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We use a method based on Uniform Hazard Spectrum (UHS) to compile seismic microzonation maps for the broader area of Novi Sad, a city in Serbia. The maps are intended for use in the performance-based design (PBD) of earthquake-resistant structures. At present, PBD requires the use of two sets of spectral amplitudes, one in which the structure remains linear and the other in which it may respond nonlinearly. These PBD requirements cannot be met by using only one (same) fixed-shape spectrum and scaling by peak ground acceleration alone for varying probabilities of exceedance. The alternative we present in this paper is based on UHS and describes a combined contribution from (a) seismic excitation by local earthquakes, for which region-specific attenuation equations are used, and (b) seismic excitation by large, distant earthquakes, for which different attenuation equations are used. Our maps also take into account the influences of site geology and site soil conditions in a balanced manner. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fish habitat temperatures are increasing due to human impacts including climate change. For broadly distributed species, thermal tolerance can vary at the population level, making it challenging to predict which populations are most vulnerable to warming. Populations inhabiting warm range boundaries may be more resilient to these changes due to adaptation or acclimatization to warmer temperatures, or they may be more vulnerable as temperatures may already approach their physiological limits. We tested functional and critical thermal tolerance of two populations of wild Oncorhynchus mykiss near the species' southern range limit and, as predicted, found population-specific responses to temperature. Specifically, the population inhabiting the warmer stream, Piru Creek, had higher critical thermal maxima and higher functional thermal tolerance compared to the population from the cooler stream, Arroyo Seco. Arroyo Seco O. mykiss are more likely to experience a limitation of aerobic scope with warming. Piru Creek O. mykiss, however, had higher resting metabolic rates and prolonged exercise recovery, meaning that they could be more vulnerable to warming if prey or dissolved oxygen become limited. Temperature varies widely between streams near the O. mykiss southern range limit and populations will likely have unique responses to warming based on their thermal tolerances and metabolic requirements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

'It's a good life, that solar'. Australia is a world leader in per-capita deployment of rooftop solar photovoltaics (PV) with more than three million households realising benefits including reduced energy bills and improved energy security. However, these benefits are unevenly distributed. Research shows First Nations residents of public housing in remote Australia using prepay metering experience frequent 'self-disconnection' from energy services, a known indicator of energy insecurity. Upfront capital costs and an absence of local regulations codifying the ability to connect solar PV have long locked out these households from realising benefits of energy transition in regions host to world class renewable energy generation potential. This article describes early experiences of those residents among the first to install and grid-connect rooftop solar to prepay in Australia's remote Northern Territory. In addition to reduced electricity expenditures, rooftop solar PV mitigates experiences of energy insecurity through reducing the incidence of involuntary 'self-disconnection' due to inability to pay. Support for rooftop solar for prepay households can alleviate frequent exposure to disconnection, bringing multiple co-benefits. Policy responses should focus on reducing barriers to realising the benefits of rooftop PV for priority communities, including First Nations families living in public housing using prepay. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plasma modification of transition metal nitride/oxynitride (MOxNy) surfaces for enhanced surface properties is highly desirable, given the scalability of such methods and limitations of thermal treatments. In situ x-ray excited photoelectron spectroscopy demonstrates that the O2 plasma oxidation of VOxNy films generates non-lattice N1s surface features with binding energies near 396.5 eV, which are associated with the nitrogen reduction reaction activity but not observed upon thermal oxidation. The NH3 plasma generates N1s surface features near 400.5 eV binding energy. The O2+NH3 plasma generates both types of N1s features. Annealing in UHV to <1000 K reverses plasma-induced changes to N1s spectra. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations integrated with the experiments indicate that the plasma-induced N1s features at ∼396.5 eV and 400.5 eV are V≡N: and V—NH2 sites, respectively, with significantly lower thermal stabilities than lattice N sites. These results provide practical insight regarding the plasma modification of MOxNy surfaces for important applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lymph nodal metastasis (LNM) plays a critical role in the prognosis and treatment strategy formulation for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Initial diagnosis typically involves a CT scan, but its sensitivity for detecting mediastinal LNM is limited, sometimes as low as 51%. To improve detection, PET-CT, mediastinoscopy, and Endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS) guided needle aspiration are employed. Prediction of nodal metastasis from transcriptomic analysis of primary tumor tissue could inform clinical decisions, particularly for cases with diagnostic uncertainty, such as indeterminate PET-avid lesions or suspected false-negative EBUS guided biopsies. We hypothesized that transcriptome data from the primary tumor from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) could be used to predict LNM by various machine learning models and we sought to compare the performances of these models to aid NSCLC staging. RNA sequencing data for primary lung adenocarcinoma were downloaded from the TCGA database. These data underwent a bootstrapping process to generate ten splits of data for model training and testing, maintaining a 9:1 ratio. The top 2000 genes with the largest median absolute deviation were selected for inclusion and underwent log normalization. The study utilized logistic regression, support vector machine, XGBoost, and random forest models for analysis. The research was conducted using Python 3.7 and associated libraries including numpy, pandas, sklearn, XGBoost, matplotlib, and shap. A total of 493 primary transcriptome cases were analyzed. The random forest model had the highest median area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC), achieving a median AUC of 0.76 (standard deviation [SD] ± 0.08) and a median accuracy of 0.70 (SD ± 0.04). Conversely, SVM had the lowest median AUC of 0.35 (SD ± 0.18) and a median accuracy of 0.66 (SD ± 0.05). The XGBoost model had a median AUC of 0.73 (SD ± 0.09) and a median accuracy of 0.71 (SD ± 0.05) while the logistic regression model had a median AUC of 0.68 (SD ± 0.08) and a median accuracy of 0.66 (SD ± 0.06). These results suggest that machine learning models have the potential to predict LNM in NSCLC using transcriptome data from the primary tumor, albeit with significant variability across different models. To evaluate the ability to predict LNM from primary tumor transcriptome data, it is important to assess multiple machine learning models. The use of such models could help to guide clinical decision-making in situations where there is diagnostic uncertainty. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Household response to time-varying rates differs with building energy efficiency. • Those in low energy efficiency homes curtail use when on time of use rates. • Differences in household responses do not suggest financial disadvantage. • Households that curtail rely on electricity for heating; possible comfort loss. • Demand management policies should consider building stock effects. Spiking global energy prices make it all the more important to understand the distributional effects of commonly used energy transition policies such as financially-based demand management. We examine how building energy efficiency impacts the effect of time-of-use rates; peak prices could differently affect curtailment behaviour and bills in homes that require more continual energy use for comfort. Using a sample of 3,145 households in the Australian Capital Territory with panel data for up to five years, we use two-way fixed effects to estimate the effect of switching to a time-of-use (TOU) rate on household electricity use and bills, allowing for heterogeneous effects as a function of building Energy Efficiency Rating (EER). Analyses indicate that low-EER households dependent on electricity for heating curtail use when on TOU rates, while high-EER households do not. This does not appear to financially disadvantage low-EER households, but may impact comfort. Our findings suggest that the household responses to TOU rates can differ as a function of building energy efficiency for those households that are reliant on electricity for heating. This has implications for TOU rate design and demand management policies, particularly in the context of policies for electrification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Aims Constipation can be a chronic condition that impacts daily functioning and quality of life (QoL). To aid healthcare providers in accurately assessing patient symptoms and treatment outcomes, patient-related outcome measures (PROMs) have been increasingly adopted in clinical settings. This review aims to (1) evaluate the methodological quality and measurement properties of constipationrelated PROMs, using the COnsensus-based Standards for the selection of health Measurement INtruments (COSMIN) criteria; and (2) assess the modes of digital dissemination of constipation-related PROMs. Methods PubMed, Embase, and PsycINFO databases were searched and 11 011 records ranging from 1989 to 2020 were screened by 2 independent reviewers. A total of 26 studies (23 PROMs; 18 measuring symptom-related items and 5 measuring constipation-related QoL items) were identified for the review and assessed. Results There were multiple variations between PROMs, including subtypes of constipation, methods of administration, length of PROM and recall period. While no PROM met all the COSMIN quality standards for development and measurement properties, 5 constipationrelated PROMs received at least 4 (out of 7) sufficient ratings. Only 2 PROMs were developed in Asia. Five PROMs were administered through digital methods during the validation process but methods of adapting the PROMs into digital formats were not reported. Conclusions The constipation-related PROMs identified in this review present varying quality of development and validation, with an overall need for improvement. Further considerations should be given towards more consistent methodology and reporting of PROM development, increase in culturally-specific PROMs, and better reporting of protocol for the digitization of PROMs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In current clinical practice, radiotherapy (RT) is prescribed as a pre-determined total dose divided over daily doses (fractions) given over several weeks. The treatment response is typically assessed months after the end of RT. However, the conventional one-dose-fits-all strategy may not achieve the desired outcome, owing to patient and tumor heterogeneity. Therefore, a treatment strategy that allows for RT dose personalization based on each individual response is preferred. Multiple strategies have been adopted to address this challenge. As an alternative to current known strategies, artificial intelligence (AI)-derived mechanism-independent small data phenotypic medicine (PM) platforms may be utilized for N-of-1 RT personalization. Unlike existing big data approaches, PM does not engage in model refining, training, and validation, and guides treatment by utilizing prospectively collected patient's own small datasets. With PM, clinicians may guide patients' RT dose recommendations using their responses in real-time and potentially avoid over-treatment in good responders and under-treatment in poor responders. In this paper, we discuss the potential of engaging PM to guide clinicians on upfront dose selections and ongoing adaptations during RT, as well as considerations and limitations for implementation. For practicing oncologists, clinical trialists, and researchers, PM can either be implemented as a standalone strategy or in complement with other existing RT personalizations. In addition, PM can either be used for monotherapeutic RT personalization, or in combination with other therapeutics (e.g. chemotherapy, targeted therapy). The potential of N-of-1 RT personalization with drugs will also be presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article presents the findings of a pilot study situated in a tertiary care cancer centre and examines the impact of an art therapy group on the experiences of women living through breast cancer. The study design used in this study is a qualitative cross-case comparative case. Ten women were interviewed about their experiences making art, many for the first time. Interviews were transcribed and analysed, along with the participants' artist statements. Categories include the following: the significant benefits of art therapy on their sense of self-efficacy; the emotionally enhancing nature of making art for the first time; the power of their artwork to trigger insights about themselves (including subcategories of self-actualization, existential growth, and post-traumatic growth) or in communicating their experiences to loved ones; and how making art changed their worldview and life philosophies, creating doorways of possibilities. This study suggests that art therapy provides a safe context to reflect on profound personal changes and to re-story losses following adversity through creative practices as a dimension of care. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Effective transfer of information during the nursing handover contributes to patient safety. This study aimed to translate the best practice nursing shift handover recommendations in an acute care setting using the Ottawa Model for Research Use and to explore its effect on patient adverse outcomes (falls, pressure injuries, and medication errors). Using a quasi‐experimental design, the study was conducted in four internal medicine wards in a major tertiary hospital. A total of 88 nurses and 110 patients participated in 152 handover observations. The findings showed clinically important increases in percentages and odds of nurses' compliance with shift handover recommendations after the intervention. The patient adverse outcomes after the intervention were compared to the corresponding period of previous year. A reduction was observed for all adverse patient outcomes with incident rate ratios of 0.762 (p = 0.027) for falls, 0.624 for pressure injuries (p = 0.010), and 0.782 for medication errors (p = 0.023). Replicating this study's methodology across multiple clinical settings will increase the generalizability of findings and provide further evidence to inform nursing practice and policy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Livestock producers are encouraged to reduce the use of antibiotics belonging to classes of medical importance to humans. We conducted a scoping review on non-antibiotic interventions in the form of products or management practices that could potentially reduce the need for antibiotics in beef and veal animals living under intensive production conditions. Our objectives were to systematically describe the research on this broad topic, identify specific topics that could feasibly support systematic reviews, and identify knowledge gaps. Multiple databases were searched. Two reviewers independently screened and charted the data. From the 13,598 articles screened, 722 relevant articles were charted. The number of relevant articles increased steadily from 1990. The Western European research was dominated by veal production studies whereas the North American research was dominated by beef production studies. The interventions and outcomes measured were diverse. The four most frequent interventions included non-antibiotic feed additives, vaccinations, breed type, and feed type. The four most frequent outcomes were indices of immunity, non-specific morbidity, respiratory disease, and mortality. There were seven topic areas evaluated in clinical trials that may share enough commonality to support systemic reviews. There was a dearth of studies in which interventions were compared to antibiotic comparison groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

