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To evaluate agreement between 2 standard laboratory (SL) methods and an immunochromatographic strip (ICS) method to crossmatch dogs receiving RBC transfusions. A second objective was to evaluate uninterpretable SL crossmatch results as compared to ICS in the presence of autoagglutination.Prospective observational study (September 2018 to October 2019).University teaching hospital.Forty anemic dogs receiving RBC transfusions.None.All dogs received DEA 1-negative packed RBCs. Three crossmatch methods were evaluated against the same unit transfused to each dog: SL method performed at institutional laboratory (SL-I), SL method sent to a commercial laboratory (SL-C), and a commercially available point-of-care ICS method. Major and minor crossmatches were incompatible for 2.5%/7.5% of ICS tests, 82.5%/52.5% of SL-I tests, and 52.5%/27.5% of SL-C tests. Agreement between ICS and SL-C major (κ = 0.05) and minor (κ = 0.02) crossmatches and between ICS and SL-I major (κ = 0.009) and minor (κ = 0.03) crossmatches was slight. Agreement between SL-C and SL-I major (κ = -0.06) and minor (κ = -0.12) crossmatches was poor. Results of major and minor crossmatches were uninterpretable due to autoagglutination in 38%/38% for SL-I and 29%/18% for SL-C crossmatches. ICS method was interpretable for 93% (major) and 98% (minor) crossmatches. After exclusion of uninterpretable SL pairings, agreement still remained poor to slight between all tests. Only 1 of 40 dogs (2.5%; 95% confidence interval: 1.0%-13.2%) had an immediate immunological transfusion reaction.Lack of agreement between all methodologies was noted. The high level of incompatibility predicted by SL methods despite lack of clinically relevant reactions suggests a high false incompatibility rate as compared to the ICS test. ICS testing was also able to give results more frequently in the face of autoagglutination. Further work is needed to investigate the ICS method's ability to predict clinically significant transfusion reactions.

Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: Other. Main funding source(s): WHO Reference, 2022/1216167-0, Promoting health and well-being and Flagship initiative- Empowerment through Digital Health. “Older people and COVID-19- new challenges for public health in Poland”. Background The current epidemiological situation related to the COVID-19 pandemic is one of the biggest public health challenges and is associated with many negative phenomena such as the spread of misinformation. Older adults (especially with cardiovascular diseases) with their specific needs, concerns and preferred sources of information are the most vulnerable group in the rapidly evolving world. Objective Identify areas of interest, preferred sources of information related to the COVID-19 pandemic among older adults and verify their e-health competencies. Material and method The study was conducted between February 2022 and July 2022. Both groups of older and younger adults completed a self-administered questionnaire that addressed respondents' interests, questions and sources of information about COVID-19 that they used. Additionally, respondents filled out the PL- eHEALS questionnaire to measure e-health competencies. Results The study included a total of 573 participants (older adults - 303 participants, young adults - 270). The three issues that attracted the largest interest among the elderly were COVID-19 treatment methods (45.5%) COVID-19 symptoms (36.6%) and the impact of COVID-19 on chronic diseases (35%). The main source of information about COVID-19 was television (84.5%). As much as 84% of the elderly have never interacted with a chatbot and only 18% believe it could be a reliable source of information on COVID-19. The e-health competencies of the elderly were significantly lower than the younger generation’s (Fig. 1). Conclusions This study found intergenerational differences in COVID-19 information needs. Older adults need basic information about COVID-19 and prefer using traditional media.

BACKGROUND: Colonic atresias in the Fibroblast growth factor receptor 2IIIb (Fgfr2IIIb) mouse model have been attributed to increased epithelial apoptosis and decreased epithelial proliferation at embryonic day (E) 10.5. We therefore hypothesized that these processes would co-localize to the distal colon where atresias occur (atretic precursor) and would be excluded or minimized from the proximal colon and small intestine. RESULTS: We observed a global increase in intestinal epithelial apoptosis in Fgfr2IIIb(−/−) intestines from E9.5 to E10.5 that did not co-localize to the atretic precursor. Additionally, epithelial proliferations rates in Fgfr2IIIb(−/−) intestines were statistically indistinguishable to that of controls at E10.5 and E11.5. At E11.5 distal colonic epithelial cells in mutants failed to assume the expected pseudostratified columnar architecture and the continuity of the adjacent basal lamina was disrupted. Individual E-cadherin-positive cells were observed in the colonic mesenchyme. CONCLUSIONS: Our observations suggest that alterations in proliferation and apoptosis alone are insufficient to account for intestinal atresias and that these defects may arise from both a failure of distal colonic epithelial cells to develop normally and local disruptions in basal lamina architecture.

The author defines “war panic” and analyzes specific manifestations of the phenomenon: the war panics that Poland experienced repeatedly after the Second World War. The author demonstrates that for Polish society the Second World War was the most traumatic event of the twentieth century, and that it left behind not only the human losses and a sea of ruins, but enormous deposits of fear. These ap- peared above all in flight behavior, the hoarding of shop goods, and the withdrawal of money from banks in order, for instance, to buy jewelry – every time the pattern was the same. The first war panic occurred already in 1945. Until the end of the 1960s, Poles were convinced that a third world war was just around the corner. The Soviet invasion of Afghanistan also induced a panic. Poles were afraid of war, but war was also used to threaten them. During the Stalinist period, the threat was of American imperialism, and in the 1970s, of German “militarists” and “revanchists.” The Second World War did not entirely end in 1945. The author claims that we can speak of its long-term, post-war continuation.

