Women Breast Cancer: Knowledge, Attitudes, Practices and Factors Associated with Early Screening in the Municipality of Abomey-Calavi in Benin in 2018

Background: Breast cancer is the dominant cancer in women in both developed and developing countries. The objective of this study was to assess the knowledge, attitudes, practices and factors associated with early breast cancer screening among women in the Municipality of Abomey-Calavi in Benin. Methods: This was a cross-sectional, descriptive, analytical study with prospective data collection from October 1 to 8, 2018, involving 1740 women in the Municipality of Abomey-Calavi, aged 18 years or older and selected by WHO four-stage random cluster sampling. Consenting women who were mentally competent, 18 years of age or older at the time of the survey, and residing continuously in the Municipality of Abomey-Calavi for the last six months prior to the survey were included. On the other hand, women who belonged to a breast cancer prevention service, women in whom secondary screening was noted, or non-consenting women were not included. The initial minimum size was estimated by the Schwartz formula with a cluster effect of k = 2. Information was collected by questionnaire survey, entered with Epidata 3.1. Fr and analyzed with R Studio 3.5.1. software. Results: The mean age of the women surveyed was 32.0 ± 11.5 years with a range of 18 and 71 years. Regarding knowledge, the clinical manifestation known by the majority of women was the presence of a nodule (68.50%). In the series, 1308 (75.17%) declared having heard about breast cancer once before, either on the radio, television or from friends and 726 (55.50%) had heard about breast cancer screening. Five hundred and twelve (70.52%) of the 726 who had heard of breast cancer said they knew that breast cancer could be screened earlier. Breast self-examination was the most cited screening method (67.58%). The disease is of natural origin according to 37.84% of them. Regarding attitudes and practices, the prevalence of early breast cancer screening was 12.93%, of which 11.67% declared that they had checked themselves to know whether they were carriers of the disease or not. The main means of the early screening used was breast self-examination (85.78%). Factors associated with early breast cancer screening found in multivariate analysis were age (≤50 years), education level (increasingly higher), marital status (married/coupled), place of residence (downtown), and socioeconomic level (average/high). Conclusion: The frequency of early breast cancer screening among women is still low in the municipality of Abomey-Calavi, although they have a good knowledge of the disease. This raises the need to strengthen awareness of early breast cancer screening.

Infant’s Sigh Breathing Matters—The Role of the Hering-Breuer Deflation Reflex in Bronchial Decongestion

Background: The prolonged slow expiratory (PSE) technique can induce sigh breaths related to the Hering-Breuer reflex in children.PSE is a specific chest physiotherapy technique often used in children to help with the clearance of secretions, reduce pulmonary obstruction and decrease ventilatory effort. Purpose: The main objective of this review was to synthesize and clarify the existing knowledge of the physiological mechanism behind the Hering-Breuer reflex and its utility in the PSE technique. The secondary objective was to provide an overview of PSE which is probably the main mechanical feature for mucus clearance in infants and to identify gaps and any further research required. Method: A comprehensive literature search was performed using PubMed/MEDLINE and Ovid EMBASE, from 1968 to January 2024, using search terms relating to “Interaction of Hering-Breuer reflex and chest physiotherapy therapy, sigh breath in infants and prolonged slow expiration technique” to create an overview of the advances and gaps in current knowledge of PSE. Result: The data obtained following treatment with PSE maneuvers in infants with histories of recurrent wheezing shows that the presence of sighs could be the main active principle of treatment. Conclusion: Changes in volume induced by PSE technique and, effects from crying may stimulate the Hering-Breuer deflation reflex and sighs in turn improving alveolar ventilation as well as lung volume in infants.

