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Remarkable increases in the production of dairy animals have negatively impacted their tolerance to heat stress (HS). The evaluation of the effect of HS on milk yield is based on the direct impact of HS on performance. However, in practical terms, HS also exerts its influence during gestation (indirect effect). The main purpose of this study was to identify and characterize the genotype by environment interaction (G × E) due to HS during the last 60 days of gestation (THI_g) and also the HS postpartum (THI_m) over first lactation milk production of Brazilian Holstein cattle. A total of 389 127 test day milk yield (TD) records from 1572 first lactation Holstein cows born in Brazil (daughters of 1248 dams and 70 sires) and the corresponding temperature–humidity index (THI) obtained between December 2007 and January 2013 were analyzed using different random regression models. Cows in the cold environment (THI_g = 64 to 73) during the last 60 days of gestation produced more milk than those cows in a hot environment (THI_g = 74 to 84), particularly during the first 150 days of lactation (DIM). The heritabilities (h2) of TD were similar throughout DIM for cows in THI_g hot (0.11 to 0.20) or (0.10 to 0.22), while the genetic correlations (rg) for TD between these two environments ranged from 0.11 to 0.52 along the first 250 DIM. The h2 estimates for TD across THI_m were similar for cows in THI_g hot (0.07 to 0.25) and THI_g cold (0.08 to 0.19). The rg estimates ranged from 0.17 to 0.42 along THI_m between TD of cows in cold and hot THI_g. The results were consistent in demonstrating the existence of an additional source of G × E for TD due to THI_g and THI_m. The present study is probably the first to provide evidence of this source of G × E; further research is needed because of its importance when the breeding objective is to select animals that are more tolerant to HS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Longer-lived cows tend to be more profitable and the stayability trait is a selection criterion correlated to longevity. An alternative to the traditional approach to evaluate stayability is its definition based on consecutive calvings, whose main advantage is the more accurate evaluation of young bulls. However, no study using this alternative approach has been conducted for Zebu breeds. Therefore, the objective of this study was to compare linear random regression models to fit stayability to consecutive calvings of Guzerá, Nelore and Tabapuã cows and to estimate genetic parameters for this trait in the respective breeds. Data up to the eighth calving were used. The models included the fixed effects of age at first calving and year-season of birth of the cow and the random effects of contemporary group, additive genetic, permanent environmental and residual. Random regressions were modeled by orthogonal Legendre polynomials of order 1 to 4 (2 to 5 coefficients) for contemporary group, additive genetic and permanent environmental effects. Using Deviance Information Criterion as the selection criterion, the model with 4 regression coefficients for each effect was the most adequate for the Nelore and Tabapuã breeds and the model with 5 coefficients is recommended for the Guzerá breed. For Guzerá, heritabilities ranged from 0.05 to 0.08, showing a quadratic trend with a peak between the fourth and sixth calving. For the Nelore and Tabapuã breeds, the estimates ranged from 0.03 to 0.07 and from 0.03 to 0.08, respectively, and increased with increasing calving number. The additive genetic correlations exhibited a similar trend among breeds and were higher for stayability between closer calvings. Even between more distant calvings (second v. eighth), stayability showed a moderate to high genetic correlation, which was 0.77, 0.57 and 0.79 for the Guzerá, Nelore and Tabapuã breeds, respectively. For Guzerá, when the models with 4 or 5 regression coefficients were compared, the rank correlations between predicted breeding values for the intercept were always higher than 0.99, indicating the possibility of practical application of the least parameterized model. In conclusion, the model with 4 random regression coefficients is recommended for the genetic evaluation of stayability to consecutive calvings in Zebu cattle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tropical and sub-tropical climates are characterized by high temperature and humidity, during at least part of the year. Consequently, heat stress is common in Holstein cattle and productive and reproductive losses are frequent. Our objectives were as follows: (1) to quantify losses in production and quality of milk due to heat stress; (2) to estimate genetic correlations within and between milk yield (MY) and milk quality traits; and (3) to evaluate the trends of genetic components of tolerance to heat stress in multiple lactations of Brazilian Holstein cows. Thus, nine analyses using two-trait random regression animal models were carried out to estimate variance components and genetic parameters over temperature–humidity index (THI) values for MY and milk quality traits (three lactations: MY×fat percentage (F%), MY×protein percentage (P%) and MY×somatic cell score (SCS)) of Brazilian Holstein cattle. It was demonstrated that the effects of heat stress can be harmful for traits related to milk production and milk quality of Holstein cattle even though most herds were maintained in a modified environment, for example, with fans and sprinklers. For MY, the effect of heat stress was more detrimental in advanced