Liposomes are vesicular preparations that improve bioavailability of many pharmaceuticals, used even in ocular therapy. In addition, it is well documented that vesicular carriers could affect the photodegradation of molecules encapsulated inside, which is especially important for drugs that may exhibit phototoxicity when they are applied topically on sensitive light-exposed tissues. In this study, we investigated the effect of ciprofloxacin encapsulation into liposomes on its photodegradation, phototoxicity and photogenotoxicity in vitro at the concentration ranges applied in ophthalmology. We tested two variants of liposomes: large unilamellar vesicles (LUV) and multilamellar vesicles (MLV) in comparison to antibiotic solutions without phospholipids (CPX). On the basis of our research, the kinetics of ciprofloxacin photolysis was the fastest in formulations with vesicles with low drug-to-lipid ratio. Depending on vesicles type (drug-to-lipid ratio, MLV or LUV) and time of irradiation different degradants were produced. We proposed structures of the novel ciprofloxacin photolysis products characteristic for vesicles. We did not notice any photoprotective effect of application of ciprofloxacin encapsulation into liposomes, but it significantly affected the photodegradation product profile of the drug and the Photo-Irritation-Factor of the vesicular preparations. In the MTT and micronucleus assays impact of encapsulation was not as clearly visible.

Background Colorectal cancer is the third most commonly diagnosed malignant tumor, taking fourth place in terms of cause of cancer deaths worldwide.1 Unfortunately, the ability of the immune system to distinguish its own from foreign cells is often limited. One of the overexpressed receptors is receptor CD47 - widely distributed glycoprotein on the cell surface of various kind of tumors. It plays a role as ‘don’t eat me’ signal by binding with receptor SIRPα, presents on the cell surface of macrophages.2 Calreticulin, protein occurring on the surface of tumor cells and phagocytes, acts as protein with pro-phagocytic properties. Several natural bioactive substances are predicted to induce immunogenic cell death by translocation calreticulin on the surface of cancer cells which significantly increases the efficiency of their phagocytosis. Moreover, one of the well-known TLR-7 receptor agonists - imiquimod, is involved in phosphorylation of Bruton’s tyrosine kinase leading to the appearance of calreticulin on the surface of macrophages, which increases the efficiency of phagocytosis of tumor cells.3 Combination therapy composed of berberine and imiquimod can be highlighted as effective immunotherapy for colon cancer. However, such an approach remains very limited. Liposomes can serve as promising carriers for targeting delivery and controlled release of anti-cancer agents. Material and Methods Liposomes were prepared by the thin-film hydration method followed by extrusion. Human colon cancer cell line (LS180 I SW620) and human monocytic cell line (THP-1) were used for experiments. Calreticulin was detected by using confocal microscopy. Results The work presented aimed to develop novel liposomal formulations of berberine and imiquimod which were examined for their efficacy in combination against colorectal cancer cell lines. Liposomal formulations of both compounds were successfully prepared using active loading method with different pH generating agents. All loading methods showed desired characteristics in terms of mean liposome size and polydispersity. The encapsulation efficiency was higher than 95% for almost all used formulations. The in vitro study proved cytotoxicity of berberine loaded liposomal formulations on tested colon cancer cell lines. The results of the immunofluorescence staining indicated that the both compounds triggered calreticulin on the cell surface (colon cancer or macrophages). Conclusions The combination of both substances in the liposomal form may generate a synergistic effect on phagocytosis of colon cancer cells. References Arnold M, Sierra MS, Laversanne M, et al. Global patterns and trends in colorectal cancer incidence and mortality. Gut 2017;66:683–691. Sick E, Jeanne A, Schneider C, Dedieu S, Takeda K, Martiny L. CD47 update: a multifaceted actor in the tumor microenvironment of potential therapeutic interest, Br J Pharmacol 2012, 167(7):1415–30. M. Feng, et al., Macrophages eat cancer cells using their own calreticulin as a guide: Roles of TLR and Btk. PNAS 2015;112( 7):2145–2150. Disclosure Information M. Mianowska: B. Research Grant (principal investigator, collaborator or consultant and pending grants as well as grants already received); Significant; National Science Center, Poland. M. Zaremba-Czogalla: None. A. Zygmunt: None. J. Gubernator: None.

The article substantiates of the clinical relevance problem of HPV-associated chronic cervicitis in reproductive age women. The study used modern diagnostic methods for this disease. The article based an analysis of the literature and our own observations, we studied some methods of treatment of HPV-associated cervicitis and made a clinical comparison of the use of suppositories and proteflazide alcohol solution, combined therapy of inozine pranobex with simultaneous local ectocervix destruction (laser vaporization) as part of complex treatment and relapse prevention of this pathology in reproductive age women. The effectiveness of therapy of 80 reproductive age patients with verified chronic cervicitis against the background of high oncogenic risk papillomavirus infection and the results of complex treatment were analyzed.Key words: Human papillomavirus infection, cervicitis, diagnosis, antiviral therapy, complex treatment., В статье обоснована актуальность проблемы ВПЧ-ассоциированного хронического цервицита у женщин репродуктивного возраста. В исследовании использованы современные методы диагностики данного заболевания. На основании анализа данных литературных источников и материалов собственных наблюдений изучено методы терапии ВПЧ-ассоциированных цервицитов и проведено клиническое сравнение применения суппозиториев и спиртового раствора протефлазида, комбинированной терапии inozine pranobex с одновременной деструкцией на эктоцервиксе (лазерная вапоризация) в составе комплексного лечения и профилактике рецидивов данной патологии у женщин репродуктивного возраста. Проанализирована эффективность терапии и результаты комплексного лечения 80 пациенток репродуктивного возраста с верифицированным хроническим цервицитом на фоне папилломавирусной инфекции высокого онкогенного риска.Ключевые слова: вирус папилломы человека, инфекция, цервицит, диагностика, противовирусная терапия, комплексное лечение.

