Minor Type Research Articles

Molecular characterization of Malassezia isolates from dogs using three distinct genetic markers in nuclear DNA

Little precise information is available on the systematics, genetics, ecology and epidemiology of yeasts of the genus Malassezia from different animal species. In the present study, one hundred and four isolates of Malassezia (lipid dependent or non-lipid dependent) from dogs were characterized by their chitin synthase 2 gene (CHS2), and the large subunit (LSU) and the first internal transcribed spacer (ITS-1) of nuclear ribosomal DNA sequences, and compared genetically with well-defined reference strains of Malassezia pachydermatis and heterologous species, including Malassezia furfur and Candida albicans. For each locus examined, three main sequence types (i.e. A, B and C) represented all of the 104 isolates, which were designated as genotypes A, B and C, respectively. A fourth, minor sequence type was also defined for the ITS-1. The nucleotide differences among genotypes was consistent with the magnitudes of intraspecific variability reported in previous studies. The genetic analysis of the sequence data sets (for individual loci) showed that all Malassezia genotypes clustered (with moderate to strong support) with the reference sequences of M. pachydermatis to the exclusion of the outgroups M. furfur and C. albicans. The present study reveals that multiple genetic variants of M. pachydermatis occur on dogs. The multilocus approach employed herein provides a foundation for future investigations of M. pachydermatis from other animals and humans, and their ecology and epidemiology.

Using Recombinant Activated Factor VII (rFVIIa) in Refractory Bleeding: A Community Hospital Experience.

Introduction: Recently, there has been an increase in using rFVIIa for uncontrolled bleeding in non hemophilic patients. While evidence-based guidelines exist for using rFVIIa in hemophilia, none are available for its off-label use. We report four cases who were treated with rFVIIa for massive uncontrolled hemorrhage.Method: Four [3 female (F) and one male (M)] critically ill patients with a median age of 59.25 years (range 49–78) exhibiting massive, life-threatening bleeding were treated with rFVIIa after conventional therapy [transfusion of fresh frozen plasma (FFP), red blood cell (RBC), platelet (Plt) and cryopreciptate (cryo)] had failed to control the blood loss. The starting dose was 90 μg/kg. If there was no response within 20 minutes, a second dose of 90 μg/kg was given. The median rFVIIa number of treatments were 4 (range 1–8). Treatment efficacy was evaluated after each dose and was based on : the amount of hemorrhage judged visually, and the number of red blood cell units required to maintain a stable hemoglobin level of > 8g/dl. Clinical response was rated as complete (no transfusion requirement, or change from severe to minor type of bleeding), partial (decrease of hemorrhage from severe to moderate), or failure (no change of hemorrhage and/or no change in transfusion requirement). rFVIIa was given in conjunction with transfusion of packed RBC in order to avoid further loss of clotting factors. If there was no response after a total of >200 μg/kg, the indications for rFVIIa administration were re-checked.Results: After administration of rFVIIa, three patients had a complete response with cessation of bleeding. There was a decrease in the transfusion requirements in the single non-responder case who later died of massive myocardial ischemia. Most studies have shown that use of rFVIIa yields better results when given earlier rather than later. Nevertheless, our first patient encounter showed good result despite initiation of the therapy 3 weeks after the onset of bleeding. Finally, patient number 3 showed the first successful reported use of rFVIIa for bleeding associated with multiple myeloma.Conclusion: rFVIIa is effective in the life-threatening emergencies. However, because of the potential thrombotic complications, off-label use should probably be limited to life-threatening blood loss not otherwise controlled by other interventions. Cost/benefit ratio should also be evaluated on a case by case basis.Age (years)/sexdetails of the caused of bleedingBleeding sitesPeriod between the bleeding and the rFVIIa infusiondose/frequencyTransfusion requirement pre-/post-rFVIIaTransfusion requirement pre-/post-rFVIIaResponse after rFVIIa treatment /Response after rFIIa treatement/78/FCoumadin toxicity (INR >10)Gross hematuria, epistaxis, hematochezia, hematemesis3 weeks90 μg/kg, 4 dosesRBC 17/4,Plt 18/3,FFP 26/2,Cry 5/06.8/10.2Complete in 24 hours/Recovered (INR 1.9)51/Fcolon adenocarcinoma (Post-surgical)Surgical incision, Intra-abdominal48 hours0 μg/kg, 3 dosesRBC 16/3, FFP 5/14/10Complete in 48 hours/Recovered59/MMultiple myeloma, (PT 44.9, INR 4.5, PTT 37)Hematemesis, hematochezia, melena72 hours90 μg/kg, 1 doseRBC 13/2, FFP 4/06.5/9.8Complete in 3 hours/Recovered49/FHepatitis C cirrhosis (liver failure).Hematemesis, melena48 hours90 μg/kg, 8 dosesRBC 12/7, FFP 7/36/-Partial in 24 hours/Died

