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A lack of reliable information regarding the locations of underground utilities can not only result in property damage, construction delays, design changes, claims, injuries, and even deaths but can also cause traffic delays, local business disruptions, environmental problems, and utility service breakdowns in highway projects. The subsurface utility engineering (SUE) is an engineering process designed to reduce the potential of underground utility conflicts at the planning phase. The SUE uses new and existing technologies to identify, characterize, and map accurately the underground utilities with three major activities: designation, location, and data management. In this study, a decision-support tool called the SUE utility impact rating form, which refers to utility complexity at the construction site, has been developed to determine which projects should include SUE and the appropriate levels of SUE investigation to be used. In addition, case studies with benefit-cost ratio have been performed to verify the form. Key words: subsurface utility engineering, decision-support tool, utility impact rating. Lors de projets autoroutiers, le manque d'information fiable concernant les emplacements des services publics souterrains peut non seulement causer des dommages a la propriete, des delais de construction, des changements a la conception, des reclamations, des blessures et meme des deces, mais peut egalement causer des retards dans l'ecoulement du trafic, des perturbations aux commerces locaux, des problemes environnementaux et des pannes des services publics. L'ingenierie des services publics souterrains (<>) est un processus d'ingenierie concru pour reduire le potentiel de conflits des services publics souterrains lors de la phase de planification. La SUE utilise des technologies nouvelles and existantes pour identifier, caracteriser et cartographier precisement les services publics souterrains par trois activites principales : la designation, l'emplacement et la gestion des donnees. Dans la presente etude, un outil d'aide a la decision, appele la formule de classement des impacts de la SUE sur les services publics, a ete developpe en se basant sur le classement des impacts sur les services publics, ce dernier se referant a la complexite des services publics au site de construction, afin de determiner quels projets devraient inclure la SUE et les niveaux appropries d'etude SUE a etre utilises. De plus, des etudes de cas avec un rapport couts-avantages ont ete realisees afin de verifier la formule de classement. Mots-cles : ingenierie des services publics souterrains, outil d'aide a la decision, classement des impacts sur les services publics. [Traduit par la Redaction], Introduction Nearly 20 million miles of underground pipelines, cables, and wires in the U.S. have been built since World War II and designed for lifetimes of 20-50 years (Sterling 2000). [...]

Abstract Background Cell transdifferentiation is characterized by loss of some phenotypes along with acquisition of new phenotypes in differentiated cells. The differentiated state of a given cell is not irreversible. It depends on the up- and downregulation exerted by specific molecules. Results We report here that HCCR-1, previously shown to play an oncogenic role in human cancers, induces epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and mesenchymal-to-epithelial transition (MET) in human and mouse, respectively. The stem cell factor receptor CD117/c-Kit was induced in this transdifferentiated (EMT) sarcoma tissues. This MET occurring in HCCR-1 transfected cells is reminiscent of the transdifferentiation process during nephrogenesis. Indeed, expression of HCCR-1 was observed during the embryonic development of the kidney. This suggests that HCCR-1 might be involved in the transdifferentiation process of cancer stem cell. Conclusions Therefore, we propose that HCCR-1 may be a regulatory factor that stimulates morphogenesis of epithelia or mesenchyme during neoplastic transformation.