Gamma-Beams at the HIgS facility in the USA and anticipated at the ELI-NP facility, now constructed in Romania, present unique new opportunities to advance research in nuclear astrophysics; not the least of which is resolving open questions in oxygen formation during stellar helium burning via a precise measurement of the 12C(a,g) reaction. Time projection chamber (TPC) detectors operating with low pressure gas (as an active target) are ideally suited for such studies. We review the progress of the current research program and plans for the future at the HI{\gamma}S facility with the optical readout TPC (O-TPC) and the development of an electronic readout TPC for the ELI-NP facility (ELITPC)., Comment: Contribution Symposium on Radiation Measurements and Applications (SORMA XVII), June 11 - June 14 , 2018, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor

Collagen vascular diseases present a treatment dilemma for patients with breast cancer. Due to the potential for severe, acute, and late complications of radiation therapy, a history of collagen vascular disease (CVD) is a relative contraindication to breast-conserving treatment. We present a case of early stage breast cancer in a patient with severe scleroderma treated with breast-conserving surgery without radiation and a brief review of the published literature regarding the therapeutic approach to the patient with CVD and breast cancer.

Pi of the Sky is a system of wide field of view robotic telescopes, which search for short timescale astrophysical phenomena, especially for prompt optical GRB emission. The system was designed for autonomous operation, monitoring a large fraction of the sky to a depth of 12m−13m and with time resolution of the order of 10 seconds. Custom designed CCD cameras are equipped with Canon lenses f = 85 mm, f/d = 1.2 and cover 20° × 20° of the sky each. The final system with 16 cameras on 4 equatorial mounts was completed in 2014 at the INTA El Arenosillo Test Centre in Spain. GRB160625B was an extremely bright GRB with three distinct emission episodes. Cameras of the Pi of the Sky observatory in Spain were not observing the position of the GRB160625B prior to the first emission episode. Observations started only after receiving Fermi/GBM trigger, about 140 seconds prior to the second emission. As the position estimate taken from the Fermi alert and used to position the telescope was not very accurate, the actual position of the burst happened to be in the overlap region of two cameras, resulting in two independent sets of measurements. Light curves from both cameras were reconstructed using the Luiza framework. No object brighter than 12.4m (3σ limit) was observed prior to the second GRB emission. An optical flash was identified on an image starting -5.9s before the time of the Fermi/LAT trigger, brightening to about 8m on the next image and then becoming gradually dimmer, fading below our sensitivity after about 400s. Emission features as measured in different spectral bands indicate that the three emission episodes of GRB160625B were dominated by distinct physics process. Simultaneously observations in gamma-rays and optical wavelengths support the hypothesis that this was the first observed transition from thermal to non-thermal radiation in a single GRB. Main results of the combined analysis are presented.

Hprt-Cre doubles the prevalence of homozygous null embryos per litter versus heterozygous breedings without decreasing litter size. Resulting mutant embryos are genotypically and phenotypically equivalent between strategies. We set out to confirm the effectiveness of this approach with other alleles and hypothesized that it would increase efficiency in generating compound mutants.Null mutants for Cyp26b1, Pitx2, and Shh were generated with Hprt-Cre from conditional alleles as were double and triple allelic combinations of Fgfr2IIIb, Raldh2, and Cyp26b1. Embryos were genotyped and phenotyped by whole mount photography, histology, and immunohistochemistry.Fifty percent of Hprt-Cre litters were homozygous null for Cyp26b1 (15/29) and Pitx2 (75/143), with phenotypic and genotypic equivalence to mutants from standard heterozygous breedings. In multi-allele breedings, mutant embryos constituted half of litters without significant embryo loss. In contrast, Shh breedings yielded a smaller ratio of embryos carrying two recombined alleles (6 of 16), with a significant litter size reduction because of early embryonic lethality (16 live embryos from 38 deciduae).Hprt-Cre can be used to efficiently generate large numbers of mutant embryos with a number of alleles. Compound mutant generation was equally efficient. However, efficiency is reduced for genes whose protein product potentially interacts with the Hprt pathway (e.g., Shh).

The main goal of the “Pi of the Sky” project is search for optical transients (OTs) of astrophysical origin, in particular those related to gamma-ray bursts (GRBs). Since March 2011 the project has two running observatories: one in northern Chile and the other one in southern Spain. This allows for regular observations of a common sky fields, visible from both observatories which are scheduled usually 1–2 h per night. In such a case, the on-line flash recognition algorithm, looking for optical transients, can use parallax information to assure that events observed from both sites have parallax angle smaller than the error of astrometry. On the other hand, the remaining OT candidates can be verified against a hypothesis of being near-Earth objects. This paper presents algorithm using parallax information for identification of near-Earth objects, which might be satellites, or space debris elements. Preliminary results of the algorithm are also presented.

This paper describes PiMan, a CORBA-based system manager of the “Pi of the Sky” experiment, whose prototype consisting of two cameras on parallactic mount is running at Las Campanas Observatory in Chile. We discuss in detail all software components of the “Pi of the Sky” system, interactions between them, and the architecture of the PiMan system. PiMan extension and other system software that will control and monitor final system being under construction, consisting of two sites with 16 CCD cameras installed on three mounts per site, is also described in this paper.

This paper presents a nuclear physics virtual laboratory that is focused on describing the core aspects and features of gamma radiation. Two simulated experiments are described. Each simulated experiment is programmed in full analogy with a real experiment performed in a real laboratory. The duration of each step is the same as in reality. The software used to carry out simulated experiment follows the assumption that all the results achieved during the virtual research were not the simulated results but, rather, the results achieved earlier in real-life experiments.

"Pi of the Sky" is a system of wide field of view robotic telescopes, which search for short timescale astrophysical phenomena, especially for prompt optical GRB emission. The system was designed for autonomous operation, monitoring a large fraction of the sky with 12m-13m range and time resolution of the order of 1 - 10 seconds. For now there are two working "Pi of the Sky" observatories: in San Pedro de Atacama (Chile) and near Mazagon in Southern Spain. In this paper we report on the status of the project, as well as recent observation of asteroid 2004BL86, which passed the Earth in late January 2015, DG CVn outburst in 2014, satellites observations and our future plans.

