Search

BACKGROUND AIMS: Umbilical cord blood (UCB) infusion is being investigated as a treatment for a range of neurological conditions, primarily because of its potent immunomodulatory effects mediated via paracrine signaling. Although initial research mainly utilized autologous UCB, allogeneic samples from a sibling or unrelated donor have now become more common. With the use of allogeneic UCB, questions have arisen surrounding the necessity for human leukocyte antigen (HLA) matching, preparative regimens and immunosuppressant drugs. To investigate the safety of allogeneic UCB for the treatment of neurological conditions and the impact of HLA mismatching and immunosuppresion, the authors conducted a systematic review of the safety of allogeneic UCB infusion for neurological conditions. METHODS: A systematic review of published and gray literature was conducted to investigate the safety of allogeneic UCB infusions for neurological conditions. RESULTS: Authors identified 10 studies using allogeneic UCB to treat autism spectrum disorder, cerebral palsy, stroke, traumatic brain injury and various other conditions. A total of 361 participants (with at least 442 UCB infusions) received a range of HLA-matched/untyped allogeneic units and cell doses, with the majority not administered post-infusion immunosuppression. There were no reported serious adverse events definitely or probably related to the allogeneic UCB infusion, nor later potential complications such as graft-versus-host disease or teratoma formation. CONCLUSIONS: Although variability between studies is high, the available data do not identify safety concerns with allogeneic UCB infusion for the treatment of neurological conditions, even with variable HLA matching or no immunosuppression.

Contains fulltext : 208383.pdf (publisher's version ) (Closed access), PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to update the clinical practice guidelines for the use of agents for the prevention and/or treatment of gastrointestinal mucositis (GIM). METHODS: A systematic review was conducted by the Mucositis Study Group of the Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer/International Society for Oral Oncology (MASCC/ISOO). The body of evidence for each intervention, in each cancer treatment setting, was assigned an evidence level. Based on the evidence level, one of the following three guideline determinations was possible: Recommendation, Suggestion, and No Guideline Possible. RESULTS: A total of 78 papers across 13 interventions were examined of which 25 were included in the final review. No new guidelines were possible for any agent due to inadequate and/or conflicting evidence. Existing guidelines for probiotics and hyperbaric oxygen were unchanged. CONCLUSIONS: Of the agents studied for the prevention and treatment of GIM, the evidence continues to support use of probiotics containing Lactobacillus spp. for prevention of chemoradiotherapy and radiotherapy-induced diarrhea in patients with pelvic malignancy, and hyperbaric oxygen therapy to treat radiation-induced proctitis. Additional well-designed research is encouraged to enable a decision regarding palifermin, glutamine, sodium butyrate, and dietary interventions, for the prevention or treatment of GIM.

Contains fulltext : 208383.pdf (publisher's version ) (Closed access), PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to update the clinical practice guidelines for the use of agents for the prevention and/or treatment of gastrointestinal mucositis (GIM). METHODS: A systematic review was conducted by the Mucositis Study Group of the Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer/International Society for Oral Oncology (MASCC/ISOO). The body of evidence for each intervention, in each cancer treatment setting, was assigned an evidence level. Based on the evidence level, one of the following three guideline determinations was possible: Recommendation, Suggestion, and No Guideline Possible. RESULTS: A total of 78 papers across 13 interventions were examined of which 25 were included in the final review. No new guidelines were possible for any agent due to inadequate and/or conflicting evidence. Existing guidelines for probiotics and hyperbaric oxygen were unchanged. CONCLUSIONS: Of the agents studied for the prevention and treatment of GIM, the evidence continues to support use of probiotics containing Lactobacillus spp. for prevention of chemoradiotherapy and radiotherapy-induced diarrhea in patients with pelvic malignancy, and hyperbaric oxygen therapy to treat radiation-induced proctitis. Additional well-designed research is encouraged to enable a decision regarding palifermin, glutamine, sodium butyrate, and dietary interventions, for the prevention or treatment of GIM.

