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In this work, composite coatings of chitosan and silver nanoparticles were presented as an antibacterial coating for orthopedic implants. Coatings were deposited on AISI 304L using the galvanic deposition method. In galvanic deposition, the difference of the electrochemical redox potential between two metals (the substrate and a sacrificial anode) has the pivotal role in the process. In the coupling of these two metals a spontaneous redox reaction occurs and thus no external power supply is necessary. Using this process, a uniform deposition on the exposed area and a good adherence of the composite coating on the metallic substrate were achieved. Physical-chemical characterizations were carried out to evaluate morphology, chemical composition, and the presence of silver nanoparticles. These characterizations have shown the deposition of coatings with homogenous and porous surface structures with silver nanoparticles incorporated and distributed into the polymeric matrix. Corrosion tests were also carried out in a simulated body fluid at 37 °C in order to simulate the same physiological conditions. Corrosion potential and corrosion current density were obtained from the polarization curves by Tafel extrapolation. The results show an improvement in protection against corrosion phenomena compared to bare AISI 304L. Furthermore, the ability of the coating to release the Ag+ was evaluated in the simulated body fluid at 37 °C and it was found that the release mechanism switches from anomalous to diffusion controlled after 3 h. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D) present an increased risk for cardiovascular (CV) complications. In addition to improvement in glycaemic control, glucose-lowering therapies, such as glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) and sodium-dependent glucose cotransporter (SGLT)-2 inhibitors, have been shown to significantly reduce CV events. In 2008, the US Food and Drug Administration mandated that all new glucose-lowering drugs undergo CV outcomes trials (CVOTs) to determine their CV safety. These trials have largely demonstrated no major CV safety concerns. Most notably, the GLP-1RAs and SGLT-2 inhibitors have been found to be not only safe, but also cardioprotective compared to placebo. The SGLT-2 inhibitors have opened a new perspective for clinicians treating patients with T2D and established CV disease in light of their 'pleiotropic' effects, specifically on heart failure, while GLP-1RAs seem to present more favourable effects on atherosclerotic events. In this review, we discuss the role of GLP-1RAs and SGLT-2 inhibitors to reduce CV risk in T2D patients and suggest an individualized therapeutic approach in this population based on the presence of metabolic and CV comorbidities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Earth's lithosphere is commonly investigated by both direct and indirect methods, corresponding to rock sampling and geophysical surveys, respectively. The interpretation of geophysical data is generally based on the combination of values measured in the lithosphere with those obtained in laboratories from rock samples. However, petrophysical properties of numerous lithotypes overlap, yielding the misleading interpretation of geophysical surveys in many areas of the world. A heated debate particularly concerns non-volcanic rifted margins, fuelled by the possible presence of giant oil and gas fields: thinned continental crust or serpentinized oceanic basement. One of the possible causes of ambiguity is related to the intimate similarity of oceanic serpentinites and various crustal rocks (e.g. basalts, gabbros, limestones, sandstones, shales, etc.), in terms of petrophysical properties. Can variably serpentinized peridotites mimic typical continental crustal rocks, such as granites and granodiorites? To answer this question, we compared literature data of worldwide samples of such lithologies. The results show the complete overlap of the considered petrophysical properties (density, magnetic susceptibility, VP, VS, VP/VS, and Poisson's ratio) of these lithotypes (P = 10–1000 MPa, depth = 0.33–33.33 km), further confirming the difficulty in discriminating variably serpentinized mantle rocks from crustal lithologies. Therefore, the recognition of buried serpentinite geobodies, being potential sites of exploitable gas and oil reservoirs, like those probably ensconced in non-volcanic rifted margins, necessitates a robust lithological model inferred from direct methods, namely the study of core drillings, deep-seated xenoliths and tectonic exposures of deep-crustal sections to substantiate the interpretation of geophysical data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The endocrine disruptor di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) is used in a variety of consumer products made with polyvinyl chloride and also in the manufacture of medical devices. DEHP disrupts reproductive tract development in an antiandrogenic manner and also may induce neurobehavioral changes. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of chronic postnatal exposure to DEHP (30 mg/kg body weight/day, orally from birth to day 60) on the neuroendocrine regulation of the gonadal axis and its impact on the anxiety-like behavior in adult male rats, as well as the probable participation of the GABAergic system in these effects. DEHP produced a significant increase in plasmatic luteinizing hormone and follicle stimulating hormone, as well as significant testosterone decrease, accompanied with a decrease in hypothalamic gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) concentration. On the other hand, DEHP increased the anxiety-like behavior in the elevated plus maze test, evidenced by a significant decrease in the percentages of time spent in the open arms and the frequency in the open arm entries and a significant increase in the percentage of time spent in closed arms. Neuroendocrine and behavioral effects were reversed by GABA agonists, muscimol (2 mg/kg i.p. ) and baclofen (10 mg/kg i.p.). In conclusion, chronic DEHP postnatal exposure induced a disruption in the neuroendocrine regulation of the testicular axis in young adult male rats, and this effect was correlated with an anxiety-like behavior. Since GABA agonists reversed these effects, the results suggest that GABA could participate in the modulation of reproductive and behavioral DEHP effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• NiFe alloy electrodes were studied for seawater electrolysis. • Template electrosynthesis was used as a fabrication method to obtain nanowires. • NiFe nanowires were tested at room temperature in KOH + 0.5 m NaCl solution. • NaCl doesn't affect the electrocatalytic behavior of nanostructured NiFe alloy. • NiFe NWs can operate in seawater electrolyzers thanks to their selectivity to OER. The present work investigates the behavior of nanostructured electrodes consisting of an array of nanowires of NiFe alloy in KOH + 0.5 M NaCl solution. The aim is to explore the possibility of using these electrodes for hydrogen production by seawater electrolysis. Seawater splitting requires a highly selective electrode on the anode side, where the evolution of molecular chlorine or the formation of other active chlorine compounds can compete with the oxygen evolution reaction. Nanostructured electrodes, obtained by template electrosynthesis, were tested at room temperature in KOH + 0.5 M NaCl solution, and the results were compared with those obtained in pure KOH. The results showed that the presence of NaCl does not affect the electrocatalytic behavior of the nanostructured NiFe alloy. Furthermore, the chemical–physical characterizations carried out after the long-term galvanostatic tests, have shown that the nanostructured electrodes are also stable in terms of morphology and composition. In addition, the solution used to perform the long-term galvanostatic tests was analyzed to investigate the possible formation of chlorine compounds. The absence of these compounds, together with the measured potential value measured for the oxygen evolution reaction, which was always lower than the thermodynamic redox potential for the hypochlorite formation reaction, leads us to conclude that these electrodes are potentially suitable for seawater electrolysis. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to examine the effects of selected metal (Ag, Co, Ni) and metal oxide (CeO 2 , Fe 3 O 4 , SnO 2 , TiO 2 ) engineered nanoparticles on basil ( Ocimum basilicum L.). Seedlings, grown in soil mixture (20% sandy soil, 80% peat), were exposed to nanoparticles once per week, for 4 weeks with solutions at 100 μg mL −1 of nanoparticle component metal, to simulate a chronic exposure to NPs supplied with irrigation. At the end of the experiment (4 weeks), (i) morphological and physiological parameters of basil (e.g. dry weight, gaseous exchange), (ii) nanoparticle component metal taken up by the basil plant (namely, Ag, Ce, Co, Fe, Ni, Sn and Ti) and (iii) the content of nutrients (Ca, Mg, K, Na, P and S) in different basil organs were evaluated. The results indicated that the nanoparticle component metal was mainly accumulated in the basil roots. However, despite the capability of plant to exclude potentially toxic elements, Ag, CeO 2 , Co and Ni NPs component metal translocate from the root to the shoot reaching the leaves, the edible part of the plant. Notably, also in the relative short exposure there was an accumulation of Ca in roots, suggesting that the modification of metabolic pathway in plants could be aimed at counteracting the membrane damage generated directly or indirectly by nanoparticles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Patients receiving anticancer chemotherapy experience a multitude of gastrointestinal side-effects. However, the causes of these symptoms are uncertain and whether these therapeutics directly affect the enteric nervous system is unknown. Our aim was to determine whether the function and morphology of myenteric neurons are altered in specimens of the colon from chemotherapy-treated patients. Methods Colon specimens were compared from chemotherapy-treated and non-treated patients following colorectal resections for removal of carcinoma. Intracellular electrophysiological recordings from myenteric neurons and immunohistochemistry were performed in whole mount preparations. Key Results Myenteric S neurons from chemotherapy-treated patients were hyperexcitable; more action potentials (11.4 ± 9.4, p < 0.05) were fired in response to depolarising current pulses than in non-treated patients (1.4 ± 0.5). The rheobase and the threshold to evoke action potentials were significantly lower for neurons from chemotherapy-treated patients compared to neurons from non-treated patients ( p < 0.01). Fast excitatory postsynaptic potential reversal potential was more positive in neurons from chemotherapy-treated patients ( p < 0.05). An increase in the number of neurons with translocation of Hu protein from the cytoplasm to the nucleus was observed in specimens from chemotherapy-treated patients (103 ± 25 neurons/mm2, 37.2 ± 7.0%, n = 8) compared to non-treated (26 ± 5 neurons/mm2, 11.9 ± 2.7%, n = 12, p < 0.01). An increase in the soma size of neuronal nitric oxide synthase-immunoreactive neurons was also observed in these specimens. Conclusions & Inferences This is the first study suggesting functional and structural changes in human myenteric neurons in specimens of colon from patients receiving anticancer chemotherapy. These changes may contribute to the causation of gastrointestinal symptoms experienced by chemotherapy-treated patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: After surgical fixation, osteoporotic proximal humeral fractures often show high impaction and loss of reduction. This study aims at assessing the amount of impaction and loss of reduction at a short and medium follow-up. We found an alarming percentage of cases showing these complications in the first postoperative months. Introduction: This study seeks to quantify the amount of humeral head impaction and loss of reduction in a consecutive series of osteoporotic proximal humerus fractures treated with a locking plate. Methods: A series of displaced proximal humerus fractures were prospectively treated with minimally invasive reduction and ostheosynthesis using a locking plate. Diagnosis and classification of fractures were based on X-ray examination and CT scan. Proximal humerus cortical bone thickness (CBTAVG) was studied to assess osteoporosis. Amount of loss of reduction and head fragment impaction were noted at 3 and 18 months of follow-up. Constant score was calculated at 6 and 18 months of follow-up. Results: Thirty-one osteoporotic fractures were studied. Most of the fractures (21, 67.7 %) had a CBTAVG of less than 4 mm. At 3 months of follow-up, 7 cases (22.5 %) had significant loss of reduction and the mean amount of impaction was 2.8 mm. At 18 months of follow-up, only 1 additional fracture showed loss of reduction and mean impaction was 3 mm ( p < 0.05). At 6 months follow-up, the mean Constant score was 58 %; while at 18 months, it was 70 % ( p = 0.02). Amount of impaction was significantly correlated to age of patients ( p = 0.031), female sex ( p = 0.011), CBTAVG ( p = 0.019), and metaphyseal comminution ( p = 0.013). Conclusions: Osteoporotic proximal humerus fractures may present an important impaction and loss of reduction in the first 3 months after surgery even if treated with a rigid device and multiple head screws. Surgeons treating these osteoporotic fractures should be aware of these complications even when using a rigid device. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A method to detect and quantify mass concentrations of trace metals on soot particles by the Aerodyne sootparticle aerosol mass spectrometer (SP-AMS) was developed and evaluated in this study. The generation of monodisperse Regal black (RB) test particles with trace amounts of 13 different metals (Na, Al, Ca, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn, Rb, Sr and Ba) allowed for the determination of the relative ionization efficiency of each metal relative to black carbon (RIEmeas). The observed RIEmeas = RIEtheory values were larger than unity for Na, Rb, Ca, Sr and Ba due to thermal surface ionization (TSI) on the surface of the laser-heated RB particles. Values closer to unity were obtained for the transition metals Zn, Cu, V and Cr. Mn, Fe, and Ni presented the lowest RIEmeas = RIEtheory ratios and highest deviation from unity. The latter discrepancy is unexplained; however it may be related to problems with our calibration method and/or the formation of metal complexes that were not successfully quantified. The response of the metals to the laser power was investigated and the results indicated that a minimum pump laser current of 0.6A was needed in order to vaporize the metals and the refractory black carbon (rBC). Isotopic patterns of metals were resolved from highresolution mass spectra, and the mass-weighted size distributions for each individual metal ion were obtained using the high-resolution particle time-of-flight (HR-PToF) method. The RIEmeas values obtained in this study were applied to the data of emission measurements in a heavy-fuel-oil-fired heating station. Emission measurements revealed a large number of trace metals, including evidence for metal oxides and metallic salts, such as vanadium sulfate, calcium sulfate, iron sulfate and barium sulfate, which were identified in the SPAMS high-resolution mass spectra. SP-AMS measurements of Ba, Fe, and V agreed with ICP-MS analyzed filter samples within a factor