The article describes a final design of the new 2 dof robotic telescope on the parallactic mount, controlled via internet. The robot will be applied in the “Pi of the Sky” camera positioning system with capability to use four cameras with 20 cm objectives and total load of up to 150 kg. The system will be employed in astrophysical observations to discover the strong electromagnetic radiation originating from violent cosmological phenomena and presumably associated with sources of gravitational waves. Therefore, direct observations performed with high time resolution by dedicated robotic telescope play a key role. Short time of reaction combined with very high accuracy and smooth tracking generates rigorous challenges for the design solutions. Selected types of harmonic drive and stepper motor, with use of feedback from an ultrahigh resolution optical encoder fixed directly to the output axes, enable any celestial object to be located and tracked for hours with arc second accuracy. To increase the observation capability, two modes (DEEP and WIDE) changing cameras field of view required a special mechanism. Moreover, to improve the maintenance of the telescope, two precision calibration mechanisms for the right ascension and declination angles were designed.

The stress-sensitive restriction-modification (RM) system CglI from Corynebacterium glutamicum and the homologous NgoAVII RM system from Neisseria gonorrhoeae FA1090 are composed of three genes: a DNA methyltransferase (M.CglI and M.NgoAVII), a putative restriction endonuclease (R.CglI and R.NgoAVII, or R-proteins) and a predicted DEAD-family helicase/ATPase (N.CglI and N.NgoAVII or N-proteins). Here we report a biochemical characterization of the R- and N-proteins. Size-exclusion chromatography and SAXS experiments reveal that the isolated R.CglI, R.NgoAVII and N.CglI proteins form homodimers, while N.NgoAVII is a monomer in solution. Moreover, the R.CglI and N.CglI proteins assemble in a complex with R2N2 stoichiometry. Next, we show that N-proteins have ATPase activity that is dependent on double-stranded DNA and is stimulated by the R-proteins. Functional ATPase activity and extensive ATP hydrolysis (∼170 ATP/s/monomer) are required for site-specific DNA cleavage by R-proteins. We show that ATP-dependent DNA cleavage by R-proteins occurs at fixed positions (6–7 nucleotides) downstream of the asymmetric recognition sequence 5′-GCCGC-3′. Despite similarities to both Type I and II restriction endonucleases, the CglI and NgoAVII enzymes may employ a unique catalytic mechanism for DNA cleavage.

To evaluate whether early diagnosis of cystic fibrosis (CF) through newborn screening (NBS) and early vitamin E status are associated with cognitive function.We assessed cognitive function for 71 children without meconium ileus (ages 7.3-16.9 years) enrolled in the screened (S) or control (C) group of the Wisconsin CF Neonatal Screening Project. The Test of Cognitive Skills, 2nd edition generated the cognitive skills index (CSI; mean = 100, SD = 16). Vitamin E deficiency at diagnosis was defined as plasma alpha-tocopherol (alpha-T) below 300 microg/dL (300E). Primary analyses evaluated CSI scores across the 4 levels of group (S or C) by using alpha-T status (300E or300E) with analysis of covariance.After adjusting for covariates, CSI in the C300E group was significantly lower than each of the other groups (C300E, S300E, and S300E; P.05). The highest proportion of CSI scores84 occurred in the C300E group (41%). Patients in this group also had the lowest mean head circumference z-scores at diagnosis.Our results show that prolonged alpha-T deficiency in infancy is associated with lower subsequent cognitive performance. Thus, diagnosis via NBS may benefit the cognitive development of children with CF, particularly in those prone to vitamin E deficiency during infancy.

The ABCA4 (ABCR) gene encodes a retinal-specific ATP-binding cassette transporter. Mutations in ABCA4 are responsible for several recessive macular dystrophies and susceptibility to age related macular degeneration (AMD). The protein appears to function as a flippase of all-trans-retinaldehyde and/or its derivatives across the membrane of outer segment disks and is a potentially important element in recycling visual cycle metabolites. However, the understanding of ABCA4's role in the visual cycle is limited due to the lack of a direct functional assay. An evolutionary analysis of ABCA4 may aid in the identification of conserved elements, the preservation of which implies functional importance. To date, only human, murine, and bovine ABCA4 genes are described. We have identified ABCA4 genes from African (Xenopus laevis) and Western (Silurana tropicalis) clawed frogs. A comparative analysis describing the evolutionary relationships between the frog ABCA4s, annotated T. rubripes ABCA4, and mammalian ABCA4 proteins was carried out. Several segments are conserved in both intradiscal loop (IL) domains, in addition to the transmembrane and ATP-binding domains. Nonconserved segments were found in the IL and cytoplasmic linker domains. Maximum likelihood analyses of the aligned sequences strongly suggest that ABCA4 was subject to purifying selection. Collectively, these data corroborate the current evolutionary model where two distinct ABCA half-transporter progenitors were combined to form a full ABCA4 progenitor in ancestral chordates. We speculate that evolutionary alterations may increase the retinoid metabolite recycling capacity of ABCA4 and may improve dark adaptation.

Pi of the Sky is a system of wide field-of-view robotic telescopes which search for short timescale astrophysical phenomena, especially for prompt optical GRB emission. The system is designed for autonomous operation, follows the predefined observing strategy and adopts it to the actual conditions. We describe the current status of telescopes located in Chile and Spain and prospects for future development.

