Search

Terahertz spectroscopy is a perfect tool to investigate the electronic intraband conductivity of graphene, but a phenom-enological model (Drude-Smith) is often needed to describe disorder. By studying the THz response of isotropically strained polycrystalline graphene and using a fully atomistic computational approach to fit the results, we demonstrate here the connection between the Drude-Smith parameters and the microscopic behavior. Importantly, we clearly show that the strain-induced changes in the conductivity originate mainly from the increased separation between the single-crystal grains, leading to enchanced localization of the plasmon excitations. Only at the lowest strain values explored, a behavior consistent with the deformation of the individual grains can instead be observed.

Optogenetics employs engineered viruses to genetically modify cells to express specific light-sensitive ion channels. The standard method for gene delivery in the brain involves invasive craniotomies that expose the brain and direct injections of viruses that invariably damage neural tissue along the syringe tract. A recently proposed alternative in which non-invasive optogenetics is performed with focused ultrasound (FUS)-mediated blood-brain barrier (BBB) openings has been found to non-invasively facilitate gene delivery for optogenetics in mice. Although gene delivery can be performed non-invasively, validating successful viral transduction and expression of encoded ion channels in target tissue typically involves similar invasive techniques, such as craniotomies in longitudinal studies and/or postmortem histology. Functional ultrasound imaging (fUSi) is an emerging neuroimaging technique that can be used to transcranially detect changes in cerebral blood volume following introduction of a stimulus. In this study, we implemented a fully non-invasive combined FUS-fUSi technique for performing optogenetics in mice. FUS successfully delivered viruses encoding the red-shifted channelrhodopsin variant ChrimsonR in all treated subjects. fUSi successfully identified stimulus-evoked cerebral blood volume changes preferentially in brain regions expressing the light-sensitive ion channels. Improvements in cell-specific targeting of viral vectors and transcranial ultrasound imaging will make the combined technique a useful tool for neuroscience research in small animals.

Different commercial carbonaceous materials, two made of activated carbons and one of multiwalled nanotubes, were used to prepare cathodes for primary aluminum-air cells and compared with the more expensive platinum-dispersed carbon, usually used as cathode for many types of metal-air cells. The aluminum-air cells used in the electrochemical tests were assembled with alkaline gel polymer electrolytes without any separator. Cells with cathodes made of a cheap activated carbon showed better electrochemical performances than those obtained with platinum-based cathodes. Notably, their discharge capacities were improved and the discharge voltages were always higher than 0.2 V. These improved performances were mainly attributed to the better electrocatalytic activity of the activated carbon as it results from polarization measurements, probably due to the presence of defects, as evidenced from Raman spectra. Three-electrode discharge tests were used to measure the electrode potentials and their impact to the overall cell electrochemical performances. During the discharge, in all cases, an increase of the anodic potential towards more positive values was observed, while the cathodic potential remained almost constant. Thus, the final failure of the cells was mainly due to the degradation of the anodic interface. This indicates the possibility to further increase the cell capacity by adopting suitable mitigation strategies of anodic parasitic reaction or different electrolyte design, with the final aim to realize efficient, cheap, and eco-friendly aluminum-air cells.

Vortex generators have been used to enhance heat transfer in numerous industries. Vortex generators improve flow mixing by destroying the thermal boundary layer, which improves heat transfer. This study aimed to improve heat transfer in circular channels by installing delta-winglet vortex generators. Accordingly, delta-winglet vortex generators with different angles – 90°, 105°, 120°, 135°, and 150° – were installed in an in-line arrangement. The k–ω turbulent SST model was applied to Reynolds numbers ranging from 4,000 to 12,000, varied at an interval of 2,000. The results indicated that a delta-winglet vortex generator with an angle of 90° increased heat transfer by 4.05% compared to that with an angle of 150°, while the flow resistance also increased by 7.18%. The delta-winglet vortex generator with an angle of 90° achieved the highest thermal enhancement factor of 2.55, whereas that with an angle of 150° provided the lowest cost–benefit ratio of 0.61.

