P.I. Codesido Vilar, P. Sucasas Hermida, B. Calvete Vázquez
et al.
Resumen: Introducción: Las fracturas de meseta tibial más frecuentes son las tipo AO 41B3/Schatzker tipo 2 (lesiones unicondilares externas con línea de fractura vertical). El objetivo del tratamiento de estas fracturas es la restauración satisfactoria de la alineación mecánica, la reducción anatómica de la superficie articular y la fijación estable para permitir un rango de movimiento temprano. El objetivo de nuestro estudio es conocer los factores que más influyen en los resultados funcionales y de calidad de vida a largo plazo tras el tratamiento quirúrgico mediante la selección estricta de pacientes previamente sanos que afrontan una fractura inesperada de meseta tibial externa. Material y método: Se realizó un estudio retrospectivo en nuestro hospital de tercer nivel tras obtener la aprobación por parte del comité de ética. Se analizaron datos de pacientes con fractura de meseta tibial externa hospitalizados entre los años 2013 y 2018 con más de 3 años de evolución. Todos los pacientes que cumplieron los estrictos criterios de inclusión completaron los cuestionarios KOOS, EQ-5-D Profile y VAS. Además, se les realizó un examen físico y un estudio radiológico mediante telemetría y tomografía computarizada (TC). Los datos clínicos recogidos de los pacientes fueron: edad, sexo, lado de la fractura, uso de implante, uso de injerto, días transcurridos hasta la cirugía, años tras la cirugía, ASA, rango de movilidad en extensión y flexión. Los datos radiológicos fueron: en la telemetría se analizó la desviación en mm del eje de carga respecto al miembro contralateral, el MPTA de ambos miembros y la diferencia en grados entre ellos; en la TC se midió el escalón articular máximo y se calculó el área afecta en cm2 así como el diámetro mayor anteroposterior y la anchura máxima en mm (diámetros máximos anteroposterior y transversal). Resultados: Se analizaron un total de 27 pacientes, con edad media de 53,3 años y tiempo de evaluación medio desde la fractura de 4,8 años. Encontramos correlaciones estadísticamente significativas (p < 0,05) entre: días hasta cirugía y tamaño del área en cm2 (p = 0,042) y del escalón en mm (p = 0,028), es decir, a más días de demora mayor área y mayor escalón; ser hombre presentó una correlación positiva con tener mayor escalón (p = 0,025), mayor área (p = 0,007) y mayor slope (p = 0,039) frente a las mujeres. Se observó relación estadísticamente significativa entre el área de fractura residual y los valores de KOOS síntomas (p = 0,015), KOOS función (p = 0,012), EQ-5D profile (p = 0,038) y VAS (p = 0,049), siendo a mayor área afectada peor estado del paciente. También detectamos correlaciones significativas entre el escalón articular aumentado y KOOS síntomas (p = 0,005), KOOS dolor (p = 0,026), KOOS actividades cotidianas de la vida diaria (p = 0,049) y KOOS función (p = 0,007), siendo a mayor escalón peor situación del paciente. Conclusión: En conclusión, se puede observar que el aspecto más importante a la hora de obtener buenos resultados en cuanto a la satisfacción del paciente a largo plazo es la restauración de la línea articular evitando grandes depresiones y disminuyendo al máximo el área de afectación articular residual. Abstract: Introduction: The most common tibial plateau fractures are AO 41B3/Schatzker type 2 (external unicondylar lesions with a vertical fracture line). The goal of treatment for these fractures is the satisfactory restoration of mechanical alignment, anatomic reduction of the articular surface, and stable fixation to allow early range of motion. The aim of our study is to determine the factors that most influence long-term functional and quality of life outcomes after surgical treatment by strictly selecting previously healthy patients facing an unexpected external tibial plateau fracture. Material and method: A retrospective study was conducted in our tertiary hospital after obtaining approval from the ethics committee. Data from patients with external tibial plateau fracture hospitalized between 2013 and 2018 with more than 3 years of evolution were analyzed. All patients who met the strict inclusion criteria completed the KOOS, EQ-5-D profile and VAS questionnaires. In addition, they underwent a physical examination and radiological study using telemetry and computed tomography (CT). The clinical data collected from the patients were: age, sex, fracture side, implant use, graft use, days elapsed until surgery, years after surgery, ASA, range of motion in extension and flexion. The