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Mitochondria play central roles in cellular energetics, metabolism and signalling. Efficient respiration, mitochondrial quality control, apoptosis and inheritance of mitochondrial DNA depend on the proper architecture of the mitochondrial membranes and a dynamic remodelling of inner membrane cristae. Defects in mitochondrial architecture can result in severe human diseases affecting predominantly the nervous system and the heart. Inner membrane morphology is generated and maintained in particular by the mitochondrial contact site and cristae organizing system (MICOS), the F1 Fo -ATP synthase, the fusion protein OPA1/Mgm1 and the nonbilayer-forming phospholipids cardiolipin and phosphatidylethanolamine. These protein complexes and phospholipids are embedded in a network of functional interactions. They communicate with each other and additional factors, enabling them to balance different aspects of cristae biogenesis and to dynamically remodel the inner mitochondrial membrane. Genetic alterations disturbing these membrane-shaping factors can lead to human pathologies including fatal encephalopathy, dominant optic atrophy, Leigh syndrome, Parkinson's disease and Barth syndrome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chloramphenicol (CAP) is a broad-spectrum antibiotic widely used in animal farming and aquaculture industries. Despite its ban in many countries around the world, it is still used in several developing countries, with harmful effects on the surrounding aquatic environment. In this study, an electrooxidation process using a Ti/PbO2 anode was used to investigate the degradation of CAP in both synthetic solution and real aquaculture wastewater. A central composite design was used to determine the optimum conditions for CAP removal. Current intensity and treatment time had the most impact on the CAP removal. These two factors accounted for ~90% of CAP removal. The optimum conditions found in this study were current intensity of 0.65 A, treatment time of 34 min, and CAP initial concentration of 0.5 mg L11. Under these conditions, 98.7% of CAP removal was achieved with an energy consumption of 4.65 kW h-1m-3. The antibiotic was not present in the aquaculture wastewater, which received 0.5 mg L-1 of CAP and was treated (by electrooxidation) under the optimum conditions. A complete removal of CAP was obtained after 34 min of treatment. According to these results, electrooxidation presents an option for the removal of antibiotics, secondary compounds, and other organic and inorganic compounds from solution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The method of Tikhonov regularization is commonly used to obtain regularized solutions of ill-posed linear inverse problems. We use its natural connection to optimal Bayes estimators to determine optimal experimental designs that can be used with Tikhonov regularization; they are designed to control a measure of total relative efficiency. We present an iterative/semidefinite programming hybrid method to explore the configuration space efficiently. Two examples from geophysics are used to illustrate the type of applications to which the methodology can be applied. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

