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High-precision satellite laser ranging measurements to Galileo retroreflector panels are analyzed to determine the angle of incidence of the laser beam based on specific orientations of the panel with respect to the observing station. During the measurements, the panel aligns with respect to the observing station in such a way that multiple retroreflectors appear at the same range, forming regions of increased data density—separated by a few millimeters. First, measurements to a spare IOV-type retroreflector mounted on an astronomical mount at a remote location 32 km away from the Graz laser ranging station are performed. In addition, more than 100 symmetry passes to Galileo satellites in orbit have been measured. Two novel techniques are described to form laser ranging normal points with improved precision compared to traditional methods. An individual normal point can be formed for each set of retroreflectors at a constant range. The central normal point was shown to be up to 4 mm more accurate when compared with a precise orbit solution. Similar offsets are determined by applying a pattern correlation technique comparing simulated with measured data, and the first method is verified. Irregular reflection patterns of Galileo FOC panels indicate accumulated far-field diffraction patterns resulting from non-uniform retroreflector distributions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

People living with deafness or hearing impairment have limited access to information broadcast live on television. Live closed captioning is a currently active area of study; to our knowledge, there is no system developed thus far that produces high-quality captioning results without using scripts or human interaction. This paper presents a comparative analysis of the quality of captions generated for four Spanish news programs by two captioning systems: a semiautomatic system based on respeaking (system currently used by a Spanish TV station) and an automatic system without human interaction proposed and developed by the authors. The analysis is conducted by measuring and comparing the accuracy, latency and speed of the captions generated by both captioning systems. The captions generated by the system presented higher quality considering the accuracy in terms of Word Error Rate (WER between 3.76 and 7.29%) and latency of the captions (approximately 4 s) at an acceptable speed to access the information. We contribute a first study focused on the development and analysis of an automatic captioning system without human intervention with promising quality results. These results reinforce the importance of continuing to study these automatic systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is a growing trend in using saliva for SARS-CoV-2 detection with reasonable accuracy. We have studied the responses of IgA, IgG, and IgM in human saliva by directly comparing disease with control analyzing two-trace two-dimensional correlation spectra (2T2D-COS) employing Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra. It explores the molecular-level variation between control and COVID-19 saliva samples. The advantage of 2T2D spectra is that it helps in discriminating remarkably subtle features between two simple pairs of spectra. It gives spectral information from highly overlapped bands associated with different systems. The clinical findings from 2T2D show the decrease of IgG and IgM salivary antibodies in the 50, 60, 65, and 75-years COVID-19 samples. Among the various COVID-19 populations studied the female 30-years group reveals defense mechanisms exhibited by IgM and IgA. Lipids and fatty acids decrease, resulting in lipid oxidation due to the SARS-CoV-2 in the samples studied. Study shows salivary thiocyanate plays defense against SARS-CoV-2 in the male population in 25 and 35 age groups. The receiver operation characteristics statistical method shows a sensitivity of 98% and a specificity of 94% for the samples studied. The measure of accuracy computed as F score and G score has a high value, supporting our study's validation. Thus, 2T2D-COS analysis can potentially monitor the progression of immunoglobulin's response function to COVID-19 with reasonable accuracy, which could help diagnose clinical trials. Key messages: The molecular profile of salivary antibodies is well resolved and identified from 2T2D-COS FTIR spectra. The IgG antibody plays a significant role in the defense mechanism against SARS-CoV-2 in 25–40 years. 2T2D-COS reveals the absence of salivary thiocyanate in the 40–75 years COVID-19 population. The receiver operation characteristic (ROC) analysis validates our study with high sensitivity and specificity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The optimization of an undergraduate experiment for Organic Chemistry students is described to explore the concept of click chemistry. The preparation of a terminal fluorescent alkyne and an organic azide is reported consisting of simple steps. These are employed in the Cu(I)-catalized azide-alkyne cycloaddition to obtain a novel molecule containing a triazole ring whose characterization allows the students to practice a variety of techniques: NMR (1H, 13C, COSY and HSQC), melting point, thin layer chromatography, IR, fluorescence spectroscopy and mass spectrometry to confirm the structure of their obtained product. An alternative methodology in a one-pot reaction is also explored and a full laboratory manual provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Graves' disease is an autoimmune disorder. Goiter and Graves' orbitopathy are frequently seen clinically. It would be helpful for the diagnosis, grading, prognosis, and treatment of this condition if it was possible to find serum biomarkers to establish a connection between the plasma levels of these compounds and orbital changes. Methods: A retrospective study was performed by revising the medical records of 44 patients with Graves' orbitopathy and 15 controls. The Osirix software (Pixmeo, Geneva, Switzerland) was used for manual orbital measurements. Plasma levels of Graves' orbitopathy substances were obtained in the analytical review of the patients. Results: A greater muscle volume was observed in patients with Graves' orbitopathy in relation to the control group (p < 0.001). The clinical activity score (CAS) was associated to total muscle mass (p = 0.013) and retrorbital fat (p = 0.048). Our results indicated a direct relationship between serum concentrations of anti-thyroid peroxidase antibodies and inferior rectus thickening (p = 0.036); however, we did not observe a positive correlation between other muscle volumes and serum concentrations