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A revision of the species cited in the genus Leucosyrinx from Argentine waters is conducted. Leucosyrinx argentina sp. nov. is described after material collected off Argentina in: the Mar del Plata Submarine Canyon (528–2212 m depth), at 39°53.381′S, 55°52.197′W off Buenos Aires province (772 m depth), and in the Burdwood Bank (approximately 54°S in 187 and 642 m depth). Radulae, penis, operculum, ornamentation and ultrastructure of the shell are described. In addition, partial sequences of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 gene (COI) are provided. After a review of the species previously described in the genus Leucosyrinx from Argentine waters, we concluded that L. argentina sp. nov. is the only living species truly recognized as belonging in this genus from the Southwestern Atlantic. This is the first study of the genus Leucosyrinx from this region that revises both morphological and molecular characters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Outcome comparisons among subcutaneous implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (S-ICD) recipients with nonischemic cardiomyopathies are scarce. The aim of this study was to evaluate differences in device-related outcomes among S-ICD recipients with different structural substrates. Patients enrolled in the i-SUSI (International SUbcutaneouS Implantable cardioverter defibrillator registry) project were grouped according to the underlying substrate (ischemic vs nonischemic) and subgrouped into dilated cardiomyopathy, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, Brugada syndrome (BrS), arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC). The main outcome of our study was to compare the rates of appropriate and inappropriate shocks and device-related complications. Among 1698 patients, the most common underlying substrate was ischemic (31.7%), followed by dilated cardiomyopathy (20.5%), BrS (10.8%), hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (8.5%), and ARVC (4.4%). S-ICD for primary prevention was more common in the nonischemic cohort (70.9% vs 65.4%; P =.037). Over a median (interquartile range) follow-up of 26.5 (12.6–42.8) months, no differences were observed in appropriate shocks between ischemic and nonischemic patients (4.8%/y vs 3.9%/y; log-rank, P =.282). ARVC (9.0%/y; hazard ratio [HR] 2.492; P =.001) and BrS (1.8%/y; HR 0.396; P =.008) constituted the groups with the highest and lowest rates of appropriate shocks, respectively. Device-related complications did not differ between groups (ischemic: 6.4%/y vs nonischemic: 6.1%/y; log-rank, P =.666), nor among underlying substrates (log-rank, P =.089). Nonischemic patients experienced higher rates of inappropriate shocks than did ischemic S-ICD recipients (4.4%/y vs 3.0%/y; log-rank, P =.043), with patients with ARVC (9.9%/y; P =.001) having the highest risk, even after controlling for confounders (adjusted HR 2.243; confidence interval 1.338–4.267; P =.002). Most S-ICD recipients were primary prevention nonischemic cardiomyopathy patients. Among those, patients with ARVC tend to receive the most frequent appropriate and inappropriate shocks and patients with BrS the least frequent appropriate shocks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Specializations within doctor of pharmacy (PharmD) programs allow student pharmacists to advance their knowledge and expertise in a specific area of pharmacy. The purpose of this manuscript is to expand the knowledge of pharmacy specializations within a PharmD program by describing two patient care specializations at a school of pharmacy and their assessment strategies. A pediatric pharmacotherapy and acute care pharmacotherapy specialization are described. The development of the specializations and assessment strategies are discussed. Student feedback in addition to postgraduate training and employment in specialization area are used to continually assess the specializations. Sixty students completed the patient care specializations by completing the specialization coursework, which included extra assignments and a research project. A total of 34 students (57%) who completed the specializations also completed postgraduate year one training. Patient care specializations allow students to develop skills used in specialty areas, and these added skills may help them be successful in finding postgraduate training related to the specialization. Creating detailed specialization requirements and assessment strategies may ensure that the specialization is of appropriate rigor to enhance specialty-specific skills and knowledge. This report can help other schools of pharmacy with their plans for developing a specialization at their institution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To demonstrate the safety and feasibility of combined robotic ventral rectopexy and sacrocolpopexy for the treatment of concomitant pelvic organ prolapse and rectal prolapse. We present a video case demonstration highlighting the use of combined robotic ventral rectopexy and sacrocolpopexy for treatment of concomitant rectal and pelvic organ prolapse. The patient was taken to the operating room and placed in dorsal lithotomy position with her hands tucked by her sides. She was prepped and draped in the sterile fashion. After direct laparoscopic entry she was placed in Trendelenburg position and the robotic console was docked. Our patient is a 79-year-old female with rectal prolapse and fecal incontinence and coexisting cystocele and uterine fibroids. Combined robotic assisted laparoscopic ventral rectopexy and sacrocolpopexy. The patient underwent a successful combined rectal prolapse and pelvic organ prolapse repair, utilizing a multidisciplinary approach between colorectal surgery and urogynecology. Combined robotic ventral rectopexy and sacrocolpopexy using a single lightweight mesh is a safe and feasible alternative for the treatment of coexisting rectal and pelvic organ prolapse in a single patient. This shift towards the combined surgical management of these two conditions involving the collaboration between urogynecology and colorectal surgery allows for not only more patient-centered management of these two coexisting conditions, but also can alleviate patient symptoms and improve functional outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Climate change severely impacts human security on Vanuatu and Guam. • Interview-based, comparative study of impacts. • Climate impacts depend on colonial history and political inequalities. • Impacts are omnipresent on Vanuatu, but hidden on Guam. • Article bridges human security, political ecology, and decolonial studies literature. Global environmental change impacts human security in both Vanuatu and Guam – but in very different ways. This paper studies both regions through a thematic analysis of problem-centered expert interviews with local stakeholders. It provides a comprehensive assessment of pathways from environmental change to human insecurity in both regions. Climate change impacts are omnipresent in Vanuatu and coproduced by fast lifestyle change and developmental challenges. In contrast, Guam is a highly developed US territory. This reduces climate vulnerability but generates other forms of environmental change from heavy military and touristic use. The article argues that human insecurity on Vanuatu and Guam is coproduced by the interplay between economic and (post-)colonial factors and environmental change. This demonstrates that vulnerability and environmental degradation are by no means natural or inevitable, but strongly shaped by socio-economic contexts and histories. This builds an important bridge between human security, political economy, and postcolonial perspectives on environmental security. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Austria provides a rich case for energy communities with rapid diffusion. • Storylines on energy communities diversify in relation to their societal context. • The meaning of 'energy citizens' shifts towards financial participation. • Actors adopt storylines on justice to counteract dominance of incumbents in energy communities. • A new type of storyline emerges in the energy crises: postapocalyptic storylines. In the last four years, since Austria enabled the establishment of energy communities (ECs), their numbers have rapidly increased, and their role in Austria's energy transition has been widely discussed. This study explores how storylines of ECs, as social innovations, have changed during their introduction and diffusion. We adopt a dialectic perspective of niche diffusion and discursive struggles in sustainability transitions. Analyzing newspaper articles and interviews, we reveal initial discursive struggles and the diversification into seven storylines across four contextual phases, shaped particularly by legislative frameworks and the energy crisis. Five storylines construct ECs as positive change, one as a negative force on society, and one as ambivalent. We discuss significant changes in how storylines construct ECs, focusing on justice and citizenship, the reconstruction of actor configurations, and emerging postapocalyptic storylines. This study enriches our understanding of discursive struggles around social innovations and their potential to challenge existing configurations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The absence of pacing capabilities may reduce the appeal of subcutaneous implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (S-ICD) devices for patients at risk for conduction disorders or with antitachycardia pacing (ATP)/cardiac resynchronization (CRT) requirements. Reports of rates of S-ICD to transvenous implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (TV-ICD) system switch in real-world scenarios are limited.Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate the need for a subsequent transvenous (TV) device in patients implanted with an S-ICD and its predictors.Methods: All patients implanted with an S-ICD were enrolled from the multicenter, real-world iSUSI (International SUbcutaneouS Implantable cardioverter defibrillator) Registry. The need for a TV device and its clinical reason, and appropriate and inappropriate device therapies were assessed. Logistic regression with Firth penalization was used to assess the association between baseline and procedural characteristics and the overall need for a subsequent TV device.Results: A total of 1509 patients were enrolled (age 50.8 ± 15.8 years; 76.9% male; 32.0% ischemic; left ventricular ejection fraction 38% [30%-60%]). Over 26.5 [13.4-42.9] months, 155 (10.3%) and 144 (9.3%) patients experienced appropriate and inappropriate device therapies, respectively. Forty-one patients (2.7%) required a TV device (13 bradycardia; 10 need for CRT; 10 inappropriate shocks). Body mass index (BMI) >30 kg/m2 and chronic kidney disease (CKD) were associated with need for a TV device (odds ratio [OR] 2.57 [1.37-4.81], P = .003; and OR 2.67 [1.29-5.54], P = .008, respectively).Conclusion: A low rate (2.7%) of conversion from S-ICD to a TV device was observed at follow-up, with need for antibradycardia pacing, ATP, or CRT being the main reasons. BMI >30 kg/m2 and CKD predicted all-cause need for a TV device. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There are many challenges associated with longitudinally applying therapeutic knowledge in the pharmacy curriculum. This study investigated student participation using the messaging platform, WhatsApp (Meta Platforms, Inc.), as a discussion-based platform for pharmacy students. The created WhatsApp group chat discussion, "The Daily Dose," was a longitudinal learning experience occurring during pharmacy students' last year of clinical rotations or third year of didactic learning. Students were asked daily clinical questions in the application and participation was primarily assessed. This study included a pre-survey, discussion participation assessment, and a post-survey. The surveys assessed student self-evaluations of their learning, clinical confidence levels, board preparedness, and program learning experience feedback. A total of 115 questions were asked and 37 students voluntarily joined. Students participated by responding to 97% of questions. Of the 37 students who joined, 81% were experiential education students and 19% were didactic education students. A moderator needed to prompt for participation for 34% of the questions. The majority of students (95%) learned something new. Experiential education students were more likely to participate than didactic education students. A moderator may be beneficial to keep the discussion active. Students' self-evaluations of clinical confidence and board preparedness increased after participating in The Daily Dose. The Daily Dose is an innovative way to engage student discussion and reinforce pharmacy therapeutic knowledge. This tool could be expanded to use with multiple pharmacy learners. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: A few limited case series have shown that the subcutaneous implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (S-ICD) system is safe for teenagers and young adults, but a large-scale analysis currently is lacking.Objectives: The purpose of this study was to compare mid-term device-associated outcomes in a large real-world cohort of S-ICD patients, stratified by age at implantation.Methods: Two propensity-matched cohorts of teenagers + young adults (≤30 years old) and adults (>30 years old) were retrieved from the ELISIR Registry. The primary outcome was the comparison of inappropriate shock rate. Complications, freedom from sustained ventricular arrhythmias, and overall and cardiovascular mortality were deemed secondary outcomes.Results: Teenagers + young adults represented 11.0% of the entire cohort. Two propensity-matched groups of 161 patients each were used for the analysis. Median follow-up was 23.1 (13.2-40.5) months. In total, 15.2% patients experienced inappropriate shocks, and 9.3% device-related complications were observed, with no age-related differences in inappropriate shocks (16.1% vs 14.3%; P = .642) and complication rates (9.9% vs 8.7%; P = .701). At univariate analysis, young age was not associated with increased rates of inappropriate shocks (hazard ratio [HR] 1.204 [0.675-2.148]: P = .529). At multivariate analysis, use of the SMART Pass algorithm was associated with a strong reduction in inappropriate shocks (adjusted HR 0.292 [0.161-0.525]; P <.001), whereas arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC) was associated with higher rates of inappropriate shocks (adjusted HR 2.380 [1.205-4.697]; P = .012).Conclusion: In a large multicenter registry of propensity-matched patients, use of the S-ICD in teenagers/young adults was safe and effective. The rates of inappropriate shocks and complications between cohorts were not significantly different. The only predictor of increased inappropriate shocks was a diagnosis of ARVC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Recently, the Food and Drug Administration issued a recall for the subcutaneous implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (S-ICD) because of the possibility of lead ruptures and accelerated battery depletion.Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate device-related complications over time in a large real-world multicenter S-ICD cohort.Methods: Patients implanted with an S-ICD from January 2015 to June 2020 were enrolled from a 19-institution European registry (Experience from the Long-term Italian S-ICD registry [ELISIR]; ClinicalTrials.gov identifier NCT0473876). Device-related complication rates over follow-up were collected. Last follow-up of patients was performed after the Boston Scientific recall issue.Results: A total of 1254 patients (median age 52.0 [interquartile range 41.0-62.2] years; 973 (77.6%) men; 387 (30.9%) ischemic) was enrolled. Over a follow-up of 23.2 (12.8-37.8) months, complications were observed in 117 patients (9.3%) for a total of 127 device-related complications (23.6% managed conservatively and 76.4% required reintervention). Twenty-seven patients (2.2%) had unanticipated generator replacement after 3.6 (3.3-3.9) years, while 4 (0.3%) had lead rupture. Body mass index (hazard ratio [HR] 1.063 [95% confidence interval 1.028-1.100]; P < .001), chronic kidney disease (HR 1.960 [1.191-3.225]; P = .008), and oral anticoagulation (HR 1.437 [1.010-2.045]; P = .043) were associated with an increase in overall complications, whereas older age (HR 0.980 [0.967-0.994]; P = .007) and procedure performed in high-volume centers (HR 0.463 [0.300-0.715]; P = .001) were protective factors.Conclusion: The overall complication rate over 23.2 months of follow-up in a multicenter S-ICD cohort was 9.3%. Early unanticipated device battery depletions occurred in 2.2% of patients, while lead fracture was observed in 0.3%, which is in line with the expected rates reported by Boston Scientific. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: To date, only a few comparisons between subcutaneous implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (S-ICD) patients undergoing and those not undergoing defibrillation testing (DT) at implantation (DT+ vs DT-) have been reported.Objective: The purpose of this study was to compare long-term clinical outcomes of 2 propensity-matched cohorts of DT+ and DT- patients.Methods: Among consecutive S-ICD patients implanted across 17 centers from January 2015 to October 2020, DT- patients were 1:1 propensity-matched for baseline characteristics with DT+ patients. The primary outcome was a composite of ineffective shocks and cardiovascular mortality. Appropriate and inappropriate shock rates were deemed secondary outcomes.Results: Among 1290 patients, a total of 566 propensity-matched patients (283 DT+; 283 DT-) served as study population. Over median follow-up of 25.3 months, no significant differences in primary outcome event rates were found (10 DT+ vs 14 DT-; P = .404) as well as for ineffective shocks (5 DT- vs 3 DT+; P = .725). At multivariable Cox regression analysis, DT performance was associated with a reduction of neither the primary combined outcome nor ineffective shocks at follow-up. A high PRAETORIAN score was positively associated with both the primary outcome (hazard ratio 3.976; confidence interval 1.339-11.802; P = .013) and ineffective shocks alone at follow-up (hazard ratio 19.030; confidence interval 4.752-76.203; P = .003).Conclusion: In 2 cohorts of strictly propensity-matched patients, DT performance was not associated with significant differences in cardiovascular mortality and ineffective shocks. The PRAETORIAN score is capable of correctly identifying a large percentage of patients at risk for ineffective shock conversion in both cohorts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new species of Succinea Draparnaud, 1801, S. puna sp. nov. , from the Puna highlands in Catamarca Province, Argentina, is described. Seventeen water bodies were surveyed in the Puna ecoregion of Catamarca, with gastropods being found only at two localities, El Peñón and Guanchín River. We explored the morphological features of shells, reproductive system, radulae, and mandibles of specimens from each site. Although we found slight differences in the shell and the terminal genitalia, with specimens exhibiting an epiphallus folding over itself with terminal globular appearance, whereas others with an epiphallus cylindrical, we conclude that these are intraspecific variabilities. We used DNA sequences of the 16S-rRNA gene to explore genetic distances and genealogical relationships among both populations and other species of Succinea. We found maximum genetic interpopulation distances of up to 2.38%. Mean interspecific divergences among S. puna sp. nov. and other Succinea species ranged between 7.14% and 15.21%. A secondary structure model of domains IV and V of the 16S-rRNA gene was developed, with polymorphic sites being concentrated in loop regions. A GIS analysis was carried out using a selection of bioclimatic variables to characterize the environment of the new species in comparison to other close Succinea species from South America. The analysis showed that the particular environmental conditions of the Puna in Catamarca are hardly present in other zones of South America, supporting our hypothesis that S.puna is endemic to that area. The restricted distribution of S. puna sp. nov. in a single ecoregion with extreme climatic and physiographic characteristics, high altitude habitat and its microhabitat specialization, makes this species potentially vulnerable to impacts of future anthropogenic changes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multiphase, post-ablation CT imaging demonstrated SCH and active extravasation from subcapsular vessels, remote to antenna placement (Figs 3, 4). The 3 main methods of thermal ablative therapy are microwave ablation, radiofrequency ablation, and cryoablation. Microwave ablation and radiofrequency ablation rely on heat-induced apoptosis for cell death and, as a byproduct, production of water vapor at ablation temperatures exceeding 100°C [3]. [Extracted from the article]

Cranioplasty and modulation of frontoorbital advancement (FOA) in children with craniosynostosis aims to achieve an attractive aesthetic and functional rehabilitation of the forehead area, comparable to that in unaffected children. Based on a three-dimensional surface scan, a cephalometric data evaluation with new parameters for the quantification of physiological and pathological cranial morphologies, and objective evaluation of postoperative follow-up in comparison to an age-equivalent standard population, were performed. In a prospective study, 80 children were operated on with non-syndromic craniosynostosis (trigonocephalus, n = 30; plagiocephalus, n = 10; scaphocephalus, n = 38; brachycephalus, n = 2) and pre- and 3, 6, 12, 18 and 30 months postoperative three-dimensional surface scans were obtained (3DShape, Erlangen, Germany) and morphometrically measured (Onyx Ceph, Image Instruments, Chemnitz, Germany). In addition, 49 healthy children who were not operated on were measured at equivalent ages (n = 25 [6 months]; n = 20 [9 months]; n = 4 [12 months]). All patient groups showed stable long-term results with regard to shaping of the forehead. Cranioplasty in patients with scaphocephalus resulted in a significant widening of the anterior (73.9 ± 3.5 mm; p < 0.001) and posterior (132.2 ± 5.2 mm; p < 0.001) cranial width, with no significant difference from the norm population 1 year after surgery (p = 0.6597). As parameters for the correction of trigonocephaly, the frontal angle showed significant improvement (145.9 ± 3.7°; p < 0.001). While the parietal angle 12 months after surgery showed similar values as the norm population, the frontal angle was about 10° smaller than in healthy children (p = 0.0055), despite a clinically inconspicuous physiognomy. As part of the correction of plagiocephaly, the patients tended to relapse in the postoperative course, although there was no statistically significant difference in the frontal angle compared to that in the norm population (153.3 ± 3.9°; p = 0.06). While 6 months after surgery all patients showed a normal cranial volume development compared to healthy children of the same age, the volumes of brachycephalic patients remained below the norm (1244.2 ± 153.2 cm3; p = 0.0244). Overall, the analysis of the norm population showed a growing dispersion of measurement values with increasing age, which was observed to be more concentrated in the operated cranial morphologies. The determination of new pathology-specific morphometric parameters on the three-dimensional surface scan enables an objective quantification of physiological and pathological cranial morphologies of children. A comparison of operated children with a healthy, age-appropriate comparison group showed that preoperative and statistically significant deviations of the new measuring parameters in long-term follow-up could be normalized through surgical intervention, although this does not apply without limitations to children with coronary suture synostosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Despite potentially considerable implications for public health, the environment and public funds, medicine waste is an under-researched topic. This study aims to analyse medicines drawn from household garbage in Vienna (Austria) and to assess possible financial implications for public payers.Methods: Four pharmaceutical waste samples collected by the Vienna Municipal Waste Department between April 2015 and January 2016 were investigated with regard to their content. The value of medicines was assessed at ex-factory, reimbursement and pharmacy retail price levels, and the portion of costs attributable to the social health insurance was determined. Data were extrapolated for Vienna and Austria.Results: The waste sample contained 1089 items, of which 42% were excluded (non-pharmaceuticals, non-Austrian origin and non-attributable medicines). A total of 637 items were further analysed. Approximately 18% of these medicines were full packs. 