Contains fulltext : 208383.pdf (publisher's version ) (Closed access), PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to update the clinical practice guidelines for the use of agents for the prevention and/or treatment of gastrointestinal mucositis (GIM). METHODS: A systematic review was conducted by the Mucositis Study Group of the Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer/International Society for Oral Oncology (MASCC/ISOO). The body of evidence for each intervention, in each cancer treatment setting, was assigned an evidence level. Based on the evidence level, one of the following three guideline determinations was possible: Recommendation, Suggestion, and No Guideline Possible. RESULTS: A total of 78 papers across 13 interventions were examined of which 25 were included in the final review. No new guidelines were possible for any agent due to inadequate and/or conflicting evidence. Existing guidelines for probiotics and hyperbaric oxygen were unchanged. CONCLUSIONS: Of the agents studied for the prevention and treatment of GIM, the evidence continues to support use of probiotics containing Lactobacillus spp. for prevention of chemoradiotherapy and radiotherapy-induced diarrhea in patients with pelvic malignancy, and hyperbaric oxygen therapy to treat radiation-induced proctitis. Additional well-designed research is encouraged to enable a decision regarding palifermin, glutamine, sodium butyrate, and dietary interventions, for the prevention or treatment of GIM.

© 2017 Fischer-Tropsch Synthesis (FTS) yields a spectrum of products with carbon lengths of 1 to upwards of 100 units. In order to make use of the full spectrum of hydrocarbon fractions, particularly the heavier units, secondary processing is required. Modifying the FTS product distribution and catalyst activity in order to decrease the amount of long chain hydrocarbons (C 25 + ) may allow significant simplification of FTS based processes. To this end we report the results of in-situ pre-treatment of alumina supported cobalt catalysts (Co/Ru/La – Al 2 O 3 ) with acetylene in a fixed-bed reactor. It is postulated that acetylene dissociation and dehydrogenation resulted in the generation of carbidic and C x H y species on the catalyst surface. The formation of these carbonaceous species on different active sites of the catalyst surface following pre-treatment also significantly altered the FTS product distribution by affecting the extent and pathway of 1-olefin secondary reactions. It is thought that these changes resulted from decreased incorporation of 1-olefins in further chain growth and a decrease in secondary hydrogenation rate. The amount of heavy hydrocarbons (waxes) produced was reduced by more than two-fold.

Marine stramenopiles (MASTs) are a diverse suite of eukaryotic microbes found in marine environments. Several MAST lineages are thought to contain heterotrophic nanoflagellates. However, MASTs remain uncultured and data on distributions and trophic modes are limited. We investigated MASTs in provinces on the west and east sides of the North Pacific Subtropical Gyre, specifically the East China Sea (ECS) and the California Current system (CALC). For each province, DNA was sampled from three zones: coastal, mesotrophic transitional, and more oligotrophic euphotic waters. Along with diatoms, chrysophytes, and other stramenopiles, sequences were recovered from nine MAST lineages in the six ECS and four CALC 18S rRNA gene clone libraries. All but one of these libraries were from surface samples. MAST clusters 1, 3, 7, 8, and 11 were identified in both provinces, with MAST cluster 3 (MAST-3) being found the most frequently. Additionally, MAST-2 was detected in the ECS and MAST-4, -9, and -12 were detected in the CALC. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that some subclades within these lineages differ along latitudinal gradients. MAST-1A, -1B, and -1C and MAST-4 size and abundance estimates obtained using fluorescence in situ hybridization on 79 spring and summer ECS samples showed a negative correlation between size of MAST-1B and MAST-4 cells and temperature. MAST-1A was rarely detected, but MAST-1B and -1C and MAST-4 were abundant in summer and MAST-1C and MAST-4 were more so at the coast, with maximum abundances of 543 and 1,896 cells ml-1, respectively. MAST-4 and Synechococcus abundances were correlated, and experimental work showed that MAST-4 ingests Synechococcus. Together with previous studies, this study helps refine hypotheses on distribution and trophic modes of MAST lineages. © 2012, American Society for Microbiology.