Epidemiology, Clinical Features and Antifungal Resistance Profile of Candida auris in Africa: Systematic Review

Candida auris since it discovery in 2009 is becoming a severe threat to human health due to its very quickly spread, its worldwide high resistance to systemic antifungal drugs. In resource-constrained settings where several conditions are met for its emergence and spread, this worrisome fungus could cause large hospital and/or community-based outbreaks. This review aimed to summarize the available data on C. auris in Africa focusing on its epidemiology and antifungal resistance profile. Major databases were searched for articles on the epidemiology and antifungal resistance profile of C. auris in Africa. Out of 2,521 articles identified 22 met the inclusion criteria. In Africa, nearly 89% of African countries have no published data on C. auris. The prevalence of C. auris in Africa was 8.74%. The case fatality rate of C. auris infection in Africa was 39.46%. The main C. auris risk factors reported in Africa were cardiovascular disease, renal failure, diabetes, HIV, recent intake of antimicrobial drugs, ICU admissions, surgery, hemodialysis, parenteral nutrition and indwelling devices. Four phylogenetic clades were reported in Africa, namely clades I, II, III and IV. Candida auris showed a pan-African very high resistance rate to fluconazole, moderate resistance to amphotericin B, and high susceptibility to echinocandins. Finally, C. auris clade-specific mutations were observed within the ERG2, ERG3, ERG9, ERG11, FKS1, TAC1b and MRR1 genes in Africa. This systematic review showed the presence of C. auris in the African continent and a worrying unavailability of data on this resilient fungus in most African countries.

Children and Workers Well-Being in Belgian French-Speaking Primary Schools during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Purpose: During the COVID-19 pandemic, a significant number of measures were taken worldwide to limit the transmission of SARS-CoV-2, and in many ways, changed human life. All these measures had harmful consequences and impacted the well-being of many people. Children were one of the most vulnerable groups. We conducted the present study to assess children’s and staff’s well-being in French-speaking primary schools in Belgium during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: A 37-question questionnaire for each child based on the Revised Children’s Manifest Anxiety Scale (RCMAS), and a 14-question questionnaire for each staff based on the Hospital Anxiety and Depression (HAD) scale was undertaken in order to assess the well-being. Multiple logistic regressions were performed to assess the relationship between RCMAS or HAD and other explanatory variables. Staff reported their perception of their current life and their future life in 5 years on a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). Results: A total of 231 children and 221 staff in 11 primary schools answered the well-being questionnaire between January and May 2021. 53% (122/231) of children had symptoms of anxiety. Girls reported more anxiety symptoms than boys (≥10: 59%;Adj OR = 2.25;95% CI [1.28;4.03]). 52% (120/231) of children had a definite state of social desirability. According to age, the youngest (6 - 7 years) children were more likely to have social desirability (≥5: 71%;Adj OR = 3.44;95% CI [1.53;8.09]) compared to the oldest (10 - 12 years). Children who did not practice outdoor/street activities were more likely to have social desirability (≥5: 60%;Adj OR = 2.59;95% CI [1.38;4.99]). In schools with a higher local incidence of SARS-CoV-2, children were more likely to have social desirability (≥5: 64%;Adj OR = 2.15;95% CI [1.13;4.17]). In schools with a lower socioeconomic status, children were more likely to have social desirability (≥5: 72%;Adj OR = 2.74;95% CI [1.23;6.37]). Higher RCMAS anxiety (r = −0.18;p −0.23;p −0.20;p Conclusion: Our results showed that the well-being of children was impacted during the COVID-19 pandemic. Special attention must be focused on the most vulnerable groups, as the consequences can be catastrophic in the long term.

Gradual Bedside Reduction of Gastroschisis in a Resource Constrained Setting: Preliminary Results from 32 Cases

Introduction: Gastroschisis is one of the neonatal pathologies with bad prognosis in developing countries due to a lack of equipment. We aim to report one way of managing this malformation that could be practised everywhere, constituting an alternative approach to surgery in poor areas. Patients and Methods: This observational and descriptive study included newborn babies with gastroschisis who underwent gradual bedside reduction at the Paediatric Surgery Department of the Yaounde Central Hospital. Results: Our cohort was constituted by 32 newborn babies with a mean age of 18.12 hours on admission. The Lefort type 2 was the most frequent in 81.25% of cases. The mean time for oral feeding after complete reduction was 17.4 days and the duration of hospital stay was 24.91 days. Survival rates were at 40.63%, with a residual hernia after healing in 38.46% of cases. Conclusion: Despite the high rate of mortality, gradual reduction of gastroschisis at the bedside seems to be an opportunity for resource constrained areas and can be an alternative solution to surgery.