Nectar and Pollen Sources for Honeybee (Apis cerana cerana Fabr.) in Qinglan Mangrove Area, Hainan Island, China

In the present study, nectar and pollen sources for honeybee (Apis cerana cerana Fabr.) were studied in Qinglan mangrove area, Hainan Island, China, based on microscopic analysis of honey and pollen load (corbicular and gut contents) from honeybees collected in October and November 2004. Qualitative and quantitative melittopalynological analysis of the natural honey sample showed that the honey is of unifloral type with Mimosa pudica L. (Mimosaceae) as the predominant (89.14%) source of nectar and pollen for A. cerana cerana in October. Members of Araceae are an important minor (3%-15%) pollen type, whereas those of Arecaceae are a minor ( 1 000 000). Pollen analysis from the corbicular and gut contents of A. cerana cerana revealed the highest representation (95.60%) of members of Sonneratia spp. (Sonneratiaceae), followed by Bruguiera spp. (Rhizophoraceae), Euphorbiaceae, Poaceae, Fabaceae, Arecaceae, Araceae, Anacardiaceae, and Rubiaceae. Of these plants, those belonging to Sonneratia plants are the most important nectar and pollen sources for A. cerana cerana and are frequently foraged and pollinated by these bees in November. (Managing editor: Ya-Qin Han)

Postural sway at ground and bevel levels in subjects with spina bifida occulta

To assess whether the postural function is impaired by comparing the performances in upright standing at ground and bevel levels in adult subjects with spina bifida occulta (SBO). Eighty subjects with SBO (38 with minor type and 42 with major type) and 35 healthy control subjects participated in the study. All participants performed ten tests while standing upright on a platform at ground level (0 degrees, baseline) and on a beveled surface (with their feet in dorsiflexion and plantarflexion at 10 degrees and 20 degrees). Tests were done with their eyes open and closed. The postural sway was examined using a force platform (CATSYS, Danish) that records sway intensity and velocity. Sway intensity and sway velocity were universally associated with group, degree of bevel, open- or closed-eyes condition, and dorsiflexion or plantarflexion after adjusting for age and gender. With respect to sway intensity, the differences of minor or major SBO group were significantly decreased at different bevel degrees when compared with control groups, whereas the differences between minor and major SBO were significant differences at 10 degrees and 20 degrees. With respect to sway velocity, the differences of major SBO group were significantly decreased at different bevel degrees when compared with minor SBO and control groups, whereas the difference in minor SBO was only significant at 0 degrees when compared with control. Group differences (minor SBO vs. control, major SBO vs. control) showed a significant decrease in sway velocity when comparing at 10 degrees than at 0 degrees and at 20 degrees than at 0 degrees. In all subjects with SBO, the sway intensity/velocity values obtained with open eyes and with plantarflexion had lower values, when compared with values obtained with closed eyes and with dorsiflexion. This study supports the hypothesis that SBO impairs control of postural sway in both the resting upright and stressful postures. Our results imply that the larger the bone defect at the lumbosacral midline, the more the group differences in different stressful conditions. Both velocity and intensity were able to reflect the function of the postural sway from our results. This is the first report to add the bevel degree and foot position, as well as visual input as being the part of the study in investigating the postural sway.

Is mild dental invagination a risk factor for apical root resorption in orthodontic patients?

