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• The software supports space geodetic data processing, precise positioning and orbit determination, and multi-source fusion navigation. • The core computational engines are written using C++ language and apply efficiency optimization algorithms such as parallel computing, with modular structure, cross-platform capabilities and efficient performance. • The software provides both client and server functions for high-precision navigation services, and centimeter-level multi-source fusion navigation can be achieved in urban scenarios though the integrated system of PPP-RTK/MEMS/VIS/LiDAR. The software platform named GNSS + REsearch, Application and Teaching (GREAT) has been designed and developed by Wuhan University for satellite geodesy and multi-source fusion navigation. GREAT is a comprehensive software platform based on C++ language, with modular structure, cross-platform capabilities and efficient performance. The software mainly focuses on space geodetic data processing, precise positioning and orbit determination, and multi-source fusion navigation. With the integration of multiple space geodetic techniques at observation level, GREAT can achieve the determination of global geodetic parameters. Meanwhile, GREAT can also achieve real-time precise orbit and clock determination by processing GNSS data from globally distributed stations, and the accuracies are about 3–6 cm for orbit and 0.1–0.4 ns for clock. Based on high-precision orbit and clock products, centimeter-level onboard positioning accuracies can be achieved with PPP-RTK in open-sky scenarios. Furthermore, centimeter-level multi-source fusion navigation can be achieved in urban scenarios though the integrated system of PPP-RTK/MEMS/VIS/LiDAR. Additionally, efficiency optimization algorithms such as parallel computing are applied to enable the software to handle the data-intensive and calculation-intensive situations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article is devoted to the Savior of Europe, the owner of Zuhur, the greatest man of the XIV century, the owner of the golden statue - Amir Timur. World famous scholars recognized Amir Temur as the fair ruler, military politician, strong organizer of political and international relations and the founder of the strongest state in Central Asia and hey wrote numerous historical novels, poems, dramas and tragedies praising Amir Timur. The son of Ancient Samarkand (“Queen of the Earth”), Tеmurbek is regarded as a great commander and enlightener in France, Italy, Spain, England, Germany and Тurkey. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Folklore has been associated with stories and sayings due to it being a social adhesive that makes people together and shares their customs, traditions, conventions, and civilizations. The aim of this study is to illustrate the importance and significance of Iraqi folklore in terms of its precious, valuable, and wealthy information, particularly in Iraqi Literature and folkloric resources and inheritances. Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves" (Arabic: علي بابا والأربعون لصا) is a folk tale from the One Thousand and One Nights. The undoubted masterpiece of ancient Iraq - and one of the great works of world literature - is the Babylonian Epic of Gilgamesh. The Babylonian Epic of Gilgamesh is a long narrative poem that examines the universal human search for meaning and longing for life. It was originally the work of an anonymous Babylonian poet who lived in Iraq more than 3,700 years ago. He composed the epic in the Akkadian language, but the literary traditions of Gilgamesh also inform five shorter narrative poems in the Sumerian language, and these are even older. The study uses a qualitative and descriptive style and approach to illustrate the salience of Iraqi heritage and folkloristic information. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of the College Of Basic Education is the property of Republic of Iraq Ministry of Higher Education & Scientific Research (MOHESR) 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.)

Copyright of Journal Of Islamic Science College is the property of Republic of Iraq Ministry of Higher Education & Scientific Research (MOHESR) 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.)

