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Abstract Human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) promote adequate intestinal microbiota development and favor the immune system's maturation and cognitive development. In addition to non-modifiable factors, HMOs composition can be influenced by other factors like body mass index and eating habits, but the reports are discrepant. The aim of this work was to describe the correlation between maternal factors and HMOs concentration in colostrum in 70 women from northeastern Mexico categorized into women with normal weight and women with overweight or obesity. The absolute concentration of six HMOs were significantly lower in women with overweight or obesity compared to women with normal weight (LNFPI p = 0.0021, 2’-FL p = 0.0304, LNT p = 0.0492, LNnT p = 0.00026, 3’-SL p = 0.0476, 6’-SL p = 0.00041). Another main finding was that the frequency of consumption of food groups such as vegetables, fruits and meats was positively correlated to specific HMOs (Poblano chili and 2’-FL; r s = 0.702, p = 0.0012; Orange or tangerine and 3-FL; r s = 0.428, p = 0.0022; Chicken and 2'-FL; r s = 0.615, p = 0.0039). This study contributes to the elucidation of how maternal factors influence the composition of HMOs and opens possibilities for future research aimed at mitigating overweight or obesity, consequently improving the quality of human milk.

Demand is high for small, lightweight, and power-dense machines. However, as power increases and size decreases, rejecting losses becomes more difficult. Many novel cooling systems have been developed, which have allowed machines to be made smaller while increasing power. This paper proposes a cooling system making use of soft magnetic composite (SMC) cores to improve cooling specifically in a high-speed axial-flux machine via the use of an integrated cooling channel in the SMC core. A series of experiments on a prototype machine are performed and the experimental data are used to determine a set of parameters for the FEA thermal model. Using the thermal FEA model, a comparison is completed with a traditional closed cooling system using laminated steels and an attached cooling plate.The SMC machine is then simulated at speeds up to 160 krpm and currents up to 8 A. To achieve the same coil temperature between the two designs, the laminated steel model required 4 MPa contact pressure at 10 krpm and 5 MPa contact pressure at 20 krpm. At the same time, the novel design removed approximately 20% more heat per shear air gap surface area and approximately 15% more heat per total machine surface area than the version with the attached cooling plate. Extending the operating range of the model to 160 krpm demonstrated that the maximum temperature rise remained below 180 °C.

We report the first record of Lasiurus villosissimus (É. Geoffroy & St.-Hilaire, 1806) in San Juan prov-ince, Argentina. A male, determined as a juvenile by its degree of ossification of the epiphyses of the phalanges and the color and texture of the fur, was found on 31 August 2021 in a suburban area 2.44 km south of the city of San Juan. This new report increases the richness of bat species in the province and expands the distribution of this spe-cies towards the west of the country.

Abstract Background Canine leishmaniosis (CanL) is a systemic disease caused by the protozoan parasite Leishmania infantum with a wide spectrum of clinical signs, with cutaneous, ocular, renal and lymphoreactive conditions prevailing in the clinical setting. The immune system plays a pivotal role in the evolution of Leishmania infection and its response to antileishmanial treatment. Cytokines are important immune response mediators that are released by activated lymphocytes and less so by other immunocytes. In dogs with leishmaniosis, IFN-γ and IL-4 have been recognized as the main activators of cellular and humoral immunity, respectively. The objective of this study was to investigate intracellular IL-4 and IFN-γ expression by CD4 + and CD8 + lymphocytes in the peripheral blood of symptomatic dogs before and after combined antileishmanial treatment with miltefosine and allopurinol. Results Postantileishmanial treatment CD4 + IL-4 + and CD8 + IL-4 + cell counts were significantly decreased, although no similar changes were observed in the comparisons made between the pre- and posttreatment CD4 + IFN-γ + and CD8 + IFN-γ + counts and ratios. Conclusion The findings indicate that IL-4 production by T cells may facilitate the symptomatic phase of CanL, whereas IFN-γ production by CD4 + and CD8 + cells may indicate its negligible role in the evolution of natural CanL and perhaps the equivocal positive influence of antileishmanial treatment.

