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A meningioma is a rare primary CNS tumor that tends to present more so in females in a slowly progressive fashion. The cavernous sinus and cerebellopontine angle are uncommon locations for meningiomas. We present a case of a meningioma in a 60-year-old female presenting to the emergency department for a sudden onset headache, vertigo, facial paresthesias, and chest pain. Inpatient workup revealed orthostatic hypotension, a meningioma spanning from the left cavernous sinus to the left cerebellopontine angle encasing the left cavernous internal carotid artery on MRI and CTA, and an incidental 12 mm calcified fibroadenoma on CT. Hospital course consisted of supportive treatment, physical rehabilitation, and review of previous imaging to determine need for intervention per consultants’ recommendations. The patient was discharged with an antiplatelet, an antihistamine, appropriate additional medications, a vestibular therapy script, and outpatient referrals for a decision regarding surveillance and intervention. Overall, this case describes some key points. It demonstrates that cavernous sinus and cerebellopontine angle meningiomas can occur simultaneously, especially as a continuous mass, which very few cases have done so far. It also highlights an acute clinical presentation of a meningioma, contrary to the gradually progressive one observed in most instances. Last, but not least, it shows how nonspecific symptoms can lead to unique findings at times.

Exact knowledge of wind energy potential is a fundamental issue in wind energy utilization. The vertical changes in wind speeds, that is, the wind profile, have a predominant impact on the wind energy available at a location because the kinetic energy of moving air is proportional to the square of the wind speed. Roughness describes the resistance of a 3D surface to moving air. The exponent α of the power law of Hellmann and the roughness length (z0) are two parameters that describe the effects of the roughness of the surface on the wind profile. They can be used for the vertical extrapolation of wind speeds. The exponent α can be determined using multiple height level wind speed measurement data, whereas a reliable technique for the calculation of the roughness length requires detailed knowledge of the 3D geometry of the measurement site. In the present study, the exponent α was calculated based on SODAR wind speed measurements, while (z0) was determined using a combination of GIS and UAS-based aerial survey methods. Wind speeds measured at 50 m were extrapolated for height levels of 80, 90, 100, 110, and 120 m using dynamic power law exponent values. Wind power was determined using the power law (method V1), roughness length (method V2), frequency distribution (method W-RF), and gamma distribution (method W-G), and Windographer software was compared to the values calculated from the empirical (measured) wind speeds. A comparative statistical analysis of the datasets of the power law and roughness length methods on monthly/diurnal, annual/diurnal, and month/direction contexts showed no significant differences at all height levels. Differences can be detected in the distribution of the signs of the differences at heights of 80 and 120 m for the entire dataset. Underestimation was dominant with a significant frequency (over 70 %) in the case of both methods and heights. There were no significant differences between the wind power estimations provided by the different methods, and all the methods involved in the study underestimated the wind speeds and wind energy potential for each height level. Methods V1 and V2 can be used alternatively, depending on the input data available for analysis. The major advantage of method V2 is that it provides the same accuracy as V1, which requires a UAS-based aerial survey at the beginning, but continuous wind measurements must be performed at a lower height only. This means that there is no need for a high measurement tower, which makes the measurements simpler, more cost-effective, and causes much less disturbance to the environment. Another important advantage of the methods presented here is that they use a dynamic approach of power law exponent values that provide a more realistic estimation of wind speed and energy on a diurnal scale.

In Nigeria, 86 million people lack electricity access, the highest number worldwide, predominantly in rural areas. Despite government efforts, constrained budgets necessitate private investors, who, without adequate incentives, are hesitant to commit capital due to perceived high risks. This study identifies three existing incentive policies—concessionary loans, capital subsidy, and financing productive use equipment—aimed at promoting rural electrification in Nigeria. Employing geospatial and regulatory analyses, we evaluate their impact on electrification planning across 22,696 population clusters. While all incentives encourage mini-grids and stand-alone systems, results show varied impacts, predominantly favouring mini-grids. Under the baseline, grid extension is optimal for 66% of clusters, followed by mini-grids (27%) and stand-alone systems (7%). Concessionary loans boost mini-grid and Stand-Alone Systems shares by 10% and 5%, respectively. Capital subsidies increase the mini-grid share to 41%, surpassing concessional loans (37%). Financing productive equipment enhances Stand-Alone Systems and mini-grid shares to 15% and 43%. Incentives impact LCOE, CAPEX, and OPEX, with average LCOE reducing to 0.31 EUR/kWh (concessionary loans), 0.30 EUR/kWh (capital subsidy), and 0.27 EUR/kWh (financing productive use). Financing productive uses proves decisively more effective in lowering costs for mini-grids and stand-alone systems than loans or capital subsidies. The important policy implications of this study reinforce the need for tailored incentives for distinct electrification options.

Duckweeds (Lemnaceae) rapidly produce clonal populations that make them ideal models in plant physiological and ecotoxicological research. Yet, despite their genetic homogeneity, duckweed colonies are clusters of successively produced fronds with different ontogenetic states, and this heterogeneity has rarely been studied. We analyzed frond-level photosynthetic responses of three duckweed species (Spirodela polyrhiza, Landoltia punctata and Lemna minor) to hexavalent chromium and nickel by means of chlorophyll fluorescence imaging. Our aim was to test whether fronds, or frond zones in their different developmental stages respond differently to heavy metal stress. Different response patterns were found for the three tested species. Young fronds of S. polyrhiza were more sensitive to chromate but less affected by nickel compared to mature ones, while in La. punctata the opposite was found. In Le. minor cultures, young fronds were more sensitive to both heavy metals compared to mature ones. Within-frond patterns indicated that chromate inhibited the marginal frond regions strongest. In La. punctata and Le. minor, nickel was most detrimental in the developing frond regions. In contrast, in S. polyrhiza the middle zone of both young and mature fronds was affected strongest by nickel. The observed patterns suggest that internal redistribution of toxicants plays a key role in shaping duckweed responses.Results highlight that ontogenetically different parts of duckweed plants respond differently to environmental stimuli. Since duckweed-based impact studies and economical applications rely strongly on the interactions between the duckweed colony and its environment, frond-, and within-frond level analysis of duckweed responses comprise a unique tool to reveal uptake, re-distribution and mode of action of environmentally relevant substances.

In this article we present datasets used for the construction of a composite indicator, the Social Clean Energy Access (Social CEA) Index, presented in detail in [1]. This article consists of comprehensive social development data related to electricity access, collected from several sources, and processed according to the methodology described in [1]. The new composite index includs 24 indicators capturing the status of the social dimensions related to electricity access for 35 SSA countries. The development of the Social CEA Index was supported by an extensive review of the literature about electricity access and social development which led to the selection of its indicators. The structure was evaluated for its soundness using correlational assessments and principal component analyses. The raw data provided allow stakeholders to focus on specific country indicators and to observe how scores on these indicators contributed to a country overall rank. The Social CEA Index also allows to understand the number of best performing countries (out of a total of 35) for each indicator. This allows different stakeholders to identify which the weakest dimensions are of social development and thus help in addressing priorities for action for funding towards specific electrification projects. The data can be used to assign weights according to stakeholders’ specific requirements. Finally, the dataset can be used for the case of Ghana to monitor the Social CEA Index progress over time through a dimension's breakdown approach.

