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While concerns about high-flow nasal cannula oxygen (HFNC) overuse and associated increased use of hospital resources are rapidly spreading, a two-tiered approach in its use is recommended by recent bronchiolitis guidelines. However, data on its effects in practice have not been reported. We aimed to analyze the trends in use of HFNC, hospitalizations, length of stay (LOS), and intensive care unit (ICU) admissions for bronchiolitis in a tertiary care center using a two-tiered HFNC approach since its introduction in practice. We retrospectively included data of children < 12 months of age who presented to the Paediatric Emergency Department (PED) and were hospitalized for bronchiolitis at our institution in the epidemic season between October 1st and April 30th during the years 2012–2023 and compared the clinical data across the years. Of the 687 hospitalized children included, 79.9% required oxygen supplementation. Use of HFNC significantly increased since its implementation (from 25% in 2012–2013 to over 60% since 2019–2020, p < 0.0001) and was most frequently administered as rescue treatment (in 57.5% of patients). There was no increased trend in ICU admissions (between 1.5% and 10.0% of hospitalizations across seasons, p = 0.40), while LOS, after increasing between 2013 and 2016 (medians between 4.0 and 5.4 days), remained stable thereafter (medians between 3.8 and 4.3 days). Conclusions: The use of HFNC according to a two-tiered approach does not appear to be associated with an increase in ICU utilization or LOS. What is Known: • Bronchiolitis is one of the most common reasons for hospitalization in infants. • Use high-flow nasal canulae oxygen (HFNC) has rapidly spread outside the intensive care unit (ICU) to treat infants with bronchiolitis, although increasing evidence has dampened the initial enthusiasm about their effectiveness. • Concerns nowadays are rising about HFNC overuse and associated increased use of hospital resources, including escalation of care to ICU. What is New: • A more selective use of HFNC according to a "two-tiered approach", intended as a second-line rescue treatment in non-severely ill children who fail standard oxygen therapy, is not associated with increased ICU and length of hospital stay. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Colorectal cancer is a leading cause of death worldwide, with a significant number of patients presenting with liver metastases at diagnosis. The best treatment currently involves the surgical removal of these metastases, yet the optimal timing and method for this surgery are still debated among experts. Our analysis revealed no significant difference in overall survival and disease-free survival between a simultaneous surgery approach and a "bowel-first" approach, while a better 5-year overall survival (5-OS) was found when comparing the former to a "liver-first" approach. However, simultaneous surgeries are associated with a higher risk of perioperative mortality, suggesting that staged surgery might be more beneficial for high-risk patients. This emphasizes the need for personalized treatment plans. Our findings also suggest that anatomic and non-anatomic resections offer similar long-term survival benefits, highlighting the potential for more conservative surgeries to preserve liver function without compromising the effectiveness of cancer treatment. Surgical resection is the gold standard for treating synchronous colorectal liver metastases (CRLM). The resection of the primary tumor and metastatic lesions can follow different sequences: "simultaneous", "bowel-first", and "liver-first". Conservative approaches, such as parenchymal-sparing surgery and segmentectomy, may serve as alternatives to major hepatectomy. A comprehensive search of Medline, Epistemonikos, Scopus, and the Cochrane Library was conducted. Studies evaluating patients who underwent surgery for CRLM and reported survival results were included. Other secondary outcomes were analyzed, including disease-free survival, perioperative complications and mortality, and recurrence rates. Quality assessment was performed using the AMSTAR-2 method. No significant differences in overall survival, disease-free survival, and secondary outcomes were observed when comparing simultaneous to "bowel-first" resections, despite a higher rate of perioperative mortality in the former group. The 5-year OS was significantly higher for simultaneous resection compared to "liver-first" resection. No significant differences in OS and DFS were noted when comparing "liver-first" to "bowel-first" resection, or anatomic to non-anatomic resection. Our umbrella review validates simultaneous surgery as an effective oncological approach for treating SCRLM, though the increased risk of perioperative morbidity highlights the importance of selecting suitable patients. Non-anatomic resections might be favored to preserve liver function and enable future surgical interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study explores the use of in situ electrochemical process to regenerate granular activated carbon (GAC) loaded with carbendazim (CBZ) and simultaneously oxidize the contaminant. The experiment optimized the flow rate ($Q$ Q), current density ($j$ j), cathodic or anodic chamber, and electrolyte type to achieve the best results. The study found that using GAC in the cathodic chamber and NaCl as a supporting electrolyte, with a $j$ j = 0.5 mA cm−2, and $Q$ Q = 100 L h−1, led to a 64% regeneration with an energy consumption of 0.15 kWh kg−1, which is at least 16× lower than those found in the literature for electrochemical, microwave and thermal processes. Consecutive regeneration tests revealed a decrease in GAC adsorptive capacity over time due to blockage by transformation products, and mainly by oxidation-induced changes in pore structure, as confirmed in dissolved organic carbon (DOC), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and surface area results. The results also showed that in all tested conditions, residual CBZ was not found in the electrolyte solution. Overall, electrochemical regeneration proved to be an energy-efficient method for extending the lifespan of GAC and minimizing disposal in landfills. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Liver transplantation is a treatment option for nonresectable patients with early-stage HCC, with more significant advantages when Milan criteria are fulfilled. An immunosuppressive regimen is required to reduce the risk of graft rejection after transplantation, and CNIs represent the drugs of choice in this setting. However, their inhibitory effect on T-cell activity accounts for a higher risk of tumour regrowth. mTOR inhibitors (mTORi) have been introduced as an alternative immunosuppressive approach to conventional CNI-based regimens to address both immunosuppression and cancer control. The PI3K-AKT-mTOR signalling pathway regulates protein translation, cell growth, and metabolism, and the pathway is frequently deregulated in human tumours. Several studies have suggested the role of mTORi in reducing HCC progression after LT, accounting for a lower recurrence rate. Furthermore, mTOR immunosuppression controls the renal damage associated with CNI exposure. Conversion to mTOR inhibitors is associated with stabilizing and recovering renal dysfunction, suggesting an essential renoprotective effect. Limitations in this therapeutic approach are related to their negative impact on lipid and glucose metabolism as well as on proteinuria development and wound healing. This review aims to summarize the roles of mTORi in managing patients with HCC undergoing LT. Strategies to overcome common adverse effects are also proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Immune dysregulation plays a key role in the pathogenesis of steroid-dependent/frequently relapsing nephrotic syndrome (SDNS/FRNS). However, in contrast with evidence from the pediatric series, no major B- or T-cell alterations have been described for adults. In these patients, treatment with rituximab allows safe discontinuation of steroids, but long-term efficacy is variable, and some patients experience NS relapses after B cell reconstitution. In this study, we aimed to determine disease-associated changes in the B and T cell phenotype of adult patients with SDND/FRNS after steroid-induced remission. We also investigated whether any of these changes in immune cell subsets could discriminate between patients who developed NS relapses after steroid-sparing treatment with rituximab from those who did not. Lymphocyte subsets in SDNS/FRNS patients (n = 18) were compared to those from patients with steroid-resistant NS (SRNS, n = 7) and healthy volunteers (HV, n = 15). Before rituximab, SDND/FRNS patients showed increased frequencies of total and memory B cells, mainly with a CD38-negative phenotype. Within the T-cell compartment, significantly lower levels of FOXP3+ regulatory T cells (Tregs) were found, mostly due to a reduction in CD45RO+ memory Tregs compared to both SRNS and HV. The levels of CD45RO+ Tregs were significantly lower