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The long‐term effects of COVID‐19 on lung function are not understood, especially for periods extending beyond 1 year after infection. This observational, longitudinal study investigated lung function in Mexican Hispanics who experienced severe COVID‐19, focusing on how the length of recovery affects lung function improvements. At a specialized COVID‐19 follow‐up clinic in Yucatan, Mexico, lung function and symptoms were assessed in patients who had recovered from severe COVID‐19. We used z‐scores, and Wilcoxon's signed rank test to analyse changes in lung function over time. Lung function was measured twice in 82 patients: the first and second measurements were taken a median of 94 and 362 days after COVID‐19 diagnosis, respectively. Initially, 61% of patients exhibited at least one of several pulmonary function abnormalities (lower limit of normal = –1.645), which decreased to 22% of patients by 390 days post‐recovery. Considering day‐to‐day variability in lung function, 68% of patients showed improvement by the final visit, while 30% had unchanged lung function from the initial assessment. Computed tomography (CT) scans revealed ground‐glass opacities in 33% of patients. One year after infection, diffusing capacity of the lungs for carbon monoxide z‐scores accounted for 30% of the variation in CT fibrosis scores. There was no significant correlation between the length of recovery and improvement in lung function based on z‐scores. In conclusion, 22% of patients who recovered from severe COVID‐19 continued to show at least one lung function abnormality 1 year after recovery, indicating a prolonged impact of COVID‐19 on lung health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Outcomes in alcohol‐associated liver disease (ALD) are influenced by several race and ethnic factors, yet its natural history across the continuum of patients in different stages of the disease is unknown. Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study of U.S. adults from 2011 to 2018, using three nationally representative databases to examine potential disparities in relevant outcomes among racial and ethnic groups. Our analysis included logistic and linear regressions, along with competing risk analysis. Results: Black individuals had the highest daily alcohol consumption (12.6 g/day) while Hispanic participants had the largest prevalence of heavy episodic drinking (33.5%). In a multivariable‐adjusted model, Hispanic and Asian participants were independently associated with a higher ALD prevalence compared to Non‐Hispanic White interviewees (OR: 1.4, 95% CI: 1.1–1.8 and OR: 1.5 95% CI:1.1–2.0, respectively), while Blacks participants had a lower ALD prevalence (OR:.7 95% CI:.6–.9), and a lower risk of mortality during hospitalization due to ALD (OR:.83 95% CI:.73–.94). Finally, a multivariate competing‐risk analysis showed that Hispanic ethnicity had a decreased probability of liver transplantation if waitlisted for ALD (SHR:.7, 95% CI:.6–.8) along with female Asian population (HR:.40, 95% CI:.26–.62). Conclusions: After accounting for key social and biological health determinants, the Hispanic population showed an increased risk of ALD prevalence, even with lower alcohol consumption. Additionally, Hispanic and Asian female patients had reduced access to liver transplantation compared to other enlisted patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Background: Oesophageal disorders and chronic liver disease are common worldwide and significantly impact quality of life. The intricate link between these conditions, including how oesophageal disorders like GERD, Barrett's oesophagus and oesophageal cancer affect and are affected by chronic liver disease, remains poorly understood. Aims: To review the relationship between oesophageal disorders and chronic liver disease, evaluating epidemiology, pathophysiology and therapeutic factors. Methods: We reviewed the literature on the relationship between oesophageal disorders and chronic liver disease, including cirrhosis, using the PubMed database Results: Oesophageal disorders such as gastroesophageal reflux disease, Barrett's oesophagus, oesophageal cancer, oesophageal motor disorders and oesophageal candidiasis are prevalent among individuals with cirrhosis, exacerbating the burden of liver disease. These diseases have a multifaceted symptomatology and pathogenic basis, posing a significant challenge in cirrhotic patients that necessitates careful diagnosis and management. Additionally, therapies frequently used for these diseases, such as proton pump inhibitors, require careful consideration in cirrhotic patients due to potential adverse effects and altered pharmacokinetics. Managing oesophageal disorders in cirrhotic patients requires a cautious approach due to possible interactions with medications and the risk of adverse effects. Furthermore, symptoms associated with these conditions are often exacerbated by common interventions in patients with cirrhosis, such as band ligation for oesophageal varices. Conclusions: Oesophageal disorders are common in cirrhosis and increase the disease burden. These conditions