Search

This article analyses the impact of the crises on the level of inequality between native and migrant origin children in twenty‐first‐century Spain. We use microdata from the Spanish Labour Force Survey (2000–2022) to study the risk for migrant and native children of living in a household with no working adults. We hypothesize that the assimilation of the immigrant population—after more than two decades in the country—might have contributed to reducing the impact of the COVID‐19 crisis. Results show that the 2008 crisis substantially increased the gap between migrant and native children, while the impact of the pandemic has been milder. Moreover, social origin has a stronger protective effect for native children compared with children with a migrant background, especially during periods of economic downturn. However, we find that among children of low social origin, migrant children are less likely to live in a household with no working adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Data acquisition and processing for cryo‐electron tomography can be a significant bottleneck for users. To simplify and streamline the cryo‐ET workflow, Tomo Live, an on‐the‐fly solution that automates the alignment and reconstruction of tilt‐series data, enabling real‐time data‐quality assessment, has been developed. Through the integration of Tomo Live into the data‐acquisition workflow for cryo‐ET, motion correction is performed directly after each of the acquired tilt angles. Immediately after the tilt‐series acquisition has completed, an unattended tilt‐series alignment and reconstruction into a 3D volume is performed. The results are displayed in real time in a dedicated remote web platform that runs on the microscope hardware. Through this web platform, users can review the acquired data (aligned stack and 3D volume) and several quality metrics that are obtained during the alignment and reconstruction process. These quality metrics can be used for fast feedback for subsequent acquisitions to save time. Parameters such as Alignment Accuracy, Deleted Tilts and Tilt Axis Correction Angle are visualized as graphs and can be used as filters to export only the best tomograms (raw data, reconstruction and intermediate data) for further processing. Here, the Tomo Live algorithms and workflow are described and representative results on several biological samples are presented. The Tomo Live workflow is accessible to both expert and non‐expert users, making it a valuable tool for the continued advancement of structural biology, cell biology and histology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nitroglycerin (NG) is a high explosive that is difficult to handle in its liquid form, where the entrapment of gaseous NG bubbles results in its high sensitivity to impact (<0.25 J). NG‐based materials are traditionally prepared by complex mixing processes where desensitisation is of major concern. Instead of using a mixing procedure here we demonstrate the successful synthesis of dynamite‐like materials by using a single step bottom‐up approach to form a polymeric host matrix (PM) for NG from a solution which contains the explosive and the matrix precursors. For this purpose, an epoxidized vegetable oil mixed with nitroglycerin (oil to NG mass ratio of 60/40) is polymerized at 100 °C for 30 h by using glutaric acid as crosslinking agent. No degradation of NG under these conditions is observed. The activation energy of NG desorption from the PM (51.9 kJ/mol) is of the same order of magnitude as the one reported in literature for a double‐base powder (81.9 kJ/mol). An accelerated NG desorption is observed as temperature increases. This can be attributed to a slow diffusion mechanism of the explosive from the volume to the surface of the material, where it evaporates. The ignition of NG/PM in air by an open flame leads to a self‐sustained combustion, in which a part of nitroglycerin decomposes in the polymer matrix. Conversely, NG/PM monolithic and granular loads are not ignited by the explosion of the primer in a 9 mm calibre casing. The shockwave released by a detonator on a small NG/PM cylindrical charge (≈1.5 g) does not detonate it, but only makes it deflagrate. Our results show that this novel single‐step synthesis of NG trapped in a polymeric matrix is a very effective approach for desensitizing it to any form of stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Submicron‐sized powders of silver azide (AgN3) were prepared by Curtius' reaction between silver nitrate (AgNO3) and sodium azide (NaN3) in aqueous solutions by a new process: the Spray Flash Synthesis (SFS). The SFS process consists in spraying the two precursor solutions in a heated atomization chamber (130–190 °C), maintained under low vacuum (15–30 kPa). The reaction occurs in the droplets which have collided; the final size of particles is limited by the fast evaporation of water and the small amount of matter available in each droplet which can be considered as an individual micro‐reactor. The mean particle sizes of silver azide synthesized by the SFS process range from 220 nm to 390 nm, which means that these particles are three times smaller than those obtained by the conventional precipitation method. Submicron‐sized AgN3 powders can be initiated by a photographic flash. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on the implications of the new 2023 American College of Rheumatology/EULAR classification criteria for antiphospholipid syndrome (APS). It discusses concerns regarding the criteria's specificity and sensitivity, particularly in relation to antiphospholipid antibodies (aPLs) positivity, obstetric morbidity evaluation, and laboratory criteria definition.