at baseline in patients who relapsed after rituximab (n = 9) compared to patients who did not (n = 9). In conclusion, patients with SDND/FRNS displayed expansion of memory B cells and reduced memory Tregs. Treg levels at baseline may help identify patients who will achieve sustained remission following rituximab infusion from those who will experience NS relapses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Most people infected with Leishmania remain asymptomatic, which is a common element that may promote the resurgence of clinically evident leishmaniasis in individuals with impaired cell-mediated immune responses. Unfortunately, there is no universally accepted assay to identify asymptomatic infection. This cross-sectional study focuses on the employment of three methods targeting different features of the parasitic infection to be used in combination for the screening of latent leishmaniasis in a newly endemic area of northeastern Italy. Methodology/principle findings: The selected methods included highly sensitive Real-Time PCR for detection of parasitic kinetoplast (k)DNA in peripheral blood, Western Blot (WB) for detection of specific IgG, and Whole Blood stimulation Assay (WBA) to evaluate the anti-leishmanial T-cell response by quantifying the production of IL-2 after stimulation of patients' blood with Leishmania specific antigens. Among 145 individuals, living in a municipality of the Bologna province, northeastern Italy, recruited and screened for Leishmania infection, 23 subjects tested positive (15.9%) to one or more tests. Positive serology was the most common marker of latent leishmaniasis (15/145, 10%), followed by the detection of specific cell-mediated response (12/145, 8%), while only few individuals (6/145, 4%) harbored parasitic DNA in the blood. Conclusions/significance: Combining different tests substantially increased the yield of positivity in detecting latent Leishmania infection. The test combination that we employed in this study appears to be effective to accurately identify latent leishmaniasis in an endemic area. Author summary: After infection with Leishmania infantum cutaneous or visceral leishmaniasis can develop, but in most cases the host becomes an asymptomatic carrier of the parasite. This key population of individuals with latent leishmaniasis can undergo reactivation of the infection with severe outcome in case of immunosuppression and can contribute to disease transmission. The public health impact of leishmaniasis is currently underestimated in Europe, despite Leishmania infection is endemic in the Mediterranean countries and outbreaks of human leishmaniasis have been reported in the last decades, including northeastern Italy. One of the causes contributing to this neglect is that the available diagnostic tests exhibit scarce sensitivity in identification of latent leishmaniasis. In this study, we identified latent Leishmania infection in a newly endemic area of northeastern Italy by using three different diagnostic methods; serological, molecular and immunological tests. Sixteen percent of individuals residing in the selected area were shown to be positive to at least one of the three tests, which indicates that they have been in contact with the parasite. This study highlights the importance of test combination to enhance the ability to identify latent Leishmania infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Localising sounds means having the ability to process auditory cues deriving from the interplay among sound waves, the head and the ears. When auditory cues change because of temporary or permanent hearing loss, sound localization becomes difficult and uncertain. The brain can adapt to altered auditory cues throughout life and multisensory training can promote the relearning of spatial hearing skills. Here, we study the training potentials of sound-oriented motor behaviour to test if a training based on manual actions toward sounds can learning effects that generalize to different auditory spatial tasks. We assessed spatial hearing relearning in normal hearing adults with a plugged ear by using visual virtual reality and body motion tracking. Participants performed two auditory tasks that entail explicit and implicit processing of sound position (head-pointing sound localization and audio-visual attention cueing, respectively), before and after having received a spatial training session in which they identified sound position by reaching to auditory sources nearby. Using a crossover design, the effects of the above-mentioned spatial training were compared to a control condition involving the same physical stimuli, but different task demands (i.e., a non-spatial discrimination of amplitude modulations in the sound). According to our findings, spatial hearing in one-ear plugged participants improved more after reaching to sound trainings rather than in the control condition. Training by reaching also modified head-movement behaviour during listening. Crucially, the improvements observed during training generalize also to a different sound localization task, possibly as a consequence of acquired and novel head-movement strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Artemisia annua L. is a medicinal plant appreciated for the production of artemisinin, a molecule used for malaria treatment. However, the natural concentration of artemisinin in planta is low. Plant nutrition, in particular phosphorus, and arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi can affect both plant biomass and secondary metabolite production. In this work, A. annua plants were ino- culated or not with the AM fungus Funneliformis mosseae BEG12 and cultivated for 2 months in controlled conditions at three different phosphatic (P) concentrations (32, 96, and 288 µM). Plant growth parameters, leaf photosynthetic pigment concentrations, artemisinin production, and mineral uptake were evaluated. The different P levels significantly affected the plant shoot growth, AM fungal colonization, and mineral acquisition. High P levels negatively influenced mycorrhizal colonization. The artemisinin concentration was inversely correlated to the P level in the substrate. The fungus mainly affected root growth and nutrient uptake and significantly lowered leaf artemisinin concentration. In conclusion, P nutrition can influence plant biomass production and the lowest phosphate level led to the highest artemisinin concentration, irrespective of the plant mineral uptake. Plant responses to AM fungi can be modulated by cost–benefit ratios of the mutualistic exchange between the partners and soil nutrient availability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The linguistic structure of the Western Christian discourse about economics as resembling and symbolizing the entire logic of earthly government and order was closely connected to the shaping of the Christian discourse about Jews and Judaism as a religious and legal system as seen in the framework of the Christian "economy" of Salvation. Seeing the Christian representation of Jews and Judaism from this viewpoint, it becomes evident that a close historical relationship has existed between the history of Western anti-Judaism and the shaping of the Western Christian way of analyzing and representing public and private economic organization. Otherwise stated, there is a close relationship between European anti-Judaism and Western economics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previous works have suggested that arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi can enhance the quality of plant products and fruits. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of AM fungi on Cucumis melo plant growth, yield, fitness and fruit quality. Inoculated and uninoculated plants of two melon cultivars (Baggio and Expò) were grown in field under common agronomic practices. In addition, a greenhouse test was run on cv. Expò in order to assess the effects of AM inoculation on shoot, leaf and flower development in semi-controlled conditions. In comparison to controls, AM plants flowered earlier, produced more flowers and their pulp contained more sugars and carotenoids. The symbiosis also improved seed size and weight, as well as their germination and root elongation in the first stages of growth in field. Concluding, AM inoculation significantly improved fruit quality in field, under commercial production conditions, also leading to the development of seeds with higher germination rate and increasing plant fitness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Clustering is an unsupervised machine learning methodology widely used in several sciences to find groups of similar patterns in complex data. The results generated by clustering algorithms generally depend on user-defined input parameters such as the number of expected clusters, which can have a great impact on the homogeneity of the identified clusters. Clustering validity indices (CVIs) are an effective method for determining the optimal number of clusters that best fit the natural partition of a dataset. They do not require any underlying assumption nor a priori