红脂大小蠹Dendroctonus valens(Coleoptera,Scolytidae)和大唼蜡甲Rhizophagus grandis(Coleoptera,Rhizophagidae)的耐寒性(英文)

红脂大小蠹Dendroctonus valensLe Conte(Red turpentine beetle,RTB)是近年来在中国爆发的入侵生物,在我国主要以老熟幼虫在油松伐桩和立木的根部越冬。室内测定昆虫的过冷却点(SCP)和短时间致死低温(LLT)是评价昆虫耐寒能力的重要方法。实验结果显示,红脂大小蠹越冬幼虫的平均过冷却点为-11.98±2.55℃,是一种耐冰冻的昆虫。红脂大小蠹的过冷却点在不同地理分布区的种群间有明显差异,老熟幼虫的过冷却点明显低于低龄幼虫,在越冬前和越冬后的幼虫间没有明显差异。红脂大小蠹幼虫在冬季至少可以忍受-23.5℃的大气温度安全越冬。从2001年开始引入我国的云杉大小蠹的捕食者大唼蜡甲(Rhizophagus grandis Gyll.)幼虫的过冷却点为-18.05±2.76℃,低于红脂大小蠹所有虫态的过冷却点,说明比红脂大小蠹有更强的耐寒能力。

Biology, staging, and treatment of breast cancer during pregnancy: reassessing the evidences

Breast cancer is one of the most frequently diagnosed malignancies during pregnancy. Here, we review the management of women with breast cancer during pregnancy(BCP), focusing on biology, diagnosis and staging, local and systemic treatments, obstetric care and long-term follow-up of children with prenatal exposure to anticancer treatments.

Carbon dioxide for gut distension during digestive endoscopy:Technique and practice survey

AIM:To assess the adoption of Carbon dioxide(CO2)insufflation by endoscopists from various European countries,and its determinants.METHODS:A survey was distributed to 580 endoscopists attending a live course on digestive endoscopy.RESULTS:The response rate was 24.5%.Fewer than half the respondents(66/142,46.5%)were aware of the fact that room air can be replaced by CO2 for gut distension during endoscopy,and 4.2%of respondents were actually using CO2 as the insufflation agent.Endoscopists aware of the possibility of CO2 insufflation mentioned technical difficulties in implementing the system and the absence of significant advantages of CO2 in comparison with room air as barriers to adoption in daily practice(84%and 49%of answers,respectively;two answers were permitted for this item).CONCLUSION:Based on this survey,adoption of CO2 insufflation during endoscopy seems to remain relatively exceptional.A majority of endoscopists were not aware of this possibility,while others were not aware of recent technical developments that facilitate CO2 implementation in an endoscopy suite.

N-acetylcysteine and glycyrrhizin combination:Benefit outcome in a murine model of acetaminophen-induced liver failure