Unrecorded alcohol has been linked to illness above and beyond that caused by ethanol alone because of the presence of toxic contaminants. While it can be found in all countries, consumption is high in Albania, where it is frequently consumed as a fruit brandy known as rakia. Among the contaminants identified previously in such products, metals including lead have been detected at levels posing a risk to health but there is little information on their presence in rakia. To fill this gap, we measured the level of ethanol and 24 elements among them toxic metals in 30 Albanian rakia samples. We found that 63.3% of rakia samples had ethanol concentration above 40% v/v. We also showed that there was a significant difference between the measured [mean: 46.7% v/v, interquartile range (IQR): 43.4–52.1% v/v] and reported (mean: 18.9% v/v, IQR: 17.0–20.0% v/v) concentrations of ethanol in rakia. Among the metals detected, aluminium, copper, iron, manganese, lead, and zinc were present in rakia samples at concentrations ranging between 0.013 and 0.866 mg/l of pure alcohol (pa), 0.025–31.629 mg/l of pa, 0.004–1.173 mg/l of pa, 0.185–45.244 mg/l of pa, 0.044–1.337 mg/l of pa, and 0.004–10.156 mg/l of pa, respectively. Copper and lead were found to be the greatest concern posing a potential public health risk. Although the estimated daily intake of these heavy metals from unrecorded rakia was below their toxicological threshold, the concentrations of lead and copper exceeded their limit value of 0.2 and 2.0 mg/l of pa specified for spirits in 33% and 90% of samples, respectively. Therefore, the possibility of adverse health effects cannot be excluded completely. Our findings highlight the need for action by policymakers against the risks posed by these products in Albania.

Renewable energy sources are can play an important role both in fulfilling the increasing demands for energy and in reduction of the emissions of the greenhouse gases and other air pollutants. For these reasons their energy yield increases dynamically. Renewable energy sources are available in different ratios in different regions of the continents. Every regions has its own features what result in different utilisation methods. This paper presents a solar energy potential estimating model what can be used at any locations over the Earth. Examinations were carried out on a remote controlled system composed of 64 solar panels in the Renewable Energy Park Research Center in Debrecen, Hungary. Results revealed that the agreement between the model and the values in our database is over 90% thus using the model the production of the solar panel systems could be predicted taking into account specific local conditions as well.

Currently the most widespread way of reporting in radiology is dictation mainly due to performance benefits. The output of this method is plain text, which varies in style (structure, nomenclature, abbreviations, etc.) and content between doctors even when reporting the exact same case. Templated radiology provides a structure for reporting and aims to help in generating more unified reports. We propose a web-based system for creating and using radiological structured reporting templates.We developed our software based on web technologies. We wrote the system with modular design in mind. We have separate libraries for the different functionalities: a rendering library which renders the templates based on a schema, an editor library which handles template creation, and an evaluator library, which parses, and executes our custom domain specific language, FormScript, which enables dynamic behavior in our templates. We also developed a Single Page Application to create, browse, use and share templating reports. The backend of the application is powered by Firebase from Google.We deployed our system at a publicly accessible domain at https://app.radiosheets.com.

To date, mammographic involvement in mixed connective tissue disease has not been described in the literature to the authors’ knowledge. In addition, only 2 case reports have described panniculitis in mixed connective tissue disease. We present a patient with mixed connective tissue disease with coarse sheet-like calcifications on mammography bilaterally, which increased over time corresponding to rise in levels of anti-dsDNA. Biopsy showed fat necrosis with calcifications, chronic inflammation and fibrosis, vasculitis, as well as CD3, CD4, and CD8+ T cells and CD20+ B cells. These findings are similar histologically and mammographically to “lupus mastitis.” Keywords: MCTD, Mixed connective tissue disease, Mastitis, Lupus mastitis, MCTD panniculitis, Mammography

Babesia gibsoni is considered as an emerging protozoan parasite of dogs in North America and Europe. However, no data have been published on its prevalence, molecular-phylogenetic characteristics and associated co-infections in dogs used for illegal fighting (i.e. predisposed to acquiring this piroplasm via biting) in Europe. In this study, blood samples from 79 American Staffordshire Terrier dogs, confiscated for illegal dog fights, were molecularly analyzed for tick-borne pathogens. Babesia gibsoni was detected in 32 dogs, i.e. with a prevalence of 40.5%. In addition, Babesia vulpes was found in 8 samples (prevalence of 10.1%), for the first time in dogs in Hungary. Canine hemoplasmas were also identified in 49 samples (62%): only Mycoplasma haemocanis in 32 (40.5%) dogs, only “Candidatus Mycoplasma haematoparvum” in 9 (11.4%) dogs, and both hemoplasmas in 8 (10.1%) dogs. Thus, hemoplasma infections also showed a particularly high prevalence in this dog population. Based on a partial fragment of the 18S rRNA gene, B. gibsoni from Hungary exhibited complete sequence identity with conspecific strains reported from Europe and Asia. The cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (cox1) gene sequence of this isolate showed the closest identity with B. gibsoni reported from Japan but had a nonsynonymous mutation (M33I). Furthermore, the 11 B. gibsoni-positive samples analyzed for sequence variants of the cytochrome b (cytb) gene showed the presence of a common mutation (P310S). Most importantly, B. gibsoni had two further nonsynonymous mutations, M121I and F258L, in a dog with severe and relapsing anemia following atovaquone treatment. Phylogenetically, both cytb sequence variants clustered together, with a clear geographical pattern showing the closest relationship of both haplotypes identified in Hungary with those from China and Japan. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first cox1 and cytb characterization of B. gibsoni in Europe, as well as the first report on the emergence of this piroplasm and hemoplasmas with high prevalence among “fighting dogs” north of the Mediterranean Basin.

The responses to adenosine were studied on isolated, methacholine-precontracted tracheal strips of guinea pigs in the course of long-term caffeine or solvent treatment. Guinea pigs were fed caffeine for 10 weeks (average serum caffeine concentration: 39.1 ± 3.9 µM). In epithelium-intact tracheal preparations (EITPs), sensititization to adenosine-induced relaxation (AIR) developed. It attained a maximum in week 1 of caffeine treatment, and then its level diminished and disappeared completely by weeks 4 – 6. In epithelium-denuded tracheal preparations (EDTPs), an increase in the sensitivity to adenosine was observed from week 1 to week 10 (a 4 – 6-fold reduction in EC50). Use of a coaxial bioassay system confirmed the role of epithelium in this process. The enhancement of the AIR of the EITPs was not modified by inhibitors of cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase. Following depletion of the neuropeptides by acute capsaicin pretreatment, the AIR of the EITPs was strongly enhanced after caffeine treatment for 6 weeks. In chronically caffeine-treated EITPs, the inhibition of neutral endopeptidase led to dramatic reduction of the AIR. On the basis of the results by inhibiting nitric oxide synthase, it can be supposed that nitric oxide released from EITPs of long-lasting caffeine-treated animals operated as a constrictor agent. Our results show that chronic caffeine treatment gives rise to an initial sensitization to adenosine of the EITPs, this being followed by the development of a specific adaptive process in the epithelial cells, which counterbalances the increased tracheal sensitivity to adenosine. Keywords:: adenosine, chronic caffeine treatment, trachea, epithelium

