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Two new 1,3-dicarbonyl compounds bearing an o-hydroxyphenyl moiety (for short, I and II) were synthesized and subjected to structural, experimental and theoretical studies. Vibrational spectroscopy (IR and Raman) and X-ray diffraction were used for solid phase studies, while NMR and electron spectroscopy allowed analysis in solution. The crystal structures of I and II, determined by X-ray diffraction methods, are closely related to each other (rms deviation of homologous atoms from their best fit is 0.147 Å). The observed planarity of β-hydroxyphenylcarbonyl enols fragment in the compounds is enforced by both extended π-bonding and intramolecular OH⋯O bonds. Molecules in I are arranged in the lattice as center-symmetric dimers held by relatively weak intermolecular OH⋯O bonds. Hirshfeld surface (HS) analysis, atoms in molecules (QTAIM), and natural bonding orbitals (NBO) approaches were employed to study theoretically selected dimers constructed from X-ray data. The results were combined with experimental ones to obtain deep insight into the strength and type of intermolecular interactions. A chalcogen bond interaction was detected in I. Although the O⋯O interaction is unusual, it participates in the attractive forces that stabilize the crystal lattice. The title compounds are present in the solid state only as the keto–enol tautomer, while in solution the diketo tautomer is also detected at concentrations of 5%. In vitro studies showed that I have better antimicrobial properties than II, mainly against the S. aureus strain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Orthodontic treatment was provided after guided tissue regeneration of intrabony defects in 2 patients with periodontal disease. The new attachment obtained by guided tissue regeneration remained stable when subjected to orthodontic forces. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present study, the decolourization efficiencies of LP-Hg lamp, XeCl and KrCl excilamps at the same power density were compared for the decolourization of dyes in water by UV and UV/H2O2 processes in a batch reactor. Laboratory prototypes of XeCl and KrCl excilamps and a commercial LP-Hg lamp were studied as UV sources. Methylene Blue and Eliamine Blue dyes were used as model pollutants. The effect of the initial concentrations of dye and H2O2 in the TOC removal and kinetic parameters were also studied. The ratio of dye decolourization to the electric power consumption of the KrCl excilamp and LP-Hg lamp for the decolourization of Methylene Blue and Eliamine Blue were evaluated. As a result, the KrCl excilamp showed significantly higher decolourization efficiencies than LP-Hg lamp and XeCl excilamp, but the dye removal rate was significantly slower for Methylene Blue than for Eliamine Blue with this lamp. The KrCl lamp can be an alternative to conventional LP-Hg lamp for the decolourization of dyes by photodegradation, but it depends on the type of dye treated. The addition of H2O2 in a concentration between 0.05 and 0.09%v/v increases significantly the efficiency of the decolourization of Methylene Blue, and further increase does not lead to a higher increase in conversion. The experimental data were fitted to the one phase decay kinetic model with good agreement and the kinetic parameters were reported. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To describe healthcare professional (HCP) and patient time and related costs associated with trastuzumab intravenous infusion (IV) and trastuzumab subcutaneous (SC) formulations in patients with HER2-positive early breast cancer. Methods: This prospective, observational time, and motion study in three Spanish centers was run as a substudy of the PrefHer trial. We recorded active HCP time for trastuzumab SC and IV-related tasks and calculated HCP time as the mean sum of task times over 154 administrations (80 IV, 74 SC). We calculated mean patient infusion chair time and treatment room time. Staff costs were calculated using fully loaded salary costs based on Spanish salaries (€ 2012). Results: The transition from trastuzumab IV to SC led to a 50% reduction in active HCP time [27.2 min (95% CI 21.8-32.6) vs. 13.2 min (95% CI 8.9-17.5) per cycle]. Time savings resulted from avoiding IV catheter installation and removal, line flushing, and drug reconstitution. SC administration led to a fivefold reduction (78-85%) in chair time and a fourfold reduction (59-81%) in patient treatment room time, resulting in 24 h free-up time in the total treatment course (18 cycles). Total estimated direct costs were € 29,431.75 and € 28,452.12 for IV and SC, respectively, a saving of € 979.60 over a full treatment course. Conclusions: Trastuzumab SC provided substantial time savings for HCP and patients, and reduced staff costs vs. trastuzumab IV. Reducing the use of hospital facilities may result in further savings and improved quality of medical care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Objectives:The superiority of cholecalciferol (D3) over ergocalciferol (D2) in sustaining serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D (25OHD) levels is controversial. To compare D2 with D3 we performed a single-blind, placebo-controlled randomized trial spanning 11 weeks.Subjects/Methods:Healthy volunteers (n=33, aged 33.4±6 years) were divided into three groups (n=11, each): D2, D3 and placebo. Treatment started with a loading dose (100 000 IU) followed by 4800 IU/day (d) between d7 and d20 and follow-up until d77. Serum samples were obtained at baseline and at days 3, 7, 14, 21, 35, 49, 63 and 77.Results:Baseline 25OHD values in the D2 group were lower than those in the D3 and placebo groups (P<0.01). Placebo 25OHD levels never changed. As after the loading dose both D2 and D3 groups had reached similar 25OHD levels, we tested equivalence of the area under the concentration × time curve (AUC) between d7 and d77. The AUC was 28.6% higher for D3 compared with D2, and both were higher with respect to placebo. At d77, D2 25OHD levels were higher than those at baseline, but similar to placebo; both were lower than D3 (P<0.04). According to raw data, the elimination half-life of 25OHD was 84 and 111 days under D2 and D3 supplementation, respectively; after subtracting the placebo values, the corresponding figures were 33 and 82 days.Conclusions:D2 and D3 were equally effective in elevating 25OHD levels after a loading dose. In the long term, D3 seems more appropriate for sustaining 25OHD, which could be relevant for classic and non-classic effects of vitamin D. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

When nanoparticles are introduced into biological media, they acquire a protein corona. The thickness of immunoglobulin G protein on 105nm polystyrene particles has been determined by dynamic light scattering (DLS), differential centrifugal sedimentation (DCS) and small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS). All three techniques measured an increase of the protein shell thickness with increasing concentration of the proteins during incubation with the nanoparticles. DLS measurements showed the highest increase, indicating a possible effect of particle agglomeration on the DLS results. DCS accuracy critically depends on the knowledge of the protein shell density but the data allows an estimation of the effective shell density when the thickness was independently determined. SAXS measurements revealed the complex core/shell structure of the bare polystyrene particles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the present study is to evaluate the usefulness of two biomarkers-procalcitonin (PCT) and C-reactive protein (CRP)-in addition to the CURB-65 score for assessing the site of care and the etiology of non-severe community-acquired pneumonia (CAP). We conducted a prospective observational study from April 1, 2006, to June 30, 2007, in a single teaching hospital in northern Spain among patients with non-severe CAP. In addition to collecting data needed to determine the CURB-65 score, microbial cultures were taken and levels of PCT and CRP were measured. We compared the prognostic accuracy of these biomarkers with the CURB-65 score to predict hospitalization and microbial etiology using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. A total of 344 patients with non-severe CAP were enrolled; 73 were admitted to the hospital and 271 were treated on an outpatient basis. An etiologic diagnostic was made for 44 %, with atypical pathogens predominating. Levels of PCT and CRP increased with increasing CURB-65 scores. Patients admitted to the hospital had higher PCT and CRP levels than outpatients ( p < 0.001). For predicting hospitalization, PCT had a better area under the ROC curve (AUC) (0.81) than the CURB-65 score alone (0.77). For PCT plus the CURB-65 score, the AUC increased significantly from 0.77 to 0.83. In patients with bacterial CAP, the biomarker levels were significantly higher than among patients with atypical or viral etiology ( p < 0.001). PCT with a cut-off point of 0.15 ng/mL was the best predictor for bacterial etiology and for select patients eligible for outpatient care. In conclusion, levels of PCT and CRP positively correlate with increasing severity of CAP and may have a role in predicting both patients who can safely receive outpatient care and the microbial etiology in patients with low CURB-65 scores. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, three dc/dc ladder multilevel converters are compared. The first one is the classical ladder topology and the two other topologies presented are based on the classical one. A mathematical calculation of the output resistance and the gain of the converter as a function of the number of levels is carried out for the three topologies in order to estimate the voltage drop due to the output current. These calculations are validated with simulations and experimental results. Finally, the behavior of the three topologies is compared through experimental tests. Results show higher performance for the presented converters compared to the classical ladder. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Among patients hospitalized for community-acquired pneumonia (CAP), the risk factors for short-term hospital readmission after discharge are unknown.Methods: We conducted a prospective observational study of 1,117 patients who had been discharged alive after hospitalization for CAP. We collected variables associated with CAP severity at hospital admission, in-hospital clinical evolution, clinical instability factors on hospital discharge, therapy employed during hospitalization, and diagnostic bacteriology. We assessed hospital readmission within 30 days after discharge for the index hospitalization. Risk factors independently associated with 30-day hospital readmission were identified using Cox regression models.Results: Of the 81 patients (7.3%) who were readmitted to the hospital within 30 days, 29 (35.8%) were rehospitalized for pneumonia-related causes. Variables associated with pneumonia-related hospital readmission were treatment failure (hazard ratio [HR], 2.9; 95% CI, 1.2 to 6.8), and one or more instability factors on hospital discharge (HR, 2.8; 95% CI, 1.3 to 6.2). The predictive performance of these variables measured by the area under the curve (AUC) of the receiver operating characteristic was 0.65. Variables associated with pneumonia-unrelated hospital readmission were age >or= 65 years (HR, 4.5; 95% CI, 1.4 to 14.7), Charlson comorbidity index >or= 2 (HR, 1.9; 95% CI, 1.0 to 3.4), and decompensated comorbidities during in-hospital evolution (HR, 3.5; 95% CI, 2.0 to 6.3); the AUC for this model was 0.77. Patients with at least two risk factors were at significantly increased risk of 30-day hospital readmission (pneumonia-related CAP: HR, 9.0; 95% CI, 3.2 to 25.3; pneumonia-unrelated CAP: HR, 5.3; 95% CI, 1.6 to 18.1).Conclusions: Among patients hospitalized for CAP, different risk factors are associated with hospital readmission related to pneumonia or to other causes. The identification of two different groups of patients who were at high risk of hospital readmission raises the possibility that different management strategies could decrease the rate of hospital readmissions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gassy sediments in the Ría de Arousa are preferentially distributed in areas of muddy seabed sediments. The close relationship between seabed sediment parameters and gas distribution is here studied in detail to establish better constraints on the presence of gas. Discriminant analysis was applied to the textural and compositional characteristics of 303 seabed sediment samples to classify gas-related and gas-free areas in the Ría de Arousa. The parameters considered in the classification were: particle size data (percentages of clay, silt, sand and gravel), the total inorganic carbon and the total organic carbon contents of the samples. The samples were initially classified in two groups according to the presence or absence of acoustic turbidity in the seismic profiles, shallower than 150 cm below seabed. Of the total known cases, 85.5% were correctly classified using these variables. Applying the Wilks’ lambda criterion, the most influential textural discriminating variables were the percentage of clay and the percentage of coarse fraction (gravel and sand) in the sediment sample. Discriminant analysis has achieved good differentiation between gas-related and gas-free sediments using near-seabed sediment information. The application of the discriminant method has enabled the estimation of the total area covered by gassy sediments in the Ría de Arousa. The area calculated based on the seismic data (30 km2) is a minimum estimate that is constrained by the limits of the existing seismic data. Based on the sediment information obtained from seabed samples, the statistical method estimates a total area of gassy sediments of 39 km2. The new gassy areas recognized are located around the gas field at the inner ría, and the gas field west of Arousa Island, which increase in area by 8.3 and 0.4 km2 respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We show how Bayesian neural networks can be used for time-series analysis. We consider a block-based model building strategy to model linear and nonlinear features within the time series: a linear combination of a linear autoregression term and a feedforward neural network (FFNN) with an unknown number of hidden nodes. To allow for simpler models, we also consider these terms separately as competing models to select from. Model identifiability problems arise when FFNN sigmoidal activation functions exhibit almost linear behavior or when there are almost duplicate or irrelevant neural network nodes. New reversible-jump moves are proposed to facilitate model selection, mitigating model identifiability problems. We illustrate this methodology analyzing several time-series data examples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE) is a neurodegenerative disorder due to persistent measles virus infection, with high level of measles-specific antibodies in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). To analyze whether such response arises from a TH2-biased response, the authors determined TH1 (interferon (IFN)-γ) and TH2 (interleukin (IL)-4 and IL-10) cytokines in CSF, taken at diagnosis, of eight SSPE patients (median age, 57.5 month, range 42 to 76 months). All patients presented IL-10 (median 29.3 pg/ml, range 4.3 to 162 pg/mI), but not IL-4 (<10 pg/ml); only one case showed IFN-γ (162 pg/ml). These results are consistent with a TH2 bias or with a local, anti-inflammatory or neuroprotective mechanism involving IL-10. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Areas with gas accumulations and gas escapes have been mapped in two rías from Galicia (Ría de Pontevedra and Arousa) and compared with already published data from the Rías de Vigo (García-Gil et al. 2002) and Muros-Noia (Magariños-Álvarez et al. accepted). Calculations indicate different areas of gas-bearing sediments for each ría. Quantitative data from acoustic plume studies and pockmark densities in the seepage areas were also obtained. In terms of the area of gas-bearing sediment and seeping activity, the Ría de Arousa is found to be the most important from a quantitative point of view. Comparison of the locations of the gas accumulations with grain size distributions of sediments reveals a spatial coincidence with finer surface sediments that are mainly muds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A simple calculation method has been devised for the determination of ventilation requirements in dead-ends for both mine roadways and civil tunnelling applications. The basic assumption, that the leakage flow rate over a piece of ductwork is constantly proportional to the circulating flow rate, allows the method to reach an explicit solution such that any problem can be solved by a straightforward procedure that avoids iterative or numerical approaches. Moreover, the parameters required for the calculation can be estimated easily from air mass-flow measurements made in the tunnel or roadway. The calculation method has been correlated against actual measurements obtained from underground operations and has also been written in the form of a computer program. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To investigate serum levels of transforming growth factor-β1 and interferon-γ in active ulcerative colitis and to assess changes during treatment. Methods: We prospectively evaluated serum from 25 patients with untreated active ulcerative colitis and 19 healthy controls. Disease activity score (DAI), serum transforming growth factor-β1 and interferon-γ levels were measured at baseline and after 7 days of conventional treatment. Disease activity score and transforming growth factor-β1 were also assessed at 42 days. Results: Baseline transforming growth factor-β1 levels were significantly higher in patients than in controls (P < 0.02). On the 7th day, transforming growth factor-β1 levels increased only in patients who responded (P < 0.01); variations in transforming growth factor-β1 levels and disease activity score were inversely correlated (r=– 0.72, P < 0.001). At day 42, serum transforming growth factor-β1 decreased significantly compared with the 7th day (P < 0.05). While in controls, interferon-γ was undetectable; untreated patients had higher, widely variable, levels. At day 7, responders had higher interferon-γ values than unresponsive cases. Variations in interferon-γ correlated moderately with changes in transforming growth factor-β1 (r=0.53, P < 0.05). Cytokine response did not depend upon the type of treatment. Conclusions: Both transforming growth factor-β1 and interferon-γ may play a role in the injury–repair process in active ulcerative colitis. Variations in circulating transforming growth factor-β1 levels in the first week of treatment seem to be related to the therapeutic response. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We studied the functions of peripheral blood monocytes and polymorphonuclear cells in 15 apparently healthy homosexual men. eight homosexual or bisexual subjects with unexplained generalized lymphadenopathies (pre-AIDS), four homosexual men with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AID.S), and 15 heterosexual men. In comparison with normal controls, the homosexual groups studied presented a decreased monocyte candidacidal activity for Candida pseudotropicalis that gradually deteriorates as the clinical symptoms progress towards AIDS. The monocyte phagocytic function was retained. Although the phagocytic and candidacidal activities of the polymorphonuclear cells did not differ from those of the normal controls, the candidacidal activity in some of the eases studied was unusually enhanced, indicating that the cells were in an activated state. In addition only two of nine sera tested from asymptomatic homosexual males were positive for antibodies to HTLV-III/LAV, while six out of eight pre-AIDS and both of the two AIDS patients tested had antibodies to AIDS-associated retrovirus. We suggest that in AIDS the phagocytic system is