Homogeneous Plaques Research Articles

Polyvinyl Alcohol Phantoms With Heterogeneous Plaques: Estimation of Pulse Wave Velocity at the Stenotic Region Using Pulse Wave Imaging

Plaque characterization is essential for stroke prevention. In the study reported herein, we describe a heterogeneous phantom manufacturing technique with varying plaque compositions of different stiffness using polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) to emulate stenotic arteries and evaluated the use of pulse wave imaging (PWI) to assess plaque stiffness by comparing derived pulse wave velocities, with the goal of assessing plaque vulnerability and identifying high-risk patients for stroke. Five stenotic phantoms (50% stenosis) were fabricated by pouring PVA solutions into 3-D-printed molds. Two of the phantoms had heterogeneous plaque compositions of soft (E0=13 kPa) and intermediate (E0=40 kPa) materials and of stiff (E0=54 kPa) and intermediate materials. Ultrasound sequences were acquired as the arterial phantoms were connected to a pulsating pump, and PWI was performed on the ultrasound acquisition using normalized cross-correlation to track the pulse-induced phantom wall distension propagations. Pulse wave velocities were estimated by fitting a linear regression line between the arrival time of the peak acceleration of the wall distension waveform and the corresponding location. Arterial phantoms with heterogeneous plaque stiffness were successfully fabricated. Pulse wave velocities of 2.06, 2.21, 2.49, 2.67 and 3.31 m/s were found in the phantom experiments using PWI for homogeneous soft plaque, the heterogeneous soft and intermediate plaque, homogeneous intermediate plaque, the heterogeneous stiff and intermediate plaque and homogeneous stiff plaque, respectively. A novel arterial phantom building technique was reported with varying heterogenous plaque compositions of different stiffness. The feasibility of using PWI to evaluate plaque stiffness in stenotic arteries was determined and found that PWI can distinguish between plaques of distinct stiffness and composition.

CORRELATION BETWEEN EPITHELIAL DYSPLASIA AND ORAL SQUAMOUS PAPILLOMA AS A RESULT OF MULTIPLE RISK FACTORS: A CLINICAL CASE

This study is a clinical case of a 64-year-old leukoderma female patient, smoker for more than 45 years, who, after being diagnosed with Hepatitis A and B in different periods, presented a single leukoplastic, verrucous, pedunculated nodule, of the "cauliflower" type, on the lower alveolar edge of the right side (lesion I). It also presented homogeneous leukoplastic plaque, with verrucous surface, in the region of the lateral border of the tongue on the left side (lesion II). Both lesions were asymptomatic, with an undefined onset. The probable diagnostic hypotheses were squamous papilloma (lesion I) and leukoplakia (lesion II), with a differential diagnosis of condyloma (lesion I) and lichen planus (lesion II). Biopsy was performed by excisional removal of lesion I and incisional removal of lesion II, with the diagnosis of oral squamous papilloma and moderate to severe oral epithelial dysplasia, respectively. There was no radiographic lesion. Patient is undergoing follow-up. This study is a clinical case of a 64-year-old leukoderma female patient, smoker for more than 45 years, who, after being diagnosed with Hepatitis A and B in different periods, presented a single leukoplastic, verrucous, pedunculated nodule, of the "cauliflower" type, on the lower alveolar edge of the right side (lesion I). It also presented homogeneous leukoplastic plaque, with verrucous surface, in the region of the lateral border of the tongue on the left side (lesion II). Both lesions were asymptomatic, with an undefined onset. The probable diagnostic hypotheses were squamous papilloma (lesion I) and leukoplakia (lesion II), with a differential diagnosis of condyloma (lesion I) and lichen planus (lesion II). Biopsy was performed by excisional removal of lesion I and incisional removal of lesion II, with the diagnosis of oral squamous papilloma and moderate to severe oral epithelial dysplasia, respectively. There was no radiographic lesion. Patient is undergoing follow-up.

Hydrodynamic theory of atherosclerosis formation in humans - «Reaction to spasm». Cylindrical cholesterol plaque is the cause of heart attack and stroke.