require careful management due to complex symptoms and treatment risks. Proton pump inhibitors and other therapies must be used cautiously, as cirrhosis interventions can worsen symptoms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Background and Aims: The objective of the study was to analyse the prevalence, incidence, and death of alcohol‐associated liver disease (ALD) among adolescents and young adults globally, continentally, and nationally, focusing on trends over time. Methods: The study analysed data from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) study between 2000 and 2019. It examined ALD's prevalence, incidence, and death in adolescents and young adults aged 15–29, segmented by region, nation, and sociodemographic index. The analysis utilised Joinpoint regression modelling to calculate the annual per cent change (APC) in the rate of these parameters over time. Results: In 2019, there were 281,450 ALD prevalences, 18,930 incidences, and 3190 deaths among adolescents and young adults globally. From 2000 to 2019, the age‐adjusted prevalence rate per 100,000 increased in the 25–29 age group (APC: +0.6%, p = 0.003), remained stable among ages 20–24 (p = 0.302) and ages 15–19 (p = 0.160). Prevalence increased significantly from age 15–19 to 20–24 (19‐fold increase) and from age 20–24 to 25–29 (2.5‐fold increase). ALD prevalence rates increased in all age groups in adolescents and young adults in Africa and the Eastern Mediterranean region. Around three‐quarters of countries and territories experienced an increase in ALD incidence rates in young adults. Conclusion: Over two decades, the burden of ALD among adolescents and young adults has increased globally. The study emphasises the importance of public health policies aimed at reducing alcohol consumption and preventing ALD among younger populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Backgrounds and Aims: Alcohol use leads to disabilities and deaths worldwide. It not only harms the liver but also causes alcohol use disorder (AUD) and heart disease. Additionally, alcohol consumption contributes to health disparities among different socio‐economic groups. Methods: We estimated global and regional trends in the burden of AUD, liver disease, and cardiovascular disease from alcohol using the methodology of the Global Burden of Disease study. Results: In 2019, the highest disability‐adjusted life years rate per 100,000 population was due to AUD (207.31 [95% Uncertainty interval (UI) 163.71–261.66]), followed by alcohol‐associated liver disease (ALD) (133.31 [95% UI 112.68–156.17]). The prevalence rate decreased for AUD (APC [annual percentage change] −0.38%) and alcohol‐induced cardiomyopathy (APC −1.85%) but increased for ALD (APC 0.44%) and liver cancer (APC 0.53%). Although the mortality rate for liver cancer from alcohol increased (APC 0.30%), mortality rates from other diseases decreased. Between 2010 and 2019, the burden of alcohol‐associated complications increased in countries with low and low‐middle sociodemographic index (SDI), contributing more significantly to the global burden. Conclusion: The global burden of AUD, liver, and cardiovascular disease has been high and increasing over the past decade, particularly for liver complications. Lower SDI countries are contributing more to this global burden. There is a pressing need for effective strategies to address this escalating burden. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Circulating tumour DNA (ctDNA) allows genotyping and minimal residual disease (MRD) detection in lymphomas. Using a next‐generation sequencing (NGS) approach (EuroClonality‐NDC), we evaluated the clinical and prognostic value of ctDNA in a series of R‐CHOP‐treated diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (DLBCL) patients at baseline (n = 68) and after two cycles (n = 59), monitored by metabolic imaging (positron emission tomography combined with computed tomography [PET/CT]). A molecular marker was identified in 61/68 (90%) ctDNA samples at diagnosis. Pretreatment high ctDNA levels significantly correlated with elevated lactate dehydrogenase, advanced stage, high‐risk International Prognostic Index and a trend to shorter 2‐year progression‐free survival (PFS). Valuable NGS data after two cycles of treatment were obtained in 44 cases, and 38 achieved major molecular response (MMR; 2.5‐log drop in ctDNA). PFS curves displayed statistically significant differences among those achieving MMR versus those not achieving MMR (2‐year PFS of 76% vs. 0%, p < 0.001). Similarly, more than 66% reduction in ΔSUVmax by PET/CT identified two subgroups with different prognosis (2‐year PFS of 83% vs. 38%; p < 0.001). Combining both approaches MMR and ΔSUVmax reduction, a better stratification was observed (2‐year PFS of 84% vs. 17% vs. 0%, p < 0.001). EuroClonality‐NDC panel allows the detection of a molecular marker in the ctDNA in 90% of DLBCL. ctDNA reduction at two cycles and its combination with interim PET results improve patient prognosis stratification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Activated carbon (AC) materials from renewable sources are widely used in