Global Registry for Endovascular Aortic Treatment (GREAT) is an international prospective multicenter registry collecting real-world data on performance of W. L. Gore thoracic and abdominal aortic endografts. This analysis evaluated the long-term differences in patient survival and device performance in patients undergoing thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) for any thoracic aortic pathology. From August 2010 to October 2016, 5014 patients were enrolled in GREAT. The population of interest was comprised of only patients treated for thoracic aortic pathologies. Through 5 years, primary outcomes were all-cause and aortic-related mortality, stroke, aortic rupture, endoleaks, migration, fracture, compression, paraplegia, and any reintervention through 5 years, grouped by pathology. Secondary outcomes were reintervention rate and freedom from serious device- and aortic-related events. The 578 patients with thoracic aortic pathologies enrolled in GREAT and identified for this analysis were categorized by common pathologies: thoracic aneurysm (n = 239), thoracic dissection (n = 203), arch (n = 26), and other (n = 110). The mean age of this population was 66.1 ± 12.8 years, and 64.7% were male. Procedure survival was 99.7%. In the overall group, at index procedure to 30 days and 31 days to 5 years, Kaplan-Meier estimates of freedom from all-cause mortality were 99.6% and 66.4%, respectively, and for aortic-related mortality were 97.7% and 94.6%, respectively. Aortic rupture rate was 0.5% (n = 3) at 30 days and 1.4% (n = 8) through 5 years. Stroke and spinal cord ischemic events were 1.9% (n = 11) and 1.6% (n = 9) at 30 days and at 5 years were 3.6% (n = 20), 0.5% (n = 3), respectively. Reinterventions were required in 7.3% (n = 42) at 30 days and 12.4% (n = 69) through 5 years. The number of patients with endoleaks at 30 days was 2.1% (n = 12): n = 3 (1.1%) for each of types IA, 1B, and II; n = 2 (0.3%) for type III; and n = 4 (0.7%) for unspecified. Through 5 years, the percentage of patients was 8.3% (n = 40): n = 15 (3.1%) for type IA; n = 10 (2.1%) for type IB; n = 11 (2.3%) for type II; and n = 9 (1.9%) for unspecified. One patient (0.2%) had stent migration at 30 days (aneurysm group); none were reported through 5 years. There were no incidents of stent compression or fracture from index procedure through 5 years. Data herein demonstrates durability and support for treatment of thoracic aortic disease with the GORE TAG conformable thoracic stent graft, including no incidents of stent compression/fracture and high freedom from aortic-related mortality. The planned analysis of follow-up to 10 years in GREAT will be beneficial. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic, pruritic, inflammatory dermatosis that affects up to 25% of children and 2% to 3% of adults. This guideline addresses important clinical questions that arise in the management and care of AD, providing updated and expanded recommendations based on the available evidence. In this first of 4 sections, methods for the diagnosis and monitoring of disease, outcomes measures for assessment, and common clinical associations that affect patients with AD are discussed. Known risk factors for the development of disease are also reviewed.

Since its publication, F. Scott Fitzgerald's famous novel The Great Gatsby has been adapted several times, each one offering a distinct representation. The adaptations renew public fascination with Fitzgerald, his fiction, Jazz age fashion and music but also encourage viewers to reconsider their own conceptions of enigmatic Gatsby. But is the popularity of the novel and even its high reputation among literary academics a measure of its greatness? Despite the popularity of 1926, 1949, 1974 and 2013 films, critics maintain that the nuances of the novel are lost in the process of adaptation and even question whether the novel should be represented in another medium paving the way to put an effort of answering why the 'great' Gatsby never makes a great movie. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Heilongjiang University of Science & Technology is the property of Journal of Heilongjiang University of Science & Technology Editorial Department 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.)

Hammerhead sharks are among the most intriguing yet imperiled groups of large sharks globally. Until recently, our understanding of their biology, movements, diet, and life histories was challenged by a lack of studies. In recent years there has been a surge of published studies on this group of sharks, incorporating new information on age and growth, behavior, and the threats they face. Here we summarize and compare what is known on the biology and conservation of the three largest species of hammerhead sharks: the great hammerhead (Sphyrna mokarran), the scalloped hammerhead (Sphyrna lewini), and the smooth hammerhead (Sphyrna zygaena). We chose these species since they are the most well-studied of the hammerheads, and also because they are commonly captured in target and non-target fisheries worldwide. Thus, we also discuss population trends and the vulnerabilities of each species, and make recommendations for future