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Background: The main challenge in the management of indeterminate incidentally discovered adrenal tumours is to differentiate benign from malignant lesions. In the absence of clear signs of invasion or metastases, imaging techniques do not always precisely define the nature of the mass. The present pilot study aimed to determine whether radiomics may predict malignancy in adrenocortical tumours. Methods: CT images in unenhanced, arterial, and venous phases from 19 patients who had undergone resection of adrenocortical tumours and a cohort who had undergone surveillance for at least 5 years for incidentalomas were reviewed. A volume of interest was drawn for each lesion using dedicated software, and, for each phase, first-order (histogram) and second-order (grey-level colour matrix and run-length matrix) radiological features were extracted. Data were revised by an unsupervised machine learning approach using the K-means clustering technique. Results: Of operated patients, nine had non-functional adenoma and 10 carcinoma. There were 11 patients in the surveillance group. Two first-order features in unenhanced CT and one in arterial CT, and 14 second-order parameters in unenhanced and venous CT and 10 second-order features in arterial CT, were able to differentiate adrenocortical carcinoma from adenoma (P < 0.050). After excluding two malignant outliers, the unsupervised machine learning approach correctly predicted malignancy in seven of eight adrenocortical carcinomas in all phases. Conclusion: Radiomics with CT texture analysis was able to discriminate malignant from benign adrenocortical tumours, even by an unsupervised machine learning approach, in nearly all patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Rhodococcus equi is a well‐recognized Gram‐positive intracellular facultative bacterium that is opportunistic in nature, which causes pyogranulomatous infections in humans and multiple host animals. The pathogenicity of the microorganism has been attributed to the presence of plasmid‐encoded virulence‐associated proteins (Vap). To date, three host‐associated virulence plasmid types of R. equi have been identified as follows: the circular pVAPA and pVAPB, related, respectively, to equine and porcine isolates, and a recently described linear pVAPN plasmid associated with bovine strains, although these three types are found in human isolates. Recent phylogenomic studies support the evidence that human R. equi infection is zoonotically acquired. Nevertheless, data regarding distribution and prevalence of the host‐adapted virulence plasmid types of R. equi isolated from meat animals are scarce or unnoticed. Here, the three host‐associated virulence plasmid types (pVAPA, pVAPB, and pVAPN) were investigated in 154 R. equi isolates recovered from lymph nodes of cattle with lymphadenitis (n = 31), faeces of cattle without enteric signs (n = 49), as well as different clinical specimens from human patients (n = 74). The analysis of virulence profile of 74 R. equi from humans revealed six (8.1%) isolates pVAPB (type 8), two (2.7%) pVAPN, and one (1.3%) pVAPB (type 11), all of which were from lung samples from people living with HIV/AIDS. From the lymph node samples of cattle, 41.9% (13 of 31) isolates revealed pVAPN type, whereas all isolates from faecal samples were negative for three host‐associated types. Here, recently described bovine‐associated pVAPN type was detected in R. equi isolates recovered from the lungs of people living with HIV/AIDS and lymph nodes from slaughtered cattle intended for human consumption; a finding that represents a public health concern, mainly in countries where undercooked or raw meat are traditionally consumed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Analogs of pralidoxime, which is a commercial antidote for intoxication from neurotoxic organophosphorus compounds, were designed, synthesized, characterized, and tested as potential inhibitors or reactivators of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) using the Ellman’s test, nuclear magnetic resonance, and molecular modeling. These analogs include 1-methylpyridine-2-carboxaldehyde hydrazone, 1-methylpyridine-2-carboxaldehyde guanylhydrazone, and six other guanylhydrazones obtained from different benzaldehydes. The results indicate that all compounds are weak AChE reactivators but relatively good AChE inhibitors. The most effective AChE inhibitor discovered was the guanylhydrazone derived from 2,4-dinitrobenzaldehyde and was compared with tacrine, displaying similar activity to this reference material. These results indicate that guanylhydrazones as well as future similar derivatives may function as drugs