electrochemical applications due to their well‐known high surface area. However, their application as electrode material in double‐layer electrochemical devices may be limited due to their relatively low electrical conductivity and lightweight. To overcome these limitations, the incorporation of pseudocapacitance metal oxide nanoparticles is an optimum approach. These nanoparticles can provide a second energy storage mechanism to the composite, mitigating the loss of surface area associated with their incorporation. As a result, the composite material is endowed with increased conductivity and higher density, making it more suitable for practical implementation in real devices. In this study, we have incorporated a fine dispersion of 1 % of MnO clusters into a highly porous activated carbon synthesized from walnut shells (WAC). The high‐resolution electron microscopy studies, combined with their related analytical techniques, allow us to determine the presence of the cluster within the matrix carbon precisely. The resulting MnO@WAC composite demonstrated significantly improved capacitive behavior compared with the WAC material, with increased volumetric capacitance and higher charge retention at higher current densities. The composite's electrochemical performance suggests its potential as a promising electrode material for supercapacitors, addressing drawbacks associated with traditional AC materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Background: Alcohol‐associated hepatitis (AH) is a severe inflammatory form of alcohol‐associated liver disease (ALD) that carries a high mortality rate. Early liver transplantation for severe AH is increasingly available. However, specific criteria for referral and selection remain a subject of debate. Aims: To provide a narrative review of the natural history, diagnostic criteria and indications for referral for early liver transplantation for severe AH. Methods: We searched PubMed for articles published through August 2023. Key search terms were 'alcoholic hepatitis,' 'alcohol‐associated hepatitis,' 'abstinence,' 'alcohol relapse,' and 'liver transplantation.' Results: Previously, a six‐month period of alcohol abstinence was required before patients with ALD were considered for liver transplantation. However, studies in recent years have demonstrated that, among carefully selected patients, patients who received early transplants have much higher survival rates than patients with similarly severe disease who did not undergo transplants (77% vs. 23%). Despite these successes, early liver transplantation remains controversial, as these patients have typically not undergone treatment for alcohol use disorder, with the ensuing risk of returning to alcohol use. Conclusions: While early liver transplantation for AH has survival benefits, many patients would not have received treatment for alcohol use disorder. An integrated approach to evaluating candidacy for early liver transplantation is needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding the genetic basis for adapting to thermal environments is important due to serious effects of global warming on ectothermic species. Various genes associated with thermal adaptation in lizards have been identified mainly focusing on changes in gene expression or the detection of positively selected genes using coding regions. Only a few comprehensive genome‐wide analyses have included noncoding regions. This study aimed to identify evolutionarily conserved and accelerated genomic regions using whole genomes of eight Anolis lizard species that have repeatedly adapted to similar thermal environments in multiple lineages. Evolutionarily conserved genomic regions were extracted as regions with overall sequence conservation (regions with fewer base substitutions) across all lineages compared with the neutral model. Genomic regions that underwent accelerated evolution in the lineage of interest were identified as those with more base substitutions in the target branch than in the entire background branch. Conserved elements across all branches were relatively abundant in "intergenic" genomic regions among noncoding regions. Accelerated regions (ARs) of each lineage contained a significantly greater proportion of noncoding RNA genes than the entire multiple alignment. Common genes containing ARs within 5 kb of their vicinity in lineages with similar thermal habitats were identified. Many genes associated with circadian rhythms and behavior were found in hot‐open and cool‐shaded habitat lineages. These genes might play a role in contributing to thermal adaptation and assist future studies examining the function of genes involved in thermal adaptation via genome editing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This manuscript contains an investigation about the influence of the chromium content on the properties of novel graphite–chromium composites obtained by spark plasma sintering (SPS), with great potential application in heat dissipation. Green compacts of 40 mm in diameter were first obtained by uniaxial pressing at 60 MPa, and then the composite was sintered at 1800°C in SPS under vacuum conditions and a pressure of 30 MPa. These sintering conditions involved local liquid phase, which promoted the densification of the composite up to values close to 90%. Different chromium contents were studied, 0, 1, 2, 5, 7, and 10 vol.%, where the best properties (densification, young modulus, electrical conductivity, thermal conductivity, and flexural strength) were obtained in the case of the composite with 7 vol.% Cr: 86.22%, 52.7 GPa, 0.79 MS/m, 264 W/m K, and 38.97 MPa, respectively, measured in the in‐plane direction due to the anisotropic behavior of the composite. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