Background IL-6 is a pro-inflammatory cytokine which has many well-defined effects. Its synthesis and release from mononuclear cells of drug-sensitized patients was related before to in vitro drug-allergy diagnostics but has not yet been studied in detail.Methods The specific release of preformed IL-6 from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) after 20 minutes incubation with 0.15–0.5 μM of pure drugs was measured in two groups of drug-allergy suspected donors (159) and respective controls (48). IL-6, TNF-alpha, IL-2, IL-4, IFN-gamma have been measured from cell supernatants by ELISA or by cytometric bead assay. Epicutaneous, intradermal and systemic provocation tests were performed to prove or disprove culprit substances (203 in vivo against 482 in vitro tests). T-test (paired and unpaired); chi2 contingency table; Z statistics and McNemar’s test were used to evaluate results.Results Concanavalin A as positive control released IL-6 from PBMC in linear concentration and exponential time dependent fashion (up to 60 minutes) pointing to the existence of a preformed pool of this cytokine.Preformed IL-6 released at any of 4 standard drug dilutions tested, above 50% over their diluents’ levels significantly correlated with the patients’ history on drug-induced hypersensitivity symptoms and with in vivo tests.Sensitivity of 85.4% and specificity of 82.4% of the IL-6 release assay were found. The 20′ drop in release of TNF-alpha had no diagnostic importance; it has accompanied increased IL-6 release. IL-2, IL-4 and IFN-gamma were undetectable in 20 minutes supernatants. IL-6 release depended on the clinical phenotype but not on the eliciting drug(s) in the molecular mass range of 76–4000 Da. Reactivity of mononuclear cells at the lowest or at multiple drug test concentrations reflected clinical severity per diagnoses and according to area of skin involvement.Conclusion This rapid test is applicable to detect a wide scale of drug hypersensitivity. Keywords: IL-6, TNF-alpha, T-lymphocytes, Drug-induced skin injury, Adverse drug reactions, Preformed cytokines’ release

This case report aimed to describe a rare benign mandibular tumour and assess the outcomes of the most recent reviews, between January 2017 and August 2023. Presenting a detailed clinical case, this study advances our understanding of the diagnostic and therapeutic aspects, ultimately improving the management of similar cases in clinical practice. Orthopantomogram (OPG) revealed a well-defined unilocular radiolucency extending from the midline of the ramus and teeth 47 and 48 were submerged at the base of the mandible. In the presented case, a PLANMECA ROMEXIS PROMAX® three-dimensional (3D) maximum (MAX) cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) device was used for the 3D examination. An intraoral approach was preferred and the tumour was removed in toto by creating a bone window using a W&H® Dentalwerk Bürmoos GmbH Piezomed piezoelectric device, and the bone plates were fixed with 4 MEDARTIS® microplates, with a primary flap closure. A PANORAMIC 1000, 3DHISTECH Ltd® device was employed for the histological investigation. Odontogenic tumours are rare and typically asymptomatic, often discovered incidentally during routine radiographic examinations. Most of these benign lesions heal well after complete excision and require long-term follow-up. Once diagnosed, ameloblastic fibroma (AF) should be treated immediately to avoid malignant transformation., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare no conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2024 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.)

Objective: Increasing evidence suggests that the seizure-onset pattern (SOP) in stereo-electroencephalography (SEEG) is important for localizing the "true" seizure onset. Specifically, SOPs with low-voltage fast activity (LVFA) are associated with seizure-free outcome (Engel I). However, several classifications and various terms corresponding to the same pattern have been reported, challenging its use in clinical practice., Method: Following the Preferred Reporting Items of Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guideline, we performed a systematic review of studies describing SOPs along with accompanying figures depicting the reported SOP in SEEG., Results: Of 1799 studies, 22 met the selection criteria. Among the various SOPs, we observed that the terminology for low frequency periodic spikes exhibited the most variability, whereas LVFA is the most frequently used term of this pattern. Some SOP terms were inconsistent with standard EEG terminology. Finally, there was a significant but weak association between presence of LVFA and seizure-free outcome., Conclusion: Divergent terms were used to describe the same SOPs and some of these terms showed inconsistencies with the standard EEG terminology. Additionally, our results confirmed the link between patterns with LVFA and seizure-free outcomes. However, this association was not strong., Significance: These results underline the need for standardization of SEEG terminology., (Copyright © 2024 International Federation of Clinical Neurophysiology. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

A meningioma is a rare primary CNS tumor that tends to present more so in females in a slowly progressive fashion. The cavernous sinus and cerebellopontine angle are uncommon locations for meningiomas. We present a case of a meningioma in a 60-year-old female presenting to the emergency department for a sudden onset headache, vertigo, facial paresthesias, and chest pain. Inpatient workup revealed orthostatic hypotension, a meningioma spanning from the left cavernous sinus to the left cerebellopontine angle encasing the left cavernous internal carotid artery on MRI and CTA, and an incidental 12 mm calcified fibroadenoma on CT. Hospital course consisted of supportive treatment, physical rehabilitation, and review of previous imaging to determine need for intervention per consultants' recommendations. The patient was discharged with an antiplatelet, an antihistamine, appropriate additional medications, a vestibular therapy script, and outpatient referrals for a decision regarding surveillance and intervention. Overall, this case describes some key points. It demonstrates that cavernous sinus and cerebellopontine angle meningiomas can occur simultaneously, especially as a continuous mass, which very few cases have done so far. It also highlights an acute clinical presentation of a meningioma, contrary to the gradually progressive one observed in most instances. Last, but not least, it shows how nonspecific symptoms can lead to unique findings at times., (© 2024 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. on behalf of University of Washington.)

Classical Coulombic interaction, characterized by electrostatic interactions mediated through surface charges, is often regarded as the primary determinant in nanoparticles' (NPs) cellular association and internalization. However, the intricate physicochemical properties of particle surfaces, biomolecular coronas, and cell surfaces defy this oversimplified perspective. Moreover, the nanometrological techniques employed to characterize NPs in complex physiological fluids often exhibit limited accuracy and reproducibility. A more comprehensive understanding of nanoparticle-cell membrane interactions, extending beyond attractive forces between oppositely charged surfaces, necessitates the establishment of databases through rigorous physical, chemical, and biological characterization supported by nanoscale analytics. Additionally, computational approaches, such as in silico modeling and machine learning, play a crucial role in unraveling the complexities of these interactions., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Seasonal influenza A virus (IAV) infections still pose a major burden for public health worldwide. Severe disease progression or even death is often related to superinfections of the virus and a secondary bacterial pathogen. However, fungi, especially Aspergillus fumigatus, are also frequently diagnosed during IAV infection. Although, clinical studies have reported the severity of influenza-associated pulmonary aspergillosis, the molecular mechanisms underlying this type of disease are poorly understood. Here, a new in vitro model is introduced that allows the investigation of complex pathogen-host and pathogen-pathogen interactions during coinfection of lung epithelial cells with IAV and A. fumigatus. Our data reveal a reduced IAV load and IAV-induced cytokine and chemokine expression in the presence of A. fumigatus. At the same time, IAV infection promotes the growth of A. fumigatus. Even in the absence of the human host cell, purified IAV particles are able to induce hyphal growth, due to a direct interaction of the virus particles with the fungal surface. Thus, our study gives first insights into the complex interplay between IAV, A. fumigatus and the host cell as well as the two pathogens alone., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2023 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Masson SAS.. All rights reserved.)