The structure of the growth lines in the shell of the red abalone, Haliotis rufescens, has been characterized by X-ray diffraction analysis and by scanning and transmission electron microscopy. The growth lines consist of a blocklike microstructure and a spherulitic microstructure, separated by a green organic matrix interlayer. The minerals in both the blocklike and spherulitic structures have been determined to be aragonite, the same CaCO3 polymorph as in the nacreous microstructure in these shells. The spherulitic structure is composed of radially distributed elongated crystals, whereas the blocklike structure involves crystalline aggregates with irregular shape. The individual aggregates are approximately single crystal, with orientations identical to that of the adjacent stack of tablets in the nacreous structure. The interfaces defining the transition from nacreous to blocklike microstructures are abrupt; on the other hand, the transition from spherulitic to nacreous microstructures shows more irreg...

Background Phyllodes is a rare tumor accounting for less than 1% of all breast neoplasms. Studies defining clinical predictors of malignant phyllodes (MP) are rare and inconsistent. Furthermore, MP occurrence in African American (AA) women has never been analyzed. This study will delineate clinical and pathologic features in AA patients that may reasonably predict the probability of malignancy. Methods A retrospective study of clinical records was carried out for 50 AA patients diagnosed with phyllodes tumors (PT) and treated between 1982 and 2012. Patients' charts were analyzed regarding demographics, pathology findings, and treatment. Results The diagnosis of benign disease was made in 40 (78%), borderline in 3 (6%), and malignancy in 7 (14%) patients; however, 1 patient (2%) had mixed phyllodes with ductal carcinoma in situ. The mean age was significantly different for patients with benign disease (33 years) compared with those with malignancy (54 years; P P = .029) and mitoses were higher with 50% of MPs having greater than 5 per 10 high power fields. Although rare, nodal metastasis, ulceration, and multicentric disease occurred only in MP. Conclusions Among AA patients with phyllodes tumors, those with malignant tumors were older and had larger tumors and higher mitotic indices than those with benign disease. AA patients also displayed some of the more rare features of advanced disease and presented with malignancy near the highest reported frequency.

Balanced translocation between chromosomes 3q26 and 8q24 is a very rare event. Here we report six patients with t(3;8)(q26;q24) either as a sole or as a part of genetic abnormalities. Five of the six patients were men with ages ranging from 41 to 84 years old. One patient had a long history of granulocyte colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) treatment. Three of the patients were initially diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia, two with myelodysplastic syndrome and one with chronic myelogenous leukemia with blast crisis. The peripheral blood in all patients showed severe to moderate anemia; one had absolute neutropenia, one with neutrophilia; four had thrombocytopenia, two with thrombocytosis. The bone marrows from all patients showed dysmegakaryopoiesis with additional erythroid (three patients) and granulocytic (two patients) dysplasia. Cytogenetics revealed t(3;8)(q26;q24) as the sole abnormality in three patients. The majority of patients (4/6) had a poor clinical course, with an average survival of 10 months.

Silicon nanowires, prepared by electroless chemical etching, are used to fabricate dual-gate field-effect transistors. The diameters of the nanowires vary from 40–300 nm, with a maximum aspect ratio of ˜3000. Titanium silicide contacts are fabricated on single nanowires. An aluminium top-gate, combined with a back-gate, forms a dual-gate transistor. In an n-channel device with a nanowire diameter of ˜70 nm, the output characteristics show current saturation, with a maximum current of ˜100 nA. A drain-source threshold voltage exists for current flow, controlled by the gate voltage, and assists in device turn-off. The ON/OFF current ratio is ˜3000, and the subthreshold swing is ˜780 mV/decade.

We report a case of a 6-month-old boy with a mixed phenotype acute leukemia (MPAL), bilineal and biphenotypic immunophenotype (B-lymphoid lineage and combined B-lymphoid and monocytic lineage) with t(10;11)(p12;q23);MLL-MLLT10. He was treated with acute myeloid leukemia protocol and in complete remission at 7-month follow-up. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first reported MLL-MLLT10 rearranged case presenting as MPAL in an infant. From a clinical practice standpoint, this case illustrates the importance of detection of MLL rearrangement due to its prognostic implication and the effectiveness of flow cytometry immunophenotyping in diagnosing MPAL and monitoring minimal residual disease.

From studies of geological and coral skeleton aragonite, it was previously proposed that aragonite converts hydrothermally to hydroxyapatite (HA) in phosphate solution by a solid-state topotactic ion-exchange reaction in which the HA retains the orientation of the original aragonite. The present investigation of this reaction in gastropod shell nacre suggests instead that conversion for this biomineral proceeds via dissolution-recrystallization, with the preferred orientation of the product determined by the flux direction of the solution through the material. Conversions of various CaCO3 biominerals in aqueous (NH4)2HPO4 at 140−260 °C show that for gastropod nacre alone, sample form and internal ultrastructure are largely preserved and a unique preferred orientation arises: with reaction time, HA nanocrystallites are increasingly oriented with their c-axes perpendicular to the c-axis of the original aragonite. In contrast, other CaCO3 biominerals either disintegrate to HA powder or contain HA crystallit...

We report an extensive structural and mechanical characterization of the semitransparent bark of Prunus serrula. Variations in the properties were observed. Mechanical properties along the fiber axis of these films are strongly related to the cell dimensions. Several trends can be seen with increasing cell length: tensile strength and Young's modulus increase; ductility decreases. Perpendicular to the fiber axis, similar radial dimensions of the bark cells contributes to similar mechanical properties. Plasticization not only shrinks the dimension of the bulk films along the tangential axis, which is unique, but also dramatically changes the mechanical properties. We have shown, for the first time, that the mechanical properties of the Prunus serrula bark can be effectively tailored with different plasticization and modification agents. The plastic bark can be successfully converted to rubberlike material either temporally or permanently, or it can be strengthened by tensile deformation of the plasticized...