LINKED CONTENT: This article is linked to Idalsoaga et al papers. To view these articles, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.18193 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.18220 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soft ticks are neglected competent vectors of a wide range of pathogenic microorganisms, among which bacteria of the genera Rickettsia and Borrelia stand out. In Mexico, previous studies have shown the presence of a member of the Ornithodoros talaje complex in the Virginia opossum (Didelphis virginiana Didelphimorphia: Didelphidae Kerr) from southeastern Mexico. However, its specific identification has not been achieved. Two D. virginiana were treated in a private clinic during the period of April–May 2022. Tick larvae were manually removed, DNA extraction was performed, and some genes from various bacterial and parasitic pathogens were amplified and sequenced. A total of 96 larvae were recovered, which were morphologically identified as Ornithodoros puertoricensis (Ixodida: Argasidae Fox); the 16 S sequences showed a similarity of 96.79%–99.51% with sequences of O. puertoricensis from Panama and Colombia. The presence of Rickettsia felis (Rickettsiales: Rickettsiaceae Bouyer et al.) was detected in 15 specimens from one host. The soft tick O. puertoricensis is recorded for the first time as an ectoparasite of the Virginia opossum in America and represents the second report for this soft tick in Mexico since 1963. This represents the most northern record of this tick species in its geographic distribution and brings a new soft tick‐Rickettsia association. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Persistent olfactory dysfunction (OD) after 6 months caused by SARS-CoV-2 infection has been reported with a variable prevalence worldwide. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of long-term OD and identify predisposing factors. Methods: A prospective cohort study was conducted on 100 adults with COVID-19. Olfactory function was assessed with the University of Pennsylvania Smell Identification Test and a symptom survey at the onset of disease and 30 days later. Patients with persistent quantitative OD at the second assessment were reevaluated after 1 year. Demographic variables, symptoms, and the degree of smell loss were analyzed. Results: Participants included 100 patients. The mean age was 42.2 ± 15.6 years, 55 (55%) were female, and 56 (56%) were outpatients. Baseline smell loss was identified in 75/100 (75%) patients, decreasing to 39/95 (40%) after 1 month, and persisting in 29 patients after 1 year. Phantosmia at baseline was the only risk factor identified for persistent OD after 1 year (relative risk 2.51; 95% confidence interval 1.53–4.12; p < 0.001). Regardless of the outcome in smell function, a significant decline in olfaction was associated with the presence of phantosmia at 1 month (β = 12.39; 95% CI 19.82 to 4.95; p < 0.01). Conclusions: SARS-CoV-2 (2019–2020 variants) produced a highly frequent OD that persisted in 29% of the patients after 1 year. The presence of phantosmia at baseline and 1 month was associated with a worse evolution, but phantosmia may interfere with the performance in an identification smell test. A longer follow-up is required in these patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Light‐emitting diodes (LEDs) are emerging as a clean technology for improving the postharvest preservation of fruits. Mangoes were irradiated with blue LEDs (75 µmol s‐1 m−2) and then stored for 15 days. The fruit quality, including the content of antioxidant compounds and activities of antioxidant enzymes, was evaluated during storage. The treatment with blue LEDs delayed the changes associated with the senescence processes, including the changes in softening, weight loss, total soluble solids content, and titratable acidity. Treatment also caused increases in the antioxidant capacity (1.33‐fold), ascorbic acid (1.69‐fold), total phenolic (1.33‐fold), flavonoids (1.50‐fold), and carotenoids content (1.18‐fold) compared to control. At the end of storage, blue LEDs treatment maintained higher phenylalanine ammonia‐lyase (1.28‐fold), peroxidase (1.58‐fold), catalase (2.21‐fold), and ascorbate peroxidase (1.51‐fold) activities. Our findings indicate that blue LEDs might be a potential elicitor that modulates oxidative homeostasis and improves the antioxidant and nutritional status of mango by enhancing the activity of antioxidant enzymes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: The Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) genomic landscape is hardly known due to the scarcity of tumour cells in the tissue. Liquid biopsy employing circulating tumour DNA (ctDNA) can emerge as an alternative tool for non‐invasive genotyping. By using a custom next generation sequencing (NGS) panel in combination with unique molecule identifiers, we aimed to identify somatic variants in the ctDNA of 60 HL at diagnosis. A total of 277 variants were detected in 36 of the 49 samples (73·5%) with a good quality ctDNA sample. The median number of variants detected per patient was five (range 1–23) with a median variant allele frequency of 4·2% (0·84–28%). Genotyping revealed somatic variants in the following genes: SOCS1 (28%), IGLL5 (26%), TNFAIP3 (23%), GNA13 (23%), STAT6 (21%) and B2M (19%). Moreover, several poor prognosis features (high LDH, low serum albumin, B‐symptoms, IPI ≥ 3 or at an advanced stage) were related to significantly higher amounts of ctDNA. Variant detection in ctDNA by NGS is a feasible approach to depict the genetic features of HL patients at diagnosis. Our data favour the implementation of liquid biopsy genotyping for the routine evaluation of HL patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vaccination against COVID-19 decreases hospitalizations in patients with cirrhosis: Results from a nationwide analysis Keywords: 2019-nCoV-2; coronavirus; COVID-19; immunization; or novel coronavirus; SARS-CoV-2; vaccine EN 2019-nCoV-2 coronavirus COVID-19 immunization or novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 vaccine 942 944 3 03/17/22 20220401 NES 220401 INTRODUCTION Chile currently has the fifth-highest vaccination rate against COVID-19 in the world (up to 28 November 2021). Association of BNT162b2 mRNA and mRNA-1273 vaccines with COVID-19 infection and hospitalization among patients with cirrhosis. [Extracted from the article]

Species of Anolis lizards of the West Indies that naturally inhabit hot and open areas also tend to thrive in urban areas. In this study, transcriptome was sequenced for nine species of Cuban Anolis lizards that are closely related to each other, but inhabit different thermal microhabitats. Using PAML and HyPhy software, we attempted to identify genes and amino acid sites under positive selection in the common ancestral branch of A. porcatus and A. allisoni, and the branch of A. sagrei, which inhabit hot and open areas, and thrive in urban areas. Although there were no genes where positive selection was commonly detected on both of the tested branches, positive selection was detected in genes involved in the stress response (e.g., DNA damage and oxidative stress) and cardiac function, which could be related to adaptive evolution of tolerance to heat or ultraviolet radiation, on both branches. These findings suggest that adaptive evolution of the response to stress caused by heat or ultraviolet radiation might have occurred in ancestors of Anolis species inhabiting hot and open areas and might be related to the current thriving in urban areas of them. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The prediction of regulatory single nucleotide polymorphisms (rSNPs) in proximal promoters of disease‐related genes could be a useful tool for personalized medicine in both patient stratification and customized therapy. Using our previously reported method of rSNPs prediction (currently a software called SNPClinic v.1.0) as well as with PredictSNP tool, we performed in silico prediction of regulatory SNPs in the antimicrobial peptide human β‐defensin 1 gene in three human cell lines from 1,000 Genomes Project (1kGP), namely A549 (epithelial cell line), HL‐60 (neutrophils) and TH1 (lymphocytes). These predictions were run in a proximal pseudo‐promoter comprising all common alleles on each polymorphic site according to the 1,000 Genomes Project data (1kGP: ALL). Plasmid vectors containing either the major or the minor allele of a putative rSNP rs5743417 (categorized as regulatory by SNPClinic and confirmed by PredictSNP) and a non‐rSNP negative control were transfected to lung A549 human epithelial cell line. We assessed functionality of rSNPs by qPCR using the Pfaffl method. In A549 cells, minor allele of the SNP rs5743417 G→A showed a significant reduction in gene expression, diminishing DEFB1 transcription by 33% when compared with the G major allele (p‐value =.03). SNP rs5743417 minor allele has high frequency in Gambians (8%, 1kGP population: GWD) and Afro‐Americans (3.3%, 1kGP population: ASW). This SNP alters three transcription factors binding sites (TFBSs) comprising SREBP2 (sterols and haematopoietic pathways), CREB1 (cAMP, insulin and TNF pathways) and JUND (apoptosis, senescence and stress pathways) in the proximal promoter of DEFB1. Further in silico analysis reveals that this SNP also overlaps with GS1‐24F4.2, a lincRNA gene complementary to the X Kell blood group related 5 (XKR5) mRNA. The potential clinical impact of the altered constitutive expression of DEFB1 caused by rSNP rs5743417 in DEFB1‐associated diseases as tuberculosis, COPD, asthma, cystic fibrosis and cancer in African and Afro‐American populations deserves further