Making good on the promise of genomics in healthcare: the NSW Health perspective.

NSW Health is implementing genomics as a mainstream component of clinical care. The strategic, holistic approach is considering infrastructure, data governance and management, workforce, education, service planning and delivery. This work is generating insights about how to realise the promise of genomics in healthcare, highlighting the need for strong foundations, real-world application, accessibility and a focus on people using genomic information in clinical care.

Innovative models for teaching reproduction in small animals: The experience at DIMEVET of Bologna University.

For a long time, the main way to acquire the skills necessary for good veterinary practice has been the traditional apprenticeship model (observe, assist, and perform under supervision). However, in the last years, more creative and innovative teaching models have been adopted by academic institutions and, parallelly, the opportunities to gain hands-on experience for clinical and surgical procedures are becoming more limited. For that reason, the introduction of the models can provide a potential solution to the ethical and legal implications related to the use of live animals for educational purposes and the biosafety risks deriving from the manipulation of human/animal cadavers.

The Comparison of Latero-Medial versus Dorso-Palmar/Plantar Drilling for Cartilage Removal in the Proximal Interphalangeal Joint.

The aims of the present study were to compare the percentages of articular cartilage removed using a lateral drilling approach of the proximal interphalangeal joint (PIPJ) and a dorsal drilling approach, and to assess the usefulness of digital fluoroscopy when performing a lateral drilling approach. Sixty cadaveric PIPJs were drilled using a surgical drill bit to remove the articular cartilage. The limbs were divided into three groups containing 10 forelimbs and 10 hindlimbs each.

The distribution of the jejunal arteries in the cat.

The arterial supply of the cat jejunum was studied by gross dissection and polyurethane corrosion cast. The results showed that the jejunal arteries, which originate from the cranial mesenteric artery, varied from 5 to 15 in number. Their number was independent of the length of the cranial mesenteric artery as well as of the length of the jejunum.

Distribution of Calretinin Immunoreactivity in the Lateral Nucleus of the Bottlenose Dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) Amygdala.

The amgdaloid complex consists of different nuclei, each with unique cytoarchitectonic, chemoarchitectonic and connectional characteristics. Most of the inputs coming from cortical and subcortical areas enter the amygdala via the lateral nucleus, which makes it the main receiving structure of the complex. The activity of its neurons is coordinated and modulated by different inhibitory, GABAergic-interneurons, which can be classified for their expression of various calcium-binding proteins, as well as by morphological characteristics.

Intravascular large B-cell lymphoma associated with silicone breast implant, HLA-DRB1*11:01, and HLA-DQB1*03:01 manifesting as macrophage activation syndrome and with severe neurological symptoms: a case report.

Background: Silicone implants have been successfully used for breast augmentation and reconstruction in millions of women worldwide. The reaction to the silicone implant is highly variable; it can lead to local inflammatory symptoms, and sometimes to systemic symptoms and disease. Over 80 cases of anaplastic lymphoma kinase-negative anaplastic large cell lymphoma have been reported in patients with silicone breast implants and have been accepted as a new clinical entity.

Anatomical study of the musculus deltoideus and musculus flexor carpi ulnaris in 3 species of wild birds.

Given the limited information regarding the anatomy of the thoracic limb in European avian species, we decided to investigate the related muscles in the grey heron (Ardea cinerea), in the eurasian buzzard (Buteo buteo), and in the common kestrel (Falco tinnunculus). Therefore we performed a stratigraphic dissection of the wing in 3 subjects. The pars major and minor of the musculus deltoideus, despite being roughly in line with those reported by other authors in other species, displayed unique features.

α-Transducin and α-gustducin immunoreactive cells in the stomach of common sole (Solea solea) fed with mussel meal.

Vertebrates perceive a variety of exogenous substances using two main chemosensory systems, taste and olfaction. The taste perception occurs through the interaction of taste receptors associated with specific G protein subunits such as α-transducin (Gαtran) and α-gustducin (Gαgust). Aquatic vertebrates are also provided with a chemosensory system consisting of solitary chemosensory cells distributed to the oropharynx and skin.

Ail and PagC-related proteins in the entomopathogenic bacteria of Photorhabdus genus.

Among pathogenic Enterobacteriaceae, the proteins of the Ail/OmpX/PagC family form a steadily growing family of outer membrane proteins with diverse biological properties, potentially involved in virulence such as human serum resistance, adhesion and entry into eukaryotic culture cells. We studied the proteins Ail/OmpX/PagC in the bacterial Photorhabdus genus. The Photorhabdus bacteria form symbiotic complexes with nematodes of Heterorhabditis species, associations which are pathogenic to insect larvae.

In situ quantification and visualization of lithium transport with neutrons.

A real-time quantification of Li transport using a nondestructive neutron method to measure the Li distribution upon charge and discharge in a Li-ion cell is reported. By using in situ neutron depth profiling (NDP), we probed the onset of lithiation in a high-capacity Sn anode and visualized the enrichment of Li atoms on the surface followed by their propagation into the bulk. The delithiation process shows the removal of Li near the surface, which leads to a decreased coulombic efficiency, likely because of trapped Li within the intermetallic material.

A new method of producing casts for anatomical studies.

The objective of the present study was to verify if polyurethane foam is a suitable material to make accurate casts of vessels and viscera, and to develop a method based on its use for anatomical studies. This new technique has been tested primarily on the lungs of different animals, but also on the renal, intestinal and equine digital vessels. It consisted of three steps: specimen preparation, injection of the foam and corrosion of the cast.

A novel mode of regulation of the Staphylococcus aureus Vancomycin-resistance-associated response regulator VraR mediated by Stk1 protein phosphorylation.

