frugiperda in China. IRM programs for Bt corn in China should be as simple as possible to be easily adopted by small-scale growers. The following aspects may be considered in its Bt corn IRM programs (1) use of only "high dose" traits for both S. frugiperda and stalk borers; (2) developing and implementing a combined resistance monitoring program; (3) use "gene pyramiding" as a primary IRM strategy; and (4) if possible, Bt corn may not be planted in the areas where S. frugiperda overwinters. Lessons and experience gained from the global long-term use of Bt crops should have values in improving IRM programs in the Americas, as well as for a sustainable use of Bt corn technology in China.Background Fibromyalgia (FM) is a syndrome characterized by altered pain processing at central and peripheral level, whose pathophysiologic mechanisms remain obscure. We aimed at exploring the structural changes of peripheral nociceptor measured by skin biopsy, the functional changes of central nociceptive pathway assessed by laser-evoked potentials (LEP), and their correlation with clinical features and comorbidities. Methods In all, 81 patients diagnosed with FM underwent skin biopsies with quantification of intraepidermal nerve fibre density (IENFD) at the thigh and distal leg, and LEP recording by stimulating hand, thigh and foot. Nerve conduction study (NCS), clinical features, comorbidity with migraine and mood disorders, and previous, non-active immune-mediated disorders were recorded. Results Intraepidermal nerve fibre density was reduced in 85% of patients at the thigh and in 12.3% of patients at the distal leg, whereas it was normal in 14.8% of patients. N2P2 habituation index from laser stimulation at the thigh was altered in 97.5% of patients and correlated with reduced IENFD at the thigh. LEP latencies and amplitudes did not differ among groups. No association was found between IENFD, LEP, clinical features and comorbidities. Conclusions Fibromyalgia patients most commonly showed a mild loss of peripheral nociceptors at the thigh rather than distal small fibre neuropathy. This finding was associated with an altered habituation index and strengthened the hypothesis that central sensitization plays a key role in the pathogenesis of the disease. Significance Central impairment of pain processing likely underlies FM, which in most patients is associated with mild proximal small fibre pathology.Objectives To determine the accuracy and precision of the Icare® TONOVET Plus rebound tonometer and the Tono-Pen AVIA Vet™ applanation tonometer for intraocular pressure (IOP) measurement in normal ex vivo canine eyes and comparison to earlier models of these tonometers. Animals & procedures The anterior chambers of six normal dog eyes were cannulated ex vivo. IOP was measured with the TONOVET (TV01), TONOVET Plus, Tono-Pen Vet™, and Tono-Pen AVIA Vet™ at manometric IOPs ranging from 5 to 70 mm Hg. Data were analyzed by linear regression, ANOVA and Bland-Altman plots. A P value ≤ .05 was considered significant. Results Intraocular pressure values obtained using the TONOVET Plus and TV01 were significantly more accurate than with the Tono-Pen VET and Tono-Pen AVIA Vet, particularly at higher IOPs (30-70 mm Hg). Accuracy was not significantly different between any of the devices in the low to normal physiologic IOP range (5-25 mm Hg). Level of precision was high for all devices, though the TONOVET Plus was more precise than the Tono-Pen Vet in the 5-25 mmHg range and the TV01 was more precise than the Tono-Pen AVIA Vet over the whole IOP range. Conclusions All devices underestimated IOP, particularly at higher pressures. Rebound tonometers were more accurate over the full range of IOP tested and in the high IOP range; however, there were no significant differences in accuracy among devices in the physiologic IOP range. All tonometers can provide clinically useful IOP readings in dogs, but rebound and applanation tonometers should not be used interchangeably.Widespread occupational and environmental exposure to benzene is unavoidable and poses a public health threat. Studies of potential interventions to prevent or relieve benzene toxicity are, thus, essential. Research has shown l-carnitine (LC) has beneficial effects against various pathological processes and diseases. LC possesses antioxidant activities and participates in fatty acid oxidation (FAO). In this study, we investigated whether 1,4-benzoquinone (1,4-BQ) affects LC levels and the FAO pathway, as well as analyzed the influence of LC on the cytotoxic effects of 1,4-BQ. We found that 1,4-BQ significantly decreased LC levels and downregulated Cpt1a, Cpt2, Crat, Hadha, Acaa2, and Acadvl mRNA expression in K562 cells. Subsequent assays confirmed that 1,4-BQ decreased cell viability and increased apoptosis and caspase-3, -8, and -9 activities. It also induced obvious oxidative stress and DNA damage, including an increase in the levels of reactive oxygen species and malondialdehyde, tail DNA%, and olive tail moment. Additionally, the mitochondrial membrane potential was significantly reduced. Cotreatment with LC (500 μmol/L) relieved these alterations by reducing oxidative stress and increasing the protein expression levels of Cpt1a and Hadha, particularly in the 20 μmol/L 1,4-BQ group. Thus, our results demonstrate that 1,4-BQ causes cytotoxicity, reduces LC levels, and downregulates the FAO genes. In contrast, LC exhibits protective effects against 1,4-BQ-induced apoptosis and DNA damage by decreasing oxidative stress and promoting the FAO pathway.Introduction Current UK and international guidelines advocate the need for multidisciplinary team (MDT) discussion of selected patients undergoing either percutaneous or surgical cardiac procedures to decide the optimal treatment strategy. To date, it is unknown if using videoconference facilities is cost-effective. Therefore, we performed a cost analysis of using a high-speed internet video conferencing system compared with conventional face-to-face MDT meetings.  https://www.selleckchem.com/products/epacadostat-incb024360.html  Methods Costs of running a conventional MDT meeting vs a video conferencing MDT were modelled and compared over a 2-year period. Participants were also surveyed on the overall effectiveness of conducting remote MDTs. Results The set-up and maintenance cost of the video conferencing system over 2 years was £30 400. The staff costs of running the face-to-face MDT were £95 970 and the video conferencing MDT was £23 992.50. The total travel costs of the conventional face-to-face MDTs were £10 555.34. In total, the cost of the conventional face-to-face MDT was £106 525.