of various thyroid-related substances. Conclusions: This study is the first that uses Osirix measurement software to manually assess orbital features in patients with Graves' orbitopathy. These measurements were compared to the outcomes of tests performed in a laboratory. Among several serum biomarkers, anti-thyroid peroxidase appears to be a reliable biomarker that correlates positively with inferior rectus muscle thickness in patients with thyroid eye disease. This may help to improve the management of this disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Selenium (Se) has been defined as the "Janus element", with one face showing antioxidant activity and the other pro-oxidant activity. The biological effect of Se depends on both dose and speciation. Se nanoparticles are attracting major interest, although their large-scale preparation for biomedical applications is not trivial. We hypothesize that acid anhydride-coated carbon dots (AA-CD) are an attractive platform for preparing nanoparticles containing chemically defined Se. The reaction of AA-CD with 3-selenocyanatopropan-1-amine yields carbon dots bearing selenocyanate and carboxylate groups (CD-SeCN) that allow for tuning the hydrosolubility. CD-SeCN has a Se content of 0.36 µmol per mg of nanoparticles, and they show the typical photoluminescence of carbon dots. The selenocyanate groups (SeCN) exhibited glutathione peroxidase-like activity and cytotoxicity. Data show that antioxidant behavior differs between normal and tumor cells, and the evaluation on HEK293 and A549 cells reveals that the toxicity of CD-SeCN depends on dose, time, and intracellular glutathione (GSH) content. The toxicity of CD-SeCN decreases with the time of incubation and the cell death mechanism switches from necrosis to apoptosis, indicating that CD-SeCN is neutralized. Additionally, high levels of intracellular GSH exert a protective effect. These results support a pharmacological potential in cancers with low levels of intracellular GSH. The use of AA-CD as nanoplatforms is a general strategy that paves the way for the engineering of advanced nanosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: As AF-associated morbidity and mortality are increasing, there is an acute need for improved surveillance and prevention strategies to reduce the impact of AF and related strokes. Specific echocardiographic parameters that can best predict future onset of AF within 3 months are lacking.Methods: Twenty patients with AF, as identified by presence of ICD-9 diagnosis code, were compared with a control group of twenty age- and sex-matched patients selected from the same clinic population but without a diagnosis of AF. Transthoracic echocardiograms (TTE) obtained within 90 days prior to first documented AF episode (study group) or obtained closest to first clinic visit (control) were selected for review.Results: Baseline characteristics, including age, BMI, presence of hypertension, hyperlipidemia, diabetes, and heart failure were comparable. Increased left atrial (LA) size (end systolic major axis in 2-chamber view: AF 4.62±0.03 vs control 3.79±0.21, P =0.03), increased mitral inflow (E/A ratio: AF 1.35±0.15 vs control 1.06±0.07, P =0.04), and reduced LA global longitudinal strain (AF -2.69±0.26 vs control - 3.59±0.31, P =0.04) were most closely associated with AF compared with the control group. Multivariate logistic regression was used to develop predictive models for AF onset. A combination of imaging and traditional clinical risk factors was the best AF prediction model with AUC of 0.94, which greatly exceeds the current best predictors published. From these parameters, we developed the SMASH2 scoring system for 90- day AF risk estimation.Conclusions: Risk factors for AF and early features of atrial cardiomyopathy including male sex, hypertension, LA enlargement, reduced mitral inflow, and reduced LA strain are powerful predictors of AF onset within 90 days, and may be used to prognosticate future AF risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Prior studies have evaluated clinical characteristics associated with opioid dose requirements in hospitalized patients with acute pancreatitis (AP) but did not incorporate morphologic findings on CT imaging. Aims: We sought to determine whether morphologic severity on imaging is independently associated with opioid dose requirements in AP. Methods: Adult inpatients with a diagnosis of AP from 2006 to 2017 were reviewed. The highest modified CT severity index (MCTSI) score and the daily oral morphine equivalent (OME) for each patient over the first 7 days of hospitalization were used to grade the morphologic severity of AP and calculate mean OME per day(s) of treatment (MOME), respectively. Multiple regression analysis was used to evaluate the association of MOME with MCSTI. Results: There were 249 patients with AP, of whom 196 underwent contrast-enhanced CT. The mean age was 46 ± 13.6 years, 57.9% were male, and 60% were black. The mean MOME for the patient cohort was 60 ± 52.8 mg/day. MCTSI (β = 3.5 [95% CI 0.3, 6.7], p = 0.03), early hemoconcentration (β = 21 [95% CI 4.6, 39], p = 0.01) and first episode of AP (β = − 17 [95% CI − 32, − 2.7], p = 0.027) were independently associated with MOME. Among the 19 patients undergoing ≥ 2 CT scans, no significant differences in MOME were seen between those whose MCTSI score increased (n = 12) versus decreased/remained the same (n = 7). Conclusion: The morphologic severity of AP positively correlated with opioid dose requirements. No difference in opioid dose requirements were seen between those who did versus those who did not experience changes in their morphologic severity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The original article can be found online at https://doi.org/10.1007/s10209-022-00926-3.Correction to: Universal Access in the Information Societyhttps://doi.org/10.1007/s10209-022-00926-3There is an error in reference 12, which will be corrected.The original article has been corrected.Publisher's NoteSpringer Nature remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations.By Adrian Ruiz-Arroyo; Angel Garcia-Crespo; Francisco Fuenmayor-Gonzalez and Roxana Rodriguez-GoncalvesReported by Author; Author; Author; Author [Extracted from the article]