One of the possible approaches to detecting optical counterparts of GRBs requires monitoring large parts of the sky. This idea has gained some instrumental support in recent years, such as with the "Pi of the Sky" project. The broad sky coverage of the "Pi of the Sky" apparatus results from using cameras with wide-angle lenses (20x20 deg field of view). Optics of this kind introduce significant deformations of the point spread function (PSF), increasing with the distance from the frame centre. A deformed PSF results in additional uncertainties in data analysis. Our aim was to create a model describing highly deformed PSF in optical astronomy, allowing uncertainties caused by image deformations to be reduced. Detailed laboratory measurements of PSF, pixel sensitivity, and pixel response functions were performed. These data were used to create an effective high quality polynomial model of the PSF. Finally, tuning the model and tests in applications to the real sky data were performed. We have developed a PSF model that accurately describes even very deformed stars in our wide-field experiment. The model is suitable for use in any other experiment with similar image deformation, with a simple tuning of its parameters. Applying this model to astrometric procedures results in a significant improvement over standard methods, while basic photometry precision performed with the model is comparable to the results of an optimised aperture algorithm. Additionally, the model was used to search for a weak signal -- namely a possible gamma ray burst optical precursor -- showing very promising results. Precise modelling of the PSF function significantly improves the astrometric precision and enhances the discovery potential of a wide-field system with lens optics., Accepted for publication in Astronomy and Astrophysics on 13 December 2012

Background The mechanism of intestinal atresia formation remains undefined. Atresia in fibroblast growth factor receptor 2IIIb (Fgfr2IIIb −/− ) mutant mouse embryos is preceded by endodermal apoptosis and involution of the surrounding mesoderm. We have observed that involution of the atretic segment is preceded by the downregulation of Sonic hedgehog (SHH) in the endoderm, which is a critical organizer of the intestinal mesoderm. We hypothesized that supplementation of Fgfr2IIIb −/− intestinal tracts with exogenous SHH protein before atresia formation would prevent involution of the mesoderm and rescue normal intestinal development. Methods In situ hybridization was performed on control and Fgfr2IIIb −/− intestinal tracts for Shh or forkhead box protein F1 ( FoxF1 ) between embryonic (E) day 11.5 and E12.0. Control and Fgfr2IIIb −/− intestinal tracts were harvested at E10.5 and cultured in media supplemented with fibroblast growth factor (FGF) 10 + SHH, or FGF10 with a SHH-coated bead. In situ hybridization was performed at E12.5 for Foxf1 . Results SHH and Foxf1 expression were downregulated during intestinal atresia formation. Media containing exogenous FGF10 + SHH did not prevent colonic atresia formation (involution). A SHH protein point source bead did induce Foxf1 expression in controls and mutants. Conclusions Shh and Foxf1 expression are disrupted in atresia formation of distal colon, thereby serving as potential markers of atretic events. Application of exogenous SHH (in media supplement or as a point source bead) is sufficient to induce Foxf1 expression, but insufficient to rescue development of distal colonic mesoderm in Fgfr2IIIb −/− mutant embryos. Shh signal disruption is not the critical mechanism by which loss of Fgfr2IIIb function results in atresia formation.

GLORIA stands for “GLObal Robotic-telescopes Intelligent Array” and it is the first free and open-access network of robotic telescopes on the world. Based on a Web 2.0 environment amateur and professional users can do research in astronomy by observing with robotic telescopes, and/or analyzing data acquired with GLORIA, or from other free access databases. GLORIA project develops free standards, protocols and tools for controlling Robotic Telescopes and related instrumentation, for scheduling observations in the telescope network, and for conducting so-called off-line experiments based on the analysis of astronomical data. This contribution summarizes the implementation and results from the first research level off-line demonstrator experiment implemented in GLORIA, which was base on the data collected with the “Pi of the Sky” telescope in Chile.

Twenty-six healthy female pigs weighing 19.5-33 kg were used in three separate experiments. The animals were fed individually twice a day. Trimethoprim/sulphadiazine (TMP/SDZ) formulation was added to feed in the amount of 6 mg/kg bw (TMP) and 30 mg/kg bw (SDZ). TMP and SDZ concentrations in blood plasma, muscles, liver and kidneys were measured. Pharmacokinetic parameters show that the absorption of TMP from the alimentary tract in pigs is faster than the absorption of SDZ, and the elimination of TMP is slower than that of SDZ. The absorption half-lives were 0.96 (TMP) and 2.24 h (SDZ), whereas elimination half-lives were 5.49 (TMP) and 4.19 h (SDZ). The observed TMP:SDZ ratios in blood plasma after multiple dose administration ranged from 1:11.4 to 1:23.2. One day after administration of the last dose of TMP/SDZ the plasma concentration ratio was 1:15.5, but in muscles, liver and kidneys it was much lower: 1:0.79, 1:0.14 and 1:1.53 respectively. The absolute TMP and SDZ tissue concentrations 1 day after the last multiple dose administration were very low (maximum TMP: 0.29 micrograms/g in liver; maximum SDZ: 0.23 micrograms/g in kidneys). Neither drug was detected in any tissue 8 days after the last administration of TMP/SDZ. Based on our results, it was concluded that there is no support for the TMP:SDZ pharmaceutical ratio 1:5 in oral formulations of these compounds for pigs. The administration oral TMP/SDZ formulations once a day may result in the absolute tissue concentrations of these drugs being too low for antibacterial activity. The withdrawal period for such an oral TMP/SDZ formulation for pigs (according to accepted guidelines in Europe for MRL of TMP < 0.05 mg/kg of tissue) should not be less than 5 days.

Biopolymers containing anionic and hydrogen-bonding functionalities have recently been found in biosilicates. An improved understanding of the role of silicon in human tissues and of silica in bioactive-glass bone implants has also been realized. Laboratory silica syntheses have increasingly featured biomineralization techniques, mild reaction conditions, biogenic and biomolecule-like organic dopants, and biosilicate starting materials.