We examined the pacing strategy and the magnitude of the end spurt during a 200-kJ cycling time trial performed 12-14 h after an exercise protocol designed to reduce muscle glycogen content. 9 physically-active men performed 5 familiarization sessions and 2 experimental 200-kJ time trials in either a control condition (CON) or after an exercise protocol performed the previous evening that was designed to induce muscle glycogen depletion (EP). Mean total time was faster and power output was higher in the CON than in the EP (P < 0.01). A fast-start was maintained until the 50-kJ section in CON, but only the 25-kJ section for EP (P < 0.05). The power outputs during the 50-, 150- and 200-kJ sections, and the magnitude of the end-spurt, were significantly higher for the CON than for the EP condition (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in the rating of perceived exertion (overall feeling and feeling in legs) between conditions. In conclusion, a protocol designed to decrease muscle glycogen stores reduced the duration of the fast-start and the magnitude of the end spurt during a 200-kJ cycling time trial, impairing the overall performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Cancer patients who undergo radiotherapy remain at life-long risk of radiation-induced injury to normal tissues. We conducted a randomized, controlled, double-blind crossover trial with long-term follow-up to evaluate the effectiveness of hyperbaric oxygen for refractory radiation proctitis. Methods and Materials: Patients with refractory radiation proctitis were randomized to hyperbaric oxygen at 2.0 atmospheres absolute (Group 1) or air at 1.1 atmospheres absolute (Group 2). The sham patients were subsequently crossed to Group 1. All patients were re-evaluated by an investigator who was unaware of the treatment allocation at 3 and 6 months and Years 1–5. The primary outcome measures were the late effects normal tissue-subjective, objective, management, analytic (SOMA-LENT) score and standardized clinical assessment. The secondary outcome was the change in quality of life. Results: Of 226 patients assessed, 150 were entered in the study and 120 were evaluable. After the initial allocation, the mean SOMA-LENT score improved in both groups. For Group 1, the mean was lower (p = 0.0150) and the amount of improvement nearly twice as great (5.00 vs. 2.61, p = 0.0019). Similarly, Group 1 had a greater portion of responders per clinical assessment than did Group 2 (88.9% vs. 62.5%, respectively; p = 0.0009). Significance improved when the data were analyzed from an intention to treat perspective (p = 0.0006). Group 1 had a better result in the quality of life bowel bother subscale. These differences were abolished after the crossover. Conclusion: Hyperbaric oxygen therapy significantly improved the healing responses in patients with refractory radiation proctitis, generating an absolute risk reduction of 32% (number needed to treat of 3) between the groups after the initial allocation. Other medical management requirements were discontinued, and advanced interventions were largely avoided. Enhanced bowel-specific quality of life resulted. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This paper reports the experimental results concerning the thermoluminescent (TL) characteristics of hydrogenated amorphous zirconium oxide (a-Zr:H) powder prepared by the sol–gel method. The advantages of this method are the homogeneity and the purity of the gels associated with a relatively low sintering temperature. Hydrogenated amorphous powder was characterized by thermal analysis and X-ray diffraction. The main TL characteristics investigated were the TL response as a function of the absorbed dose, the reproducibility of the TL readings and the fading. The undoped a-Zr:H powder presents a TL glow curve with two peaks centered at 150 and 260 °C, respectively, after beta irradiation. The TL response a-Zr:H as a function of the absorbed dose showed a linear behavior over a wide range. The results presented open the possibility to use this material as a good TL dosimeter. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A description of the preparation of zirconium oxide (ZrO 2 ) polycrystalline powder by the sol–gel method is presented. To prepare ZrO 2 powder to be used as a thermoluminescent (TL) phosphor in dosimetric application, it is necessary to analyze some structural properties before, such as it’s crystallinity. In this work, the property was verified using X-ray diffraction. ZrO 2 polycrystalline powder obtained was subjected to thermal treatment by heating up to 1000 °C. Both the absorption spectrum and the emission spectrum were also studied. The TL glow curve of ZrO 2 powder exhibited a peak when it was exposed to a radiation field. Results of analyzing optical properties and the preliminary results of studying the TL in ZrO 2 , indicate that the latter is a good candidate to be used as a TL dosimeter in radiation ionizing and UV-radiation fields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We consider wavelets as a tool to perform a variety of tasks in the context of analysing cosmic microwave background (CMB) maps. Using spherical Haar wavelets, we define a position and angular-scale-dependent measure of power that can be used to assess the existence of spatial structure. We apply planar Daubechies wavelets for the identification and removal of point sources from small sections of sky maps. Our technique can successfully identify virtually all point sources that are above 3σ and more than 80 per cent of those above 1σ. We discuss the trade-offs between the levels of correct and false detections. We denoise and compress a 100 000-pixel CMB map by a factor of ∼10 in 5 s, achieving a noise reduction of about 35 per cent. In contrast to Wiener filtering, the compression process is model-independent and very fast. We discuss the usefulness of wavelets for power spectrum and cosmological-parameter estimation. We conclude that at present wavelet functions are most suitable for identifying localized sources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The boundary and cristae domains of the mitochondrial inner membrane are connected by crista junctions. Most cristae membrane proteins are nuclear-encoded and inserted by the mitochondrial protein import machinery into the inner boundary membrane. Thus, they must overcome the diffusion barrier imposed by crista junctions to reach their final location. Here, we show that respiratory chain complexes and assembly intermediates are physically connected to the mitochondrial contact site and cristae organizing system (MICOS) that is essential for the formation and stability of crista junctions. We identify the inner membrane protein Mar26 (Fmp10) as a determinant in the biogenesis of the cytochrome bc 1 complex (complex III). Mar26 couples a Rieske Fe/S protein-containing assembly intermediate to MICOS. Our data indicate that Mar26 maintains an assembly-competent Rip1 pool at crista junctions where complex III maturation likely occurs. MICOS facilitates efficient Rip1 assembly by recruiting complex III assembly intermediates to crista junctions. We propose that MICOS, via interaction with assembly factors such as Mar26, contributes to the spatial and temporal coordination of respiratory chain biogenesis., Competing Interests: Disclosure and competing interests statement. The authors declare no competing interests., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition often associated with mitochondrial dysfunction, including increased mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) copy number and impaired energy production. This study investigates the role of the mitochondrial replisome-specifically, the genes TFAM, TWNK, POLG, and TOP1MT-in mtDNA replication and its potential contribution to ASD pathophysiology. We analyzed samples from the oral mucosa of children with ASD and typically developing (TD) controls, assessing mtDNA copy number, gene expression, and protein levels. Our findings revealed a significant increase in mtDNA copy number in the oral mucosa of ASD children, along with partially deleted mtDNA molecules. However, there were no significant changes in the expression of TFAM, TWNK, POLG, or MT-TL1 genes between ASD and TD samples. Additionally, TFAM protein levels, including monomeric, dimeric, and trimeric forms, did not differ significantly. We also observed increased oxidative stress and inflammatory markers in the oral mucosa of ASD children, suggesting that mitochondrial alterations may be linked to inflammation and oxidative damage in ASD. To further investigate the functional impact of TFAM, we overexpressed it in human HEK293 cells and cortical neurons (CN1.4). TFAM overexpression led to increased mtDNA copy number, cell proliferation, and ATP production in HEK293 cells, but did not significantly alter mitochondrial gene expression, protein oxidation, or mtDNA integrity. In CN1.4 neurons, TFAM overexpression increased mitochondrial membrane potential and length, indicating potential changes in mitochondrial dynamics. Overall, our study suggests that while mtDNA alterations are present in ASD, they are not directly driven by changes in mitochondrial replisome gene expression. These findings highlight the complexity of mitochondrial dysfunction in ASD and suggest the need for further investigation into the underlying molecular mechanisms., (© 2024 International Society for Autism Research and Wiley Periodicals LLC.)