Telomeres are complex nucleoprotein structures with specific proteins of noncoding terminal regions of linear chromosomes of eukaryotic cells. Telomere DNA consists of a large number of short sequence repeats (TTAGGG in vertebrates). Telomeres protect chromosomes from their fusion and degradation, limit the proliferative potential of the cell, participate in the segregation of chromosomes during cell division, etc. Reduction of telomeres length is an important factor with significant impact on cell viability and function, aging, and leads to the development of various diseases including cancer. Alcohol abuse has a significant impact on a person's health. Ethanol consumption by a human potentially affects the length of chromosome telomeres on the cellular level. Current review represents systematic analysis of studies on the effect of alcohol consumption on telomere length in humans. PubMed and eLIBRARY.RU databases were explored for the combinations of the terms ("Ethanol" OR "Alcohol") AND "Telomer" with a limitation on the publication date until 01 January 2011. The search resulted in 269 studies. In accordance with the preset criteria, total 238 studies were excluded from the analysis, and 3 publications were excluded due to unavailability of full text. A total of 28 epidemiological and clinical studies were included for this study review. The association of alcohol consumption with shortening of telomeres was reported in 16 of the studies conducted with various populations and cohorts including individuals with alcohol abuse, alcohol dependence, and some genetic variants of alcohol metabolism enzymes. 12 studies reported alcohol consumption was not associated with change in telomere length. The analysis of reviewed studies allows to conclude that they are ambiguous and that there is further urgency to study the effect of alcohol on telomere length by engaging modern methods for its determination.

BACKGROUND & AIMS The use of oral nutritional supplements (ONS) in the hospital setting is important to reach individual protein and energy goals in patients at risk for malnutrition. Compliance with ONS can be challenging but may be improved by prescribing ONS in smaller portions with medication rounds (MEDPass). We compared the likelihood of meeting energy and protein requirements in patients receiving ONS with MEDPass versus conventional ONS administration. METHODS The MEDPass Trial is a randomized, controlled, open-label superiority trial conducted on medical and geriatric wards in a University Hospital in Switzerland. The MEDPass group was allocated to receive 50 ml of ONS four times per day with the medication rounds. The control group received ONS per conventional care between the meals. The primary outcome was the percentage of energy in relation to the individual requirement. Secondary outcomes included the coverage of protein intake in relation to the individual requirement, the amount of daily consumed ONS, the course of handgrip strength (HGS), body weight appetite and nausea. Furthermore, we compared 30-day mortality and hospital length of stay (LOS) was studied in medical patients. RESULTS From November 22nd, 2018 until November 30th, 2021, 204 patients were included in the trial (MEDPass group n = 100, control group n = 104). A total of 203 patients at nutritional risk were analyzed in the intention-to-treat analysis (ITT). Regarding the primary endpoint, there was no difference in the coverage of energy requirement between the MEDPass and control group (82 vs. 85% (Δ -3%, 95%CI -11 to 4%), p = 0.38). Similarly, no differences were found for the secondary outcomes including coverage of protein requirement (101 vs. 104% (Δ -3%, 95% CI -12 -7%), p = 0.57, average daily intake of ONS (170 vs 173 ml (Δ - 3 ml, 95% CI -14 to 8 ml), p = 0.58) and 30-day mortality (3 vs. 8 patients, OR 0.4 (95% CI 0.1-1.4), p = 0.15). The course of HGS, body weight, appetite and nausea did not differ between the groups (p = 0.29, p = 0.14, p = 0.65 and p = 0.94, respectively). The per protocol analysis including 178 patients showed similar results. CONCLUSION Within this controlled trial setting, we found a high compliance for ONS intake and high coverage of protein requirements but no further improvement when ONS was administered using MEDPass compared to conventional care. MEDPass administration may provide an alternative that is easy to integrate into nursing routines, which may lead to lower workload with cost benefits and reduction of food waste. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT03761680.

Polymer shape-memory aerogels (PSMAs) are prospects in various fields of application ranging from aerospace to biomedicine, as advanced thermal insulators, actuators, or sensors. However, the fabrication of PSMAs with good mechanical performance is challenging and is currently dominated by fossil-based polymers. In this work, strong, shape-memory bio-aerogels with high specific surface areas (up to 220 m2/g) and low radial thermal conductivity (0.042 W/mK) were prepared through a one-step treatment of native wood using an ionic liquid mixture of [MTBD]+[MMP]−/DMSO. The aerogel showed similar chemical composition similar to native wood. Nanoscale spatial rearrangement of wood biopolymers in the cell wall and lumen was achieved, resulting in flexible hydrogels, offering design freedom for subsequent aerogels with intricate geometries. Shape-memory function under stimuli of water was reported. The chemical composition and distribution, morphology, and mechanical performance of the aerogel were carefully studied using confocal Raman spectroscopy, AFM, SAXS/WAXS, NMR, digital image correlation, etc. With its simplicity, sustainability, and the broad range of applicability, the methodology developed for nanoscale reassembly of wood is an advancement for the design of biobased shape-memory aerogels.

