CD66a (BGP, C-CAM) is an adhesion molecule of the carcinoembryonic antigen family that has been shown to be down-regulated in colorectal, prostate, and breast cancers. The purpose of the present ...study was to determine its expression pattern in the normal human endometrium and in endometrial neoplasia. For this purpose, we performed immunohistochemistry using the 4D1/C2 monoclonal antibody on a series of 24 normal endometrial samples and 47 endometrial carcinomas. Strong CD66a expression was observed in glandular and luminal epithelial cells of the normal endometrium with a consistent localization at the apical poles of these cells throughout the cycle. In late secretory (premenstrual) phase, loss of cellular polarity resulted in a membranous expression pattern in some glandular cells. In the analyzed tumor samples increasing areas with a complete loss of expression were observed with increasing malignancy grade. The apical expression pattern of the normal epithelium was changed to a membranous all-around pattern in 55% of the tumors, mostly in solid areas. This change correlated with malignancy grade and could be observed in 3 of 15 G1 tumors, 4 of 12 G2 tumors, 11 of 12 G3 tumors, and 8 of 8 serous-papillary carcinomas. Areas with membranous expression pattern could be observed along with areas with a normal apical expression pattern in lower grade carcinomas and with areas with complete loss of expression in high grade tumors. Northern blot analysis showed a loss of mRNA expression in tumor samples and HEC-1B endometrial adenocarcinoma cells. Loss of protein expression in the tumor samples was also observed by Western blot. In conclusion, CD66a protein expression is dysregulated in endometrial carcinomas, showing reduction or loss of expression with increasing malignancy grade and a change from the apical to a membranous localization.
In mechanically ventilated adults with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), peak airway pressures (Paw(peak)) above 35 cm H(2)O may increase the risk of barotrauma or volutrauma. Tracheal gas ...insufflation (TGI), an adjunctive ventilatory technique, may facilitate a reduction in set inspiratory pressure in these patients, and thereby in the tidal volume (VT) and Paw(peak) used in their ventilation, without a consequent increase in arterial carbon dioxide tension (PaCO(2)). The purpose of this study was to: (1) assess the limits of efficacy of continuous TGI at two levels of decreased mechanical ventilatory support; and (2) determine an appropriate time interval after initiation of TGI at which to evaluate response. We prospectively studied eight adults with ARDS and increased airway pressures (40.2 +/- 2.7 cm H(2)O) who were managed with pressure-control ventilation (PCV). After obtaining baseline ventilatory and hemodynamic measures, we initiated TGI at 10 L/min, adjusting ventilator positive-end expiratory pressure (PEEP) to maintain baseline VT, and decreased the set inspiratory pressure by 5 cm H(2)O. Data were obtained after 30 and 60 min. Set inspiratory pressure was then decreased by an additional 5 cm H(2)O (total: 10 cm H(2)O), and data were again obtained after 30 min. Baseline (zero TGI) measures were then again recorded. Thirty minutes after decreasing the set inspiratory pressure by 5 cm H(2)O with TGI at 10 L/min, there was a 15% decrease in Paw(peak) and a 16% decrease in VT as compared with their baseline values. However, Pa(CO(2)) remained constant (59 +/- 10 mm Hg versus 57 +/- 6 mm Hg) (p = NS). There was no change in Pa(O(2)) or in hemodynamic variables, and no differences between variables, at 30 min versus 60 min in seven subjects. The remaining subject did not tolerate the reduction in set inspiratory pressure for 60 min. Thirty minutes after the set inspiratory pressure was decreased by 10 cm H(2)O with TGI at 10 L/min, there was a 26% decrease in Paw(peak) and a 26% decrease in VT. However, Pa(CO(2)) increased by 19% and Pa(O(2)) decreased by 13%. Six subjects completed this phase of the protocol for 30 min, and one subject completed it for 60 min. TGI can be used to rapidly facilitate a 5 cm H(2)O reduction in set inspiratory pressure without an increase in Pa(CO(2)). The ability to achieve a 5 cm H(2)O reduction in set inspiratory pressure without adverse physiologic effects was evident within 30 min. Attempts to further reduce set inspiratory pressure were not successful.
