Virtual Memory CD8 T Cells: Origin and Beyond.

The presence of CD8 T cells with a memory phenotype in nonimmunized mice has been noted for decades, but it was not until about 2 decades ago that they began to be studied in greater depth. Currently called virtual memory CD8 T cells, they consist of a heterogeneous group of cells with memory characteristics, without any previous contact with their specific antigens. These cells were identified in mice, but a few years ago, a cell type with characteristics equivalent to the murine ones was described in healthy humans.

Inhibition of LC3-associated phagocytosis in COPD and in response to cigarette smoke.

Introduction/rationale: In chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), defective macrophage phagocytic clearance of cells undergoing apoptosis by efferocytosis may lead to secondary necrosis of the uncleared cells and contribute to airway inflammation. The precise mechanisms for this phenomenon remain unknown. LC3-associated phagocytosis (LAP) is indispensable for effective efferocytosis.

Quasimodo mediates daily and acute light effects on Drosophila clock neuron excitability.

We have characterized a light-input pathway regulating Drosophila clock neuron excitability. The molecular clock drives rhythmic electrical excitability of clock neurons, and we show that the recently discovered light-input factor Quasimodo (Qsm) regulates this variation, presumably via an Na, K, Cl cotransporter (NKCC) and the Shaw K channel (dK3.1).

TGF-β upregulates CD70 expression and induces exhaustion of effector memory T cells in B-cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.

Transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) has an important role in mediating T-cell suppression in B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). However, the underlying mechanism responsible for TGF-β-mediated inhibition of effector memory T (Tm) cells is largely unknown. As reported here, we show that exhaustion is a major mechanism by which TGF-β inhibits Tm cells, and TGF-β mediated exhaustion is associated with upregulation of CD70.

Laser-assisted cataract surgery following insertion of a pupil expander for management of complex cataract and small irregular pupil.

We report a case in which laser-assisted cataract surgery was performed safely and successfully following manual division of posterior synechiae and mechanical dilation of the pupil with a Malyugin ring in a patient with an irregular, small stuck-down pupil.

Femtosecond laser cataract surgery: technology and clinical practice.

The recent introduction of femtosecond lasers to cataract surgery has generated much interest among ophthalmologists around the world. Laser cataract surgery integrates high-resolution anterior segment imaging systems with a femtosecond laser, allowing key steps of the procedure, including the primary and side-port corneal incisions, the anterior capsulotomy and fragmentation of the lens nucleus, to be performed with computer-guided laser precision. There is emerging evidence of reduced phacoemulsification time, better wound architecture and a more stable refractive result with femtosecond cataract surgery, as well as reports documenting an initial learning curve.

Capsular block syndrome associated with femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery.

Unlabelled: We report intraoperative capsular block syndrome occuring during the first 50 femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgeries performed in our facility. Two patients had uneventful combined laser fragmentation, capsulotomy, and corneal incision procedures. In both cases, following transfer to the operating room and manual removal of the laser-cut capsulotomy, posterior capsule rupture was noted during hydrodissection, resulting in posterior dislocation of the lens.

Emergence of multi-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa in a Western Australian hospital.

Multi-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa (MRPa) has been isolated from patients in a Western Australian teaching hospital with increasing frequency since first encountered in 2006. Between 2006 and 2008 the number of patients with MRPa increased from three to nine per annum, and their location shifted from intensive care to a high dependency unit. A novel water-saving device (aerator) in a staff hand basin was identified as a likely disseminator, with MRPa being isolated from biofilm in the basin's plumbing.

Prevalence of nocturnal oxygen desaturation and self-reported sleep-disordered breathing in glaucoma.

Purpose: To evaluate the prevalence of nocturnal oxygen desaturation and sleep-disordered breathing symptoms within a glaucoma population.

Patients And Methods: One hundred and twelve subjects (glaucoma=52, control=60) aged between 45 and 80 years were recruited for the study. Clinical assessment included overnight ambulatory pulse oximetry monitoring and administration of a self-reported sleep-disordered breathing questionnaire.

Melioidosis risk in a tropical industrial environment.

An investigation into the risk of occupationally acquired melioidosis at a mine site in northern Australia found that 45 (13%) of 345 staff had serologic evidence of exposure and 14 (4%) had recent exposure to Burkholderia pseudomallei or closely related bacteria. There was only one culture-confirmed case of melioidosis in mine staff during the study period. The lack of overt infection directly attributable to work activities despite detectable B.