for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Copyright of Cuadernos del Centro de Estudios de Diseño y Comunicación is the property of Cuadernos del Centro de Estudios de Diseno y Comunicacion and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Background and Objective The evidence of effectiveness of metronidazole ( Mtz) as an adjunct therapy to periodontal procedure in the treatment of patients with chronic periodontitis is not conclusive. The aim of this study was to compare the effect of Mtz (delivered locally as a gel or systemically as a tablet) as an adjunctive therapy with full mouth periodontal debridement (1 h of ultrasonic calculus/plaque removal) in smokers with chronic periodontitis. Material and Methods This pilot study involved 30 smokers with at least six teeth with a clinical attachment loss of ≥ 5 mm and probing pocket depth ( PPD) of ≥ 5 mm. They were randomly assigned into one of three groups ( n = 10): (i) 3 g daily of placebo gel applied topically (using a dental tray with the gel overnight) + periodontal debridement; (ii) 3 g daily of a 15% Mtz benzoate gel applied topically (using a dental tray with the gel overnight) + periodontal debridement; and (iii) a daily single dose of 750 mg Mtz (Flagyl®) + periodontal debridement. Clinical parameters (visible plaque index, gingival bleeding index [ GBI], relative attachment level and PPD) and quantitative analysis (by real-time polymerase chain reaction) of Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, Porphyromonas gingivalis and Tannerella forsythia were assessed at baseline and at 1, 3 and 6 mo after periodontal debridement. Results There was no statistically significant difference in the average GBI and visible plaque index values at baseline between the groups ( p ≥ 0.05). There was no significant difference between groups in all parameters evaluated ( p ≥ 0.05). Significant reductions in GBI at 3 and 6 mo were observed in all groups ( p < 0.05). Significant reductions in both PPD and relative attachment level at 1, 3 and 6 mo were observed in all groups ( p < 0.05). Significant reductions in bacterial levels at 7 and 30 d were observed in all groups ( p < 0.05). Conclusion Adjunctive use of Mtz (gel or tablet) to periodontal debridement had similar clinical and microbiological improvement compared to treatment with placebo + periodontal debridement in smokers with chronic periodontitis up to 6 mo post-treatment. Further studies are necessary to confirm the clinical relevance of these findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The structure and the spatio-temporal dynamics of the mixed beech–silver fir–Norway spruce old-growth forest of Biogradska Gora (Montenegro) have been analysed at different spatial scales: at the landscape scale, using a high-resolution SPOT5 satellite image and at the stand level with an intensive field survey. This remote-sensing approach has been used to obtain a land cover map in order to define the main vegetation types and to detect the large canopy gaps (>150 m2). The structural characteristics have been delineated in a 50-ha study area in which a regular 120-m grid was superimposed over a 1:10,000 raster map and 30 sampling points have been obtained. The forest is characterized by a high volume of living trees (1029.6 m3 ha− 1) and coarse woody debris (420.4 m3 ha− 1) and by small-scale disturbances (individual trees to small groups) with a low incidence of intermediate disturbances (18 forest canopy gaps>150 m2over 1230 ha). The two approaches have proved useful to delineate the spatio-temporal dynamics. The Biogradska Gora forest dynamics are dominated by very small-scale processes, which are partially autogenic and partially caused by allogenic factors. The influence of large-scale or intermediate disturbances has shown to be negligible. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Key message: In the inner-Alpine Aosta Valley, severe growth reductions occurred in Scots pine stands during 1987-1993 and 2003-2005. Trees more sensitive to May precipitation exhibited stronger growth decline during these periods. Abstract: Over the last decades, Scots pine ( Pinus sylvestris L.) decline has involved large areas in the European Alps. Although the species is supposed to be drought resistant, increased temperatures and droughts are often indicated as predisposing causes of the decline. Nevertheless, the exact climate conditions that initiate the decline, and the reasons why they differentially affect individual trees, are largely unknown. Our aims were to identify climate constraints on Scots pine growth, and elucidate the effect of individual characteristics, such as tree age, size, crown condition, mistletoe occurrence, competition, and sensitivity to climate, on tree growth