After completion of the data taking for the νμ→ντ oscillation search, the CHORUS lead–scintillator calorimeter was used in the 1998 run as an active target. High-statistics samples of charged-current ...interactions were collected in the CERN SPS west area neutrino beam. This beam contained predominantly muon (anti-)neutrinos from sign-selected pions and kaons. We measure the flux and energy spectrum of the incident neutrinos and compare them with beam simulations. The neutrino–nucleon and anti-neutrino–nucleon differential cross-sections are measured in the range 0.01<x<0.7, 0.05<y<0.95, 10<Eν<200 GeV. We extract the neutrino–nucleon structure functions F2(x,Q2), xF3(x,Q2), and R(x,Q2) and compare these with results from other experiments.
The aim of this study is to establish an empirically substantiated professional development programme for teachers to become lead teachers who are able to support professional development of peers in ...times of curriculum innovation. The design of a professional development programme, participants' learning outcomes and their interrelatedness are described. The three main interventions in the professional development programme are: (A) a national learning community of lead teachers-in-training to participate in formal training and peer intervision; (B) regional learning communities of teachers where lead teachers-in-training practice their leadership qualities and receive feedback on their functioning as lead teachers; and (C) self-reflection to stimulate awareness of learning progress among participants. This qualitative case study reports the results of the designed programme embedded in the implementation process of a context-based chemistry curriculum in secondary education in the Netherlands. Results show that participants acquire intended learning outcomes in terms of knowledge, skills and dispositions. These learning outcomes are invoked by the combination of interventions in the professional development programme. From the results it can be concluded that the designed professional development programme has potential to train teachers to become lead teachers to support curriculum innovation.
Abbreviations: CIMO : Context Intervention(s) Mechanism(s) Outcomes; LT(s) : Lead Teacher(s); NLC : National Learning Community; RLC : Regional Learning Community.
The utility of transbronchial biopsy in the management of pulmonary complications following hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) has shown variable results. Herein, we examine the largest ...case series of patients undergoing transbronchial biopsy following HSCT. We performed a retrospective analysis of 130 transbronchial biopsy cases performed in patients with pulmonary complications post HSCT. Logistic regression models were applied to examine diagnostic yield, odds of therapy change and complications. The most common histologic finding on transbronchial biopsy was a nonspecific interstitial pneumonitis (n=24 cases, 18%). Pathogens identified by transbronchial biopsy were rare, occurring in <5% of cases. A positive transbronchial biopsy significantly increased the odds of a subsequent change in corticosteroid therapy (odds ratio (OR)=3.12; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.18-8.23; P=0.02) but was not associated with a change in antibiotic therapy (OR=1.01; 95% CI 0.40-2.54; P=0.98) or changes in overall therapy (OR=1.92; 95% CI 0.79-4.70; P=0.15). Patients who underwent a transbronchial biopsy had increased odds of complications related to the bronchoscopy (OR=3.33, 95% CI 1.63-6.79; P=0.001). In conclusion, transbronchial biopsy may contribute to the diagnostic management of noninfectious lung injury post HSCT, whereas its utility in the management of infectious pulmonary complications of HSCT remains low.
A collision tumor is a neoplastic lesion comprised of two or more distinct cell populations that maintain distinct borders. Collision tumors, which are rare but well documented, can be composed of ...two benign tumors, a benign and malignant tumor, and two malignant tumors. Although case reports and reviews on specific types of collision tumors exist, a cohesive source discussing these tumors is lacking. We critically reviewed the literature by analyzing case reports and retrospective studies in order to evaluate the following regarding collision tumors: definitions, types, pathogenesis, diagnosis, and management. Reports of these tumors are infrequent but not insignificant, and accurate classification and diagnosis will lead to better patient outcomes.
This paper describes the perception of a social constructivist approach to teaching and learning among Vietnamese teachers in a Confucian heritage culture and the changes these teachers undergo ...through their interaction with a new science curriculum that was designed culturally appropriate. A framework of teacher professional development combining state-of-the-art knowledge on professional development and knowledge on curriculum design was adapted and applied to the establishment of a learning community with a facilitator and the teachers as critical co-designers. Through the spiral approach of the development programme, the teachers showed certain changes from a traditional way of teaching to a more social constructivist way of teaching. The teachers proposed concrete teacher activities that can be applied to complete the design of the curriculum and make it a better teaching guideline. The teachers perceived the challenges for applying the newly designed science curriculum in primary education in Vietnamese Confucian heritage culture. This study reveals opportunities to improve the curriculum design and emphasises the need to facilitate teachers in applying the designed curriculum into practice with the stress on the roles of teacher input and professional development.