BACKGROUND Acetaminophen overdose is the most frequent cause of drug-induced liver failure in developed countries.Substantial progress has been made in understanding the mechanism of hepatocellular injury,but N-acetylcysteine remains the only effective treatment despite its short therapeutic window.Thus,other hepatoprotective drugs are needed for the delayed treatment of acetaminopheninduced hepatotoxicity.Our interest focused on glycyrrhizin for its role as an inhibitor of high mobility group box 1(HMGB1)protein,a member of the family of damage-associated molecular pattern,known to play an important pathological role in various diseases.AIM To investigate the efficacy of the N-acetylcysteine/glycyrrhizin combination compared to N-acetylcysteine alone in the prevention of liver toxicity.METHODS Eight-week-old C57BL/6J wild-type female mice were used for all our experiments.Mice fasted for 15 h were treated with acetaminophen(500 mg/kg)or vehicle(phosphate-buffered saline)by intraperitoneal injection and separated into the following groups:Glycyrrhizin(200 mg/kg);N-acetylcysteine(150 mg/kg);and N-acetylcysteine/glycyrrhizin.In all groups,mice were sacrificed 12 h following acetaminophen administration.The assessment of hepatotoxicity was performed by measuring plasma levels of alanine aminotransferase,aspartate aminotransferase and lactate dehydrogenase.Hepatotoxicity was also evaluated by histological examination of hematoxylin and eosin-stained tissues sections.Survival rates were compared between various groups using Kaplan-Meier curves.RESULTS Consistent with data published in the literature,we confirmed that intraperitoneal administration of acetaminophen(500 mg/kg)in mice induced severe liver injury as evidenced by increases in alanine aminotransferase,aspartate aminotransferase and lactate dehydrogenase but also by liver necrosis score.Glycyrrhizin administration was shown to reduce the release of HMGB1 and significantly decreased the severity of liver injury.Thus,the co-administration of glycyrrhizin and N-acetylcysteine was investigated.Administered concomitantly with acetaminophen,the combination significantly reduced the severity of liver injury.Delayed administration of the combination of drugs,2 h or 6 h after acetaminophen,also induced a significant decrease in hepatocyte necrosis compared to mice treated with N-acetylcysteine alone.In addition,administration of N-acetylcysteine/glycyrrhizin combination was associated with an improved survival rate compared to mice treated with only N-acetylcysteine.CONCLUSION We demonstrate that,compared to N-acetylcysteine alone,co-administration of glycyrrhizin decreases the liver necrosis score and improves survival in a murine model of acetaminophen-induced liver injury.Our study opens a potential new therapeutic pathway in the prevention of acetaminophen hepatotoxicity.

A geometric Model for the Spatial Correlation of an Acoustic Vector Field in Surface-generated Noise

Spatial correlation of sound pressure and particle velocity of the surface noise in horizontally stratified media was demonstrated, with directional noise sources uniformly distributed on the ocean surface. In the evaluation of particle velocity, plane wave approximation was applied to each incident ray. Due to the equivalence of the sound source correlation property and its directivity, solutions for the spatial correlation of the field were transformed into the integration of the coherent function generated by a single directional source. As a typical horizontally stratified media, surface noise in a perfect waveguide was investigated. Correlation coefficients given by normal mode and geometric models show satisfactory agreement. Also, the normalized covariance between sound pressure and the vertical component of particle velocity is proportional to acoustic absorption coefficient, while that of the surface noise in semi-infinitely homogeneous space is zero.

Geochemistry of the volcanic rocks from Bioko Island(“Cameroon Hot Line”)： Evidence for plume-lithosphere interaction

Bioko Island（3008 m a.s.l） is located in the presently more active volcanic zone of the Cameroon Line and composed essentially of alkaline basalts and hawaiites, and lesser mugearites. The rocks show microlitic porphyritic texture with phenocrysts of olivine（83% 〈 Fo 〈 87%） and clinopyroxene in a matrix of plagioclase, clinopyroxene and oxides. Hawaiites and mugearites also include phenocrysts of plagioclase（An62-67Ab35-32Or3-1）. Major element variation diagrams show an increase in Si O2, Al2O3, Na2 O and K2 O with increasing Mg O for the studied rock groups. The rocks are characterized by low（^86Sr/^87Sr）i ratios（0.70320e0.70406）, high 3Nd（t） values（2.56e4.33） and high（^206Pb/^204Pb）i ratios（20.032e20.035） values.Basalts are enriched in LILE and LREE, and have（Hf/Sm）N= 0.57e1.16. These geochemical signatures are similar to those of the Mount Cameroon rocks, and might be attributed to low degrees of partial melting from a garnet-amphibole-bearing mantle source. The trace elements and isotopic compositions suggest that the parental magma source might have involved HIMU- and EM1-components.