An analysis of scientific literature, photo and video materials showed that plaques in humans are completely different from plaques in animals and the «contemporary official description» of AS. They differ in appearance, lack of inflammation of the walls of the artery, clinical manifestations, complications. It has also been found that «true» plaque has nothing to do with the first four types of atherosclerosis in humans. It was necessary to understand how in the lumen of a healthy artery a strong, elastic, yellow, homogeneous plaque in the form of a hollow cylinder - a «cylindrical plaque» - appears very quickly? As a result, the «Hydrodynamic Theory» was proposed, which answers all the complex questions related to the appearance, aging and destruction of «true» plaques in humans. It describes the etiology, pathogenesis, clinical manifestations, classification, complications, methods of treatment and prevention of «cylindrical» plaques that cause heart attacks and strokes in humans.

Two Cases of Retroperitoneal Fibrosis During Anti-programmed Cell Death 1 Antibody Treatment

Background. Retroperitoneal fibrosis is characterized by fibrosis around the abdominal aorta and iliac arteries. Two-thirds of reported cases had idiopathic causes. Idiopathic retroperitoneal fibrosis is thought to result from a local inflammatory reaction to antigens in the atherosclerotic plaques of the abdominal aorta. Therefore, it is thought that idiopathic retroperitoneal fibrosis may be a manifestation of a systemic autoimmune or inflammatory disease. In contrast, anti-programmed cell death 1 (anti-PD-1) antibodies may overexpress innate immunity. There have been only two case reports on retroperitoneal fibrosis during anti-PD-1 antibody treatment. We encountered two cases of retroperitoneal fibrosis during anti-PD-1 antibody treatment. Cases. Case 1 involved a 57-year-old man who experienced recurrence of squamous cell lung carcinoma after resection. More than 75% of his cancer cells were positive for programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1). He experienced urinary urgency after one year and six months of nivolumab treatment. Computed tomography revealed a homogeneous plaque that was isodense with muscle surrounding the abdominal aorta and iliac arteries. Positron emission tomography revealed the accumulation of fluorodeoxyglucose at the same site. The serum IgG4 level was normal. Although a biopsy specimen was not obtained, the patient was diagnosed with retroperitoneal fibrosis. The patient was treated with steroids. Case 2 involved a 64-year-old man with pulmonary large cell carcinoma. An analysis of the cancer cells revealed that 50-74% of the cells were positive for PD-L1. Lower back pain appeared after one year and 11 months of pembrolizumab treatment. Computed tomography revealed right hydronephrosis and homogeneous plaque on the right side of the abdominal aorta. Although a biopsy specimen was not obtained, the patient was diagnosed with retroperitoneal fibrosis. The patient improved once with steroids but relapsed. Conclusion. We hypothesized that the administration of anti-PD-1 antibodies may have affected the onset of retroperitoneal fibrosis.

First detection and characterisation of sub-genotype XIII.2.1 Newcastle disease virus isolated from backyard chickens in Iran.

Newcastle disease (ND) is an economically significant poultry disease worldwide. During field surveillance for ND in 2010 in Iran, a backyard chicken flock showed clinical signs of ND with 100% mortality. We aimed to characterise genetically, biologically and epidemiologically an exotic virulent ND virus (NDV) detected in Iran. After observing high mortality, dead birds were sampled and then disposed of by burial, and the chicken house was disinfected. Tissue samples were molecularly tested for NDV. The genetic homogeneity of the isolate RT30/2010 was tested by plaque assay, and then a large virus plaque was used for the second step of plaque purification. Fusion and matrix complete genes were sequenced and used for genotyping and epidemiological tracing. We tested biological pathotypes using mean death time (MDT) and intracerebral pathogenicity index (ICPI) assays. The isolate formed heterogeneous plaques in chicken embryo fibroblast cells. The second step of plaque purification produced homogeneous and large plaques. Phylogenetic analysis using both genes classified the virus into sub-genotype XIII.2.1. Nucleic acid and amino acid identities of RT30/2010 fusion gene with the closest available isolate SPVC/Karachi/NDV/43 are 97.95% and 98.73%, respectively. Isolate has 112 RRRKRF117 motif at the fusion cleavage site, and pathogenicity tests showed MDT of 56.4 h and ICPI of 1.85. This study presents the first detection and characterisation of a velogenic NDV of sub-genotype XIII.2.1 from Iran. Our follow-up surveillance for ND shows that timely virus detection and carcass management have led to the cessation of virus transmission in Iran.

