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We recently developed a new light source that allows for the continuous monitoring of light-induced changes using common spectrophotometric devices adapted for microplate analyses. This source was designed primarily to induce photodynamic processes in cell models. Modern light components, such as LED chips, were used to improve the irradiance homogeneity. In addition, this source forms a small hermetic chamber and thus allows for the regulation of the surrounding atmosphere, which plays a significant role in these light-dependent reactions. The efficacy of the new light source was proven via kinetic measurements of reactive oxygen species generated during the photodynamic reaction of chloroaluminium phthalocyanine disulfonate (ClAlPcS2) in three cell lines: human melanoma cells (G361), human breast adenocarcinoma cells (MCF7), and human fibroblasts (BJ). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new species of polycerid nudibranchs of the genus Tambja is described from Mallorca Island (Spain) and Malta. So far, only two species of Tambja had been recorded in the Mediterranean Sea with a distribution limited to southern Spain. With Tambja mediterranea sp. nov., the distribution of the genus in the Mediterranean Sea is extended, and the new species represents the first occurrence of Tambja at the Balearic Islands and Malta. Externally, the new species is mainly characterized by having ground orange-red colour, dorsum covered with rounded whitish tubercles, rhinophores red with whitish tips and three gill branches with orange-reddish rachis and whitish branches. In the present paper, external and internal features of T. mediterranea are described and compared with other species of the genus, especially with its most similar species, T. limaciformis. Additionally, phylogenetic analyses (Bayesian and maximum likelihood) based on mitochondrial sequences (COI) show that T. mediterranea sp. nov. is sister to T. divae and that both species cluster together with T. limaciformis and T. amakusana with the maximum support. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The nudibranch genusRoboastrawas first described by Bergh in 1877, withR. gracilisas the type species. Since then a further six species have been described, but two are currently regarded as synonyms. A review of the literature shows that their original descriptions, as well as a few published additional studies, offer limited information. This has caused a great deal of confusion, with field guides and websites often containing misidentified photographs. The genusRoboastrais characterized by the possession of large oral tentacles developed as dorsolaterally grooved cylindrical projections equal in length to the rhinophores, reduced radular rachidian teeth with three well-defined denticles, and a small prostatic gland confined to a coiled glandular section of the vas deferens. It is distributed throughout tropical and temperate areas in the Atlantic, Eastern Pacific and Indo-Pacific. The phylogenetic relationships within the genus are unknown, as well as its position within the phylogeny of the phanerobranch dorids. In the present paper we conduct a preliminary review of the species included inRoboastraand a study of their phylogenetic relationships based on morphological characters. We also describe a new species,Roboastra leonis, from the Galápagos Islands. © 2005 The Linnean Society of London, Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society, 2005,144, 167−189. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction/Background While the role of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PMR) in most areas of medicine is well-established, little is known about the role of PMR in cardiac rehabilitation (CR). This study assessed the frequency with which CR programs were part of PMR departments, how often PMR physicians lead CR programs and were on CR staff, and the impact of this globally for the first time. Material and method In this cross-sectional study, an online survey was administered to CR programs globally. National medical associations and local champions facilitated program identification. Results One hundred and eleven out of 203 (54.7%) countries in the world offer CR, of which data were collected in 93 (83·78%; n = 1082 surveys, 32.1% response). CR was part of a PMR department in 251 (23.19%) programs. Programs had more equipment when they were within PMR departments, such as bicycle ergometers (97.48% vs. 87.69%, P < 0.0001) and body composition analyzers (43.58% vs. 37.05%, P = 0.0172). PMR physicians were the type of provider with overall responsibility in 12.42% ( n = 123) of programs, with the highest rate in Southeast Asia ( n = 12, 38.71%). When responsibility was under PMR, some cardiac indications were more likely to be accepted, such as cardiomyopathy (61.11% vs. 38.89%, P = 0.0005); moreover, alternative CR models (e.g., home-based) were more frequently offered (80.51% vs. 67.13%, P = 0.0024). PMR physicians were part of the team in 389 (43.37%) CR programs. When part of the team, more non-cardiac diagnoses were accepted (34.04% vs. 17.63%, P < 0.0001), like stroke (36.71% vs. 25.32%, P = 0.0005). Overall, 7.07 ± 0.13/10 core components were offered by programs, with a significantly higher number offered where a PMR physician was on the team ( P < 0.0001). Conclusion We found significant differences among programs based on the PMR involvement in the program. PMR physicians should more often be part of CR programs, as this could result in benefits for patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The