36% of the medicines wasted had not yet expired. Nearly two out of three medicines wasted were prescription-only medicines. The majority were medicines related to the 'alimentary tract and metabolism' (ATC code A), the 'nervous system' (ATC code N) and the 'respiratory system' (ATC code R). The medicines wasted had a total value of € 1965, € 2987 and € 4207, expressed at ex-factory, reimbursement and pharmacy retail price levels, respectively. Extrapolated for Vienna, at least € 37.65 million in terms of expenditure for public payers were wasted in household garbage, corresponding to € 21 per inhabitant.Conclusion: This study showed that in Vienna some medicines end up partially used or even completely unused in household garbage, including prescription-only medicines, non-expired medicines and medicines for chronic diseases. While there might be different reasons for medicines being wasted, the findings suggest possible adherence challenges as one issue to be addressed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract As a result of a secondary endosymbiosis of a red alga, stramenopiles retained β-1,3 glucans as the primary soluble storage carbohydrate, in contrast to the starch and glycogen of green plants and animals. This storage carbohydrate has been identified and characterized in representative diatoms, brown algae, and oomycetes, but has not been biochemically characterized in species of Nannochloropsis , an industrially relevant genus of algae favored for its lipid content and productivity. In this study, the soluble storage carbohydrate of Nannochloropsis is characterized by 1H NMR, linkage analysis, and size exclusion chromatography. The putative genes encoding enzymes required for synthesis of the carbohydrate oligosaccharide from glucose 6-phosphate are identified. A glycogenin-like glycosyltransferase family 8 (GT8) protein was also identified to be conserved among all species of Nannochloropsis, despite the lack of glycogen in the genus. Homologs were identified in available genomes of brown algae, diatoms, and oomycetes, all documented to utilize β-1,3 glucans for carbon storage. Finally, a set of three likely laminarinases are highlighted from the glycosyl hydrolases by phylogenetic analyses. Highlights • N. gaditana stores a 1,3-beta glucan carbohydrate with rare 1,6-branching. • Genus-conserved glycogenin-like protein may nucleate glucan polymerization. • Heterokont-wide phylogenetic analysis identifies likely laminarinases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The purpose of this study was to assess treatment with a fluoroquinolone or trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole versus cephalosporins for pyelonephritis in discharged patients from a community hospital setting.Methods: A retrospective chart review was completed for adult female patients who received a prescription for a cephalosporin, fluoroquinolone or trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole for the treatment of pyelonephritis within the network of a large healthcare system. The primary endpoint evaluated the failure rate of each treatment group. The secondary endpoint evaluated the difference between rates of resistance on culture and sensitivity reports for treatment groups.Results: A total of 55 patients in the cephalosporin group and 43 patients in the fluoroquinolone and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole group were reviewed. The primary endpoint occurred in 0% of the patients in the cephalosporin group and in 23% of the patients in the fluoroquinolone and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole group, p < 0.001. Of the 98 urine samples collected, 71 samples were positive for pathogen growth. Upon evaluation of these isolates, 6% were resistant to cephalexin, 1% was resistant to cefdinir, 3% were resistant to ciprofloxacin and 23% were resistant to trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole. Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole showed statistical significance for more bacterial resistance compared to the other agents, p < 0.01.Conclusion: Failure of therapy for pyelonephritis occurred more often in the fluoroquinolone and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole group than in the cephalosporin group. The findings in this study are most applicable to patients who are treated on an outpatient basis. A prospective, randomized clinical trial is necessary to confirm these results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • The carbon intensity exhibits significant variations over time, which can be used in control. • Three single family houses of varying age are simulated, using historical input data from Denmark. • MPC can optimise according to energy use, power price, dynamic carbon intensity, or comfort, to improve the performance of heating. • Footprint-wise, energy- and carbon-optimising MPC were more desirable than price or comfort optimising MPC. • The average carbon intensity of the power consumed is a relevant performance metric for MPC. Abstract Around the world, electricity systems are transitioning towards renewable energy to meet humanity's climate change mitigation targets. However, in a pre-transition system, the carbon intensity of power exhibits strong variations over time, which calls for load shifting to times when its impact is lower. In this work, the case of heating in single-family houses is studied, using Model Predictive Control (MPC) to optimise multi-zone operation. Low inertia heating is used, and simulations are made upon three different insulation level using historical grid and climate data from Denmark. The results show that energy and CO 2 optimisation are relevant objectives for predictive control for lowering the carbon footprint of heating, while SPOT price optimisation is comparatively undesirable. However, benefits of energy optimisation were questioned, as a well-tuned PID control might have had similar performance. Nevertheless, gains from CO 2 optimisation in recent houses highlight the importance of considering the average carbon intensity of energy used, in addition to the amount of energy itself, when aiming to reduce the carbon footprint. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Algae hold great potential as a source of renewable fuel due to their ability to produce refinery-compatible diesel and jet fuel precursors. Significant effort has been made to maximize productivity under photoautotrophic growth conditions; however, little progress has been made to discover and understand reduced carbon assimilation pathways or enzymatic degradation of complex carbon substrates in algae. We purport that utilization of plant-based carbon substrates in addition to photosynthesis (mixotrophic growth) for biochemical assimilation into biomass, biofuels, and bioproducts, can increase cultivation productivity and improve the economic viability of algal-derived biofuels. Herein we report that a freshwater production strain of microalgae, Auxenochlorella protothecoides UTEX 25, is capable of directly degrading and utilizing non-food plant substrates, such as switchgrass, for cell growth. Glycome profiling of plant substrates before and after addition to A. protothecoides cultures demonstrates the utilization of xyloglucans. Genomic, proteomic and transcriptomic analyses revealed the identity of many enzymes that are hypothesized to be involved in complex carbohydrate degradation, including several family 5 and 9 glycosyl hydrolases. This work paves the way for future designer engineering of plant‑carbon utilization to further improve productivity of algal production strains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Viewscapes are the visible portions of a landscape that create a visual connection between a human observer and their 3-dimensional surroundings. However, most large area line-of-sight studies have modeled viewscapes using