radiological data were: in the telemetry, the deviation in mm of the load axis with respect to the contralateral limb was analyzed, the MPTA of both limbs and the difference in degrees between them; in the CT, the maximum joint step was measured and the affected area was calculated in cm2 as well as the largest anteroposterior diameter and maximum width in mm (maximum anteroposterior and transverse diameters). Results: A total of 27 patients were analysed, with a mean age of 53.3 years and a mean evaluation time since the fracture of 4.8 years. We found statistically significant correlations (P < .05) between: days until surgery and size of the area in cm2 (P = .042) and step in mm (P = .028), that is, the more days of delay, the greater the area and the greater the step; being a man presented a positive correlation with having a greater step (P = .025), greater area (P = .007) and greater slope (P = .039) compared to women. A statistically significant relationship was observed between the area of residual fracture and the values of KOOS symptoms (P = .015), KOOS function (P = .012), EQ-5D profile (P = .038) and VAS (P = .049); the greater the affected area, the worse the patient's condition. We also detected significant correlations between increased joint step and KOOS symptoms (P = .005), KOOS pain (P = .026), KOOS activities of daily living (P = .049) and KOOS function (P = .007); the higher the step, the worse the patient's situation. Conclusion: In conclusion, it can be observed that the most important aspect when it comes to obtaining good results in terms of patient satisfaction in the long term is the restoration of the joint line, avoiding large depressions and minimizing the area of residual joint involvement.
We have analyzed archival spectra of the hot UV-bright star ZNG 1 in the globular cluster M5 (NGC 5904) obtained with the Far Ultraviolet Spectroscopic Explorer and the Space Telescope Imaging Spectrograph. From these data, we derive an effective temperature T _eff = 43,000 ± 1400 K, a surface gravity $\mathrm{log}g$ = 4.47 ± 0.08, a rotational velocity $v\sin i$ = 157 ± 12 km s ^−1 , and a mass M = 0.92 ± 0.17 M _☉ . The atmosphere is helium-rich ( Y = 0.99) and enhanced in CNO (relative to the cluster). The spectrum exhibits wind features with a terminal velocity near 1500 km s ^−1 and strong discrete absorption components. The high helium abundance, stellar mass, and rotational velocity suggest that the star is a merger remnant, and its parameters are consistent with models of a pair of merging He-core white dwarfs.
Bobâlna Hill is the highest part of the Cluj and Dej Hills, an integrated part of the Someșan Plateau, with an altitude of 693 m. From a geomorphological point of view, it falls within the erosive-structural level formed on the horizon of the Dej tuff, of Lower Pannonian age. At the foot of the hill, a series of subsequent valleys developed, such as Olpret Valley to the north, northeast and east, Măr Valley and Lujerdiu Valley to the south, and Luna Valley to the west and southwest respectively. From a geological point of view, Bobâlna Hill is composed by the Dacitic tuff of Dej, interspersed with marls, clays, sandstones with coals and marly shales. Due to its altitude and the rocks it is made of, Bobâlna Hill determined the meaning of the evolution of the other natural components of the environment, flora, fauna, soils, as well as the hydrography. The development of human communities in the adjacent communes was deeply influenced by the presence of Bobâlna Hill. The hill is located about 30 km west of Dej City. Its area of polarization is more visible on the territories of Bobâlna, Aluniș, Cornești, Recea-Cristur and Panticeu communes. Bobâlna Hill has been the source of building materials for houses and other buildings for a long time. There are still buildings made of “Băbdiu stone” today. In addition to resistance over time, tuff has a beautiful appearance and was accessible to people. In June 1437, an army of peasants gathered on Bobâlna Hill, armed with pitchforks and scythes, ready to fight to regain their rights and freedom. The uprising in Bobâlna took place as a result of burdensome feudal obligations towards the state, the feudal lord and the Catholic church, but also because of numerous abuses. On June 8, 1937, the leaders of the villages in the Olpret area formed an initiative committee to build a monument in honour of the peasants who revolted in 1437, on Bobâlna Hill, at an altitude of 693 meters. The initiative was successful and a limestone monument was