knowledge about the true dataset structure. Since 1965, many cluster validity indices have been proposed in the literature and used in several different applications. In this paper, the performance of 68 cluster validity indices was evaluated on 21 real-life research and simulated datasets. CVIs were compared on the same partition for each dataset, which was searched for by the k -means clustering algorithm. Multivariate chemometric methods were applied to disclose mutual relationships among the indices and to select those that are more effective in terms of accuracy and reliability. • How to detect a reliable number of clusters by cluster validity indices (CVIs). • 68 validity indices for crisp clustering surveyed and carefully described. • CVIs evaluated by comparison on 21 real and simulated diverse datasets. • CVIs based on the min/max decision rule provide more reliable results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Discrepancies between experimental and theoretical flow rates also depend on the fact that the model is not correct for the case HT ht . (10a)-(10c) are recommended in the original paper for practical applications, given that simple discharge-stage relations (explicit in HT ht ) are common and very useful in practice ([1]). (7a) and (7b) for critical depth lower and, respectively, higher than HT ht . The length of the sloping sides HT ht and the base HT ht of the trapezoid remain the same because the induced size curvature is quite negligible. [Extracted from the article]

Forkhead box (FOX) proteins belong to an evolutionarily conserved family of transcription factors that has evolved by gene/genome duplication. FOX family members have undergone sequence and regulatory diversification. However, they have retained some degree of functional redundancy, in addition to playing specific roles, both during development and in the adult. Genetic alterations or misregulation of FOX genes underlie human genetic diseases, cancer, and/or aging. In this review, we provide an updated overview of the main characteristics of the members of this family, in terms of breadth of expression, protein domain composition, evolution, and function. Forkhead box (FOX) proteins belong to an evolutionarily conserved family of transcription factors involved in critical functions during development and in the adult. FOX proteins display some degree of functional redundancy as well as specific roles. Alterations of FOX genes are responsible for human genetic diseases, cancer, and aging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Pituitary carcinomas are poorly understood, rare entities. They are distinguished from adenomas not by histopathological features but rather by the presence of metastases. Objective: We discuss the diagnosis, mechanism of dissemination and pathogenesis based on a review of the literature and illustrated by a singular case. Case Report: A 59-year-old male presented with a dural-based posterior fossa lesion. He had been diagnosed with a pituitary chromophobe adenoma 43 years earlier that was treated at the time with surgery and radiation therapy. A presumptive diagnosis of a radiation-induced meningioma was made and surgery was recommended. At surgery the tumour resembled a pituitary adenoma. Histopathology, laboratory findings, and the patient's medical history confirmed the final diagnosis of a prolactin-secreting pituitary carcinoma. To our knowledge, this is the longest reported interval between the pituitary adenoma and metastatic lesion diagnosis (43 years). Conclusion: Management should be tailored to individual patient and may include a combination of treatments (surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and hormone-targeted therapy). Functionally active tumours may be monitored with hormone levels as tumour markers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Primary ovarian insufficiency (POI) implies the cessation of menstruation for several months in women before the age of 40 years and is a major cause of infertility. The study of the contribution of genetic factors to POI has been fueled by the use of whole exome sequencing (WES). Here, to uncover novel causative pathogenic variants and risk alleles, WES has been performed in 12 patients with familial POI (eight unrelated index cases and two pairs of sisters) and six women with early menopause and family history of POI (four index cases and one pair of sisters). Likely causative variants in NR5A1 and MCM9 genes were identified as well as a variant in INHA that requires further investigation. Moreover, we have identified more than one candidate variant in 3 out of 15 familial cases. Taken together, our results highlight the genetic heterogeneity of POI and early menopause and support the hypothesis of an oligogenic inheritance of such conditions, in addition to monogenic inheritance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The flexible shape Palmer-Bowlus flume is a simple device for flow measurement in free-surface flow circular channels and conduits. In this study, the discharge-stage relation for Palmer-Bowlus flumes is determined based on the Bernoulli theorem. The proposed analytical method is able to account for geometric peculiarities and shape deformation of the flume for adaptation to pipes of different diameters, without need of experimental calibration. Experimental tests on different conduits demonstrate the robustness of the theoretical formulation for reliable free-surface flow measurement. Empirical criteria are also provided for assessing the limit of the proposed discharge-stage relation. The research will further encourage and support the use of these flexible and versatile flumes for hydraulic engineering applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background  The description and refinement of the transsphenoidal approach would not be possible without new tools and technologies developed by surgeons to facilitate this approach, which is nowadays the standard procedure for more than 90% of sellar lesions. The latest major change in transsphenoidal surgery was the introduction of the rigid endoscope and the subsequent description of the endoscopic endonasal approach. Traditional bayoneted instruments, when used for this technique, were inadequate. New instruments designed, specifically for this technique, are necessary to facilitate the surgeon's work and improve patient outcome. Objective  This study describes a novel design of dissectors created specifically for endoscopic endonasal approaches. Methods  To develop and design the Angelina dissectors, we used our extensive surgical experience to identify the shortcomings of the available dissectors used for transsphenoidal surgery and created the Angelina dissectors. Results  The Angelina dissector was designed with a unique shaft shape which facilitates endoscopic endonasal surgery. Conclusion  Even though an endoscopic endonasal approach is possible using other instruments, the design of these dissectors aids the surgeon's work. It is our impression, based on personal experience that it allows more freedom of movement and dexterity during the procedure, which could translate as an improved patient outcome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article, titled "Endoscopic Treatment of Proximal Esophageal Stricture: A Case Report," discusses the case of a 60-year-old male who is receiving endoscopic treatment for a proximal esophageal stricture caused by caustic ingestion 18 years ago. The treatment involves incising the fibrotic tissue using a needle-knife papillotome and then performing pneumatic dilation up to 20 mm. After the procedure, the patient is prescribed a short course of oral budesonide gel. This treatment regimen allows the patient to maintain a regular diet and avoid parenteral nutrition. The article includes a video of the case report. [Extracted from the article]

This article, titled "Gastrointestinal bleeding and aortic stenosis: Heyde's syndrome," discusses the case of an 80-year-old man who presented with rectal bleeding and anemia. The patient had a history of atrial fibrillation and severe aortic stenosis. After undergoing various endoscopic procedures, small angiodysplasias were found in the cecum and ileum, but no active bleeding was observed. The medical team suspected Heyde's syndrome and referred the patient to the Cardiac Surgery Department, where transcatheter aortic valve implantation was performed. Since the procedure, the patient has not experienced any further episodes of gastrointestinal bleeding or anemia. [Extracted from the article]