Effective testing is essential to control the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) transmission. Here we report a-proof-of-concept study on hyperspectral image analysis in the visible and near-infrared range for primary screening at the point-of-care of SARS-CoV-2. We apply spectral feature descriptors, partial least square-discriminant analysis, and artificial intelligence to extract information from optical diffuse reflectance measurements from 5 µL fluid samples at pixel, droplet, and patient levels. We discern preparations of engineered lentiviral particles pseudotyped with the spike protein of the SARS-CoV-2 from those with the G protein of the vesicular stomatitis virus in saline solution and artificial saliva. We report a quantitative analysis of 72 samples of nasopharyngeal exudate in a range of SARS-CoV-2 viral loads, and a descriptive study of another 32 fresh human saliva samples. Sensitivity for classification of exudates was 100% with peak specificity of 87.5% for discernment from PCR-negative but symptomatic cases. Proposed technology is reagent-free, fast, and scalable, and could substantially reduce the number of molecular tests currently required for COVID-19 mass screening strategies even in resource-limited settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is the latest biological hazard for the novel severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Even though numerous diagnostic tests for SARS-CoV-2 have been proposed, new diagnosis strategies are being developed, looking for less expensive methods to be used as screening. This study aimed to establish salivary vibrational modes analyzed by attenuated total reflection-Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy to detect COVID-19 biological fingerprints that allow the discrimination between COVID-19 and healthy patients. Clinical dates, laboratories, and saliva samples of COVID-19 patients (N = 255) and healthy persons (N = 1209) were obtained and analyzed through ATR-FTIR spectroscopy. Then, a multivariate linear regression model (MLRM) was developed. The COVID-19 patients showed low SaO2, cough, dyspnea, headache, and fever principally. C-reactive protein, lactate dehydrogenase, fibrinogen, d-dimer, and ferritin were the most important altered laboratory blood tests, which were increased. In addition, changes in amide I and immunoglobulin regions were evidenced in the FTIR spectra analysis, and the MLRM showed clear discrimination between both groups. Specific salivary vibrational modes employing ATR-FTIR spectroscopy were established; moreover, the COVID-19 biological fingerprint in saliva was characterized, allowing the COVID-19 detection using an MLRM, which could be helpful for the development of new diagnostic devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Optical spectroscopic techniques have been commonly used to detect the presence of biofilm-forming pathogens (bacteria and fungi) in the agro-food industry. Recently, near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy revealed that it is also possible to detect the presence of viruses in animal and vegetal tissues. Here we report a platform based on visible and NIR (VNIR) hyperspectral imaging for non-contact, reagent free detection and quantification of laboratory-engineered viral particles in fluid samples (liquid droplets and dry residue) using both partial least square-discriminant analysis and artificial feed-forward neural networks. The detection was successfully achieved in preparations of phosphate buffered solution and artificial saliva, with an equivalent pixel volume of 4 nL and lowest concentration of 800 TU· μ L−1. This method constitutes an innovative approach that could be potentially used at point of care for rapid mass screening of viral infectious diseases and monitoring of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For decades, the American palm weevil (APW), Rhynchophorus palmarum, has been a threat to coconut and oil palm production in the Americas. It has recently spread towards North America, endangering ornamental palms, and the expanding date palm production. Its behavior presents several parallelisms with a closely related species, R. ferrugineus, the red palm weevil (RPW), which is the biggest threat to palms in Asia and Europe. For both species, semiochemicals have been used for management. However, their control is far from complete. We generated an adult antennal transcriptome from APW and annotated chemosensory related gene families to obtain a better understanding of these species' olfaction mechanism. We identified unigenes encoding 37 odorant-binding proteins (OBPs), ten chemosensory proteins (CSPs), four sensory neuron membrane proteins (SNMPs), seven gustatory receptors (GRs), 63 odorant receptors (ORs), and 28 ionotropic receptors (IRs). Noticeably, we find out the R. ferrugineus pheromone-binding protein and pheromone receptor orthologs from R. palmarum. Candidate genes identified and annotated in this study allow us to compare these palm weevils' chemosensory gene sets. Most importantly, this study provides the foundation for functional studies that could materialize as novel pest management strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The trade-off between current and future reproduction is a cornerstone of life history theory, but the role of within-individual plasticity on life history decisions and its connections with overall fitness and behaviour remains largely unknown. By manipulating available resources for oviposition at the beginning of the reproductive period, we experimentally constrained individual life history trajectories to take different routes in a laboratory study system, the beetle Callosobruchus maculatus, and investigated its causal effects on fecundity, survival and behaviour. Compared to females without resource limitations, females experiencing restricted conditions for oviposition had reduced fecundity early in life but increased fecundity when resources became plentiful (relative to both the previous phase and the control group) at the expense of longevity. Constrained reproduction in early life also affected behaviour, as movement activity changed differently in the two experimental groups. Experiencing reproductive constraints has, therefore, consequences for future reproduction investments and behaviour, which may lead individuals to follow different life history strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A microfluidic paper-based analytical device integrating carbon dot (CDs) is fabricated and used for a fluorometric off-on assay of biothiols. Vinyl sulfone (VS) click immobilization of carbon dots (CDs) on paper was accomplished by a one-pot simplified protocol that uses divinyl sulfone (DVS) as a homobifunctional reagent. This reagent mediated both the click oxa-Michael addition to the hydroxyl groups of cellulose and ulterior covalent grafting of the resulting VS paper to NH2-functionalized CDs by means of click aza-Michael addition. The resulting cellulose nanocomposite was used to engineer an inexpensive and robust microfluidic paper-based analytical device (μPAD) that is used for a reaction-based off-on fluorometric assay of biothiols (GSH, Cys, and Hcy). The intrinsic blue fluorescence of CDs (with excitation/emission maxima at 365/450 nm) is turned off via the heavy atom effect of an introduced iodo group. Fluorescence is turned on again due to the displacement of iodine by reaction with a biothiol. The increase in fluorescence is related to the concentration over a wide range (1 to 200 μM for GSH and 5–200 μM for Cys and Hcy, respectively), and the assay exhibits a low detection limit (0.3 μM for GSH and Cys and 0.4 μM for Hcy). The method allows for rapid screening and can also be used in combination with a digital camera readout. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Thyroid eye disease (TED) is the most frequent extra-thyroid manifestation of Graves' disease and it is more frequent in middle age and in female gender. Nowadays, the causal mechanisms of this disease are not completely understood, but the current available studies suggest that the main causative factor is the thyroid stimulating hormone receptor. Materials and methods: To collect reports on TED medical management, a thorough literature search was performed in PubMed database. An additional search was made in Google Scholar to complete the collected items. Results: Among the indentified risk factors, tobacco habit is the most relevant. The main criteria to choose a suitable treatment are the activity and severity of the disease. Support measures can be used to improve the patient's symptoms in any phase of the disease. There is a large number of drugs proposed to manage TED, although with different reported rates of success. Conclusions: Currently, the drugs of choice are corticosteroids in moderate-to-severe and in sight-threatening forms. The main problem of corticosteroids is their spectrum of side effects. Therefore, other alternatives are being suggested for medical management of this disease. The efficacy of these alternatives remains unclear. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A Galileo retroreflector panel was mounted on a tripod 32 km outside of the satellite laser ranging station Graz. The panel was tilted to achieve laser beam incident angles between 0 ∘ and approx. 18 ∘ while simultaneously doing distance measurements. At incident angles larger than approx. 8 ∘ it was possible to identify fine structures within the data corresponding to the different columns of retroreflectors within the panel. The range differences between these columns were determined via a histogram analysis. Knowing the panel geometry it was possible to recalculate the laser beam incident angle on the panel. To compare these ground-based measurements to measurements to a specific pass of Galileo 103, matching incident angle conditions were chosen. Similar structures were found within the data set and it was possible to verify the incident angle of the laser beam. Such a method provides an excellent way to validate the attitude of Galileo satellites and is possible by analyzing the fine details of mm-accuracy kHz SLR data only. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The impact that climate change may play in the future sustainability of mining projects has become increasingly important for the mining industry and its stakeholders. The most significant areas of concern are mine infrastructure, supply chains, health and safety conditions, environmental management, community relations and exploration. This is particularly relevant to mining in a country as climatically vulnerable as Peru. This study focuses on the identification of mining regions and main commodities in Peru that are potentially vulnerable to future extreme rainfall events associated with climate change. From a mine design and planning perspective, this study is a first step to illustrate the importance of considering the impacts of different climatic scenarios on mining in Peru. Based on HadGEM2-ES global climate model projections, mining regions across Peru were clustered into "super-regions" with differing potentials of extreme rainfall events during the next three decades. Five indices for precipitation extremes were used, and their variations between 1971-2000 and 2015-2034 were computed. Current and future metallic mining projects expected to take place across Peru in the next 30 years were retrieved from a mining database and subsequently exported into a geographical information systems software to represent their location and interpolate the variation for each precipitation extreme index. The results of this study point out at a decreasing trend in rainfall extremes intensity and frequency in regions of southern Peru. For copper projects located in these regions, a decrease in rainfall events could also imply an eventual decrease in total precipitation and consequently a deficit in water availability during the next three decades. Mining regions in central Peru, with significant number of zinc projects, are likely to experience a marked increase in overall annual precipitation, average daily precipitation intensity, consecutive days of precipitation and number of heavy precipitation days. At a lesser extent than in central Peru, gold projects in northern Peru are also likely to experience an overall increase in precipitation extremes. The approach used for this research could be extended to other mining regions around the world with extreme weather events. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to analyse the incidence of interprosthetic femoral fractures and describe risk factors for them.Methods: Between 2009 and 2015, we selected patients who were carrying two implants (hip and knee) in the same femur. We collected demographic and clinical data and performed a radiological evaluation to analyse the gap between implants-the femoral canal area and total femoral area-in the axial plane. We defined interprosthetic fracture as that corresponding to a Vancouver type C fracture and types 1 and 2 according to the Su classification.Results: We studied 68 patients who had total knee arthroplasty (TKA), and 44 patients who had total hip arthroplasty (THA); 24 patients an intramedullary nail. We found six interprosthetic fractures (8.8 %), all in patients with a non-cemented THA. There was a tendency towards statistical difference (p = 0.08). Patients with an additional implant at the proximal femur were statistically less likely to have an interprosthetic fracture (p = 0.04). In radiological results, we found more interprosthetic fractures in patients who had an increased femoral canal area in the axial plane just distal to the tip of the hip implant.Conclusions: Identifying risk factors for this specific type of fracture