The spatial distribution of epiphytic dinoflagellates was investigated in the near-shore areas of Peter the Great Bay during the second half of September 2010 to evaluate the role of hydrodynamic conditions. Epiphytic

dinoflagellates were not found in sheltered sites having weak mixing hydrodynamics. However, the abundances of Ostreopsis spp. were significantly higher MI-503 at sites having moderate turbulence compared to biotopes experiencing strong wave action. Densities of Ostreopsis spp. were not significantly different on macrophytes with branched thallus of all taxonomic divisions. However, the average cell densities of Ostreopsis spp. on green algae with branched thallus were significantly higher than on green algae having laminar thallus. (C) 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.”
“Background: The bacillus Calmette Guerin (BCG) reaction is not included in the classical clinical criteria for Kawasaki disease (KD). However, a reaction at the BCG inoculation site has been mentioned among the “other clinical findings” that

are present in about 30-50% of KD patients. The objective of this study was to investigate the clinical characteristics of KD patients with check details reactions at the BCG inoculation site.\n\nMethods: A retrospective study of all patients diagnosed with KD between September 2000 and August 2010 was performed. The clinical presentations, laboratory results, treatment outcomes, and coronary artery abnormalities in the BCG-reactive [BCG(+)] and BCG-nonreactive [BCG(-)] groups were analyzed and compared.\n\nResults: In total, 145 patients with KD diagnosed at our institution were included; 46 (31.7%) had a reaction at the BCG inoculation site. The BCG(+) group was younger than the BCG(-) group. Laboratory results showed higher white blood cell counts, platelet counts, and

serum potassium levels, and lower low-density lipoprotein levels in the BCG(+) group. The BCG(+) group had a shorter fever duration before intravenous immunoglobulin treatment and a shorter total fever duration than the BCG(-) group. Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that the age at diagnosis was the only Vorinostat factor significantly associated with a reaction at the BCG inoculation site in KD patients.\n\nConclusions: In countries with a national BCG vaccination program, a reaction at the BCG inoculation site could be a useful and early diagnostic sign of KD among younger patients, especially those younger than 6 months. Copyright (C) 2012, Taiwan Pediatric Association. Published by Elsevier Taiwan LLC. All rights reserved.”
“Pigment epithelium-derived factor (PEDF) is a multifunctional protein with important roles in regulation of inflammation and angiogenesis. It is produced by various cell types, including endothelial cells (EC). However, the cell autonomous impact of PEDF on EC function needs further investigation.