with: age at disease onset (p = 0.009), history of joint surgery (p = 0.012), disease duration (p = 0.001), rheumatoid factor (p = 0.01), anti‐cyclic citrullinated peptide (p = 0.02), erosive radiographic status (p < 0.005), coxitis (p < 0.001), osteoporosis (p = 0.012), extra‐articular manifestations (p < 0.001), and high disease activity (p = 0.001). Multivariate analysis identified RA duration (p < 0.001, OR = 1.022 CI[1.01–1.034]) and erosive radiographic status (p = 0.01, OR = 21.236 CI[2.05–219.44]) as predictive factors of AAS. Conclusion: Our study showed that longer disease duration and joint destruction are the major predictive factors of AAS. Early treatment initiation, tight‐control and regular monitoring of cervical spine involvement are required in these patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Hip involvement remains a predictor of severe juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) course and carries a high risk of disability. This study aims to determine the factors of poor prognosis of hip involvement in patients with JIA and to assess the treatment response. Methods: This is a multicenter observational cohort study. Patients were selected from the JIR Cohort database. Hip involvement was defined as clinically suspected and confirmed by an imaging tool. Follow‐up data were collected during 5 years. Results: Among the 2223 patients with JIA, 341(15%) patients had hip arthritis. Male gender, enthesitis‐related arthritis, and North African origin were factors associated with hip arthritis. Hip inflammation was associated with disease activity parameters during the first year, particularly Physician Global Assessment, joint count, and inflammatory marks. Structural hip progression was associated with early onset of the disease, a longer time to diagnosis, geographic origin, and JIA subtypes. Anti‐TNF therapy was found to be the only treatment able to effectively reduce structural damage progression. Conclusion: The early onset diagnostic delay, origin, and systemic subtype of JIA predict a poor prognosis of hip arthritis in children with JIA. The use of anti‐TNF was associated with a better structural prognosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence, the main features and the potential risk factors of LBP in pregnant women. Methods: This cross‐sectional study included 173 pregnant women in the third trimester. Non‐inclusion criteria were severe mental disability and known previous history of musculoskeletal diseases. The participants were categorised into two groups: women with pregnancy‐related LBP and pain‐free women. Demographic, socio‐professional, clinical and obstetrical data were compared between the two groups using the appropriate statistical tests. Results: The mean age was 32.2 ± 5.4 years [17–45]. Among them, 108 (62.4%) reported one or more episodes of LBP during at least 7 days, mostly in the third semester (n = 71). The presence of LBP was significantly associated with history of LBP in previous pregnancies and jobs requiring prolonged standing. Active jobs and the presence of gestational complications were significantly more common in pain‐free women. In the multivariate analysis, LBP was independently predicted by the history of LBP in previous pregnancies and the absence of gestational complications. Conclusions: The association of LBP with gestational complications as a protective factor has not yet been reported in previous studies. These complications are a common cause of hospitalisation, which represents a period of relative rest during pregnancy. Our results revealed that history of LBP in previous pregnancies, sedentary lifestyle prior to pregnancy and prolonged standing are the main risk factors of LBP. In contrast, rest and avoidance of physical overstrain during pregnancy may be protective factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Fibromyalgia (FM) is a chronic musculoskeletal condition characterised by reduced quality of life and severe limitations in daily living activities. Considering the wide spectrum of symptoms and the ineffectiveness of a single pharmacological approach, the latest clinical guidelines recommend non‐pharmacological therapies as both an alternative and a better‐tolerated approach. Several studies have been conducted to determine the effectiveness of non‐pharmacological therapies in the management of FM. Aims: Through a literature review, this paper aims to describe the different complementary therapies and investigate their potential sustainability and effectiveness on FM symptoms in the short and/or long term. Methods: We searched the PubMed and Google Scholar databases using broad search terms up to June 2022, to identify all types of study designs restricted