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Purpose: To assess rectal cancer aggressiveness using magnetic resonance (MR) imaging features and to investigate their relationship with patient prognosis.Materials and Methods: Clinical information and Pelvic MR scans of 106 consecutive patients with primary rectal cancer (RC) were analyzed. Clinical symptoms, age, sex, tumor location, and patient´s survival were recorded. The variables investigated by MR were: depth or mural/extramural tumor involvement, distance to mesorectal margin, lymph node involvement, vascular, peritoneal or sphincter complex infiltration. The association between imaging features and disease-free survival (DFS) was also assessed using a Kaplan-Meier model. Differences between survival curves were tested for significance using the Mantel-Cox LogRank test.Results: The final study population was 106 patients (65 males, 41 females). The median age was 69.5 years (range, 39-92 years). No significant differences were found between death risk and sex, age or tumor location (p>0,05). However, the relative risk (RR) of tumor mortality increased significantly with the presence of the variables: vascular infiltration (×5), T4 tumors (× 4.57), N2 lymph node involvement (more than 3 affected nodes × 4.11) and mesorectal fascia involvement (× 3,77).Conclusion: Tumor extension, number of pathological lymph nodes, mesorectal fascia involvement and vascular infiltration values obtained on initial MR imaging staging showed a significant difference for disease-free survival in RC at six years of control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study develops a novel silver-copper/hydroxyapatite composite (Ag–Cu/HA) with high biocompatibility and antibacterial activity. Two different materials were synthesized, namely silver-hydroxyapatite (Ag-HA) and copper-hydroxyapatite (Cu-HA) composites, with 0.1%, 0.5%, and 1.0% (mol) of each metal. These materials were mixed in a planetary mill to obtain the Ag–Cu/HA composites. The results of our characterization demonstrated the low cytotoxicity and hemolytic response. The composite showed higher percent-inhibition for bacterial growth compared to those in separated composites of silver or copper with hydroxyapatite. Hence, these new materials promise higher efficacy as antibacterial hydroxyapatites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although previous studies revealed the positive perception effect of corporate social responsibility (CSR) on consumer behavior, the influence mechanism and the impact of individual characteristics on the effect have been underexplored. The purpose of this study is not only to examine the mediating role of the emotion of admiration in the relationship between consumer perception of CSR and advocacy behaviors but also to explore the moderating role of the consumer moral virtue of integrity in the relationship between CSR perception and feelings of admiration. Data was collected from customers of a food company located in Spain, and the results show that the company's CSR practices positively influence consumer advocacy behaviors both directly and indirectly through consumer admiration for the company. Consumer integrity moderates the relationship between consumer perception of CSR and admiration. Specifically, CSR practices have a stronger admiration effect on consumers who are high in integrity. The overall importance of consumer perceptions of CSR suggest that, in the food industry, the perception of appropriate CSR practices has a positive impact on consumer attitudes and behaviors, which are also conditioned by individuals' moral virtues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Angiogenesis is a key cancer hallmark involved in tumor growth and metastasis development. Angiogenesis and tumor microenvironment significantly influence the response of tumors to therapies. Imaging techniques have changed our understanding of the process of angiogenesis, the resulting vascular performance, and the tumor microenvironment. This article reviews the status and potential clinical value of the imaging modalities used to assess the status of tumor vasculature in vivo, before, during, and after treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Angiogenesis is a key cancer hallmark involved in tumor growth and metastasis development. Tumor angiogenesis is the process whereby new blood vessels are formed to supply nutrients and oxygen to support the growth of tumors. This article reviews the biological basis behind imaging features and the different imaging modalities used to assess the status of tumor neovasculature in vivo at different scales: structural, functional, and molecular. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aims: Helicobacter pylori iceA1 and iceA2 gene amplification is usually performed to identify mixed populations as both genes are apparently reportedly exclusive. However, some strains isolated from Mexico show both iceA genes. The aim of this study was to establish the frequency of these genes in Mexican isolates and genomic diversity of the H. pylori strains. Methods: One hundred thirty six biopsies were obtained from 68 patients (39 children and 29 adults). The presence of H. pylori was confirmed in 3/18 children and 6/19 adults by culture. There were 93 clinical strains isolated from nine patients. Additionally, we studied 37 strains from a strain collection isolated from 10 patients. The strains were genotyped and dual iceA genes were identified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and amplicons were sequenced. In addition, an enterobacterial repetitive intergenic consensus PCR (ERIC-PCR) assay was performed as fingerprinting method. Results: The genotypification of the H. pylori isolates indicated that all strains were vacA+; 86% babA2+, 86% cagA+, 82% vacA s1m1+, 19% iceA1+, 9% iceA2+, and 72% of them carried both iceA1 and iceA2 genes. The ERIC-PCR profiling revealed that the strains clustered in eight genetic groups depending on the presence of iceA1, iceA2 or both. A basic local multiple alignment analysis of the nucleotide sequences revealed that the iceA1 and iceA2 genes exhibited no relevant similarity. Conclusion: The results here showed the presence of triple-positive strains (babA, cagA, vacA) of H. pylori and strains carrying simultaneously both iceA1 and iceA2 genes. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Incorporation of transition metals onto the surface of mesoporous silica via grafting techniques could become a potential strategy for the bottom-up design of sorbents for the removal of pharmaceutical drugs and other emerging contaminants from water sources. Here we report the incorporation of Co2+, Ni2+, or Cu2+ onto the surface of mesoporous SBA-15 via an amino-organic grafting method and the screening of the materials as sorbents for the removal of Naproxen from water. The functionalization procedure involved the reaction of 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane with OH groups available on SBA-15 surfaces, followed by the anchoring of the desired metal. Removal of traces of sulfates from the metal sources and further metal anchoring were achieved after post-synthesis treatment at alkaline conditions. The resulting metal-modified materials were fully characterized using X-ray powder diffraction, N2 adsorption/desorption isotherms gathered at −196°C, SEM/EDX, FT-IR, and TGA. Aqueous phase single point adsorption experiments showed that Cu-based materials are good sorbents for the uptake of low-concentration Naproxen at 25°C and approaching alkaline conditions. The materials uptake capacities decreased as follows: CuNH2_g_SBA-15>NiNH2_g_SBA-15>CoNH2_g_SBA-15. In general, the adsorption results correlate well with the observed structural and textural properties of the materials, suggesting also that the metal amino-organic loading is highly dependent on the nature of grafting process and choice of metal. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In accordance with obesity is associated with insulin resistance and dyslipidemia and chitosan decrease weight and lipids, but its effect on insulin sensitivity is unknown. Our hypothesis for the research was that chitosan improves insulin sensitivity estimated with the euglycemic-hyperinsulinemic clamp technique in obesity. We undertook this study with the objective to determine the effect of chitosan on insulin sensitivity using the euglycemic-hyperinsulinemic clamp technique in obese patients during a 3-month period. A randomized, double-blind clinical trial was carried out in 12 obese adults without diabetes mellitus. During a 3-month period, 6 patients received chitosan (750 mg, 3 times per day) 30 minutes before meals, and the other 6 subjects received placebo. Serum glucose, total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and triglycerides (TG) were measured. Insulin sensitivity was estimated with the euglycemic-hyperinsulinemic clamp technique before and after the intervention. Insulin sensitivity increased significantly with the administration of chitosan (2.4 ± 1.4 vs 3.6 ± 1.4 mg kg−1 min−1; P = .043). In addition, there was a decrease in weight (90.7 ± 14.2 vs 84.7 ± 13.7 kg; P = .027), body mass index (34.3 ± 2.7 vs 31.6 ± 2.2 kg/m2; P = .028), waist circumference (106 ± 12 vs 99 ± 9 cm; P = .028) and TG (2.4 ± 0.9 vs 1.6 ± 0.9 mmol/L; P = .028) in the chitosan group. In conclusion, 3-month administration of chitosan increased insulin sensitivity in obese patients and demonstrated a decrease in weight, body mass index, waist circumference, and TG. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The acidic and not very fleshy fruits from Xoconostles (Xo) cacti are undervalued fruits. However, inhabitants of semi-arid regions consume these fruits that may also have a high nutritional value and natural antioxidants because of their content of dietary fiber (DF) and polyphenols. Currently, there is a lack of knowledge about the nutritional and functional properties of these types of fruits. The study aimed to evaluate the phytochemical profile, physicochemical, functional (water-holding, oil holding, and swelling capacities), and antioxidant properties of different sections (E: epicarp; M-E: mesocarp-endocarp) of wild Cylindropuntia imbricata (Haw.) F.M. Knuth (Xoconostle) fruits. Results showed that Xo fruits have the highest concentration of condensed tannins (CT) and hydrolyzable tannins (HT) in E. The phenolic acids (PAs) identified in the fruits were caffeoyl tartaric acid, 5-5′-dehydrodiferulic acid, 1,2,2′-trisinepoylgentiobiose, catechin, sinensetine, dihydroquercetin, quercetin, delphinidin, and 5,3′,4′-trihydroxy3-methoxy-6:7-methylenedioxyflavone4′-O-glucuronide, with a total of 15 acidic polyphenols identified in Xo. The antioxidant capacity of polyphenols showed that the 1:16 and 1:12 m/v ratios in E and ME had the highest radical scavenging activity for DPPH (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl) (41 and 72 mg TE/g); ABTS (2,2′-azinobis (3-ethylbenzothiozoline-6-sulfonic acid)) (317 and 406 mg TE/g) and FRAP (ferric reducing antioxidant power) (568 and 481 mg TE/g), respectively. Positive correlations were perceived between polyphenols and DPPH, ABTS, FRAP. Therefore, these