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This collaborative work by over 180 researchers from 40+ countries addresses the challenges posed by "phantom agents"-putative pathogenic agents named in literature without supporting data on their existence. Those agents remain on regulatory lists, creating barriers in trade and plant certification. Historically identified based solely on symptoms, these agents lack isolates or sequence data, making reliable detection or risk assessment impossible. After reviewing over 120 such agents across 10 key plant genera, we recommend their removal from regulatory lists and call for revised standards aligned with modern diagnostics. This effort seeks to streamline germplasm exchange, benefiting global agriculture by removing the constraints imposed by phantoms., Competing Interests: The author(s) declare no conflict of interest.

Objective: To investigate the effects of body mass index (BMI) levels at different baseline on the risk of new-onset acute pancreatitis (AP). Methods: The subjects were from the Kailuan Study Cohort and divided into 3 groups according to baseline BMI levels: BMI<24 kg/m 2 , normal weight; BMI 24-28 kg/m 2 , overweight; BMI≥28 kg/m 2 , obesity. The incidence of new-onset AP in these three groups was analyzed. The survival curve was plotted by Kaplan-Meier method, the cumulative incidence was calculated and tested by log-rank method. Multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression model was used to calculate HR of baseline BMI levels for AP. Results: A total of 123 841 subjects were included and followed up for (11.94±2.13) years, during which, 395 cases were found with AP. The incidence of AP was 2.67 per 10 000 person years in total population, and the incidences of AP were 2.20, 2.72 and 3.58 per 10 000 person-years in the normal, overweight and obesity groups, respectively. The cumulative incidences of AP was 0.32%, 0.40% and 0.49% in normal, overweight and obesity groups, respectively, which showed a significant inter-group difference by log-rank test ( χ 2 =13.17, P <0.01). The results of multivariable adjusted Cox proportional hazards regression model analysis indicated that obesity group ( HR =1.45, 95% CI : 1.10-1.92) had a higher risk for AP compared with the normal BMI group. The subgroup analyses by age and sex showed that compared with the normal weight group,the HR s for AP in the obesity group was 1.58(95% CI :1.14-2.19) and 1.40(95% CI :1.03-1.90) among subjects younger than 60 years old and male subjects, respectively. After excluded onset AP within two years from baseline,with a control group from normal weight,the results of multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression model analysis indicated that the AP in the obesity group was 1.60 (95% CI : 1.18-2.15). Conclusion: Obesity may increase the risk of developing AP, particularly among young and middle-aged men.

The surgical resection of a large unfavourable Shamblin type III carotid body tumour (CBT) can be very challenging technically, with many potential significant complications. Preoperative embolization aids in shrinking the lesion, reducing intraoperative blood loss, and improving visualization of the surgical field. Preoperative internal carotid artery (ICA) stenting aids in reinforcing the arterial wall, thereby providing a better dissection plane. A woman presented to our institution with a large right-sided CBT. Failure of the preoperative temporary balloon occlusion (TBO) test emphasized the importance of intraoperative preservation of the ipsilateral ICA. A combination of both preoperative embolization and carotid stenting allowed a less hazardous radical resection of the CBT. An almost bloodless surgical field permitted meticulous dissection, hence reducing the risk of intraoperative vascular and nerve injury. Embolization and carotid stenting prior to surgical resection should be considered in cases with bilateral CBT or a skull base orientated high CBT, and for those with intracranial extension and patients who have failed the TBO test., (Copyright © 2014 International Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Background and Purpose: Because of the relatively rare and extremely varied clinical presentations, arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) involving the auriculae are technically challenging clinical entities to diagnose and, ultimately, manage. The purpose of our study was to present our initial experience of ethanol embolization in a series of 17 patients with auricular AVMs and assess the interim therapeutic outcomes of this method., Materials and Methods: Our study group consisted of 17 patients. Transcatheter arterial embolization and/or direct percutaneous puncture embolization were performed. Pure or diluted ethanol was manually injected. Follow-up evaluation was obtained on the basis of physical examination and angiography at 3- to 4-month intervals and telephone questionnaire at 1-month intervals in all patients., Results: During the 29 ethanol embolization procedures, the amount of ethanol used ranged from 4 to 65 mL. The obliteration of ulceration, hemorrhage, pain, infection, pulsation, and bruit in most of the patients was obtained. The reduction of redness, swelling, and warmth was achieved in all of the patients, and 15 of the patients achieved downstaging of the Schobinger status. According to the angiographic findings, AVMs were devascularized 100% in 3 patients, 76% to 99% in 5 patients, 50% to 75% in 6 patients, and less than 50% in 3 patients. The most common complications were reversible necrosis and blister., Conclusions: Ethanol embolization has proved efficacious and safe in the treatment of auricular AVMs and has the potential to be accepted as the primary mode of therapy in the management of these lesions.