to human subjects on non‐pharmacological therapies in FM. Results: Recent evidence demonstrated that physical activity is the mainstay of therapeutic management, highlighting the relevance of walking as the best method of exercise in FM patients. Nevertheless, adherence to physical activity remains fraught with obstacles that could be overcome with a multimodal and multidisciplinary approach involving a wide range of passive therapies. The effectiveness of passive non‐pharmacological therapies remains however unproven in the long term. They can be therefore suggested as 'adjunct' or 'bridge' therapy to improve adherence to physical activity. Conclusion: To conclude, FM management requires a multimodal and symptom‐based approach, guided by the predominant bothersome symptom on the one hand, and the preferences of each patient on the other hand. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As elevated levels of the soluble CXCL16 (sCXCL16) chemokine have been reported in severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) patients, this study examined whether sCXCL16 concentration on the first day of hospitalization predicted death in COVID‐19 patients. A total of 76 patients with COVID‐19 were admitted to the Military Hospital of Tunis, Tunisia, between October 2020 and April 2021, and later classified as survivors or nonsurvivors based on their outcomes. At admission, the groups were matched by age, gender, comorbidities, and the percentage of patients with moderate conditions. On the first day of admission, serum's sCXCL16 concentrations were measured using a magnetic‐bead assay. There was an eightfold increase in serum sCXCL16 levels in the nonsurvivors' group (3661.51 ± 2464.87 pg/mL vs. 454.3 ± 338.07 pg/mL, p < 0.0001). For the optimal cutoff value of sCXCL16 at 2095 pg/mL, we found a 94.6% sensitivity and a 97.4% specificity, with an area under curve of 0.981 (p = 5.03E−08; 95% confidence interval [95% CI]: 0.951–1.0114). Considering the risk of death at a concentration above the threshold, the unadjusted odds ratio was 36 (p < 0.0001). The adjusted odd ratio was estimated at 1.003 (p < 0.0001; 95% CI: 1.002–1.004). Finally, there was a significant difference between survival and nonsurvival groups in leukocyte numbers (p = 0.006), lymphocytes (p = 0.001), polymorphonuclear neutrophils (p = 0.001), and C‐reactive protein levels (p = 0.007), except for monocytes (p = 0.881). Based on these results, sCXCL16 level could be used for detecting nonsurvival COVID‐19 patients. Therefore, we recommend assessing this marker in hospitalized COVID‐19 patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The hyperphosphatemic familial tumoral calcinosis (HFTC) diagnosis was based on hyperphosphatemia in the patient and his father. Keywords: familial; hyperphosphoremic; tumor calcinosis EN familial hyperphosphoremic tumor calcinosis 1619 1621 3 08/03/23 20230801 NES 230801 QUESTION A 30-year-old man complained of lateral right hip pain evolving for 2 years. [Extracted from the article]

Primary pachydermoperiostosis is a rare genetic disease affecting the skin and musculoskeletal system. In contrast to secondary hypertrophic osteoarthropathy, primary pachydermoperiostosis is considered a benign condition. While a variety of associated abnormalities have been described in this form, any association with tumors was previously reported in the literature. We hereby describe the first case of a 20‐year‐old man with primary pachydermoperiostosis revealed by a knee synovial tumor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acute pancreatitis may be the first manifestation in systemic lupus erythematosus or occur during evolution. It is a rare complication, which is often associated with other visceral manifestations. Outcome is usually favorable but can be serious. We report a case of a 17‐year‐old girl with a past history of systemic lupus erythematosus who developed acute pancreatitis revealed by abdominal pain. Elevated serum amylase and lipase levels and pancreatic enlargement on tomography confirmed the diagnosis. Although high‐dose corticosteroid was prescribed, the patient died from a refractory diabetic ketoacidosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Osteopoikilosis (OPK) is one of the rare genetic musculoskeletal, non‐inflammatory disorders that we should increase awareness toward. We report a case of a patient diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis with incidental imaging findings of lesions suggestive of osteopoikilosis. Osteopoikilosis(OPK) is a benign, genetic, non‐inflammatory, bone disorder. The importance of acknowledging this disease resides essentially in ruling out other affections, especially malignant ones. OPK has