lactations (−0.22 to −0.52 kg/day per increase of 1 THI unit). In general, the mean heritability estimates were higher for lower THI values and longer days in milk for all traits. In contrast, the heritability estimates for SCS increased with increasing THI values in the second and third lactation. For each trait studied, lower genetic correlations (different from unity) were observed between opposite extremes of THI (THI 47 v. THI 80) and in advanced lactations. The genetic correlations between MY and milk quality trait varied across the THI scale and lactations. The genotype×environment interaction due to heat stress was more important for MY and SCS, particularly in advanced lactations, and can affect the genetic relationship between MY and milk quality traits. Selection for higher MY, F% or P% may result in a poor response of the animals to heat stress, as a genetic antagonism was observed between the general production level and specific ability to respond to heat stress for these traits. Genetic trends confirm the adverse responses in the genetic components of heat stress over the years for milk production and quality. Consequently, the selection of Holstein cattle raised in modified environments in both tropical and sub-tropical regions should take into consideration the genetic variation in heat stress. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Summary To better understand why human neonates show a poor response to intracellular pathogens, we compared gene expression and histone modification profiles of neonatal naive CD8 + T cells with that of their adult counterparts. We found that neonatal lymphocytes have a distinct epigenomic landscape associated with a lower expression of genes involved in T cell receptor (TCR) signaling and cytotoxicity and a higher expression of genes involved in the cell cycle and innate immunity. Functional studies corroborated that neonatal CD8 + T cells are less cytotoxic, transcribe antimicrobial peptides, and produce reactive oxygen species. Altogether, our results show that neonatal CD8 + T cells have a specific genetic program biased toward the innate immune response. These findings will contribute to better diagnosis and management of the neonatal immune response. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Our objective was to genetically characterize post-weaning weight gain (PWG), over a 345-day period after weaning, of Brangus-Ibagé (Nelore × Angus) cattle. Records (n = 4016) were from the foundation herd of the Embrapa South Livestock Center. A Bayesian approach was used to assess genotype by environment (G × E) interaction and to identify a suitable model for the estimation of genetic parameters and use in genetic evaluation. A robust and heteroscedastic reaction norm multiple-breed animal model was proposed. The model accounted for heterogeneity of residual variance associated with effects of breed, heterozygosity, sex and contemporary group; and was robust with respect to outliers. Additive genetic effects were modeled for the intercept and slope of a reaction norm to changes in the environmental gradient. Inference was based on Monte Carlo Markov Chain of 110 000 cycles, after 10 000 cycles of burn-in. Bayesian model choice criteria indicated the proposed model was superior to simpler sub-models that did not account for G × E interaction, multiple-breed structure, robustness and heteroscedasticity. We conclude that, for the Brangus-Ibagé population, these factors should be jointly accounted for in genetic evaluation of PWG. Heritability estimates increased proportionally with improvement in the environmental conditions gradient. Therefore, an increased proportion of differences in performance among animals were explained by genetic factors rather than environmental factors as rearing conditions improved. As a consequence response to selection may be increased in favorable environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Research aimed at developing new therapies for Parkinson's disease (PD) critically depend on valid animal models of the disease that allows for repeated testing of motor disabilities over extended time periods. We here present an extensive characterization of a wide range of motor symptoms in the 6-OHDA marmoset model of PD when tested over several months. The severity of motor deficits was quantified in two ways: (i) through manual scoring protocols appropriately adapted to include species specific motor behavior and (ii) using automated quantitative motion tracking based on image processing of the digital video recordings. We show that the automated methods allow for rapid and reliable characterization of motor dysfunctions, thus complementing the manual scoring procedures, and that robust motor symptoms lasting for several months could be induced when using a two-stage neurotoxic lesioning procedure involving one hemisphere at a time. This non-human primate model of PD should therefore be well suited for long-term evaluation of novel therapies for treatment of PD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study estimated genetic parameters and (co)variance components for dry matter intake (DMI), average daily gain (ADG), feed conversion rate (FCR), residual feed intake (RFI), residual body weight gain (RWG) and residual intake and body weight gain (RIG) in Nellore cattle. We also estimated the genetic and phenotypic correlations between these traits with growth and carcass traits. We used data on feed efficiency of 1038 Nellore males (Bos indicus), being 147 castrated and 891 young bulls. The animals were progenies of 176 sires