Quantum-resistance in blockchain networks.

The advent of quantum computing threatens blockchain protocols and networks because they utilize non-quantum resistant cryptographic algorithms. When quantum computers become robust enough to run Shor's algorithm on a large scale, the most used asymmetric algorithms, utilized for digital signatures and message encryption, such as RSA, (EC)DSA, and (EC)DH, will be no longer secure. Quantum computers will be able to break them within a short period of time.

Custom-made macroporous bioceramic implants based on triply-periodic minimal surfaces for bone defects in load-bearing sites.

The architectural features of synthetic bone grafts are key parameters for regulating cell functions and tissue formation for the successful repair of bone defects. In this regard, macroporous structures based on triply-periodic minimal surfaces (TPMS) are considered to have untapped potential. In the present study, custom-made implants based on a gyroid structure, with (GPRC) and without (GP) a cortical-like reinforcement, were specifically designed to fit an intended bone defect in rat femurs.

Granzyme B Attenuates Bacterial Virulence by Targeting Secreted Factors.

Pathogenic bacteria secrete virulence factors that interact with the human host to establish infections. The human immune system evolved multiple mechanisms to fight bacterial invaders, including immune proteases that were demonstrated to contribute crucially to antibacterial defense. Here we show that granzyme B degrades multiple secreted virulence mediators from Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella typhimurium, and Mycobacteria tuberculosis.

Killing Bacteria with Cytotoxic Effector Proteins of Human Killer Immune Cells: Granzymes, Granulysin, and Perforin.

Bacterial pathogens represent a constant threat to human health that was exacerbated in recent years by a dramatic increase of strains resistant to last resort antibiotics. The immune system of higher vertebrates generally evolved several efficient innate and adaptive mechanisms to fight ubiquitous bacterial pathogens. Among those mechanisms, immune proteases were recognized to contribute essentially to antibacterial immune defense.

Mutations in filamin C cause a new form of familial hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

Mutations in different genes encoding sarcomeric proteins are responsible for 50-60% of familial cases of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM); however, the genetic alterations causing the disease in one-third of patients are currently unknown. Here we describe a case with familial HCM of unknown cause. Whole-exome sequencing reveals a variant in the gene encoding the sarcomeric protein filamin C (p.

Infective endocarditis and caseous calcification of the mitral annulus: the odd couple.

Caseous calcification of the mitral annulus is an infrequent echocardiographic finding. The differential diagnosis includes other entities like tumors, abscess or thrombus. Both cardiac CT and cardiac MRI may be useful for its definitive diagnosis.

Left ventricle non-compaction cardiomyopathy: different clinical scenarios and magnetic resonance imaging findings.

Left ventricle non-compaction cardiomyopathy is currently considered as a well-defined individual entity. However, it includes a broad spectrum of clinical, radiological and pathophysiological findings. In this review we describe 3 different scenarios of this entity: an isolated case with severe left ventricle dysfunction, an "associated" case in a patient with previous atrial septum defect and pulmonary stenosis and finally, as a finding in a patient with a transient cerebrovascular ischemic attack.

The economic burden of pleural effusions in patients with chronic myeloid leukemia treated with tyrosine kinase inhibitors.

Objective: Tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI), the standard of care for patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) patients, may in some cases lead to the development of pleural effusion (PE). The purpose of this study is to compare healthcare resource utilization and costs associated with PE among CML patients treated with a TKI therapy.

Methods: Two large retrospective claims databases (1999-2009) were combined to identify adult CML patients who received ≥1 TKI prescription before the index date, which was defined as 30 days before the first PE diagnosis for patients with PE and a randomly selected date for PE-free patients.

[Single coronary artery originated in the right Valsalva sinus. Usefulness of multislice coronary angiotomography].

Single coronary artery arising from the right sinus of Valsalva is a rare congenital coronary anomaly. We report the case of a 77- year- old man who was referred for invasive coronary angiography with a diagnosis of a non-ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndrome of inferior-lateral location. Significant lesion was detected in the proximal segment of the right coronary artery (RCA).

Clinical and economic outcomes of multiple versus single long-acting inhalers in COPD.

Objective: To compare healthcare resource utilization and healthcare costs between COPD patients who used multiple long-acting inhalers versus those who used a single long-acting inhaler.

Methods: COPD patients meeting study inclusion criteria were identified in the Market Scan database (2004-2008) and were classified as being a multiple- or single-inhaler user. 11,747 multiple- and single-inhaler users were matched on baseline characteristics to balance disease severity.