point dilution test is a single-well technique for estimating horizontal flow velocity in the aquifer surrounding a well. The test is conducted by introducing a tracer into a well section and monitoring its decreasing concentration over time. When using a salt tracer, the method is easy and inexpensive. Traditionally, the horizontal Darcy velocity is calculated as a function of the rate of dilution and is based on the simple assumption that the decreasing tracer concentration is proportional both to the apparent velocity into the test section and to the Darcy velocity in the aquifer. In this article, an alternative approach to analyse the results of point dilution tests is proposed and verified using data acquired at a test site in the middle Venetian plain, northeast Italy. In this approach, the one-dimensional equilibrium advection–dispersion equation is inverted using the CXTFIT model to estimate the apparent velocity inside the test section. Analysis of the field data obtained by the two approaches shows good agreement between the methods and suggests that it is possible to use the equilibrium advection–dispersion equation to estimate apparent velocity over a wide range of velocities.Editor D. Koutsoyiannis; Associate editor K. Heal [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Abstract: Thermal gravimetric analysis of equimolar silver(I) acetylacetonate–platinum(II) acetylacetonate mixture shows a significant increase in thermal stability of silver(I) acetylacetonate in the presence of the Pt counterpart. The heated mixture was examined by differential scanning calorimetry and complementary analyses of gaseous products, residues and sublimed fractions by Fourier transform infrared, Raman and X-ray-photoelectron spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction and scanning and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy. It is assumed that silver(I) acetylacetonate is thermally stabilized due to a week bonding with Pt chelate. An interaction between both chelates gets support from the structure of the residual powder which is composed of Ag, Pt, C and O elements and Pt oxides and contains silver nanoparticles whose decreased unit cell parameter can be due to substitution of silver by platinum. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Thermal co-decomposition of Al(III) acetylacetonate-Ti(IV) oxyacetylacetonate mixture has been examined by using thermal gravimetry, differential scanning calorimetry and complementary analyses of evaporated products and solid residues by Fourier Transform Infrared, Raman and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction and scanning and transmission electron microscopy. The process is shown to differ from thermal decompositions of single acetylacetonates. Linear heating of the mixture allows predominant sublimation and minor degradation of Al(III) acetylacetonate along with extensive degradation of Ti(IV) oxyacetylacetonate to TiO 2 . Stepwise heating results in sublimation of one half of Al(III) acetylacetonate and co-decomposition of the residual chelates. The co-decomposition is judged to occur via an intermediary complex between both monomeric chelates. It primarily leads to an amorphous Ti, Al, C and O-containing phase which develops crystalline alumina and titanium monoxide upon annealing to high temperatures. The carbonaceous component of the amorphous phase assists in carbothermal formation and stabilization of titanium monoxide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Unlike synthesis of nanowires (1D nano-objects) the synthesis of nanoplatelets (2D nano-objects) has not been performed frequently. Herein, we report on the synthesis of Cu–Ge based on nanoplatelets with a high surface-to-volume ratio prepared by low pressure chemical vapor deposition (LPCVD) of Ge2Me6 and a mixture of Ge2Me6/PbEt4. Nanostructured deposits are composed of Cu1-xGex nanoplatelets, Ge nanowires and Ge nanoparticles. The nanoplatelets, which have the lateral size up to several tens of micrometers and thickness of 100–400 nm, belong to the cubic α phase of Cu91Ge9 alloy (Ge admixture in cubic Cu) and hexagonal ζ phase of Cu85Ge15 alloy. Nanowires composed of cubic Ge have a diameter of about 30 nm and length of several tens of micrometers. Lead does not enter any of these phases due to Pb–Cu and Pb–Ge immiscibility; therefore, it was observed as separate nanoparticles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] Ag acetylacetonate increases thermal stability by mixing with Sn hexafluoroacetylacetonate. [•] Heated mixture of chelates yields a residue containing Ag, Sn, O and C elements. [•] Residues obtained at higher temperature contain Ag–Sn intermetallic compounds. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Electrochemical transistors made of PEDOT:PSS are used to detect different polymeric shells used to functionalize the nanoparticles for drug delivering. The devices were realized drawing their configuration directly on glass with a micro-syringe and micro-positioning system. This permits a great flexibility in the definition of the needed geometry giving the possibility to maximize the signal to the different polymeric shells. The realized devices exhibit different responses respect to the functionalized nanoparticles and in particular respect to the polymer used for their functionalization. The linear behavior observed gives the possibility to use these devices to detect the quantity of polymer loaded on the nanoparticles. This opens to the possibility to determine the quantity of drugs that could be loaded inside the functionalized shells and also to detect the kinetics of drug delivery or, even, to monitor the stability of the nanoparticles themselves. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The purpose of this study was to investigate the expression of heat shock protein (HSP70) in oral non-dysplastic leucoplakia and in relation to the clinical and pathological features of oral lichen planus. The expression of HSP70 was assessed in the epithelial compartment of normal mucosa (n = 5), oral lichen planus (n = 28) and benign leucoplakia (n = 11) using an immunohistochemical method. The immunostaining intensity distribution (lID) index was used to quantify the positivity of the staining. There was no association between HSP7O overexpression and clinical presentation of oral lichen planus. Oral lichen planus patients showed no statistically significant differences in the depth of the inflammatory infiltrate when expression of HSP70 was considered (&Xline;i - &Xline;j =42.30; 95% confidence interval (95% CI) = -120.87-205.48). No statistically significant differences were identified in terms of HSP70 expression between oral lichen planus and normal buccal mucosal specimens (&Xline;i - &Xline;j = 4.07; 95% CI = -0.53-8.67). The lID index score for HSP70 expression in leucoplakia specimens was significantly higher than the one of the oral lichen planus group (&Xline;i - &Xline;j = 5.11; 95% CI = 1.73-8.48). It is concluded that there are no statistically significant differences in HSP70 expression between oral lichen planus and normal buccal mucosal specimens, suggesting that HSP70 does not play an obvious part in the pathogenesis of oral lichen planus. The expression of HSP70 was significantly higher in oral leucoplakia than in oral lichen planus, possibly because of differences in cellular activity or cell proliferation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The unexplored effect of chemical treatment of laser micro/nanostructured titanium surfaces deserves attention due to broadening our knowledge of surface enhancement of biomimetic synthesis of hydroxyapatite and osseointegration of titanium implants. In this study, NaOH–CaCl 2 -heat-water treatment of titanium is revisited and used to modify porous laser micro/nanostructured oxidic and flat titanium surfaces which are characterized by XRD, electron microscopy, zeta potential and FTIR and Raman spectroscopy. These surfaces are also assessed for their ability to induce biomimetic Ca phosphate deposition from a simulated body fluid (SBF) and to grow human Mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs). The treatment of titanium surfaces is shown to involve unreported formation of crystalline CaCO 3 and the related interpretation of physicochemical changes of the treated titanium surface in soaked SBF raises doubts about the specific role of an intermediary CaTiO 3 in the biomimetic formation of apatite on titanium substrates. We show that the biomimetic formation of Ca phosphate in Tas SBF solution occurs both on the surface and in the bulk solution, it is enhanced on the structured surfaces and is affected by a Ca--O(Ti) layer originating on the pristine and chemical treated flat and micro/nanostructured topographies with different delays. These findings are confronted with the pilot results of in vitro analyses showing that the cell growth, shape and osteogenic differentiation of hMSCs are impeded on the surfaces modified by the NaOH–CaCl 2 -heat-water treatment. [Display omitted] • Previous NaOH–CaCl 2 -heat-water treatment of titanium surfaces was revisited. • Apatite and hMSCs growth differ on flat and micro/nano oxidic Ti surfaces. • SBF interactions with surface are controlled by intermediary Ca2+ ... O–Ti(O) species. • hMSCs growths are effected by specific micro/nano topographies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction/Background In spite of the high prevalence of cardiac valvulopathies, the evidence of the effect of cardiac rehabilitation (CR) after surgical valve replacement (SVR) is scarce, but nevertheless CR is recommended for this group of patients. We aimed to compare the healthcare services utilization when comparing patients after a valve surgery who completed a eight weeks phase II cardiac rehabilitation program to those who did not. Material and method A descriptive retrospective study was conducted of CR eligible patients after SVR aged 18 or older between January 2014 and December 2017 with a follow-up of at least 12 months after surgery. We assessed the number of primary care consultations, emergency service utilization, number of hospital admissions and length of hospital stay because of cardiovascular reasons. Results A total of 124 patients had valve surgery. Fifty-eight (47%) completed CR phases I and II while 66 (53%) patients completed only phase 1 (hospitalization). The mean age was 60.19 years (SD 7.76). The most common type of surgery was aortic replacement (54 = 67.7%). Bioprothesis (24.2%) and mechanical prosthesis (48.4%). Period of follow-up: 33.54 months (SD 10.99). We found participation in phase II CR program is significantly associated with a lower number of visits to the emergency room (25.9% vs. 33.4%, P > 0.05), less hospitalizations (15.5% vs. 31.8%, P = 0.016) and shorter length of hospitalization stay (1.33 vs. 4.24 days P = 0.03). Conclusion Participation in phase I and phase II CR program after SVR significantly reduces healthcare services utilization when compared to those patients who do not attend to a phase II CR program. CR among all these kind of patients is long-term cost-effective so it should be encouraged. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]