been reported to be associated with various dermatological, cardiac, and endocrine affections. No specific therapy is required other than the treatment of the coexisting pathologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article, titled "Clinical image: 'Gouty tophus mimicking digital necrosis in a young man'," discusses the case of a 23-year-old man who presented with acute swelling in a finger on his right hand. The physical examination revealed an enlarging purpuric finger with ulcerative necrosis and whitish pus. After ruling out infection and vascularities, gouty tophus was considered as the diagnosis. Laboratory tests showed an increased serum uric acid level and hand X-ray revealed bone erosion surrounded by radiolucent soft-tissue nodules. The article also discusses the rarity of cutaneous necrosis in gouty tophi and the improvement of the skin lesion with allopurinol treatment. [Extracted from the article]

Pneumorarchis is a rare condition of low back pain. It is usually asymptomatic and secondary to trauma. Spontaneous pneumorrachis is scarce. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Neurofibromatosis is a genetic disorder with osteo‐articular manifestations. The intra‐articular location of neurofibroma is scarce. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Progressive pseudorheumatoid dysplasia can be confused with juvenile idiopathic arthritis. Treatment is mainly symptomatic and the prescription of immunosupressive agents is unnecessary. Surgery may be indicated at advanced stages of the disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Extramedullary hematopoiesis (EMH) can rarely involve the epidural space, leading to spinal cord compression syndrome. No treatment guidelines have been established yet. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Longstanding osteomalacia, by its proliferative enthesopathic changes, may mimic the advanced features of SpA. Despite the typical radiological findings, the lack of response to anti‐TNF should encourage clinicians to reconsider the diagnosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The diagnosis of vertebral sarcoidosis can be challenging. Besides, there is no consensus for the treatment of these lesions. Exceptionally, lesions may show spontaneous regression. To our knowledge, there are only two case reports of spontaneous resolution of vertebral sarcoidosis documented by follow‐up MRI. Herein, we present a third case. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Several studies have suggested that polymorphisms within genes encoding T‐lymphocyte immune regulating molecules: CD28, CTLA‐4, and ICOS, may alter the signaling process and subsequently could be involved in susceptibility to a broad spectrum of autoimmune diseases. Methods: This study aimed to replicate associations between common polymorphisms in the 2q33.2 cluster and susceptibility to pemphigus foliaceus (PF) in the Tunisian population. We investigated seven polymorphisms: rs3116496 and rs1879877 (CD28), rs231775, rs3087243, and (AT)n repeat (CTLA4); rs11889031 and rs10932029 (ICOS) in a case–control study which enrolled 106 Tunisian PF patients and 205 matched healthy controls. Results: We confirmed the associations with CTLA4((AT)13, p = 0.00137, OR = 3.96 and (AT)20, p = 0.008, OR = 5.22; respectively) and ICOS genes (rs10932029>CT, p = 0.034, OR = 2.12 and rs10932029>TT, p = 0.04 and OR = 0.41). Conclusion: Our results indicate that susceptibility to PF is located in the proximal and the distal 3′ flanking region of the CTLA4/ICOS promoter. These findings may open avenues to the treatment of patients with biological drugs targeting CTLA4/ICOS molecules, in a personalized manner to achieve more effective treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mixed connective tissue disease (MCTD) is characterized by a mixture of clinical features. The initial presentation is often incomplete, and the features of MCTD usually develop as the disease evolves. We present a 37‐year‐old female patient with overlapping symptoms. The most plausible diagnosis was MCTD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Extramedullary hematopoiesis is a normal compensatory reaction that can affect the epidural space, leading to spinal cord compression syndrome. MRI is the imaging method of choice for diagnosis and monitoring. Treatment is still controversial. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Two types of tonoplast proton pumps, H+‐pyrophosphatase (V‐PPase) and the H+‐ATPase (V‐ATPase), establish the proton gradient that powers molecular traffic across the tonoplast thereby facilitating turgor regulation and nutrient homeostasis. However, how proton pumps regulate development remains unclear.In this study, we investigated the function of two types of proton pumps in Arabidopsis embryo development and pattern formation. While disruption of either V‐PPase or V‐ATPase had no obvious effect on plant embryo development, knocking out both resulted in severe defects in embryo pattern formation from the early stage.While the first division in wild‐type zygote was asymmetrical, a nearly symmetrical division occurred in the mutant, followed by abnormal pattern formation at all stages of embryo development. The embryonic defects were accompanied by dramatic differences in vacuole morphology and distribution, as well as disturbed localisation of PIN1. The development of mutant cotyledons and root, and the auxin response of mutant seedlings supported the hypothesis that mutants lacking tonoplast proton pumps were defective in auxin transport and distribution.Taking together, we proposed that two tonoplast proton pumps are required for vacuole morphology and PIN1 localisation, thereby controlling vacuole and auxin‐related developmental processes in Arabidopsis embryos and seedlings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cutaneous manifestations of childhood COVID‐19 differ from those of adults. Maculopapular rash is not specific and could be mistaken with other viral exanthema. A nasopharyngeal swab is strongly recommended to confirm the possible COVID‐19 diagnosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Summary: The membrane‐bound proton‐pumping pyrophosphatase (V‐PPase), together with the V‐type H+‐ATPase, generates the proton motive force that drives vacuolar membrane solute transport. Transgenic plants constitutively overexpressing V‐PPases were shown to have improved salinity tolerance, but the relative impact of increasing PPi hydrolysis and proton‐pumping functions has yet to be dissected. For a better understanding of the molecular processes underlying V‐PPase‐dependent salt tolerance, we transiently overexpressed the pyrophosphate‐driven proton pump (NbVHP) in Nicotiana benthamiana leaves and studied its functional properties in relation to salt treatment by primarily using patch‐clamp, impalement electrodes and pH imaging. NbVHP overexpression led to higher vacuolar proton currents and vacuolar acidification. After 3 d in salt‐untreated conditions, V‐PPase‐overexpressing leaves showed a drop in photosynthetic capacity, plasma membrane depolarization and eventual leaf necrosis. Salt, however, rescued NbVHP‐hyperactive cells from cell death. Furthermore, a salt‐induced rise in V‐PPase but not of V‐ATPase pump currents was detected in nontransformed plants. The results indicate that under normal growth conditions, plants need to regulate the V‐PPase pump activity to avoid hyperactivity and its negative feedback on cell viability. Nonetheless, V‐PPase proton pump function becomes increasingly important under salt stress for generating the pH gradient necessary for vacuolar proton‐coupled Na+ sequestration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The Swiss franc appreciated strongly against the currencies of Switzerland's most important trading partners after the global financial crisis in 2008. This has raised the question of how sensitive Swiss exports are with respect to exchange rate movements. We analyse this question for exports of the Swiss agriculture and food sector, using both time series and dynamic panel data models based on data from 1999 to 2012. We find that in the long run a one per cent appreciation of the Swiss franc leads on average to a decrease in exports of agricultural and food products between 0.8 and 0.9 per cent. Our results suggest that on average, producers in the Swiss agriculture and food sector are able to successfully avoid price competition by differentiating their products, producing high‐quality products for niche markets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oases are desert-farming agro-ecosystems, where date palm ( P hoenix dactylifera L.) plays a keystone role in offsetting the effects of drought and maintaining a suitable microclimate for agriculture. At present, abundance, diversity and plant growth promotion ( PGP) of date palm root-associated bacteria remain unknown. Considering the environmental pressure determined by the water scarcity in the desert environments, we hypothesized that bacteria associated with date palm roots improve plant resistance to drought. Here, the ecology of date palm root endophytes from oases in the Tunisian Sahara was studied with emphasis on their capacity to promote growth under drought. Endophytic communities segregated along a north-south gradient in correlation with geo-climatic parameters. Screening of 120 endophytes indicated that date palm roots select for bacteria with multiple PGP traits. Bacteria rapidly cross-colonized the root tissues of different species of plants, including the original Tunisian date palm cultivar, Saudi Arabian cultivars and A rabidopsis. Selected endophytes significantly increased the biomass of date palms exposed to repeated drought stress periods during a 9-month greenhouse experiment. Overall, results indicate that date palm roots shape endophytic communities that are capable to promote plant growth under drought conditions, thereby contributing an essential ecological service to the entire oasis ecosystem. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The aim of the study was to evaluate the impact of multileaf collimator (MLC) leaf width on treatment adaptation and delivery accuracy for concurrent treatment of the prostate and pelvic lymph nodes with intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT). Methods: Seventy-five kilovoltage cone beam CTs (KV-CBCT) from six patients were included for this retrospective study. For each patient, three different IMRT plans were created based on a planning CT using three different MLC leaf widths of 2.5, 5, and 10 mm, respectively. For each CBCT, the prostate displacement was determined by a dual image registration. Adaptive plans were created by shifting selected MLC leaf pairs to compensate for daily prostate movements. To evaluate the impact of MLC leaf width on the adaptive plan for each daily CBCT, three MLC shifted plans were created using three different leaf widths of MLCs (a total of 225 adaptive treatment plans). Selective dosimetric endpoints for the tumor volumes and organs at risk (OARs) were evaluated for these adaptive plans. Using the planning CT from a selected patient, MLC shifted plans for three hypothetical longitudinal shifts of 2, 4, and 8 mm were delivered on the three linear accelerators to test the deliverability of the shifted plans and to compare the dose accuracy of the shifted plans with the original IMRT plans. Results: Adaptive plans from 2.5 and 5 mm MLCs had inadequate dose coverage to the prostate (D99 < 97%, or Dmean < 99% of the planned dose) in 6%-8% of the fractions, while adaptive plans from 10 mm MLC led to inadequate dose coverage to the prostate in 25.3% of the fractions. The average V56Gy of the prostate over the six patients was improved by 6.4% (1.6%-32.7%) and 5.8% (1.5%-35.7%) with adaptive plans from 2.5 and 5 mm MLCs, respectively, when compared with adaptive plans from 10 mm MLC. Pelvic lymph nodes were well covered for all MLC adaptive plans, as small differences were observed for D99, Dmean, and V50.4Gy. Similar OAR sparing could be achieved for the bladder and rectum with all three MLCs for treatment adaptation. The MLC shifted plans can be accurately delivered on all three linear accelerators with accuracy similar to their original IMRT plans, where gamma (3%/3 mm) passing rates were 99.6%, 93.0%, and 92.1% for 2.5, 5, and 10 mm MLCs, respectively. The percentages of pixels with dose differences between the measurement and calculation being less than 3% of the maximum dose were 85.9%, 82.5%, and 70.5% for the original IMRT plans from the three MLCs, respectively. Conclusions: Dosimetric advantages associated with smaller MLC leaves were observed in terms of the coverage to the prostate, when the treatment was adapted to account for daily prostate movement for concurrent irradiation of the prostate and pelvic lymph nodes. The benefit of switching the MLC from 10 to 5 mm was significant (p < 0.01); however, switching the MLC from 5 to 2.5 mm would not gain significant (p = 0.15) improvement. IMRT plans with smaller MLC leaf widths achieved more accurate dose delivery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this paper was to understand whether the endobacterium identified as Candidatus Glomeribacter gigasporarum has an effect on the biology of its host, the arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus Gigaspora margarita, through the study of the modifications induced on the fungal proteome and lipid profile. The availability of G. margarita cured spores (i.e. spores that do not contain bacteria), represented a crucial tool to enable the comparison between two fungal homogeneous populations in the presence and the absence of the bacterial components. Our results demonstrate that the endobacterial presence leads to a modulation of fungal protein expression in all the different conditions we tested (quiescent, germinating and strigolactone-elicited germinating spores), and in particular after treatment with a strigolactone analogue. The fungal fatty acid profile resulted to be modified both quantitatively and qualitatively in the absence of endobacteria, being fatty acids less abundant in the cured spores. The results offer one of the first comparative metabolic studies of an AM fungus investigated under different physiological conditions, reveal that endobacteria have an important impact on the host fungal activity, influencing both protein expression and lipid profile, and suggest that the bacterial absence is perceived by G. margarita as a stimulus which activates stress-responsive proteins. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of Cd exposure (100 μmol/L) on polar lipid composition, and to examine the level of fatty acid unsaturation in maize ( Zea mays L.). In roots, the level of 16:0 and monounsaturated fatty acids (16:1 + 18:1) decreased in phosphatidylcholine (PC) and phosphatidylethanolamine (PE). In contrast, the proportion of unsaturated 18-C fatty acid species showed an opposite response to Cd. The content, on the other hand, of PC, PE, digalactosyldiacylglycerol (DGDG), and steryl lipids increased in roots (2.9-, 1.6-, 5.3-, and 1.7-fold increase, respectively). These results suggest that a more unsaturated fatty acid composition than found in control plants with a concomitant increase in polar lipids may favor seedling growth during Cd exposure. However, the observed increase in the steryl lipid (SL) : phospholipid (PL) ratio (twofold), the decrease in monogalactosyldiacylglycerol (MGDG) : DGDG ratio, as well as the induction of lipid peroxidation in roots may represent symptoms of membrane injury. In shoots, the unsaturation level was markedly decreased in PC and phosphatidylglycerol (PG) after Cd exposure, but showed a significant increase in sulfoquinovosyldiacylglycerol (SQDG), MGDG and DGDG. The content of PG and MGDG was decreased by about 65%, while PC accumulated to higher levels (4.4-fold increase). Taken together, these changes in the polar lipid unsaturation and composition are likely to be due to alterations in the glycerolipid pathway. These results also support the idea that the increase in overall unsaturation plays some role in enabling the plant to withstand the metal exposure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A wide range of cellular responses occur when plants are exposed to heavy metal stress, including changes in the membrane fatty acid composition. In this study, we examined the effect of excess copper (100 μm) on the degree of unsaturation [double bond index (DBI) of 18-C fatty acids] and the polar lipid profiles in maize ( Zea mays L.). The level of unsaturation of total fatty acids decreased from 1.42 to 1.28 in maize roots. However, copper-induced compositional changes of polar fatty acid composition show a general trend of increasing DBI. These responses suggest that individual 18-C fatty acid classes may have specific roles in maintaining optimal membrane function, enabling plant growth under copper stress. The results also reveal key changes including marked decrease in total root phospholipid levels and consistent increase in the steryl lipid/phospholipid (SL/PL) ratio, as well as a decrease in monogalactosyldiacylglycerol/digalactosyldiacylglycerol (MGDG/DGDG) ratio, reflecting alteration of membrane permeability and fluidity. In shoots, the DBI obtained from phosphatidylcholine (PC), sulphoquinovosyldiacylglycerol (SQDG) and monogalactosyldiacylglycerol (MGDG) was increased. In contrast, these indices were decreased in phosphatidylinositol (PI) and phosphatidylglycerol (PG). However, the PI, PC, PG, MGDG and DGDG contents in shoots were significantly decreased, suggesting alterations in the photosynthetic membranes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Gelsolin is an actin-binding protein that is regulated by the occupancy of multiple calcium-binding sites. We have studied calcium induced conformational changes in the G1–2 and G1–3 sub-domains, and report the binding affinities for the three type II sites. A new probe for G3 has been produced and a K d of 5μM has been measured for calcium in the context of G1–3. The two halves of gelsolin, G1–3 and G4–6 bind weakly with or without calcium, suggesting that once separated by apoptotic proteolysis, G1–3 and G4–6 remain apart allowing G1–3 to sever actin in a calcium free manner. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