The Staphylococcus aureus Vancomycin-resistance-associated response regulator VraR is known as an important response regulator, member of the VraTSR three-component signal transduction system that modulates the expression of the cell wall stress stimulon in response to a number of different cell wall active antibiotics. Given its crucial role in regulating gene expression in response to antibiotic challenges, VraR must be tightly regulated. We report here for the first time in S.

Anatomy and histology of the Fibrocartilago humerocapsularis in some species of European wild birds.

The occurrence and structure of the fibrocartilago humerocapsularis (FHC) in the shoulders of 72 subjects of various species of wild birds were evaluated by gross dissection and histological examination with the purpose of increasing the body of knowledge regarding this structure and verifying the functional hypotheses submitted in the past in other species. The results showed that the FHC has a conical shape with a narrow cavity on the inside. The structure is heterogeneous in the various species and consists of different tissues, such as hyaline cartilage, fibrous cartilage, and bone.

[Bipartite carpal scaphoid with osteonecrosis of the proximal pole - differential diagnosis of pseudarthrosis].

We report on the case of a young patient with bipartite carpal scaphoid with osteonecrosis of the proximal pole. The important differentiation of this entity to the pseudarthrosis of the scaphoid is discussed.

Bacterial serine/threonine protein kinases in host-pathogen interactions.

In bacterial pathogenesis, monitoring and adapting to the dynamically changing environment in the host and an ability to disrupt host immune responses are critical. The virulence determinants of pathogenic bacteria include the sensor/signaling proteins of the serine/threonine protein kinase (STPK) family that have a dual role of sensing the environment and subverting specific host defense processes. STPKs can sense a wide range of signals and coordinate multiple cellular processes to mount an appropriate response.

The comprehensive antibiotic resistance database.

The field of antibiotic drug discovery and the monitoring of new antibiotic resistance elements have yet to fully exploit the power of the genome revolution. Despite the fact that the first genomes sequenced of free living organisms were those of bacteria, there have been few specialized bioinformatic tools developed to mine the growing amount of genomic data associated with pathogens. In particular, there are few tools to study the genetics and genomics of antibiotic resistance and how it impacts bacterial populations, ecology, and the clinic.

Bacterial inactivation of the anticancer drug doxorubicin.

Microbes are exposed to compounds produced by members of their ecological niche, including molecules with antibiotic or antineoplastic activities. As a result, even bacteria that do not produce such compounds can harbor the genetic machinery to inactivate or degrade these molecules. Here, we investigated environmental actinomycetes for their ability to inactivate doxorubicin, an aminoglycosylated anthracycline anticancer drug.

Disease activity patterns in a monocentric cohort of SLE patients: a seven-year follow-up study.

Objectives: To evaluate disease activity patterns and flare occurrence in a cohort of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients.

Methods: Patients registered in our lupus Database, diagnosed with SLE between 1991 and 2004 and followed up quarterly from 2004 to 2010 were considered in the study. Disease activity patterns were defined using SLE Disease Activity Index-2000 (SLEDAI-2K), excluding serology, as follows: clinical quiescent disease (CQD), SLEDAI-2K=0 in the three annual visits; minimal disease activity (MDA), SLEDAI-2K=1 in one or more annual visits; chronic active disease (CAD), SLEDAI-2K≥2 in at least two annual visits; relapsing-remitting disease (RRD), SLEDAI-2K≥2 in one out of 3 annual visits.

Pregnancy and vasculitis: a systematic review of the literature.

Primary systemic vasculitis are uncommon diseases that may affect young women in their childbearing age. To date, patients affected with primary systemic vasculitis are often diagnosed and treated earlier than in the past, due to improvement in diagnostic skills and a larger availability of effective drugs. The progressive achievement of a longer life expectancy and a better quality of life have progressively led to an increased number of pregnancies observed during the course of such diseases.

Anti-annexins autoantibodies: their role as biomarkers of autoimmune diseases.

Annexins are a group of 12 highly conserved proteins which exert several regulatory functions on cell biology. There are involved in numerous cell processes including vesicle trafficking, calcium signaling, cell growth, division, and apoptosis. Autoantibodies directed toward annexin I, II, V and XI have been reported, but their role and their clinical correlates are controversial.

The kaleidoscope of glucorticoid effects on immune system.

Glucocorticoids (GCs) are potent anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive agents which exert multiple effects on immune cell functions. Although their use dates back 60 years, their functions and mode of action have not been completely elucidated yet. GCs act through different genomic and non genomic mechanisms which are mediated by the binding to cytosolic glucocorticoid receptor as well as to cell membrane receptors, or by interacting directly with enzymes and other cell proteins.

SLE diagnosis and treatment: when early is early.

Around 1980 antinuclear antibody testing became widely used in routine laboratory practice leading to a tapering in the lag time between SLE onset and diagnosis. Since then nothing relevant has been introduced which could help us in making the diagnosis of SLE earlier than now. Notably, there is increasing evidence that early diagnosis and treatment could increase SLE remission rate and improve patient prognosis.

Hormones, immune response, and pregnancy in healthy women and SLE patients.

During pregnancy the maternal immune system is modified in order to achieve immune tolerance toward paternal antigen expressed on foetal cells. These modifications, which occur both at the foeto-maternal interface and in the systemic circulation, are driven by oestrogens and progesterone whose blood concentrations increase during pregnancy. The cytokine profile is also modified.

The Mycobacterium tuberculosis Ser/Thr kinase substrate Rv2175c is a DNA-binding protein regulated by phosphorylation.

Recent efforts have underlined the role of serine/threonine protein kinases in growth, pathogenesis, and cell wall metabolism in Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Although most kinases have been investigated for their physiological roles, little information is available regarding how serine/threonine protein kinase-dependent phosphorylation regulates the activity of kinase substrates. Herein, we focused on M.