Beavers have been analyzed in several studies examining trace elements (TEs) in wildlife; however, most of these studies were undertaken in areas with known environmental pollutants. To understand and quantify natural enrichments of TEs in beaver tissue, samples of kidney, liver, muscle from 28 animals were compared with bark from 40 species of trees and shrubs, from the same, uncontaminated watershed. Pearson correlation and factor analysis show that conservative, lithophile elements such as Al, Ga, Th, and Y, all surrogates for mineral dust particles, explain 61% of the variation in the bark data. In contrast, Cd, Co, Cu, Mn, Mo, Ni, Rb, Se, Sr, and Tl in bark are independent of Al, and therefore most likely occur in non-mineral forms. Comparing tissue concentrations of beaver and bark, the organs are enriched in micronutrients such as Cu, Fe, Mo, Se, and Zn, but also non-essential, benign elements such as Cs and Rb, and potentially toxic elements such as Cd and Tl. Thus, the elements most enriched in beaver organs are those that apparently occur in biological form in the plant tissue. The elements enriched in these animals, relative to bark, appear to offer the most promise for monitoring environmental contamination by TEs using beavers. The majority of TEs of environmental relevance are most abundant in beaver kidney. However, monitoring studies must consider the variation in TE concentrations in beaver tissue, including those due to sex and age. Also, due consideration must be given to background concentrations of TEs in the vegetation composing the diet of the animals. The natural enrichment in the case of elements such as Cd, in beaver tissue relative to bark, is profound. These data establish critical baseline values for TEs in beavers in an unpolluted environment, thereby allowing for their use as model organisms in tracking how heavy metal pollutants may affect wildlife., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2023 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

A sharp increase in the prevalence of neuropsychiatric disorders, including major depression, anxiety, substance use disorders and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) has occurred due to the traumatic nature of the persisting COVID-19 global pandemic. PTSD is estimated to occur in up to 25% of individuals following exposure to acute or chronic trauma, and the pandemic has inflicted both forms of trauma on much of the population through both direct physiological attack as well as an inherent upheaval to our sense of safety. However, despite significant advances in our ability to define and apprehend the effects of traumatic events, the neurobiology and neuroanatomical circuitry of PTSD, one of the most severe consequences of traumatic exposure, remains poorly understood. Furthermore, the current psychotherapies or pharmacological options for treatment have limited efficacy, durability, and low adherence rates. Consequently, there is a great need to better understand the neurobiology and neuroanatomy of PTSD and develop novel therapies that extend beyond the current limited treatments. This review summarizes the neurobiological and neuroanatomical underpinnings of PTSD and discusses the conventional and emerging psychotherapies, pharmacological and combined psychopharmacological therapies, including the use of psychedelic-assisted psychotherapies and neuromodulatory interventions, for the improved treatment of PTSD and the potential for their wider applications in other neuropsychiatric disorders resulting from traumatic exposure., Competing Interests: Conflict of interest The authors report no conflict of interest in relation to the present paper., (Copyright © 2022. Published by Elsevier B.V.)

Protein mapping distributes many copies of different molecular probes on the surface of a target protein in order to determine binding hot spots, regions that are highly preferable for ligand binding. While mapping of X-ray structures by the FTMap server is inherently static, this limitation can be overcome by the simultaneous analysis of multiple structures of the protein. FTMove is an automated web server that implements this approach. From the input of a target protein, by PDB code, the server identifies all structures of the protein available in the PDB, runs mapping on them, and combines the results to form binding hot spots and binding sites. The user may also upload their own protein structures, bypassing the PDB search for similar structures. Output of the server consists of the consensus binding sites and the individual mapping results for each structure - including the number of probes located in each binding site, for each structure. This level of detail allows the users to investigate how the strength of a binding site relates to the protein conformation, other binding sites, and the presence of ligands or mutations. In addition, the structures are clustered on the basis of their binding properties. The use of FTMove is demonstrated by application to 22 proteins with known allosteric binding sites; the orthosteric and allosteric binding sites were identified in all but one case, and the sites were typically ranked among the top five. The FTMove server is publicly available at https://ftmove.bu.edu., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2022 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

The objective of this clinical practice guideline is to provide recommendations on the indications and minimum standards for inpatient long-term video-electroencephalographic monitoring (LTVEM). The Working Group of the International League Against Epilepsy and the International Federation of Clinical Neurophysiology develop guidelines aligned with the Epilepsy Guidelines Task Force. We reviewed published evidence using The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) statement. We found limited high-level evidence aimed at specific aspects of diagnosis for LTVEM performed to evaluate patients with seizures and nonepileptic events (see Table S1). For classification of evidence, we used the Clinical Practice Guideline Process Manual of the American Academy of Neurology. We formulated recommendations for the indications, technical requirements, and essential practice elements of LTVEM to derive minimum standards used in the evaluation of patients with suspected epilepsy using GRADE (Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation). Further research is needed to obtain evidence about long-term outcome effects of LTVEM and establish its clinical utility., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest S.B. has been an invited lecturer for Natus Medical Incorporated. D.G. is an evidence-based medicine consultant. J.J.H. serves as a consultant for Takeda Pharmaceuticals and SK Life Sciences. W.O.T. has received personal compensation as a stipend from Elsevier as Editor-in- Chief of Epilepsy Behavior Reports. He serves as a consultant for BioSerenity and Medtronics, and holds patents/patents pending for intraoperative monitoring sensor devices (#62527896; #62770362). Royalties from publications include Demos Publishers and Springer Publishing. Honoraria for speaking engagements include American Academy of Neurology, American Epilepsy Society, and American Clinical Neurophysiology Society. He has received research support from Mayo Clinic, the Martin Family Foundation, the McKelvey Foundation, and the Epilepsy Foundation for data collected during intracranial monitoring, and Xenon, Esai, Engage, Cerevel, and LivaNova. None of the other authors has any conflict of interest to disclose. We confirm that we have read the Journal's position on issues involved in ethical publication and affirm that this report is consistent with those guidelines., (Copyright © 2021 International Federation of Clinical Neurophysiology, International League Against Epilepsy. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Genetic diversity of Anaplasma phagocytophilum was assessed in specimens from 16 infected patients and 16 infected Ixodes scapularis ticks. A region immediately downstream of the 16S rRNA gene, which included the gene encoding SdhC, was sequenced. For the A. phagocytophilum strains from patients no sequence differences were detected in this region. In contrast, significantly fewer ticks had a sequence encoding SdhC that was identical to that of the human strains (11/16 vs. 16/16, p = 0.04). This variation is consistent with the premise that not all A. phagocytophilum strains present in nature are able to cause clinical illness in humans. A strain referred to as A. phagocytophilumVariant-1 that is regarded as non-pathogenic for humans was previously described using a different typing method. Data from the current study suggest that both typing methods are identifying the same non-pathogenic strains., (Copyright © 2021 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.)