(Thiatrisila)bicyclo[1.1.0]butane 1 quantitatively transformed under either photochemical or thermal conditions into the isomeric (thiatrisila)cyclobutene 2, which was isolated and fully characterized. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although advanced thermostat technologies offer energy efficiency potential, these devices alone do not guarantee savings. Household occupants often deviate from thermostat programs, perhaps due to differing thermal comfort preferences, which are strong drivers of residential energy use and vary across genders. This study aims to develop an initial typology of interpersonal interactions around thermal comfort, explore the role of gender in such interactions, and examine the impacts of interactions on thermostat adjustments. Using n = 1568 diary observations collected from 112 participants, we identify three interaction types: conflicts, compromises, and agreements. Fixed effects analyses find that women are marginally more likely to report engaging in conflicts, whereas men are significantly more likely to report engaging in agreements and compromises, both of which are associated with greater likelihood of adjusting thermostats within a given day. This work represents an early step in investigating the multiply determined nature of household energy decisions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Many students need assistance in debugging to achieve progress when they learn to write computer programs. Face‐to‐face interactions with individual students to give feedback on their programs, although definitely effective in facilitating their learning, are becoming difficult to achieve with ever‐growing class sizes. This paper proposes a novel approach to providing practical automated debugging advice to support students' learning, based on the strong relationship observed between common wrong outputs and the corresponding common bugs in students' programs. To implement the approach, we designed a generic system architecture and process, and developed a tool called Virtual Debugging Advisor (ViDA) that was put into use in classes in a university. To evaluate the effectiveness of ViDA, a controlled experiment and a survey were conducted with first year engineering students in an introductory computer programming course. Results are encouraging, showing that (a) a higher proportion of students could correct their faulty code themselves with ViDA enabled, (b) an overwhelming majority of respondents found ViDA helpful for their learning of programming, and (c) most respondents would like to keep ViDA enabled when they practice writing programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oral cavity carcinomas are aggressive neoplasms associated with a high mortality rate and minimal therapeutic progress. Recently, an oral cavity carcinoma predictive score (OCCPS) model for distant metastases using grade, lymphovascular space invasion (LVSI), T3/4 disease, and N stage was created based on data from high-volume hospitals in Brazil and Canada (Id Said J Natl Cancer Inst 2023). We hypothesized that this model is prognostic for overall survival (OS) in a large United States hospital-based cohort. The National Cancer Database was used to select patients with oral cavity cancers diagnosed in 2010-2020 who underwent surgical resection to the primary site and neck. Points were assigned based on pathologic risk factors per the published model as follows: T3/4 disease: 0.4, LVSI: 0.4, Grade 3: 0.7, N1: 0.8, N2: 1.0, N3: 1.5. A total score of <0.7, 0.7-1.7, and >1.7 differentiated patients into standard-risk (SR), intermediate-risk (IR), and high-risk (HR) groups, respectively. Overall survival was calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method, with differences between groups evaluated using the log-rank test. With a median follow-up of 38.4 months, 62,035 patients were identified. Mean age was 64, and 60.6% of patients were male. There were 60.9% of patients with T3/4 tumors, 21.4% with LVSI, and 19.6% with grade 3 tumors. Distribution by N stage was as follows: N0: 57.8%, N1: 12.0%, N2: 14.0%, N3: 16.2%. The OCCPS stratified patients as follows: SR: 50.2%, IR: 26.5%, HR = 23.4%. With a median follow up of 38 months, 5-year OS was 58.5%, 47.5%, and 34.3% for the SR, IR, and HR groups, respectively (log-rank p<0.01). Additionally, the model showed discriminative ability for 5-year OS in subsets of patients who received surgery alone, surgery followed by radiation, and surgery followed by chemoradiation (all log-rank p<0.01). While initially designed for the prediction of distant metastases, the OCCPS also successfully discriminates between patients at standard, intermediate, and high risk for death in a national hospital-based dataset. This suggests a potential broader utility for the OCCPS, for individualized treatment selection as well as clinical trial stratification and design. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Globally, persons with disabilities (PWD) face structural and social barriers to inclusive healthcare. Medical schools, as crucibles of medical professional identity formation, have the responsibility to foster person-centredness toward all patients, including PWD, among her graduates. We co-designed with PWD a "Communications with Persons with Disabilities" workshop and evaluated its impact. Methods: The workshop enlisted PWD as patient educators, occurred within the third-year undergraduate Family Medicine posting, and was designed to positively impact communications skills and attitudes toward PWD. Students (n=135) were surveyed pre- and post- workshop following a mixed-methods approach (demographic data, Attitude Towards Disabled Persons (ATDP)- O scale, feedback questions, and post-workshop free reflections). Descriptive analysis was used for demographic and feedback questions, and thematic analysis for reflections. Paired t-test was used to evaluate change in ATDP-O scores. Results: There were 69 survey respondents (51.11%). Most students agreed that communications training with PWD could be strengthened in medical school, and that the workshop was relevant to their future medical career (n=68, 98.55%). Attitudes towards PWD significantly improved after the workshop (ATDP-O change: +9.29 points (12.7%), p <0.001). Student reflections included attitudes, such as the importance of seeing the person beyond the disability, and a call for action towards inclusivity and accessibility of care for PWD. Conclusion: Students' attitudes were positively affected by involving PWD in the curriculum. Further research is needed for assessing the impact of how a longitudinal PWD curriculum could affect medical trainees and improve social inclusiveness in healthcare practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electric vehicles (EVs) have the potential to dramatically reduce vehicle emissions contributing to climate change without significantly reducing convenience or mobility. Despite their potential, EV market share remains low, necessitating research to identify factors that could encourage more widespread adoption. For instance, concern about climate change is associated with intent to adopt