In this paper, investigating the influence of wear properties such as load, distance, and sliding speed are analyzed to statistical behavior of the wear mass loss and co efficient of frictions as response using high-strength titanium alloys (Grade 23). Dry sliding wear tests were performed on the titanium alloys using Pin-on-disc tribometer according to the ASTM G99-95a with ambient circumstances. Response Surface Methodology (RSM) was employed for experiential run to evaluate the tribological behavior. The input parameters are load (30–50 N), sliding speed (1–2 m/s) and sliding distance [1000–2000 m]. The samples weight loss and coefficient of friction were measured during these experiments. EN 31 steel discs with 80 mm-diameter was utilized as counter pairs. The test results showed that the main factors; interaction of sliding speed and sliding distance, and quadratic impacts of sliding speed, had a considerable influence on wear mass loss and co efficient frictions. The sliding distance has most influences on WML and COF with contribution of 60% and 51% respectively. The smallest WML of 0.0262 g and COF of 0.3308 were reached by optimum input parameters.

Background Hip fractures in the geriatric population are frequently encountered. There is increasing focus on minimizing the delay to surgery in these patients. This study was designed to evaluate factors responsible for a delay to surgery in a geriatric hip fracture population and how time to surgery affects mortality. Methods A retrospective cohort of patients sustaining low energy geriatric hip fractures in either an American College of Surgeons (ACS) verified Level 1 trauma center or a local university affiliated community teaching hospital were reviewed. The following variables were evaluated as independent risk factors for delay to surgery: demographic data, surgical details, use of cardiology resources, treatment center, and comorbidities. As a secondary objective, the effect of time to surgery on 1 year mortality was analyzed. Results 1157 patients met inclusion criteria. The following factors increased the risk of delay to surgery greater than 48 hours: male sex, treatment in a community hospital (versus trauma center), older age, multiple comorbidities (eg, cardiovascular-related conditions or other fractures), cardiology consultation, and an American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status score of 3 or 4. Cardiology consultation was the strongest independent predictor of risk for delay to surgery of >48 hours (odds ratio, 6.68; 95% confidence interval, 4.40 to 10.14; P < .001). The 1-year mortality of patients did not differ when surgical treatment occurred before 48 hours or after 48 hours (Log-rank test P = .109). Conclusion The presence of cardiovascular comorbidities and cardiology consultations can delay surgical treatments for hip fractures in patients greater than 65 years old, but the delay did not influence 1-year all-cause mortality. Level of Evidence Level IV.

We study a generalization of the static model of [11] with two risk neutral insiders to the case where each insider is partially informed about the value of the stock. First, we provide a necessary and sufficient condition for the uniqueness of the linear Bayesian equilibrium. Specifically, we show that, when the covariance matrix of the errors terms of the insiders' signals, is not singular, the linear Bayesian equilibrium is not unique. Then, we carry out a comparative statics analysis.

Background To evaluate the clinical, functional, radiographic, and survival outcomes in patients undergoing reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) with uncemented stem fixation for proximal humerus fractures. Materials and Methods This is a retrospective cohort study that evaluated a consecutive series of patients with proximal humerus fractures undergoing RSA. Clinical data, radiographs, and re-operation rates were reviewed in patients selected for uncemented stem fixation. The same parameters were compared to the remainder of the cohort undergoing cemented stem fixation. Results The uncemented group (n = 16, median total follow-up = 108 weeks) and cemented group (n = 12, median total follow-up = 223 weeks, p = 0.110) did not differ statistically in pre-operative demographic, post-operative outcomes or incidence of complications. Two patients (12.5%) in the uncemented group required a reoperation (Week 52 and 180) versus none in the cemented group. Conclusion Uncemented stem fixation in RSA for proximal humerus fractures does not yield worse results than cemented stem fixation in properly selected patients. Prospective non-inferiority trials comparing outcomes are recommended.