decline and recovery after repeated climatic stress. We analysed 232 trees in four second-growth stands located at 985-1350 m a.s.l. in the inner-Alpine Aosta Valley, NW Italy. Multi-year growth declines, occurred in 1987-1993 and 2003-2005, were related to repeated May precipitation shortage, while temperatures and summer precipitations played a minor role. Growth decline was stronger in the stand at lower elevation and with higher competition intensity. At the individual scale, trees more sensitive to May precipitation exhibited lower growth rates during both dry periods, but not a faster recovery. In the lower elevation stand, tree growth decline was significantly related to both crown transparency and mistletoe abundance, which was almost absent in the other stands. We conclude that future variations in the spring precipitation regime could threaten Scots pine more than warming per se, in inner-Alpine valleys around 1000-1400 m a.s.l. Still, different individual sensitivity to precipitation will likely result in patchy patterns of healthy and declining trees within the same stand. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Malignant syphilis is an uncommon, but not unknown, ulcerative variation of secondary syphilis. The lesions typically begin as papules, which quickly evolve to pustules and then to ulcers with elevated edges and central necrosis. It is usually, but not mandatory, found in patients with some level of immunosuppression, such as HIV patients, when the TCD4 cell count is >200 cells/mm. Despite the anxiety the lesions cause, this form of the disease has a good prognosis. The general symptoms disappear right after the beginning of treatment, and lesions disappear over a variable period. This study reports the case of a 27-year-old man who has been HIV positive for 6 years, uses antiretroviral therapy incorrectly, has a TCD4 cell count of 340 cells/mm, a VDRL of 1:128 and itchy disseminated hyperchromic maculopapular lesions with rupioid crusts compatible with malignant syphilis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In dry, inner-alpine valleys, regeneration of Scots pine after large, high-severity fires is limited by seed dispersal distance. When dispersal limitations are relaxed (small fires), colonization dynamics of Scots pine remain unclear. Our aims were (1) to assess the regeneration niche of Scots pine seedlings following small fires in a dry, inner-alpine valley and (2) to measure the influence of competition, drought, fertility, and soil pH on pine colonization. We sampled pine seedlings in six high-severity fires (1962–2006), where distance from the unburned edge was < 60 m. We modeled seedling density as a function of topography and soil cover by means of generalized linear models. Ellenberg indicator values (EIVs) for light, moisture, soil pH, and fertility were computed from vegetation sampling at each plot, and used as additional predictors of seedling density. Pine colonization was initially slow due to drought, and peaked 16 years after fire. The inclusion of EIV provided +31% of explained deviance in models of seedling density. Herb cover and soil moisture were the most important predictors. Scots pine regenerates successfully following small, high-severity fires, albeit slowly due to unfavorable water balance. Hence, restoration by artificial regeneration may not be necessary when seed dispersal is not limiting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report a case of a young man with hypoplastic right ventricle, who presented with recurrent untreatable arrhythmias after a Bjork Fontan procedure in infancy. He underwent one-and-a-half ventricle repair as an alternative surgery to Fontan revision. doi: 10.1111/jocs.12410 (J Card Surg 2014;29:832-835) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of La Radiologia Medica is the property of Springer Nature and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

It is unclear whether revascularization of renal artery stenosis (RAS) by means of percutaneous renal angioplasty and stenting (PTRAS) is advantageous over optimal medical therapy. Hence, we designed a randomized clinical trial based on an optimized patient selection strategy and hard experimental endpoints. Primary objective of this study is to determine whether PTRAS is superior or equivalent to optimal medical treatment for preserving glomerular filtration rate (GFR) in the ischemic kidney as assessed by 99mTcDTPA sequential renal scintiscan. Secondary objectives of this study are to establish whether the two treatments are equivalent in lowering blood pressure, preserving overall renal function and regressing target organ damage, preventing cardiovascular events and improving quality of life. The study is