PROGRESSION OF AN ERYTHROPLASIA IN THE BUCCAL MUCOSA: CASE REPORT

The objective of this study is to report a rare case of erythroplakia in the buccal mucosa, with progression to an erythroleukoplakia and severe epithelial dysplasia. A 60-year-old male patient, ASA II, smoker, and drinker for over 40 years, presented with bilateral lesions in the buccal mucosa. On intraoral examination, at the right buccal mucosa, a red plaque of rough consistency and sensitive to touch was observed, and on the left side it presented as a homogeneous and painless white plaque. The clinical diagnoses were erythroplakia and leukoplakia, respectively, and an incisional biopsy was performed in both lesions, which had a histopathologic diagnosis of moderate and mild epithelial dysplasia, respectively. After 2 months, progression to an erythroleukoplasic lesion was observed bilaterally. Surgical removal was performed, which evidenced a progression of degree of epithelial dysplasia to severe epithelial dysplasia. The patient is being followed up monthly.

Characterization of Atherosclerotic Plaque Coating for Thrombosis Microfluidics Assays

IntroductionStudying arterial thrombus formation by in vitro flow assays is a widely used approach. Incorporating human atherosclerotic plaque material as a thrombogenic surface in these assays represents a method to model the pathophysiological environment of thrombus formation upon plaque disruption. Up until now, achieving a homogeneous coating of plaque material and subsequent reproducible platelet adhesion has been challenging. Here, we characterized a novel method for coating of plaque material on glass coverslips for use in thrombosis microfluidic assays.MethodsA homogenate of human atherosclerotic plaques was coated on glass coverslips by conventional manual droplet coating or by spin coating. Prior to coating, a subset of coverslips was plasma treated. Water contact angle measurements were performed as an indicator for the hydrophilicity of the coverslips. Homogeneity of plaque coatings was determined using profilometric analysis and scanning electron microscopy. Thrombogenicity of the plaque material was assessed in real time by microscopic imaging while perfusing whole blood at a shear rate of 1500 s−1 over the plaque material.ResultsPlasma treatment of glass coverslips, prior to spin coating with plaque material, increased the hydrophilicity of the coverslip compared to no plasma treatment. The most homogeneous plaque coating and highest platelet adhesion was obtained upon plasma treatment followed by spin coating of the plaque material. Manual plaque coating on non-plasma treated coverslips yielded lowest coating homogeneity and platelet adhesion and activation.ConclusionSpin coating of atherosclerotic plaque material on plasma treated coverslips leads to a more homogenous coating and improved platelet adhesion to the plaque when compared to conventional droplet coating on non-plasma treated coverslips. These properties are beneficial in ensuring the quality and reproducibility of flow experiments.

Maturation of a postsynaptic domain: Role of small Rho GTPases in organising nicotinic acetylcholine receptor aggregates at the vertebrate neuromuscular junction.

The neuromuscular junction (NMJ) is the peripheral synapse formed between a motor axon and a skeletal muscle fibre that allows muscle contraction and the coordinated movement in many species. A main hallmark of the mature NMJ is the assembly of nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) aggregates in the muscle postsynaptic domain, that distributes in perfect apposition to presynaptic motor terminals. To assemble its unique functional architecture, initial embryonic NMJs undergo an early postnatal maturation process characterised by the transformation of homogenous nAChR-containing plaques to elaborate and branched pretzel-like structures. In spite of a detailed morphological characterisation, the molecular mechanisms controlling the intracellular scaffolding that organises a postsynaptic domain at the mature NMJ have not been fully elucidated. In this review, we integrate evidence of key processes and molecules that have shed light on our current understanding of the NMJ maturation process. On the one hand, we consider in vitro studies revealing the potential role of podosome-like structures to define discrete low nAChR-containing regions to consolidate a plaque-to-pretzel transition at the NMJ. On the other hand, we focus on in vitro and in vivo evidence demonstrating that members of the Ras homologous (Rho) protein family of small GTPases (small Rho GTPases) play indispensable roles on NMJ maturation by regulating the stability of nAChR aggregates. We combine this evidence to propose that small Rho GTPases are key players in the assembly of podosome-like structures that drive the postsynaptic maturation of vertebrate NMJs.