research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Baveno VI and expanded Baveno VI criteria have been recommended to circumvent the need for endoscopy screening in patients with a very low probability of varices needing treatment (VNT). Aim: To validate these criteria in a Latin American population. Methods: The ability of Baveno VI criteria (liver stiffness measurement (LSM) <20 kPa and platelet count >150 × 103/μL) and expanded Baveno VI criteria (LSM < 25kPa and platelet count >110 × 103/μL) to exclude the presence of VNT was tested in a prospectively recruited cohort of patients with Child‐Pugh A liver cirrhosis and with no previous variceal haemorrhage who attended the liver clinics of three major hospitals in Chile. Results: Three hundred patients were included. The median (IQR) age was 61 [18‐86] years, median MELD was 8.0 (6‐17), median LSM was 17.2 (10.2‐77) kPa and median platelet count was 137 (23‐464) × 103/μL. The main aetiology was non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (67.3%). VNT were present in 18% of patients. The Baveno VI criteria had a sensitivity of 98.1% and a specificity of 38.2%, potentially sparing 31.3% of upper endoscopies with a very low risk of missing VNT (1.1%). The expanded Baveno VI criteria had a sensitivity of 90.7% and a specificity of 61%, potentially sparing 51.3% of upper endoscopies with a risk of missing VNT of 3.6%. Both criteria were independently associated with the absence of VNT. Conclusion: We validated the Baveno VI and expanded Baveno VI criteria in Chilean population, potentially sparing 31.3% and 51.3% of endoscopies, respectively, with a very low risk of missing VNT. Fondecyt 1191183. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, an electrically conductive powder mixture of alumina, silicon carbide whiskers, and titanium carbide has been used to obtain cutting tools with a standard SNGN geometry after machining spark plasma sintered disks with 150 mm in diameter and 10 mm height. The obtained cutting inserts from the sintered blanks were used in real conditions in order to make a wear study of this composition compared to the alumina-silicon carbide whiskers inserts available in the market. In parallel, pin on disk wear studies were performed. Results are discussed in terms of the different properties and microstructural features of the different ceramic composites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Standard treatments for advanced high-grade serous ovarian carcinomas (HGSOCs) show significant side-effects and provide only short-term survival benefits due to disease recurrence. Thus, identification of novel prognostic and predictive biomarkers is urgently needed. We have used 42 paraffin-embedded HGSOCs, to evaluate the utility of DNA copy number alterations, as potential predictors of clinical outcome. Copy number-based unsupervised clustering stratified HGSOCs into two clusters of different immunohistopathological features and survival outcome (HR = 0.15, 95%CI = 0.03–0.81; P adj = 0.03). We found that loss at 6q24.2–26 was significantly associated with the cluster of longer survival independently from other confounding factors (HR = 0.06, 95%CI = 0.01–0.43, P adj = 0.005). The prognostic value of this deletion was validated in two independent series, one consisting of 36 HGSOCs analyzed by fluorescent in situ hybridization ( P = 0.04) and another comprised of 411 HGSOCs from the Cancer Genome Atlas study (TCGA) (HR = 0.67, 95%CI = 0.48–0.93, P adj = 0.019). In addition, we confirmed the association of low expression of the genes from the region with longer survival in 799 HGSOCs (HR = 0.74, 95%CI = 0.61–0.90, log-rank P = 0.002) and 675 high-FIGO stage HGSOCs (HR = 0.76, 95%CI = 0.61–0.96, log-rank P = 0.02) available from the online tool KM-plotter. Finally, by integrating copy number, RNAseq and survival data of 296 HGSOCs from TCGA we propose a few candidate genes that can potentially explain the association. Altogether our findings indicate that the 6q24.2–26 deletion is an independent marker of favorable outcome in HGSOCs with potential clinical value as it can be analyzed by FISH on tumor sections and guide the selection of patients towards more conservative therapeutic strategies in order to reduce side-effects and improve quality of life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Swirling flow, organized in vortices, contributes to adequate left ventricular function. In this study, we apply a novel echocardiographic flow-mapping technique, vector flow mapping ( VFM), to evaluate the main characteristics of left ventricular vortices and its relation to filling parameters. Methods Forty-eight subjects underwent conventional transthoracic echocardiographic examination with additional intracardiac flow assessment with VFM using a Aloka Alpha-10 system and experimental VFM analysis software. To analyze vortex behavior, its rotation direction, duration, location inside the left ventricle, size, and intensity were assessed in apical long-axis view. Its relation to conventional left ventricular filling parameters was then analyzed. Results Two vortex components were consistently identified