Purpose Computed tomography angiography is used for quantifying the significance of pulmonary embolism, but its reliability has not been well defined. Methods The study cohort comprised 10 patients randomly selected from a 150-patient prospective trial of ultrasound-facilitated fibrinolysis for acute pulmonary embolism. Four reviewers independently evaluated the right-to-left ventricular diameter ratios using the standard multiplanar reformatted technique and a simplified (axial) method, and thrombus burden with the standard modified Miller score and a new, refined Miller scoring system. Results The intraclass correlation coefficient for intra-observer variability was .949 and .970 for the multiplanar reformatted and axial methods for estimating right-to-left ventricular ratios, respectively. Inter-observer agreement was high and similar for the two methods, with intraclass correlation coefficient of .969 and .976. The modified Miller score had good intra-observer agreement (intraclass correlation coefficient .820) and was similar to the refined Miller method (intraclass correlation coefficient .883) for estimating thrombus burden. Inter-observer agreement was also comparable between the techniques, with intraclass correlation coefficient of .829 and .914 for the modified Miller and refined Miller methods. Conclusions The reliability of computed tomography angiography for pulmonary embolism was excellent for the axial and multiplanar reformatted methods for quantifying the right-to-left ventricular ratio and for the modified Miller and refined Miller scores for quantifying of pulmonary artery thrombus burden. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Cell transdifferentiation is characterized by loss of some phenotypes along with acquisition of new phenotypes in differentiated cells. The differentiated state of a given cell is not irreversible. It depends on the up- and downregulation exerted by specific molecules. Results: We report here that HCCR-1, previously shown to play an oncogenic role in human cancers, induces epithelialto- mesenchymal transition (EMT) and mesenchymal-to-epithelial transition (MET) in human and mouse, respectively. The stem cell factor receptor CD117/c-Kit was induced in this transdifferentiated (EMT) sarcoma tissues. This MET occurring in HCCR-1 transfected cells is reminiscent of the transdifferentiation process during nephrogenesis. Indeed, expression of HCCR-1 was observed during the embryonic development of the kidney. This suggests that HCCR-1 might be involved in the transdifferentiation process of cancer stem cell. Conclusions: Therefore, we propose that HCCR-1 may be a regulatory factor that stimulates morphogenesis of epithelia or mesenchyme during neoplastic transformation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Evaluates the diagnostic utility of measuring C-reactive protein levels in hemodialysis patients. Disease conditions which may cause C-reactive protein levels to rise; Challenges to the measurement of C-reactive protein levels in hemodialysis patients; Clinical significance of making diagnostic use of C-reactive protein measurements in hemodialysis patients.

The increasing incidence of serious bacterial keratitis, a sight-threatening condition often exacerbated by inadequate contact lens (CLs) care, highlights the need for innovative protective technology. This study introduces a long-lasting antibacterial, non-cytotoxic, transparent nanocoating for CLs via a solvent-free polymer deposition method, aiming to prevent bacterial keratitis. The nanocoating comprises stacked polymer films, with poly(dimethylaminomethyl styrene-co-ethylene glycol dimethacrylate) (pDE) as a biocompatible, antibacterial layer atop poly(2,4,6,8-tetramethyl-2,4,6,8-tetravinylcyclotetrasiloxane) (pV4D4) as an adhesion-promoting layer. The pD6E1-grafted (g)-pV4D4 film shows non-cytotoxicity toward two human cell lines and antibacterial activity of >99% against four bacteria, including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), an antibiotic-resistant bacteria and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, which causes ocular diseases. Additionally, the film demonstrates long-lasting antibacterial activity greater than 96% against MRSA for 9 weeks in phosphate-buffered saline. To the best knowledge, this duration represents the longest reported long-term stability with less than 5% decay of antibacterial performance among contact-killing antibacterial coatings. The film exhibits exceptional mechanical durability, retaining its antibacterial activity even after 15 washing cycles. The pD6E1-g-pV4D4-coated CL maintains full optical transmittance compared to that of pristine CL. It is expected that the unprecedentedly prolonged antibacterial performance of the coating will significantly alleviate the risk of infection for long-term CL users., (© 2024 Wiley‐VCH GmbH.)