Background and Purpose: Absolute ethanol was reported as an effective embolization of arteriovenous malformations (AVMs), but its use to treat AVMs in the mandible is not yet well established. Here, we present our clinical experience on treatment of mandibular AVMs with absolute ethanol., Materials and Methods: Eight consecutive patients with symptomatic AVMs of the mandible between August 2007 and September 2008 were enrolled in this study group. Among them, 6 patients underwent direct puncture embolization with absolute ethanol combined with coils, 1 patient underwent direct puncture embolization with absolute ethanol only, and the last patient had transarterial embolization with absolute ethanol alone. The use of coils decreased the flow and volume of the nidus, and then absolute ethanol embolization was directed against and obliterated the nidus completely. The procedure was performed with the patients under general anesthesia with nasal intubation, and the vital signs of the patients were constantly monitored during the injection of absolute ethanol. The total amount of absolute ethanol used per session was less than 1 mL/kg of body weight., Results: A total of 11 ethanol embolizations were performed on 8 patients, including 3 sessions with transarterial microcatheterization and 8 with direct puncture embolization. A venogram and control arteriogram performed immediately after the procedure were both obtained, which documented a significant thrombosis of the lesion in all patients. Follow-up examinations revealed that oral bleeding was controlled, the expansion of the external jugular vein in 5 cases was obliterated, and satisfactory shrinkage of the facial swelling was achieved. Follow-up angiography (mean, 4.2 months) was available in 4 patients, and there was no angiographic recurrence of the lesions. There were 3 cases with minor complications., Conclusions: On the basis of our experience, treatment of AVMs in the mandible with absolute ethanol is a feasible, safe, and highly effective method.

The aim of this study was to analyse the experience at a single institution in carotid artery resection with or without reconstruction performed as part of an oncological procedure or emergency haemostasis. A total of 28 patients were included in this retrospective study; 17 underwent ligation or resection of the carotid artery, and 11 underwent reconstruction of the carotid artery. The perioperative complications and surgical outcomes were recorded and analysed. Of the 17 patients with ligation or resection of the carotid artery, 4 developed neurologic deficit within 2 weeks postoperatively. Three patients with malignant tumours died 1 month (1) and 4 months (2) postoperatively. Of the 11 patients undergoing carotid reconstruction, no major cerebral complications were noted after operation. Colour Doppler showed patent vascular graft 1 year postoperatively in nine patients. Due to the higher complication rates both in short and long term with ligation or resection of the carotid artery, resection and revascularization of the carotid artery is advocated for patients with carotid artery involvement when possible.

The purpose of this study is to investigate the diagnostic accuracy of magnetic resonance arthrography (MRAr) on the diagnosis of intraarticular adhesions of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). Twenty-four patients (31 joints) diagnosed as internal disorders of TMJ were examined to establish the presence, suspicion or absence of intraarticular adhesions through MRAr according to the MRAr radiographic criteria in a blind fashion, subsequent arthroscopy were performed on all 31 joints. The findings were compared to MRAr with those of arthroscopy. The comparison data were assessed by generating receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC curve) and analyzing the area (Az) under the curve with SPSS11.0 software. The area under the ROC curve was 0.91 (0.86, 0.95), P<0.05. MRAr proves to be an excellent modality to diagnose intraarticular adhesions of TMJ.