Marine stramenopiles (MASTs) are a diverse suite of eukaryotic microbes found in marine environments. Several MAST lineages are thought to contain heterotrophic nanoflagellates. However, MASTs remain uncultured and data on distributions and trophic modes are limited. We investigated MASTs in provinces on the west and east sides of the North Pacific Subtropical Gyre, specifically the East China Sea (ECS) and the California Current system (CALC). For each province, DNA was sampled from three zones: coastal, mesotrophic transitional, and more oligotrophic euphotic waters. Along with diatoms, chrysophytes, and other stramenopiles, sequences were recovered from nine MAST lineages in the six ECS and four CALC 18S rRNA gene clone libraries. All but one of these libraries were from surface samples. MAST clusters 1, 3, 7, 8, and 11 were identified in both provinces, with MAST cluster 3 (MAST-3) being found the most frequently. Additionally, MAST-2 was detected in the ECS and MAST-4, -9, and -12 were detected in the CALC. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that some subclades within these lineages differ along latitudinal gradients. MAST-1A, -1B, and -1C and MAST-4 size and abundance estimates obtained using fluorescence in situ hybridization on 79 spring and summer ECS samples showed a negative correlation between size of MAST-1B and MAST-4 cells and temperature. MAST-1A was rarely detected, but MAST-1B and -1C and MAST-4 were abundant in summer and MAST-1C and MAST-4 were more so at the coast, with maximum abundances of 543 and 1,896 cells ml-1, respectively. MAST-4 and Synechococcus abundances were correlated, and experimental work showed that MAST-4 ingests Synechococcus. Together with previous studies, this study helps refine hypotheses on distribution and trophic modes of MAST lineages. © 2012, American Society for Microbiology.

Organophosphorus (OP) insecticides and chemical warfare agents act primarily by inhibiting acetylcholinesterase. There are many secondary targets for OP toxicants as observed for example with the major insecticide chlorpyrifos and its bioactivated metabolite chlorpyrifos oxon (CPO). Therefore, it was surprising that the predominant mouse brain protein labeled in vitro by [H-3-ethyl]CPO (1 nM) (designated CPO-binding protein or CPO-BP) is not one of these known OP toxicant targets. CPO-BP is a 50-kDa membrane-bound serine hydrolase measured by derivatization with [H-3]CPO and SDS/PAGE or filtration binding assay. It appears to undergo rapid cliethylphosphorylation by [H-3]CPO followed by either dephosphorylation and reactivation or aging on loss of an ethyl group. CPO and several other OP toxicants potently inhibit CPO-BP in vivo (i.p., 2 h) (50% inhibition at 2-25 mg/kg) and in vitro (50% inhibition at 8-68 nM). Using three chemical labeling reagents, i.e., [3H]CPO and the activity-based proteomic probes fluorophosphonate-biotin and fluorophosphonate-rhodamine, mouse brain CPO-BP is identified as serine hydrolase KIAA1363 of unknown function. Brains from KIAA1363(-/-) mice show greatly reduced levels of CPO labeling and hydrolytic metabolism compared to brains from wild-type mice. KIAA1363 therefore is the principal enzyme for metabolizing low levels of CPO in brain and may play a more general role in detoxification of OP nerve poisons.

Organophosphorus (OP) insecticides and chemical warfare agents act primarily by inhibiting acetylcholinesterase. There are many secondary targets for OP toxicants as observed for example with the major insecticide chlorpyrifos and its bioactivated metabolite chlorpyrifos oxon (CPO). Therefore, it was surprising that the predominant mouse brain protein labeled in vitro by [H-3-ethyl]CPO (1 nM) (designated CPO-binding protein or CPO-BP) is not one of these known OP toxicant targets. CPO-BP is a 50-kDa membrane-bound serine hydrolase measured by derivatization with [H-3]CPO and SDS/PAGE or filtration binding assay. It appears to undergo rapid cliethylphosphorylation by [H-3]CPO followed by either dephosphorylation and reactivation or aging on loss of an ethyl group. CPO and several other OP toxicants potently inhibit CPO-BP in vivo (i.p., 2 h) (50% inhibition at 2-25 mg/kg) and in vitro (50% inhibition at 8-68 nM). Using three chemical labeling reagents, i.e., [3H]CPO and the activity-based proteomic probes fluorophosphonate-biotin and fluorophosphonate-rhodamine, mouse brain CPO-BP is identified as serine hydrolase KIAA1363 of unknown function. Brains from KIAA1363(-/-) mice show greatly reduced levels of CPO labeling and hydrolytic metabolism compared to brains from wild-type mice. KIAA1363 therefore is the principal enzyme for metabolizing low levels of CPO in brain and may play a more general role in detoxification of OP nerve poisons.