Micro‐ and nanotexturization of surfaces can give to the parts different advanced functionalities, such as superhydrophobicity, self‐cleaning, or antibacterial capabilities. These advanced properties in combination with the biocompatibility of Liquid Silicone Rubber are an interesting approach for obtaining high‐performance medical devices. The industrial production of surface textures in polymeric materials is through the replication technique, and the best option to attain a high production rate is injection molding. Moreover, its low viscosity during processing can provide an accurate replication capacity by the easy filling by capillarity of the microtextures. An innovative replicating technique for Liquid Silicone Rubber is presented by studying the replication of different shaped textures within a diameter range of between 2 and 50 µm. The copying process consists in the overmolding of a textured polymeric inlay obtained by nanoimprint lithography. At the end of the process, a textured part is obtained, while the imprinted film remains in the mold. The injection molding parameters are optimized to increase the replication accuracy, and their effect on texture replicability is analyzed and discussed. Finally, it is shown that the textured surfaces improve their wettability behavior, which is a necessary and important characteristic in the development of biomedical devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The pyrotechnic compositions made up of potassium perchlorate (KClO4) and titanium hydride (TiH2), known as THKP, have a fast deflagration velocity (∼500 m/s), along with low sensitivity and high stability. In this research, a new kind of THKP was formulated from a submicron powder of KClO4 (50–400 nm) prepared by the Spray Flash‐Evaporation (SFE) process. The use of fine KClO4 not only ensures better oxidation of TiH2, but also leads to a transition to detonation in the THKP. This transition is observed in loose powders placed in small diameter tubes (3 mm). The distance of transition is relatively short (17–22 mm) and increases with the KClO4 content of the THKP mixture. The detonation front propagates steadily, at a velocity of ∼1250 m/s in THKP powders with 86 % of porosity. The shockwave velocity varies little with the perchlorate content in the domain of composition studied (55–74 wt.% of KClO4). Conversely, in the classical THKP mixtures prepared from micron‐sized KClO4 and tested in the same conditions, no transition to detonation is observed; the combustion slows down and eventually stops. Finally, owing to their high sensitivity thresholds to impact (SImp.≥44.7 J), friction (SFr.≥192 N), and electrostatic discharge (SESD≥34.7 mJ), THKP mixtures prepared from submicron KClO4 can be classified as low‐sensitivity primary explosives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article reports on a new family of detonating compositions in which ammonium dinitramide (ADN) is used as an explosive oxidizer, and red phosphorus (Pr) or titanium hydride (TiH2) as fuels. At optimized ADN/fuel ratios, these compositions have typical explosion heats higher than 7 kJ/g, detonation velocities in 3 mm diameter tubes ranging from 1.2 to 2.0 km/s at ∼40 % of their theoretical maximum density, with a run to detonation distance between 20 and 40 mm. Both compositions are insensitive to electrostatic discharge, but are very sensitive to impact and friction, ADN/Pr mixtures being the most sensitive to these stress. The shockwave released by the reaction of these materials, efficiently initiates the detonation of high explosives such as pentaerythritol tetranitrate (PETN) or hexogen (RDX). In view of these characteristics, ADN‐based detonating compositions must be considered as "green" substitutes for primary explosives containing heavy metals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this article is to alert our peers on the danger faced by those who carry out experiments involving molten ammonium dinitramide (ADN). In recent experiments aiming at preparing submicron particles of this compound, a preliminary study of the sensitivity to impact of molten ADN was performed. These first tests have shown that the sensitivity threshold of molten ADN to impact is more than one order of magnitude lower that the one on solid ADN (<0.25 J vs. 4 J) and similar to the one of nitroglycerin (<0.25 J), making liquid ADN extremely hazardous to handle. Detonation tests, which were performed in strong steel sheaths open to one end, have shown that the initiation of the detonation and its subsequent propagation occur both in solid and liquid ADN charges, having a diameter of only 4 mm. The critical diameter of solid ADN which is between 25 and 40 mm according to literature, is therefore decreased by at least an order of magnitude when ADN is placed in strong metallic confinement. On the other hand, the detonation of liquid ADN produces stronger destructive effects than the detonation of solid ADN, meaning that the detonation mechanisms of this explosive are different in its two physical states. In conclusion, liquid ADN must be considered in practice as a more hazardous and powerful explosive than solid ADN. This raises the issue of all experiments in which ADN is likely to be formed in molten state. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To compare the accuracy of the Birmingham Vasculitis Activity Score (BVAS), version 3, and the Five Factor Score (FFS), version 1996 and version 2009, to assess survival in antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitis (AAV).Methods: A total of 550 patients with AAV (41.1% with granulomatosis with polyangiitis, 37.3% with microscopic polyangiitis, and 21.6% with eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis), diagnosed between 1990 and 2016, were analyzed. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves and multivariable Cox analysis were used to assess the relationships between the outcome and the different scores.Results: Overall mortality was 33.1%. The mean ± SD BVAS at diagnosis was 17.96 ± 7.82 and was significantly higher in nonsurvivors than in survivors (mean ± SD 20.0 ± 8.14 versus 16.95 ± 7.47, respectively; P < 0.001). The mean ± SD 1996 FFS and 2009 FFS were 0.81 ± 0.94 and 1.47 ± 1.16, respectively, and were significantly higher in nonsurvivors than in survivors (mean ± SD 1996 FFS 1.17 ± 1.07 versus 0.63 ± 0.81 [P < 0.001] and 2009 FFS 2.13 ± 1.09 versus 1.15 ± 1.05 [P < 0.001], respectively). Mortality rates increased according to the different 1996 FFS and 2009 FFS categories. In multivariate analysis, BVAS, 1996 FFS, and 2009 FFS were significantly related to death (P = 0.007, P = 0.020, P < 0.001, respectively), but the stronger predictor was the 2009 FFS (hazard ratio 2.9 [95% confidence interval 2.4-3.6]). When the accuracy of BVAS, 1996 FFS, and 2009 FFS to predict survival was compared in the global cohort, ROC analysis yielded area under the curve values of 0.60, 0.65, and 0.74, respectively, indicating that 2009 FFS had the best performance. Similar results were obtained when comparing these scores in patients diagnosed before and after 2001 and when assessing the 1-year, 5-year, and long-term mortality. Correlation among BVAS and 1996 FFS was modest (r = 0.49; P < 0.001) but higher than between BVAS and the 2009 FFS (r = 0.28; P < 0.001).Conclusion: BVAS and FFS are useful to predict survival in AAV, but the 2009 FFS has the best prognostic accuracy at any point of the disease course. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have been approved as second‐line therapy for advanced non–small cell lung cancers (NSCLCs) progressing after platinum‐based chemotherapy. However, some patients' disease progressed rapidly and sometimes exhibited explosive tumor progression. This descriptive, prospective study aimed to assess the characteristics of nonresponders with rapid progression (RP), defined as progression‐free survival (PFS) ≤2 or 2‐4 months under ICIs. Methods: This analysis included all consecutive ICI‐treated (second‐or‐more line) patients with RP ≤4 months from 1 September 2016 to 31 August 2017 and compared the clinical characteristics, treatments, and outcomes (overall survival [OS]; responses; PFS, according to treatment line) of NSCLCs that progressed after ≤2 vs 2‐4 months on ICIs. Results: Comparisons of the 224 (70.2%) patients with ≤2‐month and 95 (29.8%) with 2‐ to 4‐month RP revealed the former had less frequent nonsmokers and ECOG PS = 0, more frequent stage IV disease and higher neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio. Their respective ICI PFS rates were: 1.6 [95% CI: 0.1‐2] and 2.7 [2.0‐4.2] months, with 16.5% and 11.6% having partial responses to first‐ and second‐line therapies post‐ICI chemotherapy. Their respective median OS rates were 6.0 and 9.0 months (P ≤.009). Multivariate analysis retained only PFS of the first‐line therapy pre‐ICI and neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio at ICI onset as being significantly associated with ≤2‐month RP. Conclusion: In the real‐life setting, NSCLC RP on ICI remains a challenge. New descriptive and analytic studies are needed to identify factors predictive of RP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nanothermites