The evolution and phylogenetic relationships of the ticks at both the family and genus levels are contested. The genus Amblyomma and its subgenera are in a state of flux; moreover, the relationships among the three tick families are controversial due to conflicting phylogenetic support for different arrangements of the three families of living ticks. With 18 newly sequenced mitochondrial (mt) genomes of ticks included, we executed the largest mt genome phylogenetic study of ticks so far. Phylogenetic trees were inferred from one sea spider mt genome, one horseshoe crab, five mite mt genomes and 146 tick mt genomes from 120 species: 153 mt genomes in total. Sixteen phylogenetic trees were inferred from 10 datasets using both maximum likelihood and Bayesian inference methods. We describe the first novel mt gene-arrangement for the metastriate Ixodidae in Amblyomma (Africaniella) transversale. Also, three unusual partial 16S rRNA gene inserts were found in the mt genome of Haemaphysalis (Alloceraea) kitaokai: we consider the possible role of past genome translocation events in the formation of these inserts. Our phylogenies revealed evidence that: (i) the genus Amblyomma is polyphyletic with respect to Amblyomma (Africaniella) transversale; (ii) the subgenus Aponomma is apparently embedded in the genus Amblyomma; (iii) Haemaphysalis (Segalia) parva and Haemaphysalis (Alloceraea) kitaokai form a clade to the exclusion of other Haemaphysalis species; and (iv) the phylogenetic position of the family Nuttalliellidae is unstable among phylogenies from different datasets., (Copyright © 2020. Published by Elsevier GmbH.)

The behavioral responses exerted by spinal administration of the opioid-neurotensin hybrid peptide, PK23, were studied in adult male rats. The antinociceptive effect upon exposure to a thermal stimulus, as well as tolerance development, was assessed in an acute pain model. The PK23 chimera at a dose of 10 nmol/rat produced a potent pain-relieving effect, especially after its intrathecal administration. Compared with intrathecal morphine, this novel compound was found to possess a favourable side effect profile characterized by a reduced scratch reflex, delayed development of analgesic tolerance or an absence of motor impairments when given in the same manner, though some animals died following barrel rotation as a result of its i.c.v. administration (in particular at doses higher than 10 nmol/rat). Nonetheless, these results suggest the potential use of hybrid compounds encompassing both opioid and neurotensin structural fragments in pain management. This highlights the enormous potential of synthetic neurotensin analogues as promising future analgesics., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflicts of interest., (© 2020 Chinese Pharmaceutical Association and Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences. Production and hosting by Elsevier B.V.)

The template-based approach has been essential for achieving high-quality models in the recent rounds of blind protein-protein docking competition CAPRI (Critical Assessment of Predicted Interactions). However, few such automated methods exist for protein-small molecule docking. In this paper, we present an algorithm for template-based docking of small molecules. It searches for known complexes with ligands that have partial coverage of the target ligand, performs conformational sampling and template-guided energy refinement to produce a variety of possible poses, and then scores the refined poses. The algorithm is available as the automated ClusPro LigTBM server. It allows the user to specify the target protein as a PDB file and the ligand as a SMILES string. The server then searches for templates and uses them for docking, presenting the user with top-scoring poses and their confidence scores. The method is tested on the Astex Diverse benchmark, as well as on the targets from the last round of the D3R (Drug Design Data Resource) Grand Challenge. The server is publicly available as part of the ClusPro docking server suite at https://ligtbm.cluspro.org/., (Copyright © 2019. Published by Elsevier Ltd.)

Objective: Sleep is an active process with an important role in memory. Epilepsy patients often display a disturbed sleep architecture, with consequences on cognition. We aimed to investigate the effect of sleep on cortical networks' organization., Methods: We analyzed cortico-cortical evoked responses elicited by single pulse electrical stimulation (SPES) using intracranial depth electrodes in 25 patients with drug-resistant focal epilepsy explored using stereo-EEG. We applied the SPES protocol during wakefulness and NREM - N2 sleep. We analyzed 31,710 significant responses elicited by 799 stimulations covering most brain structures, epileptogenic or non-epileptogenic. We analyzed effective connectivity between structures using a graph-theory approach., Results: Sleep increases excitability in the brain, regardless of epileptogenicity. Local and distant connections are differently modulated by sleep, depending on the tissue epileptogenicity. In non-epileptogenic areas, frontal lobe connectivity is enhanced during sleep. There is increased connectivity between the hippocampus and temporal neocortex, while perisylvian structures are disconnected from the temporal lobe. In epileptogenic areas, we found a clear interhemispheric difference, with decreased connectivity in the right hemisphere during sleep., Conclusions: Sleep modulates brain excitability and reconfigures functional brain networks, depending on tissue epileptogenicity., Significance: We found specific patterns of information flow during sleep in physiologic and pathologic structures, with possible implications for cognition., (Copyright © 2019 International Federation of Clinical Neurophysiology. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Aims: Bradycardia contributes to tachy-brady arrhythmias or sinus arrest during heart failure (HF). Sinoatrial node (SAN) adenosine A1 receptors (ADO A1Rs) are upregulated in HF, and adenosine is known to exert negative chronotropic effects on the SAN. Here, we investigated the role of A1R signaling at physiologically relevant ADO concentrations on HF SAN pacemaker cells., Main Methods: Dogs with tachypacing-induced chronic HF and normal controls (CTL) were studied. SAN tissue was collected for A1R and GIRK mRNA quantification. SAN cells were isolated for perforated patch clamp recordings and firing rate (bpm), slope of slow diastolic depolarization (SDD), and maximum diastolic potential (MDP) were measured. Action potentials (APs) and currents were recorded before and after addition of 1 and 10 μM ADO. To assess contributions of A1R and G protein-coupled Inward Rectifier Potassium Current (GIRK) to ADO effects, APs were measured after the addition of DPCPX (selective A1R antagonist) or TPQ (selective GIRK blocker)., Key Findings: A1R and GIRK mRNA expression were significantly increased in HF. In addition, ADO induced greater rate slowing and membrane hyperpolarization in HF vs CTL (p < 0.05). DPCPX prevented ADO-induced rate slowing in CTL and HF cells. The ADO-induced inward rectifying current, I Kado , was observed significantly more frequently in HF than in CTL. TPQ prevented ADO-induced rate slowing in HF., Significance: An increase in A1R and GIRK expression enhances I KAdo , causing hyperpolarization, and subsequent negative chronotropic effects in canine chronic HF at relevant [ADO]. GIRK blockade may be a useful strategy to mitigate bradycardia in HF., (Copyright © 2019 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Here we report the structure of the widely utilized calmodulin (CaM)-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII) inhibitor KN93 bound to the Ca 2+ -sensing protein CaM. KN93 is widely believed to inhibit CaMKII by binding to the kinase. The CaM-KN93 interaction is significant as it can interfere with the interaction between CaM and it's physiological targets, thereby raising the possibility of ascribing modified protein function to CaMKII phosphorylation while concealing a CaM-protein interaction. NMR spectroscopy, stopped-flow kinetic measurements, and x-ray crystallography were used to characterize the structure and biophysical properties of the CaM-KN93 interaction. We then investigated the functional properties of the cardiac Na + channel (Na V 1.5) and ryanodine receptor (RyR2). We find that KN93 disrupts a high affinity CaM-Na V 1.5 interaction and alters channel function independent of CaMKII. Moreover, KN93 increases RyR2 Ca 2+ release in cardiomyocytes independent of CaMKII. Therefore, when interpreting KN93 data, targets other than CaMKII need to be considered., (Copyright © 2019 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Purpose: To measure tear clearance values in patients with meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) with a dynamic nuclear medicine method, namely, dacryoscintigraphy (DSCI)., Methods: Twenty-four MGD patients and 24 healthy volunteers were examined. During DSCI one drop of a solution with 100 MBq/mL 99m Tc sodium pertechnetate was instilled with a micropipette into the lacrimal lake of both eyes. Measurements were performed according to a dynamic data acquisition protocol, which resulted in summed DSCI images. Data were also evaluated separately in special regions of interest (ROI), and consecutive time activity curves were created. Tear clearance (T½) values were calculated based on the activity curves. In addition, tear osmolarity measurements, tear breakup time (tBUT), and Schirmer I (ST I ) tests were performed prior to DSCI examination., Results: The T½ values were 29.91 ± 11.61 min in MGD patients and 6.26 ± 1.5 min in healthy controls. Tear osmolarity parameters were 308 ± 9.41 mOsm/L and 288.9 ± 6.4 mOsm/L, tBUT values were 5.54 ± 2.73 s and 11.4 ± 2.7 s, while the ST I test values were 6.17 ± 2.78 mm and 13.58 ± 3.8 mm, respectively. The differences were significant (p < 0.01) in all cases., Conclusions: Although the MGD patients' lacrimal drainage systems were patent their tear clearance values were significantly higher than those of healthy volunteers, which may be caused by decreased drainage of tears from the eyes towards the nasal cavity. The understanding of new features regarding the altered physico-chemical characteristics of MGD tears has been augmented by the results of this study., (Copyright © 2019 British Contact Lens Association. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Renal transplantation is an effective therapy with improved long-term outcomes compared with other therapies for end stage renal disease. Present methods for evaluating kidney allograft function, such as serum creatinine or allograft biopsy, are not sensitive and identify pathological changes only after any potential intervention would be effective. Thus, there is a necessity for biomarkers that would provide early prognostic information about kidney transplant outcomes. Circulating microvesicles represent an attractive source of biomarkers for different diseases including renal failure. We have studied the proteins of the circulating microvesicles from two populations of kidney transplant recipients (n = 20) with poor transplant outcomes (n = 10) or good transplant outcome (n = 10), according to their estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). Microvesicles from age-matched healthy subjects (n = 10) were used as a control. Also, we performed a pilot study to assess the microvesicle protein in kidney transplant recipients before and six months after kidney transplant (n = 6), compared to healthy subjects. Proteomic analysis of microvesicles could discriminate between transplant recipients and healthy subjects, and between transplant patients based on eGFR. Our results shed light on the potential of blood microvesicles to provide a novel tool for the prediction of the outcome of kidney transplants., (Copyright © 2019. Published by Elsevier B.V.)