already involved, together with B and I lymphocyte abnormalities, during the early events of the syndrome, even without the detection of AIDS-associated retrovirus antibodies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To determine the distribution of major blood lymphocyte subsets we evaluated blood lymphocytes by flow cytometry in adenovirus-infected infants aged 30-730 d. In addition, interleukin-1-receptor antagonist, interleukin-10 and transforming growth factor-beta1 were measured in serum by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. According to clinical parameters, mechanical ventilation and outcome, infections were classified as moderate (n = 15), severe (n = 11) and fatal (n = 12). Controls were 13 healthy children. In severe and fatal infection, T cells (CD5+/CD19-), NK effectors (CD16+), CD4+ T subset and B1 subset of B lymphocytes (CD5+/CD19+) were all significantly decreased. CD8+ cells were decreased in severe but not fatal cases. There was no difference in serum values of interleukin-10; however, fatal cases had high interleukin 1-receptor antagonist values. Interestingly, patients with moderate infection showed significantly increased values of transforming growth factor-beta1. These results demonstrate that life-threatening adenoviral infection is associated with marked abnormalities in blood lymphocyte and cytokine profile. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigated the presence of NK suppressor factors in HIV+ sera. We further investigated if gp120 could be one of the substances responsible for the impairment of NKC regulation found in HIV+ asymptomatic patients. Our results indicate that HIV+ sera inhibit significantly normal NKC in a dose-dependent way, even at concentrations as low as 1%. The inhibitory effect of HIV+ sera decreased, but was not completely removed, by adsorptions of IgG or by treatment with a MoAb against human FcIgG. Pretreatment of normal effector cells with anti-CD16 MoAb slightly reduced their cytotoxic capability, but did not modify the suppressor effect of HIV+ sera. The preincubation of normal PBMC with recombinant gp120 had also a suppressor effect even at 10 ng/ml. Pretreatment of HIV+ sera with anti-gp120 or anti-FcIgG MoAb reduced, but not completely, their inhibitory effect. In conclusion, HIV+ serum has a dose-dependent inhibitory effect on normal NKC. Most of this inhibition is caused by IgG, but other substances, such as gp120, can also contribute to it. Since the removal of IgG and further treatments of HIV+ sera were not able to abrogate completely the NK suppression, other serum factors still undetermined (TNF-α, other cytokines), should be considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We evaluated phagolysosomal fusion in peripheral blood monocytes from 20 HIV-infected individuals and 40 normal controls, using a fluorescence assay with acridine orange as marker. The percentages of phagolysosomal fusion of monocytes from HIV-infected subjects, after 30 and 60 min of yeast ingestion. (mean ± standard deviation) 57.2 ± 17 and 63.2 ± 18.6, respectively, when compared to normal controls (72.4 ± 7.8 and 7.7 ± 8.1), did not differ significantly. However, there was a direct linear association between the percentages of phagolysosomal fusion and CD4+ lymphocytes (P < 0.001) or CD4/CD8 T-cell ratio (P < 0.01). These results suggest that phagolysosomal dysfunction becomes evident at late stages of HIV infection and progresses as CD4+ T-lymphocyte count and CD4/CD8 T-cell ratio decrease. On the other hand, recombinant gp120 inhibited significantly normal phagolysosomal fusion at concentrations ranging between 1 and 1000 ng/ml. Taking together the results obtained, we can conclude that gp120 could be responsible for monocyte phagolysosomal dysfunction observed in HIV infected patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A patient with chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy and systemic lupus erythematosus arising after rubella vaccination was initially treated with plasmapheresis, corticosteroids and intravenous immunoglobulins, with partial response. After shift to rituximab, most clinical symptoms improved markedly, emphasizing the possible role of this monoclonal antibody in conventional therapy-resistant cases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This report presents a fast, accurate analytical method for the determination of the degree of ethoxylation of nonionic ethoxylated surfactants based on the indirect determination of the oxygen content of the surfactant using a C,H,N elemental analyzer. The weight percent oxygen is then easily translated into ethylene oxide (EO) content. This method was found to be fairly accurate in determining the EO content of surfactants containing up to 20 mol EO, which is equivalent to about 80% EO content in most common nonionic surfactant ethoxylates. A comparison of the results obtained with this procedure versus hydroxyl value and HI cleavage methods is also presented in this paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]