The purpose of this retrospective study was to assess if dental invagination is a risk factor for root resorption during orthodontic treatment. The sample consisted of 91 patients (32 males, 59 females) with a mean age of 13.1 years (range 9.3-32.1 years) with complete orthodontic records, including periapical radiographs of the maxillary incisors before and after treatment. Forty-nine patients had at least one maxillary incisor invaginated, whilst the remaining 42 patients were free of dental invaginations. Variables recorded for each patient included gender, age, Angle classification, extraction or non-extraction therapy, ANB angle, overjet, overbite, trauma, habits, agenesis, tooth exfoliation, treatment duration, Class II elastics, body-build, general factors, impacted canines, and root form deviation. Crown and root length of the maxillary incisors were measured on pre- and post-treatment long cone periapical radiographs corrected for image distortion. The percentage of root shortening and root length loss in millimetres was then calculated. Most of the invaginated teeth were minor type 1. Statistical analysis revealed no significant difference in the severity of apical root resorption between invaginated and non-invaginated incisors in patients without dental invaginations, nor was the extent of dental invagination related to the severity of apical root resorption. However, invaginated teeth had malformed roots more often than non-invaginated teeth. Dental invagination, and particularly type 1, cannot be considered a risk factor for apical root resorption during orthodontic tooth movement.

TGF‐β1 generates a specific multicomponent extracellular matrix in human coronary SMC

Transforming growth factor (TGF-beta(1)) is postulated to play an important role in maintaining the structure and function of arterial tissue and protection against development of arteriosclerosis. The TGF-beta(1)-induced production of a stable extra-cellular matrix-rich plaque phenotype is suggested to be part of the protection against a switch to an unstable rupture-prone arteriosclerotic plaque. This study addresses the question of whether the expression profile and the type of extra-cellular matrix (ECM) generated by TGF-beta(1) stimulation have the structural feature of a fibril-rich stable matrix. Seventeen genes codings for ECM components of human coronary smooth muscle cells (SMCs) after a 24-h stimulation by TGF-beta(1) have been analyzed. Real-time RT-PCR was used to quantify the mRNA of genes under investigation. It was found that after TGF-beta(1) stimulation (a) the up-regulation of COL1A1-specific mRNA was associated with increased [(3)H]proline incorporation into the alpha-1 and -2 chains of collagen type I, (b) the up-regulation of biglycan- and syndecan-1-specific mRNA corresponded to an increased [(35)S]sulphate and [4,5-(3)H]leucine incorporation into the biglycan molecule and to an increase of syndecan-1 protein, (c) the up-regulated FGF-2 gene accounted predominantly for the ECM-bound subfraction of FGF-2-protein and (d) fibronectin and thrombospondin exhibited a significantly higher mRNA level. In contrast collagen XIV, a minor collagen type, and the proteoglycan decorin were down-regulated. The down-regulated decorin changed its structure by elongation and reduced GlcA to IdoA epimerization of the dermatan sulphate side-chain as judged by [(35)S]sulphate metabolic labelling experiments. No significant changes in response to TGF-beta(1) were observed for the collagen types III, VI and XVI, for versican, perlecan and the syndecans-2 and -4. It was concluded from the data that the TGF-beta(1)-induced formation of a highly specific multicomponent extra-cellular matrix on coronary arterial SMCs could provide in vivo mechanical strength to the neointima in arteriosclerotic lesions and to the fibrous cap overlying the lipid core.

Oceanic plateau accretion inferred from Late Paleozoic greenstones in the Jurassic Tamba accretionary complex, southwest Japan