an EV, but little is known about mechanisms through which this concern may translate into action. This study builds on previous work investigating the roles of symbolic and instrumental attributes in low-emission vehicle adoption, focusing exclusively on EVs to better understand perceptions associated with their unique technical capabilities. Prior work has examined symbolism rather generally (e.g., in terms of status). We examine specific aspects of self-identity that EVs may reflect, representing the extent to which consumers perceive EVs as symbols that they are environmentalists and/or social innovators. In addition, extending prior work, we quantify the relative influence of these separate aspects of symbolism on EV adoption intentions alongside instrumental, psychological, and demographic factors. We find differing impacts of these two symbols on EV adoption intentions. Environmentalist symbolism is consistently the strongest predictor of adoption, across three dependent variables. Innovator symbolism predicts willingness to lease/buy an EV, trailing only environmentalist symbolism in effect size, and outperforming instrumental attributes as well as psychological and demographic factors. Additionally, we examine a potential mechanism through which concern about climate change may translate into EV adoption intentions: we find that seeing EVs as environmentalist and social innovator symbols partially mediates the relationship between concern about climate change and EV adoption intentions. These results have implications for EV marketing and policy, and suggest that emphasizing the potential for EVs to reinforce specific self-identities may be a more promising strategy to increase adoption rates than emphasizing instrumental attributes such as fuel efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The last several decades of shift work tolerance and circadian misalignment research has had mixed results regarding the adverse impact of shift work on work and health outcomes. This inconsistency is, in part, due to the circadian typology measure employed and the study methodology. Based on models of shift work and health, the present study examined associations between circadian misalignment, end-of-day strain, and job- and health-related outcomes using the revised Preferences Scale (PS-6). A sample of 129 healthcare workers (76.7% female) from the United States (67%) and Australia (34.1%) aged 22 to 64 responded to a self-report questionnaire on work schedules, work stressors, and well-being. Multiple regression analysis found that the preferences for cognitive activity subscale of the PS-6 moderated the association between shift work and strain (b = −.36, p <.001). Those who worked nights experienced more strain if their preferences for cognitive activity were misaligned, whereas no differences in strain were observed among day workers. Moderated-mediation analyses, on the basis 95% confidence intervals, found that shift work had a conditional indirect effect on work-family conflict, job satisfaction, and health-related quality of life, via strain, and the effect was moderated by preferences for cognitive activity. Findings provide additional evidence for the criterion and external validity of the PS-6, and importantly, the present study establishes further support for models of shift work and health. Overall, the analyses highlight the importance of exploring the interactions between shift work and different dimensions of morningness in shift work tolerance research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Obstructive sleep apnea is associated with memory impairments, and higher rates of depressive symptoms and major depressive disorder compared with community estimates. Autobiographical memory overgenerality, a behaviour characterized by difficulty recalling specific memories from one's own life, is recognized as a marker of depression. Previous studies have demonstrated the predictive quality of specific autobiographical memory recall on the course of depression in patients with obstructive sleep apnea. However, it remains unclear whether impaired autobiographical memory is simply a feature of depression, or whether it is also impaired in patients with obstructive sleep apnea without depression. This study aimed to investigate whether autobiographical memory impairments can be observed in patients with obstructive sleep apnea, independent of the severity of depressive symptoms. Twenty-one patients with obstructive sleep apnea symptomatic for depressive symptoms (mean age = 43.43 years, SD = 9.97), 17 patients with obstructive sleep apnea asymptomatic for depressive symptoms (mean age = 40.65 years, SD = 9.39), and 20 healthy controls without sleep-disordered breathing (mean age = 32.80 years, SD = 6.69) completed an Autobiographical Memory Test. Patients with obstructive sleep apnea symptomatic for depressive symptoms recalled significantly fewer specific memories when compared with healthy controls ( P = 0.010). No difference in the recall of specific autobiographical memory was observed between symptomatic and asymptomatic patients with obstructive sleep apnea. With regard to valence, symptomatic patients with obstructive sleep apnea recalled significantly fewer negative specific memories when compared with controls ( P = 0.010). Impairment in specific autobiographical memory recall can be observed in patients with obstructive sleep apnea, regardless of the severity of depressive symptoms; however, this effect may not be as prominent in younger patients with obstructive sleep apnea. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nepal is a small country that is landlocked between India and China. Several ethnic groups live within the 147,181 km2 of this country. Geographic diversity ranges from the high Himalayas to the flatlands of the Ganges plains. Lupus nephritis (LN), a complication of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), is a common kidney problem in Nepal; but the real incidence and prevalence of SLE in Nepal is largely not known. Here, it more commonly affects people (mostly women) living in the southern flatlands, but SLE is reported to be uncommon further south in India. Even though the disease appears to be common, good quality research is uncommon in Nepali literature. This article was written to provide a review of the articles published to date about SLE in Nepal and to discuss the gaps in knowledge that require further evaluation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Computer-aided engineering has become increasingly important in engineering practices, where processes such as mathematical modelling, stress and deformation analysis can be performed by an individual engineer, without the need for a range of specialists. A case study was conducted at Curtin University Sarawak (CSM) to evaluate the performance of mechanical engineering students in the usage of finite element method and computational fluid dynamics tools. CSM is a branch campus of Curtin University, Australia, where the course structures and all assessments are identical to those of her mother campus. The curriculum design and teaching materials are developed by Curtin University, Australia. Similar teaching contents are delivered in CSM. The aim of the study is to investigate the students’ comprehension in the theoretical knowledge and its applications in practical engineering problems. This paper describes the learning experience of mechanical engineering students, in particular, the correlation between theoretical knowledge and engineering practice. Teaching experience of academic staffs was also detailed, discussed and mapped against the students’ views to give a comprehensive picture of the students’ learning experience. Based on the study, it was shown that the teaching methodology plays a crucial role in ensuring effective learning. An initial study which compared graphical user interface and programming teaching approach was conducted, in which the latter has showed to be more effective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Assessment