IntroductionGlobally, women with dementia have a higher disease burden than men with dementia. In addition, women with diabetes especially are at higher risk for cognitive impairment and dementia compared to men with diabetes. Differences in the influence of diabetes on the cerebral vasculature and brain structure may contribute to these sex-specific differences. We examined sex-specific patterns in the relationship between diabetes and brain structure, as well as diabetes and cognitive function.MethodsIn total, 893 patients [age 79 ± 6.6 years, 446 (50%) women] from the Amsterdam Ageing Cohort with available data on brain structures (assessed by an MRI or CT scan) and cognitive function were included. All patients underwent a thorough standardized clinical and neuropsychological assessment (including tests on memory, executive functioning, processing speed, language). Brain structure abnormalities were quantified using visual scales.ResultsCross-sectional multivariable regression analyses showed that diabetes was associated with increased incidence of cerebral lacunes and brain atrophy in women (OR 2.18 (1.00–4.72) but not in men. Furthermore, diabetes was associated with decreased executive function, processing speed and language in women [B −0.07 (0.00–0.13), −0.06 (0.02–0.10) and −0.07 (0.01–0.12) resp.] but not in men.ConclusionsDiabetes is related to increased risk of having lacunes, brain atrophy and impaired cognitive function in women but not in men. Further research is required to understand the time trajectory leading up to these changes and to understand the mechanisms behind them in order to improve preventive health care for both sexes.

Manipulative treatments for pain are very widely used nowadays by a variety of physicians. These treatment modalities are generally safe, but various studies have reported serious complications. This report presents the case of a 78-year-old male patient with a history of Parkinson’s disease, who was diagnosed with a right hip fracture that occurred as a result of physical manipulative treatment. He underwent a cemented hemi-arthroplasty as appropriate surgical treatment of his condition. Manipulative treatments can result in minor and major complications ranging from simple sprains and rib fractures to cerebrovascular accidents and death. The frequency of these events seems to be rare; however, no robust studies are present and further investigations are urgently needed. Hip fractures as a result of this treatment have not been previously mentioned. This is the first reported case in the literature of a hip fracture resulting from manipulative treatment. Primary care physicians and orthopedists should be aware of the possibility of this outcome and rule it out whenever necessary.

The Data and Resource Center (DRC) of the NIH-funded SPARC program is developing databases, connectivity maps, and simulation tools for the mammalian autonomic nervous system. The experimental data and mathematical models supplied to the DRC by the SPARC consortium are curated, annotated and semantically linked via a single knowledgebase. A data portal has been developed that allows discovery of data and models both via semantic search and via an interface that includes Google Map-like 2D flatmaps for displaying connectivity, and 3D anatomical organ scaffolds that provide a common coordinate framework for cross-species comparisons. We discuss examples that illustrate the data pipeline, which includes data upload, curation, segmentation (for image data), registration against the flatmaps and scaffolds, and finally display via the web portal, including the link to freely available online computational facilities that will enable neuromodulation hypotheses to be investigated by the autonomic neuroscience community and device manufacturers.

Recent advances in dual-energy imaging techniques, dual-energy subtraction radiography (DESR) and dual-energy CT (DECT), offer new and useful additional information to conventional imaging, thus improving assessment of cardiothoracic abnormalities. DESR facilitates detection and characterization of pulmonary nodules. Other advantages of DESR include better depiction of pleural, lung parenchymal, airway and chest wall abnormalities, detection of foreign bodies and indwelling devices, improved visualization of cardiac and coronary artery calcifications helping in risk stratification of coronary artery disease, and diagnosing conditions like constrictive pericarditis and valvular stenosis. Commercially available DECT approaches are classified into emission based (dual rotation/spin, dual source, rapid kilovoltage switching and split beam) and detector-based (dual layer) systems. DECT provide several specialized image reconstructions. Virtual non-contrast images (VNC) allow for radiation dose reduction by obviating need for true non contrast images, low energy virtual mono-energetic images (VMI) boost contrast enhancement and help in salvaging otherwise non-diagnostic vascular studies, high energy VMI reduce beam hardening artifacts from metallic hardware or dense contrast material, and iodine density images allow quantitative and qualitative assessment of enhancement/iodine distribution. The large amount of data generated by DECT can affect interpreting physician efficiency but also limit clinical adoption of the technology. Optimization of the existing workflow and streamlining the integration between post-processing software and picture archiving and communication system (PACS) is therefore warranted.