Udotea is an exclusively marine green macroalgal genus with wide distribution in both tropical and subtropical regions. Due to the difficulty in properly delimiting infrageneric taxa based on morpho-anatomical characteristics by the presence of cryptic species and phenotypic plasticity, the use of techniques of DNA barcode and phylogenetic analysis have been fundamental to assess the Udotea species diversity. Information concerning this genus in Brazil is currently restricted to a few publications in checklists and/or regional floristic surveys along the tropical coast. This study aimed to evaluate the diversity of Udotea in northeastern Brazil through morphological-based taxonomy allied with plastid molecular markers, tufA and rbcL. We generated phylogenies of Udotea sensu lato, and we used different species delimitation methods to assess the diversity among sequences of selected tufA clades within Udotea sensu stricto. None of the eight infrageneric taxa reported for Brazil based only on morphology were confirmed by using molecular data. Udotea dotyi was revealed by tufA and rbcL sequences and represents its first occurrence for the western south Atlantic Ocean. A taxon named here as ‘Udotea cyathiformis’ requires further studies for its definition. This first molecular study on Udotea from the Brazilian coast shows that a broader sampling will be necessary to assess the true diversity of the genus in the western south Atlantic, which may be overestimated due to its high morphological plasticity.

Fibrillar hydrogels are remarkably stiff, low-density networks that can hold vast amounts of water. This work establishes a theoretical framework describing the elastoplastic behavior of physically crosslinked anisotropic gels comprising stiff, charged fibrils.

BACKGROUND: The ability of plants to adapt to oxygen deficiency is associated with the presence of various adaptations, many of which are mediated by significant changes of metabolism. These changes allow resistant wetland plants to grow even in oxygen-deficient environment. AIM: The aim of the study was to carry out metabolic profiling of the leaves of the wetland species Epilobium palustre and Epilobium hirsutum, and the mesophyte species Epilobium angustifolium in order to identify the most characteristic metabolome traits of hypoxia-resistant plants. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Metabolite profiling was performed by GC-MS. Statistical analysis of metabolomics data was processed using R 4.2.1 Funny-Looking Kid. RESULTS: The resulting profile included about 360 compounds. 70 of these were identified and 50 compounds were determined to a class. Sugars (64) were the most widely represented in the obtained profiles. 16 amino and 20 carboxylic acids, lipids and secondary compounds have been identified. Significant differences were revealed between the profiles of leaf metabolomes of mesophyte E. angustifolium and hydrophytes E. hirsutum and E. palustre. The mesophyte was characterized by high levels of sugars. The metabolomes of wetland Epilobium species practically did not differ from each other and were characterized by the accumulation of amino acids, including GABA shunt intermediates, dicarboxylic acids of the Krebs cycle, and metabolites of glycolysis and lactic acid fermentation, which reflects the stimulation of anaerobic respiration, nitrogen metabolism, and alternative pathways of NAD(P)H reoxidation in wetland plants. CONCLUSIONS: Traits of metabolic profiles detected in hydrophyte Epilobium species can be used to assess the degree of plant resistance to oxygen deficiency.

Patients with chronic limb-threatening ischemia (CLTI) require revascularization to improve limb perfusion and thereby limit the risk of amputation. It is uncertain whether an initial strategy of endovascular therapy or surgical revascularization for CLTI is superior for improving limb outcomes.In this international, randomized trial, we enrolled 1830 patients with CLTI and infrainguinal peripheral artery disease in two parallel-cohort trials. Patients who had a single segment of great saphenous vein that could be used for surgery were assigned to cohort 1. Patients who needed an alternative bypass conduit were assigned to cohort 2. The primary outcome was a composite of a major adverse limb event - which was defined as amputation above the ankle or a major limb reintervention (a new bypass graft or graft revision, thrombectomy, or thrombolysis) - or death from any cause.In cohort 1, after a median follow-up of 2.7 years, a primary-outcome event occurred in 302 of 709 patients (42.6%) in the surgical group and in 408 of 711 patients (57.4%) in the endovascular group (hazard ratio, 0.68; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.59 to 0.79; P0.001). In cohort 2, a primary-outcome event occurred in 83 of 194 patients (42.8%) in the surgical group and in 95 of 199 patients (47.7%) in the endovascular group (hazard ratio, 0.79; 95% CI, 0.58 to 1.06; P = 0.12) after a median follow-up of 1.6 years. The incidence of adverse events was similar in the two groups in the two cohorts.Among patients with CLTI who had an adequate great saphenous vein for surgical revascularization (cohort 1), the incidence of a major adverse limb event or death was significantly lower in the surgical group than in the endovascular group. Among the patients who lacked an adequate saphenous vein conduit (cohort 2), the outcomes in the two groups were similar. (Funded by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute; BEST-CLI ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT02060630.).

