The PHENIX Collaboration has measured the ratio of the yields of $\psi(2S)$ to $\psi(1S)$ mesons produced in $p$$+$$p$, $p$$+$Al, $p$$+$Au, and $^{3}$He$+$Au collisions at $\sqrt{s_{_{NN}}}=200$ GeV ...over the forward and backward rapidity intervals $1.2<|y|<2.2$. We find that the ratio in $p$$+$$p$ collisions is consistent with measurements at other collision energies. In collisions with nuclei, we find that in the forward ($p$-going or $^{3}$He-going) direction, the relative yield of $\psi(2S)$ mesons to $\psi(1S)$ mesons is consistent with the value measured in \pp collisions. However, in the backward (nucleus-going) direction, the $\psi(2S)$ is preferentially suppressed by a factor of $\sim$2. This suppression is attributed in some models to breakup of the weakly-bound $\psi(2S)$ through final state interactions with comoving particles, which have a higher density in the nucleus-going direction. These breakup effects may compete with color screening in a deconfined quark-gluon plasma to produce sequential suppression of excited quarkonia states.
Cerebral palsy (CP) is the most common childhood physical disability. Early intervention for children younger than 2 years with or at risk of CP is critical. Now that an evidence-based guideline for ...early accurate diagnosis of CP exists, there is a need to summarize effective, CP-specific early intervention and conduct new trials that harness plasticity to improve function and increase participation. Our recommendations apply primarily to children at high risk of CP or with a diagnosis of CP, aged 0 to 2 years.
To systematically review the best available evidence about CP-specific early interventions across 9 domains promoting motor function, cognitive skills, communication, eating and drinking, vision, sleep, managing muscle tone, musculoskeletal health, and parental support.
The literature was systematically searched for the best available evidence for intervention for children aged 0 to 2 years at high risk of or with CP. Databases included CINAHL, Cochrane, Embase, MEDLINE, PsycInfo, and Scopus. Systematic reviews and randomized clinical trials (RCTs) were appraised by A Measurement Tool to Assess Systematic Reviews (AMSTAR) or Cochrane Risk of Bias tools. Recommendations were formed using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) framework and reported according to the Appraisal of Guidelines, Research, and Evaluation (AGREE) II instrument.
Sixteen systematic reviews and 27 RCTs met inclusion criteria. Quality varied. Three best-practice principles were supported for the 9 domains: (1) immediate referral for intervention after a diagnosis of high risk of CP, (2) building parental capacity for attachment, and (3) parental goal-setting at the commencement of intervention. Twenty-eight recommendations (24 for and 4 against) specific to the 9 domains are supported with key evidence: motor function (4 recommendations), cognitive skills (2), communication (7), eating and drinking (2), vision (4), sleep (7), tone (1), musculoskeletal health (2), and parent support (5).
When a child meets the criteria of high risk of CP, intervention should start as soon as possible. Parents want an early diagnosis and treatment and support implementation as soon as possible. Early intervention builds on a critical developmental time for plasticity of developing systems. Referrals for intervention across the 9 domains should be specific as per recommendations in this guideline.
Present knowledge of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) envelope immunobiology has been derived almost exclusively from analyses of subtype B viruses, yet such viruses represent only a ...minority of strains currently spreading worldwide. To generate a more representative panel of genetically diverse envelope genes, we PCR amplified, cloned, and sequenced complete gp160 coding regions of 35 primary (peripheral blood mononuclear cell-propagated) HIV-1 isolates collected at major epicenters of the current AIDS pandemic. Analysis of their deduced amino acid sequences revealed several important differences from prototypic subtype B strains, including changes in the number and distribution of cysteine residues, substantial length differences in hypervariable regions, and premature truncations in the gp41 domain. Moreover, transiently expressed glycoprotein precursor molecules varied considerably in both size and carbohydrate content. Phylogenetic analyses of full-length env sequences indicated that the panel included members of all major sequence subtypes of HIV-1 group M (clades A to G), as well as an intersubtype recombinant (F/B) from an infected individual in Brazil. In addition, all subtype E and three subtype G viruses initially classified on the basis of partial env sequences were found to cluster in subtype A in the 3' half of their gp41 coding region, suggesting that they are also recombinant. The biological activity of PCR-derived env genes was examined in a single-round virus infectivity assay. This analysis identified 20 clones, including 1 from each subtype (or recombinant), which expressed fully functional envelope glycoproteins. One of these, derived from a patient with rapid CD4 cell decline, contained an amino acid substitution in a highly conserved endocytosis signal (Y721C), as well as a premature truncation of its gp41 domain, which lacked 17 amino acids. Several other env constructs mediated virus entry with very poor efficiency, although they did not contain sequence changes predicted to alter protein function. These results indicate that the env genes of primary HIV-isolates collected worldwide can vary considerably in their genetic, phylogenetic, and biological properties. The panel of env constructs described here should prove valuable for future structure-function studies of naturally occurring envelope glycoproteins as well as AIDS vaccine development efforts targeted against a broader spectrum of viruses.