built, unveiled on December 21, 1957. Starting from 1968 and up to 1989, popular celebrations were organized, most of them just above, on the Bobâlna plateau. The heroes of the 1437 uprising were commemorated and it was an occasion of joy, reunion and party for the inhabitants of the area. Between the years 1989-1999, the celebrations stopped, but they were resumed in 1999, 2001 and 2002. The last celebration was in 2015, in the school yard in Bobâlna commune, but it had a smaller scale. In the years 2021 and 2022, the first two editions of the Revolution Race event took place, on Bobâlna Hill. Revolution Race is a sporting event that highlights nature, history and rural traditions. The “Înflorești” Sports Club Association participated to the organization of the two events in partnership with the Go4Fun Association and the administration of the municipalities of Bobâlna and Cornești. Over 300 runners from Romania and abroad participated in each edition. Starting from the advantages offered by the natural setting, the presence of Bobâlna Hill, and the significance of the historical event of 1437, Bobâlna municipality is currently designing a long-term development strategy based on ecological rural tourism.
Romina D. Fernandez, Phillip J. Haubrock, Ross N. Cuthbert
et al.
Abstract The high ecological impacts of many invasive alien trees have been well documented. However, to date, we lacked synthesis of their economic impacts, hampering management actions. Here, we summarize the cost records of invasive trees to (I) identify invasive trees with cost information and their geographic locations, (II) investigate the types of costs recorded and sectors impacted by invasive trees and (III) analyze the relationships between categories of uses of invasive trees and the invasion costs attributed to these uses. We found reliable cost records only for 72 invasive trees, accumulating a reported total cost of $19.2 billion between 1960 and 2020. Agriculture was the sector with the highest cost records due to invasive trees. Most costs were incurred as resource damages and losses ($3.5 billion). Close attention to the ornamental sector is important for reducing the economic impact of invasive trees, since most invasive trees with cost records were introduced for that use. Despite massive reported costs of invasive trees, there remain large knowledge gaps on most invasive trees, sectors, and geographic scales, indicating that the real cost is severely underestimated. This highlights the need for further concerted and widely-distributed research efforts regarding the economic impact of invasive trees.
The stratigraphic development of foreland basins has mainly been related to surface loading in the adjacent orogens, whereas the control of slab loads on these basins has received much less attention. This has also been the case for interpreting the relationships between the Oligocene to Micoene evolution of the European Alps and the North Alpine foreland basin or Molasse basin. In this trough, periods of rapid subsidence have generally been considered as a response to the growth of the Alpine topography, and thus to the construction of larger surface loads. However, such views conflict with observations where the surface growth in the Alps has been partly decoupled from the subsidence history in the basin. In addition, surface loads alone are not capable of explaining the contrasts in the stratigraphic development particularly between its central and eastern portions. Here, we present an alternative view on the evolution of the Molasse basin. We focus on the time interval between c. 30 and 15 Ma and relate the basin-scale development of this trough to the subduction processes, and thus to the development of slab loads beneath the European Alps. At 30 Ma, the western and central portions of this basin experienced a change from deep marine underfilled (Flysch stage) to overfilled terrestrial conditions (Molasse stage). During this time, however, a deep marine Flysch-type environment prevailed in the eastern part of the basin. This was also the final sedimentary sink as sediment was routed along the topographic axis from the western/central to the eastern part of this trough. We interpret the change from basin underfill to overfill in the western and central basin as a response to oceanic lithosphere slab-breakoff beneath the Central and Western Alps. This is considered to have resulted in a growth of the Alpine topography in these portions of the Alps, an increase in surface erosion and an augmentation in sediment supply to