may facilitate their prevention. Better implant stability and the presence of a gap between stems in a lower canal zone appear to hinder the occurrence of interprosthetic fractures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, the potential application of the high-level canonical piecewise-linear model in the field of three-dimensional visualization is proposed. This idea emerges from the premise that a three-dimensional surface can be modeled by a continuous two-dimensional function. In this regard, the main contribution consists in providing a methodology for the construction of such function. For this purpose, the well-known algorithm used in the high-level canonical piecewise-linear model has been modified to achieve functions with greater graphing capability. One of the most notorious changes made with respect to the traditional methodology is the use of a new scheme of function domain partition. Contrary to the simplicial partitioning, in our proposal, an equally distributed angular partitioning is considered. With this, the resulting approximate function is expressed in cylindrical coordinates which overcome the typical limitation of graphs in Cartesian coordinates of only representing single-valued surfaces. Another remarkable change can be found in the range of evaluation of the function. Instead of using an open interval, in our approach, a closed interval from 0 to 2π is adopted. To support this proposal, illustrative case studies are reported. Numerical simulations demonstrate the effectiveness of this type of representation model not only in visual perception of three-dimensional surfaces, but also in more complex tasks like volume estimation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ferromanganese nodules and crusts contain relatively high concentration of rare earth elements (REE) and yttrium (REY), with a growing interest in exploitation as an alternative to land-based REY resources. On the basis of comprehensive geochemical approach, the abundance and distribution of REY in the ferromanganese nodules from the South China Sea are analyzed. The results indicate that the REY contents in ferromanganese deposits show a clear geographic regularity. Total REY contents range from 69.1×10-6 to 2 919.4×10-6, with an average value of 1 459.5×10-6. Especially, the enrichment rate of Ce content is high, accounting for almost 60% of the total REY. This REE enrichment is controlled mainly by the sorption of ferromanganese oxides and clay minerals in the nodules and crusts. Moreover, the total REY are higher in ferromanganese deposits of hydrogenous origin than of diagenetic origin. Finally, Light REE (LREE) and heavy REE (HREE) oxides of the ferromanganese deposits in the study area can be classified into four grades: non-enriched type, weakly enriched type, enriched type, and extremely enriched type. According to the classification criteria of rare earth resources, the Xisha and Zhongsha platform-central deep basin areas show a great potential for these rare earth metals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The glycocalyx is a glycoprotein-polysaccaride layer covering the endothelium luminal surface, and plays a key regulatory role in several endothelial functions. Lung ischemia reperfusion (IR) is a clinical entity that occurs in everyday thoracic surgery and causes glycocalix destruction and a florid local and systemic immune response. Moreover, sevoflurane is able to modulate the inflammatory response triggered by IR lung injury. In this study, we evaluated the protective effects of sevoflurane on the pulmonary endothelial glycocalyx in an in-vivo lung autotransplant model in pigs. Methods: Sixteen Large White pigs underwent pneumonectomy plus lung autotransplant. They were divided into two groups depending on the hypnotic agent received (propofol or anesthetic preconditioning with sevoflurane). Glycocalyx components (syndecan-1 and heparan sulphate), cathepsin B, chemokines (MCP-1, MIP-1, and MIP-2) and adhesion molecules (VCAM and ICAM-1) were measured at four different timepoints using porcine-specific enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kits. Results: There were no differences between groups in weight or in surgical and one-lung ventilation time. Greater glycocalyx destruction and higher chemokine and adhesion molecule expression were observed in the group that did not receive sevoflurane. Heparan sulphate and serum syndecan levels were higher in the propofol group ( P < 0.0001) after reperfusion, as was cathepsin B activity ( P < 0.015). MCP-1, MIP-1, MIP-2, VCAM, and ICAM-1 levels were also higher in the propofol group ( P < 0.006). Conclusion: Sevoflurane preconditioning protects pulmonary glycocalyx and reduces expression of leukocyte chemokines in an in-vivo model of pulmonary IR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A smoothed representation (based on natural exponential and logarithmic functions) for the canonical piecewise-linear model, is presented. The result is a completely differentiable formulation that exhibits interesting properties, like preserving the parameters of the original piecewise-linear model in such a way that they can be directly inherited to the smooth model in order to determine their parameters, the capability of controlling not only the smoothness grade, but also the approximation accuracy at specific breakpoint locations, a lower or equal overshooting for high order derivatives in comparison with other approaches, and the additional advantage of being expressed in a reduced mathematical form with only two types of inverse functions (logarithmic and exponential). By numerical simulation examples, this proposal is verified and well-illustrated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Little scientific information is known regarding mules and even less is known about hinnies. Due to increased popularity of both as recreational animals which are still commonly found as working equids, there is a need for such basic information for practitioners and owners. The purpose of this study was to begin to establish reference ranges for hematological and biochemical parameters of clinically healthy mules and hinnies compared to those of their sires and dams (horses and donkeys of similar genotype, phenotype within species) used for hybrid offspring production. Such information will contribute to our understanding and attempts to improve management and disease diagnosis of hinnies and mules. Eighty-one healthy equids ( n = 30 hinnies, 20 mules, 20 donkeys, and 11 horses) were sampled. Clinical data recorded age, gender, BCS, and temperature. Two 10-mL blood samples were collected by venipuncture of the jugular vein, using 