of 2 when emitted rBC mass loadings were elevated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A method to detect and quantify mass concentrations of metals by the Aerodyne Soot Particle -- Aerosol Mass Spectrometer (SP-AMS) was developed and evaluated in this study. The generation of monodisperse Regal black (RB) test particles with trace amounts of 13 different metals (Na, Al, Ca, V, Cr, Fe, Mn, Ni, Cu, Zn, Rb, Sr and Ba) allowed the determination of the relative ionization efficiency of each metal (RIEmeas). The ratio RIEtheory / RIEmeas presented values larger than the unity for Na, Rb, Ca, Sr and Ba due to the thermal surface ionization (TSI) on the surface of the RB particles. Values closer to the unity were obtained for the transition metals Zn, Cu, V and Cr. Mn, Fe and Ni presented the lowest RIEtheory / RIEmeas ratio and highest deviation from the unity, which was most likely related to different losses. The RIEmeas values obtained in this study were applied to the data of emission measurements in a heavy fuel oil fired heating station. Emission measurements revealed various fragmentation patterns for sulfate, probably because sulfate was mainly in the form of metallic salts (vanadium sulfate, calcium sulfate, iron sulfate and barium sulfate), which were also identified in the high-resolution mass spectrum. The response of the metals to the laser power was also investigated and the results indicated that a minimum current of 0.6 A was needed in the laser in order to vaporize the metals and the rBC. Isotopic pattern of metals was resolved from high-resolution mass spectra and the mass size distribution information of each individual ion was obtained using the high-resolution particle time-of-flight (HR-PToF). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Access to tissue, difficulties with dissection, and poor visibility of enteric ganglia have hampered electrophysiological recordings of human enteric neurons. Here, we report a method to combine intracellular recording with simultaneous morphological identification of neurons in the intact myenteric plexus of human colon ex vivo. Methods Specimens of human colon were dissected into flat-sheet preparations with the myenteric plexus exposed. Myenteric neurons were impaled with conventional microelectrodes containing 5% 5,6-carboxyfluorescein in 20 mM Tris buffer and 1 M KCl. Key Results Electrophysiological recordings identified myenteric neurons with S and AH type properties ( n = 13, N = 7) which were dye filled and classified during the recording as Dogiel type I ( n = 10), Dogiel type II ( n = 2), or filamentous ( n = 1) cells. This classification was confirmed after fixation, in combination with immunohistochemical characterization. Conclusions & Inferences This method allows electrophysiological characterization with simultaneous identification of morphology. It can be used to identify recorded cells immediately after impalement and greatly facilitates recordings of human myenteric neurons in freshly dissected specimens of tissue. It can also be combined with immunohistochemical labeling of recorded cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The extensive use of silver nanoparticles (SNPs) as antimicrobial in food, clothing and medicine, leads inevitably to a loss of such nanomaterial in soil and water. Little is known about the effects of soil contamination, in particular, on microbial cells, which play a fundamental ecological role. In this work, the impact of SNPs on forest soil has been studied, investigating eco-physiological indicators of microbial biomass and microbial diversity with culture-dependent and independent techniques. Moreover, SNPs bioavailability and uptake were assessed. Soil samples were spiked with SNPs at two different concentrations (10 and 100 μg g −1 dw) and incubated with the relative controls for 30, 60 and 90 days. The overall parameters showed a significant influence of the SNPs on the soil microbial community, revealing a marked shift after 60 days of incubation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The performance of the miniature Versatile Aerosol Concentration Enrichment System (m-VACES, Geller et al., 2005) was investigated in laboratory and field studies using on-line instruments. Laboratory tests focused on the behavior of monodisperse ammonium sulfate (AS) or dioctyl sebacate (DOS) particles in the m-VACES measured with the Aerodynamic Particle Sizer (APS) and Scanning Mobility Particle Sizer (SMPS). The ambient measurements were conducted at an urban site in Helsinki, Finland, where the operation of the m-VACES was explored in conjunction with a Soot Particle Aerosol Mass Spectrometer (SP-AMS) in addition to the SMPS. In laboratory tests, the growth of particles in water vapor produced a stable droplet size distribution independent of the original particle size. However, when the droplets were dried with the goal of measuring the original size distribution, a shift to larger particles was observed for small particle sizes (up to ~ 200nm in mobility diameter). That growth was probably caused by water-soluble organic compounds absorbed on the water droplets from the gas phase, but not evaporated in the drying phase. In ambient measurements, similar enrichment factors (EFs) were observed for nitrate, sulfate, organics and refractory black carbon. Size-dependent EFs showed a small shift in the accumulation mode peak size after the m-VACES. The presence of acidic ambient particles affected the enrichment of ammonium and chloride. Gaseous ammonia was observed to be absorbed on acidic particles in the m-VACES, neutralizing the aerosol. As a result the contribution of ammonium to particle mass increased from 6% for ambient to 9% for concentrated aerosol. The opposite trend was observed for chloride, since a fraction of chloride evaporated from acidic particles upon neutralization. Organic artifacts were quite small but a small positive artifact for hydrocarbons and nitrogen-containing organic compounds was observed. However, the oxidation state of organics remained nearly the same before and after the m-VACES. Ambient and concentrated OA was analyzed further with Positive Matrix Factorization (PMF). A three-factor solution was chosen for both of the data sets but the factors were slightly different for the ambient and concentrated OA. That could reflect the sensitivity of PMF to minor changes in OA composition; however, the data set used for the PMF analysis was limited in size and therefore had substantial uncertainty. Eight trace elements (Al, V, Fe, Zn, Rb, Sr, Zr and Cd) were detected with the SP-AMS of which three (Sr, Zr and Cd) were observed only with the m-VACES. Trace elements seemed to be enriched in the m-VACES similar to major inorganic and organic species. Overall, the operation of the m-VACES was not found to lead to any severe sampling artifacts. The effect of acidity could be an issue in locations where the aerosol is acidic, however, in those cases the use of a denuder (which was not used in this study) is recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background In animal models, enteric reflex pathways have potent effects on motor activity; their roles have been much less extensively studied in human gut. The aim of this study was to determine if ascending excitatory interneuronal pathways can modulate spontaneous phasic contractions in isolated preparations of human colonic circular muscle. Methods Human colonic preparations were cut into T shapes, with vertical bar of the 'T' pharmacologically isolated. Electrical stimulation and the nicotinic agonist, 1,1-dimethyl-4-phenylpiperazinium iodide ( DMPP), were applied to the isolated region and circular muscle contractile activity was measured from the cross-bar of the T, more than 10 mm orally from the region of stimulation. Key Results The predominant form of spontaneous