The objectives of the present experiment were to evaluate a low-density SNP array designed for the molecular characterisation of gene banks and to assess the genetic diversity and population structure of beef cattle herds from an Argentinean research station. Forty-nine animals from three breeds (Angus, Hereford, and Argentinean Creole) were genotyped using the multi-species IMAGE001 60-K SNP array (10 K for cattle). Genotypes of other 19 cattle populations from Argentina, other American countries, and Europe were included in the study. Of special interest was the characterization of the Argentinean Creole, the only autochthonous cattle breed in the country. Due to the merging of different datasets, approximately 5 K SNPs were effectively used. Genetic differentiation (F

SIRT3 is a longevity factor that acts as the primary deacetylase in mitochondria. Although ubiquitously expressed, previous global SIRT3 knockout studies have shown primarily a cardiac-specific phenotype. Here, we sought to determine how specifically knocking out SIRT3 in cardiomyocytes (SIRTcKO mice) temporally affects cardiac function and metabolism. Mice displayed an age-dependent increase in cardiac pathology, with 10-month-old mice exhibiting significant loss of systolic function, hypertrophy, and fibrosis. While mitochondrial function was maintained at 10 months, proteomics and metabolic phenotyping indicated SIRT3 hearts had increased reliance on glucose as an energy substrate. Additionally, there was a significant increase in branched-chain amino acids in SIRT3cKO hearts without concurrent increases in mTOR activity. Heavy water labeling experiments demonstrated that, by 3 months of age, there was an increase in protein synthesis that promoted hypertrophic growth with a potential loss of proteostasis in SIRT3cKO hearts. Cumulatively, these data show that the cardiomyocyte-specific loss of SIRT3 results in severe pathology with an accelerated aging phenotype.

This study investigated the influence of the marathon on lung function, mechanics, and pulmonary inflammation. Twenty-eight male amateur marathon runners (42.1±6.2 years) were evaluated before and immediately after marathon. Pulmonary function and mechanics were assessed using spirometry and impulse oscillometry, respectively, whereas fatigue of the respiratory muscles by manovacuometry and lung inflammation by fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO). Marathon induced a significant reduction in the lung function as compared to baseline values: FVC (4.81±0.72 vs 4.67±0.62, p=0.0095), VC IN (4.81±0.72 vs 4.67±0.62, p=0.009), FEV1 (3.83±0.62 vs 3.72±0.59, p=0.0232), and FEV6 (4.87±0.68 vs 4.57±0.63, p=0.0006), as well as an impairment in the lung mechanics in comparison to baseline values: reduced pulmonary impedance (Z5Hz; 2.96±1.36 vs 2.67±1.11; p=0.0305), reduced resistance of the whole respiratory system (R5Hz; 2.76±1.27 vs 2.5±1.08; p=0.0388) and pulmonary reactance (X5Hz; -1.05±0.55 vs -0.91±0.36; p=0.0101) and of resistance of proximal airways (R5Hz; 1.26±0.73 vs 1.06±0.86; p= 0.0377). In addition, maximal inspiratory (MIP; 94.14±41.88 vs 72.52±25.50; p=0.0023) and expiratory (MEP; 99.31±31.84 vs 91.29±19.94; p=0.0454) pressures, as well as FeNO levels were lower after the marathon than values pre-marathon (p=0.0359). Marathon running causes an acute disturbance in lung function and mechanics and compromises respiratory muscle strength.