are the most important family of energetic materials in contemporary pyrotechnics. This article traces the main research which was carried out in this still recent domain and the challenges that remain to be overcome. The academic effort of past two decades has brought nanothermites from the status of laboratory curiosities to the one of pre‐industrial materials. Different aspects of nanothermites are discussed in order to provide valuable information to scientists experimenting in this domain. Experimental details on the preparation and the disposal of nanothermites are reported. The current research on nanothermites deals with: (i) the development of new aluminothermic mixtures; (ii) the preparation of hybrid compositions by combining nanothermites with explosive nanopowders and (iii) the study of reactive properties. From an academic standpoint, the future challenges are to find new compositions and effects. From a practical standpoint, the effort must focus on the integration of nanothermites and their derivatives in pyrotechnic systems. Toxicological concerns are expected to become increasingly important over the next decade. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many empirical studies on immigrant integration document the benefits of an education acquired in the country of destination. In this article; we study how the degree of human capital transferability affects an immigrant's chances of studying in Spain. We used data from the Spanish Labour Force Survey (2008–2015) for a sample of adults aged 18–55 who had left the educational system. The main findings show that natives are the ethnic group with the highest likelihood of re‐enrolling in education. Amongst immigrants, those with fewer limitations on human capital transferability also invest more. These results question the predictions of the Immigrant Human Capital Investment model which expect that immigrants whose human capital depreciates upon arrival and those who can obtain a higher return on a new investment in education are therefore more likely to study. Moreover, the effect of skill transferability differs depending on the type of obstacle and the kind of education. Immigrants with less linguistic and cultural familiarity with the host country are less likely to undertake non‐formal education than formal education. However, when the transferability obstacles are related to administrative requirements and legal restrictions, the probability of investing in non‐formal education is higher. We conclude that immigrants with low skill transferability are not only less well integrated in the labour market upon arrival, but are also less able to redress that disadvantage through a new investment in education. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Keywords: micro-reactor; primary explosive; silver azide; spray flash synthesis; submicron-sized powder EN micro-reactor primary explosive silver azide spray flash synthesis submicron-sized powder 1 1 1 07/05/23 20230701 NES 230701 B The cover image is b based on the Research Article I Synthesis of submicron-sized silver azide by multi-nozzle spray flash synthesis i by Guillaume Galland et al., https://doi.org/10.1002/prep.202300018. Cover Picture: Synthesis of submicron-sized silver azide by multi-nozzle spray flash synthesis (Prop., Explos., Pyrotech. Micro-reactor, primary explosive, silver azide, spray flash synthesis, submicron-sized powder. [Extracted from the article]

The main features of nano-sized thermites are reviewed with the purpose to compare the performance of most reactive nanothermites showing high combustion front velocities of up to 2500 m s−1 with that of primary explosives. Because these regimes do propagate only at very low relative density of nano-thermites and as convective burning waves rather than detonations, the initiating capacity of these nanocompositions, compared to promises, is yet much lower than that of the primary explosives. Hybrid mixtures of nanothermite with high explosive offer practically interesting triggering potential and present a more promising way for substituting lead-based 'not green' primary explosives. A threshold size of nanothermite particles is evaluated above which the dynamics of flame propagation in nanothermites can be reasonably described based on the principles of continuum mechanics and classical thermodynamics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The mechanism of superior efficiency of lead azide (LA) in comparison with mercury fulminate (MF) is not understood. Indeed, both primary explosives have quite close detonation velocities and result in a large amount