Human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs), encompassing human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) and human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs), hold immense potential in regenerative medicine, offering new opportunities for personalized cell therapies. However, their clinical translation is hindered by the inevitable reliance on xenogeneic components in culture environments. This study addresses this challenge by engineering a fully synthetic, xeno-free culture substrate, whose surface composition is tailored systematically for xeno-free culture of hPSCs. A functional polymer surface, pGC2 (poly(glycidyl methacrylate-grafting-guanidine-co-carboxylic acrylate)), offers excellent cell-adhesive properties as well as non-cytotoxicity, enabling robust hESCs and hiPSCs growth while presenting cost-competitiveness and scalability over Matrigel. This investigation includes comprehensive evaluations of pGC2 across diverse experimental conditions, demonstrating its wide adaptability with various pluripotent stem cell lines, culture media, and substrates. Crucially, pGC2 supports long-term hESCs and hiPSCs expansion, up to ten passages without compromising their stemness and pluripotency. Notably, this study is the first to confirm an identical proteomic profile after ten passages of xeno-free cultivation of hiPSCs on a polymeric substrate compared to Matrigel. The innovative substrate bridges the gap between laboratory research and clinical translation, offering a new promising avenue for advancing stem cell-based therapies., (© 2024 The Author(s). Advanced Materials published by Wiley‐VCH GmbH.)

In vitro vascularized cancer models utilizing microfluidics have emerged as a promising tool for mechanism study and drug screening. However, the lack of consideration and preparation methods for cancer cellular sources that are capable of adequately replicating the metastatic features of circulating tumor cells contributed to low relevancy with in vivo experimental results. Here, we show that the properties of cancer cellular sources have a considerable impact on the validity of the in vitro metastasis model. Notably, with a hydrophobic surface, we can create highly metastatic spheroids equipped with aggressive invasion, endothelium adhesion capabilities, and activated metabolic features. Combining these metastatic spheroids with the well-constructed microfluidic-based extravasation model, we validate that these metastatic spheroids exhibited a distinct extravasation response to epidermal growth factor (EGF) and normal human lung fibroblasts compared to the 2D cultured cancer cells, which is consistent with the previously reported results of in vivo experiments. Furthermore, the applicability of the developed model as a therapeutic screening platform for cancer extravasation is validated through profiling and inhibition of cytokines. We believe this model incorporating hydrophobic surface-cultured 3D cancer cells provides reliable experimental data in a clear and concise manner, bridging the gap between the conventional in vitro models and in vivo experiments., Competing Interests: None., (© 2023 The Authors.)

The intestinal mucosa is continuously exposed to a large number of commensal or pathogenic microbiota and foreign food antigens. The intestinal epithelium forms a dynamic physicochemical barrier to maintain immune homeostasis. To efficiently absorb nutrients from food, the epithelium in the small intestine has thin, permeable layers spread over a vast surface area. Epithelial cells are renewed from the crypt toward the villi, accompanying epithelial cell death and shedding, to control bacterial colonization. Tight junction and adherens junction proteins provide epithelial cell-cell integrity. Microbial signals are recognized by epithelial cells via toll-like receptors. Environmental signals from short-chain fatty acids derived from commensal microbiota metabolites, aryl hydrocarbon receptors, and hypoxia-induced factors fortify gut barrier function. Here we summarize recent findings regarding various environmental factors for gut barrier function. Further, we discuss the role of gut barriers in the pathogenesis of human intestinal disease and the challenges of therapeutic strategies targeting gut barrier restoration.

The American Society of Nephrology and the fellowship training program directors in conjunction with the National Board of Medical Examiners developed a comprehensive assessment of medical knowledge for nephrology fellows in-training. This in-training examination (ITE) consisted of 150 multiple-choice items covering 11 broad content areas in a blueprint similar to the American Board of Internal Medicine certifying examination for nephrology. Questions consisted of case vignettes to simulate real-life clinical experience. The first examination was given in April 2009 to 682 fellows and six training program directors. Examinees felt that the examination was well structured and relevant to their training experience Longitudinal performance on the examination will be helpful in allowing training programs to utilize results from content areas in identifying deficits in medical knowledge as well as assessing the results of any curriculum changes.