The mitochondrial inner membrane plays central roles in bioenergetics and metabolism and contains several established membrane protein complexes. Here, we report the identification of a mega-complex of the inner membrane, termed mitochondrial multifunctional assembly (MIMAS). Its large size of 3 MDa explains why MIMAS has escaped detection in the analysis of mitochondria so far. MIMAS combines proteins of diverse functions from respiratory chain assembly to metabolite transport, dehydrogenases, and lipid biosynthesis but not the large established supercomplexes of the respiratory chain, ATP synthase, or prohibitin scaffold. MIMAS integrity depends on the non-bilayer phospholipid phosphatidylethanolamine, in contrast to respiratory supercomplexes whose stability depends on cardiolipin. Our findings suggest that MIMAS forms a protein-lipid mega-assembly in the mitochondrial inner membrane that integrates respiratory biogenesis and metabolic processes in a multifunctional platform., Competing Interests: Declaration of interests The authors declare no competing interests., (Copyright © 2024 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

An unambiguous description of an experiment, and the subsequent biological observation, is vital for accurate data interpretation. Minimum information guidelines define the fundamental complement of data that can support an unambiguous conclusion based on experimental observations. We present the Minimum Information About Disorder Experiments (MIADE) guidelines to define the parameters required for the wider scientific community to understand the findings of an experiment studying the structural properties of intrinsically disordered regions (IDRs). MIADE guidelines provide recommendations for data producers to describe the results of their experiments at source, for curators to annotate experimental data to community resources and for database developers maintaining community resources to disseminate the data. The MIADE guidelines will improve the interpretability of experimental results for data consumers, facilitate direct data submission, simplify data curation, improve data exchange among repositories and standardize the dissemination of the key metadata on an IDR experiment by IDR data sources., (© 2023. Springer Nature America, Inc.)

A normalizing flow (NF) is a mapping that transforms a chosen probability distribution to a normal distribution. Such flows are a common technique used for data generation and density estimation in machine learning and data science. The density estimate obtained with a NF requires a change of variables formula that involves the computation of the Jacobian determinant of the NF transformation. In order to tractably compute this determinant, continuous normalizing flows (CNF) estimate the mapping and its Jacobian determinant using a neural ODE. Optimal transport (OT) theory has been successfully used to assist in finding CNFs by formulating them as OT problems with a soft penalty for enforcing the standard normal distribution as a target measure. A drawback of OT-based CNFs is the addition of a hyperparameter, [Formula: see text], that controls the strength of the soft penalty and requires significant tuning. We present JKO-Flow, an algorithm to solve OT-based CNF without the need of tuning [Formula: see text]. This is achieved by integrating the OT CNF framework into a Wasserstein gradient flow framework, also known as the JKO scheme. Instead of tuning [Formula: see text], we repeatedly solve the optimization problem for a fixed [Formula: see text] effectively performing a JKO update with a time-step [Formula: see text]. Hence we obtain a "divide and conquer" algorithm by repeatedly solving simpler problems instead of solving a potentially harder problem with large [Formula: see text]., (© 2023. The Author(s).)

There is a lack of region-adapted tools to evaluate diet as a risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD) in adolescents. The study aim was to evaluate the reproducibility and validity of a paper-based and region-adapted food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) designed to assess CVD-related food and nutrient intakes of adolescents from Northwest México. The study design was cross-sectional. The FFQ was developed in a two-step process: prototype designing and a pilot test, with re-tested in a 3-month period, along with two administrations of 24 h-recall (24 hR). Pearson's and intra-class correlation coefficients (PCC and ICC) were assessed. Bland-Altman plots, limits of agreement and quintile classifications were carried out. Participants ( n 221) were 53·8 % male, 18·5 ± 0·4 years old. Reproducibility had a median PCC = 0·66 for processed meats, ranging from 0·40 (saturated fat) to 0·74 (fish & shellfish), P = 0·001. ICC ranged from 0·53 (saturated fat) to 0·80 (sodium; and nuts, seeds and legumes), P = 0·001. Validity comparing FFQ1 v. 24 hR mean, PCCs ranged from 0·12 ( P = 0·06) to 0·95 ( P = 0·001), and ICC from 0·20 ( P = 0·048) to 0·88 ( P = 0·001); comparing FFQ2 v. 24 hR mean, PCCs ranged from 0·07 ( P = 0·25) to 0·46 ( P = 0·001), and ICC from 0·15 ( P = 0·106) to 0·58 ( P = 0·001). The FFQ overestimated the intake of all food groups and nutrients ( P < 0·05), while Cohen's κ showed coefficients lower than 0·20. The proposed FFQ represents a moderately validated tool to estimate CVD-related food and nutrient intakes as a risk factor, which can be used in combination with multiple administrations of 24 hRs, as a critical mean in future interventions intended to reduce cardiometabolic risk in adolescents., (© The Author(s) 2022.)