of condensed lead (Pb) and mercury (Hg), respectively. We explore an idea that the high efficiency of LA is due to the fact that the boiling point of lead markedly exceeds that of Hg. Then the products of LA in the detonation reaction zone could contain liquid Pb droplets, while MF products are gaseous. These lead droplets could violently impact the acceptor charge and favor its initiation. The plate dent studies of high explosives (HE) heavily loaded by metal particles provide an indirect support to the proposed mechanism. To check this hypothesis we numerically studied the donor/acceptor problem, where the donor is made of HE loaded with the inert metal particles. Pressure, velocity, and temperature relaxations of particles are taken into account. The model agrees with the experimental effect of metal addition on HE performance. However, the calculations show that the effect of particle penetration into the acceptor is late and weak in comparison with the effect of primary shock induced in the acceptor. Thus, the above hypothesis could not guide the development of green substitutes of LA. Hybrid mixtures of a nanothermite with a high explosive seem to be more promising for this purpose. A simple explanation is proposed for the superior triggering capacity of LA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Propellant grains (Vectan A1) were coated with a thin and stable layer (50 μm, 10 wt-%) of a 'green' sulfate-based nanothermite (Na2SO4/Al). This flash composition was used herein as an internal pyrotechnic lighter to accelerate the ignition and the combustion of the propellant. The combustion of the modified propellant, which was tested in one-end open tubes, propagates four orders of magnitude faster than the one of pristine Vectan A1. This tremendous effect was tuned by varying the proportion of coated Vectan A1 grains from 20 to 100 % in the samples. The percolation threshold is in between 20 and 40 %. Beyond this point, the effect can be improved by increasing the proportion of nanothermite-coated propellant grains in the charge. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In dieser Arbeit wurden Metallsulfate (Me=Ba, Bi, Ca, Cu, Mg, Mn, Na, Zn, Zr) als Oxidationsmittel in reaktiven Mischungen mit Al-Nanopulvern umgesetzt. Die resultierenden neuen Arten dieser Nanothermite zeigen im Vergleich zu konventionellen Al/Metalloxid-Mischungen (1.5-4.8 kJg-1) besonders hohe Reaktionswärmen, (4-6 kJ g-1), verbunden mit attraktiven Zersetzungsgeschwindigkeiten innerhalb einer gemeinsamen Größenordnung (200-840 ms-1 gegenüber 100-2500 ms-1 für die konventionellen Mischungen). Die dargestellten Gemische erwiesen sich als extrem unempfindlich gegen über Reibung, was eine einfache und sichere Handhabung der Materialien ermöglicht. Das Hydratwasser des Sulfats erhöht die Reaktionswärme und beeinflusst signifikant die Empfindlichkeit gegenüber elektrostatischer Entladung und Stößen (Schlagempfindlichkeit). Die Reaktion von Al mit Wasser ist dabei leichter zu initiieren als die mit Sulfat. Dies führt zu zwei möglichen Zersetzungsmodi für Proben, die einer offenen Flamme ausgesetzt sind. Pyrotechnische Eigenschaften der Sulfate konnten auch für andere Schwefel-Sauerstoff- Verbindungen (SO32-, S2O3 2-, S3O8 2-) gezeigt werden. Dies öffnet ein weites Feld an neuen, metastabilen Kompositmaterialien. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Metal sulfates (Ba, Bi, Ca, Cu, Mg, Mn, Na, Zn, Zr) were used as oxidizers in reactive compositions with Al nanopowder. These new kinds of nanothermites have outstandingly high reaction heats (4-6 kJ g−1) compared to conventional Al/metal oxides (1.5-4.8 kJ g−1) and also have good combustion velocities (200-840 m s−1 vs 100-2500 m s−1). These compositions are extremely insensitive to friction making their preparation and handling easy and safe. The sulfate hydration water increases the reaction heats and has a significant effect on the sensitivity to impact and to electrostatic discharge. The reaction of Al with water is easier to initiate than the one with sulfate which leads to two possible decomposition modes for samples exposed to an open flame. The pyrotechnical properties observed with sulfates have also been found for other sulfur oxygenates (SO32−, S2O32−, S2O82−) which opens up new horizons in the domain of metastable interstitial composites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nanostructured hexolites (40/60), (60/40), (80/20) and microstructured hexolite (60/40) powders are pressed by uniaxial compression to obtain explosive charges. This kind of composition is often used for the synthesis of