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The beekeeping activity is closely related to the environment, being the flora a fundamental component that provides resources to the hive. Determining the availability of resources is essential for its planning. We proposed to evaluate the supply of bee flora and Apis mellifera preference in apiaries in irrigated and rainfed areas of the department of Silípica. We sampled every 15-21 days around six apiaries (three in each area) during 2017-2019. A total of 206 bee species were recorded (140 in irrigated and 135 in rainfed), predominantly Asteraceae and Fabaceae. Native species stood out (74% irrigated, 93% rainfed), with a greater presence of herbs (45% irrigated and 32% rainfed), with respect to trees (12% irrigated and 29% rainfed) and shrubs (23% irrigated and 19% rainfed). In both areas there was a predominance of species with medium and low levels of abundance-cover. The supply, mainly nectariferous-polliniferous, extends throughout the year, with peaks of maximum flowering in spring-summer and minimums between June-July. Few are “very preferred” (16% irrigated and 17% rainfed). This study enriches the provincial bibliography on bee species, available resources and flowering seasons. In addition, it presents unpublished data on abundance-cover, preferences of A. mellifera and flowering calendar through temporal sampling of the local flora. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We examined whether distinct staphylococcal and mammaliicoccal species and strains trigger B- and T-lymphocyte proliferation and interleukin (IL)-17A and interferon (IFN)-γ production by peripheral blood mononuclear cells in nulliparous, primiparous, and multiparous dairy cows. Flow cytometry was used to measure lymphocyte proliferation with the Ki67 antibody, and specific monoclonal antibodies were used to identify CD3, CD4, and CD8 T lymphocyte and CD21 B lymphocyte populations. The supernatant of the peripheral blood mononuclear cell culture was used to measure IL-17A and IFN-γ production. Two distinct, inactivated strains of bovine-associated Staphylococcus aureus [one causing a persistent intramammary infection (IMI) and the other from the nose], 2 inactivated Staphylococcus chromogenes strains [one causing an IMI and the other from a teat apex), as well as an inactivated Mammaliicoccus fleurettii strain originating from sawdust from a dairy farm, and the mitogens concanavalin A and phytohemagglutinin M-form (both specifically to measure lymphocyte proliferation) were studied. In contrast to the "commensal" Staph. aureus strain originating from the nose, the Staph. aureus strain causing a persistent IMI triggered proliferation of CD4+ and CD8+ subpopulations of T lymphocytes. The M. fleurettii strain and the 2 Staph. chromogenes strains had no effect on T- or B-cell proliferation. Furthermore, both Staph. aureus and Staph. chromogenes strains causing persistent IMI significantly increased IL-17A and IFN-γ production by peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Overall, multiparous cows tended to have a higher B-lymphocyte and a lower T-lymphocyte proliferative response than primiparous and nulliparous cows. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells of multiparous cows also produced significantly more IL-17A and IFN-γ. In contrast to concanavalin A, phytohemagglutinin M-form selectively stimulated T-cell proliferation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mastitis affects a high proportion of dairy cows and is still one of the greatest challenges faced by the dairy industry. Staphylococcal bacteria remain the most important cause of mastitis worldwide. We investigated how distinct staphylococcal species evade some critical host defense mechanisms, which may dictate the establishment, severity, and persistence of infection and the outcome of possible therapeutic and prevention interventions. Thus, the present study investigated variations among distinct bovine-associated staphylococci in their capability to resist phagocytosis and to trigger respiratory burst activity of blood and milk polymorphonuclear neutrophil leukocytes (PMNL) in dairy cows. To do so, PMNL of 6 primiparous and 6 multiparous dairy cows were used. A collection of 38 non- aureus staphylococci (NAS) and 12 Staphylococcus aureus were included. The phagocytosis and intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) production by blood and milk PMNL were analyzed by flow cytometry. Phagocytosis, by both blood and milk PMNL, did not differ between S. aureus and NAS as a group, although within-NAS species differences were observed. Staphylococcus chromogenes (a so-called milk-adapted NAS species) better resisted phagocytosis by blood PMNL than the so-called environmental (i.e., Staphylococcus fleurettii) and opportunistic (i.e., Staphylococcus haemolyticus) NAS species. Otherwise, S. haemolyticus was better phagocytosed by blood PMNL than S. aureus , S. fleurettii , and S. chromogenes. No influence of the origin of the isolates within the staphylococci species in the resistance to phagocytosis by blood and milk PMNL was found. Overall, both S. aureus and NAS did not inhibit intracellular ROS production in blood and milk PMNL. Non- aureus staphylococci induced fewer ROS by milk PMNL than S. aureus , which was not true for blood PMNL, although species-specific differences in the intensity of ROS production were observed. Staphylococcus chromogenes induced more blood PMNL ROS than S. fleurettii and S. haemolyticus , and as much as S. aureus. Conversely, S. chromogenes induced fewer milk PMNL ROS than S. aureus. The origin of the isolates within the staphylococci species did not affect the ROS production by blood and milk PMNL. In conclusion, our study showed differences in staphylococci species in evading phagocytosis and triggering ROS production, which may explain the ability of some staphylococci species (i.e., S. aureus and S. chromogenes) to cause persistent infection and induce inflammation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: A large number of patients have epilepsy that is intractable and adversely affects a child's lifelong experience with addition societal burden that is disabling and expensive. The last two decades have seen a major explosion of new antiseizure medication options. Despite these advances, children with epilepsy continue to have intractable seizures. An option that has been long available but little used is epilepsy surgery to control intractable epilepsy.Methods: This article is a review of the literature as well as published opinions.Results: Epilepsy surgery in pediatrics is an underused modality to effectively treat children with epilepsy. Adverse effects of medication should be weighed against risks of surgery as well as risks of nonefficacy.Conclusions: We discuss an approach to selecting the appropriate pediatric patient for consideration, a detailed evaluation including necessary evaluation, and the creation of an algorithm to approach patients with both generalized and