Analyses of biopolymer/calcium carbonate composites grown on inorganic abiotic substrates implanted between the shell and the shell-secreting epithelium of live red abalones (Haliotis rufescens) provide detailed spatial and temporal data on the in vivo assembly process that generates the shell. X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy analyses of the growth of these flat pearl composites reveal that biomineralization is initiated by the deposition of an organic sheet on the implanted substrate, followed by the growth of a calcite layer with preferred {10.4} orientation and, finally, by the growth of nacreous aragonite. The calcite layer is structurally similar to the green organic/calcite heterolayer of native shell nacre. It comprises 0.2−2.0-μm-diameter elongated crystallites of typical geological habits in various aggregate arrangements. The shell also contains an external layer of (00.1)-oriented prismatic calcite, which is deposited on one edge of a flat pearl and has a morphology similar t...

Starting March 2011 the “Pi of the Sky” project has two observatories in use: in northern Chile and in southern Spain. Since then we are able to observe a parallax of objects, which pass close to the Earth. Simultaneous observations from two sites are very important to us, because this allows us to reject false flash observations, due to cosmic radiation, meteors, planes, etc. In this paper we present theoretical limitations of our parallax observations. Moreover, first results are shown.

Pi of the Sky is a system of wide field-of-view robotic telescopes which search for short timescale astrophysical phenomena, especially for prompt optical GRB emission. The system is designed for autonomous operation, follows the predefined observing strategy and adopts it to the actual conditions. Simultaneous observations from locations in Chile and Spain allow a systematic search for optical transients of cosmological origin. Accurate analysis of data arising from a wide-field system like Pi of the Sky is a real challenge because of a number of factors that can influence the measurements. We have developed a set of dedicated algorithms which remove poor quality measurements, improve photometric accuracy and allow us to reach uncertainties as low as 0.015‐ 0.02 mag.

Purpose The etiology of intestinal atresia remains elusive but has been ascribed to a number of possible events including in utero vascular accidents, failure of recanalization of the intestinal lumen, and mechanical compression. Another such event that has been postulated to be a cause in atresia formation is disruption in notochord development. This hypothesis arose from clinical observations of notochord abnormalities in patients with intestinal atresias as well as abnormal notochord development observed in a pharmacologic animal model of intestinal atresia. Atresias in this model result from in utero exposure to Adriamycin, wherein notochord defects were noted in up to 80% of embryos that manifested intestinal atresias. Embryos with notochord abnormalities were observed to have ectopic expression of Sonic Hedgehog (Shh), which in turn was postulated to be causative in atresia formation. We were interested in determining whether disruptions in notochord development or Shh expression occurred in an established genetic model of intestinal atresia and used the fibroblast growth factor receptor 2IIIb homozygous mutant (Fgfr2IIIb−/−) mouse model. These embryos develop colonic atresias (100% penetrance) and duodenal atresias (42% penetrance). Methods Wild-type and Fgfr2IIIb−/− mouse embryos were harvested at embryonic day (E) 10.5, E11.5, E12.5, and E13.5. Whole-mount in situ hybridization was performed on E10.5 embryos for Shh. Embryos at each time point were harvested and sectioned for hematoxylin-eosin staining. Sections were photographed specifically for the notochord and resulting images reconstructed in 3-D using Amira software. Colons were isolated from wild-type and Fgfr2IIIb−/− embryos at E10.5, then cultured for 48 hours in Matrigel with FGF10 in the presence or absence of exogenous Shh protein. Explants were harvested, fixed in formalin, and photographed. Results Fgfr2IIIb−/− mouse embryos exhibit no disruptions in Shh expression at E10.5, when the first events in atresia formation are known to occur. Three-dimensional reconstructions failed to demonstrate any anatomical disruptions in the notochord by discontinuity or excessive branching. Culture of wild-type intestines in the presence of Shh failed to induce atresia formation in either the duodenum or colon. Cultured Fgfr2IIIb−/− intestines developed atresias of the colon in either the presence or absence of Shh protein. Conclusions Although disruptions in notochord development can be associated with intestinal atresia formation, in the Fgfr2IIIb−/− genetic animal model neither disruptions in notochord development nor the presence of exogenous Shh protein are causative in the formation of these defects.

The sodalite cage containing only an electron as a nonframework «anion» is well adapted for the study of solvated «electride» Wigner lattices and quantitative mapping of the intra- and intercage electronic potential surfaces. In this paper we report the direct synthesis of anion free cage structures of the form Na 3 [] (ABO 4 ) 3 .nH 2 O (A; B=Al, Ga; Si, Ge) as possible precursors for sodalite electride synthesis. A novel, low-temperature sodalite dehydroxylation method is presented for the preparation of Na 3 [] (AlSiO 4 ) 3 .4H 2 O from Na 4 [OH](AlSiO 4 ) 3 .1.72H 2 O

We present atomic force microscopy (AFM) observations of the aragonite tablets of mature nacre in two types of mollusc, a bivalve (Atrina sp.) and a gastropod (Haliotis rufescens). By imaging in liquids it was possible to dissolve away the nacre layer by layer to reveal both the structure of a single tablet and its relation to vertically adjacent tablets. Atrina tablets (inner face) had a concave appearance; the central depression was surrounded by elongate rings that mimicked the orientation and aspect ratio of the unit cell viewed along the c axis. The tablet surfaces had a rough texture, and flat (001) planes of aragonite were rarely observed. Unit cell orientations were generally aligned both vertically and laterally between tablets of Atrina. Etching tablets with HCl initially removed the elongate rings and produced etch rows parallel to the a axis. Further etching of bleached Atrina nacre lifted off individual tablets to reveal underlying nacreous layers, showing no morphological registry between vertically adjacent tablets. The nacreous structure of Haliotis differed from Atrina in three ways: (i) the tablets were flatter and showed no elongate rings; (ii) the positions of the central depressions approximately repeated between nacreous layers, showing that the (presumed) nucleation sites line up along a given stack; and (iii) the unit cell orientations were not preserved between laterally adjacent tablets but were approximately aligned between vertically adjacent tablets.

