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This document is a collection of abstracts from the 15th International Newborn Brain Conference. The abstracts cover a range of topics related to newborn brain health and development. One study focuses on perinatal hypoxic-ischemic brain damage and the activation of the caspase pathway. Another examines the yield of genetic testing in cases of posterior fossa anomalies. A third investigates the association between nighttime births and neonatal asphyxia or hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy. The fourth explores the incidence of multi-organ dysfunction in neonates with hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy. The fifth focuses on prenatal MRI brain findings associated with epilepsy. The final abstract examines the associations between cerebral metabolism/hemodynamic parameters and neurodevelopmental outcomes. The document also includes two medical cases, one involving infants with hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy and genetic or congenital anomalies, and the other involving a patient with a rare metabolic disorder. These cases highlight the importance of genetic testing in diagnosing and managing congenital diseases. [Extracted from the article]

In recent years, there has been significant research interest in lead-free double perovskite materials owing to their environmentally friendly characteristics. In this study, we investigate the double perovskite material Dy2NiMnO6 (DNMO) as an absorber layer within the proposed structure (ITO/WS2, C60, PCBM/DNMO/CFTS/Au). The structure was analyzed in detail using SCAPS-1D (solar cell capacitance simulator). Our research aims to elucidate how the performance of solar cells is influenced by the selection of appropriate electron transport layer (ETL) and HTL configurations in conjunction with the absorber layer. Device optimization involves testing WS2, C60, and PCBM as ETL materials, CFTS as HTL, and Au as the back contact. In addition to selecting suitable ETL and HTL materials, various factors such as the absorber, ETL, and HTL thickness, shunt and series resistance, temperature, Mott–Schottky behavior, capacitance, recombination, generation rates, J–V characteristics, and quantum efficiency were investigated. Following thorough exploration, the ITO/WS2/DNMO/CFTS/Au structure exhibited the highest performance among the ETLs, with a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 26.72%, a Voc of 0.7412 V, and a Jsc of 44.6795 mA cm−2. In this study, we present the highest reported efficiency with a detailed investigation of the Dy2NiMnO6 material. This comprehensive simulation analysis offers insights into the development of cost-effective and highly efficient perovskite solar cells (PSCs), thereby driving advancements in solar technology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To determine the role of platelet counts in the context of the decision to treat patients with non-compounded, non-surgically-treated blunt traumatic brain injury (NCNS-bTBI) with anticoagulants/antiaggregants. A retrospective analysis of 141 anticoagulants/antiaggregants-naïve patients with NCNS-bTBI. Changes in PT-INR and prolonged aPTT were examined and correlated with Marshall and Rotterdam scores, clinical and neuroradiological outcomes. Three groups of platelet counts were identified. Group 1 (83% of patients) had normal platelet counts (150,000–450,000 platelets/mm3) from admission to discharge. Group 2 (13%) developed transient thrombocytopenia (<150,000 platelets/mm3) 2–3 days post-trauma. Group 3 (4%) developed extreme thrombocytosis > 1,000,000/mm3 platelets 6–9 days post-trauma. Neither acute coagulopathy of trauma nor progressive hemorrhagic insults followed NCNS-bTBI. Moreover, while patients with thrombocytosis/extreme thrombocytosis presented with a worse Glasgow coma score (GCS) on admission (8.8 ± 2.9 vs. 13 ± 2, p < 0.01) and had longer hospitalization (13.5 ± 10.4 vs. 4.5 ± 2.1 days), their improvement at discharge was the highest (delta GCS, 4 ± 2.8 vs. 1.2 ± 2.1, p = 0.05). Traumatic subarachnoid hemorrhage was associated with isolated thrombocytosis and 'best improvement.' No thromboembolic or hemorrhagic complications occurred. NCNS-bTBI, thrombocytosis was correlated with better outcomes and was not associated with an increased risk for developing thromboembolism or hemorrhage, precluding the immediate need for any additional antiaggregates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The purpose of this analysis is to evaluate the antimicrobial susceptibility of eight drugs effective against Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) strains and the genetic diversity of H. pylori virulence genes to foresee clinical outcomes in North India. Materials and Methods: Fifty‐eight H. pylori strains isolated from patients suffering from various gastrointestinal (GI) diseases were included in the study. MICs of various antibiotics were determined by the agar dilution method. The chi‐squared test and Fisher exact test were used to determine the p‐value, which was considered significant at p‐value ≤ 0.05. RStudio 4.0 was used to for the data visualization. Results: The prevalence of drug resistance was found to be: cefixime (CFM) (41.3%), furazolidone (FZD) (34.4%), amoxicillin (AMX) (20.7%), levofloxacin (LVFX) (70.7%), metronidazole (MTZ) (39.6%), tetracycline (TET) (20.7%), clarithromycin (CLA) (17.2%), and rifabutin (RIF) (17.2%). Out of 58 H. pylori strains, 3 were pan susceptible. There were H. pylori strains with single‐drug resistance (21.8%, 12/55), dual resistance (30.9%, 17/55), triple resistance (20%, 11/55), and multidrug resistance (27.3%, 15/55). The resistance rate in MTZ, CLA and RIF were found to be significantly higher in females as compared to males (p = 0.005, p = 0.002, and p = 0.02), respectively. The resistance to TET exhibited significantly higher levels in gastritis compared to GERD, DU, and other disease groups (p = 0.04) respectively. Conclusion: TET, AMX, CLA, and RIF were found to be more effective antibiotics against H. pylori infections, whereas more studies are required to provide evidence on increasing resistance rate of LVFX. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a new approach to survival analysis using topological data analysis (TDA) within Bayesian statistics combined with machine learning algorithms suitable to time-to-event data. The paper brings into the analysis aspects of topological invariance through what is known as persistence homology. TDA demonstrates the existence and statistical significance of a kind of unmeasured heterogeneity originating from the topology of the data as a whole. Combined with machine learning tools persistence homology provides us with new tools to construct a rich set of ways to analyze data and build predictive models that are optimized using inherent topological invariants such as one-dimensional loops as regularization. Specifically, this paper incorporates persistent homology effects in different ways in the analysis of survival data through the technique of functional principal component analysis (FPCA): first, by using topological invariants converted into FPCA factors that shape Bayesian statistical analysis of time-to-event data; second, by using FPCA measures of topological invariants in regularizing the process of optimizing the data and the posterior distributions of the Bayesian estimation; three, by using FPCA factors of measures of topological invariants in machine learning algorithms and deep neural networks suitable for analyzing survival data as a way of going beyond usual parametric and semi-parametric models of survival analysis. The approach is illustrated through a running example of multi-frailty survival analysis of democracies in the period of 1950–2010. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The issue of smoking is becoming progressively genuine, both for dynamic smokers and individuals around them who don’t smoke (detached smokers). The cause of smoking among youngsters is expanding, due to the expanding concentration of publicizing, particularly portraying smoking as cool, and cheap cost of cigarettes. Cross-sector participation in dealing with KTR in schools is vital since execution is way better with cross-sector commitment and participation. The resultant information is considered to be exceptionally compelling and critical in changing students’ states of mind and practices regarding the threats of smoking, that is to say that, there is a relationship between information and early adolescents’ activities concerning KTR approaches in junior high schools. The method used in the study is in-depth interviews. Results show that companions have the most significant influence on pre-adult smoking behavior compared to mass media and peers. A few of the deterrents that exist within the bureaucratic structure, division of specialists, and extraordinary controls in a few schools in Bener Meriah have not been completely shaped, agreeing to Qanun number 1 of 2018 with respect to non-smoking zones in schools that still need to be moved forward. The study recommends more studies to be conducted on high-school students or young people who don’t go to school since their level of autonomy and social designs are distinctive from those that are in universities and colleges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heterocyclic compounds have been the subject of extensive research due to their diverse pharmacological effects. Among these molecules are quinazolinone analogs, which have demonstrated a range of pharmacological potentials. In search of novel therapeutic pharmaceutical molecules, medicinal chemistry researchers are drawn to the quinazolinone nucleus. This article aims to provide an overview of the many pharmacological activities of the quinazolinone moiety. Based on the quinazolinone moiety, more modern molecules have been developed and synthesized. These compounds show negligible toxicity and outstanding anti-disease capabilities. This paper reviews several different quinazolinone analogs and makes recommendations for future research paths in the quest to create effective quinazolinone drugs for a range of biological objectives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Management international / International Management / Gestiòn Internacional is the property of Management International and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Eukaryotic cell‐free protein synthesis (CFPS) can accelerate expression and high‐throughput analysis of complex proteins with functionally relevant post‐translational modifications (PTMs). However, low yields and difficulties scaling such systems have prevented their widespread adoption in protein research and manufacturing. Here, we provide detailed demonstrations for the capabilities of a CFPS system derived from Nicotiana tabacum BY‐2 cell culture (BY‐2 lysate; BYL). BYL is able to express diverse, functional proteins at high yields in 48 h, complete with native disulfide bonds and N‐glycosylation. An optimized version of the technology is commercialized as ALiCE® and advances in scaling of BYL production methodologies now allow scaling of eukaryotic CFPS reactions. We show linear, lossless scale‐up of batch mode protein expression from 100 µL microtiter plates to 10 and 100 mL volumes in Erlenmeyer flasks, culminating in preliminary data from a litre‐scale reaction in a rocking‐type bioreactor. Together, scaling across a 20,000x range is achieved without impacting product yields. Production of multimeric virus‐like particles from the BYL cytosolic fraction were then shown, followed by functional expression of multiple classes of complex, difficult‐to‐express proteins using the native microsomes of the BYL CFPS. Specifically: a dimeric enzyme; a monoclonal antibody; the SARS‐CoV‐2 receptor‐binding domain; a human growth factor; and a G protein‐coupled receptor membrane protein. Functional binding and activity are demonstrated, together with in‐depth PTM characterization of purified proteins through disulfide bond and N‐glycan analysis. Taken together, BYL is a promising end‐to‐end R&D to manufacturing platform with the potential to significantly reduce the time‐to‐market for high value proteins and biologics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examined the effect of Zn2+ ion substitution on ZnxMn(1-x) Fe2O4 nanoparticles (x = 0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8) towards signal Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR). The co-precipitation method synthesised the nanoparticles at a temperature of 90°C. The X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) results showed a polycrystalline structure with a crystallite size varied from 19.05 nm to 19.77 nm. In addition, as the Zn element increased in the ZnxMn(1-x)Fe2O4 nanoparticles, the degree of crystallinity increased by 21.72%, respectively. The optical properties of the nanoparticles ZnxMn(1-x) Fe2O4 indicate absorbance at wavelengths of 330.36–331.74 nm. The absorbance level increased as the Zn element decreased, resulting a direct optical gap of 3.47 eV and an indirect optical gap of 3.23 eV. The Attenuated Total Reflection (ATR) curve in the SPR biosensor indicated a shift in the reflective angle of the Prism/Au/Air configuration, which is 47.78° on Prisma/Au/nanoparticle of Zn0.8Mn0.2Fe2O4/air by 50.75°, and the prism/Au/nanoparticle of Zn0.2Mn0.8Fe2 O4/air by 51.04°. The substitution of Zn ions in the compound Zn x Mn(1-x)Fe2O4 affects the resulting ATR curve. The shift in the SPR angle is caused by changes in the refractive index in each layer which is influenced by the concentration of each material which has an impact on the absorbance ability and photon reflectance. This research has the potential to continue with the testing of dielectric and magnetic properties, as well as special testing for biological analytes compatible with ZnxMn(1-x)Fe2O4 nanoparticles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Manajemen IKM: Jurnal Manajemen Pengembangan Industri Kecil Menengah is the property of IPB University and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

This research focused on evaluating the technical viability of using biodiesel with a blending ratio of 40% v/v, which is expected to be implemented soon in Indonesia. Two kinds of biodiesel blends were prepared, a blend of 60% diesel fuel and 40% biodiesel (B40) and a blend of 60% diesel fuel, 30% biodiesel, and 10% hydrogenated vegetable oil (HVO) (B30D10). The fuels were tested on EuroII vehicles without any engine modifications through a 50,000 km endurance road test. Laboratory tests were also performed at certain traveled distances to evaluate various engine parameters, including power, fuel economy, exhaust emissions, and used engine oil properties. Engine components were inspected upon the completion of the road test. Cold-start ability was also examined to confirm the suitability of the investigated biofuels at low-temperature operating conditions in Indonesia. The road test results showed that vehicles fuelled with B40 and B30D10 could reach a distance of 50,000 km without encountering any technical issues. The laboratory evaluation during the road test indicated that B30D10 had a higher power and fuel economy than B40, with a maximum difference of 2%. Furthermore, B30D10 emitted lower CO, HC, and PM emissions than B40 throughout the distance traveled, with maximum differences of 11.4%, 14.7%, and 22.6%, respectively, but led to 15% higher NOx. Engine component inspection and used engine oil analysis confirmed the fulfillment of the manufacturer's recommendations for both B40 and B30D10. Finally, B40 and B30D10 were suitable for operating at low ambient temperatures in Indonesia, confirming them as practical options to be implemented in the nationwide 40% biodiesel blend fuel. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Formal methods are proven techniques that provide a rigorous mathematical basis to software development. In particular, they allow the quality of development to be effectively improved by making accurate and explicit modelling, so that anomalies like ambiguities and incompleteness are identified in the early phases of the software development process. Semi‐formal UML models and formal Timed Automata models are used to design a telerehabilitation system through a practical approach based on abstraction and refinement. The formal verification of expected properties of the system is performed by the Uppaal tool. The motivation of this work is threefold: (i) showing the usefulness of formal methods to satisfy the validation needs of a medical telerehabilitation system; (ii) demonstrating our approach of system analysis through refinements to guide the development of a complex system; and (iii) highlighting, from a real‐life experience, the usefulness of models to involve the stakeholders all along the design of a system, from requirements to detailed specifications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Routine use of central venous access is needed in children undergoing open heart surgery for pressure monitoring and inotrope infusion. We sought to evaluate the efficiency and safety of routine use of transthoracic intracardiac lines (ICLs) in patients undergoing cardiac surgery and to compare them to patients who have been previously treated with traditional central venous lines (non-ICLs).Methods: Retrospective review of charts of all patients who underwent cardiac surgery and had an ICL inserted in the operating room. Case control matching was done with similar patient in which ICL was not inserted. Patients characteristics, diagnosis, operative, and intensive care data were collected for each patient and analyzed.Results: A total number of 376 patient records were reviewed (198 ICL patients and 178 non-ICL patients). Umbilical line and non-ICL durations were longer in the non-ICL group. ICL duration was the longest of all lines, averaging 12.87 ± 10.82 days. The necessity for multiple line insertions (˃2 insertions) was significantly higher in the non-ICL group, with a relative risk ratio of 3.24 (95% confidence interval: 1.617-6.428). There was no statistical difference of infections rate and line complications between the two groups.Conclusion: ICLs are safe in infants undergoing cardiac surgery and can be kept in place for a long period of time with a low rate of line complications and infection. Routine use of ICLs reduces the number of central venous catheter placement in this complex patient population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Inspection of each piece of equipment is required as part of a power plant-reliability program. Detailed procedures and assessments are developed based on standard or best practices in the power industry. For an accurate assessment, an understanding of the damage mechanism is crucial. In this work, a study was conducted on a superheater-tube elbow to evaluate its thinning mechanism to develop an assessment guideline. The thinning of the tubes was evaluated after 10 years of operation by sampling the tubing in 90° and 180° elbows that represent standard elbows in a power plant. Macroscopic observation, ultrasonic measurement, and chemical and metallurgical analyses were conducted. The analyses showed that although oxidation and erosion occurred, the rate was relatively insignificant at the time of sampling. In addition, analytical and finite-element analyses were performed to assess the stress level under various thickness scenarios. This work demonstrated that a separate investigation is necessary to determine the minimum wall thickness and replacement schedules for superheater-tube-elbow inspection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Histological chorioamnionitis as a risk factor for early brain damage in premature babies in... B Arfi H b SP 1 sp , Lebane D SP 1 sp , Abrouk S SP 2 sp I SP 1 sp Chu Mustapha Algiers, Ouled fayet, Algérie i I SP 2 sp University of Algiers, 2 Rue Didouche Mourad, Alger Ctre 16000, Algeria i B INTRODUCTION: b The early brain damage of the premature has been correlated to several risk factors and among them the histological chorioamnionitis (HC). Congenital brain malformations: Seizure incidence, EEG findings, and developmental outcomes B Armstrong L b SP 1 sp , Cooke A SP 1 sp , Harshbarger J SP 1 sp , Armour E SP 2 sp , Reddy S SP 1 sp , Pagano L SP 1 sp , Carter E SP 1 sp I SP 1 sp Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, United States, SP 2 sp University of Michigan Health, Ann Arbor, United States i B BACKGROUND: b With improvements in pre- and post-natal imaging, congenital brain malformations are increasingly found prior to onset of symptoms. Apnoea and EEG brain activity in neonates: Data from a systematic review B Usman F b SP 1,2 sp , Marchant S SP 1 sp , Baxter L SP 1 sp , Aliyu M SP 3 sp , Salihu H SP 4 sp , Adams E SP 5 sp , Hartley C SP 1 sp I SP 1 sp University Of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom, SP 2 sp Bayero University, Kano and Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, Kano, Nigeria, SP 3 sp Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, USA, SP 4 sp Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, USA, SP 5 sp Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, United Kingdom i B BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: b Neonates have immature respiratory control mechanisms [1] and a developing brain that is susceptible to the adverse effects of intermittent hypoxia [2]. [Extracted from the article]

Novel bio-adsorbents based on abundant and invasive plants such as reeds represent an original and ecological route for the development of innovative biomaterials. Sustainable, eco-efficient, and facile processes have been suggested to improve the adsorptive performances and physicochemicalproperties of reedparticles. The morphological, textural, and physicochemical characteristics of the prepared reed-based adsorbents, namely untreated reed particles (RP), NaOH-treated RP (NaOH-RP), and sodium dodecyl sulphate impregnated RP (SDS-RP) were assessed by SEM, FTIR, XRD, BET, and TGA/DTG. The adsorptive performances of RP, NaOH-RP, and SDS-RP were evaluated for a triphenylmethane dye (Malachite Green, MG) elimination from water.The experimental results and kinetic models proved the improvement of MG uptake by modified reed-based adsorbents.The maximum MG uptake capacity of NaOH-RP and SDS-RP materials reached 82.64 and 102.88mgg−1, respectively, but it only attaineda value of 75.93mgg−1 for RPat the same conditions. The used reed-based adsorbents can regenerate four times with an MG removal capacity permanently superior to 80%. Besides, their experimental data obeyed the Freundlich equation and the pseudo2ndorder kinetic model, indicating the heterogeneous multilayer adsorption of MG onto reed-based materials. The adsorption/desorption, kinetic, isotherm, and thermodynamic studies, and physicochemical characterisations revealed that electrostatic interactions might be the governing mechanism of MG dye adsorption onto RP, NaOH-RP, and SDS-RP. Nonetheless, interactions such as H-bonding interactions, π-π stacking interactions, and hydrophobic interactions would also exist. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was aimed at investigating the determinants of environmental sustainability in 86 countries from 2007 to 2018. The natural gradient boosting (NGBoost) algorithm was implemented along with five machine learning models to forecast the trends of CO2 emissions. In addition, the SHapley Additive exPlanation (SHAP) technique was used to interpret the findings and analyze the contribution of the individual factors. The empirical results indicated that the predictions obtained using NGBoost were more accurate than those obtained using other models. The SHAP value exhibited a positive correlation among the amount of CO2 emissions, economic growth, and opportunity entrepreneurship. A negative correlation was observed among the governance, personnel freedom, education, and pollution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