The number of women using long-acting reversible contraception (LARC)-intrauterine devices (IUDs) and implants-is increasing and 14% of contraceptive users in the United States adopt LARC. We examined correlates of LARC never-use in a population-based survey of reproductive-aged women in Ohio.We analyzed data from the 2018-19 Ohio Survey of Women. We examined the prevalence of LARC never-use and reasons for never-use among ever users of contraception (N = 2388). Using Poisson regression to generate prevalence ratios (PRs), we examined associations between selected correlates (demographic factors, healthcare access/quality measures, and religious/political views) and LARC never-use.Most Ohio women (74%) had never used LARC. Commonly reported reasons for not using an IUD or an implant were preferring a different method (46% and 45%, respectively), not wanting an object inside their body (45% and 43%), side effect concerns (39% and 33%), insertion/removal concerns (31% and 25%), and unfamiliarity (13% and 20%). Conservative political views (PR: 1.12, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.04-1.22), pro-life affiliation (PR: 1.11, 95% CI: 1.02-1.20), placing high importance on religion in daily life (PR: 1.15, 95% CI: 1.06-1.26), and being non-Hispanic white as compared to non-Hispanic Black (PR: 1.20, 95% CI: 1.02-1.41) were significantly associated with LARC never-use. Findings were generally similar for models analyzing IUD and implant never-use separately.Among ever-users of contraception, LARC never-use was associated with having conservative political views, being religious, and having a pro-life affiliation. Except for race/ethnicity, demographic and healthcare measures were not associated with LARC never-use among women in Ohio.

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS This cross-sectional study aimed to evaluate the association between hepatic steatosis and fibrosis indices and adherence to the Mediterranean diet (MD), physical activity (PA), and quality of life (QoL) in individuals unaware of the status of their liver. PATIENTS AND METHODS Participants were asked to complete three questionnaires validated in Greek, namely: (1) the Chronic Liver Disease Questionnaire (CLDQ) for QoL assessment; (2) the semi-quantitative Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ), from which the MedDietScore was calculated; and (3) the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) for PA evaluation. Hepatic steatosis was evaluated using the Fatty Liver Index (FLI), Hepatic Steatosis Index (HSI), and Lipid Accumulation Product (LAP). Hepatic fibrosis was evaluated using the NAFLD Fibrosis Score (NFS), Fibrosis-4 (FIB-4), and AST-to-platelet ratio index (APRI). RESULTS This study recruited 200 participants (90% men) aged 36 ± 6 years. Hepatic steatosis indices were not associated with MedDietScore and QoL. In terms of PA, univariable analysis showed that higher values of hepatic steatosis indices were associated with less intense activity. This association remained significant only for HSI during multivariable analysis (moderate activity vs. low activity: beta: -2.0, 95% confidence interval (CI): -3.5, -0.37, p = 0.016; and high activity vs. low activity: beta: -3.3, 95% CI: -5.03, -1.60, p

Single-ventricular cardiopathies are challenging conditions requiring multiple surgical interventions to hopefully achieve adulthood. In neonates, pulmonary artery banding allows ventricular adaptation and pulmonary vascular bed protection. Here we present a novel minimally invasive approach to pulmonary artery banding through a 1.5 cm left parasternal minithoracotomy. This technique not only allows for a less traumatic first procedure but also a less manipulated mediastinum and untouched sternum for the consequent surgeries to come. This technique is reproducible in experienced hands and shows favorable and promising results when performed properly.

IntroductionT cell reactivity against pancreatic autoantigens is considered one of the main contributors to the destruction of insulin-producing cells in type 1 diabetes (T1D). Over the years, peptide epitopes derived from these autoantigens have been described in NOD mice and in both HLA class II transgenic mice and humans. However, which ones are involved in the early onset or in the progressive phases of the disease is still unclear.MethodsIn this work we have investigated, in early-onset T1D pediatric patients and HLA-matched controls from Sardinia, the potential of preproinsulin (PPI) and glutamate decarboxylase 65 (GAD65)-derived peptides to induce spontaneous T cell proliferation responses of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs).ResultsSignificant T cell responses against PPI1-18, PPI7-19 and PPI31-49, the first two belonging to the leader sequence of PPI, and GAD65271-285 and GAD65431-450, were found in HLA-DR4, -DQ8 and -DR3, -DQ2 T1D children.ConclusionsThese data show that cryptic epitopes from the leader sequence of the PPI and GAD65271-285 and GAD65431-450 peptides might be among the critical antigenic epitopes eliciting the primary autoreactive responses in the early phases of the disease. These results may have implications in the design of immunogenic PPI and GAD65 peptides for peptide-based immunotherapy.