Rapid Progression of Coronary Atherosclerosis in Patients Taking an Oral Antitumor, Multikinase Receptor Inhibitor.

Rapid Progression of Coronary Atherosclerosis in Patients Taking an Oral Antitumor, Multikinase Receptor Inhibitor.

Computational and experimental mechanical performance of a new everolimus-eluting stent purpose-built for left main interventions

Left main (LM) coronary artery bifurcation stenting is a challenging topic due to the distinct anatomy and wall structure of LM. In this work, we investigated computationally and experimentally the mechanical performance of a novel everolimus-eluting stent (SYNERGY MEGATRON) purpose-built for interventions to large proximal coronary segments, including LM. MEGATRON stent has been purposefully designed to sustain its structural integrity at higher expansion diameters and to provide optimal lumen coverage. Four patient-specific LM geometries were 3D reconstructed and stented computationally with finite element analysis in a well-validated computational stent simulation platform under different homogeneous and heterogeneous plaque conditions. Four different everolimus-eluting stent designs (9-peak prototype MEGATRON, 10-peak prototype MEGATRON, 12-peak MEGATRON, and SYNERGY) were deployed computationally in all bifurcation geometries at three different diameters (i.e., 3.5, 4.5, and 5.0 mm). The stent designs were also expanded experimentally from 3.5 to 5.0 mm (blind analysis). Stent morphometric and biomechanical indices were calculated in the computational and experimental studies. In the computational studies the 12-peak MEGATRON exhibited significantly greater expansion, better scaffolding, smaller vessel prolapse, and greater radial strength (expressed as normalized hoop force) than the 9-peak MEGATRON, 10-peak MEGATRON, or SYNERGY (p < 0.05). Larger stent expansion diameters had significantly better radial strength and worse scaffolding than smaller stent diameters (p < 0.001). Computational stenting showed comparable scaffolding and radial strength with experimental stenting. 12-peak MEGATRON exhibited better mechanical performance than the 9-peak MEGATRON, 10-peak MEGATRON, or SYNERGY. Patient-specific computational LM stenting simulations can accurately reproduce experimental stent testing, providing an attractive framework for cost- and time-effective stent research and development.

PROLIFERATIVE VERRUCOUS LEUKOPLAKIA IN MAN: A CASE REPORT

Proliferative verrucous leukoplakia (PVL) is an aggressive form of oral leukoplakia that has a high morbidity and is more common in a woman with no smoking habit. A 68-year-old Caucasian male patient presented with a history of use of a removable dental prosthesis and reported to be a heavy smoker for the last 53 years, with a recent interruption of alcohol and other drug abuse. Clinical examination revealed a widespread leukoplakia lesion with 4 major intra-oral sites at the upper superior alveolar ridge and palate. Two sites were characterized as a homogeneous plaque, and 2 presented an exophytic verrucous surface. The first biopsy revealed hyperkeratosis and papillomatosis. The patient was referred to laser surgery treatment. Histologic findings revealed hyperkeratosis and papillomatosis, but now 1 of the sites revealed mild dysplasia. The final diagnosis was PVL, and the patient is still in follow-up, with no signs of new lesions 3 months after surgical intervention.

Characterization of Plaque Variants and the Involvement of Quasi-Species in a Population of EV-A71.

Viral plaque morphologies in human cell lines are markers for growth capability and they have been used to assess the viral fitness and selection of attenuated mutants for live-attenuated vaccine development. In this study, we investigate whether the naturally occurring plaque size variation reflects the virulence of the variants of EV-A71. Variants of two different plaque sizes (big and small) from EV-A71 sub-genotype B4 strain 41 were characterized. The plaque variants displayed different in vitro growth kinetics compared to the parental wild type. The plaque variants showed specific mutations being present in each variant strain. The big plaque variants showed four mutations I97L, N104S, S246P and N282D in the VP1 while the small plaque variants showed I97T, N237T and T292A in the VP1. No other mutations were detected in the whole genome of the two variants. The variants showed stable homogenous small plaques and big plaques, respectively, when re-infected in rhabdomyosarcoma (RD) and Vero cells. The parental strain showed faster growth kinetics and had higher viral RNA copy number than both the big and small plaque variants. Homology modelling shows that both plaque variants have differences in the structure of the VP1 protein due to the presence of unique spontaneous mutations found in each plaque variant This study suggests that the EV-A71 sub-genotype B4 strain 41 has at least two variants with different plaque morphologies. These differences were likely due to the presence of spontaneous mutations that are unique to each of the plaque variants. The ability to maintain the respective plaque morphology upon passaging indicates the presence of quasi-species in the parental population.