(1) Background: Limited data are available on lumbar spine stenosis management in sub-Saharan African populations and Afro-descendant patients are underrepresented in European and US clinical trials. We aimed to compare the clinical response between decompressive surgery and conservative treatments in a population of self-reported Afro-Caribbean patients with lumbar spine stenosis over a 2-year follow-up period. (2) Methods: Prospective cohort of 137 self-reported Afro Caribbeans with lumbar spine stenosis based on clinical and radiological criteria. Patients were assigned to decompression surgery or to conservative treatments according to their outcome after a first course of steroid epidural injection and their preferences. The primary outcome was evolution of the Oswestry disability index at 3 months (3 M), 12 M, 18 M and 24 M follow-up. (3) Results: Decrease of ODI was significantly more important in the "decompression surgery" arm compared to "conservative treatment" arm at 3 M, 12 M and 18 M: −17.36 vs. 1.03 p < 10−4; −16.38 vs. −1.53 p = 0.0059 and −19.00 vs. −4.52 p = 0.021, respectively. No difference was reported at 24 M. (4) Conclusions: In this first comparative study between surgery and conservative treatments in an exclusively afro-descendant lumbar spine stenosis cohort, we report long term superiority of decompression surgery versus conservative treatments over an 18-month period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Numerous herbal medications have historically been used for their neuroprotective properties. The goal of that study's research was to find out whether female rats suffering from global cerebral ischemia and reperfusion could benefit from an ethanolic extract of the Moringa oleifera flower. All animals underwent a 10-day pretreatment period. Normal control (group I) rats received 10 days of pre-treatment with 1% carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC). Ischemic control (group II), MOE low dosage (group III), MOE high dose (group IV), and standard medicine Quercetin (group V) were pre-treated with 1%CMC 1ml/kg, MOE 200mg/kg, MOFE 400mg/kg, and Quercetin (group V) at 25mg/kg for 10 days respectively. On the ninth day, all behavioural parameters were evaluated. In order to produce reperfusion injury for 24 hours, the clips were detached on the tenth day after the BCCAOinduced ischemia had been inflicted for 30 minutes under anaesthesia with ketamine (50 mg/kg, i.p). The incision was then stitched up using silk sutures. All rats were examined for neuroprotective activity and behaviour measures once the reperfusion period had ended. These parameters included neurological score, EPM for spatial memory, rota-rod, locomotor activity, and hanging wire test. As compared to the ischemic group II, group IV (high dosage) significantly (p<0.01) affected neurological score, Rota-rod, locomotor activity, hanging wire test, and transfer delay time (EPM test). Moringa oleifera flower extract(MOE) 400mg/kg exhibited more similar neuroprotectiveefficacyto that of the conventional medication Quercetin 25mg/kg in some ways. The transfer latency depicted in the EPM was substantially more influenced by group IV (400mg/kg) than by group V of quercetin (p<0.01). Numerous oxidative stress and biochemical parameters, such as thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), tissue glutathione (GSH), catalase activity, nitric oxide activity, and triphenyltetrazolium chloride (TTC) staining of the brain infarct area, were used to evaluate the neuro-protective potential of various compounds. Catalase activity, superoxide dismutase activity, GSH, TBARS, and NO levels were considerably higher in pre-treatment groups with MOE (200mg per kg and 400mg perkg and quercetin (25mg per kg). The study's findings were based on the histopathological outcome. A study that demonstrated comparable neuro protective efficacy against BCCAO-induced cerebral ischemia in female rats was proof that MOE had neuroprotective activity in comparison to the usual medication Quercetin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of grain size on the mechanical properties and creep rupture of 253 microalloyed (MA) austenitic stainless steel (ASS) was investigated. The cold rolling process with a 53% reduction in thickness was applied to the steel followed by annealing at 1100 °C over 0, 900, 1800, and 3600 s to obtain grain sizes of 32.4, 34.88, 40.35, and 43.77 µm, respectively. Uniaxial tensile and micro-Vickers hardness tests were carried out to study the effect of grain size on mechanical properties at room temperature. The creep rupture test was performed at 700 °C under a load of 150 MPa. The results showed that there was a correlation between grain size, mechanical properties, and creep rupture time. The fine initial grain size showed relatively good mechanical properties with a short creep rupture time, while the coarse initial grain size produced low mechanical properties with a long creep rupture time. The initial grain size of 40.35 µm was the optimum grain size for a high value of creep rupture time due to the low hardness and elongation values at room temperature and low creep ductility value. The intergranular fracture was found on the initial grain size below 40.35 µm, and a mixed mode of intergranular and transgranular fracture was found on the initial grain size above 40.35 µm after the creep rupture test. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Cancer is a non-communicable disease with over 18.1 million new cases and 9.6 million deaths annually according to WHO. Breast cancer is the number two highest count type of cancer trailing behind lung cancer. Treating cancer is expensive and have various side effects. Active components found in plants or fungi that have antioxidant and cytotoxic activity towards cancer cells, could be an alternative for anticancer. One of the fungi that is potentially developed as an anticancer, are the genus of Auricularia sp. also known as black-white fungus. This study aims to determine the phytochemicals components, antioxidant activity and cytotoxic effect of the Auricularia sp. towards MCF-7 breast cancer cells. Methods: Dried black-white fungus of Auricularia sp. grinded into a fine powder. Then, multilevel maceration is done with the n-hexane, ethyl acetate, ethanol as solvents. The extracts of black-white fungus undergo phytochemical screening and thin layer chromatography (TLC), followed by measuring antioxidant and evaluating the cytotoxic activity towards MCF-7 breast cancer cells. Results: black-white fungus of Auricularia sp. contained secondary metabolites of flavonoids, alkaloids, and triterpenoids and a total of 17 other phytochemical components. Ethyl acetate extract of black-white fungus showed a weak antioxidant activity towards DPPH free radical with IC50 of 215.51 µg/mL and a very active