Hydroxyurea (HU) is known to cause a broad spectrum of cutaneous side effects, ranging from relatively benign to severe. Although dermatologists are often consulted for the treatment of these side ...effects, a comprehensive resource discussing the different types and their management is lacking. In this study, we conducted a literature search in order to critically evaluate the reported types and management of hydroxyurea's cutaneous side effects, as well as review its mechanism of action, dermatologic uses, and common systemic side effects. Relatively common and benign side effects include hyperpigmentation, xerosis, and skin atrophy. While serious cutaneous side effects such as leg ulcers or nonmelanoma skin cancers occur in a substantial proportion of patients, these may resolve with HU discontinuation and proper dermatologic management. Therefore, it is crucial for dermatologists to be aware of these various cutaneous side effects and their management as prompt diagnosis and proper treatment will improve patient outcomes.
Loss of functional cells from immunorejection during the early post-transplantation period is an important factor that reduces the efficacy of stem cell-based therapies. Recent studies have shown ...that transplanted mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) can exert therapeutic effects by secreting anti-inflammatory and pro-survival trophic factors. We investigated whether co-transplantation of MSCs could improve the survival of other transplanted therapeutic cells. Allogeneic glial-restricted precursors (GRPs) were isolated from the brain of a firefly luciferase transgenic FVB mouse (at E13.5 stage) and intracerebrally transplanted, either alone, or together with syngeneic MSCs in immunocompetent BALB/c mice (n=20) or immunodeficient Rag2−/− mice as survival control (n=8). No immunosuppressive drug was given to any animal. Using bioluminescence imaging (BLI) as a non-invasive readout of cell survival, we found that co-transplantation of MSCs significantly improved (p<0.05) engrafted GRP survival. No significant change in signal intensities was observed in immunodeficient Rag2−/− mice, with transplanted cells surviving in both the GRP only and the GRP+MSC group. In contrast, on day 21 post-transplantation, we observed a 94.2% decrease in BLI signal intensity in immunocompetent mice transplanted with GRPs alone versus 68.1% in immunocompetent mice co-transplanted with MSCs and GRPs (p<0.05). Immunohistochemical analysis demonstrated a lower number of infiltrating CD45, CD11b+ and CD8+ cells, reduced astrogliosis, and a higher number of FoxP3+ cells at the site of transplantation for the immunocompetent mice receiving MSCs. The present study demonstrates that co-transplantation of MSCs can be used to create a microenvironment that is more conducive to the survival of allogeneic GRPs.
•Bioluminescence imaging is well suited to serially monitor transplanted cell survival.•Allogeneic GRPs exhibit improved cell survival when co-transplanted with syngeneic MSCs.•This beneficial effect of MSCs is manifested by reduced immune cell infiltration and reduced astrogliosis.
Neural stem cells (NSCs) are being investigated as a possible treatment for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) through intraspinal transplantation, but no longitudinal imaging studies exist that ...describe the survival of engrafted cells over time. Allogeneic firefly luciferase-expressing murine NSCs (Luc+-NSCs) were transplanted bilaterally (100,000 cells/2μl) into the cervical spinal cord (C5) parenchyma of pre-symptomatic (63day-old) SOD1G93A ALS mice (n=14) and wild-type age-matched littermates (n=14). Six control SOD1G93A ALS mice were injected with saline. Mice were immunosuppressed using a combination of tacrolimus+sirolimus (1mg/kg each, i.p.) daily. Compared to saline-injected SOD1G93A ALS control mice, a transient improvement (p<0.05) in motor performance (rotarod test) was observed after NSC transplantation only at the early disease stage (weeks 2 and 3 post-transplantation). Compared to day one post-transplantation, there was a significant decline in bioluminescent imaging (BLI) signal in SOD1G93A ALS mice at the time of disease onset (71.7±17.9% at 4weeks post-transplantation, p<0.05), with a complete loss of BLI signal at endpoint (120day-old mice). In contrast, BLI signal intensity was observed in wild-type littermates throughout the entire study period, with only a 41.4±8.7% decline at the endpoint. In SOD1G93A ALS mice, poor cell survival was accompanied by accumulation of mature macrophages and the presence of astrogliosis and microgliosis. We conclude that the disease progression adversely affects the survival of engrafted murine Luc+-NSCs in SOD1G93A ALS mice as a result of the hostile ALS spinal cord microenvironment, further emphasizing the challenges that face successful cell therapy of ALS.
•Bioluminescence imaging is well suited to monitor the survival of intraspinally transplanted neural stem cells over time.•The survival of transplanted allogeneic neural stem cells was adversely affected by the ALS disease progression.•The poor transplanted cell survival was due to the hostile spinal cord microenvironment in ALS.
Structural characteristics in membranes formed by diffusion induced phase separation processes are discussed. Established theories on membrane formation from ternary systems can be extended to ...describe the effects of high or low molecular weight additives. A mechanism for the formation of nodular structures in the top layer of ultrafiltration membranes is presented. In the last part structures arising from polymer crystallization during immersion precipitation are discussed.
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