Some hypertension treatment guidelines published in the late 1990's recommended that diuretics and betha-blockers be used as 1st line drugs for treating uncomplicated hypertension, reserving new antihypertensive drugs for special indications. This recommendation is predicated on the fact that large trials showing cardiovascular protection with antihypertensive drugs used betha-blockers and diuretics. Other guidelines suggested all antihypertensives are equal and that drug selection should be individualized. These disparate guidelines arise from the controversy over "are all antihypertensives created equal?" Since these guidelines, many large hypertension trials have been conducted. This paper will review the recent hypertension trials, the meta-analyses of some of these trials, highlight some of the flaws inherent in the trials that making interpretation difficult, and finally outline a rationale approach to initial treatment of the uncomplicated hypertensive patient. It will provide a rationale for 1) using diuretic and not beth-blocker as the 1st line agent in treating uncomplicated hypertension, 2) switching to an angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor or angiotensin receptor blocker should side effects occur on diuretic, 3) reserving calcium channel blocker, betha-blocker, and alpha-blocker for 2nd or 3(rd) line therapy, 4) employing a diuretic in combination with any other antihypertensive class, and 5) considering use of lower doses of 2 or more antihypertensives to limit side effects while optimizing blood pressure control. If the incidence of de novo diabetes is indeed higher with diuretics and cost-analysis confirm long-term savings with using a more expensive but less diabetogenic drug to treat hypertension, then the recommendation may shift to using an antihypertensive that acts on the renin-angiotensin axis.

The goal of antihypertensive treatment, in addition to lowering blood pressure, is to reduce the risk of cardiovascular events. Until recently, however, only conventional treatment with diuretics and beta-blockers had been studied in terms of cardiovascular end points. In this article, Dr Yeun reviews the results of recent trials comparing these agents with other classes of antihypertensive drugs. She examines the confounding elements in the trials, provides an interpretation of study results, and suggests a practical approach to initial treatment of uncomplicated hypertension.

Continuous venovenous hemofiltration (CVVH) is an effective form of renal replacement therapy for acute renal failure (ARF) that offers greater hemodynamic stability and better volume control than conventional hemodialysis in the critically ill, hypotensive patient. However, the application of CVVH in the intensive care unit (ICU) has several disadvantages, including intensive nursing requirements, continuous anticoagulation, patient immobility, and expense. We describe a new approach to the treatment of ARF in the ICU, which we have termed extended daily dialysis (EDD). In this study, EDD was compared with CVVH in 42 patients: 25 patients were treated with EDD for a total of 367 treatment days, and 17 patients were treated with CVVH for a total of 113 days. Median treatment time per day was 7.5 hours for EDD (range, 6 to 8 hours, 25th to 75th percentile) versus 19.5 hours for CVVH (range, 13.4 to 24 hours; P < 0.001). Mean arterial blood pressures (MAPs) did not differ significantly for patients treated with EDD when measured predialysis (median MAP, 70 versus 67 mm Hg for CVVH; P = 0.078), midway through daily treatment (70 versus 68 mm Hg for CVVH; P = 0.083), or at the end of treatment (71 versus 69 mm Hg for CVVH; P = 0.07). Net daily ultrafiltration was similar for the two treatment modalities (EDD, median, 3,000 mL/d; range, 1,763 to 4,445 mL/d; CVVH, 3,028 mL/d; range, 1,785 to 4,707 mL/d; P = 0.514). Anticoagulation requirements were significantly less for patients treated with EDD (median dose of heparin, 4,000 U/d; range, 0 to 5,800 U/d versus 21,100 U/d; range, 8,825 to 31,275 U/d for patients treated with CVVH; P < 0.001). We found that EDD eliminated the need for constant supervision of the dialysis machine by a subspecialty dialysis nurse, allowing one nurse to manage more than one treatment. Overall, EDD was well tolerated by the majority of patients, offered many of the same benefits provided by CVVH, and was technically easier to perform.