Objective: To evaluate the vascular architecture of AVM of jaws on DSA., Methods: 12 cases of AVM of jaws comprised this study group, and 5 cases in maxilla and 7 cases in mandible, respectively. Seldinger technique was applied to carry out carotid angiography under the guidance of DSA machine (PHILIPS V3000)., Results: The DSA features of AVM of jaws included varix into the posterior area of jaws. The varix of the maxilla was supplied by the posterior superior alveolar artery and transversal facial artery when the soft tissue was involved, and the varix of the mandible was supplied by the inferior alveolar artery, maxillary and facial artery., Conclusion: Angiography is considered necessary for the diagnosis and embolization of AVM of jaws, and the varix is the center of lesion.

Objective: To evaluate the diagnostic value of CT for arteriovenous malformations (AVM) of jaws., Methods: 12 cases of central vascular malformations of jaws comprised this study group, 5 cases in maxilla and 7cases in mandible, respectively. The X-ray projection included panoramic radiography, Water's position and posterioanterior and lateral oblique view of mandible. The CT scans were obtained on Somatom ART and the axial and coronal scanning modalities were applied., Results: Radiographically different signs of the AVM of jaws were demonstrated, X plain film has no pathognomic features. The CT features included lytic expansion of bone, expanded space of marrow, obliteration of trabeculae and intact cortex of jaws. These signs were demonstrated very well in bone window setting. There were three forms of demonstrations of AVM of jaws as following: (1) local unilocular, (2) diffused unilocular, (3) multilocular., Conclusion: CT is helpful for early diagnosis of AVM of jaws, and can provide the guidance for the direct puncture embolization.

Objective: To report our experience to embolize the AVM of jaws by direct percutaneous puncture. in conjunction with endovascular therapy., Methods: 3 cases of AVM of mandible and 3 cases of AVM of maxilla comprised this study group. The patients were embolized with fibered coils, PVA and NBCA. The coils were placed directly into the center of the intraosseous lesion. The procedure was under the guidance of DSA machine (PHILIPS V3000)., Results: The acute arterial bleeding in 4 patients was controllable. The other two cases with oozing bleeding and a warm soft mass on the left face with a palpable pulse respectively, their symptoms and signs got improved a lot. The pericoronal oozing of blood in all patients disappeared during a 3 to 24 months follow-up and new bone formation was found in the follow-up radiography., Conclusion: The embolization of the AVM of jaws by direct percutaneous puncture in conjunction with endovascular therapy is effective and safe, however the longer follow-up is expected.

Objective: To evaluate the embolization of arteriovenous malformations of the maxillofacial region with PVA., Methods: 8 cases (male:3, female:5) of arteriovenous malformations of the maxillofacial region comprised this study group. The embolic material used was PVA (Polyvinyl Alcohol Foam) particles (250-500 microm) injected using 4.0 to 3.0 French-size catheters, catheterized selectively in the feeding pedicles of the AVM under the guidance of DSA machine (PHILIPS V3000)., Results: Five patients were embolized an a single session, and three patients needed two sessions. Immediate angiographical results showed total disappearance of the AVMs in all patients. Swelling, pulsation, and bruit were disappeared after embolization. Pericoronal oozing of blood and acute arterial bleeding was controllable. Local pain, swelling,and low-grade fever usually lasted from 3 to 7 days after embolization., Conclusion: The embolization of arteriovenous malformations of the maxillofacial region with PVA is effective and safe, and the longer follow-up is expected.

OBJECTIVE:To compare the results of CT-assisted double-contrast arthrography and MRI in the diagnosis of adhesion of TMJ. MATERIAL:18 patients with adhesion of TMJ were examined by CT-assisted double-contrast arthrography and MRI, and their results were analysed including position, degree and with or without osseous changes. RESULTS:18 cases of adhesion were demonstrated on CT-assisted double-contrast arthrography, and that only 6 cases of them were diagnosed on MRI.CONCLUSION: CT-assisted double-contrast arthrography is more sensitive and accurate than MRI in demonstrating the disk adhesion of TMJ.