Approaches of high-level data fusion, also known as consensus, combine predictions of individual models to increase reliability and overcome limitations of single models. Consensus strategies are frequently applied in the framework of Quantitative Structure - Activity Relationships (QSARs) to reduce the uncertainties in the prediction of molecular activities and provide better accuracy of the model outcomes. However, specific regions of the chemical space may systematically be associated with low accuracy and even consensus modelling cannot improve prediction reliability through the multiple outcomes of individual models. In this study, a new heuristic metric to assess the degree of accuracy of consensus predictions in the chemical space is proposed. This metric can assist the mapping of reliability in prediction and enhance the delineation of a safe zone, where consensus predictions are expected to have better accuracy. The new metric is calculated by kernel-based potential functions and it can be used in the framework of both classification and regression consensus modelling. Four case studies, including extensive datasets for consensus modelling, were used to test the proposed approach. Results demonstrated that a potential can be associated with regions of the chemical space as a function of accuracy of consensus modelling and it can be used to enable the mapping of reliability in prediction and the definition of specific regions where predictions are expected to be more reliable. • Consensus (high level data fusion) can reduce uncertainties in predictions. • Areas of the chemical space may systematically be related with low accuracy. • We propose a new metric to assess the degree of accuracy of consensus predictions. • Four extensive datasets for consensus modelling were used to test it. • Results demonstrated that kernel-based potential can map prediction reliability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

According to the 2015 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, marijuana continues to be the most common illicit recreational drug used in the US. Cannabis is associated with systemic reactions that potentially affect perioperative outcomes. We have reviewed the most important pharmacological aspects and pathophysiological effects that should be considered during the perioperative management of chronic cannabis/cannabinoids users. The synthetic analogues provide higher potency with increased risk for complications. High cannabinoid liposolubility favors rapid accumulation in fatty tissue which prolongs its elimination up to several days after exposure. The multi-systemic effects of cannabinoids and their pharmacological interactions with anesthetic agents may lead to serious consequences. Low doses of cannabinoids have been associated with increased sympathetic response (tachycardia, hypertension and increased contractility) with high levels of norepinephrine detected 30 min after use. High doses enhance parasympathetic tone leading to dose-dependent bradycardia and hypotension. Severe vascular complications associated with cannabis exposure may include malignant arrhythmias, coronary spasm, sudden death, cerebral hypoperfusion and stroke. Bronchial hyperreactivity and upper airway obstruction are commonly reported in cannabis users. Postoperative hypothermia, shivering and increased platelet aggregation have been also documented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper studies in depth the first flush concept with the aim of exploiting the potential of this phenomenon for an effective and economical implementation of stormwater quality control practices. A quantitative first flush methodology recently proposed in the scientific literature is applied to discrete water quality data of different pollution parameters from an Italian database. The methodology is rigorous and effective for characterising the dynamics of different pollutant types in wet-weather runoff, allowing an assessment of the first flush strength and the detection of the runoff volume required to reduce concentrations to background levels peculiar of the catchment. A strong reduction in concentration is attained after 3 mm runoff, but the achievement of background levels for all pollutant parameters requires the transit of 6 mm runoff. Sensitivity analysis shows the crucial role of the event selection criteria for enhancing the robustness of the methodology. The advantages of the adopted procedure are also highlighted by comparison with the widely used Mass First Flush Ratio method. The results are also compared with Italian guidelines for the design of stormwater quality control measures, pointing out the fruitfulness and profitability of the methodology for decision making in this context. • The method accounts for the dynamics of different pollutants in stormwater runoff. • Reliable first flush definition is used to guide decisions on stormwater control. • The method supports effective stormwater control to intercept the first flush volume. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ranking and multi-criteria decision-making approaches are useful tools to analyse multivariate data and obtain useful insights into data structure and the relationships between samples and variables. In this study, we present a new ranking approach, named Deep Ranking Analysis by Power Eigenvectors (DRAPE), which is based on the Power-Weakness Ratio analysis and provides a set of sequential rankings. Such a sequential ranking procedure allows to gather deeper insights into the analysed dataset. Moreover, by a "retro"-regression procedure, the relevance of each variable in determining the final rankings can be assessed, while a consensus ranking can be obtained by a Principal Component Analysis (PCA). In this study, we present the theory of the novel method, and show three applications to real datasets. Image 1 • DRAPE is a ranking method based on the Power-Weakness Ratio. • Different thresholds are automatically selected from the tournament table. • For each threshold a ranking is obtained. • Regression between PWR ranks and variables provides insight to ranking results. • A consensus analysis can be performed on the whole set of rankings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper proposes a novel power flow formulation and solution algorithm for a generalized large-scale interconnected transmission system encompassing multi-frequency HVac and HVdc grids having arbitrary numbers of buses, topologies, and operating frequencies. Back-to-back and ac/dc voltage-source converters are employed to interconnect and control the voltage and power interchange between two power grids operating at different frequencies. The power Flow formulation is based on a steady-state model of back-to-back and ac/dc converters operated in centralized and distributed droop control strategies. Each power grid is represented by a set of nonlinear power balance equations. These equations are solved simultaneously using a unified power flow algorithm, taking into account generator and converter limits. It is shown that the solution convergence is achieved rapidly despite the system size, topology, and converter control strategies. The efficacy and accuracy of the proposed steady-state solution algorithm are demonstrated by comparing the numerical solution to the one obtained by time-domain electromagnetic models of multi-frequency HVac and HVdc transmission systems with fully controllable back-to-back and ac/dc converters. The results obtained by using the proposed algorithm and the time-domain simulation are practically identical. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Introduction: the Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) is considered to be an efficient treatment of obesity. There is an improvement in the dietary intake in the immediate postoperative period, but after the first year there is a tendency to return to the old pre-surgery habits. The objective of the present study was to compare the dietary intake of women in the late postoperative period after RYGB with the recommendations of the specific bariatric food pyramid. Methodology: the whole population of patients submitted to RYGB being accompanied by two out-patients departments of the Complexo Hospital de Clínicas of Universidade Federal do Paraná in the period from March to September 2017 were considered, selecting only those who conformed to the inclusion criteria. The analyses carried out were: the hospital records, anthropometric evaluation, basal metabolic rate by indirect calorimetry, food consumption and questionnaires concerning physical activity, food intolerance and the dumping syndrome. The food consumption was separated into food groups in order to compare with the specific pyramid. Descriptive analyses were used to characterize the sample. Results: it can be seen that the percent of macronutrients in relation to the total energy value (TEV) was within the values established by the recommended dietary allowances (RDA), although with respect to fiber, 68% of the participants showed a consumption below the adequate intake (AI). Inadequacy was observed for practically all the components when comparing the number of portions per food group of the bariatric pyramid, with the exception of the protein group. Conclusion: after RYGB, the dietary consumption was compromised in quantity and quality. In addition, in the late postoperative period, women tended to choose high calorie dense foods poor in fiber, a fact that is aggravated by the presence of food intolerances. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Surgical resection of vestibular schwannomas (VS) located within the internal auditory canal (IAC) is challenging, especially those located very laterally in the IAC. Various transcranial approaches have been described for resection of intracanalicular VS including retrosigmoid, translabyrinthine, and middle fossa approaches. Each approach has its indications, advantages, and limitations. The middle fossa approach (MFA) is considered by many authors as the gold standard approach for resection of small intracanalicular VS in young patients with serviceable hearing; however, there is often a limitation in complete visualization of the tumor. Methods The authors present an illustrative case to highlight the technical nuances of complementary use of endoscopy in MFA for complete resection of intracanalicular VS located at the IAC fundus, preserving preoperative hearing status and mainting intact facial nerve function. Results In our experience, the combined use of the endoscope and the microspe as described here and illustrated in our case, improves visualization of the IAC and its contents, improving ressection and outcomes. Conclusions MFA allows for a direct yet safe surgical corridor to small intracanalicular VS. The implementation of endoscopy with MFA, especially for VS located laterally in the IAC, allows for better opportunity for complete resection of the tumor with improved preservation of hearing and facial nerve function. Highlights • Surgical resection of vestibular schwannomas (VS) located within the internal auditory canal (IAC) is challenging. • MFA allows for a direct yet safe surgical corridor to small intracanalicular VS. • Implementation of endoscopy with MFA, especially for VS located laterally in the IAC, allows for complete resection. • Improved preservation of hearing and facial nerve function can result. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The applications of Au thin films and their adhesion layers often suffer from a lack of sufficient information about the chemical states of adhesion layers and about the high-lateral-resolution crystallographic morphology of Au nanograins. Here, we demonstrate the in-depth evolution of the chemical states of adhesive layers at the interfaces and the crystal orientation mapping of gold nanograins with a lateral resolution of less than 10 nm in a Ti/Au/Cr tri-layer thin film system. Using transmission electron microscopy, the variation in the interdiffusion at Cr/Au and Ti/Au interfaces was confirmed. From X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) depth profiling, the chemical states of Cr, Au and Ti were characterized layer by layer, suggesting the insufficient oxidation of the adhesive layers. At the interfaces the Au 4f peaks shift to higher binding energies and this behavior can be described by a proposed model based on electron reorganization and substrate-induced final-state neutralization in small Au clusters supported by the partially oxidized Ti layer. Utilizing transmission Kikuchi diffraction (TKD) in a scanning electron microscope, the crystal orientation of Au nanograins between two adhesion layers was non-destructively characterized with sub-10 nm spatial resolution. The results provide nanoscale insights into the Ti/Au/Cr thin film system and contribute to our understanding of its behavior in nano-optic and nano-electronic devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The multivariate method, partial least-squares (PLS), was used as a calibration procedure for the simultaneous UV spectrophotometric determination of ezetimibe and simvastatin in their pharmaceutical forms. The method was developed and satisfactorily validated according to International Conference on Harmonization guidelines with respect to specificity, linearity, precision, accuracy, and robustness. In this study, the PLS algorithms are based on the absorption spectra of 25 different mixtures of drugs obtained by a multilevel factorial design. The method was linear in the concentration range of 2-8 µg/mL for ezetimibe and 4-16 µg/mL for simvastatin (r² > 0.99; n = 7) at wavelengths of 238 and 247 nm, respectively. The LOD and LOQ were 0.28 and 0.93 µg/mL for ezetimibe and 0.16 and 0.53 µg/mL for simvastatin, respectively. Precision and accuracy data, evaluated by RSD, were lower than 2%. The method, which proved to be robust, was performed with a 2n full-factorial design. The validated method is simple and low cost, has a low use of polluting reagents, and is environmental friendly. Therefore, the proposed method was successfully applied for the simultaneous quantitative analysis of ezetimibe and simvastatin in commercial formulations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Transmission Kikuchi diffraction (TKD) facilitates automated orientation mapping of thin films in scanning electron microscopes (SEM). In this study TKD is applied for the first time to perform in-situ annealing experiments on gold thin films deposited on a MEMS-based heating system. The very local heating associated with this system enables reliable TKD measurements at elevated temperatures without notable disturbance from infrared radiation. The dewetting of an Au thin film into Au nanoparticles upon heating is followed with orientation mapping in a temperature range between 20 °C and 900 °C. The local thickness variation associated with the dewetting is observed qualitatively by observing the intensity of the transmitted beam, which decreases as the film thickness increases locally. The results of this study reveal that TKD is a well suited technique to study thin-film stability and solid state dewetting. Moreover, the outcome of this methodological study provides a baseline for further in-situ crystallographic studies of electron transparent samples in the SEM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] maturity group (MG) is an important concept used to determine the most suitable macroregion and edaphoclimatic region (ECR) in which soybean can best use the available resources. This classification is based on the number of days between sowing and maturation in the soybean life cycle. The MG is related to photoperiod; thus, the longer the photoperiod, the shorter the MG of cultivars must be to have an adequate life cycle. However, there is no consensus on which MGs are the most suitable for each region to improve grain yield. The objective of this study was to identify suitable soybean MGs for cultivation in the macroregions and ECRs in Brazil. During 4 yr of evaluation, grain yield data from 247 yield trials over 83 locations, encompassing four macroregions and 14 ECRs in Brazil, were used. Cultivars were grouped according to their MG for statistical analyses. Using these groups, the ideal genotypes and performance according to local analyses were determined. The best adapted and most productive cultivars were those with an intermediate MG in their predefined adaptation region (both macroregions and ECR). The maturities that performed the best in each macroregion were as follows: M1 (cultivars in MGs 5.3-5.9) M2 (cultivars in MGs 6.0-7.0), M3 (cultivars in MGs 7.1-7.9), and M4 (cultivars in MGs 7.7-8.4). A lower productivity was observed in cultivars in extreme MGs for each macroregion. Breeding program efforts should target the MGs identified as ideal for each ECR to develop cultivars with a greater chance of achieving high yields and with greater adaptability to the specific region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Several studies have shown a significant increase in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) grain yield (GY) worldwide during the 20th century as a result of genetic and environmental improvement. The objective of this study was to measure the genetic gains achieved in a wheat breeding program maintained by the Central Cooperative of Agricultural Research (COO DETEC) in Brazil through the annual evaluation of lines in multienvironment trials. The dataset was composed of 836 advanced trials and was evaluated in 40 representative locations to assess the value for cultivation and use (VCU) regions in the south, southeast, and central-west areas of the country from 2004 to 2013. Each trial consisted of 25 treatments (lines + checks) in a randomized complete block design with three replicates. A linear mixed model was fitted to predict the genetic values of each genotype per year and a restricted maximum likelihood algorithm to estimate the variance components. These genetic values were used to compute the genetic gain over the years. The overall estimated genetic gain of the breeding program was 61.59 kg ha-1 yr-1 (1.68% yr-1) for GY, although it was partially counterbalanced by the estimated negative environmental effects. The genetic gain per VCU region ranged from 31.38 (VCU 4) to 115.33 kg ha-1 yr-1 (VCU 1). After accounting for the environmental changes over years, the yield gain was 39.40 kg ha-1 yr-1 (1.10% yr-1), ranging from -0.82 (VCU 3) to 3.35% yr-1 (VCU 1). The assessment of Brazilian cultivars released between 1998 and 2014 showed genetic gains in GY of 34.8 kg ha-1 yr-1 (1% yr-1), demonstrating that the efforts of Brazilian research institutions to