Missing metastases as a model to challenge current therapeutic algorithms in colorectal liver metastases

In oncosurgical approach to colorectal liver metastases, surgery remains considered as the only potentially curative option, while chemotherapy alone represents a strictly palliative treatment. However, missing metastases, defined as metastases disappearing after chemotherapy, represent a unique model to evaluate the curative potential of chemotherapy and to challenge current therapeutic algorithms. We reviewed recent series on missing colorectal liver metastases to evaluate incidence of this phenomenon, predictive factors and rates of cure defined by complete pathologic response in resected missing metastases and sustained clinical response when they were left unresected. According to the progresses in the efficacy of chemotherapeutic regimen, the incidence of missing liver metastases regularly increases these last years. Main predictive factors are small tumor size, low marker level, duration of chemotherapy, and use of intra-arterial chemotherapy. Initial series showed low rates of complete pathologic response in resected missing metastases and high recurrence rates when unresected. However, recent reports describe complete pathologic responses and sustained clinical responses reaching 50%, suggesting that chemotherapy could be curative in some cases. Accordingly, in case of missing colorectal liver metastases, the classical recommendation to resect initial tumor sites might have become partially obsolete. Furthermore, the curative effect of chemotherapy in selected cases could lead to a change of paradigm in patients with unresectable liver-only metastases, using intensive first-line chemotherapy to intentionally induce missing metastases, followed by adjuvant surgery on remnant chemoresistant tumors and close surveillance of initial sites that have been left unresected.

Artificial intelligence-aided colonoscopy:Recent developments and future perspectives

Artificial intelligence(AI)systems,especially after the successful application of Convolutional Neural Networks,are revolutionizing modern medicine.Gastrointestinal Endoscopy has shown to be a fertile terrain for the development of AI systems aiming to aid endoscopists in various aspects of their daily activity.Lesion detection can be one of the two main aspects in which AI can increase diagnostic yield and abilities of endoscopists.In colonoscopy,it is well known that a substantial rate of missed neoplasia is still present,representing the major cause of interval cancer.In addition,an extremely high variability in adenoma detection rate,the main key quality indicator in colonoscopy,has been extensively reported.The other domain in which AI is believed to have a considerable impact on everyday clinical practice is lesion characterization and aid in“optical diagnosis”.By predicting in vivo histology,such pathology costs may be averted by the implementation of two separate but synergistic strategies,namely the“leave-in-situ”strategy for<5 mm hyperplastic lesions in the rectosigmoid tract,and“resect and discard”for the other diminutive lesions.In this opinion review we present current available evidence regarding the role of AI in improving lesions’detection and characterization during colonoscopy.

Current controversies and future perspectives on treatment of intensive care unit delirium in adults

Delirium is the most frequent manifestation of acute brain dysfunction in intensive care unit(ICU).Although antipsychotics are widely used to treat this serious complication,recent evidence has emphasized that these agents did not reduce ICU delirium(ICU-D)prevalence and did not improve survival,length of ICU or hospital stay after its occurrence.Of note,no pharmacological strategy to prevent or treat delirium has been identified,so far.In this scenario,new scientific evidences are urgently needed.Investigations on specific ICU-D subgroups,or focused on different clinical settings,and studies on medications other than antipsychotics,such as dexmedetomidine or melatonin,may represent interesting fields of research.In the meantime,because there is some evidence that ICU-D can be effectively prevented,the literature suggests strengthening all the strategies aimed at prevention through no-pharmacological approaches mostly focused on the correction of risk factors.The more appropriate strategy useful to treat established delirium remains the use of antipsychotics managed by choosing the right doses after a careful case-by-case analysis.While the evidence regarding the use of dexmedetomidine is still conflicting and sparse,this drug offers interesting perspectives for both ICU-D prevention and treatment.This paper aims to provide an overview of current pharmacological approaches of evidence-based medicine practice.The state of the art of the on-going clinical research on the topic and perspectives for future research are also addressed.

Australasian microtektites across the Antarctic continent: Evidence from the Sør Rondane Mountain range (East Antarctica)