The application and design of treatment systems in wastewater are necessary due to antibiotics' potential toxicity and resistant genes on residual effluent. This work evaluated a coupled bio-electrochemical system to reduce chloramphenicol (CAP) and chemical oxygen demand (COD) on swine wastewater (SWW). SWW characterization found CAP of <10 μg/L and 17,434 mg/L of COD. The coupled system consisted of preliminary use of an Up-flow Anaerobic Sludge Blanket Reactor (UASB) followed by electrooxidation (EO). The UASB reactor (primary stage) was operated for three months at an organic load of 8.76 kg of COD/m 3 d and 50 mg CAP/L as initial concentration. In EO, we carried out a 2 2 (time operation and intensity) factorial design with a central composite design; we tried two Ti cathodes and one anode of Ti/PbO 2 . Optimal conditions obtained in the EO process were 240 min of operation time and 1.51 A of current intensity. It was possible to eliminate 44% of COD and 64.2% of CAP in the preliminary stage. On bio-electrochemicals, total COD and CAP removal were 82.35 and >99.99%, respectively. This coupled system can be applied to eliminate antibiotics and other organic pollutants in agricultural, industrial, municipal, and other wastewaters.

Introduction and Objectives: Viral infections have been described to increase the risk of decompensation in patients with cirrhosis. We aimed to determine the effect of SARS-CoV-2 infection on outcome of hospitalized patients with cirrhosis and to compare the performance of different prognostic models for predicting mortality., Patients: We performed a prospective cohort study including 2211 hospitalized patients with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection from April 15, 2020 through October 1, 2020 in 38 Hospitals from 11 Latin American countries. We registered clinical and laboratory parameters of patients with and without cirrhosis. All patients were followed until discharge or death. We evaluated the prognostic performance of different scoring systems to predict mortality in patients with cirrhosis using ROC curves., Results: Overall, 4.6% (CI 3.7-5.6) subjects had cirrhosis (n = 96). Baseline Child-Turcotte-Pugh (CTP) class was assessed: CTP-A (23%), CTP-B (45%) and CTP-C (32%); median MELD-Na score was 19 (IQR 14-25). Mortality was 47% in patients with cirrhosis and 16% in patients without cirrhosis (P < .0001). Cirrhosis was independently associated with death [OR 3.1 (CI 1.9-4.8); P < .0001], adjusted by age, gender, and body mass index >30. The areas under the ROC curves for performance evaluation in predicting 28-days mortality for Chronic Liver Failure Consortium (CLIF-C), North American Consortium for the Study of End-Stage Liver Disease (NACSELD), CTP score and MELD-Na were 0.85, 0.75, 0.69, 0.67; respectively (P < .0001)., Conclusions: SARS-CoV-2 infection is associated with elevated mortality in patients with cirrhosis. CLIF-C had better performance in predicting mortality than NACSELD, CTP and MELD-Na in patients with cirrhosis and SARS-CoV-2 infection. Clinicaltrials.gov:NCT04358380., (Copyright © 2021 Fundación Clínica Médica Sur, A.C. Published by Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.)

Living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) has increased availability of liver transplantation, particularly in countries with limited access to deceased organ donors. It is unclear how individual countries address the financial impact of donation for potential living donors. Herein, living liver donor financial supports were examined, focusing on countries performing ≥10 LDLT per year in the World Health Organization Transplant Observatory. Categories included health insurance coverage, reimbursement of lost wages, employment protection, and other incentives designed to promote living liver donation. Overall, 26 countries have some form of asssistance in removing disincentives to ease the financial burden of living donation, ranging from childcare, accommodations, meals, and travel reimbursement, to coverage of medical complications post-donation. Most countries provide donation-related medical coverage. Fourteen provide reimbursement of lost wages and/or paid time off. Several unique programs were designed to incentivize living donation, including free entry to museums and observatories, parking and airline discounts, and exemptions on mortgages and medical deductibles. This study highlights the broad range of programs designed to support living liver donation in high-volume LDLT countries. The data collected in this study can provide a framework for other nations to propose and implement ethical reimbursement and incentivization for living liver donors., (© 2020 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

: Metabolite carriers of the mitochondrial inner membrane are crucial for cellular physiology since mitochondria contribute essential metabolic reactions and synthesize the majority of the cellular ATP. Like almost all mitochondrial proteins, carriers have to be imported into mitochondria from the cytosol. Carrier precursors utilize a specialized translocation pathway dedicated to the biogenesis of carriers and related proteins, the carrier translocase of the inner membrane (TIM22) pathway. After recognition and import through the mitochondrial outer membrane via the translocase of the outer membrane (TOM) complex, carrier precursors are ushered through the intermembrane space by hexameric TIM chaperones and ultimately integrated into the inner membrane by the TIM22 carrier translocase. Recent advances have shed light on the mechanisms of TOM translocase and TIM chaperone function, uncovered an unexpected versatility of the machineries, and revealed novel components and functional crosstalk of the human TIM22 translocase., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Introduction & Objectives: Liver cirrhosis is a major cause of mortality worldwide. Adequate diagnosis and treatment of decompensating events requires of both medical skills and updated technical resources. The objectives of this study were to search the demographic profile of hospitalized cirrhotic patients in a group of Latin American hospitals and the availability of expertise/facilities for the diagnosis and therapy of decompensation episodes., Methods: A cross sectional, multicenter survey of hospitalized cirrhotic patients., Results: 377 patients, (62% males; 58±11 years) (BMI>25, 57%; diabetes 32%) were hospitalized at 65 centers (63 urbans; 57 academically affiliated) in 13 countries on the survey date. Main admission causes were ascites, gastrointestinal bleeding, hepatic encephalopathy and spontaneous bacterial peritonitis/other infections. Most prevalent etiologies were alcohol-related (AR) (40%); non-alcoholic-steatohepatitis (NASH) (23%), hepatitis C virus infection (HCV) (7%) and autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) (6%). The most frequent concurrent etiologies were AR+NASH. Expertise and resources in every analyzed issue were highly available among participating centers, mostly accomplishing valid guidelines. However, availability of these facilities was significantly higher at institutions located in areas with population>500,000 (n=45) and in those having a higher complexity level (Gastrointestinal, Liver and Internal Medicine Departments at the same hospital (n=22)., Conclusions: The epidemiological etiologic profile in hospitalized, decompensated cirrhotic patients in Latin America is similar to main contemporary emergent agents worldwide. Medical and technical resources are highly available, mostly at great population urban areas and high complexity medical centers. Main diagnostic and therapeutic approaches accomplish current guidelines recommendations., (Copyright © 2020 Fundación Clínica Médica Sur, A.C. Published by Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.)