Oral lichenoid contact reaction to amalgam occurring as a leukoplakia-like lesion: a case report

&lt;p class="abstract"&gt;This article reports a case of oral lichenoid contact reaction (OLCR) in which a bilateral lesion involving the buccal mucosa was observed. Its relevance lies on that the lesions could be misdiagnosed as an oral leukoplakia, since they showed a typical feature of a homogeneous white plaque; however, fortunately, this misjudgement was spared because one of the lesions, on the right-buccal side, was in direct contact with an amalgam filling. Hence, the suspicion of mucosal contact reaction was made and the patient successfully treated by amalgam replacement. Comments on diagnosing of OLCR is also included is this report.&lt;/p&gt;

ORAL PROLIFERATIVE VERRUCOUS LEUKOPLAKIA: A LONG-TERM CLINICAL, CYTOPATHOLOGIC, AND HISTOPATHOLOGIC FOLLOW-UP

Proliferative verrucous leukoplakia (PVL) is an aggressive form of leukoplakia, which affects multiple oral sites, with high probability of recurrence and a high rate of malignant transformation. Clinically it may present as a homogeneous white plaque or leukoeritroplakia, with an exophytic or verrucous surface. We report a case with 8 years of follow-up of an 85-year-old woman with white plaques on the left buccal mucosa, inferior alveolar mucosa, floor of the mouth, and lateral border of the tongue. Combined cytopathologic and histopathologic examination was performed over 6 years, showing initially mild dysplasia and keratosis, which progressed to moderate and severe dysplasia. After 6 years of follow-up evaluation, an upper alveolar mucosa lesion was diagnosed as an in situ carcinoma. The patient was referred for treatment, and a surgical resection was performed. The patient is currently being monitored and evaluated with periodic cytopathologic exams.

P6375Correlation between cytokine profile and ultrasonic characteristics of atherosclerotic plaques in patients with essential hypertension

Abstract Objective To study the association of serum cytokine concentrations (tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-a) and interleukin-10 (IL-10)) with ultrasonic characteristics of atherosclerotic plaque and signs of its instability. Materials and methods We examined 166 patients (mean age 56.3±6.1 years). We used the generally accepted classification of Gray-Weale AC et al.(1988) to describe the structural characteristics of atherosclerotic plaque (ASP) and to determine local hemodynamic defects. There were 3 groups of patients. The 1st group included 48 patients with homogeneous hyperechoic plaques, the 2nd group included 56 patients with predominantly hyperechoic ASP (more than 50% of sites), the 3rd group included 13 patients with anechoic, low ultrasound density of ASP or with predominantly hypoechoic average density ASP (more than 50% of sites with average density). The control group consisted of 39 patients with essential hypertension (EH) without atherosclerotic lesions of the carotid arteries. All patients were subjected to general clinical examinations (measuring height, weight, waist, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, calculating body mass index), laboratory tests (lipid profile, fasting glucose, creatinine with glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), fibrinogen, TNF-a and IL-10). Mass determination of TNF-a and IL-10 was carried out by the method of enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and ultrasound doppler sonography of the carotid arteries, common carotid artery scanned in longitudinal section using a wideband linear sensor with a frequency of 3–11 MHz, the image was synchronized with the R wave on the ECG). Results Patients of the 1st (7,26±0,64 pg/ml) and 2nd groups (8,93±0,98 pg/ml) who do not have ultrasonic signs of ASP instability TNF-a was significantly lower than in patients of the 3rd group (10,51±2,23 pg/ml, p&lt;0,001) with ultrasound signs of ASP instability. Similar results were obtained in terms of the level of IL-10. The level of IL-10 in patients of the 1st and 2nd groups, having reached 14,7±3,5 pg/ml and 14,4±2,7 pg/ml, was significantly lower in comparison with patients of the 3rd group (17,1±5,3 pg/ml, p&lt;0,025 and p&lt;0,017, respectively). The logistic regression analysis showed that the independent factors associated with the presence of ultrasonic signs of ASP instability in patients with EH are: age (HR-1,20; 95% CI 1,03–1,38; p&lt;0,02), concentration of triglycerides (HR-4,05; 95% CI 1,90–8,64; p&lt;0,001) and TNF-a (HR-2,72; 95% CI 1,44–5,15; p&lt;0,02). The influence of other factors, including IL-10, on the instability of ASP was less significant (p&gt;0,05). Further statistical analysis showed that in patients with level of TNF-a more than 10 pg/ml, the risk of detecting an unstable ASP increased almost in 7 times (HR 6,81; 95% CI 2,17–21,6). Conclusions Increasing the concentration of tumor necrosis factor-alpha above 10 pg/ml is an independent risk factor for unstable atherosclerotic plaques in patients with essential hypertension