Abstract The Jurassic Tamba accretionary complex is divided into two tectono‐stratigraphic suites (Type I and II nappe groups), which are further divided into six complexes (nappes) each of which is characterized by a rock sequence of Late Paleozoic greenstone/limestone, Permian to Jurassic chert and Jurassic terrigenous clastic rocks. The mode of occurrence of the greenstone is divided into two types. The major basal type occurs as a large coherent slab associated with Permian chert and limestone, constituting the basal part of each complex, and the minor mixed type occurs as fragmented allochthonous greenstone blocks and lenses mixed with chert, limestone and sandstone in the Jurassic mudstone matrix. Most of the basal greenstones have uniform geochemical characteristics, which indicate enriched‐mid‐oceanic ridge basalt (MORB) affinity. Their geochemical compositions are akin to the reported Permo‐Carboniferous and Triassic oceanic plateau basalts. Mixed greenstones are divided into two petrochemical types: (i) tholeiitic basalt with normal‐MORB affinity, which is predominant in the uppermost complex of the Type II suite (upper nappe group); and (ii) tholeiitic and alkalic basalts of oceanic island or seamount origin, which are common in all complexes of the Tamba Belt. Geochemical characteristics of the greenstones thus vary in accordance with their occurrences and the structural units to which they belong. This relationship reflects the difference in topographic relief and crustal thickness of the accreted oceanic edifices – the remnants of thick oceanic plateau crust tended to accrete to the continental margin as a large basal greenstone body, whereas thin normal oceanic crust with small seamounts or oceanic islands accreted as mixed greenstones because of their mechanical weakness. The Type II suite (upper nappe group) contains the basal and mixed greenstones, whereas the Type I suite (lower nappe group) includes only mixed greenstones. This distinction may reflect the temporal change of subducting edifices from a thick oceanic plateau to a thin normal oceanic crust, and suggests that the accretion of a large oceanic plateau may be responsible for building accretionary complexes with thick basal greenstones slabs.

Profiling of length heteroplasmies in the human mitochondrial DNA control regions from blood cells in the Korean population

The length heteroplasmies in the hypervariable (HV) regions of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) from blood cells were examined in 57 healthy Korean donors. Interestingly, all the healthy Korean subjects displayed length heteroplasmies in both the HV1 and HV2 regions. Closer examination of the HV2 length heteroplasmies indicated that most of these donors (84%) exhibited a minimal 303-315 homopolymeric C (poly-C) tract frameshift of 1 bp (mixture of one major and minor mtDNA type). Sixteen percent of the donors however had poly-C tract frameshifts of 2 bp or more. The donor group with major length variants (two or more frameshifts) had about a two-fold decrease in mtDNA copy number compared with the group exhibiting only a 1 bp frameshift. This result supports the possibility that a severe frameshift in the 303-315 poly-C tract may also cause the impairment of mtDNA replication in hematopoietic tissue.

Levamisole can modulate the serum tumor necrosis factor‐α level in patients with recurrent aphthous ulcerations

Recurrent aphthous ulcerations (RAU) are common oral inflammatory lesions. Tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha is an important inflammatory mediator and a critical cytokine for adequate host defense. Our previous studies have shown that 14-43% and 59-63% of patients in the ulcerative stage of major, minor or herpetiform RAU have significantly higher than normal serum levels of interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-8, respectively. In this study, we examined whether RAU patients in the ulcerative stage had a significantly higher than normal serum level of TNF-alpha and assessed whether treatment with levamisole can modulate serum TNF-alpha levels in RAU patients. This study used a solid phase, two-site sequential chemiluminescent immunometric assay to determine the baseline serum levels of TNF-alpha in 146 patients with RAU, nine patients with traumatic ulcers (TU), and 54 normal control subjects. Fifty-five RAU patients with serum TNF-alpha levels higher than 5.0 pg/ml were treated with levamisole for 0.5-4 months and their serum TNF-alpha levels were measured after treatment. We found that 29% (42 of 146) RAU patients as well as 39% (24 of 61) major type, 20% (14 of 69) minor type, and 25% (four of 16) herpetiform type RAU patients had a serum level of TNF-alpha greater than the upper normal limit of 7.4 pg/ml. The mean serum level of TNF-alpha in patients with RAU (9.1 +/- 1.0 pg/ml, P < 0.001), major type RAU (11.6 +/- 1.9 pg/ml, P < 0.001), minor type RAU (6.9 +/- 0.9 pg/ml, P < 0.005), or herpetiform type RAU (9.6 +/- 2.7 pg/ml, P < 0.001) was higher than that (3.8 +/- 0.2 pg/ml) in normal control subjects. The mean serum TNF-alpha level was significantly higher in patients with major type RAU than in patients with minor type RAU (P < 0.05) and was significantly higher in major type RAU patients in the exacerbation stage than in the post-exacerbation stage (P < 0.05). In 55 RAU patients with serum TNF-alpha levels higher than 5.0 pg/ml, treatment with levamisole for a period of 0.5-4 months could significantly reduce the serum TNF-alpha level from 16.4 +/- 1.9 to 5.8 +/- 0.6 pg/ml (P < 0.001). We conclude that a significantly higher than normal serum level of TNF-alpha can be detected in 20-39% of patients in the ulcerative stage of major, minor or herpetiform RAU. The serum TNF-alpha level may be associated with the severity and the stage of RAU. Levamisole can modulate serum TNF-alpha levels in RAU patients.