A 68-year-old white female presented with two years of progressively worsening dyspnea. Echocardiography revealed a large right atrial mass and partial obstruction of the inferior vena cava. Further ...imaging revealed a cystic dense mass in the inferior vena cava and right atrium. Immunohistochemical stains were consistent with leiomyosarcoma. Intraoperatively, the tumor was noted to originate from the posterior aspect of the inferior vena cava. The patient underwent successful resection of the mass. Adjuvant radiation therapy was completed. The patient's dyspnea gradually improved and she continues to remain disease free five years post-resection.
The use of ultrashort pulse lasers in medical treatments is increasing and is already an essential tool, particularly in the treatment of eyes, bones and skin. One of the main advantages of laser ...treatment is that it is fast and minimally invasive. Due to the interaction of ultrashort laser pulses with matter, X-rays can be generated during the laser ablation process. This is important not only for the safety of the patient, but also for the practitioner to ensure that the legally permissible dose is not exceeded. Although our results do not raise safety concerns for existing clinical applications, they might impact future developments at higher peak powers. In order to provide guidance to laser users in the medical field, this paper examines the X-ray emission spectra and dose of several biological materials and describes their dependence on the laser pulse energy.
We present here a new cosmetic formula system containing 3% ascorbic acid based on an optimized oil-in-water (O/W) emulsion. This formulation demonstrated a good long-term stability of the active ...ingredient and also of the emulsion itself. It could be deduced from in vitro release studies that this O/W emulsion enabled a better release of the hydrophilic active agent than an alternative W/O emulsion. By measuring the ultraweak photon emission, which is a well-established parameter for the oxidative stress in the skin, the high in vivo antioxidant capacity of 3% ascorbic acid was demonstrated after 1 week of product application. This placebo-controlled study also proved that ascorbic acid in an O/W cream reduced oxidative stress in human skin significantly better than the derivative sodium ascorbyl-2-phosphate, a more stable vitamin C replacement commonly used in cosmetic formulations. With increasing age, the number of papillae in the epidermal-dermal junction zone in human skin are reduced. This implies a possible consequence of reduced mechanical resistance of the skin and impaired supply of the epidermis with nutrients. In a 1-month placebo-controlled study on 25 human volunteers, a significant increase in the number of dermal papillae after application of the 3% ascorbic acid cream was demonstrated, using a confocal laser scanning microscope. Fine lines and wrinkles are a characteristic sign of aged and especially photo-aged skin. Application of 3% ascorbic acid in a 12-week placebo-controlled usage study indicated a significant reduction of facial wrinkles. Altogether, 3% ascorbic acid in a cosmetic O/W emulsion has been shown to be appropriately stable and to enable a good release of the active agent in vitro as a precondition for a high efficacy in vivo. Application in vivo resulted in a significant reduction of oxidative stress in the skin, an improvement of the epidermal-dermal microstructure and a reduction of fine lines and wrinkles in aged skin. These results were received within a relatively short period of time of product application.
An adventitious agent contamination occurred during a routine 9 CFR bovine viral screening test at BioReliance for an Eli Lilly Chinese Hamster Ovary (CHO) cell-derived Master Cell Bank (MCB) ...intended for biological production. Scientists from the sponsor (Eli Lilly and Company) and the testing service company (BioReliance) jointly conducted a systematic investigation in an attempt to determine the root cause of the contamination. Our investigation resulted in the identification of the viral nature of the contaminant. Subsequent experiments indicated that the viral contaminant was a non-enveloped and non-hemadsorbing virus. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) revealed that the viral contaminant was 25–30
nm in size and morphologically resembled viruses of the family
Picornaviridae. The contaminant virus was readily inactivated when exposed to acidic pH, suggesting that the viral contaminant was a member of rhinoviruses. Although incapable of infecting CHO cells, the viral contaminant replicated efficiently in Vero cell with a life cycle of ∼16
h. Our investigation provided compelling data demonstrating that the viral contaminant did not originate from the MCB. Instead, it was introduced into the process during cell passaging and a possible entry point was proposed. We identified the viral contaminant as an equine rhinitis A virus using molecular cloning and DNA sequencing. Finally, our investigation led us to conclude that the source of the viral contaminant was the equine serum added to the cell growth medium in the 9 CFR bovine virus test.