THE IMPORTANCE OF EARLY RECOGNITION OF ORAL POTENTIALLY MALIGNANT DISORDERS IN HIV-AIDS INDIVIDUALS.

Objective An increase in head and neck cancer (HNC) in HIV-infected individuals has been described in several epidemiological studies, suggesting that immunosuppression, even in treated patients, may play a role in the development of HNC. A thorough oral examination is essential for the identification of potentially malignant lesions, particularly in individuals at high risk to develop cancer. Thus, we report two cases of oral potentially malignant disorders occurring in HIV individuals. Clinical Presentation Case 1. A 39-year-old male HIV+ since 2013. In 2015 presented an asymptomatic, slightly granular, red/white pediculate tumor on the left buccal mucosa, clinically compatible with multifocal epithelial hyperplasia with post-traumatic hyperkeratosis (251 cells/ml CD4+, undetectable viral load [VL]). Two weeks later, the lesion showed marked erosive/ulcerated areas, thus, a complete excision was done. The final diagnosis was in situ squamous cell carcinoma positive to HPV-16. Case 2. A 40-year-old male HIV+ since 2005, with histologically confirmed oral hairy leukoplakia, immunohistochemistry showed positive expression to EBV and negative to HPV. In 2015 presented a white well circumscribed homogeneous plaque, with a slightly rough surface and some satellite lesions, comparable with the previous hairy leukoplakia. The patient referred itching and burning sensation, so an excisional biopsy was done, showing hyper orthokeratosis with moderate dysplasia. The sample was negative for EBV and HPV. Both patients have remained asymptomatic, without signs of recurrence. Outcome The present cases evidence that some oral potentially malignant disorders may resemble other common lesions in HIV-patients that could be underdiagnosed, delaying an appropriate management and impacting prognosis. It is essential to highlight that HIV/AIDS patients should be closely monitored. Oral examination should be cautious even in the presence of lesions with a benign appearance.

Association between ultrasound morphology of carotid plaque and carotid wall shear rate in patients with atherosclerosis of peripheral arteries

Aim– to investigate the relationship between the values of the carotid endothelial shear rate and ultrasound morphology of atherosclerotic plaques in carotid arteries.Material and methods. The study involved 70 patients with carotid atherosclerosis, including 43 males and 27 females. The average age of patients was (61.1±8.54) years. All patients underwent ultrasound triplex scanning of carotid arteries. Ultrasonic plaque morphology was evaluated using several ultrasonographic characteristics: uniformity of echotexture and echogenicity. We used the classification of G. Geraulakos et al. (1993). Endothelial shear rate in the common carotid artery was determined in accordance with the law of Hagen – Poiseuille.Results. Most patients (30) had a plaque type I, less frequently occurred plaque II (15) and III (20 patients) types. Homogeneous echo positive plaques corresponding to «stable» phenotype were found in 5 patients. In patients with plaque type I and II, endothelial shear rate values were 373 (305; 481) s–1 and 311 (282; 419) s–1 respectively. In the groups of patients with plaque– type III and IV endothelial shear rate was significantly higher – 500 (429; 556) s–1 and 470 (440; 512) s–1 respectively. Among patients with plaque with a predominance of echolucent component, more patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus were found (p=0.006).Conclusion. Carotid endothelial shear rate was significantly lower in patients with carotid atherosclerosis and echolucent plaques compared to those having predominantly hyperechoic plaque. Prevalence of diabetes mellitus type 2 was significantly higher in the group of patients with unstable plaque and low carotid endothelial shear rate.