'vacutainer' plain and EDTA tubes. These samples were analyzed for RBC, PCV, Hb, WBC, platelets, proteins, fatty acids, electrolytes, enzymes, and glucose. Average and standard deviations were calculated. Kruskal-Wallis test was used to test the significant value. Findings were considered to be significant if P ≤ 0.05. When comparing all parameters among four groups of equids, differences were found for temperature, red blood cell lines, white blood cell lines, electrolytes, and enzymes. Differences in mules and hinnies were seen in RBC, WBC, magnesium, bilirubin, creatinine, and AST. The results are constricted to very few known populations of equid hybrids with similar genetics. In this study, hinnies and mules showed results that were closer to those of horses than those of donkeys. Some differences recorded in hinnies may be related to age: RBC, WBC, MCH, MCV, eosinophils, magnesium, total bilirubin, creatinine, and AST. Findings may help establish new, relevant hematological and biochemical parameters which may prevent medical misdiagnosis. Additional research is needed with larger populations of healthy mules and hinnies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biological pest control with mass-produced arthropod natural enemies is well developed in greenhouse crops and has often resulted in the evolution of complex ecosystems with persistent populations of multiple arthropod natural enemy species. However, there are cases where arthropod natural enemies are either not effective enough, not available, or their use is rather costly. For these reasons, biological control based on microorganisms, also referred to as 'microbials', represents a complementary strategy for further development. Although commercially available microbials have been around for quite some time, research on and the applied use of combinations of arthropod natural enemies and microbials have remained relatively under explored. Here, we review current uses of entomopathogenic fungi, bacteria and viruses, and their possible direct and indirect effects on arthropod natural enemies in European greenhouses. We discuss how microbials might be combined with arthropod natural enemies in the light of new methodologies and technologies such as conservation biological control, greenhouse climate management, and formulation and delivery. Furthermore, we explore the possibilities of using other microorganisms for biological control, such as endophytes, and the need to understand the effect of insect-associated microorganisms, or symbionts, on the success of biological control. Finally, we suggest future research directions to optimize the combined use of microbials and arthropod natural enemies in greenhouse production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A colorimetric method for quantitative measurement of free amino groups of water soluble chitin derivatives is described. The method utilizes genipin as a natural and specific reagent for determining the concentration of free amino groups in samples of water soluble chitin derivatives. The blue color adduct (complex) formed during genipin reaction with free amino groups was measured at about 589 nm and Beer-Lambert’s law obeyed over the concentration range of 50 to 300 mg/L. Parameters of analytical conditions were considered and kept constant during the experimental procedure. Highly acetylated water soluble chitin derivatives can be differentiated from water soluble chitosan using this genipin method. The colorimetric method with genipin was proved to be a rapid and efficient technique to determine the free amino groups in water soluble chitin derivatives. This method can also be applied for the detection of the enzymatic activity of chitindeacetylase. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A multiresidue method for determining 22 polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in air has been developed and validated by gas chromatography (GC) coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) using a triple quadrupole analyzer (QqQ). The method was validated in terms of both steps of sampling and analysis. The sampling method, which is based on active sampling using polyurethane foam (PUF) as adsorbent, was validated by generating standard atmospheres. The retention capacity of this sampling sorbent allows up to 5 m3 of air to be sampled without any breakthrough for most compounds. Two solvent extraction methods were compared: sonication and Soxhlet extraction with a mixture of n-hexane:diethyl ether (95:5 v/v). Both extraction methods yielded similar results, but the first one required less solvent and time. The method exhibited good accuracy (80.3–99.8%), precision (2.2–15.2%) and lower limits that allowed quantification and confirmation at levels as low as 0.008 ng/m3. Finally, the method was applied to the analysis of PCBs in the air in areas near to a municipal solid-waste landfill and directly above the refuse in the landfill, where it indicatedd the presence of some of the target compounds. [Figure not available: see fulltext.] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The persistent hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemia is characterized by clinical symptoms that occur when the blood glucose levels drop below the normal range. Two pathological situations cause this clinical problem: The presence of a tumor of the pancreas secreting excessive amounts of insulin, known as insulinoma, and congenital beta-cell hyperplasia in the pancreas in children and noninsulinoma pancreatogenic hypoglycemia syndrome in adults. Clinical characteristic and surgical outcome of a group of 20 patients operated on for this hypoglycemic syndrome; 18 for insulinoma and two for nesidioblastosis in children was studied. eight of the insulinomas were in the head of the pancreas, two in the body, and the remaining eight in the tail. The surgical technique was enucleation in nine cases, local resection in one case because of suspicious malignancy, and distal pancreatectomy in eight cases. Both children with nesidioblastosis underwent 85% pancreatectomy with splenic preservation. There was no mortality in the study, but three patients developed a low-volume pancreatic fistula after head enucleation. Negative results in diagnostic localization together with the small size of the insulinoma represent a poor combination for successful surgery. The intraoperative ultrasonography is the method of choice for the identification of the tumor, as it is able to identify nonpalpable lesions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chemotherapeutic agents used against tumours have a variety of toxic effects. We describe a case of acute blindness in the left eye