Background: Group B streptococcus (GBS) is the main bacteria that infects pregnant women and can cause abortion and chorioamnionitis. The impact of GBS effects on human trophoblast cells remains largely elusive, and actions toward anti-inflammatory strategies in pregnancy are needed. A potent anti-inflammatory molecule, uvaol is a triterpene from olive oil and its functions in trophoblasts are unknown. We aimed to analyze biomechanical and functional effects of inactivated GBS in trophoblast cells, with the addition of uvaol to test potential benefits., Methods: HTR-8/SVneo cells were treated with uvaol and incubated with inactivated GBS. Cell viability and death were analyzed. Cellular elasticity and topography were accessed by atomic force microscopy. Nitrite production was evaluated by Griess reaction. Nuclear translocation of NFkB p65 was detected by immunofluorescence and Th1/Th2 cytokines by bead-based multiplex assay., Results: GBS at 10 8  CFU increased cell death, which was partially prevented by uvaol. Cell stiffness, cytoskeleton organization and morphology were changed by GBS, and uvaol partially restored these alterations. Nuclear translocation of NFkB p65 began 15 min after GBS incubation and uvaol inhibited this process. GBS decreased IL-4 secretion and increased IL-1β, IFN-γ and IL-2, whereas uvaol reverted this., Conclusions: The increased inflammation and cell death caused by GBS correlated with biomechanical and cytoskeleton changes found in trophoblast cells, while uvaol was effective its protective role., General Significance: Uvaol is a natural anti-inflammatory product efficient against GBS-induced inflammation and it has potential to be acquired through diet in order to prevent GBS deleterious effects in pregnancy., (Copyright © 2019 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Objective: To analyze the impact of pelvic computed tomography (CT) technique optimization on estimated dose and subjective and objective image quality., Materials and Methods: An institutional review board (IRB)-approved retrospective records review was performed with waived informed consent. Five CT scanners (various manufacturers/models) were standardized to match the lowest dose profile on campus via subjective assessment of clinical images by experienced musculoskeletal radiologists. The lowest dose profile had previously been established through image assessment by experienced musculoskeletal radiologists after a department-wide radiation dose reduction initiative. A consecutive series of 60 pre- and 59 post-optimization bony pelvis CTs were analyzed by two residents, who obtained signal-to-noise ratio for femoral cortex and marrow, gluteus medius muscle, and subcutaneous and visceral fat in a standardized fashion. Two blinded attending radiologists ranked image quality from poor to excellent., Results: Pre- and post-optimization subjects exhibited no difference in gender, age, or BMI (p > 0.2). Mean CT dose index (CTDIvol) and dose-length product (DLP) decreased by approximately 45%, from 39± 14 to 18± 12 mGy (p < 0.0001) and 1,227± 469 to 546± 384 mGy-cm (p < 0.0001). Lower body mass index (BMI) was associated with a larger dose reduction and higher BMI with higher DLP regardless of pre- or post-optimization examination. Inter-observer agreement was 0.64-0.92 for SNR measurements. Cortex SNR increased significantly for both observers (p < 0.02). Although qualitative image quality significantly decreased for one observer (p < 0.01), adequate mean quality (3.3 out of 5) was maintained for both observers., Conclusion: Subjective and objective image quality for pelvic CT examination remains adequate, despite a substantially reduced radiation dose.

The mitochondrial ATP synthase of Polytomella exhibits a peripheral stalk and a dimerization domain built by the Asa subunits, unique to chlorophycean algae. The topology of these subunits has been extensively studied. Here we explored the interactions of subunit Asa3 using Far Western blotting and subcomplex reconstitution, and found it associates with Asa1 and Asa8. We also identified the novel interactions Asa1-Asa2 and Asa1-Asa7. In silico analyses of Asa3 revealed that it adopts a HEAT repeat-like structure that points to its location within the enzyme based on the available 3D-map of the algal ATP synthase. We suggest that subunit Asa3 is instrumental in securing the attachment of the peripheral stalk to the membrane sector, thus stabilizing the dimeric mitochondrial ATP synthase., (Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Rotary ATPases are a family of enzymes that are thought of as molecular nanomotors and are classified in three types: F, A, and V-type ATPases. Two members (F and A-type) can synthesize and hydrolyze ATP, depending on the energetic needs of the cell, while the V-type enzyme exhibits only a hydrolytic activity. The overall architecture of all these enzymes is conserved and three main sectors are distinguished: a catalytic core, a rotor and a stator or peripheral stalk. The peripheral stalks of the A and V-types are highly conserved in both structure and function, however, the F-type peripheral stalks have divergent structures. Furthermore, the peripheral stalk has other roles beyond its stator function, as evidenced by several biochemical and recent structural studies. This review describes the information regarding the organization of the peripheral stalk components of F, A, and V-ATPases, highlighting the key differences between the studied enzymes, as well as the different processes in which the structure is involved.