and 779 dams, composing a relationship matrix of 3521 animals. The (co)variance components and genetic parameters were estimated by GIBBS2F90 software, using the Bayesian approach. The heritability estimates for DMI, RFI and RIG were 0.40, 0.38 and 0.54, respectively. The genetic correlations between all feed efficiency and carcass traits were low. The traits analyzed showed enough genetic variability and heritability, thus the inclusion of feed efficiency in animal breeding programs of Nellore cattle is feasible. The RIG showed higher heritability and a selection for feed efficiency does not have a negative effect on carcass traits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objectives of the present study were: (1) to evaluate the importance of genotype×production environment interaction for the genetic evaluation of birth weight (BW) and weaning weight (WW) in a population of composite beef cattle in Brazil, and (2) to investigate the importance of sire×contemporary group interaction (S×CG) to model G×E and improve the accuracy of prediction in routine genetic evaluations of this population. Analyses were performed with one, two (favorable and unfavorable) or three (favorable, intermediate, unfavorable) different definitions of production environments. Thus, BW and WW records of animals in a favorable environment were assigned to either trait 1, in an intermediate environment to trait 2 or in an unfavorable environment to trait 3. The (co)variance components were estimated using Gibbs sampling in single-, bi- or three-trait animal models according to the definition of number of production environments. In general, the estimates of genetic parameters for BW and WW were similar between environments. The additive genetic correlations between production environments were close to unity for BW; however, when examining the highest posterior density intervals, the correlation between favorable and unfavorable environments reached a value of only 0.70, a fact that may lead to changes in the ranking of sires across environments. The posterior mean genetic correlation between direct effects was 0.63 in favorable and unfavorable environments for WW. When S×CG was included in two- or three-trait analyses, all direct genetic correlations were close to unity, suggesting that there was no evidence of a genotype×production environment interaction. Furthermore, the model including S×CG contributed to prevent overestimation of the accuracy of breeding values of sires, provided a lower error of prediction for both direct and maternal breeding values, lower squared bias, residual variance and deviance information criterion than the model omitting S×CG. Thus, the model that included S×CG can therefore be considered the best model on the basis of these criteria. The genotype×production environment interaction should not be neglected in the genetic evaluation of BW and WW in the present population of beef cattle. The inclusion of S×CG in the model is a feasible and plausible alternative to model the effects of G×E in the genetic evaluations. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Abstract: [Ni(mcN3)(hpbY)](PF6) (1a–3b) [mcN3 =Me3–mcN3 (2,4,4-trimethyl-1,5,9-triazacyclododec-1-ene); Me4–mcN3 (its 9-methyl derivative); hpbY=hpbm (2-(2′-hydroxyphenyl) benzimidazolate); hpbx (2-(2′-hydroxyphenyl) benzoxazolate); hpbt, 2-(2′-hydroxy phenyl)benzothiazolate] were synthesized via acid–base method and structurally characterized. The complexes exhibit moderate fluorescence intensities. Hetero-atoms of benzazole ligands present in the Ni(II) complexes influence their luminescent properties. These complexes are used for the recognition of different cations of biological and environmental interest. The study of luminescence properties of these complexes reveals that they display good sensitivity towards transition metal ions ZnII, CuII and HgII. The complexes act as sensitive fluorescent ON−OFF probe for CuII. Other metal ions such as HgII and ZnII gave an enhanced fluorescence response. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The potential of complex [Pd(PPh3)2(saccharinate)2] 1 in catalyzing Suzuki–Miyaura cross-coupling of 4-halo and 4-bromomethyl coumaryl and pyrone substrates with different aryl boronic acids has been explored. Excellent yields of the desired products are obtained in competitive reaction time and under relatively mild conditions. Negishi cross-coupling of 4-coumaryl tosylate with aryl and alkylzinc reagents has also been performed with good yields of the cross-coupled products obtained in most cases. Intra-molecular C–H bond functionalization of coumaryl ethers also furnished very high yields of synthetically attractive tetracyclic ring systems exhibiting the potential of 1 as a powerful catalyst in synthetically important reactions. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The objective of the present study was to determine the presence of genotype by environment interaction (G × E) and to characterize the phenotypic plasticity of birth weight (BW), weaning weight (WW), postweaning weight gain (PWG) and yearling scrotal circumference (SC) in composite beef cattle using the reaction norms model with unknown covariate. The animals were born between 1995 and 2008 on 33 farms located throughout all Brazilian biomes between latitude −7° and −31°, longitude −40° and −63°. The contemporary group was chosen as the environmental descriptor, that is, the environmental covariate of the reaction norms. In general, higher estimates of direct heritability were observed in extreme favorable environments. The mean of direct heritability across the environmental gradient ranged from 0.05 to 0.51, 0.09 to 0.43, 0.01 to 0.43 and from 0.12 to 0.26 for BW, WW, PWG and SC, respectively. The variation in direct heritability observed indicates a different response to selection according to the environment in which the animals of the population are evaluated. The correlation between the level and slope of the reaction norm for BW and PWG was high, indicating that animals with higher average breeding values responded better to improvement in environmental conditions, a fact characterizing a scale of G × E. Low correlation between the intercept and slope was obtained for WW and SC, implying re-ranking of animals in different environments. Genetic variation exists in the sensitivity of animals to the environment, a fact that permits the selection of more plastic or robust genotypes in the population studied. Thus, the G × E is an important factor that should be considered in the genetic evaluation of the present population of composite beef cattle. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Abstract: Five structural kinds of nickel hydrogen-bonded networks containing hydrotris(3,5-dimethylpyrazolyl)borate ligands (Tp∗) have been elucidated by X-ray diffraction, [Tp∗Ni(OH2)3][(p-NO2C6H4O)2PO2] (4), [Tp∗Ni(OH2)3][Me2PO2]·Me2P(O)OH (5), [Tp∗Ni(OH2)3][(nBuO)2PO2]·0.5H2O (6), [(Hpz)Tp∗Ni(OH2)2][(Ph)PO2OH] (7) and [Tp∗Ni(OH2)2(Me2PO2)] (8). The most relevant supramolecular feature of complexes 4–8 is all of them form coordination networks based on hydrogen bonds between water molecules and phosphate, phosphonate or phosphinate anions. These hydrogen bonds are formed within the monomer units in addition to connect monomers along the chains. Their behaviors in solution were investigated by one- and two-dimensional 1H NMR techniques. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This study assessed the efficacy of a dry shipper to preserve canine and caprine semen samples. After equilibration, semen straws from six Majorera bucks and five dogs were frozen and stored in liquid nitrogen (LN). Thirty days after freezing, half of the frozen straws were transferred from LN to a dry shipper (DS). Then, thawing was performed at 1, 2, 3, 5 and 7 days and the percentages of motile spermatozoa, acrosome intact spermatozoa and abnormal spermatozoa were determined. The sperm motility (total and progressive) of canine semen samples preserved with DS was quite similar to those preserved in LN, and no significant differences were observed throughout the experimental period. In addition, no differences were observed in the number of abnormal spermatozoa (range: 13.2–19.0%) or intact acrosome (range 91.3–95%) between both storage protocols. Buck semen samples showed equivalent levels of progressive motility (between 50% and 60%) and intact acrosome membrane (around 70%) during the first 3 days of storage in both procedures; however, from the fifth day of storage onwards, a notable decrease in semen quality was observed in the samples preserved in DS, showing a dramatic fall in the semen viability after 7 days of preservation (12.3% and 36.8%, progressive fast spermatozoa and acrosome integrity, respectively). In dog samples, the present study confirmed that seminal quality did not show modifications for the preservation period (7 days), confirming the efficacy of the dry shipper to preserve frozen samples for a short time. However, under the circumstances reported in this study, the sperm quality of buck samples preserved in the dry shipper only held during the first 3 days of storage, and therefore, its practical application could be more limited. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Substituted-benzoate complexes of nickel(II) of the types bidentate [Ni(mcN3)(Bz)](PF6) and monodentate [Ni(mcN3)(Bz)(H2O)](PF6) have been prepared by acid-base reaction between the hydroxo complexes [Ni(mcN3)(μ-OH)]2(PF6)2 (mcN3 =2,4,4-trimethyl-1,5,9-triazacyclododec-1-ene (Me3-mcN3) or its 9-methyl derivative (Me4-mcN3)) and the corresponding benzoic acid. The paramagnetic nickel(II) complexes have been characterized in solution by NMR spectroscopy. The influence of the substituents on the hyperfine shift patterns for substituted-benzoate complexes of nickel(II) has been studied. The substituent effects upon the coordination mode of substituted benzoates have been established by X-ray diffraction. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Dithiophosphate and dithiophosphonate complexes of pentacoordinate nickel(II) containing the [Ni([12]aneN3)]2+ fragment ([12]aneN3=2,4,4-trimethyl-1,5,9-triazacyclododec-1-ene ([12]aneN3-mc1) and its 9-methyl derivative ([12]aneN3-mc2)) were prepared by using a ‘one-pot’ synthesis. This consists of the reaction between the corresponding O,O′-dialkyldithiophosphoric acid HS(S)P(OR)2 or (4-methoxyphenyl)-O-alkyldithiophosphonic acid and the hydroxo precursor [Ni([12]aneN3)(μ-OH)]2(PF6)2 in the appropriate alcohol ROH (R=Me, Et, iPr) as solvent to give [Ni([12]aneN3)(S2P(OR)2](PF6)2 or [Ni([12]aneN3){S2P(p-CH3OPh)(OR)}](PF6). Among them, [Ni([12]aneN3-mc1)(S2P(OEt)2](PF6) (2) and [Ni([12]aneN3-mc1){S2P(p-CH3OPh)(OiPr)}](PF6) (9) were characterised by means of X-ray diffraction measurements on a single crystal. These studies show that the dithiophosphate or dithiophosphonate are bonded to the nickel atom as chelating S,S-ligands and the nickel atoms are in a distorted square pyramidal geometry. Complex 9 is the first structurally characterised example of an O-alkyldithiophosphonate Ni(II) derivative in a distorted square pyramidal geometry. Analytical (C, H, N, S), spectroscopic (IR, UV–Vis and 1H NMR) and mass spectrometry (FAB) data have been used for structural assignments. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The assessment of the acquisition of clinical competencies is a critical issue for nursing students. 360-degree evaluations are a widespread practice in professional competency assessment and can be applied to the learning/teaching process of future nurses. To determine the effectiveness of the implementation of a 360-degree evaluation proposal for assessing the competencies acquired by third-year nursing students during their clinical placements. A mixed-methods design was used with a primary component (a cross-sectional descriptive observational design) and a parallel qualitative component. Sixty-seven third-year nursing students from a public university in Madrid, Spain, who were undertaking their clinical placements during seven weeks in medical/surgical units in hospital settings. This study was conducted between September 2017 and May 2018. Quantitative data were obtained using assessment tools specifically developed for this 360-degree evaluation proposal. Qualitative information was collected from two focus groups, one with students and one with teaching staff. A descriptive analysis of the quantitative data was conducted. Qualitative data were studied using a thematic analysis. The mean scores for each of the items in the 360-degree evaluation were high, with the highest grades being observed in the evaluations made by peers and patients (a mean of 9.1 out of 10.0). On average, the 360-degree evaluation method yielded grades 0.067 percentage points higher than did the previous evaluation method (p ≤ 0.001). Students and teaching staff encountered difficulties in the evaluations made by users/families and other members of the healthcare team (nursing assistants and physicians), although they rated the overall proposal as being very powerful in terms of educational value. The 360-degree evaluation method is an innovative, motivating, and integrating approach to the acquisition of competencies with a focus on excellence. • 360 Degree Evaluation sets up an integral an integrative students´ traineeship monitoring. • Further than an evaluation proposal, 360 Degree Evaluation constitutes a learning framework itself. • Health team evaluation promotes team-working and collaborative leadership skills. • Peers evaluation encourages students to gain responsibility of their own learning process. • Patient participation in student's evaluation sets the focus on patient centred care philosophy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Neonates have an increased susceptibility to infections, particularly those caused by intracellular pathogens, leading to high morbidity and mortality rates. This is partly because of a poor response of neonatal CD4 + T cells, leading to deficient antibody production and a low production of IFN-γ, resulting in deficient elimination of intracellular pathogens. The poor memory response of human neonates has underpinned the need for improving vaccine formulations. Molecular adjuvants that improve the response of neonatal lymphocytes, such as the ligands of toll-like receptors (TLRs), are attractive candidates. Among them, flagellin, the TLR5 ligand, is effective at very low doses; prior immunity to flagellin does not impair its adjuvant activity. Human CD4 + and CD8 + T cells express TLR5. We found that flagellin induces the expression of IFN-γ, IL-1β and IL-12 in mononuclear cells from human neonate and adult donors. When human naïve CD4 + T cells were activated in the presence of flagellin, there was high level of expression of IFN-γ in both neonates and adults. Furthermore, flagellin induced IFN-γ production in Th1 cells obtained from adult donors; in the Th2 population, it inhibited IL-4 cytokine production. Flagellin also promoted expression of the IFN-γ receptor in naive CD4 + T cells from neonates and adults. To test the adjuvant capacity of flagellin in vivo, we used a murine neonate vaccination model for infection with rotavirus, a pathogen responsible for severe diarrhea in young infants. Using the conserved VP6 antigen, we observed an 80% protection against rotavirus infection in the presence of flagellin, but only in those mice previously primed in the neonatal period. Our data suggest that flagellin could be an attractive adjuvant for achieving a Th1 response. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The detailed knowledge of the solid forms of a drug is a key element in pharmaceutical development. Morphine (MOR) is an opiate alkaloid widely used to treat severe acute and chronic pain. Much of the available information on its solid state dates from several decades ago. In order to obtain updated and reliable information, 1-dimensional (1D) and 2-dimensional solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy were used and complemented with powder X-ray diffraction, FTIR, and Raman spectroscopy and thermal analysis. 