develop cultivars have produced additive results. The implications of genetic gain estimates on breeding programs are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plant Growth Promoting Bacteria (PGPB) and Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi (AMF) can positively affect plant nutrition and growth. Recent studies have also shown that rhizospheric microorganisms can result in improved fruit features. Aim of this work was to evaluate, in an industrial farming, the effects of three selected biostimulants (consisting of a mix of Plant Growth Promoting Bacteria and Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi), employed in conditions of reduced fertilization on yield, fruit quality and nutritional value. Tomato plants were inoculated with AM fungi and Pseudomonas sp. 19Fv1T or P. fluorescens C7, transplanted and grown in open field under conditions of reduced fertilization. The impact of the microorganisms on the fruit yield and nutritional value was assessed by measuring the production, fruit size and concentration of soluble sugars, organic acids, carotenoids and ascorbate. The size and biomass of tomato fruits were affected by the inocula. Sugar concentration was increased by the selected microorganisms. All the mixtures induced an enhancement of malic acid, while double colonization with AMF and PGPB increased β-carotene concentration in fruits if compared to controls. The results of the present study show that inoculation with soil microorganisms can help to drastically reduce the use of chemical fertilization, maintaining and, in some cases, even improving the tomato fruit yield and quality. This can lead to economical, environmental and human health benefits in relation to the increased sustainability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A new chemoinformatic approach, called Mapping of Activity through Dichotomic Scores, is introduced. Its goal is the supervised projection of molecules, represented with strings of binary digits expressing the presence or absence of selected structural features, onto a novel 2‐dimensional space, which highlights regions of active (inactive) molecules of interest. At the same time, variables are projected onto a second 2‐dimensional space, which highlights those structural features that are more related to the molecular activity of interest. Unlike the classical weighting schemes used in substructural analysis, which consider the substructures independently of each other, the Mapping of Activity through Dichotomic Scores approach considers the interactions between pairs of substructures, that is, their frequencies of cooccurrence in the molecules. In this work, the theory is presented and elucidated, with an example dataset and in comparison with a benchmark fragment‐based scoring scheme. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Long non-coding RNAs (lnc RNAs) regulating gene expression at the chromatin level are widespread among eukaryotes. However, their functions and the mechanisms by which they act are not fully understood. Here, we identify new fission yeast regulatory lnc RNAs that are targeted, at their site of transcription, by the YTH domain of the RNA-binding protein Mmi1 and degraded by the nuclear exosome. We uncover that one of them, nam1, regulates entry into sexual differentiation. Importantly, we demonstrate that Mmi1 binding to this lnc RNA not only triggers its degradation but also mediates its transcription termination, thus preventing lnc RNA transcription from invading and repressing the downstream gene encoding a mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase kinase ( MAPKKK) essential to sexual differentiation. In addition, we show that Mmi1-mediated termination of lnc RNA transcription also takes place at pericentromeric regions where it contributes to heterochromatin gene silencing together with RNA interference ( RNAi). These findings reveal an important role for selective termination of lnc RNA transcription in both euchromatic and heterochromatic lnc RNA-based gene silencing processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) is a spectrum of different diseases, which makes their treatment a challenge. Forkhead box M1 (FOXM1) is an oncogene aberrantly expressed in many solid cancers including serous EOC, but its role in non-serous EOCs remains undefined. We examined FOXM1 expression and its correlation to prognosis across the three major EOC subtypes, and its role in tumorigenesis and chemo-resistance in vitro. Methods: Gene signatures were generated by microarray for 14 clear-cell and 26 endometrioid EOCs, and 15 normal endometrium snap-frozen biopsies. Validation of FOXM1 expression was performed by RT--qPCR and immunohistochemistry in the same samples and additionally in 50 high-grade serous EOCs and in their most adequate normal controls (10 luminal fallopian tube and 20 ovarian surface epithelial brushings). Correlations of FOXM1 expression to clinic-pathological parameters and patients' prognosis were evaluated by Kaplan-Meier and Cox proportional-hazards analyses. OVCAR-3 and two novel deeply characterized EOC cell lines (EOC-CC1 and OSPC2, with clear-cell and serous subtype, respectively) were employed for in vitro studies. Effects of FOXM1 inhibition by transient siRNA transfection were evaluated on cell-proliferation, cell-cycle, colony formation, invasion, and response to conventional first- and second-line anticancer agents, and to the PARP-inhibitor olaparib. Gene signatures of FOXM1-silenced cell lines were generated by microarray and confirmed by RT-qPCR. Results: A significant FOXM1 mRNA up-regulation was found in EOCs compared to normal controls. FOXM1 protein overexpression significantly correlated to serous histology (p = 0.001) and advanced FIGO stage (p = 0.004). Multivariate analyses confirmed FOXM1 protein overexpression as an independent indicator of worse disease specific survival in non-serous EOCs, and of shorter time to progression in platinum-resistant cases. FOXM1 downregulation in EOC cell lines inhibited cell growth and clonogenicity, and promoted the cytotoxic effects of platinum compounds, doxorubicin hydrochloride and olaparib. Upon FOXM1 knock-down in EOC-CC1 and OSPC2 cells, microarray and RT-qPCR analyses revealed the deregulation of several common and other unique subtype-specific FOXM1 putative targets involved in cell cycle, metastasis, DNA repair and drug response. Conclusions: FOXM1 is up-regulated in all three major EOCs subtypes, and is a prognostic biomarker and a potential combinatorial therapeutic target in platinum resistant disease, irrespective of tumor histology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High-grade serous ovarian carcinoma (HGSOC) is the most lethal gynecologic neoplasm, with five-year survival rate below 30%. Early disease detection is of utmost importance to improve HGSOC cure rate. Sera from 168 HGSOC patients and 65 healthy controls were gathered together from two independent collections and stratified into a training set, for miRNA marker identification, and a validation set, for data validation. An innovative statistical approach for microarray data normalization was developed to identify differentially expressed miRNAs. Signature validation in both the training and validation sets was performed by quantitative Real Time PCR (RT-qPCR). In both the training and validation sets, miR-1246, miR-595 and miR-2278 emerged significantly over expressed in the sera of HGSOC patients compared to healthy controls. Receiver Operating Characteristic curve analysis revealed miR-1246 as the best diagnostic biomarker, with a sensitivity of 87%, a specificity of 77% and an accuracy of 84%. This study is the first step in the identification of circulating miRNAs with diagnostic relevance for HGSOC. According to its specificity and sensitivity, circulating miR-1246 levels are worthy to be further investigated as potential diagnostic biomarker for HGSOC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In a 46 XY individual, the presence of the Y chromosome harboring the testis-determining factor ( SRY) triggers testis determination and differentiation. In a 46 XX individual, the absence of SRY and the activation of genes associated with the female pathway lead to ovarian development. The latter process has long been considered as a default pathway. However, recent studies have cast doubts on this dogma. Here, after a brief overview of the main steps of ovarian development, we focus on three genes WNT4, RSPO1 and FOXL2 that are essential for ovarian determination, differentiation and/or maintenance. Special attention is paid to FOXL2 whose mutations are responsible for the blepharophimosis syndrome, often associated with female infertility, and for cancer. We highlight the cooperation of WNT4, RSPO1 and FOXL2 within a regulatory network and the need for further research to better understand their role in defining and maintaining ovarian identity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A correction to the article "Data Analysis in Chemistry and Bio-Medical Sciences," that appeared in this journal is presented.