results confirm the potential of wild Xo fruits (C. imbricata) as a source of natural antioxidants, DF, and functional properties that could be useful in the food, pharmaceutical, and cosmeceutical industry. [Display omitted] • The undervalued fruits of Xoconostle (Xo) have a high fiber content and antioxidant properties. • The different genotypes and ultrasound conditions determine the chemical composition. • The cultivation of the wild fruits of Cylindropuntia imbricata (Haw.) F.M. Knuth may be revalued by the producers. • The 1:16 and 1:12 m/v ratio provided the highest acidic polyphenols content, obtained by UMAE. • The Xo fruits contained a high concentration of CT and HT, that exhibits excellent antioxidant activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The extent of detemplation of cobalt containing aluminophosphates (SBE; Co/Al=1) was investigated. SBE powder crystals were obtained for the first time by extending the aging stage during synthesis. While X-ray powder diffraction data confirmed the presence of a rich Co-SBE phase, scanning electron microscopy images indicated that the crystal morphology was no longer a truncated hexahedron. Instead, the material displayed a hexagonal plate-like habit. Treatment in an oxidative atmosphere and vacuum, respectively, was used to study the removal of the structure-directing agent (SDA; 1,9-diaminononane). The former results in a “non-porous” framework as evidenced by low nitrogen uptake at 77K. The latter treatment, however, resulted in a material with a surface area and unit cell cage diameter of ca. 320m2/g and 9Å, respectively. From thermal gravimetric analyses, it was found that the SDA elimination proceeds in a traditional stepwise fashion. The first weight loss corresponding to the SDA elimination under inert (i.e., helium) conditions matches well with the predicted formation of alkene based on the theoretical unit cell data. Calcination in air at similar conditions results in only partial removal of the SDA followed by an immediate collapse of the framework, which correlates well with the sorption test results. UV–vis, Raman and FT-IR spectroscopy data confirmed that many of the original phase characteristics remained nearly unaffected after vacuum treatment. Oxidative calcination, however, results in the formation of extraframework cobalt formation. In general, this report represents the first step in releasing the theoretical catalytic and/or adsorption unique features of high-cobalt concentration porous with SBE-like frameworks. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The objective of this study was to synthesize a diallyl carbonate monomer, allyl(2-(2-(((allyloxy)carbonyl)oxy)benzoyl)-5-methoxyphenyl) carbonate (BZ-AL), and to evaluate its effect as Bis-GMA diluent in the formulation of photopolymerizable dental composite resins. The chemical structure of BZ-AL monomer was determined by means of H1 NMR, C13 NMR and FTIR spectroscopies. An experimental composite comprising a mixture of Bis-GMA and BZ-AL monomers and silanized inorganic filler was formulated. Experimental material was compared with a control composite formulated with Bis-GMA/TEGDMA. Double bond conversion, polymerization kinetics, volumetric shrinkage, polymerization stress, and flexural properties were investigated. The data were analyzed through a Student t-test (α = 0.05). Flexural strength of the experimental materials with BZ-AL monomer showed a statistically significant increase (p < 0.001). The experimental composite has a lower polymerization rate than the control composite, on the other hand, the experimental composite resin has the highest degree of double bond conversion. There are no differences in the polymerization shrinkage of the composites, however, the polymerization stress of the experimental materials was 50% lower than the control resin. Finally, the cell viability test showed that the experimental resins formulated with the BZ-AL monomer was not cytotoxic. Due to its characteristics, BZ-AL monomer is potentially useful for the formulation of composite materials with applications in dentistry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Proton-conducting ceramic membranes designed with an asymmetric configuration have received increasing attention for their 100% H 2 selectivity, high thermo-chemical stability, and intrinsic lower cost respect the Pd–based counterparts. The design of the substrate is of paramount importance to increase the gas diffusivity through the porous support. In this work, porous BaCe 0.65 Zr 0.20 Y 0.15 O 3-δ (BCZY) supports were fabricated for the first time via UV-assisted micro-extrusion. Different BCZY-based inks preparation methods were evaluated to obtain high solid loading (> 40 vol%), solvent and dispersant-free eco-friendly formulations. Printable inks with optimal shear thinning behaviour were successfully extruded, depositing up to three stacked layers without defects. Drying and thermal post printing treatments were carefully optimized to obtain defect-free and easy to handle green bodies. The optimization of the whole process leaded to planar BCZY-based supports with a high degree of engineered porosity and suitable mechanical properties to be potentially applied in asymmetric membrane structures. • Proton conductive BCZY ceramics for hydrogen separation were produced. • Solvent- and dispersant- free UV-curable pastes were obtained. • UV-assisted direct ink writing were considered to obtain complex shapes structures. • Honeycomb type structures with a high degree of engineered porosity were produced. • Samples presents promising mechanical properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Several arthropods that live as ectoparasites on domestic dogs can cause severe dermatitis or act as vectors of pathogenic agents, resulting in serious diseases not only in dogs, but also in humans. We studied ectoparasites found on Canis familiaris sampled in five areas in Buenos Aires province, Argentina. The prevalence of fleas, ticks and lice was analyzed, as well as their seasonal variations through the different sites studied. The kind of infestation found in each host was determined and the intensity of natural infestation was estimated. The study was carried out from October 2001 to July 2002, with 116 dogs that lived in rural areas and did not receive control treatments. In order to remove the ectoparasites, the dogs’ skin was rubbed with a piece of cotton soaked in ether. All dogs had at least one species of ectoparasites. A total number of 5193 ectoparasites were found corresponding to four species, 15.7% Ctenocephalides canis, 73% Rhipicephalus sanguineus, 1.8 Linognathus setosus and 9.4% Heterodoxus spiniger. R. sanguineus was the most abundant species, and C. canis was the only flea species found. This may be due to the dogs being exclusively rural animals. Within the zones sampled, Magdalena showed the greatest prevalence, maybe as a consequence of having the highest relative humidity in relation to the other areas. Triple infestation (ticks–fleas–lice) was observed in 56.9% of the dogs; 39.6% presented double infestation, most being ticks–fleas, and only 3.4% showed simple infestation (lice). Female hosts were the most affected. Even though there were records of ectoparasites throughout all the year, a higher intensity was observed during the spring months, most likely as a result of the increase in temperature after the winter months. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

: BackgroundThis is an evaluation of the treatment of 63 patients with chronic immune thrombocytopenic purpura (54 splenectomized and nine nonsplenectomized) with weekly doses of anti-D (IgG)-coated red blood cells (RBCs).: MethodsAll patients were given one 5–15 μg/kg/dose of intravenous (i.v.) anti-D (IgG)-coated RBCs per week (average of 300 μg/dose/week) for a median 3-month period (3–6 months). Treatment modality was evaluated on a weekly basis by platelet counts, measuring of hemoglobin levels, and performance of Coombs tests.: ResultsAll patients presented a clinical response. Fifty-two patients (82.5%) increased their platelet count (PC) and 45 (69.8%) increased their PC >50 × 109/L. In 34 cases, response was sustained. Six of nine nonsplenectomized patients (67%) increased PC, thus avoiding splenectomy; four patients attained a stable complete response (CR). Similar platelet responses were observed in homozygous and heterozygous Rh (D)-positive patients (Rh/Hr phenotypes). Currently, after >10 years, 43 patients present a now permanent complete response with platelet count >50 × 109/L. Ten patients subsequently decreased their platelet count, although they were able to attain CR after receiving six doses of anti-D (IgG)-coated RBCs.: ConclusionsBased on our study of Fc receptor blockade treatment with anti-D (IgG)-coated RBCs with the most difficult cases of ITP, which resulted in a 69.8% successful response rate, we concluded that weekly prescription of anti-D (IgG)-coated RBCs is an effective approach to treating chronic refractory ITP. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

• Batterers use dominance and control to gain power over a woman's life. • Male violence against women is usually more related to control than dominance. • Control reinforces the power of men within relationships to maintain the subordination of the women. • There are not differences between individual and relational levels of analysis in domination and control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The literature highlights the growing dissatisfaction of consumers with foods from industrial production systems. Their concern for health and the desire to support local producers led them to search for other alternatives: products that are local, traditional and typical of a particular region, such as many Geographical Indication (GI) food products. This paper explores the relationship between the purchase of GI food products, the attitudes towards proximity, tradition, and ethnicity, and consumer ethnocentric tendencies. The results, obtained through a mediation analysis, show that aspects such as products made by small companies and transparency (in terms of their production process) attain greater significance among consumers with higher levels of sub-national ethnocentrism. Moreover, these consumers appreciate that: (1) the products have been made using traditional methods, and (2) in addition to be typical of the region, these products can be bought directly from the producer, without intermediaries. Consumers who value these aspects, closely related to each other, present a greater purchase intention and a higher purchase frequency of food products with protected geographical status. • Consumer ethnocentrism has a direct effect on the purchase behavior of GI products, but also an indirect effect. • Consumer ethnocentrism is related to proximity, tradition and ethnicity. • Products made by small companies attained greater significance among ethnocentric consumers. • Consumers with higher levels of sub-national ethnocentrism appreciate products bought directly from the producer. • These c onsumers present a greater purchase intention of GI products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]