La inmunización es uno de los avances más importantes de la medicina, logrando la protección contra numerosos microorganismos que han puesto en riesgo la salud de la población durante siglos y siendo en la actualidad una de las principales estrategias de prevención en salud; recientemente con la aparición del COVID-19 se ha marcado un antes y un después, pues a partir de la pandemia la vacunación recobró visibilidad e importancia, sin embargo, a pesar de la evidencia disponible, existe una limitada divulgación y promoción de la vacunación en el adulto, situación que genera una baja cobertura en esta población. El contexto global actual configura un llamado urgente a fortalecer la implementación de planes y estrategias de vacunación no sólo en la población pediátrica, sino también en la población adulta, por lo que el objetivo de esta revisión narrativa es sintetizar las recomendaciones actuales de vacunación en la población adulta de Colombia y América Latina con un enfoque en atención primaria en la población adulta. Para esto, se llevó a cabo una búsqueda bibliográfica en las bases de datos PubMed, Science direct, Redalyc, Scielo y Google académico; Incluyendo estudios relacionados con la vacunación en el adulto en Colombia y América Latina, los cuales permiten plantear estrategias sistematizadas de vacunación en atención primaria.

Introduced non-native species can threaten native species through interspecific hybridisation and genetic introgression. We assessed the prevalence of hybridisation and introgression between introduced European brown hare, Lepus europaeus, and the endemic Irish hare, L. timidus hibernicus. Roadkill hares (n = 56) were sequenced for a 379bp section of the mitochondrial DNA D-loop and a 474bp segment of the nuclear transferrin (Tf) gene. A species-specific indel in the transferrin gene was present in L.t. hibernicus and absent in L. europaeus. Excluding three hares from which molecular data could not be recovered, 28 hares (53%) were native L.t. hibernicus, 7 (13%) were non-native L. europaeus and 18 (34%) were hybrids; of which 5 (28%) were first generation (F1) involving bidirectional crosses with mismatched nuclear and mtDNA (3 ♂ europaeus x ♀ hibernicus and 2 ♂ hibernicus x ♀ europaeus). Mixed nuclear transferrin sequences suggested 13 (72%) of hybrids were at least 2nd generation (F2) with 9 (69%) possessing L.t. hibernicus and 4 (31%) L. europaeus mtDNA (the latter indicative of hybrid backcrossing with the non-native). The prevalence of hybridisation at similar mountain-brown hare contact zones throughout Europe is notably lower (4–16%) and typically unidirectional (♂ europaeus x ♀ timidus). A high prevalence of bidirectional hybridisation and introgression (in association with projected climate change) may favour the introduced species over the native. Genetic surveillance and population monitoring are needed to further explore the potential conservation implications of European brown hare in Ireland.

Because all aspects of social life have a mental component, sociology’s focus is not society alone but mind and society. Insofar as mind is an emergent level of brainwork, the description and measurement of mindwork amidst social interaction can be accomplished by neurometric measurement methodology. The authors’ topic, hyperscanning, involves the simultaneous recording of either hemodynamic or neuroelectric measurement of brain activity in two (or more) interacting individuals. The authors consider two hyperscanning methods, functional magnetic resonance imaging and electroencephalography (EEG). Although functional magnetic resonance imaging provides excellent spatial resolution of brain-region activation, the temporal resolution of EEG is unmatched. EEG’s low spatial resolution has been overcome by low-resolution electromagnetic tomography. Hyperscanning studies show that interpersonal coordination of action includes mutual entrainment or synchronization of neural dynamics, flow of information between brains, and causal effects of one brain upon another with respect to social-signaling processes involving fairness, reciprocity, trust, competition, cooperation, and leadership.

Previous research on the antecedents of sexism against women have not considered simultaneously the effects of sex, personality, and cognitive variables (need for closure and critical thinking disposition) in relation to sexism. We evaluated whether in adolescence, these indicators could predict sexist attitudes towards women using structural models. The sample comprised 709 Spanish high-school students (mean age = 16.79). 51.5% were female. Sex (being male), need for closure and critical thinking were the most relevant predictors of sexism. The disposition to think critically is as relevant as the motivational dimension of cognition (need for closure) to predict sexism. Multi-group structural models by sex were estimated, and a moderator effect was found between openness to experience and sexism. We suggest future lines of research to disentangle the effects of personality and cognition on sexism and to guide intervention programs to reduce sexist attitudes among adolescents.