An ever increase in the utilization of water for domestic and industrial activities resulted in the depletion of fresh water. Water is being used in huge quantities for manufacturing and other activities. The toxic pollutants used in the industries get mixed with water and result in the degradation of water quality. Textile industries are considered as one of the major industries that release a huge quantity of wastewater. The dye used in the textile industries is not completely utilized in the dyeing process and gets mixed with water and reaches the environment. Caulerpa scalpelliformis, a novel sorbent, was used for the preparation of biochar and successive removal of dyes in a continuous operation. The operating conditions, namely, biochar bed depth, dye flow rate, and initial dye concentration, were investigated, and the experimental result was validated with the mathematical models.

Bending tests were conducted on ferrocement laminates containing chicken mesh and steel slag. The fundamental goal of the examination was to investigate the effects of partial substitution of fine aggregate by steel slag in cement mortar combining chicken mesh of different volume fractions as reinforcement in thin ferrocement laminates. The following variables were investigated: (a) volume fraction of chicken mesh as 0.94%, 1.88%, 2.82%, and 3.77% and (b) level of steel slag substitution from 0% to 50% by weight fine aggregate. Results show that ferrocement laminates with chicken mesh of volume fractions of 3.77% and 30% substitution of fine aggregate with steel slag display better performance in terms of load deflection behaviour, first crack load, ultimate load, energy absorption, and ductility ratio when related with other specimens. An analytical model has been proposed to predict the ultimate moment carrying capacity of ferrocement laminates under flexure to validate the experimental results.

Abstract DNA nanostructures represent the confluence of materials science, computer science, biology, and engineering. As functional assemblies, they are capable of performing mechanical and chemical work. In this study, we demonstrate global twisting of DNA nanorails made from two DNA origami six-helix bundles. Twisting was controlled using ethidium bromide or SYBR Green I as model intercalators. Our findings demonstrate that DNA nanorails: (i) twist when subjected to intercalators and the amount of twisting is concentration dependent, and (ii) twisting saturates at elevated concentrations. This study provides insight into how complex DNA structures undergo conformational changes when exposed to intercalators and may be of relevance when exploring how intercalating drugs interact with condensed biological structures such as chromatin and chromosomes, as well as chromatin analogous gene expression devices.

Summary: Brucellosis is the most frequent zoonosis reported in Qatar, mainly related to exposure to infected camels. An outbreak of human brucellosis in 14 members of a family living in a rural area in Qatar is reported herein. Clinical, epidemiological and laboratory results from all 14 patients with Brucella and 12 non-confirmed family members were collected from files. All patients reported fever for a maximum of 14 days, associated with arthralgia (6 patients), weakness (4 patients), headache (4 patients), diarrhea (2 patients) and abdominal pain (2 patients). The median age of the patients was 10 years and that of non-cases was 16 years, with a predominance of males (92.9%). Elevated levels of transaminases were observed in patients. A mixed infection caused by Brucella abortus and Brucella melitensis was identified by blood culture and serology. The source of the infection was the milk of an infected camel. The outbreak of brucellosis melitensis/abortus related to the consumption of camel milk constitutes a gap in the prevention and control of the potential sources of brucellosis in animal farms. Proper control and education of the population are required. Keywords: Brucellosis, Raw milk, Human, Camels