FMS-like tyrosine kinase 3 (FLT3) mutation in T lymphoblastic leukemia/lymphoma (T-LL) is rare (∼4%) and reported only in cases with CD117 expression. This study aimed to identify the immunophenotypic features that may predict FLT3 mutations. We report 3 (43%) of 7 CD117(+) T-LL cases harboring FLT3-internal tandem duplication mutation. Compared with 4 FLT3-unmutated cases, all 3 FLT3-mutated cases had a distinct immunophenotype (CD1a(-)/CD2(+)/CD7(+)/CD34(+)/CD117(uniform+)/Tdt(+)) corresponding to the stage of earliest thymic T-cell progenitors possessing myeloid lineage potential. Indeed, all FLT3-mutated T-LL cases expressed myeloperoxidase on a very small subset of blasts and, thus, may be further considered a mixed phenotype acute leukemia, T/myeloid, by the 2008 World Health Organization classification scheme. We conclude that this unique immunophenotype (CD1a(-)/CD2(+)/CD7(+)/CD34(+)/CD117(+)/Tdt(+)) is a better predictor of FLT3 mutation than sole CD117 expression.

In October 2010 Pi of the Sky set up a new system, consisting of 4 cameras installed on a new mount, in El Arenosillo, in southern Spain. It was followed by moving the prototype system from Las Campanas Observatory (central Chile) to San Pedro de Atacama (northern Chile) in March 2011. In this paper our new sites, some details about observational conditions and first results in both observatories are described.

We investigate the influence of Schottky barrier lowering in Si nanowire field-effect transistors, using nanowires prepared by metal-assisted chemical etching. The experimental electrical characteristics of a p-channel transistor are modeled using thermionic emission of holes across the reverse-biased source Schottky barrier. This barrier is lowered by the image-force potential, and by the electric field generated by both source-drain and gate voltages. The gate voltage lowers the barrier height directly and in addition, modulates the effect of the source-drain voltage on barrier lowering.

Pi of the Sky is a system of robotic telescopes designed for observations of short timescale astrophysical phenomena, e.g. prompt optical GRB emissions. The apparatus is designed to monitor a large fraction of the sky with 12–13 m range and time resolution of the order of 1–10 seconds. In October 2010 the first unit of the new Pi of the Sky detector system was successfully installed in the INTA El Arenosillo Test Centre in Spain. We also moved our prototype detector from Las Campanas Observatory to San Pedro de Atacama Observatory in March 2011. The status and performance of both detectors is presented.

OBJECTIVE To determine if a noncentralized, statewide program could be established to educate health-care providers and women with pregestational diabetes on available strategies to prevent adverse outcomes in pregnancies complicated by diabetes. Characteristics of women who participated in the program and the outcomes of their pregnancies are evaluated. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS A network of regional providers caring for pregnant women with diabetes was developed. Continuing education sessions were delivered to both providers and women with existing diabetes on the importance of preconception counseling. RESULTS Maine health-care providers collaborated on the development and adoption of three patient-care guidelines that address preconception counseling, prenatal care, and contraception for women with established diabetes. A total of 185 pregnancies among 160 women with pregestational diabetes reporting estimated delivery dates between 1 January 1987 and 31 December 1990 were identified. Of the total pregnancies, 62 (34%) occurred in women who received preconception counseling: among these 62 pregnancies were one major congenital defect (1.6%) and four fetal or neonatal deaths (6.4%). Among the 123 (66%) pregnancies occurring in women that had not received preconception counseling, 8 (6.5%) infants were born with congenital abnormalities, and 26 (21.1%) fetal or neonatal deaths were documented. CONCLUSIONS A program promoting preconception counseling can be implemented on a statewide basis by using various health-care providers to deliver the program. Participation in such a program appears to be related to improved pregnancy outcomes among women with pregestational diabetes.

Purpose The generation of nonviable homozygous null mouse embryos from heterozygote null/+ breedings can be highly resource consuming, with only 25% of the embryos in the litter being null mutants. We hypothesized that (1) we could double the number of homozygous null mouse embryos in a litter without reducing litter size using Hypoxanthine-guanine phosphoribosyltransferase-Cre (Hprt)-Cre (which is active in the female germ line at the time of fertilization), and (2) these homozygous null mutants would be identical to mutants generated through traditional null/+ breedings. Methods To test this hypothesis, we used a conditional allele Fgfr2IIIb flox . This allele when recombined is identical to the Fgfr2IIIb null allele. An F1 generation of Fgfr2IIIb rec/+ ; Hprt Cre/+ females was created by mating Fgfr2IIIb +/+ ; Hprt cre /cre females to a Fgfr2IIIb flox/flox male. The F1 females were then mated to a Fgfr2IIIb flox/flox male. F2 embryos were genotyped, and the morphology and histology of the lungs, intestine, limbs, and brain were analyzed. Results The Hprt-Cre mating strategy results in 51% of pups being genotypic homozygous null embryos (85/166) vs 23% for the standard null/+ approach (38/167). These embryos did not express the Fgfr2IIIb transcript and were phenotypically identical to null embryos generated through standard null/+ breedings. Conclusions The Hprt-Cre mating strategy increases the number of homozygous mutant embryos in a litter without decreasing litter size. Embryos generated through this approach are phenotypically identical to those from standard heterozygous breedings. We recommend this approach to investigators using a model system that relies on the generation of homozygous null embryos.