Purpose: Resective epilepsy surgery based on an invasive EEG-monitors performed with subdural grids (SDG) or depth electrodes (stereo-electroencephalography, SEEG) is considered to be the best option towards achieving seizure-free state in drug-resistant epilepsy. The authors present a meta-analysis, due to the lack of such a study focusing on surgical outcomes originating from SDG- or SEEG-monitors., Method: English-language studies published until May 2018, highlighting surgical outcomes were reviewed. Outcome measures including total number of SDG- or SEEG-monitors and resective surgeries; consecutively followed surgical cases; surgical outcomes classified by Engel in overall, temporal/extratemporal and lesional/nonlesional subgroups were analyzed., Results: 19 articles containing 1025 SDG-interventions and 16 publications comprising 974 SEEG-monitors were researched. The rate of resective surgery deriving from SDG-monitoring hovered at 88.8% (95%CI:83.3-92.6%) (I 2  = 77.0%;p < 0.001); in SEEG-group, 79.0% (95%CI:70.4-85.7%) (I 2  = 72.5%;p < 0.001) was measured. After SDG-interventions, percentage of post-resective follow-up escalated to 96.0% (95%CI:92.0-98.1%) (I 2  = 49.1%;p = 0.010), and in SEEG-group, it reached 94.9% (95%CI:89.3-97.6%) (I 2  = 80.2%;p < 0.001). In SDG-group, ratio of seizure-free outcomes reached 55.9% (95%CI:50.9-60.8%) (I 2  = 54.47%;p = 0.002). Using SEEG-monitor, seizure-freedom occurred in 64.7% (95%CI:59.2-69.8%) (I 2  = 11.9%;p = 0.32). Assessing lesional cases, likelihood of Engel I outcome was found in 57.3% (95%CI:48.7%-65.6%) (I 2  = 69.9%;p < 0.001), using SDG; while in SEEG-group, it was 71.6% (95%CI:61.6%-79.9%) (I 2  = 24.5%;p = 0.225). In temporal subgroup, ratio of seizure-freedom was found to be 56.7% (95%CI:51.5%-61.9%) (I 2  = 3.2%;p = 0.412) in SDG-group; whereas, SEEG-group reached 73.9% (95%CI:64.4%-81.6%); (I 2  = 0.00%;p = 0.45). Significant differences between seizure-free outcomes were found in overall (p = 0.02), lesional (p = 0.031), and also, temporal (p = 0.002) comparisons., Conclusions: SEEG-interventions were associated, at least, non-inferiorly, with seizure-freedom compared with SDG-monitors in temporal, lesional and overall subgroups., (Copyright © 2019 British Epilepsy Association. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