focal epilepsy. We then discuss surgical options available including outcome data. New modalities are also addressed including high-frequency ultrasound and co-registration techniques including magnetic resonance imaging-guided laser therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Coxsackieviruses are one of the most common enterovirus types that cause human infections. • Coxsackieviruses have been associated with a broad spectrum of clinical presentations. • Coxsackieviruses are widely associated with central nervous system infection. • Coxsackieviruses CNS infections in young infants can induce a neurodevelopmental delay. Coxsackieviruses-induced infections, particularly in infants and young children, are one of the most important public health issues in low- and middle-income countries, where the surveillance system varies substantially, and these manifestations have been disregarded. They are widespread throughout the world and are responsible for a broad spectrum of human diseases, from mildly symptomatic conditions to severe acute and chronic disorders. Coxsackieviruses (CV) have been found to have 27 identified genotypes, with overlaps in clinical phenotypes between genotypes. In this review, we present a concise overview of the most recent studies and findings of coxsackieviruses-associated disorders, along with epidemiological data that provides comprehensive details on the distribution, variability, and clinical manifestations of different CV types. We also highlight the significant roles that CV infections play in the emergence of neurodegenerative illnesses and their effects on neurocognition. The current role of CVs in oncolytic virotherapy is also mentioned. This review provides readers with a better understanding of coxsackieviruses-associated disorders and pointing the impact that CV infections can have on different organs with variable pathogenicity. A deeper knowledge of these infections could have implications in designing current surveillance and prevention strategies related to severe CVs-caused infections, as well as encourage studies to identify the emergence of more pathogenic types and the etiology of the most common and most severe disorders associated with coxsackievirus infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Structural, electronic, and Raman scattering properties of strontium oxide nanoclusters are assessed through density functional theory. Binding energy and second‐order energy calculations clearly show the role played by the geometry on the relative stability of the (SrO)n clusters, revealing that by deviating from cuboid shape these systems tend to become less stable and therefore more reactive, leading to a higher electron affinity and lower ionization potential. Size and shape effects observed in Raman scattering indicate that it might be feasible to discriminate between one and two‐dimensional grown clusters. Additionally, signatures of clusters possessing rings in the structure are also identified in Raman spectra. The results thus suggest that Raman spectroscopy could be an interesting alternative experimental technique to better characterize small nanoclusters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The objective was to assess the effect of propranolol on oxidative stress and anti-oxidant potential in patients with resistant hypertension as a secondary analysis of the APPROPRIATE trial. This randomized double blinded clinical trial recruited patients with resistant hypertension and allocated forty patients to propranolol and placebo in 1:1 ratio. The pro-oxidant state (nitrate and nitrite) was assessed using modified Griess assay. The total anti-oxidant capacity was measured using ABTS assay. Results: Analysis was performed for 18 patients from the propranolol group and 15 from the placebo group. A decline in end point ambulatory blood pressure (p = 0.031) and greater mean reduction in office SBP (29.7 ± 13.0 mmHg, p = 0.021) was noted in the propranolol arm. Nitrate and nitrite levels were lower at the end of a 90 day follow up period in both arms, with a greater mean reduction with propranolol. A significant increase in the AOC was noted in both arms with higher incremental value with Propranolol. The findings of this study do not demonstrate a statistically significant effect of propranolol on the oxidative stress/antioxidant balance in patients with resistant hypertension. The observed trends merit further evaluation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We seek correlation‐consistent diffuse‐augmented double‐zeta and triple‐zeta basis sets that perform optimally in extrapolating the correlation energy to the one‐electron complete basis set limit, denoted oAVXZ and oAV(X + d)Z. The novel basis sets are method‐dependent in that they are trained to perform optimally for the correlation energy at each specific level of theory. They are shown to yield accurate results in calculating both the energy and tensorial properties such as polarizabilities while not significantly altering the Hartree‐Fock energy. Quantitatively, complete basis set limit (CBS)‐/(oAVdZ,oAVtZ)‐extrapolated correlation energies typically outperform, by 3‐ to 5‐fold, the ones calculated with traditional ansatzes of similar flexibility. Attaining energies of CBS/(AVtZ,AVqZ) type or better accuracy, they frequently outperform expensive raw explicitly correlated ones. Promisingly, a limited test on CBS‐extrapolated energies based on conventional basis sets has shown that they compare well even with extrapolated explicitly correlated ones. Calculated atomization and dissociation energies, molecular geometries, ionization potentials, and electron affinities also tend to outperform the ones obtained with traditional Dunning's ansatzes from which the new basis sets have been determined. The method for basis set generation is simple, and there is no reason of principle why the approach could not be adapted for handling other bases in the literature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A common practice among bodybuilders is the use of carbohydrate loading to improve physical appearance during competition, while limited documented data is available about this issue. The aim of the present study was to evaluate muscle thickness, mood states, gastrointestinal symptoms and subjective silhouette assessment following carbohydrate loading in bodybuilders. Twenty-four male bodybuilders were evaluated at the weighing period following three days of carbohydrate depletion (M1), and 24h of carbohydrate loading leading up to the competition (M2), stratified into: no carbohydrate load (NC, n = 9) and carbohydrate loading (CL, n =1 5). The silhouette scale, Brunel mood scale (BRUMS), muscle thickness (ultrasound), circumferences, and gastrointestinal symptoms (GIS) were evaluated at M1 and M2. The NC displayed no differences in muscle thickness and circumferences between M1 and M2. Body mass, muscle thickness (elbow flexors, a combination of biceps brachii/ brachialis muscle, and triceps brachii) and circumferences (chest, hip, thigh, arm, calves, and forearm) increased significantly (p < 0.05) in the CL at M2. There was a significant increase in photo silhouette scores (p < 0.05) in the CL at M2. There was no significant difference in mood states between groups or time. The most reported GIS was constipation: 7/9 (NC) and 9/15 (CL) during M1 and 6/9 (NC), and 5/15 (CL) at M2 with symptoms described as 'moderate' or 'severe'. Diarrhea was reported by 7/15 CL (4/15 as severe). These data suggest that carbohydrate loading may contribute to an acute increase in muscle volume and physical appearance, however, it needs to be better planned to minimize gastrointestinal symptoms in bodybuilders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To perform a comparative analysis of the extended APPROPRIATE trial of measures of reactive nitrogen species and antioxidant capacity in patients having resistant hypertension with controlled hypertension and healthy controls. Results: Mean serum NO2- and NOx levels were significantly lower and mean AOC was significantly higher in patients with controlled hypertension (n = 38) and healthy controls (n = 38) compared to resistant hypertension (RHTN) patients (n = 40) at the pre-intervention stage (p < 0.001). The serum NO2-, NOx and AOC levels of both controlled hypertension and healthy controls were comparable to those of the RHTN patients following treatment with propranolol (n = 18). Considering all samples (n = 114) we noted that there were significant weak and moderate positive correlations between NO2− levels with systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) (r = 0.396, p < 0.001 and r = 0.292, p = 0.004) as well as total NOx levels with SBP and DBP (r = 0.636 and r = 0.480 respectively, p < 0.001). Conversely, there was a significant negative correlation between AOC levels with SBP and DBP (r= -0.846 and r = -0.626 respectively, p < 0.001). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Natural resistance of eight wood species from Caatinga, an exclusive Brazilian biome, was evaluated according to [ASTM Standard (2005) D 2017-05. Standard test method of accelerated laboratory test of natural decay resistance of woods.]. Samples were exposed to white rot (WR) and brown rot (BR) fungi, namely to Trametes versicolor (WR), Pycnoporus sanguineus (WR), Gloeophyllum trabeum (BR) and Gloeophyllum striatum (BR). Weight loss, specific gravity and extractive content of each wood species were evaluated. Diptychandra aurantiaca, Pterodon abruptus and Terminalia fagifolia were classified as "highly resistant", while T. fagifolia was "resistant" to T. versicolor only. Machaerium acutifolium was resistant to all fungi. Aspidosperma multiflorum was resistant to WR fungi and Combretum glaucocarpum to a BR fungus. The species Pityrocarpa moniliformis and Swartzia psilonema were moderately resistant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study aimed to validate the use of R-phycoerythrin (R-PE)-labeled Mannheimia haemolytica to simultaneously stimulate phagocytosis and intracellular production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) by blood phagocytes in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid. Initially, R-PE-labeled M. haemolytica was inactivated using a water bath at 60 °C for 60 min. Afterwards, R-PE labelling of bacteria was confirmed by flow cytometry. The geometric mean fluorescence intensity of R-PE-labeled bacteria (FL2 detector, 585 ± 42 nm) was analyzed by flow cytometry and was 41.5-fold higher than the respective unlabeled controls, confirming the success of bacterial conjugation to R-PE. Phagocytosis and intracellular production of ROS by blood neutrophils and monocytes, and by BAL CD14 + macrophages, in 12 healthy 6-month-old male calves were then performed using R-PE-labeled bacteria and 2′,7′-dichlorofluorescein diacetate (DCFH-DA) as probes. Confocal microscopy was used to confirm phagocytosis of R-PE-labeled M. haemolytica by phagocytes and to exclude erroneous measurements of bacteria adhering to the leukocyte membrane. The present study showed that there is no difference in the ROS production without stimulus and in the presence of M. haemolytica by peripheral blood neutrophils and monocytes, in contrast to the increased ROS production by local alveolar macrophages upon stimulation by M. haemolytica . This emphasizes the importance of alveolar macrophages in the maintenance of homeostasis and health of the respiratory system, which can be supported during the inflammatory process by the rapid recruitment of neutrophils with high microbicidal and phagocytic capacity. The method described here provides an easy and feasible tool to measure phagocytosis and intracellular ROS production by phagocytes, especially when commonly used probes for intracellular ROS production were used, such as DCFH-DA and dihydrorhodamine 123. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the context of continuous pharmaceutical oral dosage manufacturing, a control system is essential to ensure that the critical quality attributes (CQAs) are maintained within the regulatory constraints by mitigating variations generated in upstream operations. Such a system is essential to the Quality by Design (QbD) paradigm shift, which can ensure that predefined end quality attributes are achieved within an optimal economic and time bracket. In this work, an advanced model predictive control (MPC) architecture integrated with a novel real-time tablet weight measurement method has been development and implemented into a continuous direct compaction tablet manufacturing pilot-plant. The proposed control architecture has the potential to control tablet weight and tablet breaking force simultaneously by systematically decoupling and cascading the control loops. The model predictive control algorithm was experimentally found to be superior to the PID (proportional, integral and derivative) controller and thus, can be utilized for a wide range of applications to improve the quality of pharmaceutical products in continuous manufacturing. The MPC was used to control main compression force and pre compression force using main compression height and fill depth respectively as the actuators. The introduction of this methodology leads to new ways of developing MPC models, tablet weight measurement methods and control strategies that enhance the manufacturability and quality of pharmaceutical tablets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Much of the student experience in theatre depends on the interaction between student and surgeon, and having the opportunity to take part in procedures. Theatre-based teaching can be seen as having little inherent benefit otherwise. We wished to identify other factors contributing to the experience of theatre-based teaching.Design: A questionnaire survey, using forced-choice and open questions, of undergraduate medical students with experience of surgical attachments.Setting and Participants: 54 final (5th) year medical students, University of Aberdeen.Analysis: Responses on the closed questions are presented as percentages. The themes arising from the open questions were identified and the relationships among these themes explored.Results: Student expectations of learning focused on knowledge acquisition. Students learning experiences varied widely, depending on how welcome they felt in theatre. Visibility and active participation influenced the experience. Students did not feel adequately prepared for getting the most out of this learning experience.Conclusions: The student experience may be skewed by unrealistic expectations of theatre-based learning. Clear and realistic learning objectives, preparation in terms of familiarity with the environment and staff roles, embedding the experience in the patient's journey/care pathways, faculty expectations being clearly communicated to clinical teaching staff and, perhaps above all, approachability of theatre staff are likely to improve the learning experience. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper aimed to evaluate the fungicidal activity of essential oil from two Brazilian savannah species ( Lippia origanoides Kunth and L. lacunosa Mart. & Schauer) and from clove [ Syzygium aromaticum (L.) Merr. & L. M. Perry], tested against two wood decay fungi ( Gloeophyllum trabeum and Trametes versicolor ). Additionally, it was tested an adapted diffusion method along with digital images to assess the biological response. Four essential oil concentrations (100, 50, 25 and 12.5%) were tested. It was found that the essential oil from L. origanoides showed the highest fungicidal activity against G. trabeum and T. versicolor in any concentration tested. This activity is attributed to thymol, the major component of L. origanoides , and its several modes of action. L. lacunosa also showed fungicidal activity but dependent on the concentration used. The results showed that, in some cases, the essential oils presented higher inhibitions indexes than a commercial fungicide. The use of digital images has demonstrated the feasibility of making easier biological essays especially those in which there is growth without a specific geometric shape. Besides that, it gives a more sensibility and reliability to the process, since it is more accurate than human visual measurement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

By using density functional theory, spin states, geometries, and mean static dipole polarizabilities of group VIIIA metallocenes M(C5H5)2(M = Fe, Co, Ni, Ru, Rh, Pd, Os, Ir, and Pt) are examined. For all metallocenes studied, comparison of the polarizability of the accessible spin states reveals that the lowest polarizability was found for the spin ground state. Therefore, our findings indicate that the minimum polarizability principle might be useful in determining the ground state multiplicity for transition metal metallocenes. The metallocenes from the group 8 and group 9 possess the same multiplicity, singlet and doublet, respectively. Additionally, one observes that the polarizability increases monotonically with the atomic number of the central metal atom for metallocenes from the same column. The B3LYP/ADZP is one of the most reliable procedure tested so far to predict the static dipole polarizability of the complexes studied here, with mean absolute deviation from the experimental data smaller than 1.8 au. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE To determine and compare the effect of hoof boots (HBs) and shoes with a toe extension on stance duration, ground reaction force, and sole length in contact with the ground in nonlame horses during walking. ANIMALS 6 nonlame Standardbreds. PROCEDURES Force plate gait analyses of the forelimbs were performed while the horses were walking barefoot before manipulation of feet (baseline), while the horses were walking fitted with HBs, while the horses were walking shod with toe-extension shoes, and while the horses were walking barefoot after shoe removal. Horses underwent radiography of both forelimb feet to determine the sole length in contact with the ground when barefoot, wearing HBs. and shod with toe-extension shoes. Stance duration, ground reaction force, and sole length were compared among the various walking sessions. RESULTS Compared with baseline findings, stance duration increased significantly when horses were fitted with HBs (7%) or toe-extension shoes (5%). Peak fore-limb ground reaction force was similar among walking sessions; however, time of braking force peak was significantly greater during the stance phase only when horses wore HBs. Also, the sole length in contact with the ground was significantly longer in horses fitted with HBs (14.3 cm) or shod with the toe-extension shoes (17.6 cm), compared with that for one of the barefoot hooves (12.7 cm). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE In nonlame horses, use of HBs prolonged the stance time and time of braking force peak, which is indicative of a slower deceleration phase during limb impact with the ground. Also, the use of HBs prolonged the deceleration phase of the stride and increased the sole length in contact with the ground. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The binary alloy of titanium-tungsten (TiW) is an established diffusion barrier in high-power semiconductor devices, owing to its ability to suppress the diffusion of copper from the metallization scheme into the surrounding silicon substructure. However, little is known about the response of TiW to high-temperature events or its behavior when exposed to air. Here, a combined soft and hard x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) characterization approach is used to study the influence of post-deposition annealing and titanium concentration on the oxidation behavior of a 300 nm-thick TiW film. The combination of both XPS techniques allows for the assessment of the chemical state and elemental composition across the surface and bulk of the TiW layer. The findings show that in response to high-temperature annealing, titanium segregates out of the mixed metal system and upwardly migrates, accumulating at the TiW/air interface. Titanium shows remarkably rapid diffusion under relatively short annealing timescales, and the extent of titanium surface enrichment is increased through longer annealing periods or by increasing the bulk titanium concentration. Surface titanium enrichment enhances the extent of oxidation both at the surface and in the bulk of the alloy due to the strong gettering ability of titanium. Quantification of the soft x-ray photoelectron spectra highlights the formation of three tungsten oxidation environments, attributed to WO 2 , WO 3 , and a WO 3 oxide coordinated with a titanium environment. This combinatorial characterization approach provides valuable insights into the thermal and oxidation stability of TiW alloys from two depth perspectives, aiding the development of future device technologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Ductal carcinoma in situ is the last step preceding invasive ductal carcinoma in breast carcinogenesis. OBJECTIVE: We investigated the role of myoepithelial cells and epithelium characteristics as predictors of the risk of stromal invasion. METHODS: We selected 236 cases with initial diagnosis of DCIS followed by surgical ressection distributed in groups 1 (without invasion) and 2 (with invasive carcinoma). RESULTS: The risk of stromal invasion after a DCIS diagnosis in biopsy was associated to triple-negative profile and loss of CD10 expression by myoepithelial cells, and inversely associated with CK5/6 expression by neoplastic cells and high expression of Smooth Muscle Myosin Heavy Chain (SMMHC) by myoepithelial cells. CONCLUSIONS: A combination of characteristics of epithelial and myoepithelial cells in DCIS in biopsy specimens is related to the risk of stromal invasion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The bentonite use to remove proteins from white wine is a widespread practice that prevents protein haze formation after bottling. However, an excess of bentonite can have negative effects on both the aromatic profile of young white wines and the quality of the foam of sparkling wines. Therefore, the optimisation of bentonite amount to be used and the moment of its application during winemaking to minimise wine quality losses are of great interest for winemakers. This paper analyses how applying an equal bentonite dose at different stages (must clarification; beginning, middle and end of fermentation) on two scales (industrial and pilot) affects the protein content and stability, physical-chemical characteristics, aromatic profile and foam quality of the obtained wines. No important differences in the oenological parameters were observed between industrial and pilot scales, whereas the scale of the experimental treatments affected protein stability, aroma composition and foam quality of the wines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] Cowpea leaf proteome was studied following challenge with the fungus Colletotrichum gloeosporioides. [•] Up- and down-regulated proteins were identified by 2D-PAGE in association with ESI-TOF/TOF MS/MS and database-searching. [•] Up- and down-regulated proteins were related to metabolism, photosynthesis, response to stress, oxidative burst, defense signaling, and pathogenesis-related proteins. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Drop weight testers have been widely and successfully used to characterize ore breakage parameters for simulation of crushers and mills. In some cases, limitations of time, sample availability, and even cost, can prevent the conduction of these tests when preparing samples for chemical analysis and/or grindability and flotation/concentration testing. The present work demonstrates how a laboratory cone crusher equipped with a power meter, in conjunction with Whiten–Awachie crusher model, has been used to quickly estimate the A * b breakage parameters. With an average absolute error of 36% when applied to a variety of materials, it is demonstrated that the method is not a priori restricted to the particular crusher used, neither to the crushing conditions employed. It is discussed that the method, when part of a variability study, can be used as a convenient tool for geometallurgical mapping of ore deposits regarding ore breakage response. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Steel and composite (steel-concrete) highway bridges are currently subjected to dynamic actions of variable magnitude due to convoy of vehicles crossing on the deck pavement. These dynamic actions can generate the nucleation of fractures or even their propagation on the bridge deck structure. Proper consideration of all of the aspects mentioned pointed our team to develop an analysis methodology with emphasis to evaluate the stresses through a dynamic analysis of highway bridge decks including the action of vehicles. The design codes recommend the application of the curves S-N associated to the Miner's damage rule to evaluate the fatigue and service life of steel and composite (steel-concrete) bridges. In this work, the developed computational model adopted the usual mesh refinement techniques present in finite element method simulations implemented in the ANSYS program. The investigated highway bridge is constituted by four longitudinal composite girders and a concrete deck, spanning 40.0m by 13.5m. The analysis methodology and procedures presented in the design codes were applied to evaluate the fatigue of the bridge determining the service life of the structure. The main conclusions of this investigation focused on alerting structural engineers to the possible distortions, associated to the steel and composite bridge's service life when subjected to vehicle's dynamic actions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Study Type - Aetiology (case control) Level of Evidence 3b What's known on the subject? and What does the study add? Penile rehabilitation is still controversial regarding good results. Our study shows a non-invasive treatment option to recovery after cavernous nervous damage. The assessment of changes in the intracavernous pressure and karyometry demonstrates the protective effect of annexin-A1 in an animal model of cavernous nerve injury. We found that annexin-A1 effectively preserved erectile function, evidently through significantly protecting the corpus cavernosum tissue against fibrosis. OBJECTIVE To evaluate the protective effect of annexin-A1 against irreversible damage to cavernous tissue after cavernous nerve injury., PATIENTS AND METHODS Thirty Sprague-Dawley male rats were divided into 3 groups; sham-operated rats ( n= 10), bilateral cavernous nerve injury treated intravenously with 100 µg/kg annexin-A1 ( n= 10), and a crush group of rats submitted to bilateral cavernous nerve injury and vehicle ( n= 10). Groups were compared in respect to intracavernous pressure and karyometric parameters., RESULTS After annexin-A1 treatment, the maximum changes in intracavernous pressure responses were significantly higher in the annexin-A1 group compared to the vehicle-only group on the 7th postoperative day (p-value <0.05). Hematoxylin-eosin staining showed that the percentage of cavernosal smooth muscle was higher in the annexin-A1 group. Karyometry showed that the nuclear volume was greater in the annexin-A1 group, as was the major/minor smooth muscle cell diameter ratio compared to the vehicle-only group on the 7th postoperative day (p-value <0.05)., CONCLUSION This is the first report that, by assessing changes in the intracavernous pressure and karyometry, demonstrates the protective effect of annexin-A1 in an animal model of cavernous nerve injury. We found that annexin-A1 effectively preserved erectile function, evidently through significantly protecting the corpus cavernosum tissue against fibrosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summarizes the information provided by al-Maqqarī about six of Ibn al-Khaṭīb's disciples: the renowned Ibn Zamrak; the physician Ibn al-Muhannā; the judge Abū Bakr/Abū Dja‘far Ibn Djuzayy; the preceptor of the Naṣrid princes Abū ‘Abd Allāh al-Sharīshī; the poet Abū Muḥammad Ibn ‘Aṭiyya; and the scribe Abū Dja‘far Ibn Furkūn (father of King Yūsuf III's aulic poet). In addition, the text of a 17-verse qasida in praise of Ibn al-Khaṭīb, written by Ibn ‘Aṭiyya for an inscription to be carved in one of the vizier's mansions, is included. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Bovine leukemia virus (BLV) is among the most widespread livestock pathogens in many countries. Despite advances in understanding the pathogenesis of this disease, little is known about the involvement of oxidative stress. Therefore, this study examined the antioxidant status and the markers of oxidative stress in BLV-infected dairy cows. BLV infection was associated with an increase in triacylglycerol levels, a decrease in glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activity and a tendency toward lower superoxide dismutase activity in the infected animals. No significant difference was observed in other markers of oxidative stress (i.e., conjugated dienes, hydroperoxides and malondialdehyde) in the infected animals compared to controls. A novel method for the analysis of oxidative stress, Z-scan based on the measurement of the mean-value of θ in low density lipoprotein indicated that the infected animals had low-density lipoprotein particles that were slightly less modified than those from the healthy group. Thus, we conclude that BLV infection is associated with a selective decrease in GSH-Px activity without any alteration in the common plasma markers of oxidative stress. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The purpose of the present trial was to compare the percentages of necrotic and apoptotic polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNL) in goat milk with low and high somatic cell count (SCC). Twenty eight milk samples were collected from 20 lactating goats, determined to be negative in bacteriological examination, and divided in three groups, according to their SCC: samples with SCC lower than 500×103 cells/mL; between 500 and 1500×103 cells/mL; and higher than 1500×103 cells/mL. SCC was performed in an automatic somatic cell counter. Apoptosis and necrosis were quantified using dual-color flow cytometry with fluorescein labeled annexin-V and propidium iodide (PI). Results of the present study showed a significant positive correlation between the percentage of the viable PMNL and milk SCC (r =0.495, P =0.008), as well as a significant negative correlation between apoptotic PMNL and milk SCC (r =−0.486, P =0.009). Results also pointed out lower PMNL viability rates due to higher apoptosis rates in milk samples with SCC lower than 5×105 cells/mL. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Inflammation is currently recognized as a key mechanism in the pathogenesis of renal ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury. The importance of infiltrating neutrophil, lymphocytes, and macrophage in this kind of injury has been assessed with conflicting results. Annexin 1 is a protein with potent neutrophil anti-migratory activity. In order to evaluate the effects of annexin A1 on renal I/R injury, uninephrectomized rats received annexin A1 mimetic peptide Ac2-26 (100 μg) or vehicle before 30 min of renal artery clamping and were compared to sham surgery animals. Annexin A1 mimetic peptide granted a remarkable protection against I/R injury, preventing glomerular filtration rate and urinary osmolality decreases and acute tubular necrosis development. Annexin A1 infusion aborted neutrophil extravasation and attenuated macrophage infiltration but did not prevent tissue lymphocyte traffic. I/R increased annexin A1 expression (assessed by transmission electron microscopy) in renal epithelial cells, which was attenuated by exogenous annexin A1 infusion. Additionally, annexin A1 reduced I/R injury in isolated proximal tubules suspension. Annexin A1 protein afforded striking functional and structural protection against renal I/R. These results point to an important role of annexin A1 in the epithelial cells defense against I/R injury and indicate that neutrophils are key mediators for the development of tissue injury after renal I/R. If these results were confirmed in clinical studies, annexin A1 might emerge as an important tool to protect against I/R injury in renal transplantation and in vascular surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The poetical biography of Ibn al-Khatib by Ibn al-Ahmar, which is extremely sparing of personal details, abounds in verse fragments, like a medium-sized (37 lines) qasida praising the Albayzín, and two sets of short poems (respectively, 13 madrigals, of which three are exclusive to the Nathīr farāid al-djumān; and 18 satirical pieces on al-Bunnāhī). Also of note in this text is a long letter from Muhammad V to the sultan of Tunis Abu Ishāq al-Mustan. sir bi-Llāh, whose title (Iftirās alsāba ilà iftirāsh al-ināba, i.e., "Aiming to hit the bullseye, so as to favour the delegation's success") must be added to the list of known works by Ibn al-Khatīb. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Background: The virological surveillance of acute flaccid paralysis (AFP) is a critical component of the initiative of the World Health Organization (WHO) to eradicate poliomyelitis worldwide. Furthermore rapid methods are needed either to detect or rule out the presence of polioviruses during the late stages of eradication, especially in polio-free areas. Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate a fast protocol combining one passage (5 days) in cell culture followed by RT-PCR and molecular typing in order to detect and type poliovirus (PV) and other enteroviruses associated with AFP cases. Study design: A total of 216 fecal suspensions from AFP suspected cases were tested by using this approach and compared with the WHO gold standard. Results: Using the WHO protocol enterovirus was detected in 12 out of the 216 AFP samples (5.55%) while with the proposed protocol enterovirus was detected in 15 out of the 216 AFP samples (6.94%). The additional positive samples detected by the proposed method were classified as non-polio enteroviruses (NPEV). Conclusions: The proposed protocol showed higher sensitivity than the WHO gold standard, reducing the entire process of identification and typing of the isolates from the typically 14–21 days to only ∼6–8 days. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

An obituary for the director of the Records Management and Archives Office in the Philippines Ricardo Manapat is presented.

The article offers a guide for the primary care physician to evaluate patients with gastrointestinal diseases who have fundoplication surgery history. Gastroesophageal reflux disease is common in the Western world, which can be treated and cured with acid suppression or other invasive treatments. It mentions that majority of patients that undergo antireflux surgery tend to have favorable outcome while others considered it as a failure that leads to new or recurrent symptoms including dysphagia.