the basin, and thus in the observed change from basin underfill to overfill. In the eastern part of the basin, however, underfilled Flysch-type conditions prevailed until 20 Ma, and subsidence rates were higher than in the western and central parts. We interpret that high subsidence rates in the eastern Molasse occurred in response to slab loads beneath the Eastern Alps, where the subducted oceanic slab remained attached to the European plate and downwarped the plate in the East. Accordingly, in the central and western parts, the growth of the Alpine topography, the increase in sediment flux and the change from basin underfill to overfill most likely reflect the response to slab delamination beneath the Central Alps. In contrast, in the eastern part, the possibly subdued topography in the Eastern Alps, the low sediment flux and the maintenance of a deep marine Flysch-type basin records a situation where the oceanic slab was still attached to the European plate. The situation changed at 20 Ma, when the eastern part of the basin chronicled a change from deep marine (underfilled) to shallow marine and then terrestrial (overfilled conditions). During the same time, subsidence rates in the eastern basin decreased, deformation at the Alpine front came to a halt and sediment supply to the basin increased possibly in response to a growth of the topography in the Eastern Alps. This was also the time when the sediment routing in the basin axis changed from an east-directed sediment dispersal prior to 20 Ma, to a west-oriented sediment transport thereafter and thus to the opposite direction. We relate these changes to the occurrence of oceanic slab breakoff beneath the Eastern Alps, which most likely resulted in a rebound of the plate, a growth of the topography in the Eastern Alps and a larger sediment flux to the eastern portion of the basin. Beneath the Central and Western Alps, however, the continental lithosphere slab remained attached to the European plate, thereby resulting in a continued downwarping of the plate in its central and western portions. This plate downwarping beneath the central and western Molasse together with the rebound of the foreland plate in the East possibly explains the inversion of the drainage direction. We thus propose that slab loads beneath the Alps were presumably the most important drivers for the development of the Molasse basin at the basin scale.
Joice Cristini Kuritza, Mariane Kempka, Mauricio Dai Pra
et al.
Neste trabalho, um procedimento metodológico foi desenvolvido para uma tipologia genérica de sistema de bombeamento. Foram avaliadas 96 possibilidades geométricas para esse sistema a partir da combinação de diferentes alturas geométricas, comprimentos e diâmetros. Foram estudados 3 perfis de curva de consumo, com 4 volumes de consumo diário distintos para início e horizonte de projeto. O algoritmo Shuffled Complex Evolution foi empregado para obter a regra de operação otimizada, e a função-objetivo foi formulada para representar os custos de operação somados aos custos de instalação do sistema de bombeamento. Os resultados demonstraram que nem sempre é vantajoso o desligamento do sistema durante o período de ponta, especialmente nos casos de sistemas com elevada perda de carga. São propostos critérios de dimensionamento otimizados para o diâmetro da adutora e a capacidade do reservatório, contribuindo com a promoção da eficiência energética ainda na fase de projeto.
Natalia Markovich, Maksim Ryzhov, Marijus Vaičiulis
Random graphs are subject to the heterogeneities of the distributions of node indices and their dependence structures. Superstar nodes to which a large proportion of nodes attach in the evolving graphs are considered. In the present paper, a statistical analysis of the extremal part of random graphs is considered. We used the extreme value theory regarding sums and maxima of non-stationary random length sequences to evaluate the tail index of the PageRanks and max-linear models of superstar nodes in the evolving graphs where existing nodes or edges can be deleted or not. The evolution is provided by a linear preferential attachment. Our approach is based on the analysis of maxima and sums of the node PageRanks over communities (block maxima and block sums), which can be independent or weakly dependent random variables. By an empirical study, it was found that tail indices of the block maxima and block sums are close to the minimum tail index of representative series extracted from the communities. The tail indices are estimated by data of simulated graphs.
