The exclusion among the Ustilago viruses — A dsRNA restriction modification system?

Summary Specific exclusion relations are know among the three Ustilago maydis viruses that are associated with the cytoplasmically transmitted killer phemomenon. Of the three viruses P1, P4 and P6, only P1, and P4 cancoexist in one host cell. Mutual exclusion occurs between P1 and P6 and P4 unilaterally excludes P6. The exclusion relations were originally defined among the wild-type viruses. Those relations can be modified by two specific segments that are a part of the P4 dsRNA genome and were also found in some sensitive strains that contained part of the viral genome. Also, deletion of the dsRNA segment that is assumed to encode the toxin information permits the formation of hybrid genomes that otherwise cannot be formed. The data is interpreted in terms of a dsRNA restriction modification system in which the killer toxin or a toxin-linked function acts as the restriction factor and segments H3 and H4 or H4 alone contain the necessary information for the modification of certain sites on the M and L segments of the P1 and P4 viruses but not on the P6 segments.     

Comparison of three models of neuropathic pain in mice using a new method to assess cold allodynia: The double plate technique

The recent identification of receptors sensitive to cold stimuli increased the significance of using mice to study cold allodynia, one of the important features of neuropathic pain. However, commonly used techniques (simple cold plate and acetone technique) may be inappropriate to study cold allodynia in mice because of problems of interpretation. We have developed a new method for assessing aversion to a cold non-noxious stimulus. It consists of calculating the time that mice spend on a non-noxious cold plate during their explorative behavior versus a thermoneutral one. We used three different models of neuropathic pain: chronic constriction injury of the sciatic nerve (CCI), partial sciatic nerve ligation (PSL) and chronic constriction of the saphenous nerve (CCS) with their respective sham groups and naive animals to assess the double plate in comparison to the acetone drop technique. All operated mice displayed cold allodynia with both methods. The response to acetone and the time spent on the cold plate were correlated (r = −0.93) and we also showed that the CCI mice were more sensitive to cold. Pharmacological validation of this technique showed that CCI induced cold allodynia was alleviated by gabapentin. In conclusion, the double plate technique provides a new, relevant method for assessing cold allodynia in mice. The advantages and drawbacks with the other techniques are discussed.     

Desensitization protocols improving access and outcome in transplantation

Sensitization to antigens of the HLA and ABO system has been the biggest barrier to access in renal transplantation and, increasingly, in transplantation of other organs. Additionally, antibody to donor antigens has been shown to result in injury to the graft ranging from catastrophic, irreversible hyperacute rejection to the slower, more insidious, chronic form of rejection. The problem of access has been recognized globally and has been the incentive for measures to overcome the disadvantage experienced by the sensitized patient. However, early attempts to reduce sensitization achieved only transient success. Newer immunosuppressive agents that affect B-cell function or viability have permitted the development of treatment protocols to eliminate and, potentially, downregulate donor-specific antibodies. The use of these protocols has achieved successful transplants that were HLA and/or ABO incompatible prior to treatment and, as such, has provided some patients with their only opportunity for transplantation.     

“双一流”高校工科学报校内发文量与学术影响力统计分析

【目的】 研究“双一流”高校工科学报校内发文量与学术影响力间的关系,探讨学报发挥自身优势,提升期刊学术质量,继续推动高校和学科建设的策略。【方法】 依据中国知网期刊数据库及《中国科技期刊引证报告(核心版)》统计24种“双一流”高校工科学报2012年、2014年、2016年和2018年的校内发文量、影响因子、被引频次、基金论文比、综合排名,辅以EI收录期刊、“中国科技期刊卓越行动计划”入选期刊的情况。【结果】 有18种高校学报的校内发文比例较高,具有较强的内向性;大部分学报的校内发文比例呈下降或波动稳定趋势,开放办刊的同时也流失了部分校内优质稿件;基金论文比普遍较高;23种学报的影响因子在0.5上下波动,特色优势不明显。由此可见,校内发文比例不直接决定学报的学术影响力,更为重要的是要积极拓展稿源,提升论文质量。【结论】 “双一流”高校工科学报需要依托高校优势学科,设定特色栏目吸引特色论文;挖掘本校学者资源,提升校内发文质量;坚持科学评价导向,让高校涌现的高水平成果落地生根,推进大学各学科发展,共创一流。     

不同材料双J管对兔输尿管的影响

目的：观察不同材料双J管对兔输尿管的影响。方法：本实验通过三种双J管置于15例（每一种双J管5例）正常兔的输尿管内,6周后观察其对输尿管上皮的损伤,输尿管的反应变化,双J管长壳的程度,置管前后肾盂压力的变化,结果：三种双J管均产生上皮细胞的损伤,二种国产双J管所引起的输尿管反应性较小。而进口双J管较重,与之相反,国产双J管长结古石的程度远较进口双J管严重（P＜0．05）,置管6周后与管前比较肾盂压力无明显变化（P＜0．05）,结论：国产双J管有较严重的长结石的倾向,但输尿管的反应性变化较小,适合于短时间置管,进口双J管的输尿管反应性变化较重,便有较长长结石倾向,比较适合于篚置管,尽管这些为动物实验所得结果,但也可能与临床有关系。     