Purpose: The present study was designed to evaluate the effects of sequential exposures to low doses of gamma-radiation that induce a radioadaptive response to a later high-dose of radiation in CHO-K1 cells. Materials and methods: Cells were cultured in four dilution cycles and grown to confluency. Radiation treatment was performed once per cycle with 0.1 Gy gamma-rays. After the last radiation period (chronic radiation) the culture was irradiated with a higher dose (1 Gy). Each cell culture was immediately divided into two fractions: one of them was used to carry out the comet assay and the other for the structural chromosome aberration test. In the first fraction, genotoxic damage was evaluated by degree of damage in 300 cells per experimental point. The second assay was performed with 400 cells per treatment. The statistical analysis was carried out using the χ2-test. Results: Results from these assays demonstrated a genotoxic effect for both the adaptive and acute treatments (p < 0.001). The comet assay showed a significant increase in damage for the combined treatment when compared with 1 Gy treatment (p < 0.001). The frequency of chromosomal aberrations (CA) was lower for the combined treatment than for that using the highest radiation dose. Conclusions: These results suggest the possible induction of a radioadaptive response after the sequential exposure to very low doses of radiation. The finding of decreased cytogenetic damage after one cell cycle and not immediately after radiation could indicate the eventual potentiation of repair mechanisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Laujar de Andarax is a country town in the Alpujarra very attractive, not only for his exuberant territory, but also for those three moments in which it was called to turn into a kingdom: First, with the naṣrī prince Abū 'Abd Allāh Muh. ammad b. Abī Sa'īd (1ª half XIVth c.); secondly, under Boabdil; and third, with Aben Humeya. We also give an hypothesis about his name's meaning, and notices about his famous sons, since Xth century till XIVth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Se trata el canal de crédito bancario en Brasil. Se observa que las condiciones necesarias para que este canal funcione se cumplen al nivel de los pequeños bancos y empresas brasileñas pero no a él de los grandes. Se explica que, debido a la concentración del sector bancario, es posible que en casos de contracción monetaria los bancos grandes puedan sustituir la pérdida de depósitos a la vista y que las empresas grandes puedan ganar acceso a crédito externo.

Annotated translation and a study of a maqāma (Arabic genre) from Malaga, preserved in Ibn 'Askar & Ibn Khamīs's Ikmāl. This piece, which is a collective work, appears to be very unusual in that it is entirely in verse, and it is composed of 13 cinquains, each one written by a different author, plus two triplets by Abū 'Amr Ibn Sālim (d. 620 H./1223 d. C.), which appear at the opening and close of the piece. The aforementioned author is supposed to act as a master of ceremonies with a group of .talaba (Almohad propagandists) from the city of Malaga, where literary education was under his responsability. To this end, and as a school exercise, he proposes writing in praise of one of their comrades, after whose name this brief piece is called al-Maqāmāt al-muḥsinīya, that is, "'Abd al-Muḥsin's maqāmāt". [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective We aimed to examine the factors that determine provision of feedback to students following mini-clinical evaluation exercise (mini-CEX) assessments. Methods We carried out a pilot study of all final year medical students at the University of Aberdeen between November 2005 and June 2006. The study involved 396 mini-CEX encounters (173 students and 105 assessors). We retrospectively analysed the components of feedback recorded on the marking sheets. Each component of feedback was coded as a binary response (feedback recorded or not). Logistic regression was used to determine the degree and significance of the factors that influenced feedback. Specialty block, range of marks, assessor group and assessor satisfaction were entered into the analysis using spss Version 14. Results The provision of feedback by our assessors was poor. In 22.7% of cases, positive features were not identified; in 28.2% of cases, no suggestions for development were highlighted; in 49.7% of cases, no action plan was formulated. Assessors who gave a wider range of scores for the specific skill domains were more likely to record areas for development and action plans. Specialty block influenced feedback on areas for development. Suggesting an action plan was significantly associated with assessor group, and academic trainees were the most consistent providers of feedback. Assessor satisfaction was significantly associated with highlighting 'anything especially good'. Conclusions Numerous factors were associated with the provision of feedback in our cohort. Assessor training may address this variability. However, this would limit the diversity of assessors, which may be undesirable. More research is required on assessor training and recruitment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Much of the student experience in theatre depends on the interaction between student and surgeon, and having the opportunity to take part in procedures. Theatre-based teaching can be seen as having little inherent benefit otherwise. We wished to identify other factors contributing to the experience of theatre-based teaching. Design: A questionnaire survey, using forced-choice and open questions, of undergraduate medical students with experience of surgical attachments. Setting and participants: 54 final (5th) year medical students, University of Aberdeen. Analysis: Responses on the closed questions are presented as percentages. The themes arising from the open questions were identified and the relationships among these themes explored. Results: Student expectations of learning focused on knowledge acquisition. Students learning experiences varied widely, depending on how welcome they felt in theatre. Visibility and active participation influenced the experience. Students did not feel adequately prepared for getting the most out of this learning experience. Conclusions: The student experience may be skewed by unrealistic expectations of theatre-based learning. Clear and realistic learning objectives, preparation in terms of familiarity with the environment and staff roles, embedding the experience in the patient's journey/care pathways, faculty expectations being clearly communicated to clinical teaching staff and, perhaps above all, approachability of theatre staff are likely to improve the learning experience. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate whether the oral hygiene of institutionalized older people differs significantly between groups of participants with different degrees of hand function. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. SETTING: Residents of a long-term institution of Porto Alegre, Brazil. PARTICIPANTS: Forty-nine institutionalized older people. Subjects restricted to bed or with Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) scores less than 15 were excluded. MEASUREMENTS: Dental (Silness and Löe Index) and denture plaque (Modified Ambjornsen Plaque Index) scores were assessed as a measure of oral hygiene. Hand functions were assessed using the Jebsen-Taylor and the Purdue pegboard tests. Participants were grouped according to their levels of hand function (regarded as good if test values were at the median or higher in the case of Purdue pegboard test and below the median in the case of Jebsen-Taylor test). Existence of differences between groups was checked using univariate analysis of variance, adjusting for age, sex and cognitive status according to MMSE. RESULTS: Dentate participants with poor hand function according to the Dominant Hand Purdue test harbored significantly more dental plaque after adjustment for age, sex, and cognitive status. Complete denture wearers with poor hand function according to the Dominant Hand and Sum of Three Steps Purdue tests and the total Jebsen-Taylor test also had significantly more denture plaque after adjustment. CONCLUSION: The results support the notion that hand function plays a central role in oral hygiene, mainly removal of dental and denture plaque, in institutionalized older people. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Studies an important text of king Yūsuf III (15th c.) in the al-Maqqarī's Nafḥ al-ṭīb, which throws light on genesis of the Ibn al-Khaṭīb's Iḥāa, while allowing to know that the author of Dhikr bilād al-Andalus was Abū 'Abd Allāh Ibn Djuzayy (14th c.), an author from Granada who was famous as writer of Ibn Baṭ ṭū ṭa's Riḥla. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper proposes a shunt electromagnetic filter to attenuate zero-sequence harmonic injection into three-phase star-grounded supplies. The device is built on the basis of zigzag windings and a three-leg core-type magnetic arrangement. Physical considerations as well as mathematical modeling and computer implementation are fully described. The paper reports on computational investigations to verify the filter performance under balanced and unbalanced supply voltages and on laboratory validation of a prototype device. Both the modeling and the laboratory results are in close agreement and demonstrate the capacity of the equipment to filter the components of the zero-sequence currents. The product performance in a real system is also included in the analysis. The theoretical and practical studies show that the level of zero-sequence harmonic injected into the mains can be reduced by 80% or more, depending on the control of filter leakage inductance. This method also leads to cheaper, simpler, and more robust equipment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Background: There is evidence suggesting an unbalance between oxidant and antioxidant status associated with diabetes. Considering that salivary function is essential for the maintenance of oral and systemic health, this study was designed to examine the levels of reduced and oxidized glutathione and the activities of the antioxidant enzymes, such as superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase, in salivary gland of streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Methods: The content of malondialdehyde was determined in the blood and in the salivary glands. The antioxidant status was investigated in the submandibular and parotid salivary glands. Results: Diabetic rats showed an increase in the content of malonaldehyde in the blood and in the submandibular salivary gland, but not in the parotid gland. Both forms, reduced and oxidized glutathione content present higher values in the diabetic submandibular gland compared with controls. No difference in the activity of superoxide dismutase between the diabetic and control glands was observed in either gland. Catalase showed higher specific activity in the parotid gland of the diabetic rats than control; however, in the submandibular gland, only when expressed as unit per gland was it higher than control. The specific activity of glutathione peroxidase was higher in the diabetic parotid gland than control; however, in the submandibular gland, its activity per gland was lower than controls. Conclusion: The streptozotocin-induced diabetes in rats caused different results comparing the submandibular and parotid salivary glands. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Summary: Background: Semaglutide is a long‐acting glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor agonist known to delay gastric emptying. Despite a growing body of evidence, its peri‐operative safety profile remains uncertain, particularly with regard to the risk of increased residual gastric content and aspiration of gastric contents during anaesthesia. We hypothesised that semaglutide interruption of ≤ 10 days before elective surgical procedures is insufficient to reduce or normalise the residual gastric content, despite fasting intervals that comply with current guidelines. Methods: In this prospective observational study, we recruited patients who received pre‐operative once‐weekly subcutaneous semaglutide within 10 days of the procedure (semaglutide group) and control patients who had not been exposed to semaglutide (non‐semaglutide group). On the day of surgery, all patients underwent pre‐operative point‐of‐care gastric ultrasound to evaluate their residual gastric content. Increased residual gastric content was defined as any solid content or > 1.5 ml.kg‐1 of clear fluids as assessed by gastric ultrasound. Results: We recruited 220 patients, 107 in the semaglutide group and 113 in the non‐semaglutide group. Increased residual gastric content was found in 43/107 patients (40%) in the semaglutide group and 3/113 (3%) in the non‐semaglutide group (p < 0.001). In propensity‐weighted analysis, semaglutide use (OR 36.97, 95%CI 16.54–99.32), age (OR 0.95, 95%CI 0.93–0.98) and male sex (OR 2.28, 95%CI 1.29–4.06) were significantly associated with increased residual gastric content. There were no cases of pulmonary aspiration of gastric contents. Conclusion: Pre‐operative semaglutide use within 10 days of elective surgical procedures was independently associated with increased risk of residual gastric content on pre‐operative gastric ultrasound assessment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The unstable proteins in white wine cause haze in bottles of white wine, degrading its quality. Thaumatins and chitinases are grape pathogenesis-related (PR) proteins that remain stable during vinification but can precipitate at high temperatures after bottling. The white wine protein stabilization process can prevent haze by removing these unstable proteins. Traditionally, bentonite is used to remove these proteins; however, it is labor-intensive, generates wine losses, affects wine quality, and harms the environment. More efficient protein stabilization technologies should be based on a better understanding of the main factors and mechanisms underlying protein precipitation. This review focuses on recent developments regarding the instability and removal of white wine proteins, which could be helpful to design more economical and environmentally friendly protein stabilization methods that better preserve the products´ quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, poly[3-hexyl-thiophene] (P3HT) polymer was assembled in fibers-like structures using a post-deposition treatment denoted as solvent-annealing-induced nanowetting in templates (SAINT). In this procedure, the as cast P3HT films deposited onto glass (or flexible) substrate are placed in contact with a porous template for instance, anodic alumina oxide (AAO), and then exposed to an atmosphere saturated with vapors of an organic solvent. This will induce a partial dissolution of the polymer and infiltration into the porous. After this, the template can be selectively removed and large areas containing tubular or fibers structures of polymer can be achieved. This is a simple procedure to produce fibers of conjugated polymer in films with enhanced optical and electrical properties that allows their application in optoelectronic devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]