Plantar Opening-Wedge Osteotomy of Cuneiform Bones Combined With Selective Plantar Release and Dwyer Osteotomy for Pes Cavovarus in Children

Neurological pes cavovarus is a challenging deformity to treat during childhood. Based on physiopathology, we propose the following original surgical procedure. Plantar-opening wedge osteotomy of the three cuneiform bones, preceded by selective plantar release, corrects forefoot pronation which is the primum movens of the deformity, and corrects the cavus at its apex. A calcaneal valgisation closing wedge osteotomy, is indicated if pre-operative planning revealed subtalar joint stiffness, incompatible with secondary hind foot realignment in valgus. The follow-up had to be at least 5 years or to reach skeletal maturity. Twenty-six children (36 feet) satisfied these criteria. Mean age at surgery was 10.3 years old. All the children had a neurological disease which was progressive for 65% of them (75% of the feet). Mean follow-up was 6.9 years. This treatment was effective, with a mean percentage of cavus correction of 74%, reaching 100% for 31% of the feet. Complete or partial cavus correction was still observed at last follow-up for 75% of the feet. At last follow-up, global result was satisfactory in 63.9% and non satisfactory in 36.1% of feet. Flat-foot was observed, of minor type, in only 2 cases. Apart from triple arthrodesis, iterative surgery relative to residual deformity (foot adduction, plantar sticking of the first metatarsal head) was indicated for 4 feet (11%). A triple arthrodesis was required in 12 cases (33%). In conclusion, this treatment provides mid-term satisfactory correction of the cavus and may allow avoiding triple arthrodesis at skeletal maturity.

The Association of Comorbid Depression With Mortality in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes

We assessed whether patients with comorbid minor and major depression and type 2 diabetes had a higher mortality rate over a 3-year period compared with patients with diabetes alone. In a large health maintenance organization (HMO), 4,154 patients with type 2 diabetes were surveyed and followed for up to 3 years. Patients initially filled out a written questionnaire, and HMO-automated diagnostic, laboratory, and pharmacy data and Washington State mortality data were collected to assess diabetes complications and deaths. Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to calculate adjusted hazard ratios of death for each group compared with the reference group. There were 275 (8.3%) deaths in 3,303 patients without depression compared with 48 (13.6%) deaths in 354 patients with minor depression and 59 (11.9%) deaths among 497 patients with major depression. A proportional hazards model with adjustment for age, sex, race/ethnicity, and educational attainment found that compared with the nondepressed group, minor depression was associated with a 1.67-fold increase in mortality (P = 0.003), and major depression was associated with a 2.30-fold increase (P < 0.0001). In a second model that controlled for multiple potential mediators, both minor and major depression remained significant predictors of mortality. Among patients with diabetes, both minor and major depression are strongly associated with increased mortality. Further research will be necessary to disentangle causal relationships among depression, behavioral risk factors (adherence to medical regimens), diabetes complications, and mortality.

A platoon-based traffic signal timing algorithm for major–minor intersection types

This paper presents a platoon-based traffic signal timing algorithm that reduces traffic delays at major–minor type of intersections. The algorithm reduces traffic delays at intersections by minimizing the interruptions to vehicle platoon movements on the major roads. In this paper, the characteristics of vehicle platoons are discussed, including the key platoon variables and their mathematical distributions. Then the platoon-based traffic signal timing algorithm is illustrated with proposed platoon detector placement and signal control logic. Further, through computer simulations it is shown that the platoon-based algorithm provides better performance at major–minor types of intersections than conventional signal timing algorithms.