The lack of understanding of fundamental nano-bio interactions, and difficulties in designing particles stable in complex biological environments are major limitations to their translation into biomedical clinical applications. Here we present a multi-parametric approach to fully characterize targeted nanoparticles, and emphasizes the significant effect that each detail in the synthetic process can have on downstream in vitro results. Through an iterative process, particles were designed, synthesized and tested for physico-chemical and bio-interactive properties which allowed the optimization of nanoparticle functionality. Taken together all interative steps demonstrate that we have synthesized a multifunctional gold nanoparticles that can detect ERBB2-positive breast cancer cells while showing stealth-like behavior toward ERBB2-negative cells and excellent physicochemical stability., (Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Many proteins in their unbound structures lack surface pockets appropriately sized for drug binding. Hence, a variety of experimental and computational tools have been developed for the identification of cryptic sites that are not evident in the unbound protein but form upon ligand binding, and can provide tractable drug target sites. The goal of this review is to discuss the definition, detection, and druggability of such sites, and their potential value for drug discovery. Novel methods based on molecular dynamics simulations are particularly promising and yield a large number of transient pockets, but it has been shown that only a minority of such sites are generally capable of binding ligands with substantial affinity. Based on recent studies, current methodology can be improved by combining molecular dynamics with fragment docking and machine learning approaches., (Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Objective: To assess inter-rater agreement on EEG-reactivity (EEG-R) in comatose patients and compare it with a quantitative method (QEEG-R)., Methods: Six 30-s stimulation epochs (noxious, visual and auditory) were performed during EEG on 19 neurosurgical and 11 cardiac arrest patients. Six experts analysed EEGs for reactivity using their habitual methods. QEEG-R was defined as present if ≥2/6 epochs were reactive (stimulation/rest power ratio exceeding noise level). Three-months patient outcome was assessed by the Cerebral Performance Category Score (CPC) dichotomized in good (1-2) or poor (3-5)., Results: Agreement among experts on overall EEG-R varied from 53% to 83% (κ: 0.05-0.64) and reached 100% (κ: 1) between two QEEG-R calculators. For the experts, absence of EEG-R yielded sensitivities for poor outcome between 40-85% and specificities between 20-90%, for QEEG-R sensitivity was 40% (CI: 23-68%) and specificity 100% (CI: 69-100%)., Conclusions: There is a large inter-rater variation among experts on EEG-R assessment in comatose patients. QEEG-R is a promising objective prognostic parameter with low inter-rater variation and a high specificity for prediction of poor outcome., Significance: Clinicians should be cautious when using the traditional, qualitative method, in particular in end-of-life decisions. Implementation of the quantitative method in clinical practice may improve reliability of reactivity assessments., (Copyright © 2018 International Federation of Clinical Neurophysiology. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Background: Long-term aerobic exercise alters autonomic balance, which may not be favorable in heart rate (HR)-dependent arrhythmic diseases including catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia (CPVT) because of preexisting bradycardia and increased sensitivity to parasympathetic stimulation., Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine whether long-term exercise-induced autonomic adaptations modify CPVT susceptibility., Methods: We determined exercise-induced parasympathetic effects on HR, arrhythmia incidence, and intracellular sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca 2+ leak in atrial (ACM) and ventricular (VCM) cardiomyocytes, in exercised (EX) calsequestrin knockout (CASQ2 -/- ) mice, a model of CPVT., Results: Although 8-week treadmill running improved exercise capacity in EX CPVT mice, the incidence and duration of ventricular tachycardia also increased. HR variability analyses revealed an increased high-frequency component of the power spectrum and root mean square of successive differences in R-R intervals indicating accentuated vagal antagonism during β-adrenergic stimulation resulting in negligible HR acceleration. In EX CASQ2 -/- VCM, peak amplitude of Ca 2+ transient (CaT) increased, whereas SR Ca 2+ content decreased. Aberrant Ca 2+ sparks occurred at baseline, which was exacerbated with isoproterenol. Notably, although 10 μM of the cholinergic agonist carbachol prevented isoproterenol-induced Ca 2+ waves in ACM, CaT amplitude, SR Ca 2+ load, and isoproterenol-induced Ca 2+ waves paradoxically increased in VCM. In parallel, ventricular ryanodine receptor (RyR2) protein expression increased, whereas protein kinase A- and calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II-mediated phosphorylation of RyR2 was not significantly altered, which could imply an increased number of "leaky" channels., Conclusion: Our novel results suggest that long-term exercise in CASQ2 -/- mice increases susceptibility to ventricular arrhythmias by accentuating vagal antagonism during β-adrenergic challenge, which prevents HR acceleration and exacerbates abnormal RyR2 Ca 2+ leak in EX CASQ2 -/- VCM., (Copyright © 2017 Heart Rhythm Society. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background & Aims: Biliverdin and bilirubin were previously considered end products of heme catabolism; now, however, there is evidence for further degradation to diverse bioactive products. Z-BOX A and Z-BOX B arise upon oxidation with unknown implications for hepatocellular function and integrity. We studied the impact of Z-BOX A and B on hepatic functions and explored their alterations in health and cholestatic conditions., Methods: Functional implications and mechanisms were investigated in rats, hepatocytic HepG2 and HepaRG cells, human immortalized hepatocytes, and isolated perfused livers. Z-BOX A and B were determined by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) in acute and acute-on-chronic liver failure and hereditary unconjugated hyperbilirubinemia., Results: Z-BOX A and B are found in similar amounts in humans and rodents under physiological conditions. Serum concentrations increased ∼20-fold during cholestatic liver failure in humans (p<0.001) and in hereditary deficiency of bilirubin glucuronidation in rats (p<0.001). Pharmacokinetic studies revealed shorter serum half-life of Z-BOX A compared to its regio-isomer Z-BOX B (p=0.035). While both compounds were taken up by hepatocytes, Z-BOX A was enriched ∼100-fold and excreted in bile. Despite their reported vasoconstrictive properties in the brain vasculature, BOXes did not affect portal hemodynamics. Both Z-BOX A and B showed dose-dependent cytotoxicity, affected the glutathione redox state, and differentially modulated activity of Rev-erbα and Rev-erbβ. Moreover, BOXes-triggered remodeling of the hepatocellular cytoskeleton., Conclusions: Our data provide evidence that higher-order heme degradation products, namely Z-BOX A and B, impair hepatocellular integrity and might mediate intra- and extrahepatic cytotoxic effects previously attributed to hyperbilirubinemia., Lay Summary: Degradation of the blood pigment heme yields the bile pigment bilirubin and the oxidation products Z-BOX A and Z-BOX B. Serum concentrations of these bioactive molecules increase in jaundice and can impair liver function and integrity. Amounts of Z-BOX A and Z-BOX B that are observed during liver failure in humans have profound effects on hepatic function when added to cultured liver cells or infused into healthy rats., (Copyright © 2017 European Association for the Study of the Liver. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Purpose: Inpatient video-EEG monitoring (VEM) is an important investigation in patients with seizures or blackouts, and in the pre-surgical workup of patients with epilepsy. There has been an expansion in the number of Epilepsy Monitoring Units (EMU) in the UK offering VEM with a necessary increase in attention on quality and safety. Previous surveys have shown variation across centres on issues including consent and patient monitoring., Method: In an effort to bring together healthcare professionals in the UK managing patients on EMU, we conducted an online survey of current VEM practice and held a one-day workshop convened under the auspices of the British Chapter of the ILAE. The survey and workshop aimed to cover all aspects of VEM, including pre-admission, consent procedures, patient safety, drug reduction and reinstatement, seizure management, staffing levels, ictal testing and good data recording practice., Results: This paper reports on the findings of the survey, the workshop presentations and workshop discussions. 32 centres took part in the survey and there were representatives from 22 centres at the workshop. There was variation in protocols, procedures and consent processes between units, and levels of observation of monitored patients. Nevertheless, the workshop discussion found broad areas of agreement on points., Conclusion: A survey and workshop of UK epilepsy monitoring units found that some variability in practice is inevitable due to different local arrangements and patient groups under investigation. However, there were areas of clear consensus particularly in relation to consent and patient safety that can be applied to most units and form a basis for setting minimum standards., (Copyright © 2017 British Epilepsy Association. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