The proposal that the respiratory complexes can associate with each other in larger structures named supercomplexes (SC) is generally accepted. In the last decades most of the data about this association came from studies in yeasts, mammals and plants, and information is scarce in other lineages. Here we studied the supramolecular association of the F 1 F O -ATP synthase (complex V) and the respiratory complexes I, III and IV of the colorless alga Polytomella sp. with an approach that involves solubilization using mild detergents, n-dodecyl-β-D-maltoside (DDM) or digitonin, followed by separation of native protein complexes by electrophoresis (BN-PAGE), after which we identified oligomeric forms of complex V (mainly V 2 and V 4 ) and different respiratory supercomplexes (I/IV 6 , I/III 4 , I/IV). In addition, purification/reconstitution of the supercomplexes by anion exchange chromatography was also performed. The data show that these complexes have the ability to strongly associate with each other and form DDM-stable macromolecular structures. The stable V 4 ATPase oligomer was observed by electron-microscopy and the association of the respiratory complexes in the so-called "respirasome" was able to perform in-vitro oxygen consumption., (Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Objective: To evaluate the frequency of sciatic neuromuscular variants on MR neurography and determine the interobserver variability., Methods: A retrospective evaluation of 137 consecutive lumbosacral plexus magnetic resonance neurography examinations was performed. All examinations were performed using nerve selective 3D imaging and independently reviewed by two readers for the presence of sciatic neuromuscular variants and piriformis muscle asymmetry. Inter- and intraobserver performance were evaluated., Results: There were a total of 44/268 (16.4%) extremities with sciatic neuromuscular variants. The interobserver performance in the identification of sciatic nerve variants was excellent (kappa values from 0.8-0.9). There was a total of 45/134 (33.6%) patients with piriformis muscle asymmetry. Of these, 7/134 (5.2%) had piriformis muscle atrophy and 38/134 (28.4%) had piriformis muscle hypertrophy. The interobserver performance in the identification of piriformis muscle atrophy and hypertrophy was moderate to good (kappa values from 0.39-0.61). The intraobserver performance revealed kappa values of 0.735 and 0.821 on right and left, respectively., Conclusion: Sciatic neuromuscular variants and piriformis muscle asymmetry are frequent on lumbosacral plexus MRN with moderate to excellent interobserver performance. Advances in knowledge: Sciatic neuromuscular variants and piriformis asymmetry on MR neurography are frequent and the prevalence is similar to cumulative prevalence from available scientific series. Interobserver performance for identification of sciatic neuromuscular variants is excellent, and moderate-good for piriformis muscle asymmetry.

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of the endoscopic management of Zenker Diverticulum with IT-Knife 2 device., Materials and Methods: prospective and multicenter study (Edgardo Rebagliati Martins National Hospital and Golf Clinic). We included all patients with sintomatic Zenker Diverticulum that were treated with endoscopic cricopharyngeal miotomy from september 2013 until august 2016., Technique: the diverticulum septum was faced with a cap, and then it was cut by the IT-Knife 2 (ENDOCUT Q, effect 3-2-5) until its baseline. Disphagia score was compared before and 1 and 3 months after the procedure., Results: 20 patients were included (11 men; average age: 71 years). The median size of Zenker Diverticulum was 40.5 mm. The median duration of the cricopharyngeal miotomy was 13.75 minutes. Clinical success was 100%. There was a significative decrease (p<0.001) in the disphagia score from 2+/-0.86 before the procedure to 0.05+/-0.22 one month after it. Recurrence after 3 months was 15% and it was completely solved after a second endoscopic treatment. Niether perforation nor bleeding was reported. Two patients had pneumonia., Conclusion: the endoscopic management of Zenker Diverticulum with IT-Knife 2 is highly effective, safe and less complex than previous technique experience.