of a patient after treatment with cisplatin for lung cancer. Both the clinical findings and the absence of either ocular or retrobulbar metastasis suggested that the condition was related to chemotoxicity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Butyrivibrio fibrisolvens strains D1 and A38 produced little lactate, but strain 49 converted as much as 75% of its glucose to lactate. Strain 49 had tenfold more lactate dehydrogenase activity than strains D1 or A38, this activity was stimulated by fructose 1,6-bisphosphate, and had a pH optimum of 6.25. A role for fructose 1,6-bisphosphate or pH regulation of lactate production in strain 49 was, however, contradicted by the observations that very low concentrations (< 0.2 mM) of fructose 1,6-bisphosphate gave maximal activity, and continuous cultures did not produce additional lactate when the pH was decreased. The lactate production of strain 49 was clearly inhibited by the presence of acetate in the growth medium. When strain 49 was supplemented with as little as 5 mM acetate, lactate production decreased dramatically, and most of the glucose was converted to butyrate. Strain 49 did not possess butyrate kinase activity, but it had a butyryl-CoA/acetate CoA transferase that converted butyryl-CoA directly to butyrate, using acetate as an acceptor. The transferase had a low affinity for acetate ( K m of 5 mM), and this characteristic explained the acetate stimulation of growth and butyrate formation. Strains D1 and A38 had butyrate kinase but not butyryl-CoA/acetate CoA transferase, and it appeared that this difference could explain the lack of acetate stimulation and lactate production. Based on these results, it is unlikely that B. fibrisolvens would ever contribute significantly to the pool of ruminal lactate. Since relatives of strain 49 (strains Nor37, PI-7, VV1, and OB156, based on 16S rRNA sequence analysis) all had the same method of butyrate production, it appeared that butyryl-CoA/acetate CoA transferase might be a phylogenetic characteristic. We obtained a culture of strain B835 (NCDO 2398) that produced large amounts of lactate and had butyryl-CoA/acetate CoA transferase activity, but this strain had previously been grouped with strains A38 and D1 based on 16S rRNA sequence analysis. Our strain B835 had a 16S rRNA sequence unique from the one currently deposited in GenBank, and had high sequence similarity with strains 49 and Nor37 rather than with strains A38 or D1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Clostridium acetobutylicum strain P262 utilized lactate at a rapid rate [600 nmol min (mg protein)], but lactate could not serve as the sole energy source. When acetate was provided as a co-substrate, the growth rate was 0.05h. Butyrate, carbon dioxide and hydrogen were the end products of lactate and acetate utilization, and the stoichiometry was 1 lactate + 0.4 acetate →0.7 butyrate + 0.6H + 1CO. Lactate-grown cells had twofold lower hydrogenase than glucose-grown cells, and the lactate-grown cells used acetate as an alternative electron acceptor. The cells had a poor affinity for lactate (K=1.1 mM), and there was no evidence for active transport. Lactate utilization was catabolyzed by an inducible NAD-independent lactate dehydrogenase (iLDH) that had a pH optimum of 7.5. The iLDH was fivefold more active with d-lactate than l-lactate, and the K for d-lactate was 3.2 mM. Lactate-grown cells had little butyraldehyde dehydrogenase activity, and this defect did not allow the conversion of lactate to butanol. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Background: It has been reported that scleral buckling reduces the blood flow velocity in retinal vessels. Blood flow changes may also appear in other ocular and extraocular vessels. This study describes the blood flow velocity changes in the ophthalmic artery (OA) after performing this procedure. • Methods: The study was carried out in 12 patients (12 eyes) with rhegmatogenous retinal detachment. Color Doppler imaging was used to measure the peak and average blood flow velocity in the OA. Measurements were taken 1 day before and 2 days after scleral buckling surgery was performed. Intraocular pressure (10P) was measured prior to each ultrasound study. • Results: We found that statistically significant reductions in the peak flow velocity (33%) and average flow velocity (31%) occur in the OA after scleral buckling. All patients showed an increase in IOP after surgery. • Conclusion: Buckling surgery reduces the blood flow velocity in the OA. Since the OA is the origin of the arterial branches that supply blood to the eye, our results suggest that scleral buckling may decrease not only retinal but also choroidal blood perfusion. Some extraocular structures might also be affected. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Clostridium acetobutylicum P262 cells that were growing on lactate and acetate had an NAD-independent lactate dehydrogenase (iLDH) activity of 200 nmol mg protein−1 min−1. Ammonium sulfate precipitation and DEAE cellulose caused a 35-fold purification. Gel filtration indicated that the iLDH had a molecular weight of approximately 55 kDa, but two bands were always observed. Phenyl sepharose could not separate the two proteins, and hydroxyapatite caused a complete loss of activity. The semi-purified iLDH had a Vmax of 13,000 nmol mg protein−1 min−1 and a Km value of 3.5 mM for D-lactate. The Vmax and Km values for L-lactate were 300 nmol mg protein−1 min−1 and 0.7 mM. The iLDH had a pH optimum of 7.5, was not activated by fructose-1,6-bisphosphate (FDP), and could be coupled to either 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) or dichlorophenol-indophenol (DCPIP), but not methyl viologen (MV) or benzyl viologen (BV). The iLDH did not have strong absorbance between 500 and 300 nm, and trichloroacetic acid or acid ammonium sulfate extracts had virtually no fluorescence at 450 nm. The crude extracts also had MTT-linked butyryl-CoA dehydrogenase activity (60 nmol mg protein−1 min−1). The NAD-independent butyryl-CoA dehydrogenase eluted from DEAE-cellulose as two fractions. The yellow fraction was extremely unstable, but the green fraction could be stored for short periods of time at 5°C. The green-colored butyryl-CoA dehydrogenase had strong absorption at 450 nm, and gel filtration indicated that it had a molecular weight of 90 kDa. The NAD-independent butyryl-CoA dehydrogenase could be coupled to MTT, DCPIP, or MV, but not BV. Because the NAD-independent lactate and butyryl-CoA dehydrogenase could both be linked to low potential carriers, these two enzymes may function as oxidation-reduction system in vivo. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Clostridum acetobutylicum strain P262 fermented glucose, pyruvate, or lactate, and the butyrate production was substrate-dependent. Differences in butyrate yield could not be explained by changes in butyrate kinase activities, but the butyrate production was inversely related to acetate kinase activity. The acetate kinase had a pH optimum of 8.0, a K for acetate of 160 mM, and a k of 16,800 min. The enyzme had a native molecular mass of 78 kDa; the size of 42 kDa on SDS-PAGE indicated that the acetate kinase of strain P262 was a homodimer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We compared the depth of the anterior chamber and the optimal distance refraction in a group of patients with soft and rigid intraocular implants under pilocarpine (maximal ciliary contraction) and cyclopentolate (maximal ciliary relaxation) in order to determine if lens movement might account for the apparent accommodation phenomenon. Lens shifts ranging from 1.5 to 0.02 mm and refractive variations up to 1 D were found. However, the discrepancies between amount of shift and refractive variations suggest that lens movement does not play a relevant role in this phenomenon. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of inorganic phosphate concentrations on antibiotic and extracellular protein production by Myxococcus coralloides D have been examined. Antibiotic production by growing cells of this myxobacterium was maximal at phosphate concentrations of 10-20 m M, but was inhibited by concentrations higher than 20 m M. The total extracellular protein and the extracellular protein per cell ratio were independent of phosphate levels in the culture broth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Asian citrus psyllid (ACP) is a vector of a pathogen associated with greening and thus a major problem in citriculture worldwide. Lures are much needed for improving ACP trapping systems for monitoring populations and surveillance. Previously, we have identified acetic acid as a putative sex pheromone and measured formic acid- and propionic acid-elicited robust electroantennographic responses. We have now thoroughly examined in indoor behavioral assays (4-way olfactometer) and field tests the feasibility of these three semiochemicals as potential lures for trapping ACP. Formic acid, acetic acid, and propionic acid at appropriate doses are male-specific attractants and suitable lures for ACP traps, but they do not act synergistically. An acetic acid-based homemade lure, prepared by impregnating the attractant in a polymer, was active for a day. A newly developed slow-release formulation had equal performance but lasted longer, thus leading to an important improvement in ACP trap capture at low population densities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Protein engineering studies often suggest the emergence of completely new enzyme functionalities to be highly improbable. However, enzymes likely catalysed many different reactions already in the last universal common ancestor. Mechanisms for the emergence of completely new active sites must therefore either plausibly exist or at least have existed at the primordial protein stage. Here, we use resurrected Precambrian proteins as scaffolds for protein engineering and demonstrate that a new active site can be generated through a single hydrophobic-to-ionizable amino acid replacement that generates a partially buried group with perturbed physico-chemical properties. We provide experimental and computational evidence that conformational flexibility can assist the emergence and subsequent evolution of new active sites by improving substrate and transition-state binding, through the sampling of many potentially productive conformations. Our results suggest a mechanism for the emergence of primordial enzymes and highlight the potential of ancestral reconstruction as a tool for protein engineering. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Insects use chemical signals to find mates, food and oviposition sites. The main chemoreceptor gene families comprise odorant receptors (ORs), ionotropic receptors (IRs) and gustatory receptors (GRs). Understanding the evolution of these receptors as well as their function will assist in advancing our knowledge of how chemical stimuli are perceived and may consequently lead to the development of new insect management strategies. Tortricid moths are important pests in horticulture, forestry and agriculture around the globe. Here, we characterize chemoreceptors from the three main gene families of three economically important tortricids, based on male antennal transcriptomes using an RNA-Seq approach. We identified 49 ORs, 11 GRs and 23 IRs in the green budworm moth, Hedya nubiferana; 49 ORs, 12 GRs and 19 IRs in the beech moth, Cydia fagiglandana; and 48 ORs, 11 GRs and 19 IRs in the pea moth, Cydia nigricana. Transcript abundance estimation, phylogenetic relationships and molecular evolution rate comparisons with deorphanized receptors of Cydia pomonella allow us to hypothesize conserved functions and therefore candidate receptors for pheromones and kairomones. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Olfaction plays a dominant role in the mate-finding and host selection behaviours of the codling moth (Cydia pomonella), an important pest of apple, pear and walnut orchards worldwide. Antennal transcriptome analysis revealed a number of abundantly expressed genes related to the moth olfactory system, including those encoding the olfactory receptors (ORs) CpomOR1, CpomOR3 and CpomOR6a, which belong to the pheromone receptor (PR) lineage, and the co-receptor (CpomOrco). Using heterologous expression, in both Drosophila olfactory sensory neurones and in human embryonic kidney cells, together with electrophysiological recordings and calcium imaging, we characterize the basic physiological and pharmacological properties of these receptors and demonstrate that they form functional ionotropic receptor channels. Both the homomeric CpomOrco and heteromeric CpomOrco + OR complexes can be activated by the common Orco agonists VUAA1 and VUAA3, as well as inhibited by the common Orco antagonists amiloride derivatives. CpomOR3 responds to the plant volatile compound pear ester ethyl-(E,Z)-2,4-decadienoate, while CpomOR6a responds to the strong pheromone antagonist codlemone acetate (E,E)-8,10-dodecadien-1-yl acetate. These findings represent important breakthroughs in the deorphanization of codling moth pheromone receptors, as well as more broadly into insect ecology and evolution and, consequently, for the development of sustainable pest control strategies based on manipulating chemosensory communication. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]