following each transmitral filling wave. The anterior component of these visualized vortices was analyzed, due to its higher significance in the cardiac cycle, following early filling (V1) and atrial contraction (V2). Differences were observed in several aspects of vortex behavior between V1 and V2, particularly in patients with normal left ventricular filling parameters. These differences may be related to varying roles of vortices in different periods of the cardiac cycle. Conclusions Vector flow mapping allowed visualization and measurement of several parameters defining vortex behavior inside the cardiac cycle. The differences observed in these parameters between vortices in different phases of the cardiac cycle may be related to their role in optimizing cardiac function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper reviews the most relevant achievements and new developments in the field of nanomaterials and their possible impact on the fabrication of a new generation of reliable and longer lasting implants for joint replacement. Special emphasis is given to the role of nanocomposites with different microstructural designs: micro-nano composites, nano-nano composites, macro-micro-nano composites as well as bioinspired hierarchical composite materials. These nanostructured materials have opened up an exciting avenue in the design of non-metallic biocompatible, crack growth resistant, tough, and mechanically resistant implants with a lifespan close to the life expectancy of the patients Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. For further resources related to this article, please visit the . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aim: Little is known about the etiological associations and clinical features of extrahepatic primary malignant (EHPM) neoplasms in subjects with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The aim of this study was to characterize this phenomenon in a consecutive series of Spanish patients in order to define its natural history and influence on survival. Methods: A retrospective analysis of 245 patients with HCC during the period 1999–2003 was performed. Subjects identified with a second primary malignancy elsewhere constituted the EHPM group and were compared to patients with HCC alone. Results: Eighteen patients (7.3%) had one or two associated extrahepatic malignancies (mean age 67.7 ± 9.7 years); of these, 17 had double cancer and one patient, triple. Nine of the 19 EHPM occurred before HCC diagnosis. The associated cancers included five cases of colorectal carcinoma, four cases of head and neck carcinoma, three cases of genitourinary cancer, two cases of lymphoproliferative disorder, one lung carcinoma, one skin melanoma, one breast carcinoma, and two cancers of unknown origin. Age and sex distribution, etiology of underlying hepatopathy, and liver function tests did not differ significantly between both groups. There was no difference between the overall survival rates. Conclusions: EHPM is not rare among Spanish patients with HCC, although no specific clinicopathological features were detected in this population. Our results suggest that the association of another primary tumor with HCC does not imply a worse prognosis. The possibility of development of EHPM should be kept in mind when deciding on therapy and follow-up of HCC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The wettability of binary and ternary, glasses belonging to SiO2-Al2O2-ZrO2 diagram has been studied using the sessile drop technique at 1750° and 1800°C. The ternary SiO2-Al2O3-ZrO2 (90-5-5 wt%) glass has proved to be well appropriated as a molybdenum oxidation barrier coating. The addition of 5 wt% of MoO2 slightly improves its wettablity at higher temperatures without affecting its oxidation barrier properties. The Mo comes into the glass network as a mixture of Mo5+, Mo4+, and Mo6+. After oxidation at 1000°C in oxygen atmosphere, the molybdenum remains in the glass network as Mo6+. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents an evaluation of Supply Chain Management Software. For this purpose, we conducted an empirical study in the European automotive industry among car manufacturers, suppliers, distributors, and logistic service providers from 25 countries. In particular, we analysed the objectives these companies are trying to achieve by using Supply Chain Management Software and evaluated to what extent these objectives have been accomplished. Our results show that the companies have been able to reduce both their costs and lead times and to improve their service levels. The survey also reveals, however, that until now, the cooperative potential of Supply Chain Management Software has not been utilized effectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We describe the use of vector flow mapping ( VFM), a novel echocardiographic technique allowing intracardiac flow visualization, to quantify flow intensity inside a left ventricular aneurysm in a 68-year-old man. VFM successfully identified areas of stagnant flow corresponding to the wall region where a thrombus had been formed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]