studies on these fascinating and complex elasmobranch fishes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background The Gore Global Registry for Endovascular Aortic Treatment (GREAT) was designed to evaluate real-world outcomes after treatment with Gore aortic endografts used in a real-world, global setting. We retrospectively analyzed the GREAT data to evaluate the incidence and effects of noncylindrical neck anatomy in patients undergoing endovascular aortic aneurysm repair. Methods The present analysis included patients with data in the GREAT who had been treated with the EXCLUDER endograft from August 2010 to October 2016. A noncylindrical neck was defined when the proximal aortic landing zone diameter had changed ≥2 mm over the first 15 mm of the proximal landing zone, indicating a tapered, conical, or hourglass morphology. Cox multivariate regression analyses were performed for any reintervention (including reinterventions on aortic branch vessels), device-related reinterventions, and reintervention specifically for endoleak. Independent binary (cylindrical vs noncylindrical necks) and continuous (percentage of neck diameter change) variables were assessed. The abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) diameter, proximal neck length, maximal infrarenal neck angle, gender, and use of aortic extender cuffs were also assessed. Results Of 3077 GREAT patients with available proximal aortic landing zone diameter measurements available, 1765 were found to have cylindrical necks and 1312 had noncylindrical necks. The noncylindrical neck cohort had a significantly greater proportion of women (17.4% vs 12.6%; P <.001) and more severe infrarenal angulation (33.8° vs 28.4°; P <.001). A total 14.7% of noncylindrical neck patients and 11.2% cylindrical neck patients underwent implantation outside of the EXCLUDER instructions for use regarding the anatomic inclusion criteria (P =.004). The procedural characteristics were similar between the two cohorts; however, noncylindrical neck patients required significantly more aortic extender cuffs (P =.004). The average follow-up was 21.2 ± 17.5 months and 17.8 ± 15.8 months for the cylindrical and noncylindrical cohorts, respectively (P <.001). The Cox multivariate regression models demonstrated female gender and maximum AAA diameter were significant risk factors for subsequent reintervention (overall, device-related, and endoleak-specific). Women were 2.2 times as likely to require device-related intervention during the follow-up period compared with men (P <.001). Neck shape morphology was not a significant predictor, except for device-related intervention, for which cylindrical necks (binary definition) resulted in a slightly elevated risk (1.5 times; P =.03). Conclusions Noncylindrical neck morphology was more common in women and was associated with an increased use of aortic extender cuffs but did not increase the risk of intervention. Female gender and AAA diameter were associated with an increased need for reintervention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Objective The Global Registry for Endovascular Aortic Treatment (GREAT) is a prospective multicenter registry collecting real-world data on the performance of W. L. Gore (Flagstaff, Ariz) aortic endografts. The purpose of the present study was to analyze the implementation and outcomes of thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) in GREAT patients with type B aortic dissection (TBAD). Methods From 2010 to 2016, >5000 patients were enrolled in the GREAT from 113 centers in 14 countries across 4 continents. The study population comprised those treated for TBAD. The primary outcomes of interest were mortality and freedom from aortic events (AEs). Results A total of 264 patients (80% male; mean age, 62 years) underwent TEVAR for the treatment of 170 (64%) acute and 94 (36%) chronic cases of TBAD. Chronic TBAD patients required significantly longer endograft coverage than did acute TBAD patients (P =.05). Early postoperative complications occurred in 9% of patients, with no difference in chronic vs acute dissection (P =.11). The 30-day aortic mortality and all-cause mortality were 1.5% and 2.3%, respectively, with no differences based on chronicity. During a mean follow-up of 26 months, the total aortic mortality was 2.7% and the total all-cause mortality was 12.5%. The all-cause mortality was significantly greater for chronic vs acute TBAD (19.2% vs 8.8%, respectively; P =.02). On multivariate analysis, patients with acute uncomplicated dissections had significantly improved overall survival compared with all other categories of dissections (93% vs 83% at 2 years; P <.05). A proximal landing zone diameter >40 mm was associated with an increased risk of retrograde type A dissection (18% vs 2%; P =.02). Patients undergoing left subclavian artery (LSA) coverage experienced a twofold greater rate of AEs compared with noncoverage patients (P <.01). Patients who underwent LSA revascularization experienced a 1.5-fold greater rate of AEs compared with patients covered without revascularization (P =.04). Conclusions TEVAR for TBAD using the conformable GORE TAG thoracic endoprosthesis device can be performed with a low incidence of aortic mortality and complications. Acute uncomplicated TBAD patients had a significantly lower mortality rate than that of other patients. Larger proximal landing zones were associated with more frequent retrograde type A dissection. LSA involvement (coverage and/or revascularization) was associated with an increased risk of AEs during follow-up. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Milano‐Retinex is a family of Retinex‐inspired spatial colour algorithms mainly developed for colour image enhancement. According to the Retinex theory, a Milano‐Retinex algorithm takes as input an RGB image and processes the colour intensities of each pixel (i.e. the target) based on the spatial distribution of the colour intensities sampled in a surrounding region. The output is an RGB image, with locally adjusted colours and contrast. In Milano‐Retinex family, different ways of spatial sampling are implemented. This study reviews and compares these sampling characteristics within a group of Milano‐Retinex algorithms developed in the last decade, from Random Spray Retinex (2007) to the gradient‐based colour sampling schemes GREAT and GRASS (2017). Instead of exploring the target neighbourhood by random paths as the original Retinex algorithm does, these methods consider sets of pixels, randomly or deterministically defined, including all the image pixels or a part of them, such as random sprays or image edges. They replace the ratio‐reset‐threshold‐product‐average mechanism of the original Retinex with equations re‐working maximal intensities over the sampled sets. The performance of these approaches is compared with more than 200 images of indoor and outdoor scenes, captured by commercial cameras under several different conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The impact of sex on outcomes of thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) represents an area of increased interest over the last decade, and long-term data are lacking. The aim of the present study was to investigate sex-related differences in long-term outcomes after TEVAR using real-world data from the Global Registry for Endovascular Aortic Treatment. Data were obtained retrospectively after querying the multicenter, sponsored Global Registry for Endovascular Aortic Treatment. Patients treated with TEVAR between December 2010 and January 2021 were selected regardless of the type of thoracic aortic disease. The primary outcome was sex-specific all-cause mortality at 5 years and maximum follow-up. Secondary outcomes were sex-specific all-cause mortality at 30 days and 1 year, and aorta-related mortality, major adverse cardiac events, neurological complications, and device-related complications or reinterventions at 30 days, 1 year, 5 years, and maximum follow-up. A total of 805 patients were analyzed; 535 (66.5%) were males. Females were older (median, 66 years [interquartile range (IQR), 57-75 years] vs 69 years [IQR, 59-78 years], P <.001). Males had more frequently a history of coronary artery bypass grafting and renal insufficiency (8.7% vs 3.7% [ P =.010] and 22.4% vs 11.6% [ P <.001]). The median follow-up was 3.46 years (IQR, 1.49-4.99 years) for males and 3.18 years (IQR, 1.29-4.86 years) for females. Indications for TEVAR were mostly descending thoracic aortic aneurysms (n = 307 [38.1%]) type B aortic dissections (n = 250 [31.1%]) or others (n = 248 [30.8%]). Freedom from 5-year all-cause mortality was similar for males and females (67% [95% CI, 62.1-72.2] vs 65.9% [95% CI, 58.5-74.2]; P =.847), and there were no differences in secondary outcomes. Multivariable Cox regression showed females to have lower all-cause mortality rates; however, this difference did not reach statistical significance (hazard ratio, 0.97; 95% CI, 0.72-1.30; P =.834). Additional subgroup analyses based on the indication for TEVAR did not identify differences between both sexes for the primary and secondary outcomes except more endoleak type II in females with complicated type B aortic dissection (1.8% vs 12.1%; P =.023). The present analysis suggests that long-term outcomes of TEVAR performed irrespective of the type of aortic disease are similar for males and females. Further studies are needed to clarify existing controversies regarding the impact of sex on outcomes of TEVAR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research intended to identify leadership skills in Game Based Learning (GBL) context that were developed in the project GREAT implementation. This project was developed within an international partnership including Portugal, Austria, Italy, Romania and Turkey and the main product was a GBL course. The course and the learning process was supported on the SimCity Social game. The trainees had to assume the Mayor role with the goal to construct and manage a city with 5000 inhabitants, assuming a leadership style encouraging the collaboration of the others trainees to accomplish their the learning goals. The main findings of this research were the diverse skills of leadership that emerged from the reflections of the trainees on the discussion forums about the game situations and the analogy they made to real life in organisations.