Structural proteins of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) are potential drug targets due to their role in the virus life cycle. The envelope (E) protein is one of the structural proteins; plays a critical role in virulency. However, the emergence of mutations oftenly leads to drug resistance and may also play a vital role in virus stabilization and evolution. In this study, we aimed to identify mutations in E proteins that affect the protein stability. About 0.3 million complete whole genome sequences were analyzed to screen mutations in E protein. All these mutations were subjected to stability prediction using the DynaMut server. The most common mutations that were detected at the C-terminal domain, Ser68Phe, Pro71Ser, and Leu73Phe, were examined through molecular dynamics (MD) simulations for a 100ns period. The sequence analysis shows the existence of 259 mutations in E protein. Interestingly, 16 of them were detected in the DFLV amino acid (aa) motif (aa72-aa75) that binds the host PALS1 protein. The results of root mean square deviation, fluctuations, radius of gyration, and free energy landscape show that Ser68Phe, Pro71Ser, and Leu73Phe are exhibiting a more stabilizing effect. However, a more comprehensive experimental study may be required to see the effect on virus pathogenicity. Potential antiviral drugs, and vaccines may be developed used after screening the genomic variations for better management of SARS-CoV-2 infections.
Computer applications to medicine. Medical informatics
Design of shape memory alloy based structure in high–frequency or dynamic applications needs to build on a luminous comprehension for high speed deformation mechanisms of the corresponding material. In present work, dynamic responses and bulk texture evolutions are studied in martensitic NiTi through multi–scale characterization efforts. The objective is to quantitatively decompose the macroscopic strain according to deformation mechanisms and construct a phenomenological constitutive model. This study uses quasi–static in–situ and dynamic ex–situ neutron diffraction techniques to follow the evolution of bulk texture, twin volume fraction, and active twinning modes under various strain rates. It is demonstrated that the mechanical responses are strongly rate sensitive. The observation is attributed to the variation in slip activity. A distinct twinning mode change during compression is captured through in–situ neutron diffraction, and the shear induced reorientation is well described. Based on experimental observations, a constitutive model that includes effects of elasticity, reorientation of accommodation twinning, and plasticity is constructed and validated in a wide strain rate range. The overall results provide insights into strain rate dependent mechanical response of martensitic NiTi in both experiment and model aspects. This work will guide the design and application of shape memory alloys, especially in dynamic condition.
Materials of engineering and construction. Mechanics of materials
K. Tsanakas, E. Karymbalis, K. Gaki-Papanastassiou
et al.
The present study is an attempt to comprehend and interpret the geomorphological factors that contributed to the landscape formation and evolution of the broader area of Pieria Mtns in Northern Greece. Detailed geomorphological mapping was performed utilizing both automated - GIS oriented and traditional geomorphological techniques. In order to scientifically determine the formation and evolution of present day landscape, topography, geology, tectonics and climatic status were taken into consideration. The broader area of Pieria Mtns is a landscape with heterogeneous geomorphological environments. The geomorphological formation and evolution is the result of primarily active tectonics, and exogenic processes from Lower Miocene until present. The combined methodology of GIS oriented and traditional geomorphological mapping was proved to be scientifically accurate although time consuming. Detailed field work was considered mandatory in order to validate the GIS derivatives, and interpret the genesis of the landforms.
Sebastian Feliu, Lucien Veleva, Federico García-Galvan
In this work, the corrosion behaviors of the AZ31B alloy in Ringer’s solution at 20 °C and 37 °C were compared over four days to better understand the influence of temperature and immersion time on corrosion rate. The corrosion products on the surfaces of the AZ31B alloys were examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) provided information about the protective properties of the corrosion layers. A significant acceleration in corrosion rate with increasing temperature was measured using mass loss and evolved hydrogen methods. This temperature effect was directly related to the changes in chemical composition and thickness of the Al-rich corrosion layer formed on the surface of the AZ31B alloy. At 20 °C, the presence of a thick (micrometer scale) Al-rich corrosion layer on the surface reduced the corrosion rate in Ringer’s solution over time. At 37 °C, the incorporation of additional Mg and Al compounds containing Cl into the Al-rich corrosion layer was observed in the early stages of exposure to Ringer’s solution. At 37 °C, a significant decrease in the thickness of this corrosion layer was noted after four days.
Terenina N. B., Kreshchenko N. D., Mochalova N. B.
et al.