The~790 ka Australasian(micro)tektite strewn field is one of the most recent and best-known examples of impact ejecta emplacement as the result of a large-scale cratering event across a considerable part of Earth's surface(>10%in area).The Australasian strewn field is characterized by a tri-lobe pattern consisting of a large central distribution lobe,and two smaller side lobes extending to the west and east.Here,we report on the discovery of microtektite-like particles in sedimentary traps,containing abundant micrometeorite material,in the Sør Rondane Mountain(SRM)range of East Antarctica.The thirty-three glassy particles display a characteristic pale yellowcolor and are predominantly spherical in shape,except for a single dumbbell-shaped particle.The vitreous spherules range in size from220 to 570μm,with an average diameter of~370μm.This compares relatively well with the size distribution(75–778μm)of Australasian microtektites previously recovered from the TransantarcticMountains(TAM)and located ca.2500–3000 km fromthe SRM.In addition,the chemical composition of the SRM particles exhibits limited variation and is nearly identical to the‘normal-type’(i.e.,<6%MgO)TAM microtektites.The Sr and Nd isotope systematics for a single batch of SRM particles(n=26)strongly support their affiliation with TAMmicrotektites and the Australasian tektite strewn field in general.Furthermore,Sr isotope ratios and Nd model ages suggest that the target material of the SRM particles was composed of a plagioclase-or carbonate-rich lithology derived from a Paleo-or Mesoproterozoic crustal unit.The affiliation to the Australasian strewn field requires long-range transportation,with estimated great circle distances of ca.11,600 km from the hypothetical source crater,provided transportation occurred along the central distribution lobe.This is in agreement with the observations made for the Australasian microtektites recovered from Victoria Land(ca.11,000 km)and Larkman Nunatak(ca.12,000 km),which,on average,decrease in size and alkali concentrations(e.g.,Na and K)as their distance from the source crater increases.The values for the SRMparticles are intermediate to those of the Victoria Land and Larkman Nunatak microtektites for both parameters,thus supporting this observation.We therefore interpret the SRM particles as‘normal-type’Australasian microtektites,which significantly extend the central distribution lobe of the Australasian strewn field westward.Australasian microtektite distribution thus occurred on a continent-wide scale across Antarctica and allows for the identification of new,potential recovery sites on the Antarctic continent as well as the southeastern part of the Indian Ocean.Similar to volcanic ash layers,the~790 ka distal Australasian impact ejecta are thus a record of an instantaneous event that can be used for time-stratigraphic correlation across Antarctica.

Cardiovascular disease and COVID-19,a deadly combination:A review about direct and indirect impact of a pandemic

Coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19) is known to present with respiratory symptoms,which can lead to severe pneumonia and respiratory failure.However,it can have multisystem complications such as cardiovascular manifestations.The cardiovascular manifestations reported comprise myocarditis,cardiogenic shock,arrhythmias,pulmonary embolism,deep vein embolism,acute heart failure,and myocardial infarction.There is also an indirect impact of the pandemic on the management of cardiovascular care that has been shown clearly in multiple publications.In this review,we summarize the deadly relation of COVID-19 with cardiovascular events and the wider impact on several cardiovascular care areas by the pandemic situation。

Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome Phenotyping by Cluster Analysis: Typical Sleepy, Obese Middle-aged Men with Desaturating Events are A Minority of Patients in A Multi-ethnic Cohort of 33% Women

Objective Several clinical obstructive sleep apnea syndrome(OSAS)phenotypes associated with heterogeneous cardiovascular risk profiles have been recently identified.The purpose of this study was to identify clusters amongst these profiles that allow for the differentiation of patients.Methods This retrospective study included all moderate-to-severe OSAS patients referred to the sleep unit over a 5-year period.Demographic,symptom,comorbidity,polysomnographic,and continuous positive airway pressure(CPAP)adherence data were collected.Statistical analyses were performed to identify clusters of patients.Results A total of 567 patients were included(67%men,54±13 years,body mass index:32±7 kg/m2,65%Caucasian,32%European African).Five clusters were identified:less severe OSAS(n=172);healthier severe OSAS(n=160);poorly sleeping OSAS patients with cardiometabolic comorbidities(n=87);younger obese men with sleepiness at the wheel(n=94);sleepy obese men with very severe desaturating OSAS and cardiometabolic comorbidities(n=54).Patients in clusters 3 and 5 were older than those in clusters 2 and 4(P=0.034).Patients in clusters 4 and 5 were significantly more obese than those in the other clusters(P=0.04).No significant differences were detected in terms of symptoms and comorbidities.Polysomnographic profiles were very discriminating between clusters.CPAP adherence was similar in all clusters but,among adherent patients,daily usage was more important in cluster 1(less severe patients)than in cluster 5.Conclusion This study highlights that the typical sleepy obese middle-aged men with desaturating events represent only a minority of patients in our multi-ethnic moderate-to-severe OSAS cohort of 33%females.