We consider the quark-mass dependence of the baryon octet and decuplet ground state masses. It is predicted that QCD dynamics implies a first order transition when increasing the strange quark mass ...from its chiral limit towards its physical value. Our claim relies on a global fit to the available QCD lattice data on such baryon masses. Quantitative results based on an application of the chiral SU(3) Lagrangian at N
3
LO are discussed. We predict an anomalous sector of QCD where stable baryonic matter would be composed of
Λ
or
Λ
¯
particles rather than nucleons and anti-nucleons.
Analysis of the EBI/GeneBank(TM) data base using non-human hair keratin-associated protein (KAP) cDNA sequences as a query resulted in the identification of a first domain of high glycine-tyrosine ...and high sulfur KAP genes located on human chromosome 21q22.1. This domain, present on the DNA accession numbers and, was approximately 535 kb in size and contained 17 high glycine-tyrosine and 7 high sulfur KAP genes, as well as 9 KAP pseudogenes. Based on amino acid sequence comparisons of the encoded proteins, the KAP genes could be divided into seven high glycine-tyrosine gene families (KAP6-KAP8, and KAP19-KAP22) and four high sulfur gene families (KAP11, KAP13, KAP15, and KAP23). The high glycine-tyrosine genes described here appear to represent the complete set of this type of KAP genes present in the human genome. Both systematic cDNA isolation studies from an arrayed scalp cDNA library and in situ hybridization expression studies of all of the KAP genes identified in the 21q22.1 region revealed varying degrees and regions of expression of 11 members of the high tyrosine-glycine genes and 6 members of the high sulfur KAP genes in the hair forming compartment.
Objective The aim of this study was to determine the geometric accuracy of scans obtained with a newly developed cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) device in comparison with a multidetector row ...computed tomography (MDCT) scanner. Study design Cone-beam scans were obtained with the preretail version of a newly developed compact size device with a scan volume of 15 × 15 × 15 cm. Conventional CT scans for comparison were performed with a 6-detector row CT scanner. To determine distance accuracy, 100 measurements were performed on radiopaque markers on a dry human skull. To determine volume accuracy, 25 measurements were carried out on a geometric phantom. Commercially availables software was used for three-dimensional visualization and measurements on imaging data. Results Mean absolute measurement error (AME) for linear distances was 0.26 mm (±0.18 mm) for the CBCT device and 0.18 mm (±0.17 mm) for the MDCT device ( P = .196 in paired t test). The average absolute percentage error (APE) was 0.98% (±0.73%) and 1.26% (±1.50%), respectively ( P = .485 in paired t test). Linear regression analysis showed a positive correlation between AME and distance length ( R = 0.628; P = .004) for CBCT-based measurements. Average AME in volume measurements was 1.78 mL (±0.99 mL) for the CBCT device and 1.23 mL (±0.93 mL) for the MDCT device. The average APE was 6.01% (±1.49%) and 4.42% (±1.99%), respectively. Conclusions The results indicate that the evaluated cone-beam device provides satisfactory information about linear distances and volumes. Multidetector row computed tomography scans proved slightly more accurate in both measurement categories. The difference may be considered as not relevant for the majority of clinical applications.
We have re-analyzed the 6–12 μm ISO spectrum of the ultra-luminous infrared galaxy Arp 220 with the conclusion that it is not consistent with that of a scaled up version of a typical starburst. ...Instead, both template fitting with spectra of the galaxies NGC 4418 and M 83 and with dust models suggest that it is best represented by combinations of a typical starburst component, exhibiting PAH emission features, and a heavily absorbed dust continuum which contributes ~40% of the 6–12 μm flux and likely dominates the luminosity. Of particular significance relative to previous studies of Arp 220 is the fact that the emission feature at 7.7 μm comprises both PAH emission and a broader component resulting from ice and silicate absorption against a heavily absorbed continuum. Extinction to the PAH emitting source, however, appears to be relatively low. We tentatively associate the PAH emitting and heavily dust/ice absorbed components with the diffuse emission region and the two compact nuclei respectively identified by Soifer et al. (CITE) in their higher spatial resolution 10 μm study. Both the similarity of the absorbed continuum with that of the embedded Galactic protostars and results of the dust models imply that the embedded source(s) in Arp 220 could be powered by, albeit extremely dense, starburst activity. Due to the high extinction, it is not possible with the available data to exclude that AGN(s) also contribute some or all of the observed luminosity. In this case, however, the upper limit measured for its hard X-ray emission would require Arp 220 to be the most highly obscured AGN known.
To analyze the 10-year results of corneal collagen crosslinking (CXL) for keratoconus.
Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital, Dresden, Germany.
Retrospective interventional case series.
...The study included eyes treated for progressive keratoconus from 2000 to 2004. Corneal collagen crosslinking was performed by applying riboflavin and ultraviolet-A. The corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA), corneal topography, and endothelial cell count (ECC) were recorded preoperatively and 10 years postoperatively.
The study enrolled 24 patients (34 eyes). The mean age of the 18 men and 6 women was 28.4 years ± 7.3 (SD) and the mean follow-up, 131.9 ± 20.1 months. The mean apical keratometry (K) value was 61.5 diopters (D) preoperatively and 55.3 D 10 years postoperatively; the decrease was statistically significant (P<.001). The mean values for maximum K (53.2 D and 49.56 D, respectively) and minimum K (47.5 D and 45.5 D, respectively) were also significantly lower (P<.001). The preoperative and postoperative CDVA were statistically significantly different (P=.002). The mean CDVA improved by 0.14 logMAR over preoperatively; the change was statistically significant (P=.002). The ECC was unchanged.
Corneal CXL was effective in treating progressive keratoconus, achieving long-term stabilization of the condition. It was easy to perform, had a good safety profile, and reduced the need for corneal transplantation.
No author has a financial or proprietary interest in any material or method mentioned.
This study evaluates the results of the arterial switch operation for early total repair of double-outlet right ventricle with subpulmonary ventricular septal defect (the Taussig-Bing heart).
From ...1986 through April 2003, 27 patients with Taussig-Bing anomaly underwent arterial switch operation. Twenty patients were neonates (n = 11) or infants younger than 3 months (n = 9). Obstruction of aortic arch (n = 19) or subaortic right ventricular outflow tract obstruction (n = 20) and unusual coronary artery patterns (n = 19) were common. Total correction as a single procedure was performed in 21 patients. Events are depicted by Kaplan-Meier curves.
There was 1 patient hospital death at 2 months after repair. One patient died late that was not cardiac related. Survival was 92% ± 6% at 8 months and remained constant thereafter. Four patients underwent reoperation (1 for residual aortic arch obstruction and 3 for subvalvular and valvular pulmonary stenosis). Freedom from reoperation decreased to stabilize at 83% ± 8% after 2 years. The risk to have right ventricular outflow tract obstruction develop was 33% ± 10% at 1 year, increasing slowly and leveling out at 57% ± 12% at year 5 and thereafter. Statistical analysis revealed no significant risk factor for death or need for reoperation.
The Taussig-Bing anomaly should be corrected in the neonatal period or in early infancy by arterial switch operation, closure of the ventricular septal defect, and simultaneous correction of associated cardiovascular anomalies as a one-stage procedure. Right ventricular outflow tract obstruction often complicates the postoperative course and is the main cause for reintervention.
The balloon-borne cosmic-ray experiment CREAM-I (Cosmic-Ray Energetics And Mass) recently completed a successful 42-day flight during the 2004–2005 NASA/NSF/NSBF Antarctic expedition. CREAM-I ...combines an imaging calorimeter with charge detectors and a precision transition radiation detector (TRD). The TRD component of CREAM-I is targeted at measuring the energy of cosmic-ray particles with charges greater than
Z
∼
3. A central science goal of this effort is the determination of the ratio of secondary to primary nuclei at high energy. This measurement is crucial for the reconstruction of the propagation history of cosmic rays, and consequently for the determination of their source spectra. First scientific results from this instrument are presented.
ITER first wall Module 18—The US effort Nygren, R.E.; Ulrickson, M.A.; Tanaka, T.J. ...
Fusion engineering and design,
02/2006, Letnik:
81, Številka:
1
Journal Article, Conference Proceeding
Recenzirano
Odprti dostop
The US will supply outboard Module 18 for the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor. This module, radially thinner than other modules with a “nose” that curves radially outward to mate ...with the divertor, has the potential for high electromagnetic (EM) loads from vertical displacement events and high heat loads. The 316LN-IG shield block and first wall (FW) panels must be slotted to mitigate the EM loads and progress in developing the design is summarized. The FW has beryllium (Be) armor joined to a water-cooled CuCrZr heat sink with embedded 316LN-IG cooling channels. The US Team is considering possible fabrication methods as the design develops. Brief results of high heat flux experiments at Sandia on mockups with plasma-sprayed Be armor prepared at Los Alamos National Laboratory are noted.
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