of Rhodococcus erythropolis SET1, a novel nitrile hydrolysing bacterial isolate, has been undertaken with 34 nitriles, 33 chiral and 1 prochiral. These substrates consist primarily of β-hydroxy nitriles with varying alkyl and aryl groups at the β position and containing in several compounds different substituents α to the nitrile. In the case of β-hydroxy nitriles without substitution at the α position, acids were the major products obtained, along with recovered nitrile after biotransformation, as a result of suspected nitrilase activity of the isolate. Unexpectedly, amides were found to be the major hydrolysis product when the β-hydroxy nitriles possessed a vinyl group at this position. To probe this behaviour further, additional related substrates were evaluated containing electron-withdrawing groups at the α position, and amide was also observed upon biotransformation in the presence of SET1. Therefore this novel isolate has also demonstrated NHase activity with nitriles that appears to be substrate-dependent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Vascular thrombosis is an important cause of pancreatic graft loss, and the vast majority is managed using graft pancreatectomy. There are limited reports and case series of successful salvage of the pancreas allograft. We describe a case of partial pancreatic allograft thrombosis presenting as ruptured pancreatic cyst successfully salvaged using a graft distal pancreatectomy. Methods: We used descriptive retrospective analysis. Results: A 29-year-old patient with type 1 diabetes and end-stage renal failure underwent a simultaneous pancreas kidney transplantation with immediate graft function. The cadaveric pancreas allograft was placed head up in the right iliac fossa with enteric exocrine drainage and standard vascular anastomosis. He presented with compressive symptoms on his bladder 5 months later, and a computed tomography (CT) showed a 4-cm cystic lesion in the body and tail of the pancreas allograft. Spontaneous rupture of the cyst occurred 3 weeks after the initial onset of symptoms with generalized abdominal pain. He underwent graft distal pancreatectomy with good recovery. He remains euglycemic, insulin-free with a normal renal function. Histology of the resected unhealthy graft showed an arterial thrombus with xanthogranulomatous inflammation and necrosis. Conclusion: Surgical salvage with graft distal pancreatectomy is feasible for partial pancreatic allograft thrombosis. Cystic lesion in the pancreas is a possible presentation of vascular thrombosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Impedance pump is a type of valveless pumping mechanism, in which the design consists only elastic tubing joined with tubes of different impedances. By inducing a periodic asymmetrical compression on the elastic tube, thus will eventually produce a unidirectional flow within the system. Numerous works, computational and experimental, had been performed in past decades to explore this phenomenon and to further understand its characteristics. However, not many works were found in multi-stage valveless impedance pumping. The aim of this work is to have an insight on the bulk flow behaviour of an open-loop two-stage impedance pumping system at resonance. This paper emphasizes on the experimental study of the bulk flow behaviour with a partial of numerical study. Characteristics of a two-stage impedance pumping system with respect to its governing parameters were evaluated and results obtained were very significant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study is a longitudinal look at the different mathematics placement profiles of Black students and White students from late elementary school through 8th grade. In particular, this study utilizes the Early Childhood Longitudinal Study--Kindergarten Class of 1998-1999 (ECLS-K) data set to analyze the impact of teacher evaluation of student performance versus student demonstrated performance on the odds of being placed into algebra in the 8th grade. Results revealed that Black students had reduced odds of being placed in algebra by the time they entered 8th grade even after controlling for performance in mathematics. In addition, teacher evaluations of student performance were shown to play a greater role, albeit adversely, for Black students than for their peers. These results are discussed in terms of both implicit theory research and critical race theory. An important implication of this study is that placement recommendations must be monitored to ensure high-achieving students are placed appropriately, regardless of racial background. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] We report a strategy to facilitate rapid identification of bacterial isolates demonstrating nitrile hydrolysing activity. [•] This incorporates toxicity, starvation and induction studies along with subsequent colorimetric screening for activity. [•] This has enabled the rapid biocatalytic screening of 256 novel bacterial isolates towards β-hydroxynitriles. [•] A whole cell catalyst SET-1 was identified and catalysed the hydrolysis of 3-hydroxybutyronitrile with remarkably high ee. [•] (S)-3-hydroxybutyric acid was produced under mild conditions in 42% yield and >99.9% ee. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Disrupted sleep through sleep deprivation or sleep fragmentation has previously been shown to impair cognitive processing. Nevertheless, limited studies have examined the impact of disrupted sleep on the processing of emotional information. The current study aimed to use an experimental approach to generate sleep disruption and examine whether SD and SF in otherwise healthy individuals would impair emotional facial processing. Thirty-five healthy individuals participated in three-day/two-night laboratory study which consisted of two consecutive overnight polysomnograms and cognitive testing during the day. The first night was an adaptation night of normal sleep while the second was an experimental night where participants underwent either a night of 1) normal sleep, 2) no sleep (SD) or 3) fragmented sleep (SF). The emotional Go/No-Go task was completed in the morning following each night. Data from 33 participants (14 females, mean age = 24.6 years) were included in the final analysis. Following a night of SD or SF, participants performed significantly poorer with emotional (fearful and happy) targets, while no significant changes occurred after a night of normal sleep. Further, sleep deprived individuals experienced additional impairments with notably poorer performance with neutral targets and slower reaction time for all targets, suggesting an overall slowing of cognitive processing speed. These findings suggest that facial recognition in socio-emotional contexts may be impaired in individuals who experience disrupted sleep. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To describe a case of pulmonary aspergillosis in a previously healthy dog that manifested as a spontaneous pneumothorax. Case Summary A 3-year-old neutered male mixed-breed dog was presented with inappetence and respiratory distress. Thoracic radiography revealed a right-sided pneumothorax. Following stabilization, thoracic computed tomography found 1 large and many small pulmonary blebs in the right caudal lung lobe. The dog underwent a right lateral thoracotomy, identifying numerous emphysematous regions in the right middle lung lobe, and a right middle lung lobectomy was performed. Histopathologic examination of the resected lung lobe revealed severe, diffuse bronchopneumonia with necrotizing pleuritis and the presence of fungal organisms strongly suggestive of Aspergillus sp. Surgical removal of the affected lung lobe and continued medical treatment with itraconazole resolved the dog's clinical signs. New Information Provided This report describes the successful surgical and medical management of Aspergillus bronchopneumonia in a dog presenting with spontaneous pneumothorax. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Novel azaheteroaromatic derivatives of 2-styrylanthracene: 2-styrylbenzo[ g]quinoline and 3-styryl- acridine were obtained from 3-nitro-2-naphthaldehyde and 2-bromo-4-methylbenzoic acid. Spectral properties of the new compounds were studied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective We previously demonstrated that a sequential regimen of letrozole and misoprostol resulted in a marked reduction in the serum estradiol concentration and in a higher efficacy of first-trimester termination of pregnancy than misoprostol alone. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of letrozole on uterine artery Doppler flow indices during early pregnancy. Methods This was a randomized controlled trial. Thirty women requesting termination of pregnancy up to 63 days' gestation were randomized into two groups: a letrozole group receiving 10 mg of letrozole, daily, for 3 days, and a control group receiving a placebo for 3 days. Serum estradiol, progesterone and human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) concentrations were measured before drug administration and then daily for 6 days. Ultrasound scanning for fetal viability and measurement of the pulsatility (PI) and resistance (RI) indices of the uterine arteries was performed before drug administration, and then on day 3 and day 7 after starting letrozole or placebo. All pregnancies were terminated by surgical evacuation on day 7 or day 8. Results Uterine artery PI and RI decreased significantly in the letrozole group, but not in the control group. Serum estradiol concentrations were significantly lower in the letrozole group than in the control group from day 2 onwards. Serum progesterone and hCG concentrations were comparable for the two groups throughout the 7 days. There were significantly more women in the letrozole group with vaginal bleeding. Conclusion We have demonstrated that the use of letrozole in the first trimester of pregnancy suppresses serum estradiol levels but results in an increase in blood flow to the uterus. Further studies should be carried out to elucidate the mechanism of letrozole pretreatment in medical abortion. Copyright © 2012 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives To evaluate whether the presenting rectal temperature and level of azotemia predicts the length of hospitalization (LOH) in a population of obstructed male cats. To describe the relationships between physical examination parameters, blood electrolytes, and azotemia in a clinical population of obstructed male cats. Design Retrospective clinical study. Setting Emergency and referral specialty hospitals. Animals Two hundred and forty-three male cats that presented with urethral obstruction between 2006 and 2009. Interventions None. Measurements and Main Results No significant association between the hours of hospitalization and rectal temperature was detected ( P = 0.39). Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine (CREA) concentrations were positively correlated with LOH ( P < 0.01). BUN and CREA were significantly higher ( P < 0.01) for the hypothermic group compared to the normothermic group. Potassium was negatively correlated to heart rate and rectal temperature but positively correlated to BUN and CREA. Conclusion No association with regard to rectal temperature and LOH could be demonstrated in this population of cats. However, the presence of azotemia in obstructed male cats appears to provide the clinician with additional information regarding the necessary LOH and eventual cost to the client. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Quantum-chemical calculations (B3LYP/6-31G*) predict the formation of intramolecular hydrogen bond (IMHB) in the monoprotonated Z-isomer of 1-(2-pyridyl)-2-(2-quinolyl)ethylene (2P2Q), with this bond stabilizing the isomer relative to its E-counterpart. An experimentally observed increase in the quantum yield of trans-cis photoisomerization (φ) by more than an order of magnitude (from 0.033 to 0.42 in acetonitrile) on passing from the neutral to the monoprotonated form of 2P2Q can be associated with IMHB, which manifested itself in the spectral properties of the Z-isomer. The IMHB breaks in the diprotonated form, and the value of φ decreases back to the initial value. In addition to the photoisomerization, the photoreduction and photoaddition reactions of solvent molecules have been observed in an ethanol solution of 2P2Q. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on a two-dimensional two-layer flow model which represents ice-ocean interactions beneath ice shelves in the Antarctic. The numerical model is developed to calculate melt rates underneath ice shelves from ocean temperature and salinity fields at the shelf front. An idealized geometry based dimensions of Pine Island Ice Shelf was used to test the model. The result indicates a robust spatial distribution of melt rates, with higher rate than the mean in fast flowing areas.

Objective--To investigate individual- and community-level contextual variables as risk factors for submission of calcium oxalate (CaOx) uroliths or magnesium ammonium phosphate (ie, struvite) uroliths for dogs to a national urolith center, as determined on the basis of urolith submission patterns. Sample Population--Records of 7,297 dogs from Ontario, Canada, with CaOx or struvite uroliths submitted to the Canadian Veterinary Urolith Centre from 1998 through 2006. Procedures--Data were analyzed via multilevel multivariable logistic regression. Results--Individual-level main effects and interactions significantly associated with the risk of submission of CaOx uroliths rather than struvite uroliths included age, sex, breed group, neuter status, body condition, dietary moisture content, diet type, sex-neuter status interaction, sex-age interaction, body condition-age interaction, and breed group-dietary moisture content interaction. In addition, median community family income and being located within a major urban center (ie, Toronto) were significant risk factors for submission of CaOx uroliths, compared with submission of struvite uroliths. Conclusions and Clinical Relevance--Individual-level and dietary factors for dogs affected the risk of submission of CaOx uroliths, relative to that of struvite uroliths. Interactions among these variables need to be considered when assessing the impact of these risk factors. In addition, community-level or contextual factors (such as community family income and residing in a densely populated area of Ontario) also affected submission patterns, although most of the variance in the risk for submission of CaOx uroliths, compared with the risk for submission of struvite uroliths, was explained by individual-level factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Kinetics of the photocyclization of trans-8-styrylquinoline into 10a,10b-dihydronaphtho[1,2-h]quinoline (4-azachrysene) was studied in hexane. It was found that in addition to the expected two-step (two-quantum) route with trans-cis photoisomerization occurring in the first step with a quantum yield of φ = 0.13 with consequent photocyclization of the cis-isomer with a quantum yield of 0.23. The direct singlequantum photocyclization of the trans-isomer with a quantum yield of 0.009 is also observed. The latter observation indicates that the excited trans-isomer isomerizes without loss of excitation to the excited cis-isomer, which then undergoes cyclization, i.e., the trans-cis photoisomerization proceeds partially by adiabatic mechanism t* → c*. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Our study aimed to assess the effectiveness of esomeprazole or rabeprazole in combination with amoxicillin and clarithromycin for the eradication of Helicobacter pylori in Hong Kong non-ulcer dyspepsia (NUD) patients. Methods: A prospective clinical trial was conducted at the Alice Ho Miu ling Nethersole Hospital outpatient endoscopy center from June 2004 to December 2005. Participants received amoxicillin 1 g, clarithromycin 500 mg, and, esomeprazole 20 mg (EAC) or rabeprazole 20 mg (RAC), all given twice daily for 1 week. The H. pylori status was determined by the [13C] urea breath test at least 4 weeks after completion of the treatment. Mutation status of CYP2C19 in exon 4 and exon 5 associated with the poor metabolizer phenotype was determined. Results: The intention-to-treat eradication rates in patients treated with RAC and EAC were 77% and 84·6% respectively, and per protocol-based eradication rates were 83·7% and 88·9% respectively. The eradication rates did not vary with CYP2C19 phenotype found. For clarithromycin-sensitive strains, the cure rates were statistically significant regardless of CYP2C19 polymorphism ( P < 0·0001). Conclusion: Triple therapy with either EAC or RAC is effective for Hong Kong Chinese NUD patients with H. pylori infection. Success eradication was related to clarithromycin resistance and not CYP2C19 genotype. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AimsThe aim of this study is to provide epidemiological data on the incidence, aetiology, management, and visual outcome in traumatic optic neuropathy (TON) in the UK.MethodsPatients with TON were identified prospectively by population-based active surveillance through the British Ophthalmic Surveillance Unit over a 2-year period with data obtained from an incident questionnaire and follow-up questionnaire sent to positive reporters.ResultsIncident and follow-up data were available on 121 and 97 (80%) patients, respectively. The minimum estimated incidence was 1.005 per million. Leading causes included falls (25.6%), road traffic accidents (RTAs) (21.5%), and assaults (20.7%). The median age was 31 years. There were 95 (78.5%) men. Presenting visual acuity (VA) was 6/60 or worse in 85 (70%) patients, with 43 patients (36%) with no perception of light. Associated injuries included 47 (39%) orbital wall fractures, 37 (31%) closed globe injuries, 23 (19%) ocular adnexal injuries, 23 (19%) skull fractures, and 18 (16%) intracranial bleeding. Sixty-five percent (75/116) received no acute treatment and 35% (41/116) received steroids and/or surgery. Of the treated group, 24% (8/33) and of the untreated group 20% (11/56) improved three lines or more of VA (P=0.61). Prompt ophthalmic examination (P=0.002), orbital fracture (P=0.046), high Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score (P=0.023), and poor initial VA (P=0.009) were associated with increased likelihood of treatment. Poor initial VA (P<0.001), orbital fracture (P=0.004), and significant head injury (P=0.038) were associated with poor visual outcome.ConclusionsThis study suggested that young men were at greatest risk of TON. We detected a trend towards conservative management of this condition in the UK. TON was associated with significant ocular, orbital, and head injuries that highlighted the need for multidisciplinary management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[2+2] Cycloadduct of the titanium silylidene CpTi(thf)=Si[Si(SiMeBu )] and acetylene was readily prepared, isolated, and characterized by NMR spectroscopy and computational studies of the MeSi-substituted model. Geometric features of the model, based on its optimized geometry, suggest that the best structural description for such [2+2] cycloadduct is a metallacycle rather than a π complex. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective– To report a suspected toxicity in 2 dogs; to discuss therapy and prognosis. Series Summary– Suspected alpha lipoic acid (ALA) toxicity was diagnosed based on clinical history and compatible laboratory findings in 2 dogs. Case 1 was presented within 10 hours of ALA ingestion, with initial behavioral changes likely due to hypoglycemia. During the course of hospitalization, hypoglycemia persisted and evidence of acute hepatic insult developed. With aggressive supportive care (including IV fluids with dextrose supplementation, hepatoprotective medications, and a plasma transfusion), he made a full recovery. Case 2 was presented approximately 60 hours after ALA ingestion, and was found to be in oliguric renal failure. She was treated with IV fluids, gastroprotective medications, and furosemide, but her condition deteriorated and she was ultimately euthanized within 16 hours of admission to the hospital. New or Unique Information Provided– ALA is an uncommon but serious toxin that should be considered in cases presenting with hypoglycemia, acute renal failure, or acute hepatic insult. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives To develop a simple decision tree for clinicians to decide between hospitalization and outpatient monitoring of adult dengue patients. Method Retrospective cohort study on all laboratory-diagnosed dengue patients admitted in 2004 to Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Singapore. Demographic, clinical, laboratory and radiological data were collected, and cases classified as dengue fever (DF) or dengue haemorrhagic fever (DHF) using World Health Organization criteria. To develop the decision tree, we used chi-squared automatic interaction detector (CHAID) with bi-way and multi-way splitting. The resulting trees were pruned to achieve the highest sensitivity with the shortest tree. Results In 2004, 1973 probable and confirmed adult dengue patients were admitted; DF comprised 1855 (94.0%) and DHF 118 (6.0%) of the cases. The best decision tree prediction had three branches, consisting of a history of clinical bleeding, serum urea, and serum total protein. This decision tree had a sensitivity of 1.00, specificity of 0.46, positive predictive value of 7.5%, and negative predictive value of 100%. The overall accuracy of the decision tree was 48.1%. The test sensitivity and specificity compared favourably with other predictive probability equations and sophisticated laboratory tests, and would prevent 43.9% of mild DF cases from hospitalization. Conclusions A simple decision tree is effective in predicting DHF in the clinical setting for adult dengue infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The study aimed to investigate the clinical impact of pharmacist–physician co-managed programme on the management of hyperlipidaemia. Methods: The study was a prospective randomized controlled trial. Adult patients were selected if: (i) they were taking one or more lipid-lowering agents with a valid lipid panel before their next follow up; (ii) had a baseline lipid profile within the previous 6 months; (iii) their lipid panel did not reach the targeted low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) goal based on the National Cholesterol Education Programme Adult Treatment Panel III. Pharmacists interviewed patients in the intervention group for 15–30 min to provide consultation on the drug regimen and lifestyle modifications. A telephone follow-up every 4 weeks and a follow-up interview on the date of the physician visit were scheduled. Patients in the control group received routine conventional care. The primary outcome measurement was the change in lipid panel between baseline and at the end of study. Results: One hundred and eighteen patients were recruited to the study [58 patients in intervention group (mean age 63 ± 10 years old) and 60 in control group (mean age 61 ± 12 years old)]. Starting with similar baseline levels, the end of study LDL-C and total cholesterol levels for the intervention and control groups were LDL-C: 2·80 ± 0·89 mmol/L and total cholesterol 4·75 ± 1·08 mmol/L vs. LDL-C: 3·24 ± 0·78 mmol/L and total cholesterol 5·18 ± 0·93 mmol/L, respectively. The differences were statistically significant ( P < 0·0015). Conclusion: The study showed that a pharmacist–physician co-managed programme for hyperlipidaemic patient was effective in getting more patients to reach their target lipid levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In photonuclear experiments precise location of the photon beam relative to the experimental sample is critical. Previously used techniques such as using photographic film to identify the position, intensity and centroid of the beam is time-consuming and a faster method is required. PILATUS is a single-photon-counting pixel detector developed at the Paul Scherrer Institute (PSI), Switzerland. It is a silicon-based, two-dimensional detector with a large dynamic range and zero readout noise. Designed as an X-ray detector, its optimal quantum efficiency is between 3 and 30keV. This paper reports measurements carried out at the MAX-lab tagged photon facility in Lund, Sweden. The beam endpoint energy of approximately 200MeV is far above the designed optimal energy detection range of PILATUS, and provides a critical test of the use of PILATUS under high energy conditions. The detector was placed in the photon beam and images were taken both downstream of other experiments, and in close range of a 19mm collimator. The successful measurements demonstrate the versatility and robustness of the detector and provide an effective way of quickly and accurately monitoring beam position and profile in real time. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Lymphocytes and macrophages act as effector immune cells in the initiation and progression of renal injury. Recent data have shown that subpopulations of these immune cells (regulatory T lymphocytes and alternately-activated or regulatory macrophages) are potent modulators of tissue injury and repair in renal disease. Recent animal studies examining the therapeutic effect of these cells raise the exciting possibility that strategies targeting these cell types may be effective in treating and preventing kidney disease in humans. This review will describe their biological role in experimental kidney disease and therapeutic potential in clinical nephrology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Despite modern advances that have led to improved prognoses and symptom management, a cancer diagnosis continues to evoke images of pain, suffering, and death.Discussion: The current literature suggests that the "existential plight of cancer" refers to what is now commonly known as the "search for meaning" following a cancer experience. Mounting evidence suggests that global meaning-defined as the general sense that one's life has order and purpose--is a key determinant of overall quality of life. It provides the motivation for people with cancer to re-engage in life amongst a bewildering array of physical, psychosocial, social, spiritual, and existential changes imposed by the disease. Health care providers are inherently involved in their patients' search for global meaning. Yet, few empirical studies have operationalized how this search can be achieved.Conclusion: The meaning-making intervention is presented as one concrete approach to address the normative distress associated with the search for meaning within the context of cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Review the clinical presentation, assessment, resuscitation, and medical and surgical management of dogs with hemoperitoneum. Etiology: Hemoperitoneum is defined as free intra-abdominal hemorrhage. Hemoperitoneum occurs from traumatic and nontraumatic causes. Common etiologies include atraumatic rupture of intra-abdominal masses, coagulopathies, as well as blunt, and penetrating trauma to the abdomen. Diagnosis: Definitive diagnosis of hemoperitoneum entails demonstration of free intra-abdominal blood via paracentesis or diagnostic peritoneal lavage. Imaging and other diagnostic tests including coagulation studies may help to determine underlying causes of hemoperitoneum or concurrent organ dysfunction. Therapy: Goals of therapy for patients with hemoperitoneum include maintenance and restoration of effective circulating volume, maintenance and restoration of oxygen-carrying capacity, and arrest of hemorrhage. These goals can be achieved via fluid resuscitation, administration of blood products or hemoglobin-based oxygen carriers, as well as application of abdominal counterpressure, and surgical intervention. Surgery usually is required for bleeding intra-abdominal neoplasms. Emergency surgery is recommended for hemorrhaging patients with penetrating trauma, gastric dilatation and volvulus, bleeding cysts, liver lobe torsion, splenic torsion, and any other condition resulting in organ ischemia. Prognosis: Prognosis in patients with hemoperitoneum may depend on the underlying cause and concurrent injuries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We describe here the management of eleven patients with fracture neck of femur. Excepting one patient all had severe haemophilia A. Nine patients were less than 50 years of age. Eight out of eleven patients had fracture after trivial trauma. Nine patients had closed reduction and one patient open reduction. The patient with non union had a Valgus osteotomy. All fractures united. The average time to union was 11 weeks (range:8–16). We followed either a low dose intermittent or a low dose continuous infusion factor support protocol for the management of these patients. The median dose of factor support was 252 u/kg (range: 136–580). The average duration of factor support was 9 days (range: 7–10). Two patients had aggravation of pre existing knee stiffness following post operative immobilisation. No other major complication was observed in this cohort of patients. To conclude, management of fracture neck of femur in patients with haemophilia is no different from general population if an adequate haemostasis is achieved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mastoparan B, a cationic toxin, is the major peptide component in the venom of Vespa basalis. Molecular cloning of its cDNA fragment revealed that this toxin was initially synthesized as a precursor polypeptide, containing an N-terminal signal sequence, a prosequence, the mature toxin, and an appendix glycine at C-terminus. Sequence alignment between precursors of mastoparan B and melittin from honeybee venom showed a significant conservation in prosequence. Alternate positions existing in both prosequences were either proline or alanine known as the potential cleaving sites for dipeptidyl peptidase IV. Subsequently, a putative dipeptidyl peptidase IV cDNA fragment was cloned from Vespa basalis venom gland. The prosequence may possibly be removed via sequential liberation of dipeptides during the processing of mastoparan B. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chitin is the world's second most abundant naturally occurring polysaccharide. Much of this is disposed of as waste from seafood crustacean, mainly in shrimps, prawns, crabs, and lobsters, where it occurs as a significant component in the shells/exoskeletons of crustacea. Due to its widespread abundance, its chemical and physical versatility, and the problems of its disposal as a waste material, a wide range of value-added applications of chitin and chitosan is being initiated, investigated, and developed. The widely ranging value-added applications of chitin and chitosan are presented in this review. Chitin and its derivative, chitosan, both highly stable and difficult to degrade materials, can be obtained as 10–20% w/w from the waste seafood shells by suitable chemical processing. One of the significant developments in the new range of applications is the study of the ability of chitosan, as a potentially major environmental treatment material, to remove metal ions from wastewaters. Chitosan is the deacetylated form of chitin, and this process produces a chain of amino groups along the chitosan structure. Many researchers are now looking at the ability of this amino group to adsorb metal ions from industrial wastewaters and leachates. This review presents the developments in this area and identifies the defficiences in existing chitosan research by reviewing the equilibrium studies carried out to determine the capacity of chitosan for various metal ions. Then the kinetic studies are reviewed, as well as the solution methodologies adopted by various researchers to explain and model the rate of adsorption of the metal ions from solution. Both equilibrium knowledge and kinetic knowledge are required in order to design commercial treatment systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]