Nouvelles inscriptions de la nécropole de la Robine à Narbonne

The recent epigraphic discoveries in the necropolis of Robine in Narbonne (Narbo Martius), in the east of the city, are a rare example in this location of funerary inscriptions found either in situ or near their initial location. The set of seven epitaphs is composed of small, homogeneous marble plaques that likely decorated small funerary monuments or altars of necropolis. This unpublished finding dates to between the second quarter of the 1st century and the end of the 2nd century A. D. It shows the use of the necropolis by plebeians of differing legal status and social levels (from seruus to libertus, including the freedman of a freedman and Augustalis), some of whom were likely to have prospered given the riches of the area surrounding Narbonne. In addition, the discovery sheds new light on knowledge of the plebs in Narbonne in the second century, showing that at the time, a group of individuals with unknown sources of wealth were able to acquire beautiful marble funerary plates, buy slaves and thus attain significant standing in the plebeian hierarchy of the city.

Growth and adaptation of Zika virus in mammalian and mosquito cells.

The recent emergence of Zika virus (ZIKV) in the Americas coincident with increased caseloads of microcephalic infants and Guillain-Barre syndrome has prompted a flurry of research on ZIKV. Much of the research is difficult to compare or repeat because individual laboratories use different virus isolates, growth conditions, and quantitative assays. Here we obtained three readily available contemporary ZIKV isolates and the prototype Ugandan isolate. We generated stocks of each on Vero mammalian cells (ZIKVmam) and C6/36 mosquito cells (ZIKVmos), determined titers by different assays side-by-side, compared growth characteristics using one-step and multi-step growth curves on Vero and C6/36 cells, and examined plaque phenotype. ZIKV titers consistently peaked earlier on Vero cells than on C6/36 cells. Contemporary ZIKV isolates reached peak titer most quickly in a multi-step growth curve when the amplifying cell line was the same as the titering cell line (e.g., ZIKVmam titered on Vero cells). Growth of ZIKVmam on mosquito cells was particularly delayed. These data suggest that the ability to infect and/or replicate in insect cells is limited after growth in mammalian cells. In addition, ZIKVmos typically had smaller, more homogenous plaques than ZIKVmam in a standard plaque assay. We hypothesized that the plaque size difference represented early adaptation to growth in mammalian cells. We plaque purified representative-sized plaques from ZIKVmos and ZIKVmam. ZIKVmos isolates maintained the initial phenotype while plaques from ZIKVmam isolates became larger with passaging. Our results underscore the importance of the cells used to produce viral stocks and the potential for adaptation with minimal cell passages. In addition, these studies provide a foundation to compare current and emerging ZIKV isolates in vitro and in vivo.

Monte Carlo Simulation of the Treatment of Uveal Melanoma Using Measured Heterogeneous 106Ru Plaques

Background/Aims: Ruthenium plaques are used for the treatment of ocular tumors. The aim of this work is the comparison between simulated absorbed dose distributions tallied in an anthropomorphic phantom, obtained from ideal homogeneous plaques, and real eye plaques in which the actual heterogeneous distribution of ¹⁰⁶Ru was measured. The placement of the plaques with respect to the tumor location was taken into consideration to optimize the effectiveness of the treatment. Methods: The generic CCA and CCB, and the specific CCA1364 and CCB1256 ¹⁰⁶Ru eye plaques were modeled with the Monte Carlo code PENELOPE. To compare the suitability of each treatment for an anterior, equatorial and posterior tumor location, cumulative dose-volume histograms for the tumors and structures at risk were calculated. Results: Eccentric placements of the plaques, taking into account the inhomogeneities of the emitter map, can substantially reduce the dose delivered to structures at risk while maintaining the prescribed dose at the tumor apex. Conclusions: The emitter map distribution of the plaque and the computerized tomography of the patient used in a Monte Carlo simulation allow an accurate determination of the plaque position with respect to the tumor with the potential to reduce the dose to sensitive structures.