cytotoxic activity on MCF-7 cells with IC50 of 0.21 µg/mL. On the other hand, ethanol and n-hexane extracts of black-white fungus are categorized with an active cytotoxic activity on MCF-7 cells with IC50 of 29.28 µg/mL and 50.39 µg/mL, respectively. Conclusion: Black-white fungus Auricularia sp. that had anticancer activity towards breast MCF-7 cells should be considered as an alternative treatment for breast cancer therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The first aim of this study was to synthesize and characterize reed-based-beads (BBR), an enhanced adsorbent from Tunisian reed. The second purpose was to evaluate and optimize the BBR efficiency for the simultaneous removal of oxytetracycline (OTC) and cadmium (Cd(II)), using central composite design under response surface methodology. The third goal was to elucidate the biosorption mechanisms taking place. It was shown that under optimum conditions (4.19 g L−1 of BBR, 165.54 μmol L−1 of OTC, 362.16 μmol L−1 of Cd(II), pH of 6, and 25.14-h contact time) the highest adsorption percentages (63.66% for OTC and 99.99% for Cd(II)) were obtained. It was revealed that OTC adsorption mechanism was better described by Brouers-Sotolongo fractal equation, with regression coefficient (R2) of 0.99876, and a Person's chi-square (χ2) of 0.01132. The Weibull kinetic equation better explained Cd(II) biosorption (R2 = 0.99959 and χ2 = 0.00194). FTIR and isotherm studies confirmed that the BBR surface was heterogeneous, and that adsorption mechanisms were better described by the Freundlich/Jovanovich equation (R2 = 0.99276 and χ2 = 0.04864) for OTC adsorption, and by the Brouers-Sotolongo model (R2 = 0.9851 and χ2 = 0.77547) for Cd(II) biosorption. Overall results indicate that, at last, the BBR lignocellulosic biocomposite beads could be considered as cost-effective and efficient adsorbent, which could be of socioeconomic and environmental relevance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Keratin/cellulose cryogels were successfully fabricated using chicken feathers (CF) and cardboard (C) from environmental waste for the first time, to be exploited in oil/solvent absorption. The keratin/cellulose-based composites were obtained by combining the dissolution of CF and C waste in 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride (Bmim−Cl+) ionic liquid green solvent via regeneration, simply by the freeze-drying method. The characterization analysis of the synthesized keratin/cellulose-based composites was performed using Fourier transform infrared spectrometry, X-ray diffractometry, scanning electron microscopy, and thermogravimetry. The as-prepared cryogel can absorb various oils and organic solvents. Moreover, its sorption capacity can reach up to 6.9–17.7 times the weight of the initial cryogel. This kind of CF/C cryogel revealed good and fast absorption efficiency. It could also be reused by simple absorption/distillation and absorption/desorption methods. Through the kinetic analysis, it was found that the pseudo-second-order model was more appropriate for the keratin/cellulose cryogel oil absorption process. Besides, owing to its low cost, good absorption capacity, and excellent reusability, this cryogel has potential for spill cleanup of oils and organic solvents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although ethics is an essential part of medical education, little attention has been paid to ethics education during the clerkship phase, where medical students observe how physicians make decisions regarding various ethical problems. Specific nuances and cultural contexts such as working in a rural setting can determine ethical issues raised. This phenomenology study aimed to explore ethical issues experienced by Indonesian students during clinical clerkship in a rural setting. In-depth interviews were used to explore students’ experiences. Participants were ten students, selected on gender and clerkship year variations. Data saturation was reached after eight interviews, followed by two additional interviews. Thematic analysis was used in this study, and trustworthiness was ensured through data and investigator triangulation, member checking, and audit trail. Three main themes found in this study were limited facilities and resources, healthcare financing and consent issues, as well as unprofessional behavior of healthcare providers. Many ethical issues related to substandard care were associated to limited resources and complexities within the healthcare system in the rural setting. Early exposure to recurrent ethical problems in healthcare can help students prepare for their future career as a physician in a rural setting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, research on corporate entrepreneurship (CE) has expanded and aroused an increasing amount of attention. Although the importance of CE, innovation, and knowledge conversion within organizations is recognized, the link between them is still theoretically and empirically little understood. Thus, it seems important to support knowledge sharing (KS) within organizations through the implementation of digital platforms (DP), in order to enrich the existing knowledge about CE strategy and product innovation (PI). Indeed, the rise of Internet and ICTs, alongside the development of the sharing economy, has enabled organizations to be connected with suppliers and consumers and other actors through DPs. The current paper therefore aims to understand and contribute to the literature about how CE, through the implementation of DPs, enhances product innovation. This is done using an exploratory longitudinal study, drawing on multiple case studies. Specifically, a variety of data sources collected within three Tunisian SMEs operating in the sector of dairy products are analyzed. The findings indicate the significance of DPs as a motivation, opportunity, and ability (MOA) framework. This enables a CE process and promotes a favorable climate wherein knowledge can be freely exchanged and captured, the process of organizational learning (OL) is well established, and the absorptive capacity of the company is optimized. Results indicate that CE affects product innovation and several conditions are recommended to ensure success. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

STUDY QUESTION Could the anogenital distance (AGD) as assessed by MRI (MRI-AGD) be a diagnostic tool for endometriosis? SUMMARY ANSWER A short MRI-AGD is a strong diagnostic marker of endometriosis. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY A short clinically assessed AGD (C-AGD) is associated with the presence of endometriosis. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION This study is a re-analysis of previously published data from a case–control study. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Women undergoing pelvic surgery from January 2018 to June 2019 and who had a preoperative pelvic MRI were included. C-AGD was measured at the beginning of the surgery by a different operator who was unaware of the endometriosis status. MRI-AGD was measured retrospectively by a senior radiologist who was blinded to the final diagnosis. Two measurements were made: from the posterior wall of the clitoris to the anterior edge of the anal canal (MRI-AGD-AC), and from the posterior wall of the vagina to the anterior edge of the anal canal (MRI-AGD-AF). MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE The study compared MRI-AGD of 67 women with endometriosis to 31 without endometriosis (controls). Average MRI-AGD-AF measurements were 13.3 mm (±3.9) and 21.2 mm (±5.4) in the endometriosis and non-endometriosis groups, respectively (P  < 10−5). Average MRI-AGD-AC measurements were 40.4 mm (±7.3) and 51.1 mm (±8.6) for the endometriosis and non-endometriosis groups, respectively (P  < 10−5). There was no difference of MRI-AGD in women with and without endometrioma (P  = 0.21), or digestive involvement (P  = 0.26). Moreover, MRI-AGD values were independent of the revised score of the American Society of Reproductive Medicine and the Enzian score. The diagnosis of endometriosis was negatively associated with both the MRI-AGD-AF (β = −7.79, 95% CI (−9.88; −5.71), P  < 0.001) and MRI-AGD-AC (β = −9.51 mm, 95% CI (−12.7; 6.24), P  < 0.001) in multivariable analysis. Age (β = +0.31 mm, 95% CI (0.09; 0.53), P  = 0.006) and BMI (β = +0.44 mm, 95% CI (0.17; 0.72), P  = 0.001) were positively associated with the MRI-AGD-AC measurements in multivariable analysis. MRI-AGD-AF had an AUC of 0.869 (95% CI (0.79; 0.95)) and outperformed C-AGD. Using an optimal cut-off of 20 mm for MRI-AGD-AF, a sensitivity of 97.01% and a specificity of 70.97% were noted. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION This was a retrospective analysis and no adolescents had been included. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS This study is consistent with previous works associating a short C-AGD with endometriosis and the absence of correlation with the disease phenotype. MRI-AGD is more accurate than C-AGD in this setting and could be evaluated in the MRI examination of patients with suspected endometriosis. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) N/A. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER The protocol was approved by the 'Groupe Nantais d'Ethique dans le Domaine de la Santé' and registered under reference 02651077. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An inducible and heterocyclic thermostable nitrilase was obtained from Staphylococcus sp. KP789135.1. The whole cell nitrilase was active at 50 °C temperature and neutral pH with a half-life of 4 h at 50 °C and 2.5 h at 60 °C. Metal ions such as Fe3+, Mg2+, and Ca2+ enhanced the biocatalytic activity while Ag2+, Hg2+, and Cu2+ completely inhibited biocatalysis, which confirmed the presence of thiol group in the catalytic site. Staphylococcus sp. KP789135.1 has broad hydrolytic activity towards heterocyclic nitriles and few amides. It showed high tolerance against 3-cyanopyridine (5 mM - 20 mM). The calculated Km and Vmax were 1.33 mM and 0.98 U, lower km values demonstrated the highest affinity towards 3-cyanopyridine. In silico study revealed 99% similarity with Staphylococcus strain. The 3D structures were deduced from I-TASSER server and validated from PROCHECK, found relatively low % of amino acid residues has phi/psi angles in the disallowed region that suggest the acceptability of Ramachandran plot in the present work. Docking study revealed 3-cyanopyridine has lowest potential energy (potential energy OPLS -7.00745) and thus showed more stable enzyme ligand interaction. This is the first report on biotransformation of 3-cyanopyridine to nicotinic acid using thermostable nitrilase from Staphylococcus sp. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To describe the oncologic and obstetric outcomes of patients diagnosed with invasive cervical cancer (ICC) and in situ adenocarcinoma (ISA) during pregnancy or during the year following delivery. Methods: This retrospective observational study involved a cohort of 28 patients diagnosed with invasive cervical cancer (20 patients) or in situ adenocarcinoma (eight patients) during pregnancy or during the year following delivery who received expert opinion from physicians of the Cancer Associé à La Grossesse (CALG) network between 2005 and 2018. Descriptive results were expressed in median, range and interquartile range (IQR). Results: Between 2005 and 2018, 20 patients with ICC and eight with ISA received expert opinion from physicians of the CALG network. Both ICC and ISA were mostly diagnosed during pregnancy with a median term at diagnosis of 23.3 weeks of gestation (WG) for ICC and 7.3 WG for ISA. Overall, the median age at diagnosis for both ICC and ISA was 33 years. Most ICCs (n = 9) had FIGO stage ≥ IB2 and five underwent neoadjuvant chemotherapy at a median term of 22.5 WG. Seventeen patients with ICC underwent surgery. Three patients had medical termination of the pregnancy. Two patients experienced recurrence and three died. Median time of follow-up was 59.3 months (IQR 30.5–129.2). Conclusion: Management of cervical cancer during pregnancy is challenging especially in terms of maternal outcomes with a relative poor prognosis requiring a multidisciplinary expert advice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Pregnancy-associated cancers constitute a major medical challenge. The objective of this study was to describe their epidemiological, oncological and obstetrical outcomes from the French CALG (Cancer Associé à La Grossesse) network. Material and methods: Retrospective analysis of patients diagnosed with a cancer associated with pregnancy between January 2015 and December 2018 after advice from the CALG network. Results: Of 218 patients, 197 (90%) were diagnosed with a cancer during pregnancy and 21 the year following delivery. Requests to the CALG network increased from 36 cases in 2015 to 77 cases in 2018. The disease was diagnosed at local and regional stages in 77% of cases. Breast cancer was the most frequent (56%), followed by ovarian (12%) and uterine cervical cancers (10%). Of the 218 patients, 157 (72%) underwent a treatment during pregnancy. Surgery and chemotherapy during pregnancy were performed in 83 patients (83/218, 38%) and 101 patients (46%) at a median term of 17 (IQR 11–24) and 25 (IQR 18–30) WG, respectively. Eighteen (8.5%) of the women had a pregnancy termination, two (1%) an abortion, one (0.5%) a miscarriage, one (0.5%) had a stillbirth and one (0.5%) patient died during pregnancy. The remaining 174 patients (88%) were allowed to continue the pregnancy. Eight recurrences and four deaths were observed with a median follow-up time of 2.6 years (IQR 2.2–3.8). Conclusions: Our data further describe the incidence and management of pregnancy-associated cancers in western Europe allowing comparisons with other regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Myocardial involvement may occur during systemic sclerosis (SSc) and can lead to impaired myocardial contraction and/or arrhythmia. Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is used for noninvasive characterization of the myocardium. The aim of this study was to evaluate the utility of cardiac MRI with intravoxel incoherent motion (IVIM) diffusion‐weighted imaging (DWI) and longitudinal relaxation time (T1) sequence mapping for assessment of myocardial microvascular and interstitium impairment in SSc. Methods: In this single‐center prospective cohort study, 40 consecutive patients with SSc and 20 healthy controls were assessed by cardiac MRI with IVIM DWI and T1 mapping sequences on a 3T scanning system. Images were analyzed independently by 2 assessors, and Bland‐Altman plots were used to assess interreader concordance and reproducibility. Characteristics of the patients were compared according to quartiles of T1 and perfusion fraction (f‐coefficient) values, using exact Cochran‐Ermitage trend tests for qualitative variables and analysis of variance for quantitative variables. Kaplan‐Meier cardiac events–free survival curves were plotted and compared with a log‐rank test for trend. Results: T1 values were higher in SSc patients than in healthy controls, and were higher in the diffuse cutaneous SSc (dcSSc) subset (P = 0.02). Higher T1 values were associated with the immunologic pattern seen in patients with the dcSSc form (P = 0.0001), a higher modified Rodnan skin thickness score (MRSS) (P = 0.003), and a higher frequency of interstitial lung disease (P = 0.03). Moreover, higher T1 values were correlated with higher MRSS scores (r = +0.32, P = 0.04) and reduced forced vital capacity (r = −0.34, P = 0.048), and tended to be correlated with reduced total lung capacity (r = −0.30, P = 0.07). Lower f‐coefficient values, as a measure of decreased tissue perfusion, were associated with less frequent use of vasodilators (P = 0.02 for angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitors and P = 0.06 for calcium‐channel blockers) and more frequent use of glucocorticoids (P = 0.02). The f‐coefficients were inversely correlated with the T1 values (r = −0.31, P = 0.02). Furthermore, higher T1 values were associated with higher incidence of cardiac events (log‐rank test for trend P = 0.03). Conclusion: Increased T1 values, potentially suggesting microscopic fibrosis, were observed more frequently in patients with dcSSc, and higher T1 values were associated with interstitial lung disease and more frequent cardiac events during follow‐up. The results of this study show that cardiac MRI with T1 mapping sequences and IVIM DWI may be useful in assessing myocardial involvement in patients with SSc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High energy consumption in the building sector appeals for the implementation and the improvement of innovative approaches with low-environmental impact. The development of eco-friendly composites as insulating materials in buildings provides practical solutions for reducing energy consumption. Different mass proportions (2.5%, 10%, and 20%) of untreated and chemically treated palm fibers were mixed with (cement, water and sand) so as to prepare novel composites. Composites were characterized by measuring water absorption, thermal conductivity, compressive strength and acoustic transmission. The results reveal that the incorporation of untreated and chemically treated date palm fibers reduces novel composites' thermal conductivity and the mechanical resistance. Thermal measurements have proved that the loading of fibers in composites decreases the thermal conductivity from 1.38 W m−1 K−1 for the reference material to 0.31 W m−1 K−1 for composites with 5% of treated and untreated fibers. The acoustical insulation capacity of untreated palm fiber-reinforced composites (DPF) was the highest at 20% fiber content, whereas treated palm fiber-reinforced composites (TPF) had the highest sound insulation coefficient for fiber content lower than 10%. Compressive strength, thermal conductivity and density correlation showed that only chemically treated fiber-reinforced composites (TPF) are good candidates for thermal and acoustic building insulations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

STUDY QUESTION Could anogenital distance (AGD) be a non-invasive marker of endometriosis and correlated to the American Society for Reproductive Medicine revised score (r-ASRM) and ENZIAN classifications? SUMMARY ANSWER Surgically and histologically proven endometriosis is associated with a short AGD in women of reproductive age but not correlated either to the severity or to the location of the disease. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY AGD is a marker of intrauterine androgen exposure and exposure to oestrogen-like chemicals such as phthalates. Moreover, exposure to endocrine disruptors, such as organochlorine chemicals, is associated with endometriosis. It has been suggested that a short AGD in women is associated with an increased risk of endometriosis based on clinical and ultrasound exams. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION A prospective cohort study was conducted from January 2018 to June 2019 in a tertiary-care centre including 168 adult women undergoing pelvic surgery. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Of the 168 women included, 98 patients had endometriosis (endometriosis group) and 70 did not (non-endometriosis group). An operator (not the surgeon) measured the distance from the clitoral surface to the anus (AGD-AC) and from the posterior fourchette to the anus (AGD-AF) before surgery using a millimetre accuracy ruler. Endometriosis was diagnosed on exploration of the abdominopelvic cavity, and the r-ASRM and ENZIAN scores were calculated. All removed tissues underwent pathological examination. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE Mean (±SD) AGD-AF measurements were 21.5 mm (±6.4) and 32.3 mm (±8.1), and average AGD-AC measurements were 100.9 mm (±20.6) and 83.8 mm (±12.9) in the endometriosis and non-endometriosis groups (P  < 0.001), respectively. Mean AGD-AF and AGD-AC measurements were not related to r-ASRM stage (P  = 0.73 and 0.80, respectively) or ENZIAN score (P  = 0.62 and 0.21, respectively). AGD-AF had a better predictive value than AGD-AC for discriminating the presence of endometriosis (AUC = 0.840 (95% CI 0.782–0.898) and 0.756 (95% CI 0.684–0.828)), respectively. For AGD-AF, an optimal cut-off of 20 mm had a specificity of 0.986 (95% CI 0.923–0.999), sensitivity of 0.306 (95% CI 26.1–31.6) and positive predictive value of 0.969 (95% CI 0.826–0.998). In multivariable analysis, the diagnosis of endometriosis was the only variable independently associated with the AGD-AF (β  = −9.66 mm 95% CI −12.20–−7.12), P  < 0.001). LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION The sample size was relatively small with a high proportion of patients with colorectal endometriosis reflecting the activity of an expert centre. Furthermore, we did not include adolescents and the AGD-AF measurement could be particularly relevant in this population. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS The measurement of AGD could be a useful non-invasive tool to predict endometriosis. This could be especially relevant for adolescents and virgin women to avoid diagnostic laparoscopy and empiric treatment. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) None. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper analyzes the idea of 'ontological security' to make three arguments: (a) that to be secure in one's being is paradoxical in the sense that to be is to survive while always becoming otherwise, (b) that to survive is to be anxious, and (c) that to get attached to such a security of one's always becoming otherwise is to engage in performative leaps of faith in the security of one's existence. This framework is used to suggest a new interpretation of the security dilemma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Currently, non-valved conduits are preferred for extracardiac total cavo-pulmonary connection (TCPC). However, previous work has failed to provide objective data comparing the postoperative outcome between non-valved TCPCs and bovine jugular vein valved xenograft (BJV) TCPCs. Hence, the objective of this study is to compare the postoperative outcomes in extracardiac TCPC patients who received BJV vs synthetic non-valved conduits and evaluate the effect of BJV on liver fibrosis.Methods: Of 206 patients who had extracardiac TCPC from 2002 to 2017 were divided into three groups. Group A (n = 66) received BJV, group B (n = 37) received PET conduits and group C (n = 103) received polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) tube. Study endpoints were hospital outcomes, conduits thrombosis, reinterventions, and survival. Liver stiffness and fibrosis were assessed in eight patients with BJV.Results: Preoperative parameters were comparable among groups. Thrombosis was significantly lower in group C (P < .0003) but no difference between groups A and B (P = .951). Reinterventions did not differ significantly among groups (Log-rank P = .598). Hospital deaths occurred in seven patients (3.4%). There was no difference in survival between groups (Log-rank P = .221). The median liver