Introduction: This review aims to provide information on return rates and times to sport following stress fractures of the great toe sesamoids (SFGTSs). Sources of data: A systematic search of CINAHAL, Cochrane, EMBASE, Google Scholar, Medline, PEDro, Scopus, SPORTDiscus and Web of Science was performed using the keywords 'stress', 'fractures', 'great', 'toe', 'sesamoid', 'athletes', 'sports', 'non-operative', 'conservative','operative' and 'return to sport'. Areas of agreement: Fourteen studies were included: three studies reported on the outcome of conservatively-managed SFGTSs; thirteen studies reported on the outcome of surgically-managed SFGTSs. The management principles were to attempt conservative management for 2-6 months using activity modification, analgesia, orthotics and physiotherapy; if symptoms persisted following this, surgical management was to be recommended, either with internal fixation or sesamoidectomy. Areas of controversy: The optimal treatment modalities for SFGTSs remain to be defined. Growing points: Internal fixation shows the best return to full-level sport rates with low rates of complications. Areas timely for developing research: Future prospective studies should aim to establish the optimal treatment modalities for SFGTSs [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present here the concept for a new experimental test of the Weak Equivalence Principle (WEP) carried out in the gravity field of the Sun. The WEP, stating the independence of the gravitational acceleration a body is subject to from its mass and composition, is at the basis of general relativity theory and more in general of metric theories of gravitation. It is therefore very important to test it to the precision allowable by current technology. The experiment here proposed aims at measuring the relative acceleration of two test masses in free fall, searching for a possible violation of the WEP, which would show up as a non-zero acceleration signal. The core of the experiment is constituted by a differential accelerometer with zero baseline, whose central elements are two test masses of different materials. This differential accelerometer is placed on a pendulum, in such a way as to make the common center of mass coincident with the center of mass of the pendulum itself. Ensuring a very precise centering, such a system should provide a high degree of attenuation of the local seismic noise, which — together with an integration time of the order of tens of days — would allow a test of the WEP with an accuracy improved by at least an order of magnitude with respect to the best measurements achieved so far. One of the strengths of this proposal is the know-how acquired from a previous study and technology development (GReAT: General Relativity Accuracy Test) that involved a test of the WEP in the gravity field of the Earth, in free fall inside a co-moving capsule released from a stratospheric balloon. The concept of the experiment is introduced, with particular attention to the differential accelerometer and its accommodation on the pendulum. A preliminary estimate of the attainable precision is given, along with a critical analysis of the associated challenges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Movement of the first metatarsophalangeal joint is an essential function of many sports. Because of the high demand on this relatively small joint, it is prone to the development of several notable pathologic derangements that can prevent full and pain-free athletic performance. A complete understanding of the joint anatomy and a careful physical examination and history collection is crucial to identifying an accurate diagnosis. Treatment should be pathology specific and should keep in mind the career expectations of the athlete., Competing Interests: Disclosure The authors have nothing to disclose., (Copyright © 2022 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

The U.S.–China relationship will be of profound consequence to the geopolitics of the twenty-first century. Recognizing the propensity for rising powers to come into conflict with established great powers, China has proposed a “New Type of Great Power Relations” in hopes of avoiding conflict with the United States. While officials in Beijing and Washington appear to be comfortable with the label, the concept's lack of substantive recommendations for engagement severely limits its strategic impact. Given that the potential for cooperation, competition, and conflict largely stems from U.S.–China interaction in the global commons, this article calls for both sides to jointly develop a common conceptual basis to improve cooperation and to manage areas of disagreement. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