Introduction and PurposeRenal involvement impairs the outcome of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Renal biopsy is the gold standard of confirming the diagnosis of lupus nephritis but the ...assessment of reversibility and follow-up remain a challenge. In particular there is a need for non-invasive methods in situations of an unfavourable benefit/risk ratio (e.g., risk of bleeding, suspected minor changes). Non-contrast functional multiparametric MRI (mpMRI) can provide information on morphology, perfusion, and microstructure. Initial studies show changes in renal pathologies.1 Renal T1 mapping shows changes in acute kidney injury, but it also correlates with fibrosis and loss of function in chronic kidney disease.2, 3 The aim of this pilot study was to investigate the feasibility of mpMRI including T1 mapping, the latter not yet described in lupus nephritis.MethodsThe renal mpMRI protocol applied in this study includes techniques for non-contrast assessment of tissue perfusion (Arterial Spin Labeling; ASL), tissue oxygenation (Blood Oxygenation Level Dependent; BOLD) and tissue integrity and structure assessment techniques such as T1 mapping, the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) and fractional anisotropy (FA). We compared the renal mpMRI in three affected SLE patients with different states of renal involvement (active vs. former vs. no renal involvement): 1. Active LN IV/V (Creatinine 0.69 mg/dl, Proteinuria 3.2 g/g Creatinine, Erythrocyturia 201/µl, 70% dysmorphic erythrocytes). 2. Former LN III (2011) (2021: Creatinine 1.44 mg/dl, Proteinuria 0.26 g/g Creatinine, Erythrocyturia 26/µl). 3. SLE without evidence of renal involvement (Creatinine 0.77 mg/dl, Proteinuria <0.15 g/g Creatinine, Erythrocyturia 25/µl).ResultsCase 1 (active LN IV/V) shows a decrease in ADC as a possible sign of edema and a reduction in renal blood flow. Tissue oxygenation, as a possible correlate of active inflammation, is clearly increased. Cortical T1 times are strongly increased, which might be caused by edema.Case 2 (former LN III) shows reduced medullary FA as an indication of (chronic) tubular damage. Renal oxygenation is normal. Renal blood flow and ADC are slightly decreased, while T1 times are slightly increased, which might be expression of a fibrotic process.Case 3 (control) also shows reduced medullary FA, while other parameters are normal (figure 1).Abstract PO.5.118 Figure 1mpMRI images of a healthy control, a patient with active LN III and a patient with SLE without evidence of renal involvement. FA (fractional anisotrophy), ADC (apparent diffusion coefficient), ALS (arterial spin labelling), BOLD (blood oxygen level dependent)ConclusionsMultiparametric renal MRI of patients with LN shows differences in renal involvement and between acute and chronic manifestation. First examples of T1 mapping suggest applicability to this condition. Further studies are planned to establish this promising method in diagnosis, prognosis assessment and therapy control of renal involvement in SLE.Referencesdoi: 10.1016/j.mri.2015.06.019. Epub 2015 Jun 25. PMID: 26119419.doi: 10.1007/s00330-017-4943-4. Epub 2017 Jul 14. PMID: 28710580.doi: 10.1093/ndt/gfz129. PMID: 31257440; PMCID: PMC7282828.
To investigate the effect of renal denervation on office-based and 24-h ambulatory blood pressure measurements (ABPM) in a highly selective patient population with drug-resistant hypertension.
...Patients with drug resistant hypertension eligible for renal denervation were included in the study population. Office blood pressure and ABPM were assessed prior to and after renal denervation. To detect procedure related renal or renal artery damage, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and angiography (MRA) were performed pre-interventional, one day post-interventional, and one month after renal denervation.
Mean follow-up time between renal denervation and blood pressure re-assessment was 9.5 ± 3.9 months. Between August 2011 and March 2013, 17 patients prospectively underwent renal denervation. Pre-interventional mean office blood pressure and ABPM were 177.3 ± 20.3/103.8 ± 20.4 mmHg and 155.2 ± 20.5/93.7 ± 14.5 mmHg, respectively. Post-interventional, office blood pressure was significantly reduced to 144.7 ± 14.9/89.5 ± 12.1 (p < 0.05). ABPM values remained unchanged (147.9 ± 20.3/90.3 ± 15.6, p > 0.05). The number of prescribed antihypertensive drugs was unchanged after renal denervation (4.7 ± 2.0 vs. 4.2 ± 1.2, p = 0.18). No renovascular complications were detected in follow-up MRI.
After renal denervation, no significant decrease in ABPM was observed. These results may indicate a limited impact of renal denervation for drug resistant hypertension.
• Renal denervation showed no significant effects on 24-h ambulatory blood pressure measurements. • A significant decrease in office blood pressure measurements may be explained by a potential detection bias. • Renal artery alterations were not observed on follow-up MRI scans.
We report the first measurement of the full angular distribution for inclusive \(J/\psi\rightarrow\mu^{+}\mu^{-}\) decays in $p$$+$$p\( collisions at \)\sqrt{s}=510\( GeV. The measurements are made ...for \)J/\psi\( transverse momentum \)2<p_{T}<10\( GeV/\)c\( and rapidity \)1.2<y<2.2\( in the Helicity, Collins-Soper, and Gottfried-Jackson reference frames. In all frames the polar coefficient \)\lambda_{\theta}\( is strongly negative at low \)p_{T}\( and becomes close to zero at high \)p_{T}\(, while the azimuthal coefficient \)\lambda_{\phi}\( is close to zero at low \)p_{T}\(, and becomes slightly negative at higher \)p_{T}\(. The frame-independent coefficient \)\tilde{\lambda}\( is strongly negative at all \)p_{T}$ in all frames. The data are compared to the theoretical predictions provided by nonrelativistic quantum chromodynamics models.
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