detonation nanodiamonds. The morphology, density and cohesion of the resulting pellets are analyzed in the light of the different used compression parameters. This study allows optimizing the compression parameters to obtain well suited explosive charges from nanostructured explosive components. A good cohesion of the nanostructured explosive pellets could be obtained with increasing the temperature used for the compression. Another very important point is that the nanostructuring of the composites is maintained for every compression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To evaluate the performances (sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values) at diagnosis and study visit of the Assessment of SpondyloArthritis international Society (ASAS) criteria in axial spondyloarthritis in patients with chronic back pain (CBP). A secondary objective was to identify the most contributory item to diagnosis/classify spondyloarthritis. Methods We conducted a multicenter, cross-sectional study. Patients were ages <45 years with a history of CBP and seeing a rheumatologist in France. Data included items from the different sets of criteria, checking if present at diagnosis ('diagnosis')/after diagnosis, but at study visit ('classification'), and the rheumatologist's diagnosis at study visit. Statistical analysis included descriptive characteristics and performances for diagnosis and classification. The diagnosis of the rheumatologist was considered the 'gold standard.' Results A total of 1,210 patients were eligible for our analysis. Sensitivity and specificity for ASAS axial criteria were 0.76 and 0.94, respectively, and 0.87 and 0.92 for diagnostic and classification purposes, respectively. The positive likelihood ratio of the ASAS axial criteria was 13.6 and 10.30 for diagnostic and classification purposes, respectively. The most contributory items to diagnosis and classification were radiographic sacroiliitis, followed by magnetic resonance imaging sacroiliitis for diagnosis and history of uveitis for classification. Conclusion We confirm the validity of the ASAS criteria for both diagnostic and classification purposes in a clinical setting of patients with CBP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Systemic sclerosis ( SSc) is a complex autoimmune disease which genetic component has not been yet completely understood. IL6 encodes a cytokine with a crucial role in the development of autoimmunity and fibrosis and its actions mainly are controlled by IL-6 receptor ( IL-6R). We aimed to investigate whether the functional genetic variants rs8192284 and rs2228044 previously associated with several autoimmune diseases, located within the IL-6 receptor ( IL-6R) subunits IL6R and IL6ST genes, respectively, are involved in the susceptibility to SSc and/or its major clinical subphenotypes. A Spanish cohort including 1013 SSc patients and 1375 controls was genotyped using the TaqMan® allelic discrimination technology. SSc patients were subdivided according to the major clinical forms, autoantibody status and presence of fibrotic lung affection. Our data showed no influence of the selected variants in global SSc susceptibility (rs8192284: P = 0.67, odds ratios ( OR) = 0.98; rs2228044: P = 0.99, OR = 1.00). Similarly, the clinical/autoantibody subphenotype analyses did not yielded significant results. Our data suggest that the analyzed polymorphisms may not play a significant role in the SSc susceptibility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Our first aim was to elucidate the mechanisms underlying the hypotensive response elicited by 5-HT2 receptor activation in the nucleus tractus solitarius (NTS). In pentobarbitone-anaesthetized rats, intra-NTS administration of 2,5-dimethoxy-4-iodoamphetamine (DOI), a wide spectrum 5-HT2 receptor agonist, but not an antagonist of selective 5-HT2B and 5-HT2C receptors, produced a decrease in blood pressure and heart rate. The maximal cardiovascular changes obtained by DOI (0.5 pmol) could be almost completely abolished by prior intra-NTS microinjection (10 pmol) of MDL-100907, a selective 5-HT2A receptor antagonist, but not by 5-HT2B or 5-HT2C receptor antagonists. In addition, using extracellular recordings we found that the large majority of identified cardiovascular rostroventrolateral medulla (RVLM) neurons were almost totally inhibited by NTS 5-HT2A receptor stimulation. We then investigated whether intra-NTS administration of a subthreshold dose (0.05 pmol) of DOI, known to facilitate the cardiovagal component of the baroreflex, could also modulate the sympathoinhibitory component of this reflex. These experiments showed that neither the decrease in the activity of the cardiovascular RVLM neurons and lumbar sympathetic nerve activities produced by aortic occlusion (gain of the baroreflex), nor the hypotensive response elicited by aortic nerve stimulation, were potentiated by the microinjection of DOI under such conditions. These data show that activation of 5-HT2A, but not 5-HT2B or 5-HT2C, receptors, located on NTS neurons, elicits depressor and bradycardic responses, and that this 5-HT2A-mediated hypotension is produced via the inhibition of RVLM cardiovascular neurons. In addition, NTS 5-HT2A receptor activation facilitates the cardiac but not the sympathetic baroreflex response. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The members of the RecQ family of DNA helicases play conserved roles in the preservation of genome integrity. RecQ helicases are implicated in Bloom and Werner syndromes, which are associated with genomic instability and predisposition to cancers. The human BLM and WRN helicases are required for normal S phase progression. In contrast, Saccharomyces cerevisiae cells deleted for SGS1 grow with wild-type kinetics. To investigate the role of Sgs1p in DNA replication, we have monitored S phase progression in sgs1Δ cells. Unexpectedly, we find that these cells progress faster through S phase than their wild-type counterparts. Using bromodeoxyuridine incorporation and DNA combing, we show that replication forks are moving more rapidly in the absence of the Sgs1 helicase. However, completion of DNA replication is strongly retarded at the rDNA array of sgs1Δ cells, presumably because of their inability to prevent recombination at stalled forks, which are very abundant at this locus. These data suggest that Sgs1p is not required for processive DNA synthesis but prevents genomic instability by coordinating replication and recombination events during S phase. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AIM: The aim of this work was to identify priorities for nursing research in Spain. The Co-ordination and Development of Nursing Research Centre (Investen-isciii group) carried out the study using the Delphi technique during the period April 1998 to January 1999. METHODS: Study subjects were professionals involved in different nursing activities. From 1250 eligible professionals initially contacted, 452 (38%) responded in round 1 and 258 (57%) in round 2. But only 189 filled out correctly the questionnaires from both rounds of data collection (overall response rate was 21.6%). RESULTS: The participants identified priorities related to continuity and co-ordination of nursing care, quality of nursing care, impact of invasive techniques and treatments on the quality of life of patients, needs of the primary care givers, quality of life among elders, satisfaction of customers and needs of terminal patients and their families. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. The best regimen for the treatment of Helicobacter pylori infection has yet to be defined. Four-day quadruple therapy with tetracycline, metronidazole, bismuth, and a proton pump inhibitor has been shown to obtain a very high cure rate. However, the fact that it must be taken four times daily may interfere with compliance. The objective of the study was to test the efficacy and tolerability of a new 4-day therapy with 4 drugs taken every 12 hours to cure H. pylori infection. Patients and Methods. Fifty-six consecutive patients with peptic ulcer disease and H. pylori infection were treated with an oral 4-day course with omeprazole (20 mg/12 hours), clarithromycin (500 mg/12 hours), amoxicillin (1 g/12 hours) and tinidazole (500 mg/12 hours). Efficacy of the treatment was determined at least 2 months after therapy either by biopsy (in the case of gastric ulcer) or by 13C-urea breath test. A second breath test was performed at least 6 months after therapy. Results. Two patients were lost to follow-up. Forty-nine of the remaining 54 patients were cured at the first control [intention-to-treat cure rate: 87.5% (CI 95% 75–94%); per protocol cure rate: 90.7% (CI 95% 81–98%)]. Forty-three of these 49 cured patients returned for a second 13C urea breath-test at 6–12 months. Two of them were not cured, giving a long-term cure rate of 85.5% per protocol and 73.2% by intention-to-treat. Compliance was good, although 25 patients had mild side effects. Conclusion. This particular four-day therapy is well tolerated, easy to follow, and achieves an acceptably high cure rate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To construct and validate a short-form benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH) health-related quality-of-life (HRQL) questionnaire which is more practical in use and as informative as the 20-item visual analogue scale questionnaire (QOL20) previously validated in French. Patients and methods From the factorial structure of the QOL20, a nine-item questionnaire (QOL9) was constructed using stepwise linear regression and factorial analysis. The feasibility and reliability of the QOL9 were analysed in a cross-sectional case-control study and a longitudinal cohort study, including symptomatic patients with BPH treated for 6 months with an α1-blocker (alfuzosin). Results The reduction of the QOL20 to QOL9 showed a minimal loss of information (90-95% of the variance of QOL20 was explained by QOL9) and lead to a three-dimensional structure: well being, patients' perceived sexual-life status, and BPH interference with activities. The QOL9 was practical in use (completion rate 87-100%; duration of completion at inclusion 11.6, sd 2.0 min), consistent (Cronbach's alpha>0.7), reliable (intraclass correlation coefficient >0.80) and responsive (effect-size index 0.9, sd 0.01 in the longitudinal study). Conclusions The QOL9 is a good BPH HRQL questionnaire, including an assessment of patients' perceived sexual-life status; it easy to administer, accurate, reproducible and responsive to change with treatment. We suggest that the QOL9 be substituted for the QOL20 and administered in addition to the International Prostate Symptom Score to obtain a better assessment of the patients' perception of their disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Much research exists on the impact of divorce on the nuclear family. Less is known about the response of the extended family to a divorce. In this study, the authors examined divorcing children's perceptions of their parents' behavior; divorcing children experienced their parents' reactions as supportive, non-supportive, or ‘mixed.’ Types of helpful behaviors were categorized and patterns of unhelpful parental behavior were elaborated. Implications of the study for therapy and for an understanding of parent-adult child relationships are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nickel ingestion can cause exacerbation of dermatitis in patients who are already nickel-sensitive; Chromium (Cr VI) is the 2nd allergen, after nickel. However, stainless steel is widely used in home cookware. In this study, we determined nickel and chromium levels by atomic absorption spectrometry in 11 habitual menus cooked in different grades of stainless steel utensils. We noted a great difference in nickel and chromium intake depending on the menu, and a significant difference between the glass and stainless steel saucepans, but this was very low compared with the levels of nickel and chromium contained in the menus; mean intakes of these elements were under the tolerable daily intake (TDI) recommended by the World Health Organization. Hence, there is no advantage for nickel-sensitive patients in switching to materials other than stainless steel, provided that this is of good quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article evaluate the safety and the efficacy of intravitreal (IVI) injections of ranibizumab. It mentions the lack of efficacy, side-effects or to reduce the number of injections and consultations, a therapeutic class switch was proposed; and also mentions a randomized clinical trial of intravitreal bevacizumab versus intravitreal dexamethasone for diabetic macular edema.

The inside cover picture shows the current trend in the domain of energetic materials, which consists in using nano‐bricks of explosives, propellants, fuels and oxidizers for designing nanothermites and hybrid energetic composites (NSTEX: Nanostructured Thermites and Explosives). These materials are smart in nature, owing to their high versatility, safety of use and green composition. They are an excellent alternative to classical energetic materials. The current challenge for the research in this domain is the integration of these new materials in systems. Details are discussed in the article by Marc Comet et al. on page 18 ff. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An abstract of the study "Exchange of Beta Blocking Therapy in Heart Failure Patients. Experiences From the Post Study Phase of COMET (The Carvedilol or Metoprolol European Trial)," by A. DiLenarda and colleagues is presented.

An abstract of the study "Effect of Long-Term Treatment With Carvedilol Compared to Metoprolol on Heart Failure Morbidity and Diabetes in COMET," by C. Torp-Pedersen and colleagues is presented.