bare-earth digital elevation models, which exclude the 3-D elements of built and natural environments needed to comprehensively understand the scale, complexity and naturalness of an area. In this study, we compared viewscapes derived from LiDAR bare earth (BE) and top-of-canopy (ToC) surface models for 1000 exurban homes in a region of the Rocky Mountains, USA that is experiencing rapid low-density growth. We examined the extent to which the vertical structure of trees and neighboring houses in ToC models – not accounted for in BE models – affect the size and quality of each home’s viewscape. ToC models consistently produced significantly smaller viewscapes compared to BE models across five resolutions of LiDAR-derived models (1, 5, 10, 15, and 30-m). As resolution increased, both ToC and BE models produced increasingly larger, exaggerated viewscapes. Due to their exaggerated size, BE models overestimated the greenness and diversity of vegetation types in viewscapes and underestimated ruggedness of surrounding terrain compared to more realistic ToC models. Finally, ToC models also resulted in more private viewscapes, with exurban residents seeing almost three times fewer neighbors compared to BE models. These findings demonstrate that viewscape studies should consider both vertical and horizontal dimensions of built and natural environments in landscape and urban planning applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Blood compatibility of TiO 2 nanotubes (TNTs) has been assessed in rabbit platelet-rich plasma (PRP), which combines activation of both blood plasma coagulation and platelets. We find that (i) amorphous TiO 2 nanotubes (TNTs) with relatively larger outer diameters led to reduced platelet adhesion/activation, (ii) TNTs with relatively smaller outer diameters in a predominately rutile phase also inhibited platelet adhesion and activation, and (iii) a pervasive fibrin network formed on larger outer diameter TNTs in a predominately anatase phase. Thus, this study suggests that combined effect of crystalline phase and surface chemistry controls blood-contact behavior of TNTs. A more comprehensive mechanism is proposed for understanding hemocompatibility of TiO 2 which might prove helpful as a guide to prospective design of TiO 2 -based biomaterials. Statement of Significance To realize optimal design and construction of biomaterials with desired properties for blood contact materials, a comprehensive understanding of structure-property relationships is required. In the existing literature, TiO 2 nanotube has been reported to be a good candidate for biomedical applications. However, it is noticeable that the blood compatibility of TiO 2 nanotubes (TNTs) remains obscure or even inconsistent in the previously published works. The inconsistency could derive from different research protocols, material properties or blood sources. Thus, a thorough investigation of the effect of surface properties on blood compatibility is crucial to the development of titanium based materials. In this paper, we explored the effect of surface properties on the response of platelet-rich plasma, especially surface morphology, chemistry, wettability and crystalline phase. The results indicated that crystalline phase was a dominant factor in platelet behaviors. Reduced adhesion and activation of platelets were observed on amorphous and rutile dominated TNTs, whereas anatase dominated TNTs activated the formation of fibrin network. We further proposed a hypothetical mechanism for better understanding of how surface properties affect the response of platelet-rich plasma. Therefore, this study expands the fundamental understanding of the structure-property relationships of titanium based materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rapid urbanization negatively affects the built and biotic environment, necessitating interdisciplinary mitigation strategies. Current nature-based solutions that are integrated into building envelope design have proved to be beneficial. These solutions, however, are primarily anthropocentric and often overlook the potential to support other living organisms, such as animals and microbiota. Thus, a multi-species approach is envisioned to facilitate more holistic envelope-design solutions. While integrating ecological knowledge into architectural design often introduces decision-making complexity, multi-criteria decision-making can support multi-species building envelope design. This paper reviews such decision-making applications in two domains: building envelope design and ecological planning design. Using a systematic literature review methodology to compile relevant publications for full-text analysis, the results show significant disparities between the two domains. This is primarily driven by decision-making applications, the scale of analysis, criteria typology and external decision-maker engagement. However, we identified opportunities to sequentially employ multi-objective optimization and multi-attribute decision-making to mitigate the technical differences and facilitate interdisciplinary collaboration. Finally, we discuss future developments using hybrid multi-criteria decision-making to facilitate better architectural and ecological computer-aided design. [Display omitted] • The urban fabric lacks holistic strategies to integrate natural ecosystems. • Discretized applications of MCDM for multi-species building envelopes are reviewed. • Envelope design and ecological analyses have contrasting technical specifications. • Decision-making interventions are necessary for holistic multi-species designs. • Ecology-integrated architectural design requires a hybrid multi-criteria approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The early diagnosis of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) involvement in patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) before joint destruction and growth disturbances could allow for interceptive treatment. The purpose of this article is to report early TMJ arthroscopic findings in patients with JIA.Patients and Methods: This was a case series of 3 patients with JIA treated at the Emory University Division of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery from July 2011 through December 2012. Patients were included if they had a confirmed diagnosis of JIA, did not respond to anti-rheumatologic medication, and had TMJ pain or limited mouth opening. All patients underwent TMJ arthroscopy with an injection of triamcinolone hexacetonide. Demographics, medical history, magnetic resonance imaging findings, arthroscopic findings, and postoperative course were reported.Results: Three female patients (mean age, 12.5 yr; 5 joints) underwent arthroscopy. Arthroscopic findings consisted of mild to moderate synovitis and grade 2 to 4 chondromalacia with or without fibrosis. Postoperatively, all patients had improvement in pain and mouth opening.Conclusions: There was a positive correlation between duration of JIA activity in the TMJ and severity of arthroscopic findings. Arthroscopic lysis and lavage combined with triamcinolone hexacetonide injection resulted in improvement in pain and range of motion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Surgical intervention for hallux rigidus could be necessitated when conservative attempts fail to alleviate pain and dysfunction. Controversy exists as to which procedure is ideal and will provide lasting relief of hallux rigidus pain. Many arguments have been made for and against hemi-implant arthroplasty. We advocate the use of a low-profile hemimetallic endoprosthesis (Metasurg ® ) and present our technique of using a reamer to sculpt the articular surface of the metatarsal head when necessary. We further advocate for minimal resection of the phalangeal base when using a low-profile device to maintain the soft tissue periarticular intrinsics. We present a 2- to 3-position reamer decompression of the metatarsal and discuss the benefits of maintaining range of motion at the first metatarsophalangeal joint. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This comparative study looks at how media reputation of multinational corporations (MNCs) is shaped by national societal contexts. Swiss and US MNCs from the banking and pharmaceutical industry were analyzed. As main predictors media system (Swiss vs. US) and the country of origin of the MNCs (home vs. abroad) were defined. Results show that the overall media reputation of MNCs is predominantly negative in Swiss and US media. However, reputation in US media is significantly more negative than in Swiss media. Independent of the media system reputation of MNCs in home media is more favorable than in abroad media. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The niche concept of stem cell biology proposes a functional unit between the precursor cells and their local microenvironment, to which several cell types might contribute by cell–cell contacts, extracellular matrix, and humoral factors. We here established three co-culture models (with cell types separated by membrane) for both adherent monolayers and neurospheres to address the potential influence of different niche cell types in the neurogenic zone of the adult hippocampus of mice. Astrocytes and endothelial cells enhanced precursor cell proliferation and neurosphere formation. Endothelial factors also led to a prolonged increase in proliferation after growth factor withdrawal, which otherwise induces differentiation. All niche cell types enhanced cell survival in monolayer cultures, endothelial cells also stimulated neuronal differentiation. A parallel trend elicited by astrocytes did not reach conventional statistical significance. Pericytes had variable effects here. We did not observe changes in differentiation in neurosphere co-cultures. In summary, our data indicate that in precursor cell culture protocols survival could be improved by adding as yet unknown factors physiologically contributed by astrocytes and endothelial cells. Our findings also underscore the complexity of the niche and the differential impact of factors from the different sources on distinct aspects of neuronal development. With the help of the models presented here, identification of these factors and their specific biological activity can now be initiated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Flocculation provides an attractive route for the primary dewatering of dilute suspensions of microalgae and cyanobacteria, however, economical harvesting and separations remain challenging. In this article, recyclable flocculants are demonstrated in a novel approach for the harvesting of fresh- and saltwater microalgae and cyanobacteria. Polyampholytes, based on model acrylamide polymers, provide reversible electrostatic interactions with negatively-charged cellular microorganisms through changes in pH. The behavior of the polyampholytic flocculants is characterized for the harvesting of Chlamydomonas reinhardtii ( Chlamydomonas Genetics Center CC124), Synechococcus PCC 7002, Aulacoseira ambigua (Varsity Lake, CU Boulder), Nannochloropsis gaditana (CCMP526), and Chlorella vulgaris (UTEX 395). The polyampholytic flocculants, with reversible electrostatic interactions, achieve greater than 97% flocculation efficiencies, can be recovered at greater than 90% yields following flocculation, and when recycled retain flocculation efficiencies of at least 95%. Additionally, the recyclable polymer flocculants, in contrast to what is possible with single-use commercial flocculants, are demonstrated to be more robust for the dewatering process, regardless of culture salinity and other differences (e.g., structural, motility, or surface charge) exhibited by the microorganisms. A techno-economic analysis of the dewatering process is also performed, with recyclable polyampholytic flocculants providing an opportunity to reduce flocculant operating costs by ~ 85% at standard conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Malakoplakia, a rare granulomatous disease caused by impaired macrophage response, has been reported only rarely in children. We report 3 unique cases, with lesions occurring in unusual locations in children with primary immune deficiencies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In modern car body construction, multi-material and hybrid design is used, whereby short fibre reinforced plastics combined with light metals represent an interesting class of work-piece materials. In order to realize modern hybrid construction, suitable joining techniques are therefore required. Clinching represents a cost-effective and easy to implement joining method. In this paper the material modelling of the short fibre reinforced thermoplastic sheets considering the fibre orientation tensor for the FEA of the clinching process is presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Development of models to describe the shock states of distended mixtures is motivated by the need to understand how these materials respond over large compression ranges starting from mechanical crush and ending in extreme thermodynamic states. The engineering and physical science communities have dedicated much effort in understanding and modeling the compressive response of distended materials. Unfortunately, the endeavor to understand becomes more complicated when the material of interest is actually a heterogeneous mixture of individual components rather than a single distended solid. The mixture may inherently have components with widely disparate densities, moduli, and strengths, thus adding to the challenge. A material modeling approach is presented which is comprised of a thermodynamically consistent Hugoniot equa- tion of state (EOS) built into a mixture-modeling framework. This combination enables the user to describe a hetero- geneous combination of material components. The modeling approach can describe the dynamic response of distended mixtures over very large compression ranges. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Shear stress and deformation is inherent to shock-wave compression. Shear deformation is enhanced when the material subject to shock compression is in an initial distended state. Shock Hugoniot data for full-density and porous compounds of boron carbide, silicon dioxide, tantalum oxide, uranium dioxide and playa alluvium are investigated for purposes of equation-of-state representation of intense shock compression. Hugoniot data of distended materials reveal evidence of accelerated solid-solid phase transition as a consequence of shock compaction and accompanying enhance shear deformation. A phenomenological thermo-elastic equation-of-state model is constructed that accounts for both deformation- induced phase transformation and the extreme shock compaction of distended solids, and applied to the compounds studied. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The increasing size and population density of metropolitan areas and the along going traffic demands lead to the construction of large infrastructure projects. In many cases these infrastructure projects are close to sensitive properties. The construction of new underground structures often has an influence on existing superstructures and the deconstruction of existing structures often has an influence on existing underground structures. The experiences of two large projects from Germany and Spain will be presented in the paper. The first project is the new tunnel of the Spanish high speed railway line under the city centre of Barcelona, Spain. The tunnel with a diameter of 11.55 m passed next to two buildings that belong to the World Heritage Properties of the UNESCO. The second project is the deconstruction of an up to 14 stories high building in Frankfurt am Main, Germany. Under the deconstructed building are an underground station and tunnels of the urban rapid-transport metro system. The uplift and deformations of the underground structures had to be limited to guarantee the serviceability. The paper focuses on the extensive geotechnical and geodetic measurement programs that were installed regarding the observational method according to the EC 7 and on the measurement results. The experiences made in the planning and construction phases of these complex projects are explained and for new inner urban projects recommendations are given. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Low-grade fibromyxoid sarcoma (previously known as Evans tumor) is a rare soft tissue neoplasm characterized by a deceptively bland appearance despite the potential for late metastasis or recurrence. We describe a 13-year-old patient with a popliteal fossa mass initially thought to be benign that, because of array-comparative genomic hybridization findings and subsequent immunohistochemistry, was diagnosed as low-grade fibromyxoid sarcoma. The array-comparative genomic hybridization demonstrated a loss of 11p11.2p15.5 and a gain of 16p11.2p13.3 with breakpoints involving the CREB3L1 (cAMP responsive element-binding protein 3-like 1) and FUS (fused in sarcoma) genes, respectively. Subsequent fluorescence in situ hybridization analysis of a dual-labeled break-apart FUS probe on interphase cells was positive. Our case highlights the importance of using genetic information obtained via array-comparative genomic hybridization to classify accurately pediatric soft tissue tumors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Vogler CM, Menant JC, Sherrington C, Ogle SJ, Lord SR. Evidence of detraining after 12-week home-based exercise programs designed to reduce fall-risk factors in older people recently discharged from hospital. Objective: To measure the extent to which improved sensorimotor function and balance resulting from a 12-week exercise intervention were retained 12 weeks after exercise cessation in older adults recently discharged from hospital. Design: Randomized controlled trial with reassessment 12 weeks after exercise cessation. Setting: Home-based exercises. Participants: Adults (N=180) aged 65 years and older recently discharged from hospital (mean length of stay, 12.3±10.6d). Interventions: Weight-bearing (WB) exercises (n=60), seated resistance (SR) exercises (n=60), or social visits (n=60). Main Outcome Measures: Physiological Profile Assessment (PPA), a composite sensorimotor fall-risk score, and 2 measures of controlled leaning balance assessed at baseline, immediately after the intervention (12wk, 95% assessed), and again 12 weeks later (24wk, 92% assessed). Results: After the initial improvements in outcomes found at 12 weeks, both the SR and WB exercise groups showed detraining effects at 24 weeks. The PPA fall-risk scores for both SR and WB groups returned to close to baseline values, and there was no significant difference between groups at 24 weeks when controlling for baseline scores (P=.924). WB exercise participants lost up to half of the improvement in the maximal balance range and coordinated stability tests. There was no difference between groups for the maximal balance range test at 24 weeks when controlling for baseline scores (P=.207), but between-group differences were maintained for the coordinated stability test (P=.017). Conclusions: Balance improvements and fall-risk reductions associated with a 12-week home-based exercise program in older adults were partially to totally lost 12 weeks after the cessation of the intervention. These significant detraining effects suggest that sustained adherence to falls prevention exercise programs is required to reduce fall risk. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: For over a century, white pine blister rust (WPBR), caused by the introduced fungal pathogen, Cronartium ribicola J.C. Fisch., has affected white pine (Subgenus Strobus) individuals, populations, and associated forest communities in North America. We surveyed eight populations of whitebark pine (Pinus albicaulis Engelm.) across a range of environmental conditions in subalpine forests of the Lake Tahoe Basin, California and Nevada, to determine how WPBR is influencing host fecundity (i.e., female cone production and recruitment), survival, and current population trends. In this region and throughout its range whitebark pine is an important component of subalpine ecosystems. In high-elevation forests of the Lake Tahoe Basin, the primary negative effect of this rust pathogen on whitebark pine is infection and mortality of cone-bearing branches. Mean incidence of WPBR among whitebark pine populations was 35% and ranged from 1% to 65%. Given the high disease incidence, relationships were found between WPBR infection and reproductive output. Percent of individuals infected per population (R 2 =0.78), average number of WPBR-infected branches per population (R 2 =0.71), and severity of stem girdling (R 2 =0.76) were all negatively related with cone production. A positive relationship was found between disease severity (i.e., extent of stem girdling) and available water capacity and a negative relationship was found between disease severity and%sand content. Environmental conditions, including soil properties, may affect pathogen growth and potentially influence the rate at which green infected trees lose the ability to produce female cones. Demographic trends for 7 of 8 whitebark pine populations were stable, with estimates of geometric growth rate (λ)⩾1.0. Population stability is a function of adequate population sizes, mixed-size structure, high survivorship, and moderate fecundity. Results show that WPBR is adversely affecting fecundity but having little effect on survivorship. Restoration strategies are designed to facilitate whitebark pine recruitment and deploy genetically diverse seedling material and potentially WPBR-resistant phenotypes. Our study highlights a need for long-term demographic data and monitoring of WPBR-infection to better understand population consequences and host responses in the future. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

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Abstract: This article reviews the spread and current distribution of the invasive snail Melanoides tuberculata in Argentina and Paraguay based on data from specimens deposited in museums, published reports and field collections. Field collections were made between April 1999 and May 2010. Snails were searched for using different collecting methods in a variety of habitats. Specimens were identified according to a categorical scoring system based on shell traits and anatomy was compared with published descriptions. Only five records for Argentina and none for Paraguay were found in published reports. The first report of M. tuberculata in Argentina was in 1999. Neither specimens from Argentina nor Paraguay were found in the Argentine Museum of Natural Sciences (MACN). In La Plata Museum (MLP) the only material from these countries was that associated with the published reports. During the course of surveys undertaken since 1999, M. tuberculata was recorded at 19 sampling locations. The presence of this species in Paraguay is reported here for the first time. Since its discovery in Argentina and Paraguay, the snail has colonized both lotic and lentic habitats with a variety of substrata. The records suggest that the species is established and that its introduction resulted from passive dispersal. Actually, spreading is believed to occur by active dispersal (i.e. active migration) from established populations and impact in native communities is expected. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Historical logging, fire suppression, and an invasive pathogen, Cronartium ribicola, the cause of white pine blister rust (WPBR), are assumed to have dramatically affected sugar pine (Pinus lambertiana) populations in the Lake Tahoe Basin. We examined population- and genetic-level consequences of these disturbances within 10 sugar pine populations by assessing current population structure and trends for 1129 individuals, genetic diversity for 250 individuals, and frequency of WPBR-resistance for 102 families. Logging had occurred in 9 of 10 sites and fire suppression was evident in all stands. High density of white fir (Abies concolor) is often an indicator of fire suppression and we found a negative relationship between sugar pine survivorship and white fir basal area (r 2 =0.31). C. ribicola was present in 90% of stands (incidence range: 0–48%) and we found a significant relationship between mean host survivorship and disease incidence (r 2 =0.46). We estimated population growth rates (λ) from size-based transition matrices. For six of 10 sugar pine populations λ was ⩾1.0, indicating that these populations appear to be stable; for four populations, λ was <1.0, indicating populations that may be in decline. A population specific drift parameter, ci , which is a measure of genetic differentiation in allele frequencies relative to an ancestral population, ranged from 0.009 to 0.048. Higher values of ci indicate greater genetic drift, possibly due to a bottleneck caused by historical logging, other agents of mortality or much older events affecting population sizes. Effects of drift are known to be greater in small populations and we found a negative relationship between sugar pine density and ci (r 2 =0.36). Allele frequency of the Cr1 gene, responsible for WPBR-resistance in sugar pine, averaged 0.068 for all populations sampled; no WPBR infection was found in one population in which the Cr1 frequency was 0.112. Historical disturbances and their interactions have likely influenced the population biology of sugar pine in the Tahoe Basin; for some populations this has meant reduced population size, higher genetic drift, and poor survival of small- and intermediate-sized individuals. Possible management strategies include restoring population numbers, deploying WPBR-resistance, treating stands to promote natural sugar pine regeneration, and enhancing genetic diversity. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Purpose: Abdominal compartment syndrome (ACS) in children is an infrequently reported, rapidly progressive, and often lethal condition underappreciated in the pediatric population. This underrecognition can result in a critical delay in diagnosis causing increased morbidity and mortality. This study examines the clinical course of patients treated for ACS at our institution. Methods: A review of children requiring an emergency laparotomy (n = 264) identified 26 patients with a diagnosis of ACS. ACS was defined as sustained intraabdominal hypertension (bladder pressure >12 mm Hg) that was associated with new onset organ dysfunction or failure. Results: Patients ranged in age from 3 months to 17 years old and were cared for in the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU). Twenty-seven percent (n = 7) were transferred from referring hospitals, 50% (n = 13) were admitted directly from the emergency department, and 23% (n = 6) were inpatients before being transferred to PICU. Admission diagnoses included infectious enterocolitis (n = 12), postsurgical procedure (n = 10), and others (n = 4). Patients progressed to ACS rapidly, with most requiring decompressive laparotomy within 8 hours of PICU admission (range, <1-96 hours). Preoperatively, all patients had maximum ventilatory support and oliguria, 85% (n = 22) required vasopressors/inotropes, and 31% (n = 8) required hemodialysis. Mean bladder pressure was 25 mm Hg (range, 12-44 mm Hg). In 42% (n = 11), cardiac arrest preceeded decompressive laparotomy. All patients showed evidence of tissue ischemia before decompressive laparotomy with an average preoperative lactate of 8 (range, 1.2-20). Decompressive laparotomy was done at the bedside in the PICU in 13 patients and in the operating room in 14 patients. Abdominal wounds were managed with open vacuum pack or silastic silo dressings. Physiologic data including fluid resuscitation, oxygen index, mean airway pressure, vasopressor score, and urine output were recorded at 6-hour intervals beginning 12 hours before decompressive laparotomy and extending 12 hours after operation. The data demonstrate improvement of all physiologic parameters after decompressive laparotomy except for urine output, which continued to be minimal 12 hours post intervention. Mortality was 58% (n = 15) overall. The only significant factor related to increased mortality was bladder pressure (P = .046; odds ratio, 1.258). Cardiac arrest before decompressive laparotomy, need for hemodialysis, and transfer from referring hospital also trended toward increased mortality but did not reach significance. Conclusion: Abdominal compartment syndrome in children carries a high mortality and may be a consequence of common childhood diseases such as enterocolitis. The diagnosis of ACS and the potential need for emergent decompressive laparotomy may be infrequently discussed in the pediatric literature. Increased awareness of ACS may promote earlier diagnosis, treatment, and possibly improve outcomes. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Vogler CM, Sherrington C, Ogle SJ, Lord SR. Reducing risk of falling in older people discharged from hospital: a randomized controlled trial comparing seated exercises, weight-bearing exercises, and social visits. Objective: To compare the efficacy of seated exercises and weight-bearing (WB) exercises with social visits on fall risk factors in older people recently discharged from hospital. Design: Twelve-week randomized, controlled trial. Setting: Home-based exercises. Participants: Subjects (N=180) aged 65 and older, recently discharged from hospital. Interventions: Seated exercises (n=60), WB exercises (n=60), and social visits (n=60). Main Outcome Measures: Primary outcome factors were Physiological Profile Assessment (PPA) fall risk score, and balance while standing (Coordinated Stability and Maximal Balance Range tests). Secondary outcomes included the component parts of the PPA and other physical and psychosocial measures. Results: Subjects were tested at baseline and at completion of the intervention period. After 12 weeks of interventions, subjects in the WB exercise group had significantly better performance than the social visit group on the following: PPA score (P=.048), Coordinated Stability (P<.001), Maximal Balance Range (P=.019); body sway on floor with eyes closed (P=.017); and finger-press reaction time (P=.007) tests. The seated exercise group performed better than the social visit group in PPA score (P=.019) but for no other outcome factor. The seated exercise group had the highest rate of musculoskeletal soreness. Conclusions: In older people recently discharged from the hospital, both exercise programs reduced fall risk score in older people. The WB exercises led to additional beneficial impacts for controlled leaning, reaction time, and caused less musculoskeletal soreness than the seated exercises. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Analytical protocol greatly influences the measurement of human serum albumin (HSA) adsorption to commercial expanded polytetrafluororethylene (ePTFE) exhibiting superhydrophobic wetting properties. Degassing of buffer solutions and evacuation of ePTFE adsorbent to remove trapped air immediately prior to contact with protein solutions are shown to be essential. Results obtained with ePTFE as a prototypical superhydrophobic test material suggest that vacuum degassing should be applied in the measurement of protein adsorption to any surface exhibiting superhydrophobicity. Solution depletion quantified using radiometry (125I-labeled HSA) or electrophoresis yield different measures of adsorption, with nearly 4-fold higher surface concentrations of unlabeled HSA measured by the electrophoresis method. This outcome is attributed to the influence of the radiolabel on HSA hydrophilicity which decreases radiolabeled-HSA affinity for a hydrophobic adsorbent in comparison to unlabeled HSA. These results indicate that radiometry underestimates the actual amount of protein adsorbed to a particular material. Removal of radiolabeled HSA adsorbed to ePTFE by 3× serial buffer rinses also shows that the remaining “bound fraction” was about 35% lower than the amount measured by radiometric depletion. This observation implies that measurement of protein bound after surface rinsing significantly underestimates the actual amount of protein concentrated by adsorption into the surface region of a protein-contacting material. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Congenital heart disease (CHD) represents a major cause for perinatal death and childhood morbidity. Understanding the molecular-genetic basis of CHD is therefore crucial for improved prenatal diagnosis and optimal therapeutic strategies. The power of Drosophila genetics has been utilized in recent years to identify new factors involved in human disease in general and CHD in particular. This review summarizes current approaches that aim to dissect models of CHD using classical genetics together with a multitude of newly developed methods for cardiac analysis in the fruit fly Drosophila. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]