This paper aims to study the word qä†ön, whose usual meaning, since the translations into Portuguese, is "small". The article is developed from an exegesis of the text of Deuteronomy 1:17 and a comparative study with Exodus 23:2,3 and Leviticus 19:15, in order to clearly identify who is the qä†ön of Deuteronomy 1:17. The article deals with the litigation and the possibility of unjust preference in the justice, either in favor qä†ön either in favor of Gädöl ("great"). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: If ever a field needed remodelling, it is medicine. Chaotic, inefficient, and often ineffective, health care is dying for innovation. Innovation and medicine go together. Today, innovation in medical technologies is about to take off. In next few years, medical technology innovations will fundamentally transform health care delivery system, too. Nowadays, there is an enthusiasm to deliver breakthrough medical inventions that can eliminate the potential for errors, improve the quality of healthcare delivery and save lives. This review article attempts to describe how innovation in medicine can be considered as a revolution in healthcare helping to extend lives of people. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Vlastela (noblemen) was the term that designated the privileged class in mediaeval Serbia. The etymology comes from the word vlast (power), so vlastela (singular = vlastelin) are those who have a power over another category of persons. The high social position of the noblemen (vlastela) could be clearly seen out of the legal documents, wherein the sovereign always mentioned the noblemen beside his relatives. The noblemen are mentioned in the sources among the court dignitaries as well. The nobles in mediaeval Serbia were not a homogeneous class. Their ethnic origin, social, political and economic position were different and therefore they could be devided into several groups. All those persons that Serbian rulers called „my royal (or imperial) noblemen" (vlastela kraljevstva or carstva mi) were not always Serbs. Among the noblemen there were different nations, such as Greeks (Byzantines), Germans, Albanians, Latins, etc. In Serbian Mediaeval State, the difference made between noblemen on the basis of their social, political and economic position was much more important than the one made on the basis of their origin. Some lords belonged to the Church while most of them were worldly noblemen. According their political and economic power the sources are speaking about the great, small and lesser lords. And finally, some lords have got their manors as a hereditary estate and some as a fief. Using all those criteria we can divide the noblemen class in tree basic groups: a) ecclesiastical and worldly lords (crkvena i svetovna vlastela), b) great, small and lesser lords (velika vlastela, mala vlastela i vlasteličići), and c) hereditary estate holders and fief holders (vlastela baštinici i vlastela pronijari). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The 1.9THz local-oscillator (LO) of the GREAT heterodyne receiver is presented. The LO is based on a frequency tripled backward-wave oscillator source. The frequency stabilization system is described and an astigmatic imaging system, developed for improved beam coupling, is presented. Allan variances and temperature dependent power drifts are analyzed. The LO is designed as a stand-alone system and fits into GREAT’s local-oscillator compartments. It produces more than 1.5μW of stable output power to pump the hot electron bolometer mixers of the GREAT instrument. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Insulin-like factor 3 (INSL3) affects testicular descent. Mutations in the INSL3 gene or its receptor, LGR8/GREAT, can cause cryptorchidism. Expression of LGR8/GREAT in different tissues and production of INSL3 by adult-type Leydig cells suggest additional roles for this hormonal system in adults. We used a novel radioimmunoassay kit to measure INSL3 concentrations in the serum of normal men and those with different testicular pathologies. We demonstrate that INSL3 circulates in adult men and is almost exclusively of testicular origin. Subjects with severe testicular damage (infertility) produce small amounts of INSL3, and concentrations of this hormone seem to reflect the functional status of the Leydig cells. Analysis of men treated with different combinations of hormones of the hypothalamus-pituitary-testis axis suggests that the production of INSL3 is related to the luteinizing hormone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cryptorchidism is the most frequent congenital anomaly of the urogenital tract In human males. INSL3 and LGR8/GREAT proteins seem to act as ligand and receptor respectively, and to have a role in gubernaculum development involved in testicular descent. Mutations in the INSL3 gene or LGR8/GREAT were found to be associated with cryptorchidism in humans. In a cohort of 135 ex-cryptorchid patients and 100 controls, mutations were sought in INSL3 and LCRH/GREAT genes by sequencing. Six patients were found with mutations in the INSU gene and four patients with LGR8/GREAT mutation (10/135. 7.4%). The 10 patients show different phenotypes, ranging from normozoospcrmla to complete azoospermia, and from bilateral cryptorchidism to retractile testes. Furthermore, the endocrine function of the testis appeared normal in all subjects. These findings demonstrate that INSL3-LGR8/GREAT mutations are frequently associated with human cryptorchidism. and that the only clinical consequence of alterations of the INSL3-LGR8/GREAT system seems to be failure of the testis to descend normally in the scrotum during embryonic development, without affecting the spermatogenic and endocrine components of the testis itself. The first analysis in humans of INSL3 was then performed using a novel radioimmunoassay kit to measure INSL3 concentrations in scrum of adults. The results show that INSL3 circulates in adult men, it is a male-specific hormone, and it is of almost exclusively testicular origin. The role of this hormonal system in adulthood is, however, to date unknown. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alexander the Great died in 323 B.C. from an unknown cause. Physical depictions of this historical figure reveal the likelihood of a cervical scoliotic deformity. This is substantiated with the medical history and is correlated with his untimely death. For the first time, it is concluded that Alexander's death may have ensued from the sequelae of a congenital scoliotic syndrome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to review published reports on the epidemiology of primary brain tumours in adults and present the body of knowledge related to these tumours in Great Britain and Ireland. A literature search of all published epidemiological data on brain tumours was conducted in Pre-Medline, Medline, Embase and the Cochrane databases from 1966 to the present. A hand search of all the references alluded to was conducted and older studies identified. The articles were reviewed and tabulated. The papers were subjected to descriptive analysis. Information available to the public and held with the Cancer Registries was reviewed, and cross-referenced with published evidence. To our knowledge, only seven papers have discussed the epidemiology of primary brain tumours in adults. The different methodology of the population-based studies of brain tumours and the different time periods they investigated makes them incomparable. Two papers with comprehensive and detailed strategies for case ascertainment have both recorded tumour incidences of 21 per 100,000 person years. The results of the better studies are at variance with reports from the Cancer Registries. On the basis of the current studies, Cancer Registries appear to under-estimate the incidence of such tumours in adults. It is apparent that a significant number of tumours especially benign varieties are not recorded by some Cancer Registries. The previous estimates, patterns of incidence, prevalence, and survival of brain tumours in Great Britain and Ireland, may thus be incorrect. Patterns of primary brain tumours in adults have not been widely reported in GB and Ireland and the aetiology remains largely unknown. The need for current estimation of geographical and secular variations was identified. This demands closer co-operation between medical and allied staff, and the Cancer Registries. Prospective regional studies of incidence patterns and up to date epidemiological appraisal is deemed necessary. Meanwhile, Cancer Registries should seriously consider the inclusion of all primary brain tumours in their database. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acanthoplacatus gen. nov., a new genus of viviparous gyrodactylid, is described from the fins and skin of siganid fishes from the Great Barrier Reef, Australia. The genus is characterized by a muscular, tube-like haptor with 16 marginal hooks on the posterior margin. The ventral lobe of the haptor is located anteriorly relative to the dorsal lobe and contains a pair of hamuli and a ventral bar with posteriorly-projecting ventral bar membrane. A dorsal bar is absent. Five pairs of posterior gland cells surround the posterior terminations of the gut. The male copulatory organ is a muscular, non-eversible bulb with several spines around the distal opening. Species of Acanthoplacatus have a bilateral excretory system consisting of six pairs of flame cells and a pair of excretory bladders. Seven new species are described: Acanthoplacatus adlardi sp. nov. and A. amplihamus sp. nov. from Siganus punctatus (Forster, 1801), A. brauni sp. nov. from S. corallinus (Valenciennes, 1835), A. parvihamus sp. nov. from S. vulpinus (Schlegel and Mueller, 1845), A. puelli sp. nov. from S. puellus Schlegel, 1852, A. shieldsi sp. nov. from S. lineatus (Valenciennes, 1835) and A. sigani sp. nov. from S. fuscescens (Houttuyn, 1782). Species can be discriminated by shape and size of the hamuli, marginal hooks and ventral bar and by male copulatory organ sclerite morphology. Three species (A. brauni sp. nov., A. shieldsi sp. nov. and A. sigani sp. nov.) were assessed for seasonal variation of sclerite size. Ten of thirteen morphological characters showed seasonal variation in size for at least one of the species. The characters were longer in winter except dorsal root tissue cap width. Only one character, marginal hook length, showed significant seasonal variation for all three species. Species of Acanthoplacatus were observed to attach using only the marginal hooks and the role of hamuli in attachment is unclear. The dorsal fin of the host is the preferred site for most species but the anal fin, caudal fin and body surfaces are preferred by some species. Prevalences for species range from 57 to 100%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Endovascular therapy for the management of aortic pathology in patients with degenerative connective tissue disorder (DCTD) is controversial. Current guidelines are based on a paucity of literature and registry data are lacking. This study reports on medium term outcomes of patients with diagnosed DCTD compared to those without DCTD who were included in the W.L. Gore Global Registry for Endovascular Aortic Treatment (GREAT)., Methods: Patients included in the GREAT registry who underwent treatment for any