In this paper, a new concept of similarity is introduced with the aim of detecting higher-order similarities among objects, and meta-distances and meta-similarities are derived from it. A total of 100 meta-distances were obtained from a set of ten classical distances and were compared, in terms of classification performances, against classical distance measures. Classification methods based on local similarity analysis and several benchmark datasets were used. In several cases, the non-error rate ( NER ) of classifiers based on the new meta-distances significantly increased with respect to that of the classical Euclidean distance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We describe a 29-year-old patient who complained of left thigh muscle weakness since he was 23 and of moderate proximal weakness of both lower limbs with difficulty in climbing stairs and running since he was 27. Mild weakness of iliopsoas and quadriceps muscles and muscle atrophy of both the distal forearm and thigh were observed upon clinical examination. He harboured a novel c.1150-3C>G substitution in the DMD gene, affecting the intron 10 acceptor splice site and causing exon 11 skipping and an out-of-frame transcript. However, protein of normal molecular weight but in reduced amounts was observed on Western Blot analysis. Reverse transcription analysis on muscle RNA showed production, via alternative splicing, of a transcript missing exon 11 as well as a low abundant full-length transcript which is enough to avoid the severe Duchenne phenotype. Our study showed that a reduced amount of full length dystrophin leads to a mild form of Becker muscular dystrophy. These results confirm earlier findings that low amounts of dystrophin can be associated with a milder phenotype, which is promising for therapies aiming at dystrophin restoration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Innovative therapies in cervical cancer (CC) remain a priority. Recent data indicate that human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-protease inhibitors used in highly active antiretroviral therapy can exert direct antitumor activities also in HIV-free preclinical and clinical models. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the antineoplastic effects of various HIV-protease inhibitors (indinavir, ritonavir and saquinavir) on primary and established CC cell lines. Two CC cell lines established in our laboratory and four commercially available CC cell lines were treated with indinavir, ritonavir and saquinavir at different concentrations and for different times. Proliferation, clonogenicity and radiosensitivity were evaluated by crystal violet staining. Proteasomal activities were assessed using a cell-based assay and immunoblotting. Cell cycle was analyzed by propidium iodide staining and flow cytometric analysis. Invasion was tested with Matrigel chambers. A t-test for paired samples was used for statistical analysis. In all cell lines, saquinavir was more effective than ritonavir in reducing cell proliferation and inhibiting proteasomal activities (P=0.05). Conversely, indinavir exerted a negligible effect. The saquinavir concentrations required to modulate the proteasome activities were higher than those observed to be effective in inhibiting cell proliferation. In HeLa cells, saquinavir was strongly effective in inhibiting cell invasion and clonogenicity (P≤0.05) at concentrations much lower than those required to perturb proteasomal activities. Saquinavir did not contribute to increase the sensitivity of HeLa cells to X-rays. In conclusion, the present results demonstrate that saquinavir is able to significantly reduce cell proliferation, cell invasion and clonogenicity in a proteasome-independent manner in in vitro models of CC, and suggest that saquinavir could be a promising CC therapeutic agent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Pre-trained deep learning models can be effectively used to detect power quality disturbances. • A new approach is proposed and validated using real-time data. • This approach is based on the use of Transfer Learning and adopts images of voltage waveforms. • The proposed approach allows reducing the complexity of the training process and is suitable for real-time deployment. Power quality disturbances (PQDs) consist in deviation of voltage and current waveforms from the ideal sinusoid at fundamental frequency, and need to be monitored to ensure a reliabile electrical supply. While, traditionally, power quality monitoring has been performed using signal processing techniques, coupled with shallow Machine Learning classifiers or wave change detection methods, more recently, new approaches, based on Deep Learning, have been proposed. These methods have the potential to achieve high classification accuracy and to remove the need of extensive data pre-processing, hence being more suitable for real-time deployments. However, high classification performance has been only demonstrated using synthetically generated data. In order to address limitations related to processing time and accuracy, this paper proposes a novel end-to-end framework for automated detection of PQDs based on Deep Transfer Learning. The proposed approach uses a small set of images of voltage waveforms to train the model and classify different types of PQDs. This method leverages on the high performance of existing pre-trained models for image classification and shows consistent high accuracy for data with varying resolution. The proposed methodology provides a pathway towards effective deployment of Deep Learning in power quality monitoring systems and real-time applications. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work presents the weighted power–weakness ratio (wPWR), a multivariate index for multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) and ranking comparison. The index derives from the power–weakness ratio (PWR) originally proposed to select the strongest winner of tournaments, which has been re-adapted in this study to solve MCDM problems. Key features of wPWR are: (1) its multivariate character, (2) the ability to account simultaneously for the strengths and weaknesses of each element, (3) the possibility to weight criteria according to previous knowledge about the problem. In order to analyze wPWR, we selected three datasets available in scientific literature. The obtained wPWR scores and rankings were compared with four well-established techniques: Simple Average Ranking, Dominance, Reciprocal Rank Fusion and Kendall–Wei approach. Where rankings obtained by other techniques were available from literature, they were also included in the analysis. Results highlighted a correct correlation between wPWR and the other ranking measures, but also interesting differences that support its introduction in the field of MCDM and chemometrics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A simple, stability-indicating, and compatible method by liquid chromatography with ultraviolet (LC-UV) and mass spectrometry (LC-MS) detections was developed for the evaluation of delapril (DEL) and manidipine (MAN) degradation products formed under alkaline and photolytic forced conditions, respectively. The chromatographic separation of all compounds was obtained within 7 min and carried out on a C18column with mobile-phase composed by ammonium acetate and acetonitrile for both techniques. Thereby, the main degradation products detected were studied by LC coupled to electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-MS). Based on retention