designed as a prospective multicentre randomized, un-blinded two-arm study. Eligible patients will have clinical and angio-CT evidence of RAS. Inclusion criteria is RAS affecting the main renal artery or its major branches either >70% or, if <70, with post-stenotic dilatation. Renal function will be assessed with 99mTc-DTPA renal scintigraphy. Patients will be randomized to either arms considering both resistance index value in the ischemic kidney and the presence of unilateral/bilateral stenosis. Primary experimental endpoint will be the GFR of the ischemic kidney, assessed as quantitative variable by 99TcDTPA, and the loss of ischemic kidney defined as a categorical variable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is estimated that as many as 90% of people with multiple sclerosis (MS) experience some type of urinary disturbance over the course of the disease. The importance of an interdisciplinary approach is crucial in the management of a symptom requiring the involvement of different professionals, with specific expertise in evaluation and treatment. The MS nurse is perhaps the professional most likely to be in a position to initiate the process of identifying urological dysfunction. The evaluation can be started by reviewing symptoms recorded in the patient's medical records over time. Along with the use of a urinary diary and a check of the patient's post-void residual at the time of each visit, this can aid the MS nurse in recognising which urinary dysfunction could be affecting the patient. The MS nurse can also have an important role in teaching the patient behaviour strategies that aid in both evaluating and treating urinary dysfunction. Finally, the MS nurse can be the primary instructor of techniques related to intermittent catheterisation procedures. A new topic highlighting the ever-developing role of the MS nurse is in the field of rehabilitation. This article highlights urinary symptoms experienced by people with MS and strategies used for treating them. The role of the MS nurse in managing urinary dysfunction is also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The antimicrobial activity of two garlic clones’ (1: purple and 2: white) crude extracts against oral microbiota was evaluated in vitro (study 1) and in vivo (study 2). Study 1 consisted of the evaluation of minimum inhibitory (MIC) and bactericidal (MBC) concentrations against nine streptococci strains. In study 2, a 2.5% garlic (clone 2) solution was used as a mouthwash in a 5-week study by 30 subjects. Blood agar and Mitis Salivarius Bacitracin agar were inoculated with subjects’ saliva to quantify oral microorganisms and mutans streptococci. Study 1 showed MIC ranging from 0.5 to 32.0 mg ml−1 for clone 2 and from 8 to 64.0 mg ml−1 for clone 1. MBC ranged from 1.0 to 128.0 mg ml−1 and from 8.0 to 128.0 mg ml−1 regarding clones 2 and 1 respectively. Study 2 showed that 2.5% garlic mouthwash solution had good antimicrobial activity against mutans streptococci and oral microorganisms. Maintenance of reduced salivary levels of streptococci was observed after 2 weeks at the end of mouthwash use. Unpleasant taste (100%), halitosis (90%) and nausea (30%) were reported by subjects after the end of the study. It was concluded that the garlic clones have antimicrobial properties in vitro against streptococci and anticariogenic properties against oral microorganism in spite of its adverse effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Canadian Journal of Forest Research is the property of Canadian Science Publishing and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Summary 1 Part of the forest reserve established in Paneveggio Forest (Trento, Italy) in 1992 has been allowed to evolve without human intervention. Inside this reserve, two 1-ha long-term monitoring plots were established in subalpine multi-layered forest stands. 2 To investigate the origin, spatio-temporal development and disturbance history of these plots, the present study combined dendroecological tree ring analysis with historical evidence. 3 One stand (VB3) had an uneven-aged population in which the oldest trees were more than 400 years old. Regeneration has been continuous both in time and space over the last three centuries, during which time the stand has been affected regularly by disturbances. This supports the information from historical documents, suggesting that a selection system was carried out in this area. 4 The second stand (BDO) also had an uneven-aged population, with trees up to 397 years old. Although this plot too had been affected quite regularly by disturbances, massive regeneration occurred only after 1920, suggesting that the land might previously have been exploited as pasture. 5 Despite their relatively similar structures, the two plots developed in entirely different ways. Our study confirmed that biological data can be used to identify the occurrence and intensity of prior localized disturbances in forest stands, but the precise causes of the disturbances can be determined only by comparing biological data and historical records. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