thoracic or abdominal aortic pathology were included and grouped according to the presence or absence of a DCTD. Baseline demographic and procedural data were collected as well as data relating to key outcomes within 5 years follow-up, including all-cause mortality, aortic-related mortality, reinterventions and serious adverse events (SAE). Multivariable Cox proportional hazards models were built to determine if any association existed between the presence of DCTD and any key outcomes., Results: The analysis included 92 (1.9%) with DCTD and 4741 (98.1%) without DCTD. Patients with DCTD were more likely to be female (34.8% vs. 18.5%, P < .0001) and younger (66.8 [15.1] vs. 71.7 [10.3] years, P = .013) than those without DCTD. They were also more likely to have had prior aortic intervention (22.8% vs. 13.9%, P = .015) and an associated branch vessel procedure with the index operation (30.3% vs. 18.6%, P = .005). The majority of reinterventions in both groups occurred within the first 2 years and multivariable models demonstrated that the presence of DCTD was not predictive of all-cause mortality, aortic-related mortality, reinterventions or SAE within 5 years., Conclusions: Within the limitations of registry data, this work demonstrates the medium term safety and durability of endovascular stent-grafts across a spectrum of aortic pathology in some patients with DCTD. More work is required to determine the applicability of these findings to specific sub-types of DCTD and aortic pathology., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest RM is a paid consultant for WL Gore, (Copyright © 2021 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Alexander the Great died in 323 B.C. from an unknown cause. By elucidating the nature of his death, we can better interpret various aspects of Alexandrian history. Alexander's death may have ensued from the sequelae of a congenital scoliotic syndrome. It would therefore be of significance to note that one of the greatest leaders in history who conquered much of the then known world may have been suffering from a physical disability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is important to have clear goals for treating inflammatory bowel disease in clinical practice and in research. Conventional end points for trials in ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease have been based on composite indices, such as the Mayo Clinic Score and the Crohn’s Disease Activity Index; these indices incorporate symptoms, signs, and findings from laboratory tests and sometimes endoscopic assessments. Although definitions of clinical response and remission have been based on these indices for regulatory purposes, they are difficult to apply to practice because they are complex and not intuitive to clinicians. This has caused a disconnect between clinical trials and practice. Recently, the use of composite indices in trials has been reevaluated in Food and Drug Administration–sponsored Gastroenterology Regulatory Endpoints and the Advancement of Therapeutics workshops due to concerns about the validity of the indices. Alternative measures of outcome and definitions of response are being developed. Patient-reported outcomes are psychometric instruments created and defined by patients to quantify symptoms. A combination of end points, comprising patient-reported outcomes and objective evaluation of inflammation by endoscopy, offers a clinically meaningful and scientifically valid alternative to existing composite indices. Unlike composite indices, response definitions based on endoscopy and patient-reported outcomes can be readily applied in practice. This convergence of outcome assessment in clinical trials and practice could expedite implementation of “treat-to-target” algorithms, in which therapy is progressively intensified until a specific treatment goal is reached. This approach could improve patient care by reducing rates of disease-related complications, surgery, and hospitalization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The signaling cascade of the transcription factor vitamin D receptor (VDR) is triggered by its specific ligand 1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1α,25(OH)2D3). In this study we demonstrate that in THP-1 human monocytic leukemia cells 87.4% of the 1034 most prominent genome-wide VDR binding sites co-localize with loci of open chromatin. At 165 of them 1α,25(OH)2D3 strongly increases chromatin accessibility and has at further 217 sites weaker effects. Interestingly, VDR binding sites in 1α,25(OH)2D3-responsive chromatin regions are far more often composed of direct repeats with 3 intervening nucleotides (DR3s) than those in ligand insensitive regions. DR3-containing VDR sites are enriched in the neighborhood of genes that are involved in controling cellular growth, while non-DR3 VDR binding is often found close to genes related to immunity. At the example of six early VDR target genes we show that the slope of their 1α,25(OH)2D3-induced transcription correlates with the basal chromatin accessibility of their major VDR binding regions. However, the chromatin loci controlling these genes are indistinguishable in their VDR association kinetics. Taken together, ligand responsive chromatin loci represent dynamically regulated contact points of VDR with the genome, from where it controls early 1α,25(OH)2D3 target genes., (© 2013.)