双水止负压输液器的应用研究

为改进一次性输液器因回血量少 ,影响穿刺成功率。我们将输液器改装为双水止负压输液器 ,产生管内负压。经临床试验 ,负压组总回血长度 3 90 .4cm ,平均回血长度 8.76cm/例。对照组总回血长度 3 9.9cm ,平均回血长度 0 .89cm/例。经方差处理p <0 .0 0 1 ,有明显临床意义。其优点 :增加穿刺回血量 ,提高了穿刺成功率 ,减少病人的痛苦。操作简单易行 ,减少了中间环节 ,避免了污染的输液反应     

Deltoid ligament reconstruction with autologous gracilis tendon in chronic medial ankle instability after ankle fracture surgery: A case report

IntroductionThe repair of a deltoid ligament injury, following an ankle fracture with involvement of the syndesmosis, has no univocal consensus. Also the surgical strategies in case of a subsequent chronic instability are still under debate. In this work the result of a double bundle anatomic reconstruction of deltoid ligament with ipsilateral autologous gracilis muscle tendon is presented.Case reportA 50 year old active male patient came to our attention with a catastrophic medial ankle instability, a severe pronation of the hindfoot and disabling ankle pain. He reported a Weber type B fracture of the left ankle with a lesion of the syndesmosis treated with anatomic plate and screws and a transyndesmotic screw 8 months before. The imaging showed a complete deltoid ligament lesion. Due to the impossibility of a direct repair of the ligament, we performed the reconstruction of the medial ligamentous complex with an autologous gracilis tendon graft. 10 months after the medial ligamentous complex reconstruction, the patient showed an excellent recovery of walking ability, disappearance of pain under load and resumed an active lifestyle.DiscussionThe deltoid ligament has a key role in ankle joint stability and its integrity promotes the recovery after ankle fractures. However, its lesion is often left untreated in the acute setting. The result of a chronic untreated deltoid ligament injury could be extremely disabling and the ligament reconstruction, when an optimal native deltoid ligament repair is not achievable, is the choice to restore ankle function and stability.ConclusionIn the delayed treatment of a deltoid ligament rupture the described double bundle anatomic reconstruction with autologous tendon graft can be an effective and suitable option.     

Endoscopic internal drainage for the management of leak,fistula, and collection after sleeve gastrectomy: our experience in 617 consecutive patients

BackgroundEndoscopy plays a pivotal role in the management of adverse events (AE) following bariatric surgery. Leaks, fistulae, and post-operative collection after sleeve gastrectomy (SG) may occur in up to 10% of cases.ObjectivesTo evaluate the efficacy and safety of endoscopic internal drainage (EID) for the management of leak, fistula, and collection following SG.SettingRetrospective, observational, single center study on patients referred from several bariatric surgery departments to an endoscopic referral center.MethodsEID was used as first-line treatment for the management of leaks, fistulae, and collections. Leaks and fistulae were treated with double pigtail stent (DPS) deployment in order to guarantee internal drainage and second intention cavity obliteration. Collections were treated with endoscropic ultrasound (EUS)–guided deployment of DPS or lumen apposing metal stents.ResultsA total of 617 patients (83.3% female; mean age, 43.1 yr) were enrolled in the study for leak (n = 300, 48.6%), fistula (n = 285, 46.2%), and collection (n = 32, 5.2%). Median follow-up was 19.5 months. Overall clinical success was 84.7% whereas 15.3% of cases required revisional surgery after EID failure. Clinical success according to type of AE was 89.5%, 78.5%, and 90% for leak, fistula, and collection, respectively. A total of 10 of 547 (1.8%) presented a recurrence during follow-up. A total of 28 (4.5%) AE related to the endoscopic treatment occurred. At univariate logistic regression predictors of failure were: fistula (OR 2.012), combined endoscopic approach (OR 2.319), need for emergency surgery (OR 1.755), and previous endoscopic treatment (OR 4.818).ConclusionEarly EID for the management of leak, fistula, and post-operative collection after SG seems a safe and effective first-line approach with good long-term results.     

A case report of double cystic duct during laparoscopic cholecystectomy in patient with chronic calcular cholecystitis

IntroductionAbnormal anatomy of the biliary tree predisposes patients to higher risks of ductal injury and postoperative complications. One of the extremely rare abnormalities of the cystic duct is the duplication of the cystic duct with a single gallbladder. The diagnosis is usually established during surgery. we report a case of double cystic duct with literature review.Presentation of caseA forty-two years old female patient who complained of recurrent biliary colic 9 months prior to the presentation. Murphy’s sigh was negative and with no other relevant clinical signs.Diagnosis and therapeutic interventionAbdominal ultrasound showed multiple gall stones; the largest one was about 11 mm in diameter. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy was done under general anesthesia with 4 ports insertion. A double cystic duct accidentally encountered after clipping and cutting what was apparently a single cystic duct. Intraoperative cholangiogram was done to confirm the anomaly and exclude CBD injury.ConclusionDouble cystic duct is a very rare variant of the cystic duct anomaly. Proper knowledge of this anomaly should be kept in mind to avoid any unnecessary steps.     

Some technical improvements for the voltage clamp with the double sucrose gap

Summary A new double sucrose gap chamber using electrodes of high stability and low resistance is described. The size of each sucrose gap and the central node can be modified independently so that this chamber is suitable for research on multicellular or unicellular excitable preparation under voltage clamp conditions. The shape of the central channel is made so as to reduce the series resistance between the preparation and the recording electrode to a minimum. A window made in the floor of the chamber allows to observe the preparation under a microscope.This work was performed under the I.N.S.E.R.M. grant no. 17.75.40.