The serotoninergic and FMRFamidergic nervous system of the attachment organs of trematodes were examined using immunocytochemical techniques and confocal scanning laser microscopy. Adult trematodes from eight families as well as cercariae and metacercariae from ten families were studied. TRITC-conjugated phalloidin was used to stain the muscle fibres. The serotonin- and FMRFamide-immunoreactive (IR) nerve cells and fibres were revealed to be near the muscle fibres of the oral and ventral suckers of the trematodes and their larvae. The results indicate the important role of neurotransmitters, serotonin and neuropeptide FMRFamide in the regulation of muscle activity in the attachment organs of trematodes and can be considered in perspective for the development of new anthelmintic drugs, which can interrupt the function of the attachment organs of the parasites.
April N. Wynn, Irvin L. Pan, Elizabeth E. Rueschhoff
et al.
Plants are ubiquitous and found in virtually every ecosystem on Earth, but their biology is often poorly understood, and inaccurate ideas about how plants grow and function abound. Many articles have been published documenting student misconceptions about photosynthesis and respiration, but there are substantially fewer on such topics as plant cell structure and growth; plant genetics, evolution, and classification; plant physiology (beyond energy relations); and plant ecology. The available studies of misconceptions held on those topics show that many are formed at a very young age and persist throughout all educational levels. Our goal is to begin building a central resource of plant biology misconceptions that addresses these underrepresented topics, and here we provide a table of published misconceptions organized by topic. For greater utility, we report the age group(s) in which the misconceptions were found and then map them to the ASPB – BSA Core Concepts and Learning Objectives in Plant Biology for Undergraduates, developed jointly by the American Society of Plant Biologists and the Botanical Society of America.
Sarah L. Baines, Kathryn E. Holt, Mark B. Schultz
et al.
ABSTRACT Infections caused by highly successful clones of hospital-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (HA-MRSA) are a major public health burden. The globally dominant sequence type 239 (ST239) HA-MRSA clone has persisted in the health care setting for decades, but the basis of its success has not been identified. Taking a collection of 123 ST239 isolates spanning 32 years, we have used population-based functional genomics to investigate the evolution of this highly persistent and successful clone. Phylogenetic reconstruction and population modeling uncovered a previously unrecognized distinct clade of ST239 that was introduced into Australia from Asia and has perpetuated the epidemic in this region. Functional analysis demonstrated attenuated virulence and enhanced resistance to last-line antimicrobials, the result of two different phenomena, adaptive evolution within the original Australian ST239 clade and the introduction of a new clade displaying shifts in both phenotypes. The genetic diversity between the clades allowed us to employ genome-wide association testing and identify mutations in other essential regulatory systems, including walKR, that significantly associate with and may explain these key phenotypes. The phenotypic convergence of two independently evolving ST239 clades highlights the very strong selective pressures acting on HA-MRSA, showing that hospital environments have favored the accumulation of mutations in essential MRSA genes that increase resistance to antimicrobials, attenuate virulence, and promote persistence in the health care environment. Combinations of comparative genomics and careful phenotypic measurements of longitudinal collections of clinical isolates are giving us the knowledge to intelligently address the impact of current and future antibiotic usage policies and practices on hospital pathogens globally. IMPORTANCE Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is responsible for innumerable drug-resistant health care-associated infections globally. This study, the first to investigate the evolutionary response of hospital-associated MRSA (HA-MRSA) over many decades, demonstrates how MRSA can persist in a region through the reintroduction of a previously unrecognized distinct clade. This study also demonstrates the crucial adaptive responses of HA-MRSA to the highly selective environment of the health care system, the evolution of MRSA isolates to even higher levels of antibiotic resistance at the cost of attenuated virulence. However, in vivo persistence is maintained, resulting in a clone of HA-MRSA able to resist almost all antimicrobial agents and still cause invasive disease in the heavily compromised hosts found in modern health care settings.
