Objective: Aggregation and deposition of amyloid beta (A ) in the brain is thought to be central to the pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Recent studies suggest that cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) A levels are strongly correlated with AD status and progression, and may be a meaningful endophenotype for AD. Mutations in presenilin 1 (PSEN1) are known to cause AD and change A levels. In this s...

Clinically, excessive ω-6 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) and inadequate ω-3 PUFA have been associated with enhanced risks for developing ulcerative colitis. In rodent models, ω-3 PUFAs have been shown to either attenuate or exacerbate colitis in different studies. We hypothesized that a high ω-6: ω-3 PUFA ratio would increase colitis susceptibility through the microbe-immunity nexus. To addr...

such topics is crucial for the full comprehension of the book. As expected, many of the chapters are heavy on mathematics, for example, when discussing diffraction of X-rays from a crystal or solving the phase problem. However, many illustrations and diagrams are included to facilitate understanding. For interested readers, every chapter is complete with a thorough list of references on all the...

This is a case of a 54-year-old gentleman who presented to an outside hospital emergency department with lower abdominal pain. Computed tomography imaging showed a small amount of intraperitoneal free air and cystic pneumatosis coli. He was admitted, managed conservatively with intravenous antibiotics, and then discharged home after his symptoms improved. Elective laparoscopic sigmoid colectomy...

The abdomen was opened by McBurney's incision and anteriorly nothing abnormal was found, the healthy caecum and ileum nicely covering up the abscess behind them. On gently exploring with the fingers behind the caecum after lifting up an adherent loop of ileum, the appendix was found in the retro-caecal position with the tip directed upwards. While exploring the abscess cavity, a little grating ...

Endothelial cells use an actin-binding protein to retract and allow neutrophils to crawl out of blood vessels, according to a new study by Liu et al. (page 409). Neutrophils must traverse the endothelial cell barrier to migrate out of blood vessels into inflamed or injured tissue. Transendothelial migration, once thought to be controlled primarily by the neutrophil, is now known to be a two-way...

A bezoar is an intraluminal mass formed by the accumulation of undigested material in the gastrointestinal tract. Trichobezoar is a rare condition seen almost exclusively in young women with trichotillomania and trichotillophagia. When not recognized, the trichobezoar continues to grow, which increases the risk of severe complications such as gastric ulceration and even perforation. Formation o...

Orbital emphysema is an abnormal condition in which air is present within the orbit. We report a rare case of a 19-year-old man who suffered syncopic attacks caused by sniffles following orbital emphysema as a result of trauma. Treating rhinitis is important in patients with orbital emphysema, and patients with cardiac disorders in addition to those with this condition must be warned about the ...