Mitochondrial respiratory-chain complexes from Euglenozoa comprise classical subunits described in other eukaryotes (i.e. mammals and fungi) and subunits that are restricted to Euglenozoa (e.g. Euglena gracilis and Trypanosoma brucei). Here we studied the mitochondrial F 1 F O -ATP synthase (or Complex V) from the photosynthetic eukaryote E. gracilis in detail. The enzyme was purified by a two-step chromatographic procedure and its subunit composition was resolved by a three-dimensional gel electrophoresis (BN/SDS/SDS). Twenty-two different subunits were identified by mass-spectrometry analyses among which the canonical α, β, γ, δ, ε, and OSCP subunits, and at least seven subunits previously found in Trypanosoma. The ADP/ATP carrier was also associated to the ATP synthase into a dimeric ATP synthasome. Single-particle analysis by transmission electron microscopy of the dimeric ATP synthase indicated that the structures of both the catalytic and central rotor parts are conserved while other structural features are original. These new features include a large membrane-spanning region joining the monomers, an external peripheral stalk and a structure that goes through the membrane and reaches the inter membrane space below the c-ring, the latter having not been reported for any mitochondrial F-ATPase., (Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

The algae Chlamydomonas reinhardtii and Polytomella sp., a green and a colorless member of the chlorophycean lineage respectively, exhibit a highly-stable dimeric mitochondrial F1Fo-ATP synthase (complex V), with a molecular mass of 1600 kDa. Polytomella, lacking both chloroplasts and a cell wall, has greatly facilitated the purification of the algal ATP-synthase. Each monomer of the enzyme has 17 polypeptides, eight of which are the conserved, main functional components, and nine polypeptides (Asa1 to Asa9) unique to chlorophycean algae. These atypical subunits form the two robust peripheral stalks observed in the highly-stable dimer of the algal ATP synthase in several electron-microscopy studies. The topological disposition of the components of the enzyme has been addressed with cross-linking experiments in the isolated complex; generation of subcomplexes by limited dissociation of complex V; detection of subunit-subunit interactions using recombinant subunits; in vitro reconstitution of subcomplexes; silencing of the expression of Asa subunits; and modeling of the overall structural features of the complex by EM image reconstruction. Here, we report that the amphipathic polymer Amphipol A8-35 partially dissociates the enzyme, giving rise to two discrete dimeric subcomplexes, whose compositions were characterized. An updated model for the topological disposition of the 17 polypeptides that constitute the algal enzyme is suggested. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled 'EBEC 2016: 19th European Bioenergetics Conference, Riva del Garda, Italy, July 2-6, 2016', edited by Prof. Paolo Bernardi., (Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Mitochondrial F1FO-ATP synthase of chlorophycean algae is dimeric. It contains eight orthodox subunits (alpha, beta, gamma, delta, epsilon, OSCP, a and c) and nine atypical subunits (Asa1 to 9). These subunits build the peripheral stalk of the enzyme and stabilize its dimeric structure. The location of the 66.1kDa subunit Asa1 has been debated. On one hand, it was found in a transient subcomplex that contained membrane-bound subunits Asa1/Asa3/Asa5/Asa8/a (Atp6)/c (Atp9). On the other hand, Asa1 was proposed to form the bulky structure of the peripheral stalk that contacts the OSCP subunit in the F1 sector. Here, we overexpressed and purified the recombinant proteins Asa1 and OSCP and explored their interactions in vitro, using immunochemical techniques and affinity chromatography. Asa1 and OSCP interact strongly, and the carboxy-terminal half of OSCP seems to be instrumental for this association. In addition, the algal ATP synthase was partially dissociated at relatively high detergent concentrations, and an Asa1/Asa3/Asa5/Asa8/a/c10 subcomplex was identified. Furthermore, Far-Western analysis suggests an Asa1-Asa8 interaction. Based on these results, a model is proposed in which Asa1 spans the whole peripheral arm of the enzyme, from a region close to the matrix-exposed side of the mitochondrial inner membrane to the F1 region where OSCP is located. 3D models show elongated, helix-rich structures for chlorophycean Asa1 subunits. Asa1 subunit probably plays a scaffolding role in the peripheral stalk analogous to the one of subunit b in orthodox mitochondrial enzymes., (Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Background: Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) is commonly seen in young or middle-aged patients. Early detection and correction of FAI-related bony deformities or pelvic realignment are essential to prevent the development or progression of hip osteoarthritis., Discussion: Computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance (MR) imaging are the reference standards for the evaluation of bony anatomy and treatable internal derangement findings of the hip, respectively. Surgeons prefer CT imaging for preoperative bone delineation because of its 3-D isotropic capabilities and excellent multiplanar reconstructions. Three-Tesla (3T) MR scans enable high-resolution 3-D MR reconstructions for bone depiction similar to 3-D CT reconstructions and have the potential to eliminate the need for duplicate (CT and MR) scanning., Conclusion: This technical report illustrates the feasibility of such an approach and compares bone rendering obtained using isotropic data from 3-D MR with 3-D CT in the same patient.