Discrimination of lamivudine resistant minor HIV-1 variants by selective real-time PCR

A selective real-time PCR (SPCR) method was developed and evaluated for discrimination of resistance mutations in minor human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) populations, using the M184 mutation site as a model system due to its high clinical importance and the low genetic barrier to its development. The method enabled detection of minor viral populations down to 0.1%, and the relative proportions of different quasispecies could be easily displayed using cycle threshold ( C t) values. An excellent concordance was found when the assay was compared with direct sequencing and cloning results. The impact of mismatch between virus and primer/probe sequences was evaluated, showing that 3′ end mutations in the selective downstream primers were very disruptive and that 5′ end polymorphisms in the probe area were directly fatal, while mutations in the middle or the 3′ end of the probe were less disruptive. These effects were compensated by introducing wobble bases to accommodate the mutations. This sensitive and reliable point-mutation assay, analyzing M184I/V and other important mutations, will be fruitful in gaining new scientific knowledge about the kinetics of resistance mutations in minor viral populations of HIV-1 infected patients at failure of antiretroviral therapy.

Capacidade de cozimento de grãos de famílias de feijão do cruzamento ESAL 693 x Rosinha

The aim of this work was to identify the cooking capacity of grains from 23 common bean families already selected for high grain yield and grain type. They were derived from ESAL 693 x Rosinha cross and are all precocious, of type-I growth habit. The family seeds were from F2:6/F4:6 generation (eight months old) and F2:7/F4:7 (one month old); cooking and water absorption ability were evaluated using 25 seeds per plot, with two replications, through a JAB-77 experimental cooker, minor type. Cooking capacity and water absorption of the grains from the 23 families were genetically different and showed the same performance for both ages. Four families (1, 13, 14 and 15) presented high cooking capacity for both ages, among which 13, 14 and 15 distinguished for having high heritability estimates, making them the best choice for selection. No correlation was observed between the two traits, indicating that cooking capacity is the factor that should be evaluated for selection.

GPI7 Is the Second Partner of PIG-F and Involved in Modification of Glycosylphosphatidylinositol

Many eukaryotic cell surface proteins are anchored to the membrane via glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI). GPI is synthesized from phosphatidylinositol by stepwise reactions and attached en bloc to nascent proteins. In mammalian cells, the major GPI species transferred to proteins is termed H7. By attachment of an additional ethanolamine phosphate (EtNP) to the second mannose, H7 can be converted to H8, which acts as a minor type of protein-linked GPI and also exists as a free GPI on the cell surface. Yeast GPI7 is involved in the transfer of EtNP to the second mannose, but the corresponding mammalian enzyme has not yet been clarified. Here, we report that the human homolog of Gpi7p (hGPI7) forms a protein complex with PIG-F and is involved in the H7-to-H8 conversion. We knocked down hGPI7 by RNA interference and found that H7 accumulated with little production of H8. Immunoprecipitation experiments revealed that hGPI7 was associated with and stabilized by PIG-F, which is known to bind to and stabilize PIG-O, a protein homologous to hGPI7. PIG-O is a transferase that adds EtNP to the third mannose, rendering GPI capable of attaching to proteins. We further found that the overexpression of hGPI7 decreased the level of PIG-O and, therefore, decreased the level of EtNP transferred to the third mannose. Finally, we propose a mechanism for the regulation of GPI biosynthesis through competition between the two independent enzymes, PIG-O and hGPI7, for the common stabilizer, PIG-F.