muscle activity consisted of tetrodotoxin-resistant, large amplitude, slow phasic contractions ( SPCs), occurring at average intervals of 124 ± 68 s. Addition of a high concentration of hexamethonium (1 mmol L−1) to the superfusing solution significantly increased the interval between SPCs to 278.1 ± 138.3 s ( P < 0.005). Focal electrical stimulation more than 10 mm aboral to the muscle recording site advanced the onset of the next SPC, and this effect persisted in hexamethonium. However, the effect of electrical stimulation was blocked by tetrodotoxin ( TTX, 1 μmol L−1). Application of the nicotinic agonist DMPP (1 mmol L−1) to the aboral chamber often stimulated a premature SPC (n = 4). Conclusions & Inferences The major form of spontaneous contractility in preparations of human colonic circular muscle is SPCs, which are myogenic in origin. Activation of ascending excitatory neural pathways, which involve nicotinic receptors, can modulate the timing of SPCs and thus influence human colonic motility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP) is the most widely used phthalate to convey flexibility and transparency to plastic products made of polyvinyl chloride. It has been recognized as endocrine disruptor and associated with reproductive toxic effects. We examined the effects of perinatal exposure to DEHP on anxiety-like behavior, using the Elevated Plus Maze (EPM) test, in male and female rats at different stages of sexual development. Anxiety-like behavior was expressed as a) frequency of open arm entries over the total arm entries (% FEO); b) time spent in them compared with total time the animal stayed in the EPM (% TSO) and c) time spent in closed arms (TSC). Because DEHP has anti-androgenic action we also tested control and exposed immature male rats pretreated with testosterone. We found sex differences in behavior induced by DEHP; while male rats of 45 and 60days of age showed a significant decrease in FEO and TSO percentages, as well as an increase in TSC, no changes were observed in anxiety-like behavior in perinatal DEHP exposed females at these ages of sexual maturation. In 60-day-old male rats, DEHP exposure produced a significant decrease in serum testosterone levels. Testosterone replacement was able to antagonize the adverse effects of DEHP exposure on LH, activating the negative feed-back mechanism of this steroid on reproductive axis, as well as increasing FEO and TSO percentages to similar values observed in the control group. These findings suggest that the anti-androgenic action of this chemical could be one possible mechanism underlie anxiogenic-like behavior produced by perinatal DEHP exposure in 60-day-old male rats. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Purpose: Elderly subjects often have fractures of the proximal humerus, which may be difficult to manage in patients in poor general condition. The MIROS is a new percutaneous pinning device allowing correction of angular displacement and stable fixation of fracture fragments. We evaluated the results of percutaneous fixation of three- or four-part fractures of the proximal humerus of patients in the American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status three or four treated either with MIROS or traditional percutaneous pinning (TPP).Methods: A total of 31 patients treated with MIROS and 27 undergoing TPP were enrolled in the study. Pre-operatively anteroposterior and transthoracic or axillary radiographs were obtained in all cases and computed tomography scans in patients with the most complex fractures. Follow-up evaluations were carried out at three, six, 12 and 16 weeks, and six months, one year and two years postoperatively, using the Constant Score (CS) and subjective shoulder value (SSV) methods.Results: Of the 58 patients, 52 could be evaluated at all follow-ups. In both three- or four-part fractures there were significantly higher CS and SSV scores in the MIROS compared to the TPP group at all the late follow-ups. Lower rates of deep infection, pin tract infection and pin mobilisation were found in the MIROS group (p < 0.001). In both groups there was a significant association between the final result (CS) and either the type of fracture or complications (p < 0.001).Conclusions: The MIROS resulted in better clinical results and less complications than TPP in elderly patients. This method, however, may not be indicated for younger patients in good general condition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The aim of the study was to examine soil microbial activity and functional diversity in different parts of coastal landscapes influenced by recurring saltwater intrusion in the Ravenna area (Italy). For this reason, seven profiles were selected in the San Vitale Pinewood, in low-lying interdune spot and next to dune crests and swales. Soils were classified as Typic Psammaquent, Typic Ustipsamment, Aquic Ustipsamment and Sodic Psammaquent. Chemical, physical and biochemical properties of soil horizons, such as microbial biomass metabolic quotient and enzyme activity, were determined to examine the effects of soil salinity and sodicity levels on microbial activity and functional diversity. The various soils and horizons could be split into distinct groups based on Differential Function Analysis of their properties. Cellulase, xylosidase and arylsulfatase showed a peak of their activity in surface horizons of sodic soils. α-glucosidase activity also was high in deeper horizons of those soils. Moreover, functional diversity, evaluated through calculation of Shannon''s diversity index, was higher in the surface and deeper horizons of saline soils than non-saline soils. Conversely, soil with shallow water-table showed similar enzyme activity to soil located in the highest spots of the dune system. However, the highest values of specific activity (per unit of organic carbon) recorded in the deep horizons of the Typic Ustipsamment soil suggested more efficient hydrolytic activity of organic substrates due to oxygenation of soil. In conclusion, hydromorphic conditions in these soils influence the efficiency of organic substrate hydrolysis while soil salinity and sodicity increase both biochemical activity and functional diversity of microbial communities. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This study investigated the effect of pre and perinatal exposure to di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) on the neuroendocrine parameters that regulate reproduction in prepubertal male and female rats. DEHP at doses of 3 and 30mg/kgbw/day was administered orally in the drinking water to dam rats since pregnancy onset until the moment of pups sacrifice at 15 days of age. In these animals gonadotropin serum level and the hypothalamic contents of the amino acids aspartate, glutamate and gamma-aminobutyric acid were determined. No changes in gonadotropin levels and amino acid neurotransmitters were detected at the low dose in both sexes. However, DEHP administered at high dose (30mg/kgbw/day) to dams produced a significant decrease in the inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA and an increase in the stimulatory neurotransmitter aspartate in prepubertal male offspring rats. These modifications were accompanied by gonadotropin serum levels increase. On the contrary, in treated female rats this chemical increased both, aspartate and GABA, which exert a characteristic stimulatory action on gonadotropin in 15-day-old normal females. This study provides new data about changes produced by DEHP on the hypothalamic amino acid neurotransmitters involved in the neuroendocrine reproductive regulation, in prepubertal male and female rat offspring from dams exposed during gestational and lactational periods. These alterations induced by DEHP exposure could be related to the gonadotropin modifications also described in this work, and with changes in the production of sexual hormones previously reported by other authors. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Patients with adhesive capsulitis were clinically evaluated to establish whether pain elicited by pressure on the coracoid area may be considered a pathognomonic sign of this condition. The study group included 85 patients with primary adhesive capsulitis, 465 with rotator cuff tear, 48 with calcifying tendonitis, 16 with glenohumeral arthritis, 66 with acromioclavicular arthropathy and 150 asymptomatic subjects. The test was considered positive when pain on the coracoid region was more severe than 3 points (VAS scale) with respect to the acromioclavicular joint and the anterolateral subacromial area. The test was positive in 96.4% of patients with adhesive capsulitis and in 11.1%, 14.5%, 6.2% and 10.6% of patients with the other four conditions, respectively. A positive result was obtained in 3/150 normal subjects (2%). With respect to the other four diseases, the test had a sensitivity of 0.96 and a specificity ranging from 0.87 to 0.89. With respect to controls, the sensitivity and specificity were 0.99 and 0.98, respectively. The coracoid pain test could be considered as a pathognomonic sign in physical examination of patients with stiff and painful shoulder. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work we explored the female mating frequency of the quasi-gregarious egg parasitoid Anaphes nitens and its consequences on offspring sex-ratio. In a previous study we have shown that sex-ratio (proportion of males) increases with maternal age, suggesting that sperm depletion could occur if females mate only once. Here, we tested: (1) whether A. nitens females are polyandrous; (2) whether polyandry increases daughter production; and (3) the relationship between polyandry, fecundity and longevity. Virgin females were mated and provided with host egg-capsules and drops of honey as food. Afterward, they had the opportunity to re-mate daily during the rest of their life. About 55% of females were polyandrous, but multiple mating significantly increased the proportion of males in the offspring. In particular, daughter production of multi-mated females crashed at the 9th day of life, despite having obtained 2-3 matings. Hence, this suggests that females did not replenish their spermatheca by additional mating additional and that the amount of sperm received in a single copulation could be enough to produce an unconstrained offspring sex allocation. It is possible that the observed sex-ratio could depend on a limited storage capacity of the spermatheca or on the onset of physiological problems such as difficulty of sperm transfer, sperm plugs or displacement. Up to 52% of the multi-mated females did not produce any progeny after the first copulation. This suggests that a second mating was useful to obtain viable sperm. Furthermore, polyandry did not affect fecundity or longevity. Polyandry may be adopted to prevent matings with sperm depleted or incompatible males or to reduce the male harassment frequently experienced under laboratory conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We studied the highest reported number of patients with occult fracture of the greater tuberosity of the humerus and we analysed why fracture was not diagnosed, shoulder function and prevalence of eventually associated rotator cuff tear (RCT). Twenty-four patients with a missed fracture of the greater tuberosity underwent MR study for a suspect RCT. We evaluated shoulder function and self-assessed comfort with the Constant score (CS) and Simple Shoulder Test (SST). Nine patients showed evidence of cuff tendinosis, 11 of partial (p) RCT (2: subscapularis; 6: supraspinatus and 3: supraspinatus and infraspinatus). All patients with pRCT were older than 40. Initially, the mean CS and SST were 54% and 5/12; at follow-up, values increased to 36% and 5 points. MR should be performed in patients apparently negative for fracture but with painful shoulders and decreased ROM. Of our patients, 45.8% had pRCT; nevertheless function recovery was verified in 16 weeks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The first estimations of the aerosol optical thickness (AOT) using Langley Method at Southern Space Observatory (SSO) at Southern Brazil (29.4°S, 53.8°W) are presented. In addition to ozone and sulphur dioxide columns, AOT can be obtained using Brewer Spectrophotometer at specific wavelengths: 306.3, 310.1, 313.5, 316.8 and 320.1nm. The AOT was obtained for the period from November/2002 to May/2003. Very low AOT averages were obtained, whose values were about 0.21±0.03 at 306.3nm, 0.21±0.02 at 310.1nm, 0.19±0.02 at 313.5nm, 0.20±0.02 at 316.8nm and 0.20±0.02 at 320.0nm for all period analysed. Different behaviour of AOT were obtained at two daily specific periods of aerosol accumulation, one in the afternoons from November/2002 to February/2003, caused mainly by a mild biomass burning season’s in the region and other in the mornings from March to May/2003, due the high relative humidity presented in the region studied. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

We investigated, by means of topical, residual and field assays, the toxicity of four insecticides (Bacillus thuringiensis, azadirachtin, flufenoxuron and ethofenprox) to adult, larvae and eggs of theEucalyptussnout-beetleGonipterus scutellatusand their side-effects on the adults of the solitary egg parasitoidAnaphes nitens, its natural enemy. In the topical toxicity experiment, both flufenoxuron and ethofenprox severely affectedG. scutellatus, causing 100% adult mortality after 7 days, and 75 and 100% larval mortality, respectively. Ethofenprox also caused 93% larval pre-eclosion mortality and 100% parasitoid mortality. In the residual experiment, azadirachtin acted as an effective larvicide when ingested (73% mortality after 7 days). Ethofenprox showed the highest toxicity, with 100% mortality of adults and larvae ofG. scutellatusafter 24 h. On the day 7 of observation, flufenoxuron resulted in 93% adult mortality and 100% larval mortality. After contact with residuals, only ethofenprox and flufenoxuron had adversely affectedA. nitens(98% mortality after 48 h).Bacillus thuringiensisexhibited only a slight activity against the pest or the parasitoid. The field experiment was carried out on three localities, with a preliminary sampling, and three samplings after the applications of the products, on days 7, 14 and 30. We evaluated the parasitism rate, parasitoid sex ratio, parasitoid pre-eclosion mortality, the abundance ofG. scutellatusadults, larvae and egg capsules, the pre-eclosion mortality rate of weevil eggs and larvae and the foliar damage. Only fluenoxuron and ethofenprox reduced the pest population and the foliar damages, but ethofenprox also significantly decreased the rate of parasitism (17%) after 7 days. Given our experimental results, we suggest that flufenoxuron and azadirachtin could be used in association with the natural enemy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The southern Apennines are characterized by the presence of tectonic units of internal derivation (Liguridi/Sicilidi Units) that have suffered several phases of tectonic transport. For this reason relics of such units rest now on the extreme front of the chain and they are often confused with tectonic units of more external derivation. The attribution of the different units to their original paleodomains needs different geological aspects to be considered: geometries of the tectonic contacts, petrographical and stratigraphical characters; this in order to unequivocally distinguish apparently similar sequences which, on the contrary belong to different tectonic units. In three areas of the Southern Apennines (Lucanian sector) selected for the present study two tectonic wedges are distinguishible, both characterized by compressive deformation tied up to a thin-skinned tectonic context. The more ancient accretionary wedge (Late Oligocene-Early Miocene) is connected with the subduction of the Tethys oceanic crust (Liguride/Sicilide Units) which stopped at the collision between the European margin and the Maghrebide crust, a continental-type crust that separates the Tethys from the Ionian. The subduction of the Ionian oceanic crust took place since the Middle Miocene and continued in southern Apennines up to the Late Pliocene-Early Pleistocene. This tectonic phase resulted in the structuration of the accretionary wedge formed by the basinal Lagonegrese Units and by the External Flysch that overthrust upon the Pliocene foredeep deposits, as is clearly shown in well logs. The stratigraphic, petrographic and structural constraints lead us to the reconstruction of a geologic frame that takes into account the field evidence and provides a fruitful tool for understanding the geodynamic evolution of the Southern Apennines. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background: Glenoid version is the most variable parameter of the shoulder joint. No authors investigated if intrinsic genetic factors or influences from extrinsic sources are responsible for its variability. Aim: We compared glenoid version between elderly monozygotic and dizygotic twins intending to separate the contributions of genetics from shared and unique environments. Methods: Glenoid version of the dominant shoulder was assessed by MRI using Friedman's method in 30 pairs of elderly twins (16 monozygotic–14 dizygotic; mean age ± SD: 63.72 ± 3.37, 53–72). Heritability was estimated as twice the difference between the intraclass correlation coefficients for monozygotic and dizygotic pairs. The influence of shared environment was calculated as the difference between monozygotic correlation coefficient and the heritability index. According to job category, one way analysis of variance was used to estimate the differences between groups in the total sample and within zygosity groups. Results: Glenoid version angle in monozygotic and dizygotic twins was −2° (SD: 2°) and −3° (SD: 3°), respectively (p = 0.334). Heritability index was 0.98, while the contributions of shared and unique environment were 0 and 0.02, respectively. According to working classes, no significant differences were found between the groups (p = 0.732, F = 0.31). Conclusions: Glenoid version is mainly genetically determined and only marginally influenced by environments. Level of evidence: III. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Purpose of this study was to analyse the medium term follow-up of minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis (MIPO) for proximal humeral fractures in terms of postoperative shoulder function, radiological outcome and complications.Methods: 76 consecutive patients with unstable proximal humeral fractures were treated using locking plate with a minimally invasive antero-lateral approach in two surgical centers. Constant score and radiographic evaluation of 74 patients were available at mean follow up of 5 years (minimum 4 years).Results: Mean Constant score was 74 (range to 28-100). Results were comparable in the two centers. Younger patients registered significantly higher scores (p < 0.05). 20 patients (27%) developed complications. Subacromial impingement occurred in 16,2% of cases for varus malreduction (6,7%) and for too proximal plate positioning (9,5%). Primary screws perforation (2,7%), secondary perforation due to cut-out (1,4%), avascular necrosis (AVN) of humeral head (1,4%), partial resorption of greater tuberosity (2,7%), secondary displacement of the greater tuberosity (2,7%) and stiffness (2,7%) were observed.Discussion and Conclusions: Even at a medium term follow-up, MIPO for proximal humeral fractures ensured good and reproducible results for most common pattern of fractures. Major complications were lower respect to open procedures, because of soft tissue, deltoid muscle and circumflex vessels sparing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: This study deals with the role of texture analysis as a predictive factor of radiation-induced insufficiency fractures in patients undergoing pelvic radiation. Introduction: This study aims to assess the texture analysis (TA) of computed tomography (CT) simulation scans as a predictive factor of insufficiency fractures (IFs) in patients with pelvic malignancies undergoing radiation therapy (RT). Methods: We performed an analysis of patients undergoing pelvic RT from January 2010 to December 2014, 24 of whom had developed pelvic bone IFs. We analyzed CT-simulation images using ImageJ macro software and selected two regions of interest (ROIs), which are L5 body and the femoral head. TA parameters included mean ( m), standard deviation (SD), skewness (sk), kurtosis ( k), entropy ( e), and uniformity ( u). The IFs patients were compared (1:2 ratio) with controlled patients who had not developed IFs and matched for sex, age, menopausal status, type of tumor, use of chemotherapy, and RT dose. A reliability test of intra- and inter-reader ROI TA reproducibility with the intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC) was performed. Univariate and multivariate analyses (logistic regression) were applied for TA parameters observed both in the IFs and the controlled groups. Results: Inter- and intra-reader ROI TA was highly reproducible (ICC > 0.90). Significant TA parameters on paired t test included L5 m ( p = 0.001), SD ( p = 0.002), k ( p = 0.006), e (p = 0.004), and u ( p = 0.015) and femoral head m ( p < 0.001) and SD ( p = 0.001), whereas on logistic regression analysis, L5 e ( p = 0.003) and u ( p = 0.010) and femoral head m ( p = 0.027), SD ( p = 0.015), and sex ( p = 0.044). Conclusions: In our experience, bone CT TA could be correlated to the risk of radiation-induced IFs. Studies on a large patient series and methodological refinements are warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Detailed chemical characterization of exhaust particles from 23 individual city buses was performed in Helsinki, Finland. Investigated buses represented different technologies in terms of engines, exhaust after-treatment systems (e.g., diesel particulate filter, selective catalytic reduction, and three-way catalyst) and fuels (diesel, diesel-electric (hybrid), ethanol, and compressed natural gas). Regarding emission standards, the buses operated at EURO III, EURO IV, and EEV (enhanced environmentally friendly vehicle) emission levels. The chemical composition of exhaust particles was determined by using a soot particle aerosol mass spectrometer (SP-AMS). Based on the SP-AMS results, the bus emission particles were dominated by organics and refractory black carbon (rBC). The mass spectra of organics consisted mostly of hydrocarbon fragments (54–86% of total organics), the pattern of hydrocarbon fragments being rather similar regardless of the bus type. Regarding oxygenated organic fragments, ethanol-fueled buses had unique mass-to-charge ratios (m/z) of 45, 73, 87, and 89 (mass fragments of C2H5O+, C3H5O2+, C4H7O2+, and C4H9O2+, respectively) that were not detected for the other bus types at the same level. For rBC, there was a small difference in the ratio of C4+and C5+to C3+for different bus types but also for the individual buses of the same type. In addition to organics and rBC, the presence of trace metals in the bus emission particles was investigated. Copyright © 2017 American Association for Aerosol Research [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil organic matter (SOM) pools and soil available calcium (Ca) were monitored during a 4-year period in an experimental chestnut stand treated for the restoration of timber production. In 2004 the stand was cut and stumps were grafted. Before