The control of breathing is commonly viewed as being a "brainstem affair". As the topic of this special issue of Respiratory Physiology and Neurobiology indicates, we should consider broadening this notion since the act of breathing is also tightly linked to many functions other than close regulation of arterial blood gases. Accordingly, "non-brainstem" structures can exert a powerful influence on the core elements of the respiratory control network and as it is often the case, the importance of these structures is revealed when their dysfunction leads to disease. There is a clear link between respiration and anxiety and key theories of the psychopathology of anxiety (including panic disorders; PD) focus on respiratory control and related CO2 monitoring system. With that in mind, we briefly present the respiratory manifestations of panic disorder and discuss the role of the dorso-medial/perifornical hypothalamus, the amygdalar complex, and the periaqueductal gray in respiratory control. We then present recent advances in basic research indicating how adult rodent previously subjected to neonatal stress may provide a very good model to investigate the pathophysiology of PD., (Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Mitochondrial F1FO-ATP synthase of chlorophycean algae is a complex partially embedded in the inner mitochondrial membrane that is isolated as a highly stable dimer of 1600kDa. It comprises 17 polypeptides, nine of which (subunits Asa1 to 9) are not present in classical mitochondrial ATP synthases and appear to be exclusive of the chlorophycean lineage. In particular, subunits Asa2, Asa4 and Asa7 seem to constitute a section of the peripheral stalk of the enzyme. Here, we over-expressed and purified subunits Asa2, Asa4 and Asa7 and the corresponding amino-terminal and carboxy-terminal halves of Asa4 and Asa7 in order to explore their interactions in vitro, using immunochemical techniques, blue native electrophoresis and affinity chromatography. Asa4 and Asa7 interact strongly, mainly through their carboxy-terminal halves. Asa2 interacts with both Asa7 and Asa4, and also with subunit α in the F1 sector. The three Asa proteins form an Asa2/Asa4/Asa7 subcomplex. The entire Asa7 and the carboxy-terminal half of Asa4 seem to be instrumental in the interaction with Asa2. Based on these results and on computer-generated structural models of the three subunits, we propose a model for the Asa2/Asa4/Asa7 subcomplex and for its disposition in the peripheral stalk of the algal ATP synthase., (© 2013.)

Background: Nebulized amphotericin B deoxycholate (n-ABD) is used to prevent Aspergillus infection in lung transplantation. Nebulized liposomal amphotericin B (n-LAB) is another option; however, no clinical data are available on the results of n-LAB for this purpose., Methods: In an observational study performed in 2 centers to assess the feasibility, tolerability, and outcomes of n-LAB prophylaxis, 104 consecutive patients undergoing prophylaxis with n-LAB were compared with 49 historical controls who received n-ABD. Patient follow-up lasted 12 months. The n-LAB prophylaxis regimen was 25 mg thrice weekly starting on the first post-operative day and continuing to 60 days, 25 mg once weekly from 60 to 180 days, and the same dose once every 2 weeks thereafter., Results: Aspergillus infection developed in 8 of 104 patients (7.7%) with n-LAB prophylaxis (5 colonization, 1 simple tracheobronchitis, 1 ulcerative tracheobronchitis, and 1 invasive pulmonary infection). Ulcerative tracheobronchitis and invasive pulmonary aspergillosis were regarded as invasive disease; hence, the rate of invasive disease was 1.9% (2 patients). The control group had similar rates of Aspergillus infection (10.2%; p = 0.6) and invasive disease (4.1%; p = 0.43). In 3 patients (2.9%), n-LAB was withdrawn due to bronchospasm in 2 and nausea in 1. In the control group, prophylaxis was stopped in 2 patients (4.1%) because of bronchospasm (p = 0.7)., Conclusions: At the dose and frequency described, n-LAB seems effective, safe, and convenient for the prevention of Aspergillus infection in lung transplant patients., (Copyright (c) 2010 International Society for Heart and Lung Transplantation. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Objective: To describe the prevalence of breastfeeding and overweight in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI), and the relationship between the two., Design and Methods: A random cluster survey of 420 children (aged 6 months to 10 years), was conducted in the CNMI in June and July of 2005. Children were measured for weight and height and caregivers were asked about past feeding habits by trained investigators., Results: Seventy-three percent of children were ever breastfed; 53% were still breastfed at 6 months, and 22% at 1 year of age. Five percent of children were found to be underweight (<5th percentile), while 15% were at risk for overweight (85th to <95th percentile) and 19% were overweight (>95th percentile), according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention body mass index for age reference data. Children who had been breastfed had a substantially lower body mass index than children who had not breastfed, after adjusting for age, sex, birthweight, and years of mother's education., Discussion: These findings will be used to guide program development in the CNMI.

Lung transplantation, single or bilateral sequential, is the final option for patients with emphysema. This study analyzed the outcome of lung transplants for emphysema (single or double), and evaluates the incidence, predictive factors and prognosis of lung hyperinflation (LHI) in unilateral transplants. We prospectively studied patients undergoing lung transplantation for emphysema. On admission to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and at 12, 24, 48 and 72 h we tested the patients' respiratory function, oxygen arterial pressure (PaO2) and mean pulmonary arterial pressure (MPAP) before transplantation. LHI incidence, duration of mechanical ventilation and hypoxemia, ICU stay and mortality was also analyzed. We studied 34 consecutive patients undergoing lung transplantation for emphysema, 14 single and 20 bilateral. Single-lung transplantation had a higher mortality (50%) than double-lung transplantation (11%), with an odds ratio of 9.0 (1.3-48.7). Of the 14 patients who received a single graft, 9 patients (64%) developed LHI. No predictive factors for LHI could be established. Duration of mechanical ventilation (22 vs 3 days) and ICU stay (36 vs 6 days) was much longer in patients with LHI; however, only ICU stay reached statistical significance (P = 0.011). Mortality in patients with LHI was higher, 67% vs 20% (NS). We conclude that single-lung transplant in emphysema patients has a worse prognosis than bilateral transplant, with a 9-fold higher mortality rate. LHI is a common event in single-lung transplant for emphysema and is associated in our patients with a longer stay at the ICU.