stiffness score was 18.65 kPa and the eight patients had advanced liver fibrosis (grade F3-4) in group A.Conclusion: PTFE is the recommended conduit for TCPC with a lower risk of thrombosis compared to BJV and PET. BJV conduits in TCPC circuits may not protect against liver fibrosis. BJV should not be considered as an option for TCPC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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This brief presents a new transmitter architecture based on digital-intermediate frequency (IF) high-pass delta–sigma modulator (HPDSM). The proposed digital-IF transmitter topology utilizes a novel complex HPDSM topology to address the high quantization-noise power problem in Cartesian band-pass BPDSM and HPDSM-based digital-IF transmitters, without increasing the oversampling ratio of the signal or the clock rate of the system. To evaluate the performance of the new digital-IF transmitter system, a comparison with its Cartesian band-pass and high-pass counterparts, in terms of signal to noise and distortion radio (SNDR) and coding efficiency, was established. A simulation using 8 dB peak to average power ratio long term evolution signals with 1.24-MHz bandwidth showed that by integrating the proposed second-order complex HPDSM digital-IF in the transmitter, the power of the quantization noise is significantly reduced. The transmitter digital blocks were implemented on the BEEcube software-defined radio prototyping platform. The input signal is encoded by the new HPDSM topology and is up-converted and then fed to the inverse class-F switch-mode power amplifier. An overall efficiency of 12% was achieved by the proposed topology. Moreover, the output signal SNDR reached 37.8 dB and the adjacent channel leakage ratio at the lower and upper 1.25-MHz offset frequencies measured is equal to −35 dBc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: In women, the uterine artery is the main branch of the internal iliac artery, vascularizing most of the uterus. Knowledge of its origin and variations is essential during extensive gynaecological surgery and interventional radiological procedures. We aimed to investigate its origin and explore its anatomical variations by three-dimensional (3D) reconstructed computed tomography (CT) angiography.Methods: This was a retrospective, monocentric observational study involving CT scans of the abdomen and lower limbs of women < 50 years old with 3D reconstructed CT images of the internal and external iliac arterial axes.Results: Between 01 January 2014 and 31 December 2015, among 986 cases of CT scans performed in women, for all indications, 3D reconstructed images for 43 women could be analysed. The uterine artery originated from a common trunk with the umbilical artery in 62.7% of cases, from a direct branch of the internal iliac artery in 25.6% of cases, directly from the superior gluteal artery in 9.3% of cases and from the internal pudendal artery in 2.3%.Conclusions: Three-dimensional(3D) reconstructed CT angiography can detect the point of origin of the uterine artery. Therefore, it can be used as a mapping tool of the pelvic arterial tree. Our study corroborates data from the literature that the uterine artery most often originates from a common trunk with the umbilical artery. However, surgeons and intervention radiologists must be aware of the variability of its origin to facilitate the safety of the patients during procedures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carcinomatous lymphangitis accounts for 5% of all skin metastases, but blue lymphangitis of the breast has never been described. We report a case of blue lymphangitis of the breast in a patient 11 years after treatment for ipsilateral breast cancer that was in full remission. Breast examination and imaging showed no other abnormalities. Skin biopsy revealed a carcinomatous-pigmented infiltration corresponding to melanoma metastasis, which helped highlight a primitive right flank injury. This case report emphasizes that a full body exam should always be performed with unusual presentation of breast cancer and reiterates the indispensable place of histology before any diagnosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The potential of cetyltrimethylammonium bromide-treated Phragmites australis powder (CTAB-PA) as a novel polymeric sorbent for Eriochrome Black T (EBT) removal was studied. CTAB impregnation process increased adsorption sites availability that led to a better interaction of EBT dye and CTAB-PA. CTAB impregnation process increased the PA monolayer adsorption capacity from 57.14 to 89.93 mg g−1. Adsorption data were modeled using chemical reaction-based kinetic models (pseudo-first-order, pseudo-second-order, and Elovich models) and diffusion-based kinetic models (Weber–Morris and Boyd models). EBT sorption kinetics could be described by the pseudo-second-order model having film diffusion as the main rate-limiting step. Adsorption data for both adsorbents were fitted to Langmuir, Freundlich, Temkin, and Dubinin–Radushkevich models, and best fitting was obtained with Langmuir model. Thermodynamic functions indicated that EBT adsorption onto PA and CTAB-PA was an exothermic and physical process. CTAB-PA burning behavior showed that this novel adsorbent can be considered as flame-retarding material. Adsorption–desorption experiments revealed that CTAB-PA could be reused up to five cycles with recovery percentage values maintained higher than 71%. CTAB-PA, a low-cost, durable, flame-retarding, and reusable material, was found to be an attractive candidate for EBT removal from water. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to contribute to the theoretical background on how organizational change (OC) enhances open innovation (OI) processes and enables a company to reach performance results through implementing knowledge sharing platforms (KSPs). The authors aim to better understand and investigate how the changes introduced by the implementation of KSPs impact the OC and facilitate the OI process. Design/methodology/approach: In this paper, an exploratory longitudinal single case study based on a variety of data sources is used: participant observations, focus group discussions and semi-structured interviews with the KSP members and top managers of a Tunisian SME operating in the dairy products sector. The open-ended responses were subsequently exposed to thematic discourse analysis. Findings: The case study findings deeply explore and investigate a company's experience in implementing OCs when using a joint-venture alliance with a French leader to develop OI. Central to this exhibit is the nature and magnitude of the knowledge sharing between the parties in the OI process, and the significant impact it had on the consumers' reception of the new products. The outcomes show that due to the sharing of external research and development skills, the creation of the KSP has been an incentive for significant changes and customer targeting and for promoting internal absorptive capacity, minimizing complexity, uncertainty and risks and reaching performance results. Originality/value: This paper provides a deep understanding of the new product development process and offers a holistic approach with respect to KSP practices. The significant impact on the consumers' first response and the subsequent adaption of an industrially produced cheese as a subsidiary product to an existing artisan quality product are examined in this study. Examining the implementation of an OI process, this research is one of the few studies revealing the shortcomings of a former process and a subsequent adaption of a newly successful one that targets the consumers in a MENA country. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]