13 C cross-polarization with magic angle spinning 1D spectra accomplish a complete identification of the related forms of MOR. Remarkably, 1 H- 13 C heteronuclear correlation spectra together with FTIR results gave clear evidence that neither MOR nor its hydrate crystallizes as a zwitterion. Our results indicate that the hydrogen bonds in the anhydrate forms have a different nature or strength than in their respective hydrates. The unique information obtained would be useful for the characterization of MOR as a bulk drug, dosage forms, and future developments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this experimental study was to evaluate the effects of different forms of soybean oil (soybean grain, rumen-protected fat and soybean oil) in the rumen on the growth performance, nutrient intake, carcass characteristics, body development and the condition and meat quality of heifers. Twenty-one (1/4 Nellore x 1/4 Santa Gertrudis x 1/2 Braunvieh) heifers received a diet containing 600g/kg of corn silage and 400g/kg concentrate, with a 58.0g/kg fat content. The average daily gain and nutrient intake did not differ between the experimental diets (P>0.05). The carcass characteristics and meat quality were only different between treatments for the cold carcass yield, which was significantly greater (P<0.05) in the treatment with the inclusion of rumen-protected fat. The different forms of oil in the diet did not affect the body composition traits and the live weight at slaughter. The cooking loss, shear force, carcass ultimate pH, and values of lightness (L*), redness (a*) and yellowness (b*) were affected by the forms of soybean oil in the rumen. The fatty acid profile in the longissimus muscle did not differ (P>0.05) with different forms of soybean oil in the diet. Using different forms of soybean oil in the rumen does not change the production or meat quality characteristics of beef heifers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study presents a comparative analysis of different sustainable alternatives for producing reinforced ionic elastomers that are not just mechanically robust but also excellent in recyclability and self-healing, marking a significant advancement in sustainable materials science. Ionically crosslinked carboxylated nitrile rubber (XNBR) was combined with conventional (carbon black and silica) and sustainable (cellulose and ground tire rubber) fillers. The sustainable fillers not only enhanced the mechanical performance (reinforcing character) but also maintained high healing efficiencies (>80 %). Notably, the incorporation of just 10 phr of waste-based ground tire rubber (GTR) produced by water jet grinding (WJ-GTR) resulted in a material capable of complete repair and recycling (100 % efficiency) after temperature-driven protocols, with mechanical properties and a reinforcement index comparable to those of conventional fillers such as silica. This achievement represents a major breakthrough in the field of sustainable composites, as it offers a unique blend of robust mechanical properties and environmental sustainability. [Display omitted] • Reinforced, recyclable and self-healable ionic elastomers (XNBR) are developed. • Cellulose and ground tire rubber (GTR) are explored as sustainable fillers. • Incorporation of 10 phr GTR results in a fully recyclable and repairable rubber. • Reinforcement index is comparable to that of conventional fillers like silica. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to assess the influence of cool storage (5 °C) prior cryopreservation over the post-thaw quality of buck semen samples. Semen of six Majorera bucks ( n = 18 ejaculates) was collected, pooled and diluted in a Tris-yolk extender. Then, diluted semen was divided into six aliquots; the first aliquot (group C) was processed and frozen in liquid nitrogen (final concentration of 400 × 10 6 spermatozoa/mL, 12% egg-yolk and 4% glycerol). The remaining aliquots (diluted with Tris–glucose, 12% egg yolk) were hold for 1–48 h at 4 °C: R1, the semen was cooled for 1 h; R6, the semen was cooled for 6 h; R12, the semen was cooled for 12 h; R24, the semen was cooled for 24 h and R48, the semen was cooled for 48 h. After each cooling period, a second extender was added to reach a final composition (400 × 10 6 spermatozoa/mL, 12% egg-yolk and 4% glycerol) similar to group C; finally, semen was packed and frozen in liquid nitrogen. After freezing–thawing, the sperm motility, acrosome integrity and the percentage of abnormal spermatozoa were assessed. No differences ( P > 0.05) were detected in progressive sperm motility (mean range: 35.4–39.9%) and damage acrosomes percentages (mean: 10.8–15.5%) among the control group and the cooled semen samples (R1, R6, R12, and R24) for up to 24 h; however, R48 samples showed a lower (21.6%, P < 0.01) progressive fast spermatozoa percentage and a higher percentage of damage acrosome (38.3%, P < 0.01) than those observed in the control group and in R1, R6, R12 and R24 samples. The present study confirmed that buck semen could be preserved at 5 °C for up to 24 h before freezing; however, after 2 days of chilling, semen quality experienced a notable decrease and its utility could be lower. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Objective: To compare clinical approaches to assessment and treatment of female adolescents with genitourinary symptoms among primary care and emergency department (ED) physicians. Design: A chart review was performed of the evaluation and treatment of 472 patients presenting between July 1, 2005, and June 30, 2006. Setting: Suburban and tertiary care EDs and primary care settings. Participants: Female patients age 13–21 years with genitourinary symptoms. Interventions: None. Outcome Measures: Physician assessment of sexual history, performance of pelvic exam and sexually transmitted infection (STI) tests, empiric treatment of suspected STIs. Results: Patients seen in primary care settings were more likely to be asked about sexual history, including contraceptive use, than patients in the ED (P <0.001). After adjustment for age and race, there was no statistically significant difference between the ED and primary care sites in performance of pelvic exams or gonorrhea and chlamydia tests. However, there was a higher likelihood that older adolescents would undergo pelvic exams (P =0.001), and STI testing (P =0.002) than younger patients. There was no significant difference in empiric treatment of patients with positive STI tests between ED and primary care sites or across the age spectrum. Conclusions: ED physicians should obtain sexual histories on patients with genitourinary symptoms. Both primary care and ED clinicians should consistently test for STIs in sexually active patients who have genitourinary symptoms. Physicians in both settings should have a low threshold for testing and empirically treating adolescents with symptoms or physical exam findings consistent with STIs. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Background: Studies on the mechanisms of the association between illicit drug use and HIV/STI provide important insight into why there are disproportionate rates of HIV/STI among heterosexual African American men; far less work has been conducted to examine the associations between binge alcohol use and HIV/STI risks in this population. Objective: To assess whether binge alcohol use is associated with risky sexual behaviors and recent HIV/STI diagnosis among heterosexual African American men reporting multiple sex partners in the past year. Methods: Participants (n =672) were heterosexually active African American men age 18–65 years recruited from urban health centers and clinics in Boston, MA, and who participated in a health survey. Logistic regression analyses were used to assess associations between past 30 day binge drinking and the following outcome variables: unprotected sex, six or more sex partners in the past year, sex trade involvement, and past 6 month HIV/STI diagnosis. Analyses were adjusted to control demographics, incarceration history, illicit drug use, and injection drug use. Results: Significant associations were observed between binge alcohol use and unprotected vaginal sex with non-main female partners (AOR=1.7, 95% CI=1.2–2.3), unprotected anal sex with non-main female partners (AOR=2.3, 95% CI=1.4–4.0), sex trade involvement (AOR=2.1, 95% CI=1.3–3.5), and recent HIV/STI diagnosis (AOR=1.9; 95% CI=1.05–3.6). Conclusion: Heterosexual African American men engaging in binge alcohol use may be at increased risk for HIV/STI; findings support the need for integrating alcohol risk reduction into HIV prevention programs targeting this population. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Product recycling reintroduces what is discarded as waste and minimizes the environmental impact on our society. Among the different types of waste from electrical and electronic equipment, toner recycling often falls short, downcycling plastic components. This study introduces an innovative approach in which waste parts from toner cartridges are valorized to develop (recyclable and) self-healing elastomeric composite materials. The synergy between carboxylated nitrile rubber (XNBR) as the elastomeric phase and high-impact poly (styrene) (HIPS) as the thermoplastic phase derived from toner cartridge waste was explored and optimized. This combination resulted in the creation of a thermoplastic elastomer exhibiting robust mechanical properties and self-healing capabilities with a tensile strength of 6.6 ± 0.2 MPa and a temperature-driven mechanical recovery of 100%. Furthermore, the capacity of toner powder, an integral component of waste, to act as a reinforcing filler was confirmed, with a 50% increase in mechanical strength compared with the unfilled composite. Moreover, an increase in toner content (up to 20 phr) resulted in an optimal balance between tensile strength and self-healing capacity, surpassing the traditional antagonism between these properties. As a result, this research opens a new pathway in the field of self-healing composites and suggests a practical and environmentally friendly approach for managing electronic waste, effectively supporting the principles of Circular Economy. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Spontaneous change of adhesion of solidifying liquid on surfaces is of significant importance in materials technology where it finds applications such as anti-icing components operating in extreme environments like those of seals. In this work, nitrile butadiene rubber (NBR) composites reinforced with graphene, carbon nanotubes, and a mix of them after immersion in several fluids, experienced both a swelling and a reduction of the cross-link density that reduces ice adhesion, being this effect more evident for graphene containing samples. These results have been rationalized via a first principles atomistic modellization of interfaces formed by ice water of increasing thickness and graphene and scaling laws from fracture mechanics, revealing a clear synergy between swelling and nanocarbon phase in the icephobic nature of the composite, dictated by a competition between elastic modulus and adsorption energy. These findings could find an upscale in component validation readily applied to different areas where de-icing demands handling of large amount of environmental harmful agents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary Objective Use logistic regression to determine a mathematical model which is able to predict injuries in aerobic gymnastics (AG) athletes, according to certain anthropometric characteristics. Subjects and methods In total, 73 athletes were recruited, of whom 51 were gymnasts and 22 were athletes from