Preoperative assessment of the aberrant bile duct using multislice computed tomography cholangiography

Background This study aimed to determine the frequency of anatomic variations of bile ducts (aberrant bile ducts) using multislice helical computed tomography (MCT) cholangiography. Methods MCT scanning was performed after slow infusion of 100 mL meglumine iotroxate. Overlapping axial images, taken at 0.5-mm intervals, were reconstructed to create a multiplanar reconstruction with volume rendering. We analyzed anatomical variations of the biliary tree by MCT cholangiography. Results In a total of 113 patients, MCT cholangiography provided clear images of aberrant bile ducts in 18 patients. Major type (draining a particular segment of the liver) was found in 9 cases (8%) and minor type (draining a particular subsegment of the liver) in 9 cases (8%). Conclusions Preoperative MCT cholangiography provides important information about the precise biliary anatomy and can reveal unexpected aberrant bile ducts prior to biliary surgery, especially laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

Hybrid Treatment for Thoracic and Thoracoabdominal Aortic Aneurysms in Patients Unfit for Open Conventional Repair

Purpose : To describe a technique combining endovascular and conventional surgery for the treatment of distal aortic arch and thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms.Material and methods : In the last two years, we used hybrid approach to treat six patients with distal aortic arch or thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms unfit for open conventional repair owing poor cardio-respiratory function. Results : The primary technical success rate was 100%. Intraoperative mortality rate was 0; conversion to open conventional repair was never required. Mean operation time and blood loss averaged 256 minutes and 1233 ml, respectively. Neurological complications were not observed. Overall, two patients died postoperatively. During a mean 17-month follow-up, two minor type II endoleak occurred and were successfully managed with coil embolization. All stent-grafts and conventional bypasses were patent, and no stent-graft-related complication was observed. Conclusion : Our initial experience attests the feasibility and potential attractive alternative of hybrid treatment for distal arch and thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms.

AraPerox. A database of putative Arabidopsis proteins from plant peroxisomes.

To identify unknown proteins from plant peroxisomes, the Arabidopsis genome was screened for proteins with putative major or minor peroxisome targeting signals type 1 or 2 (PTS1 or PTS2), as defined previously (Reumann S [2004] Plant Physiol 135: 783-800). About 220 and 60 proteins were identified that carry a putative PTS1 or PTS2, respectively. To further support postulated targeting to peroxisomes, several prediction programs were applied and the putative targeting domains analyzed for properties conserved in peroxisomal proteins and for PTS conservation in homologous plant expressed sequence tags. The majority of proteins with a major PTS and medium to high overall probability of peroxisomal targeting represent novel nonhypothetical proteins and include several enzymes involved in beta-oxidation of unsaturated fatty acids and branched amino acids, and 2-hydroxy acid oxidases with a predicted function in fatty acid alpha-oxidation, as well as NADP-dependent dehydrogenases and reductases. In addition, large protein families with many putative peroxisomal isoforms were recognized, including acyl-activating enzymes, GDSL lipases, and small thioesterases. Several proteins are homologous to prokaryotic enzymes of a novel aerobic hybrid degradation pathway for aromatic compounds and proposed to be involved in peroxisomal biosynthesis of plant hormones like jasmonic acid, auxin, and salicylic acid. Putative regulatory proteins of plant peroxisomes include protein kinases, small heat shock proteins, and proteases. The information on subcellular targeting prediction, homology, and in silico expression analysis for these Arabidopsis proteins has been compiled in the public database AraPerox to accelerate discovery and experimental investigation of novel metabolic and regulatory pathways of plant peroxisomes.

Expression of hair keratins in the adult nail unit: an immunohistochemical analysis of the onychogenesis in the proximal nail fold, matrix and nail bed.