As risk and uncertainty factors have become more prominent in the already volatile energy market because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the development of Arctic hydrocarbon resources has become a debatable issue. At any rate, oil and gas companies need to improve their strategic management systems (along with the development of technologies) for the successful implementation of such complex projects. The purpose of this study was to propose the conceptual basis for transforming strategic management and planning systems of oil and gas companies so that they can successfully face global challenges when implementing offshore oil and gas projects in the Arctic as well as provide more sustainable energy sources. The article discusses the current situation with Arctic initiatives and the results of an analysis of price instability in the energy sector, along with an analysis of several megatrends affecting oil and gas companies. All this allows for presenting a conceptual vision of how a strategic management system should be transformed in order to become able to meet the requirements for implementing Arctic projects, with the emphasis being placed on sustainability, management requirements, and the key principles. The research is based on the fundamentals of strategic management and strategic planning and relies on methods such as desk study, content analysis, event analysis, comparative analysis, and factor analysis.

Objective. To present a rare case of malignant struma ovarii (MSO) and synchronous thyroid cancer, review the medical literature, and present the latest trends in management. Methods. The case of a woman with MSO and concomitant thyroid cancer is presented, including clinical presentation, treatment, and follow-up care. A search of the English-language literature was conducted using MEDLINE and Google Scholar data bases. Results. We found 10 publications (one abstract) describing 10 patients with MSO and concomitant thyroid cancer. Six additional patients were reported by a study that analyzed the SEER (cancer registry) database. The median age of women was 42 years, with the majority of them presenting with abdominal symptoms. Histologically, most tumors were papillary carcinomas in both organs. In 5 patients, there was extrathyroidal tumor extension at time of surgery. Conclusion. MSO can occasionally coexist with highly aggressive eutopic thyroid cancer. Although this concurrence is even rarer than MSO, clinicians should routinely investigate for possible synchronous thyroid cancer in all cases of MSO and also consider aggressive postoperative treatment including thyroidectomy and radioiodine ablation therapy in cases of MSO.

This paper compares the detection methods of static eccentricity in Interior Permanent Magnet Synchronous Machines (IPMSM). Four methods are discussed: The first method uses shift in the voltages in d−q plane to detect fault. The second method uses shift in peak of the incremental inductance curve for fault detection. The third method uses the combined information of harmonics present both in current and voltage to detect the fault. This makes the detection robust with respect to current controller bandwidth. Finally, the fourth method used for detection includes measuring vibrations using accelerometers. It is shown that all four methods detected static eccentricity. These methods are compared on the basis of utility of fault detection under online or offline conditions and under saturated conditions. For all four methods the machine was tested at healthy, 25% and 50% static eccentricity levels. Two-dimensional (2-D) Finite element analysis was used for simulating machine under healthy and faulty cases. The experiments were performed by controlling the machine using Labview Real-time.

Anaphylaxis prevalence has increased within the last few years. This may be due to a marked increase in allergic sensitization to foods especially in the pediatric population, as well as to an increase in outdoor recreational habits and the availability of new biologic medications. Furthermore, guidelines for the diagnosis of anaphylaxis have been published, thus facilitating the recognition of this disorder. Diagnosis of anaphylaxis is mainly based on history and clinical criteria of organ system involvement. The serum tryptase assay is now commercially available and may be a helpful diagnostic tool in certain clinical situations involving hypotension, but not in the context of food-induced anaphylaxis. Treatment of anaphylaxis mainly involves the use of epinephrine as a first line medication for severe manifestations followed by symptomatic management of specific symptoms, such as antihistamines for urticaria and albuterol for wheezing. Although commonly practiced, treatment with systemic corticosteroids is not supported by evidence-based literature. Observation in a medical facility for 4-6 hours is recommended to monitor for late phase reactions, although these rarely occur. Education is an essential component of management of a patient with a previous history of anaphylaxis, emphasizing early use of epinephrine and providing a written action plan. Referral to a board-certified allergist/immunologist is recommended to determine the cause of the anaphylaxis as well as to rule out other potential conditions. In this review, our main focus will be on the treatment and prevention of anaphylaxis while providing our readers with a brief introduction to the diagnosis of anaphylaxis, its prevalence and its most common causes.