the forestry operations, the biocycling process seemed to contrast soil nutrient loss, returning Ca to mineral soil through plant activity. Therefore, we hypothesized that the regrowing vegetation after forestry operations would supply Ca to the soil surface and maintain a certain soil fertility level. In fact, from 2005, a progressive recovery of 460 mg Ca kg year at the soil surface was found, corresponding to about 5 % of the Ca of the leaf litter (8,605 mg Ca kg, chestnut leaves sampled in 2007). However, the Ca seemed to depend on the humified C ( r = 0.858; p < 0.01). At the soil surface, the humified C decreased. Therefore, other processes involving SOM dynamics may be taken into account. After the first year, the scarce presence of litter layer at the soil surface could have exacerbated soil erosion and reduction of SOM content, as shown by the change in horizon thickness and C amount. In later years a litterfall layer was present due to the regrowing vegetation and soil erosion was reduced, but SOM turnover did not change. In parallel the amount of microbial biomass C and soil respiration increased. Because the addition of new C source from regrowing vegetation can stimulate soil microbial activity, we hypothesized that the occurrence of a priming effect in our soil could further affect soil C and nutrient availability in later years management change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Anatomical parameters and pathologies that can affect the critical shoulder angle (CSA) are subjects of discussion. To date, we do not know if the CSA value changes in the different decades of life in a population characterized by the same ethnicity, nor if there are differences related to gender or side. This study hypothesizes that age and gender may affect the CSA.Methods: Patients older than 15 years old affected by a shoulder trauma and who were discharged with a diagnosis of shoulder contusion were enrolled. A true AP view of the shoulder was obtained as well as data regarding age and gender of all participants. The CSA was measured by three authors, and interoperator reliability was assessed. Eight subcategories, according to decades of life, were considered. Finally, the studied population was divided into three subcategories according to CSA values (< 30°; 30-35°; ≥ 35°).Results: The initial sample comprised 3587 shoulder X-rays. The interobserver reproducibility was high, with an intraclass correlation coefficient of 0.865 (95% CI 0.793-0.915). Two thousand eight hundred seventy-three radiograms were excluded. The studied group comprised 714 patients [431 females, 283 males; mean age (SD): 47.2 (20.9) years, range: 11-93 years]. The mean CSA was 33.6° (range: 24-50°; SD: 3.9°). The mean CSA values in females and males were 33.7°and 33.5°, respectively. The mean CSA values of the right and left shoulders were 33.3° and 33.9°, respectively (p > 0.05). Linear regression analysis showed a CSA increase by 0.04° every year. The mean CSA in subjects aged between 15 and 19 years was significantly lower than all the other groups, except for patients older than 80 years. No significant differences were found between CSA subcategories, gender, or side.Conclusions: In the general population, the mean CSA value was 33.6°. No significant differences were found regarding the mean CSA value according to gender or side. A significant positive linear correlation between CSA and age was detected. In each decade of life, the CSA value, which is genetically determined, shows a large variability.Level Of Evidence: IV. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Chemical characteristics and the sources of submicron particles (<1 μm in diameter) were investigated in Valle Alegre, the coastal area of Central Chile. The chemical composition of particles was studied by using a Soot particle Aerosol Mass Spectrometer and Multi-Angle Absorption Photometer. Submicron particles were dominated by organics (42% of mass) and sulfate (39% of mass) while the mass fractions of ammonium, nitrate and black carbon were much smaller (13, 2 and 4% of mass, respectively). Additionally, several metals (V, Zn, Fe, Cd, Cu, K, Na and Mg) were detected in submicron particles and also some of their inorganic salts (e.g. NaCl+, MgCl 2 +, CaCl 2 +, KCl+ and KNO 3 +). The sources of particles were examined by using Positive Matrix Factorization (PMF). Organic aerosol (OA) was divided into five factors by using PMF; hydrocarbon-like OA (HOA), biomass burning OA (BBOA), low-volatility oxygenated OA (LV-OOA), semi-volatile OA (SV-OOA) and marine oxygenated OOA (MOOA). Oxygenated factors (LV-OOA; SV-OOA and MOOA) comprised 75% of total OA with LV-OOA being the dominant factor (38% of OA). Sulfate had two major sources in Valle Alegre; ∼70% of sulfate was related to anthropogenic sources through the oxidation of gas phase SO 2 whereas ∼24% of sulfate was associated with biogenic origin related to the oxidation of dimethyl sulfide in the marine environment. Regarding total submicron particle mass (campaign-average 9.5 μg m−3), the contribution of anthropogenic sources was at least as large as that of biogenic origin. Highlights • Several areas of Chile have been suffering from poor air quality. • Chemistry and sources of particles were examined by aerosol mass spectrometer. • Submicron particle mass was dominated by organic compounds and sulfate. • Statistical analysis was utilized to identify the origin of organic and sulfate. • At least half of the total particle mass was related to anthropogenic sources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we derived the first 3-D P-wave seismic attenuation images (QP) as well as new 3-D VP and VP/VS models for the crust in southeastern Sicily. We used a large data set of local seismic events occurring in the time span 1994-2013. The results of this tomographic study have important implications on the seismic behaviour of the region. Based on velocity and attenuation images, we identified distinct volumes characterized by different fluid content, which correlate well with seismicity distribution. Moreover, the obtained velocity and attenuation tomographies help us to provide a more complete picture of the crustal structure of the area. High VP, high QP and high VP/VS values have been obtained in the crustal basement, below a depth of 8 km, and may be interpreted as due to the presence of serpentinized peridotites. Accordingly, the new model for the degree of serpentinization, retrieved from VP values, shows that the basement has an average serpentinization value of 96 ± 3 vol.% at 8 km, decreasing to 44 ± 5 vol.% at about 18-20 km. Our joint interpretation of geophysical and petrophysical evidence suggests that the nature and composition of the Hyblean upper lithosphere may differ from accepted and longestablished geological models, which consider this lithospheric block a continuation of the Africa continental plate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The performance and the uncertainty of receptor models (RMs) were assessed in intercomparison exercises employing real-world and synthetic input datasets. To that end, the results obtained by different practitioners using ten different RMs were compared with a reference. In order to explain the differences in the performances and uncertainties of the different approaches, the apportioned mass, the number of sources, the chemical profiles, the contribution-to-species and the time trends of the sources were all evaluated using the methodology described in Belis et al. (2015). In this study, 87% of the 344 source contribution estimates (SCEs) reported by participants in 47 different source apportionment model results met the 50% standard uncertainty quality objective established for the performance test. In addition, 68% of the SCE uncertainties reported in the results were coherent with the