Recently, the expression profiles of the members of the complex hair keratin family have been determined in the human anagen hair follicle. In contrast, the details of hair keratin expression in the human nail unit are poorly known. In order to fill this gap, we have performed an immunohistochemical study of the adult human nail unit by means of specific antibodies against nine hair keratins of both types (hHa2, hHb2, hHa5, hHb5, hHa1, hHb1, hHb6, hHa4 and hHa8) as well as three epithelial keratins (K5, K17 and K10). Formalin-fixed paraffin sections of adult nails were examined using monoclonal and polyclonal keratin antibodies, respectively. Longitudinal as well as transverse sections were investigated. Our study revealed two types of epithelial tissue compartments in the nail unit. The first comprised the eponychium and hyponychium and the nail bed, which expressed only epithelial keratins. While keratins K5, K17 (basal) and K10 (suprabasal) were found in the orthokeratinizing eponychium and hyponychium, throughout, the nail bed epithelium expressed only K5 and K17. The second type comprised the apical and ventral matrix which exhibited a mixed pattern of epithelial and hair keratin expression. Thus, K5 and K17 were expressed in the entire multilayered basal cell compartment of the apical and ventral matrix; however, in the latter, K5 and K17 also occurred in the lowermost layers of the overlying keratogenous zone. The hair matrix keratin hHb5, but not its type II partner hHa5, was seen in the entire keratogenous zone of the apical and ventral matrix, but was also located in the uppermost cell layers of the basal compartment of the ventral matrix, where it overlapped with K5 and K17. Similar to their sequential expression in the hair follicle cortex, hair keratins hHa1, hHb1, hHb6 and hHa4 were consecutively expressed in the keratogenous zone of both the ventral and, albeit less distinctly, apical matrix, with hHa1 initiating in the lowermost cell layers. The expression of hHa8 in only single cortex cells of the hair follicle was also preserved in cells of the keratogenous zone. In the region of the so-called dorsal matrix, we observed two histologically and histochemically distinct types of epithelia: (i) a dominant type, histologically similar to the eponychium and an associated K5, K17 and K10 keratin pattern which clearly extended into the apical matrix, and (ii) a minor type, histologically resembling the postulated dorsal matrix without a granular layer and a cuticle, and exhibiting extended K5 expression as well as hair keratin expression in superficial cells. The coexpression of hHb5 with K5 and K17 in the uppermost cell layers of the basal compartment and the lowermost layers of the keratogenous zone of the ventral matrix prompts us to designate this region the prekeratogenous zone of the ventral matrix. The two alternating types of histology and keratin expression in the dorsal matrix identify this region as a transitional zone between the eponychium and the apical matrix. Finally, our data clearly show that the ventral matrix is the main source of the nail plate. In addition, the mixed scenario of hair and epithelial keratins, including demonstrable amounts of K10, in superficial cells of the apical matrix, lends support to the notion that the dorsal portion of the nail is generated by the apical matrix.

Differentiating the effect of episodic tectonism and eustatic sea‐level fluctuations in foreland basins filled by alluvial fans and axial deltaic systems: insights from a three‐dimensional stratigraphic forward model

AbstractMany studies of foreland basins have recognized a hierarchical organization in the stacking of sequences deposited by axial‐deltaic and alluvial fan systems. The hierarchy is often explained in terms of the competing control of eustasy and pulsed tectonic subsidence and the different frequencies at which these processes operate. Unravelling the relative contributions of tectonic and eustatic controls on the sequence stacking pattern is a fundamental question in foreland basin analysis, yet this is difficult because of the lack of independent stratigraphic evidence. In this study, a three‐dimensional numerical model is presented, which aids in the interpretation of alluvial successions in foreland basins filled by transverse and axial depositional systems, under conditions of variable tectonism and eustatic sea‐level change. The tectono‐sedimentary model is capable of simulating the hierarchical stratigraphic response to both eustatic and tectonic forcing, and is of higher resolution than previous models of foreland basin filling. Numerical results indicate that the onset of tectonic activity is reflected by rapid retrogradation of both depositional systems and by widespread flooding and onlap of carbonate sediments. Syntectonic fluvial patterns on the axial‐deltaic plain are dominated by bifurcating channels, swiftly relocating in response to the general rise in relative sea level induced by flexural subsidence. The resulting surface morphology of the axial delta is convex upwards. Syntectonic eustatic sea‐level fluctuations result in parasequence‐scale packages of retrograding and prograding fan and delta sediments bounded by minor flooding surfaces and type 2 sequence boundaries. Incised channels are rare within the syntectonic parasequences and are formed only during phases of tectonic quiescence when eustatic falls are no longer compensated by the subsidence component in the rise in relative sea level. Suites of amalgamating, axial channels corresponding to multiple eustatic falls delineate the resulting type 1 unconformities. Coarse‐grained, incised‐channel fills are found in the zone between the alluvial fan fringes and the convex‐upward body of the axial delta, as the axial streams tend to migrate towards this zone of maximum accommodation.