Graft versus host disease (GVHD) is an immunological disorder triggered by bone marrow transplantation that affects several organs, including the gastrointestinal tract and liver. Fullerenes and their soluble forms, fullerols, are nanocomposites with a closed symmetrical structure with anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties. The present study evaluated the effects of treatment with the fullerol (C60(OH)18-20) in the development and pathogenesis of GVHD in a murine model. Mice with experimental GVHD that were treated with the fullerol showed reduced clinical signs of disease and mortality compared with untreated mice. Treatment with the fullerol decreased the hepatic damage associated with reduced hepatic levels of reactive oxygen species, pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines (IFN-γ TNF-α, CCL2, CCL3 and CCL5) and reduced leukocyte accumulation. The amelioration of GVHD after treatment with the fullerol was also associated with reduced intestinal lesions and consequent bacterial translocation to the blood, liver and peritoneal cavity. Moreover, the fullerol treatment alleviated the GVHD while preserving effects of the graft against a leukemia cell line (GFP+P815). In summary, the fullerol was effective in reducing the GVHD inflammatory response in mice and may suggest novel ways to treat this disease.

In unserem Beitrag setzen wir uns mit der "Mode 3"-Universität auseinander. Bezieht sich das "Mode 1" der Wissensproduktion traditionell auf eine Grundlagenforschung ohne Anwendungsinteresse, so gilt bei "Mode 2" der Fokus bereits einer Wissensproduktion für angewandte Problemlösung. Mode 3 ließe sich hingegen als eine Grundlagenforschung im Anwendungskontext verstehen. Mode 3-Universitäten reflektieren, wie sich aus Mode 1 und Mode 2 flexible und kreative Kombinationen und Vernetzungen designen und entwickeln lassen. Das Wechselspiel von Mode 1 und Mode 2 fördert Innovationen und ermöglicht Netzwerke nicht-linearer Innovation. Fachhochschulen lassen sich als "Mode 3"-Universitäten neu erfinden. 30.03.2012 | David F. J. Campbell (Wien) & Elias G. Carayannis (Washington)

Fragile X syndrome, the most frequent form of inherited mental retardation, is due to the absence of Fragile X Mental Retardation Protein (FMRP), an RNA-binding protein involved in several steps of RNA metabolism. To date, two RNA motifs have been found to mediate FMRP/RNA interaction, the G-quartet and the "kissing complex," which both induce translational repression in the presence of FMRP. We show here a new role for FMRP as a positive modulator of translation. FMRP specifically binds Superoxide Dismutase 1 (Sod1) mRNA with high affinity through a novel RNA motif, SoSLIP (Sod1 mRNA Stem Loops Interacting with FMRP), which is folded as three independent stem-loop structures. FMRP induces a structural modification of the SoSLIP motif upon its interaction with it. SoSLIP also behaves as a translational activator whose action is potentiated by the interaction with FMRP. The absence of FMRP results in decreased expression of Sod1. Because it has been observed that brain metabolism of FMR1 null mice is more sensitive to oxidative stress, we propose that the deregulation of Sod1 expression may be at the basis of several traits of the physiopathology of the Fragile X syndrome, such as anxiety, sleep troubles, and autism.

In the multivariable calculus course, a standard application of triple integration is to find volumes of bounded regions in R[superscript 3]. In this article, we consider the problem of computing volumes, by way of examples, of regions bounded by planes and quadric surfaces. For illustration, we present the solution to two basic but non-standard problems. The analysis employed shows how the parametrization of the intersection curves is obtained and used in setting up the volume integrals.