1. Three permanent plots (100 x 0 m) were established in the subalpine Norway spruce (Picea abies (L.) Karst.) forest of Paneveggio in the spring of 1993, to begin a long-term forest ecosystem research project. The main purpose of these plots was to provide information about subalpine Norway spruce stand dynamics and to provide suggestions for close-to-nature silviculture. 2. The three stands were selected to represent the most common forest structures in the Paneveggio forest. The first stand is close to forestry roads, has a relatively regular and continuous canopy, and thinning and cutting operations only ended in the 1980s; the second stand is far from forest roads and has developed without anthropogenic influence for several decades; the third one is located at the present upper limit of the pure spruce forest and, apparently, was heavily used in the past as a pasture. 3. The first step in the investigation was to describe the structure and to study the history of the three stands using both written evidence from management plans and biological archives from tree rings. 4. The stands in plots 1 and 2 began to establish after a disturbance that removed part of the previous stands according to dendroecological studies, which are partially supported by written evidence. The remaining parts of these stands were eliminated by two major disturbances that occurred during the following decades. Written records about the use of the forest lead us to assume that the initial disturbances that occurred in the two stands were logging activities as a part of a group shelterwood system. The stand in plot 2 has developed without significant human interference for about half a century as confirmed by the presence of many dead trees. The stand in plot 3 consists of old trees that were part of an open stand and a secondary population that established after cessation of grazing. 5. The study has confirmed that dendroecological techniques can be used to identify occurrence and... [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The antibody response against the H-2.2 specificity has been studied in three H-2strains, B10.D2, DBA/2, and BALB/c, and their hybrids (B10.D2 × DBA/2)F and (B10.D2 × BALB/c)F. The genetic control of the response appears to be complex: The three pure strains are responders, whereas both hybrids when immunized with C3H-HTG are nonresponders. Individual analysis of N3 offspring is compatible with the idea that, in this combination, an Ea-4 incompatibility between donor and immunized strain is necessary for the anti-H-2.2 response to occur. H-2 /H-2 hybrids (B10.BR × B10.D2)F or (B10.BR × DBA/2)F are responders when immunized with C57BL/10 ( H-2) but not with B10.A(2R) ( H-2), indicating that simultaneously recognized H-2 specificities are necessary for the anti-H-2.2 response. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The incidence of type I (insulin-dependent) diabetes was determined in the district of Catania (eastern Sicily) in children under 15 years of age over a 3-year period (1 January 1989 to 31 December 1991). Two independent sources of information were used. The primary source was contact with all medical services in the province, and the secondary source was the personal identification cards issued to all diabetic patients by the National Health System necessary for obtaining free medical care. The information obtained was 99.6% complete. The overall incidence was 10.2/10 per year. This study provides the first standardized data on the incidence of type I diabetes in Sicily and is consistent with the possibility of regional deviations from the proposed north to south gradient. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Universitas Odontológica is the property of Pontificia Universidad Javeriana and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

National Forest Inventories are the most complete source of information on forests, and are also a potential important tool for assess and monitoring status and trends in forest biodiversity, Nevertheless, according to Chirici et al., the current inventories have some limitations and should be improved mainly to increase the harmonisation of the field protocols and to enhance the collection of non-tree forest information that are important for the biodiversity assessment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]