Combination of Instrumented Nanoindentation and Scanning Probe Microscopy for Adequate Mechanical Surface Testing

The elastic indentation modulus and hardness of standard bulk materials and advanced thin films were determined by using the nanoindentation technique followed by the Oliver- Pharr post-treatment. After measurements with different loading/unloading schemes on chemically polished bulk titanium a substantial decrease of both modulus and hardness vs an increasing loading time was found. Then, hard nanostructured TiBN and TiCrBN thin films deposited by magnetron sputtering （using multiphase targets） on substrates of high roughness （sintered hard metal） and low roughness （silicon） were studied. Experimental modulus and hardness characterized by using two different nanoindenter tools were within the limits of standard deviation. However, a strong effect of roughness on the spread of the experimental values was observed and it was found that hardness and elastic indentation modulus obeyed a Gaussian distribution. The experimental data were discussed together with scanning probe microscopy （SPM） images of typical imprints taken after the nanoindentation tests and the local topographyls strong correlation with the results of nanoindentation was described.

Target morphology and cell memory:a model of regenerative pattern formation

Despite the growing body of work on molecular components required for regenerative repair,we still lack a deep understanding of the ability of some animal species to regenerate their appropriate complex anatomical structure following damage.A key question is how regenerating systems know when to stop growth and remodeling-what mechanisms implement recognition of correct morphology that signals a stop condition？In this work,we review two conceptual models of pattern regeneration that implement a kind of pattern memory.In the first one,all cells communicate with each other and keep the value of the total signal received from the other cells.If a part of the pattern is amputated,the signal distribution changes.The difference fromthe original signal distribution stimulates cell proliferation and leads to pattern regeneration,in effect implementing an error minimization process that uses signaling memory to achieve pattern correction.In the second model,we consider a more complex pattern organization with different cell types.Each tissue contains a central（coordinator）cell that controls the tissue and communicates with the other central cells.Each of them keeps memory about the signals received from other central cells.The values of these signals depend on the mutual cell location,and the memory allows regeneration of the structure when it is modified.The purpose of these models is to suggest possible mechanisms of pattern regeneration operating on the basis of cell memory which are compatible with diverse molecular implementation mechanisms within specific organisms.

Visual field defects and retinal nerve fiber layer damage in buried optic disc drusen: a new insight

AIM: To assess the association between buried optic disc drusen(BODD) location using spectral-domain optical coherence tomography(SD-OCT) and the location of associated visual field defects(VFD) using the Garway-Heath mapping.METHODS: This monocentric retrospective crosssectional study was led at the authors’ institution. Adult patients diagnosed with BODD who had complete records with a reliable Humphrey? 24-2 visual field, macular, and papillary OCT were enrolled. Fisher’s exact test was used to measure the association between BODD location and VFD distribution according to Garway-Heath’s mapping.RESULTS: Totally 20 eyes of 15 patients were included(60% females). The median age(interquartile range) was 63(43)y and the median best corrected visual acuity(BCVA) was-0.08(0.08) log MAR. BODD were mostly located in zones A, E, and F. The minimal rim width(MRW) was globally preserved. The retinal nerve fiber layer(RNFL) was predominantly altered in zones D, E, and F. There was a significant correlation between BODD location and that of RNFL alterations in zones D(P=0.03) and E(P=0.025);Moreover, the presence of BODD in the E zone was significantly related to damaged RNFL in the neighbouring sectors D and F(P=0.012;P=0.02 respectively). Sixty-three percent(12/19) of visual fields were abnormal and there was a significant match(Phi=0.7, P=0.009) between drusen location and VFD only in zone D.CONCLUSION: BODD do not only affect young patients and can be more harmful than usually expected, as we found VFD in 63% of cases. There is a correspondence between BODD location, RNFL damage, and VFD distributions. The presence of BODD induces the overestimation of MRW,thereby disrupting its sensitivity as an early indicator of ganglion fibers damage.