OO of the acetabulum can clinically and radiologically mimic an ankylosing spondylitis (with coxitis and sacroiliitis). Management of OO include multidisciplinary approach including radiologist, rheumatologist, and orthopedist. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Observations of cellular organization are essential in understanding the mechanisms underlying leaf morphogenesis. These observations require several preparative steps, such as fixation and clearing of organs, and such procedures are time-consuming and labor-intensive for large-scale analyses. Thus, we have developed simple methods for the observation of leaf epidermal and mesophyll cells. To visualize the epidermis, a gel cast was made of the leaf surface, which was then observed under a light microscope. To visualize the leaf mesophyll cells, leaves were immersed in a solution containing Triton X-100, briefly centrifuged, and then viewed under a light microscope. These methods allowed us to conduct a histological phenome analysis for a large number of known and newly isolated leaf-shape/size mutants of Arabidopsis thaliana by measuring various parameters, including cell number, size, and distribution of cells within a leaf blade. Mutants showed changes in leaf size caused by specific increases or decreases in the number and/or size of cells. In addition, altered cell distributions in the leaf blade were observed, resulting from increases or decreases in the number of cells along the proximo-distal or medio-lateral axis, or recruitment of cells along a particular axis at the expense of other leaf parts. These results provide a phenomic view of the cellular behavior involved in organ size control and leaf-shape patterning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Calponins are actin-binding proteins that are implicated in the regulation of actomyosin. Calponin binds filamentous actin (F-actin) through two distinct sites ABS1 and ABS2, with an affinity in the low micromolar range. We report that smooth muscle calponin binds monomeric actin with a similar affinity (K d of 0.15μM). We show that the arrangement of binding is similar to that of F-actin by a number of criteria, most notably that the distance between Cys273 on calponin and Cys374 of actin is 29Å when measured by fluorescent resonance energy transfer, the same distance as previously reported for F-actin. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Characteristic sterols of transformed carrot (Daucus carota) and chicory (Cichorium intybus) roots colonized by different strains of arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi were identified. Sterols were extracted, analysed and identified by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC-MS) from monoxenic cultures of mycorrhizal and nonmycorrhizal roots. After colonization by Glomus intraradices, Glomus proliferum and Glomus sp., carrot and chicory roots exhibited a significantly higher 24-methyl/methylene sterol content. A correlation was established between the content of the sum of 24-methyl cholesterol, 24-methylene cholesterol and 24-methyl desmosterol. This study clearly established that the increment of these characteristic sterols is an appropriate indicator of colonization by AM fungi of transformed roots. Metabolic origin and specificity of these sterols in mycorrhizal roots was researched. The 24-methyl/methylene sterol increase was observed only when the interaction between fungus and plant was completely established and the fungus was present inside the roots. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ri-T-DNA-transformed carrot roots were used for investigating sterol metabolism by the arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungus Glomus intraradices under three distinct experimental conditions: (i) a symbiotic stage (fungus still attached to the host roots); (ii) a detached stage (fungus physically separated from the roots); and (iii) a germinating stage (germinating spores). In all three stages, G. intraradices was found to contain a mixture of 24-alkylated sterols, with 24-methyl and 24-ethyl cholesterol as the main compounds, but no ergosterol, the predominant sterol in most fungi. Feeding experiments with [1-14C]sodium acetate were performed to check the ability of the fungus to synthesize sterols. Whatever the experimental conditions, G. intraradices was able to actively take up exogenous acetate and to incorporate it into sterols and their precursors. Our data provide first evidence for de novo sterol synthesis by an AM fungus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the title compound, {[Cu(C2O4)(C6H16N2)]·4H2O}n, the Cu atom is six-coordinate in a distorted octahedral geometry, and N,N,N′,N′-tetramethylethylenediamine acts as a chelating ligand. The oxalate anion, which lies about an inversion centre, bridges the metal cations and forms infinite chains. The structure cohesion is ensured by hydrogen-bonding interactions, which form a three-dimensional framework. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A letter to the editor is presented about a case of generalised tonic-clonic seizures after remifentanil infusion monitored with bispectral index (BIS) in a 67-year-old man.