Trypanosoma cruzi (T. cruzi), the causative agent of Chagas disease, has infected 6 million people, putting 70 million people at risk worldwide. Presently, very limited drugs are available, and these have severe side effects. Hence, there is an urgency to delve into other pathways and targets for novel drugs. Trypanosoma cruzi (T. cruzi) expresses a number of different cyclic AMP (cAMP)-specific phosphodiesterases (PDEs). cAMP is one of the key regulators of mammalian cell proliferation and differentiation, and it also plays an important role in T. cruzi growth. Very few studies have demonstrated the important role of cyclic nucleotide-specific PDEs in T. cruzi’s survival. T. cruzi phosphodiesterase C (TcrPDEC) has been proposed as a potential new drug target for treating Chagas disease. In the current study, we screen several analogs of xanthine for potency against trypomastigote and amastigote growth in vitro using three different strains of T. cruzi (Tulahuen, Y and CA-1/CL72). One of the potent analogs, GVK14, has been shown to inhibit all three strains of amastigotes in host cells as well as axenic cultures. In conclusion, xanthine analogs that inhibit T. cruzi PDE may provide novel alternative therapeutic options for Chagas disease.

Fatty acids are a well-established class of compounds targeted as biosignatures for future missions to look for evidence of life on ocean worlds such as Europa and Enceladus. In order to establish their abiotic or biotic origin, we need to separate and quantify fatty acids to determine their relative abundances within a sample. In this study, we demonstrate the high potential of capillary electrophoresis coupled to mass spectrometry (CE-MS) for the efficient separation and sensitive detection of a wide variety of fatty acids. Three derivatization strategies were evaluated to allow the detection of fatty acids by positive ionization mode MS. Furthermore, CE-MS conditions were optimized to provide maximum separation efficiencies and detection sensitivities for the analysis of saturated and unsaturated fatty acids with even- and odd-numbered carbon chain lengths. Optimum separation and detection were obtained using a background electrolyte of 2 M acetic acid in 45% acetonitrile, after derivatization of the fatty acids with 2-picolylamine or

Fin and tube is a compact heat exchanger, have been widely used in various engineering fields such as heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration systems. An example, indoor and outdoor air-conditioning, the air is used as one of the heat exchanger media. However, over 90% of the total thermal resistance from air to liquid lies on the airside. Therefore, the reduction of thermal resistance should be made to increase heat transfer. This study is intended to investigate the effect of enhancing convex-strip surface to heat transfer and friction characteristic on the heat exchanger. Three-dimensional modeling of the convex fin and the plain fin was conducted on a constant tube temperature of 106℃. Tube with the configuration of the six staggered strands on the odd tube and five rows on the even tube is determined. The velocity variation in the fin gap is assessed under the Reynolds number range between 3,438 to 15,926. The enhancement of four convex-strips around the tube on the fin surface can generate the value of the field synergy angle on fluid flow. The simulation results also show that the improvement of convection heat transfer coefficient value in convex-strip fin with staggered configuration is 15.39% higher than plain-fin.

Multiple imaging parameters have been examined to estimate the presence of syrinx and the need for surgery in Chiari I patients (CM1); however, no consistent or definitive criteria have been proposed. The objective of this study was to review existing and identify novel radiological and clinical characteristics of CM1 patients that associate syrinx development and surgical intervention.Patients with Chiari I malformation diagnosed on imaging between 0 and 18 years were retrospectively reviewed from January 1, 2007 to February 12, 2020. Participants were included if they had a baseline MRI of the head and spine prior to surgical intervention if required. Forty age-matched controls with cranial imaging were identified for comparison. Imaging parameters and clinical symptoms were recorded.A total of 122 CM1 patients were included in this study. Of the 122 patients, 28 (23%) had syrinx, and 27 (22%) had surgery. The following imaging parameters associated with syrinx and surgical intervention were identified: midbrain length (P 0.001; P = 0.032), the obex position (P = 0.002; P 0.001) and medullary kinking (P = 0.041; P 0.001). Among the clinical features, the presence of overall pain (P = 0.017; P = 0.042), neck pain (P = 0.005; P = 0.027), and sensory dysfunction (P 0.001) were found to be strongly associated with syrinx and surgery.While further investigation is needed, these specific radiological and clinical parameters should be considered when evaluating CM1 patients and may be used to guide further management.