In our previous study, we measured 0.23-13.67ng/L progestogens (progesterone, drospirenone, levonorgestrel) in natural waters in the catchment area of the largest shallow lake of Central Europe, Lake Balaton. Progestogen contaminations act as potent steroids with mixed progestagenic, androgenic and mild estrogenic effects that is why our aim was to investigate the morphological and molecular effects of mixture of progesterone, drospirenone, and levonorgestrel in environmentally relevant (10ng/L) and higher (50 and 500ng/L) exposure concentrations in common roach, Rutilus rutilus. Steroids (e.g. progestogens) and the protein deglycase DJ-1 chaperon molecule aim the same target molecules in cells, therefore, we hypothesized that a relationship may exist between progestogens and DJ-1. Furthermore, our other aim was to follow the changes of signal molecules of different biological function due to progestogen treatment in serum and brain. Adult roaches were exposed to 10, 50 and 500ng/L of mixture of progestogen for 42 days and their somatic indices (brain-somatic, liver-somatic, gonadosomatic and kidney-somatic) were measured. Vitellogenin (VTG) expression (estrogen effect) or inhibition (androgen effect) in fish is a widely used biomarker so we measured its changes in liver by ELISA. To determine the quantity and to map the spatial distribution of DJ-1 chaperon protein the brain and liver tissues were analyzed by ELISA and immunohistochemistry. Furthermore, we also studied molecular alterations: a) in the serum by measuring cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and triglyceride concentrations and b) in brain homogenate using a cell stress array kit (26 protein). The somatic index of liver and kidney significantly in all the treated groups, whereas the gonadosomatic index of 500ng/L treated group showed significant decrease compared to control animals. VTG level increased significantly in 500ng/L progestogen treated group. Since the concentration of DJ-1 significantly increased in brain and liver in all progestogen treatment groups, the DJ-1 protein could be able to a more sensitive marker than VTG. Serum LDL and cholesterol levels of exposed fish were significantly decreased. DJ-1 was mediated through the stimulation of the expression of LDL-receptor which facilitates reuptake subsequently. In summary, our observations unfolded new data about molecular alterations induced by the combined action of environmental progestogens. In addition, the DJ-1 chaperon protein as a possible biomarker helped to trace the abiotic chemical environmental contaminations, like progestogens in the freshwater ecosystems., (Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

A 20-year-old woman presented with palpitations. Echocardiography demonstrated a left ventricular mass involving the posterolateral apical wall and protruding into the ventricular cavity. Evaluation with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) suggested fatty consistency with all edges well defined except the medial, which was ill defined, raising concern for an invasive liposarcoma. Open core needle biopsy demonstrated mature adipocytes infiltrating the myocardium with extensive interstitial fibrosis. The diagnosis was left-dominant arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy. Two-year MRI follow-up demonstrates no change in size. This case illustrates the use and limits of cardiac MRI and the value of open cardiac biopsy in diagnosis., (Copyright © 2017 The Society of Thoracic Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Therapeutic stem cell transplantation bears the promise of new directions in organ and tissue replacement, but a number of its difficulties and perils are also well known. Our goal was to develop a method of transplantation by which the transplanted cells remain confined to the transplantation site and induce favorable processes. With the help of mask-projection excimer laser stereolithography, 3D hybrid nanoscaffolds were fabricated from biodegradable, photocurable PPF:DEF resin with incorporated gold nanoparticles (Au NPs). The scaffolds were tested in vitro and in vivo in order to find out about their biocompatibility and fitness for our purposes. In vitro, macrophages and mouse autologous adipose stem cells (ASCs) were seeded over the hybrid scaffolds and non-hybrid (with Au NPs) scaffolds for 4days. The hybrid nanocomposite greater stem cell dispension and stem cell adhesion than PPF scaffolds without Au NPs, but such a difference was not seen in the case of macrophages. In vivo, stem cells, scaffoldings and scaffoldings covered in stem cells were transplanted under the back skin of mice. After 14days, blood samples were taken and the affected skin area was excised. Cytokine and chemokine profiling did not indicate elevated immunomediators in the sera of experimental animals. Interestingly, the autologous-stem-cell-seeded hybrid nanocomposite scaffold induced muscle tissue regeneration after experimental wound generation in vivo. We could not observe such stem cell-induced tissue regeneration when no scaffolding was used. We conclude that PPF:DEF resin nanoscaffolds with incorporated gold nanoparticles offer a safe and efficient alternative for the enhancement of local tissue remodeling. The results also support the idea that adipose derived stem cells are an optimal cell type for the purposes of regenerative musculoskeletal tissue engineering., (Copyright © 2016. Published by Elsevier B.V.)

Water samples were collected on the Athabasca River (AR), upstream and downstream from bitumen mines and upgrading facilities, to identify changes in water quality due to industrial activities in this region of northern Alberta, Canada. Starting upstream of Fort McMurray and proceeding downstream ca. 100km, waters were collected in duplicate at 13 locations on the main stem of the river, as well as 5 tributary streams, using ultraclean sampling protocols developed for polar snow and ice. To estimate potential bioaccessibility, trace elements of concern (Ag, Cd, Pb, Sb, Tl) were determined in the dissolved fraction (<0.45μm) along with metals known for their enrichments in bitumen (V, Ni, Mo, Re) and those found mainly in ionic (Li, Sr) or colloidal forms (Al, Co, Cr, Fe, Ga, Mn, Th, Y). Analyses were performed in the metal-free, ultraclean SWAMP lab using quadrupole and sector-field ICP-MS. Concentrations of Ag, Cd, Pb, Sb and Tl were extremely low, not significantly more abundant downstream of industry and probably reflect "background" values. In contrast, V, Ni, Mo and Re concentrations were all significantly (p<0.05) greater downstream of industry. However, chloride also increased downstream, due to natural inputs of saline groundwaters and it is unclear whether the increases in V, Ni, Mo and Re are due to natural or anthropogenic inputs to the river. Although it had been claimed that the industrial development of the Athabasca Bituminous Sands (ABS) is a significant source of Ag, Cd, Pb, Sb and Tl to the river, our study failed to find any evidence to support this. Here we provide a first, robust (accurate and precise) description of baseline values for these trace elements in the AR, and suggest that V, Ni, Mo and Re are more valuable tracers for environmental monitoring and source assessment., (Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

ClusPro-DC (https://cluspro.bu.edu/) implements a straightforward approach to the discrimination between crystallographic and biological dimers by docking the two subunits to exhaustively sample the interaction energy landscape. If a substantial number of low energy docked poses cluster in a narrow vicinity of the native structure of the dimer, then one can assume that there is a well-defined free energy well around the native state, which makes the interaction stable. In contrast, if the interaction sites in the docked poses do not form a large enough cluster around the native structure, then it is unlikely that the subunits form a stable biological dimer. The number of near-native structures is used to estimate the probability of a dimer being biological. Currently, the server examines only the stability of a given interface rather than generating all putative quaternary structures as accomplished by PISA or EPPIC, but it complements the information provided by these methods., (Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

The Joint Danube Survey 3 (JDS3; the biggest river expedition in 2013) had offered the unique opportunity for a large-scale monitoring approach for biomarker response in feral fish collected along a Danube stretch from Kehlheim (DE) to Sulina (RO). The advantage of genotoxicity as a marker for pollution exposure in fish is the early detection of possible long-term effects such as cancer. Therefore, genotoxicity was in the focus of the biomarker investigations in fish during the expedition. Blood samples of common bleak (Alburnus alburnus) for the investigation of the micronucleus frequency and comet tail intensity of fragmented DNA material in erythrocytes were collected at 18 and 12 sampling sites, respectively. For 9 sampling sites same samples were used to compare the in-situ data for the comparable genotoxic endpoint in the micronucleus (MN) and comet assay (CM). The data of both in-situ assays showed a significant correlation, indicating the strength and comparability of the data sets. Significant variation in DNA damage in fish along the longitudinal profile of the Danube was demonstrated for both assays compared to reference sites. The results suggest that DNA damage in erythrocytes of fish was mainly affected by wastewater of highly populated regions. No linkage between the results and the general health/dietary status of the fish were revealed, whereas correlation with some genotoxicity drivers in the water phase, suspended particulate matter and sediments could be demonstrated., (Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)