Segmented cladding fibers were fabricated with PMMA polymer. Single-mode operation at 1.55 m was observed with a 36.5-cm long fiber that consisted of 4 cladding segments and had a core diameter, of 20 m. (c) 2003 Optical Society of America. [10 Refs; In English]

We show that dissipative systems can have a multiplicity of stationary solutions in the form of both stable and unstable solitons. As a model equation, we use the complex cubic-quintic Ginzburg-Landau equation. For a given set of the equation parameters, this equation has many coexisting soliton solutions. Our stability results show that although most of them are unstable, they can have stable pieces. This partial stability leads to the phenomenon of soliton explosion. © 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.

Flapping wings provide unmatched manoeuvrability for flying microrobots. Recent advances in modelling insect aerodynamics show that adequate wing rotation at the end of the stroke is essential for generating adequate flight forces. We developed a thorax structure using four bar frames combined with an extensible fan-fold wing to provide adequate wing stroke and rotation. Flow measurements on a scale model of the beating wing show promising aerodynamics. Calculations using a simple resonant mechanical circuit model show that piezoelectric actuators can generate sufficient power, force and stroke to drive the wings at 150 Hz.

A model derived from first principles for the transition from internal to external oxidation has been shown to be applicable to the oxidation of alloys. The feasibility of forming protective alumina scales by the selective oxidation of aluminum at greatly reduced AL contents has been demonstrated. The critical NAL for the transition has been lowered to between 25 and 30 at.% AL by the balanced addition of elements that simultaneously reduce NO(s) and DO and increase DAL in the alloy. The model indicates that a low DAL is the major factor limiting the selective oxidation of AL and that an increase of about 6 orders of magnitude would be required to effect a transition to external scale information at 1100 C. A major increase in DAL was achieved by adding Ti to increase the solubility of AL in b.c.c Nb. This resulted in formation of alumina at an NAL of 0.4 in air at 1400 C. By adding Cr and V to reduce NO(s) and DO, the critical NAL was reduced further to between 0.25 and 0.3 at 1400 C. An alloy o fNiobium-29 Titanium-38 Aluminum-3 Chromium-4 Vanadium (at.%) formed highly protective alumina in air at 1400 C. The ability to form alumina decreased as temperature decreased due to the high activation energy of alumina formation and rapid kinetics of transient oxidation. Further modification of both composition and alloy structure is needed.

Factors affecting the formation of protective alumina scales on niobium-base alloys by selective oxidation have been investigated. Alumina cannot be formed in air at latm. on binary Nb-A1 alloys at any N(Al). Theoretical knowledge of selective oxidation has been applied to Nb-A1 alloys to alter behavior. The effects of Al-content, temperature, atmosphere, third element additions, and microstructure on the transition from internal to external oxidation of aluminum has been evaluated and conditions under which protective alumina scales can form on Nb-A1 alloys have been defined. Third element additions are required to form protective alumina. The most effective additions are those which can reduce the solubility and diffusivity of oxygen, enhance diffusion of A1, and limit transient oxidation. Additions of Ti, Cr, V and Si were identified as most promising for providing oxidation resistance in Nb-A1 alloys. The feasibility of forming compact, adherent alumina scales on Nb alloys at a minimum N(A1)=0.32 in air at 1100-1600 C has been demonstrated. Alumina scale could not be formed below 1100 C. Preoxidation above 1100 C can be used to preform alumina scales that wil protect at lower temperatures but is effective only if the alloy is not cooled to room temperature prior to exposure at lower temperatures. Rapid solidification processing does not appear to offer any significant benefit., Prepared in cooperation with Pittsburgh Univ., PA.

An improved understanding of factors governing the selective oxidation of aluminum to form continuous alumina scales on modified niobium-aluminum alloys has been established. It has been demonstrated that highly protective alumina scales can be formed on niobium-titanium-chromium-vanadium-aluminum alloys without transient oxidation products at temperatures of 1400 to 1600 C in air. Aluminum content has been identified as the critical factor controlling single layer alumina formation. It also has been shown that the N sub Al(crit) for the formation of a continuous alumina scale is 0.375 - 0.38 at 1400 C, decreasing slightly with increased Nb-Ti ratio in the alloy. A fourth element must be added to niobium-titanium-aluminum for effective alumina formation. It has been established that this element should be from a group that can reduce the solubility-diffusivity at 1400 - 1600 C. Alumina can be formed at 1400 C by substituting V or Ti but a liquid transient oxide is produced. A high rate of transient oxidation relative to alumina formation in this range accelerated transient oxidation and precluded alumina growth instead.