OBJECTIVE:To introduce double-contrast arthrography of TMJ with reformatted sagittal and coronal CT imaging and to evaluate the value of its application in the diagnosis of temporomandibular joint dysfunction. METHODS: 14 patients in whom diagnosis can not be established with conventional arthrography were examined by double contrast arthrography with reformatted sagittal and coronal CT imaging. RESULTS: In double-contrast arthrography with CT imaging, 1 case was normal;1 case had anterior displacement with reduction;2 cases were anterior displacement without reduction, and 8 cases were with disk adhesion. CONCLUSION:The double contrast arthrography with reformatted sagittal and coronal CT imaging was a very important alternative to conventional arthrography, and has special value to demonstrate adhesion of TMJ.

OBJECTIVE:To evaluate the role of CT in the diagnosis of temporomandibular joint dysfunction MATERIAL: 48 temporomandibular joints of 26 patients suspecting osseous changes were examined by CT, with 1mm of layer thickness. All patients had Sch llers position projection as comparison. RESULTS:CT is more sensitive to detect the osseous changes of TMJ than Sch llers position projection, but not well demonstrating sclerosis of TMJ. The Sch llers position projection can only shows the lesion of lateral 1/3 of condyle, but CT including total condyle. CONCLUSION: CT is an important and sensitive tool in detecting osseous changes of temporomandibular joint.

CD28 is a T-cell costimulatory receptor which plays a pivotal role in antigen-induced T-cell response. We have developed a cell-free and scintillation-proximity assay-based screen to search for molecules that inhibit ligand binding to CD28. The assay was shown to be versatile and adaptable to automation for high-throughput screening. Using this assay, we identified an inhibitor of CD28, NP2214. The inhibitor was shown to be active in vitro by suppressing IL-2 synthesis and proliferation of peripheral blood mononuclear cells in response to CD28 costimulation. We also demonstrated the additive effects of NP2214 and cyclosporine A which act mechanistically distinctly in inhibiting costimulation-induced IL-2 synthesis.

Lymphocyte beta-adrenergic receptor function of 20 depressed patients and 18 healthy volunteers were measured using radioligand binding technique. It was found that the affinity and sensitivity of this receptor were significantly higher in endogenous depressed patients than those in normal controls. After the electro-acupuncture-treatment (EAT), lymphocyte beta-receptor function decreased in patients who responded well to EAT, but still not reached normal level.

Leprosy is a spectral disease in which immune responses to Mycobacterium leprae correlate with the clinical, bacteriological and histopathological manifestations of disease, so study of its pathology provides insights into immunoregulatory mechanisms in man. At the tuberculoid pole, patients have few lesions in the skin which contain rare organisms and are able to mount strong cell-mediated immune responses to M. leprae antigens. In contrast, at the lepromatous pole, patients have disseminated skin lesions containing large numbers of acid-fast bacilli and are selectively unresponsive to antigens of M. leprae. M. leprae-induced suppressor cells derived from peripheral blood have been reported to be active in vitro, yet their in vivo significance has remained unclear. Because the focal point of the immune response to M. leprae is the skin lesion consisting of lymphocytes and macrophages, we have recently developed methods for isolating lymphocytes from skin biopsies of leprosy patients. We report here that two T8 clones derived from lepromatous leprosy skin biopsies, in the presence of lepromin, suppress concanavalin A (Con-A) responses both of peripheral blood mononuclear cells and of T4 clones in an HLA-D (HLA, histocompatibility locus antigen)-restricted manner. Moreover, these T8 clones suppressed responses of HLA-D-matched, but not HLA-D-mismatched antigen-responsive T4 clones to M. leprae antigens, indicating that T-cell suppression is major histocompatibility complex (MHC)-restricted at some level in man.