The protective role against SARS-CoV-2 infection by the third booster dose of mRNA vaccines in cancer patients with solid malignancies is presently unknown. We prospectively investigated the occurrence of COVID-19 in cancer patients on active therapy after the booster vaccine dose.Cancer patients on treatment at the Center for Immuno-Oncology (CIO) of the University Hospital of Siena, Italy, and health care workers at CIO who had received a booster third dose of mRNA vaccine entered a systematic follow-up monitoring period to prospectively assess their potential risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Serological and microneutralization assay were utilized to assess levels of anti-spike IgG, and of neutralizing antibodies to the SARS-CoV-2 Wild Type, Delta and Omicron variants, respectively, after the booster dose and after negativization of the nasopharyngeal swab for those who had developed COVID-19.Ninety cancer patients with solid tumors on active treatment (Cohort 1) and 30 health care workers (Cohort 2) underwent a booster third dose of mRNA vaccine. After the booster dose, the median value of anti-spike IgG was higher (p = 0.009) in patients than in healthy subjects. Remarkably, 11/90 (12%) patients and 11/30 (37%) healthy subjects tested positive to SARS-CoV-2 infection during the monitoring period. Similar levels of anti-spike IgG and of neutralizing antibodies against all the investigated variants, with geometric mean titers of neutralizing antibodies against the Omicron being the lowest were detected after the booster dose and after COVID-19 in both Cohorts.The occurrence of SARS-CoV-2 infection we observed in a sizable proportion of booster-dosed cancer patients and in healthy subjects during the Omicron outbreak indicates that highly specific vaccines against SARS-CoV-2 variants are urgently required.

Lateral epiphyseal narrowing with valgus deformities of the knee and ankle are cardinal radiographic features of Congenitally Shortened Limbs (CSL) exhibiting Congenital Fibular Deficiency (CFD). Radiographs of typical CFD limbs reveal valgus deformities and lateral epiphyseal reductions at both the knee and ankle. Arteriography of CSL reveals not only absence of adult vessels, but preservation of primitive vessels. Specifically, the superior and inferior lateral genicular arteries that habitually serve the lateral femoral condyle (LFC) and the lateral aspect of the proximal tibial epiphysis are absent in CSL. Similarly, the usual arteries supplying the distal tibial epiphysis are absent, except for a singular periosteal vessel, which independently serves the anteromedial portion. Active transitioning of the single primitive Axial Artery (AA) to the usual adult pattern of the lower limb accompanies periods of rapid growth and ossification its anlagen. Dysgenesis of the lateral arteries supplying the secondary ossification centers leads to asymmetric growth of the developing epiphyses, caused by relative medial overgrowth. Since vascular dysgenesis manifests at sites of failed embryonic transition of the proximal Femur, fibula and midline Metatarsals (FfM) in CSL, it is herein hypothesized that vascular dysgenesis also underlies the impaired growth of the reduced epiphyses as seen in CSL.

Capillary electrophoresis (CE) is a promising liquid-based technique for

Apolipoprotein M (apoM), primarily carried by HDL, has been associated with several conditions, including cardiovascular disease and diabetic nephropathy. This study proposes to examine whether plasma apoM levels are associated with the development of diabetic kidney disease, assessed as progression to macroalbuminuria (MA) and chronic kidney disease (CKD). Plasma apoM was measured using an enzyme immunoassay in 386 subjects from the Diabetes Control and Complications Trial (DCCT)/Epidemiology of Diabetes Interventions and Complications (EDIC) cohort at DCCT entry and closeout and the concentrations used to determine the association with risk of progression to kidney dysfunction from the time of measurement through 18 years of EDIC follow-up. apoM levels, at DCCT baseline, were higher in patients who developed CKD than in those who retained normal renal function. At DCCT closeout, participants who progressed to MA, CKD, or both MA and CKD also had significantly higher apoM levels than those who remained normal, and increased levels of apoM were associated with increased risk of progression to both MA (risk ratio [RR] 1.30 [95% CI 1.01, 1.66]) and CKD (RR 1.69 [95% CI 1.18, 2.44]). Our results strongly suggest that alterations in apoM and therefore in the composition and function of HDL in type 1 diabetes are present early in the disease process and are associated with the development of nephropathy.

This book aims to provide a new level of synthesis in the study of gold jewellery made in Egypt between 3500 bc and 1000 bc, integrating the distinct approaches of archaeology, materials science and Egyptology. Following accessible introductions to the art and use of gold in Ancient Egypt, and to current advances in technical analyses, the volume presents detailed results on the manufacturing technology and elemental composition of some 136 objects in the collections of six European museums, with discussion of the findings in historical and cultural contexts. The questions generated by the jewellery buried with a woman and a child at Qurna (Thebes) led to investigation of assemblages and individual artefacts from later and earlier periods in varied social contexts, from the rural environment of Qau and Badari, to sites connected with urban or royal centres, such as Riqqa, Haraga and Lahun. A final discussion of the Qurna group provides an agenda for future research.