other sports. The independent variables were anthropometric characteristics of both lower extremities. The dependent variable was injury at the end of the season. Results The statistical model indicated that the effect of the Q angle on the likelihood of injury varies depending on the weight of the gymnast. An excessive Q angle is an anthropometric factor that may predispose to injury, especially the left Q angle. Conclusion Studies that analyze anthropometric characteristics can contribute to understanding what variables or parameters may cause injuries in athletes. Thus, in the future, intervention strategies could be developed and the onset of certain injuries could be prevented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The leaf distance of a tree is the maximum d such that the distance between any pair of leaves in the tree is at least d . Kaneko provided sufficient conditions to force the existence of a spanning tree with leaf distance at least d = 3 and conjectured that similar conditions suffice for larger d . The case when d = 4 was later proved by Kaneko, Kano, and Suzuki. In this paper, we show that when d ≥ 4 , a stronger form of this conjecture holds for graphs with independence number at most five. As an immediate corollary, we obtain that when d ≥ n ∕ 3 , this stronger version holds for all n -vertex graphs, consequently proving Kaneko’s conjecture for d ≥ n ∕ 3 . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A family of 6 new 1-aryl-4-benzothiazolyl-1,2,3-triazoles with CH 3 , F, CF 3 , NO 2 , OCH 3 and N(CH 3) 2 substituents in the R4 of the phenyl ring has been prepared from the respective aldehyde treated with ortho- aminothiophenol. The compounds are characterized in solution using multinuclear NMR spectroscopy and in the solid state by X-ray diffraction. The emission spectra of the compounds with stronger electron-donating groups, OCH 3 and N(CH 3) 2 , exhibit a red-shifted band (391 and 515 nm, respectively), the latest showing the largest Stokes shift and the highest quantum yield, which increases with the decrease polarity of the solvent. The excited-state lifetimes of all compounds showed a bi-exponential decay with a short (5–12 ns), according to an admixture of intramolecular charge transfer (ICT) and π-π*, and a long (45–100 ns) component. The calculated structures of their first singlet excited state by TD-DFT in acetonitrile (ACN) solution allows to estimate the change in the dipole moments, which explains the ICT character of their first singlet excited state for the NO 2 and N(CH 3) 2 derivatives. Important to note that compound with the electron-donating N(CH 3) 2 substituent showed strong solvatofluorochromism (correlated well with the ICT and the dipole moments). Interestingly, some of the compounds are active in human A2780, HeLa and A549 cancer cell lines, exhibiting IC 50 values in the low micromolar range, whereas showing low cytotoxicity in healthy CHO cells. Important to note that the N(CH 3) 2 derivative showed cytoplasmic staining as determined by confocal fluorescent microscopy. Authors are required to submit a graphic entry for the Table of Contents (TOC) that, in conjunction with the manuscript title, should give the reader a representative idea of one of the following: A key structure, reaction, equation, concept, or theorem, etc., that is discussed in the manuscript. Consult the journal's Instructions for Authors for TOC graphic specifications. [Display omitted] • Synthesis of benzothiazolyl-1,2,3-triazole (BTAT) derivatives with push-pull architecture. • BTAT intramolecular charge transfer tuning and solvatofluorochromism. • Theoretical calculations with the DFT method supported BTAT optoelectronic properties. • IC 50 values in the low micromolar range in cancer cells and cytoplasm localization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The semen of five Majorera breed bucks was collected and processed to reach a final concentration of 200×106 spermatozoa/straw in the extender containing 4% of glycerol and 12% of egg yolk. Two freezing techniques were assessed: (LN) straws were frozen and stored in liquid nitrogen, and (ULF) straws were frozen and stored in the ultra-low freezer at −152°C. Semen quality (sperm motility, acrosome integrity and abnormal sperm cells percentages) was determined for different storage times (1, 30, 90 and 365 days of cryopreservation). Thereafter, 150 Majorera goats were assigned to four experimental groups: for groups LN-1 (n =40) and LN-6 (n =35), the goats were transcervically inseminated with frozen-thawed semen stored for 1 and 6 months in liquid nitrogen, respectively, while for groups ULF-1 (n =40) and ULF-6 (n =35), the goats were transcervically inseminated with frozen-thawed semen stored for 1 and 6 months in an ultra-low freezer at −152°C, respectively. The pregnancy rate was determined by transabdominal ultrasound scanning; in addition, the kidding rate and prolificacy were recorded at parturition. In vitro results showed that the freezing protocol did not affect sperm quality with similar values for up to 1 year of cryopreservation. The kidding rates were not significantly different between experimental groups (43.6%, 38.5%, 42.8% and 40.0% for groups LN-1, ULF-1, LN-6 and ULF-6, respectively). In all experimental groups, the kidding rate and prolificacy were significantly higher (p <0.01) in multiparous than in nulliparous goats. Therefore, the in vitro results and fertility trials confirmed the efficiency of the ULF technique for freezing and storage of goat semen. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]