times and molecular weight confirmation, a comprehensive degradation pathway for both drugs and the identity of its major products formed could be suggested, without complicated isolation or purification processes. The degradation kinetics of the drugs was also evaluated and could be best described as first-order process for DEL (R2 = 0.9991) and zero-order process for MAN (R2 = 0.9867). Furthermore, no evidence of cytotoxicity in human mononuclear cells was observed for DEL and MAN degraded samples. The proposed LC-UV method was successfully validated according ICH guidelines and thus helping to improve the quality control of pharmaceuticals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acute nontraumatic myelopathies include vascular etiologies most commonly caused by atherosclerotic vascular disease. Other causes that have been reported to occur with varying frequencies include thrombosis, embolism of thrombi and tumor, arteritis, hypotension, dissecting aortic aneurysm, sickle cell disease, intervertebral disk herniation, vertebral body subluxation and iatrogenic causes, usually angiography or surgery. In case of acutely progressing spinal cord syndromes, the diagnosis often given is of transverse myelitis or unknown cause of infarction. Fibrocartilaginous embolism (FCE) is possible cause of spinal ischemia due to embolization of nucleus pulposus fragments through retrograde spinal artery flow. A young woman after intensive exercise developed profound weakness of her upper extremities, progressing to flaccid quadriplegia with sensory level from C3 dermatome. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed linear hyperintense intramedullary lesion from C2 to Th2 confined to anterior horn area, with typical'owl's eye' appearance. Although exact mechanism of patient's neurological syndrome remains undetermined, we suspected a cord infarction due to FCE related to her vigorous physical exercise. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acute nontraumatic myelopathies include vascular etiologies most commonly caused by atherosclerotic vascular disease. Other causes that have been reported to occur with varying frequencies include thrombosis, embolism of thrombi and tumor, arteritis, hypotension, dissecting aortic aneurysm, sickle cell disease, intervertebral disk herniation, vertebral body subluxation and iatrogenic causes, usually angiography or surgery. In case of acutely progressing spinal cord syndromes, the diagnosis often given is of transverse myelitis or unknown cause of infarction. Fibrocartilaginous embolism (FCE) is possible cause of spinal ischemia due to embolization of nucleus pulposus fragments through retrograde spinal artery flow. A young woman after intensive exercise developed profound weakness of her upper extremities, progressing toflaccid quadriplegia with sensory level from C3 dermatome. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed linear hyperintense intramedullary lesion from C2 to Th2 confined to anterior horn area, with typical"owl's eye" appearance. Although exact mechanism of patient's neurological syndrome remains undetermined, we suspected a cord infarction due to FCE related to her vigorous physical exercise. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This citation analysis examines the use of Spanish- and Portuguese-language books and articles in PhD dissertations on Latin America at the University of New Mexico between 2000 and 2009. Two sets of data are presented: The first identifies the use of Spanish- and Portuguese-language books and articles across 17 academic departments; and the second analyzes how well local holdings meet demands for a select geographical area--Mexico. These local data contradict conclusions in general citation studies of the humanities, social sciences and foreign languages. They prove that preconceived ideas about foreign language usage from general citation studies do not provide reliable templates for local acquisition decisions. Librarians need to look at their research communities and local usage habits instead of relying on general studies for answers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BackgroundIn invasive aspergillosis, the duration of neutropenia is an accepted risk factor, and recovery from neutropenia is generally associated with a favourable outcome. However, the rapidity of granulocyte recovery may rarely be associated with adverse sequelae. The purpose of this study was to define the relationship between neutrophil (polymorphonuclear, PMN) recovery after chemotherapy-induced bone marrow aplasia and the occurrence of severe pulmonary complications (haemoptysis, pneumothorax and death) in patients with haematological malignancies who developed invasive fungal pneumonias. MethodsTwenty consecutive patients were retrospectively studied; eight of them had developed pulmonary events between 5 and 11 days after neutrophil recovery that followed deep neutropenia (PMN < 100 μL-1). ResultsFive patients had haemoptysis (one of these also had pneumothorax) and three had pneumothorax. According to the multiplicative logistic model, the odds of occurrence of a pulmonary event increased significantly with increasing PMN count on the fifth day (P < 0.001). Five of the eight patients who had pulmonary complications died. Also, the risk of death was larger in the presence of rapid neutrophil recovery, although the difference was not statistically significant (P = 0.111). Analysis of clinical and laboratory data showed that the risk of pulmonary complications significantly increased when the neutrophil concentration was > 4500 μL-1 on day 5 after deep granulocyte neutropenia (PMN < 100 μL-1). There was no correlation between pulmonary complications, dosage of amphotericin B and deaths. ConclusionThe occurrence of life-threatening complications in patients with invasive fungal pneumonia is closely related to rapid PMN recovery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mitochondrial diseases are a heterogeneous group of disorders resulting from primary dysfunction of the respiratory chain due to both nuclear and mitochondrial DNA mutations. The wide heterogeneity of biochemical dysfunctions and pathogenic mechanisms typical of this group of diseases has hindered therapy trials; therefore, available treatment options remain limited. Therapeutic strategies aimed at increasing mitochondrial functions (by enhancing biogenesis and electron transport chain function), improving the removal of reactive oxygen species and noxious metabolites, modulating aberrant calcium homeostasis and repopulating mitochondrial DNA could potentially restore the respiratory chain dysfunction. The challenge that lies ahead is the translation of some promising laboratory results into safe and effective therapies for patients. In this review we briefly update and discuss the most feasible therapeutic approaches for mitochondrial diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

New cyanines were prepared by an efficient and practical route with satisfactory overall yield from low-cost starting materials. The photophysical behavior of the cyanines was investigated using UV-vis and steady-state fluorescence in solution, as well as their association with bovine serum albumin (BSA) in phosphate buffer solution (PBS). No cyanine aggregation was observed in organic solvents or in phosphate buffer solution. The alkyl chain length in the quaternized nitrogen was shown to be fundamental for BSA detection in PBS in these dyes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]