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Using Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) seedlings, we identified a range of small fluorescent probes that entered the translocation stream and were unloaded at the root tip. These probes had absorbance/emission maxima ranging from 367/454 to 546/576 nm and represent a versatile toolbox for studying phloem transport. Of the probes that we tested, naturally occurring fluorescent coumarin glucosides (esculin and fraxin) were phloem loaded and transported in oocytes by the sucrose transporter, AtSUC2. Arabidopsis plants in which AtSUC2 was replaced with barley (Hordeum vulgare) sucrose transporter (HvSUT1), which does not transport esculin in oocytes, failed to load esculin into the phloem. In wild-type plants, the fluorescence of esculin decayed to background levels about 2 h after phloem unloading, making it a suitable tracer for pulse-labeling studies of phloem transport. We identified additional probes, such as carboxytetraethylrhodamine, a red fluorescent probe that, unlike esculin, was stable for several hours after phloem unloading and could be used to study phloem transport in Arabidopsis lines expressing green fluorescent protein.

BackgroundAcute MRI-positive transverse myelitis is a well documented post-infectious phenomenon following SARS-CoV-2 infection. There are reports of MRI-negative presentations of myelitis following SARS-CoV-2 infections.MethodsBetween September and December 2022, three patients presenting to hospitals in the Auckland region, New Zealand, were prospectively followed by the authors. Their clinical features are outlined. A literature search for patients with MRI-negative myelitis/myelopathy following SARS-CoV-2 infection was conducted.ResultsWe document three patients with initially negative MRI who presented with symptoms and signs of myelopathy – progressive paraparesis with significant gait disturbance, impaired proprioception, Lhermitte’s phenomenon, sensory level, hyperreflexia and spasticity. Despite treatment with corticosteroids, all patients had progression of symptoms. Ten further patients with initial normal MRI of the spinal cord have been described in the literature. The mean age was 58, and 7 were women. The onset of symptoms ranged from 1 to 16 weeks after SARS-CoV-2 infection. All patients had lower limb onset of symptoms, with 10 developing paraparesis. Nearly all had significant dorsal column involvement, often with sensory ataxia. Our 3 patients exhibited early Lhermitte’s phenomenon as a distinctive feature. Most patients had hyperreflexia and a sensory level. Treatment was most commonly with intravenous methylprednisolone, with rare improvement.ConclusionsDue to the novel description of these patients alongside the absence of initial MRI findings, the diagnosis can easily be overlooked. We propose these patients have a distinct syndrome of COVID-19 MRI-negative myelopathy.

Superconducting cable-in-conduit has been used for the high-current windings of dipoles for several accelerators. A novel CIC design is currently being developed for use in the booster and ion ring for the proposed JLEIC. Enabling technologies for long-length cable fabrication, coil-winding and low-resistance splice and leads are summarized.

6-Thioguanine (6-TG) is efficacious in patients with Crohn's Disease (CD) failing conventional immunosuppression but there are reports of hepatotoxicity. We report our experience of the safety and efficacy of 6-TG in a series of patients with CD.MethodsA retrospective study of patients with CD who failed thiopurines ± methotrexate between 2001 and 2006 was performed. Indications for 6-TG were; active disease, to allow infliximab withdrawal, steroid sparing, or fistula closure. Patients underwent regular review and those treated longer than 1 year were advised to have liver magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and liver biopsy.ResultsAll 30 patients treated with 6-TG during the period were included. The median dose and duration of 6-TG was 40 mg daily and 21.5 months, respectively. Initial clinical response was achieved in 18/30 (60%). Eleven of 29 (38%) (1 unrelated death) remained in remission at a median 44 months follow-up. Seven of 30 (23%) discontinued 6-TG due to adverse effects; 7/30 (23%) patients developed abnormal liver function tests (LFTs) during treatment, mostly transient and mild. One patient developed a portal hypertensive syndrome resolving on cessation of 6-TG. Of 11 liver biopsies, none showed nodular regenerative hyperplasia (NRH). The median red blood cell 6-thioguanine nucleotide (6-TGN) level was 807 pmol/108.Conclusions6-TG has good clinical efficacy for third-line immunosuppression in CD but hepatotoxicity remains a concern. However, previous reports of NRH in 6-TG-treated inflammatory bowel disease patients have not been substantiated by this cohort.

A definitive, two-part documentary series by renowned filmmaker Phil Sheppard, about the events that shaped the second half of the 20th Century.

For nearly 100 years, the Incas ruled the largest empire in South American history. The Incas had a society based on community and co-operation, with power controlled firmly by the Sapa Inca and the royal family. They were brilliant engineers, constructing magnificent forts and cities, and built roads, tunnels and bridges through mountains. Medical and surgical techniques were highly advanced, as were observations of the sun, moon and stars. But, above all, their devotion to the gods was paramount. Invasion by Spanish Conquistadors in the early 1500's began the demise of the Incan Empire. This program was filmed on location in Peru, Bolivia and Chile.

A definitive, two-part documentary series by renowned filmmaker Phil Sheppard, about the events that shaped the second half of the 20th Century.