Two pleurostomatid ciliates, Loxophyllum perihoplophorum Buddenbrock, 1920 and L. rostratum Cohn, 1866, were collected from the coastal waters of the East Sea, Korea. Their morphologies are described based on live observation and protargol staining, and morphometrics are provided. Loxophyllum perihoplophorum is characterized by the following features: 200-650 μm long in vivo; body slender leaf-shaped, flexible and contractile, with thin and wide extrusome-belted zone; 2 macronuclear nodules (Ma) and 1 micronucleus (Mi); 7-9 contractile vacuoles (CV) positioned along dorsal margin; extrusomes (Ex) evenly distributed along edge of entire body, with about 10 dorsal warts (Wa); 9-11 left (LSK) and 19-22 right somatic kineties (RSK), 4-5 furrows (Fu) on left side. Loxophyllum rostratum is about 100-130 μm long in vivo; body oblate leaf-shaped, contractile, convex ventral side and S-shaped dorsal side, beak-like anterior end; 2 Ma and 1 Mi; 1 CV terminally located; Ex distributed along edge of entire body, with about 9-10 dorsal Wa; 7-8 LSK and 15-19 RSK, ca. 5 Fu on left body side. In addition, sequences of small subunit ribosomal DNA were determined from these two Loxophyllum species and compared with the known Loxophyllum sequences.
Rajae Kanab, Fazoumed El Mérabet, Taoufiq Ameuraoui
et al.
Les métastases pulmonaires du carcinome épidermoïde (CE) du col utérin sont rares. C'est un cancer à évolution locorégionale, rarement extra pelvienne, et qui est intimement lié à l'infection par HPV (humain papilloma virus). Nous rapportons un nouveau cas d'une patiente âgée de 40 ans, traitée pour CE du col utérin il y a 3 ans, traitées par RTH externe, curiethérapie et chirurgie et qui présente une récidive de sa maladie sous forme d'une masse pulmonaire isolée mimant un primitif pulmonaire. Le diagnostic a été posé par génotypage HPV sur le prélèvement biopsique de la masse pulmonaire. La patiente a été mise sous chimiothérapie type col utérin, avec une bonne réponse clinique et biologique.
The objective of the paper is twofold. First, the possible links between the feared decrease of the formation of savings and the strong territorial imbalances that characterised the demographic evolution are examined. Second, the authors aim to demonstrate that it makes sense to address the problem of lack of savings in the global economy above all if it is seen in relative terms, comparing it with the specific investment needs that must be met in order to mitigate economic and demographic imbalances. Attention is focused on a specific and particularly significant aspect of the problem: that of the relationship between family savings and optimal accumulation of human capital at different stages of economic development and population growth. The authors conclude that more than a problem of absolute world savings scarcity, there is a predominant redistributive problem, in the face of a marked economic and demographic dualism that takes on a worrisome destabilising potential.
JEL Codes: E21, J24, O16
Anja C Hörger, Muhammad Ilyas, Wolfgang Stephan
et al.
Coevolution between hosts and pathogens is thought to occur between interacting molecules of both species. This results in the maintenance of genetic diversity at pathogen antigens (or so-called effectors) and host resistance genes such as the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) in mammals or resistance (R) genes in plants. In plant-pathogen interactions, the current paradigm posits that a specific defense response is activated upon recognition of pathogen effectors via interaction with their corresponding R proteins. According to the "Guard-Hypothesis," R proteins (the "guards") can sense modification of target molecules in the host (the "guardees") by pathogen effectors and subsequently trigger the defense response. Multiple studies have reported high genetic diversity at R genes maintained by balancing selection. In contrast, little is known about the evolutionary mechanisms shaping the guardee, which may be subject to contrasting evolutionary forces. Here we show that the evolution of the guardee RCR3 is characterized by gene duplication, frequent gene conversion, and balancing selection in the wild tomato species Solanum peruvianum. Investigating the functional characteristics of 54 natural variants through in vitro and in planta assays, we detected differences in recognition of the pathogen effector through interaction with the guardee, as well as substantial variation in the strength of the defense response. This variation is maintained by balancing selection at each copy of the RCR3 gene. Our analyses pinpoint three amino acid polymorphisms with key functional consequences for the coevolution between the guardee (RCR3) and its guard (Cf-2). We conclude that, in addition to coevolution at the "guardee-effector" interface for pathogen recognition, natural selection acts on the "guard-guardee" interface. Guardee evolution may be governed by a counterbalance between improved activation in the presence and prevention of auto-immune responses in the absence of the corresponding pathogen.