analytical uncertainties in the input data. The most used models, EPA-PMF v.3, PMF2 and EPA-CMB 8.2, presented quite satisfactory performances in the estimation of SCEs while unconstrained models, that do not account for the uncertainty in the input data (e.g. APCS and FA-MLRA), showed below average performance. Sources with well-defined chemical profiles and seasonal time trends, that make appreciable contributions (>10%), were those better quantified by the models while those with contributions to the PM mass close to 1% represented a challenge. The results of the assessment indicate that RMs are capable of estimating the contribution of the major pollution source categories over a given time window with a level of accuracy that is in line with the needs of air quality management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report ambient measurements using a high-resolution time-of-flight aerosol mass spectrometer (HR-ToF-AMS) on a mobile platform in the southeast Po Valley (Italy) in summer 2012. During the PEGASOS southbound campaign measurements of non-refractory aerosol were performed in urban and rural environments as well as near the coast of the Adriatic Sea. Organic source apportionment analysis of the aerosol mass spectrometer data was carried out using positive matrix factorization and multilinear engine (ME-2) receptor modelling. Five major organic aerosol components were identified: hydrocarbon-like organic aerosol (HOA), semi-volatile oxygenated organic aerosol (SVOOA), low volatility oxygenated organic aerosol (LVOOA), cooking organic aerosol (COA) and a regionally influenced highly oxygenated organic aerosol (HOOA). Essential changes in both aerosol composition and concentration were induced by the ventilation and recirculation of air masses in the East-West direction of the valley (land/sea breeze system) and via the Apennine mountain range (mountain/valley wind system). An urban increment of the non-refractory aerosol mass concentration in Bologna of about 1.6–2.3 μg/m 3 compared to the surrounding regions was quantified which can be explained by the sum of local contributions from cooking activities and from hydrocarbon-like aerosol related to traffic emissions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The research work studies the effect of providing a low dose of bisphenol A (BPA), on the reproductive axis of prepubertal female rats. Wistar mated rats were treated with either 0.1% ethanol or BPA in their drinking water until their offspring were weaned on the 21 day of birth. The estimated average dose of exposure to dams was approximately 3 μg/kg/day. The pups were sacrificed at the 30th day of life. Body weight at the moment of the sacrifice was significantly higher in the group exposed to BPA; ovarian weight and its relative weight were not modified. LH and estradiol levels increased significantly, meanwhile FSH ones showed no significant changes. The number of primary, secondary and atretic follicles increased and antral ones was decreased. Our results demonstrated that early exposure to a low dose of BPA disrupts the normal function of the reproductive axis in prepubertal female rats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biomass burning, such as domestic heating, agricultural, and wild open-land fires, has a significant influence on the atmosphere at the global and, especially, at the local scale. Levoglucosan has been shown to be a good tracer for biomass burning emissions in atmospheric particulate matter, and several analytical techniques have been presented for the determination of levoglucosan from filter samples. In this paper, a novel combination of a particle-into-liquid sampler (PILS) to a high-performance anion-exchange chromatograph (HPAEC) with the detection by a mass spectrometer (MS) is presented for the online analysis of levoglucosan in ambient particles. The PILS-HPAEC-MS technique enables a fast online analysis of levoglucosan from the particulate samples. The method was tested at an urban background station in Helsinki, Finland, in winter 2011. A comparison with simultaneous levoglucosan measurements from filter samples by the HPAEC-MS was performed and it showed a good agreement between the online and offline methods. Additionally, the online levoglucosan data were compared with the biomass burning tracer fragments measured by a high-resolution time-of-flight aerosol mass spectrometer (HR-ToF-AMS). As there were no local biomass burning sources close to the measurement station, online levoglucosan measurements revealed that most of the particles from biomass burning were either regionally distributed or long-range transported in the urban background of Helsinki. The average levoglucosan concentrations were relatively low (average 0.083 μgm-3) during the measurement campaign. The highest concentration peak measured for levoglucosan (1.4 μgm-3) seemed to originate from biomass burning in the Baltic countries, likely in Estonia, that was transported to Helsinki. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the online-coupled COSMO-ART regional chemistry transport model used to evaluate trace gases and aerosols over the European area. It features several measurements to assess the effectivity of the model which include the long-term station observations, distribution from field campaigns, and remote sensing products. It reports that aerosols affect the climate in several changes including radiation budget, atmospheric stratification changes, and changes in cloud environment.

Objective: The study objectives were 1) to assess the effectiveness and safety of a standardized protocol for the transition to subcutaneous insulin and oral feeding in diabetic or hyperglycemic patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) who were receiving intravenous insulin and glucose at the time of the transfer from the intensive cardiac care unit to a general ward and 2) to identify predictors of transition outcome.Research Design and Methods: This was a prospective observational study. The protocol specifies that patients receive a 100% of their daily subcutaneous insulin requirement from the first day of oral feeding, calculated from the intravenous insulin rate during the final 12 h divided into two: 50% basal and 50% prandial.Results: In 142 patients (93 male, 49 female, age range 47-88 years, 135 with known diabetes) the first day after transition, 44.8% of blood glucose (BG) measurements were within the strict range of 100-140 mg/dL before meals and 100-180 mg/dL after meals, and 70.8% were within the broader ranges of 80-160 mg/dL and 80-200 mg/dL, respectively. Pre- or postprandial hypoglycemia (BG<70 mg/dL) occurred in 11 patients (7.7%) on the first day and in 38 patients (26.8%) on the first 3 days after transition. Old age, high doses of intravenous insulin, and wide BG variations in the 24 h before insulin infusion was stopped were predictive of poor BG control after transition.Conclusions: This study shows the effectiveness and safety of a standardized protocol for the transition from intravenous to subcutaneous insulin in patients with ACS when regular oral feeding was resumed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Several charts are presented depicting the air pollution measurement of various contaminants including nitrogen oxide, oxygen gas, and sulfur dioxide during the 2006-2009 period in Europe.

The article presents a study which evaluates the ability of COSMO-ART, which is an online-coupled, regional-scale chemistry transport model, to measure air pollutants in Europe. It relates that the chemistry transport model is based on the combination of numerical weather prediction model of the Consortium for Small Scale Modeling (COSMO) with an extension for Aerosols and Reactive Trace (ART) gases. It mentions that the combination allows a consistent treatment of all air pollutants.