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The identification of protective agents for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases is the mainstay therapeutic goal to modify the disease course and arrest the irreversible disability progression. Pharmacological therapies synergistically targeting multiple pathogenic pathways, including oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and inflammation, are prime candidates for neuroprotection. Combination or synergistic therapy with melatonin, whose decline correlates with altered sleep/wake cycle and impaired glymphatic "waste clearance" system in neurodegenerative diseases, has a great therapeutic potential to treat inflammatory neurodegenerative states. Despite the protective outcomes observed in preclinical studies, mild or poor outcomes were observed in clinical settings, suggesting that melatonin combinations promoting synergistic actions at appropriate doses might be more suitable to treat multifactorial neurodegenerative disorders. In this review, we first summarize the key melatonin actions and pathways contributing to cell protection and its therapeutic implication in Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD), and multiple sclerosis (MS). We remark the major controversies in the field, mostly generated by the lack of a common consensus for the optimal dosing, molecular targets, and toxicity. Then, we review the literature investigating the efficacy of melatonin combinations with approved or investigational neuroprotective agents and of melatonin‐containing hybrid molecules, both in vitro and in animal models of AD, PD, and MS, as well as the efficacy of add‐on melatonin in clinical settings. We highlight the rationale for such melatonin combinations with a focus on the comparison with single‐agent treatment and on the assays in which an additive or a synergistic effect has been achieved. We conclude that a better characterization of the mechanisms underlying such melatonin synergistic actions under neuroinflammation at appropriate doses needs to be tackled to advance successful clinical translation of neuroprotective melatonin combination therapies or melatonin‐based hybrid molecules. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pesticide exposure is a risk factor for the development of several diseases, including breast cancer (BC). The enzyme UGT2B7 participate in detoxification of pesticides and the presence rs7438135 (G > A) variant in your gene increases its glucuronidation potential, contributing to oxidative stress metabolites neutralization. Here we investigated the impact of occupational pesticide exposure on the systemic oxidative stress generation from 228 women with BC depending on their UGT2B7 rs7438135 (G > A) status. q‐PCR investigated the presence of the rs7438135 variant, and oxidative stress markers (lipid peroxidation levels, total antioxidant capacity—TRAP, and nitric oxide metabolites—NOx) were measured in plasma. Pesticide exposure induced significant augment in the systemic lipid peroxidation in the presence of the variant for several clinicopathological conditions, including tumors with high proliferation index (ki67) and with high aggressiveness. NOx was augmented in high ki67, positive progesterone receptors, high‐grade and triple‐negative/Luminal B tumors, and low‐risk stratified patients. TRAP was depleted in young patients at menopause and those with triple‐negative/Luminal B tumors, as well as those stratified as at low risk for death and recurrence. These findings showed that the presence of the variant was not able to protect from pesticide‐induced oxidative stress generation in BC patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) system is one of the key requirements for monitoring the power systems state. The power system state is estimated from the state estimation (SE) function, which uses the measurements results from different points. Inaccurate estimation may cause inefficient management of power systems and making decisions. Usually, the number of measurement units (MUs) is limited so the optimal location of MUs is very important in successful and accurate state estimation. The optimal placement of MUs gets more complicated when the actual state of the power system is uncertain due to the high penetration of renewable generation and load uncertainties. Considering the power system's actual state uncertainty and measurement units' inherent error, this work presents a probabilistic model for the uncertainty of measuring based on the K‐medoids data clustering technique. Then the probabilistic optimal placement of MUs is solved by a binary particle swarm optimization (PSO) method. Considering the mentioned uncertainties makes the obtained solution robust against all the probable scenarios. The proposed technique is implemented on the IEEE 14‐bus test system and the results are discussed. Results show the effectiveness of the proposed method in improving the accuracy of power system state estimation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Renewable energy sources have increasingly been integrated into power systems because of their superior environmental, technical, and economic advantages. However, the uncertainty of these sources besides load fluctuations and equipment outages brings new challenges to power system operating and planning studies. Also, the correlation between uncertain variables makes operational decisions more and more complicated. Probabilistic assessment of power systems is essential to evaluate uncertainties' effects and make reasonable decisions. Methods with high accuracy and low computational burden are efficient for online and fast requirements such as optimal power flow (OPF) problems. A clustering method based on the K‐medoids technique is used for the probabilistic assessment of the power system in the OPF problem. Unlike other clustering techniques the K‐medoids method can manage discrete variables such as equipment outages besides other continuous variables such as load and wind generation. This paper presents an OPF problem considering the uncertainty of renewable energy sources, load fluctuations, and transmission lines outage as well as the correlation among them. The probabilistic assessment is conducted by the K‐medoids method and the optimization problem is solved by the cooperation search algorithm (CSA) as an efficient evolutionary algorithm. Numerical results using the IEEE standard 30 and 118 bus test systems show the efficiency of the proposed method in terms of accuracy and computational burden. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Deployment of Energy Hubs (EHs) across the power grid can alleviate the Transmission System (TS) capacity and substitute the conventional fossil fuel‐based thermal units. Therefore, this paper presents a tri‐level multi‐stage Joint Expansion Planning of the Transmission system and EHs (JEPT&EHs). In this approach, the Cholesky decomposition technique combined with the Nataf transformation is applied to make the uncertain input parameters correlated. Then, the k‐means data‐clustering method is employed to reduce the initial correlated samples. In the first level, the Transmission System Operator (TSO) optimizes the planning and scheduling strategies associated with the TS capacity requirements and operation costs of the conventional generators. In the second level, the financers specify the expansion of the EHs based on the Locational Marginal Prices (LMPs). In the third level, the Direct Current Optimal Power Flow (DCOPF) is determined to update the LMPs by the Independent System Operator (ISO). The optimization problem is an Equilibrium Problem with Equilibrium Constraints (EPEC) since there are multiple financers across the TS. The proposed model is implemented on the IEEE standard 30 bus TS to present the effectiveness of the EHs' deployment and the impact of the correlations in the total costs of the TSO and financers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The optimal location and setting of the unified power flow controller (UPFC) along with power plant generators' output parameters to enhance power systems reliability in the presence of uncertain variables are determined in this paper. For this purpose, the expected power not served (EPNS) is used as a reliability index based on the total required load shedding at all buses in case of single contingencies such as the outage of lines or generators. The EPNS and components of system's normal operating conditions such as active power losses, voltage deviation index (VDI), as well as economic components, namely, the cost of power generation and UPFC allocation, are taken into consideration in the objective function. The particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm optimizes this objective function. Afterward, the firefly algorithm (FA) determines the minimum quantity of required load shedding based on all possible solutions obtained by PSO. Because of the probabilistic nature of loads and renewable generations like wind power generation (WPG), an accurate probabilistic assessment is essential. Therefore, the two‐point estimate method (2PEM) is used, and its performance is compared with the Latin hypercube sampling (LHS) method. The proposed solution method is evaluated on the IEEE 14‐bus and the IEEE 57‐bus test systems and results are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Harmonics originating from non‐linear loads in distribution systems will cause undesired effects and malfunctions of equipment. It is important to use efficient techniques for eliminating the voltage and current harmonic components. However, the uncertain nature of the active distribution networks (ADN) makes it difficult to apply these techniques, efficiently. Renewable energy sources (RESs), such as wind turbines (WTs) besides load fluctuations are the most important uncertainty sources. This study employs energy storage systems (ESS) to reduce total harmonic distortion (THD) as well as the ADN operating costs. In addition to the ESS, network structure reconfiguration and reactive power scheduling is presented for a more efficient operation of ADN. Also, the uncertainty of the network is modelled by the K‐means and LHS methods. This methodology is conducted under a multi‐objective optimization problem, which is handled by a multi‐objective particle swarm optimization (MOPSO) algorithm. Furthermore, a technique for order of preference by similarity to ideal solution (TOPSIS) approach is applied to obtain the best compromise between two objectives. The efficacy of the proposed methodology is investigated in the IEEE 33 bus test system. Also, for validating the results, a large‐scale network, the IEEE 118 bus test system is surveyed, too. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Many early‐onset epilepsies present as developmental and epileptic encephalopathy associated with refractory seizures, altered psychomotor development, and disorganized interictal cortical activity. Abnormal upregulation of specific N‐methyl‐d‐aspartate receptor (NMDA‐R) subunits is being disentangled as one of the mechanisms of severe early‐onset epilepsies. In tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC), upregulation of the GluN2C subunit of the NMDA‐R with slow deactivation kinetic results in increased neuronal excitation and synchronization. Methods: Starting from an available GluN2C/D antagonist, NMDA‐R–modulating compounds were developed and screened using a patch clamp on neuronal culture to select those with the strongest inhibitory effect on glutamatergic NMDA currents. For these selected compounds, blood pharmacokinetics and passage through the blood–brain barrier were studied. We tested the effect of the most promising compounds on epileptic activity in Tsc1+/− mice brain slices with multielectrode array, and then in vivo at postnatal ages P14–P17, comparable with the usual age at epilepsy onset in human TSC. Results: Using a double‐electrode voltage clamp on isolated NMDA currents, we identified the most prominent antagonists of the GluN2C subunit with no effect on GluN2A as a means of preventing side effects. The best compound passing through the blood–brain barrier was selected. Applied in vivo in six Tsc1+/− mice at P14–P17, this compound reduced or completely stopped spontaneous seizures in four of them, and decreased the background activity disorganization. Furthermore, ictal‐like discharges stopped on a human brain sample from an infant with epilepsy due to TSC. Interpretation: Subunit‐selective inhibition is a valuable target for developing drugs for severe epilepsies resulting from an upregulation of NMDA‐R subunit–mediated transmission. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We previously demonstrated that natural product‐inspired 3,4‐dihydropyrrolo[1,2‐a]pyrazin‐1(2H)‐ones derivatives delivered potent and selective PIM kinases inhibitors however with non‐optimal ADME/PK properties and modest oral bioavailability. Herein, we describe a structure‐based scaffold decoration and a stereoselective approach to this chemical class. The synthesis, structure–activity relationship studies, chiral analysis, and pharmacokinetic data of compounds from this inhibitor class are presented herein. Compound 20c demonstrated excellent potency on PIM1 and PIM2 with exquisite kinases selectivity and PK properties that efficiently and dose‐dependently promoted c‐Myc degradation and appear to be promising lead compounds for further development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, a risk‐based probabilistic short‐term scheduling of a smart energy hub (SEH) is presented considering the uncertain variables and the correlation between them. Neglecting the uncertainty of renewable energy sources (RESs), demands and market prices can make the obtained results unusable. In addition, correlations among uncertain variables may have similar importance on final solutions. To have a more realistic view, the stochastic nature of solar irradiation, wind generation, energy demands, and electrical/thermal/gas market prices are taken into consideration through uncertainty modeling. For this purpose, a probabilistic scenario‐based approach is implemented. The Monte Carlo simulation technique is employed to generate an adequate number of scenarios and the Cholesky decomposition technique combined with Nataf transformation is used to make the samples correlated. In addition, the k‐means data clustering technique is used to reduce the initial number of scenarios to the most representative 10 scenarios. The addressed SEH comprises photovoltaic panels/a wind turbine/a combined heat and power generation unit/a fuel‐cells power plant (FCPP)/a thermal/hydrogen storage system and plug‐in electric vehicles (PEVs). This study aims to optimize the economic aspects while reducing the pollution emissions of the SEH and controlling the risk level of SEH operation. To enhance the flexibility of the SEH in the management of supplying demands with lower costs, the thermal demand response program (DRP) is considered beside the electrical DRP. Two kinds of time of use (TOU) and real‐time pricing (RTP) DRPs are used for electrical and thermal loads. The conditional value at risk technique is taken into account to control the deviations of the SEH operation and emission costs. Simulation results show a reasonable reduction in operation and emission costs along with the risk level of the energy hub with the proposed approach. The operation emission, and risk costs are reduced by 37.39%, 32.11%, and 33.16%, respectively, with integrating PEVs, FCPP, and RTP‐DRPs. Moreover, integration of PEVs, FCPP along with TOU‐based DRPs contribute to reduce the operation emission, and risk costs by 10.47%, 9.03%, and 11.64%, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soft open point (SOP) as a novel power electronics‐based device has been introduced to control active power flow, compensate reactive power, and regulate voltage for flexible operation of distribution networks. The increasing penetration of renewable energy sources (RESs) such as wind turbine (WT) and photovoltaic (PV) units with uncertain outputs in distribution networks increases the importance of optimal and robust allocation of SOP against multiple uncertainties to improve the performance of these networks. In this paper, a probabilistic multi‐objective framework is proposed for optimal allocation of SOP in RESs included distribution networks. A novel SOP modeling in the forward‐backward load flow method without any simplification is introduced. In addition, this study investigates the impact of various correlation levels between uncertain input variables in the problem. The multi‐objective particle swarm optimization (MOPSO) method is used to extract Pareto‐based solutions set considering the expected value of active power losses, feeder load balancing index (LBI), and investment cost of SOP as objective functions. Also, the Latin hypercube sampling (LHS) and Cholesky decomposition methods are implemented to uncertainties modeling and handling the correlations, respectively. The results of the proposed study framework are argued on the IEEE 33‐node and the IEEE 118‐node distribution networks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Poly(thioether‐ester) (PTEe) nanoparticles obtained by thiol‐ene polymerization have received attention of many researchers due to several advantages, including, biocompatibility and biodegradability. The search for new nanomaterials requires toxicity studies to assess potential toxic effects of their administration. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the in vivo acute toxicity of PTEe and poly(thioether‐ester)‐coated magnetic nanoparticles prepared by thiol‐ene polymerization in miniemulsion. These nanoparticles presented a mean size of approximately 120 nm, spherical morphology, and negative surface charge. Doses of 40 mg/kg were administered intraperitoneally to Swiss mice and nociceptive, behavioral and biochemical parameters were investigated in five different organs. None of the nanoparticles led to any alterations in the nociceptive and behavioral responses. Biochemical alterations were observed in liver, decreasing the sulfhydryl and glutathione (GSH) levels, suggesting the dependence of the GSH metabolism in the elimination of the nanoparticles. In general, both nanoparticle types did not cause disturbances in biochemical parameters analyzed in others organs. These results suggest that both nanoparticle types did not induce acute toxicity to the different organs evaluated, reinforcing the biocompatibility of PTEe nanoparticles synthetized by thiol‐ene polymerization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Renewable energies have a significant portion in supplying energy demands in modern distribution networks. Due to the wide use of power electronic devices, these networks may have power quality problems. The unpredictable nature of renewable energies, besides the effect of non‐linear loads brings out serious planning and operating challenges for distribution systems. Basicly, harmonic distortion is a severe problem for both electric efficiency and power energy customers. This study proposes an optimal scheduling strategy for wind turbine's integrated distribution networks with non‐linear loads using a multi‐objective individualized instruction mechanism teaching‐learning‐based optimization algorithm and the best solution is selected via the TOPSIS technique. In the proposed strategy, energy storage systems are optimally scheduled besides wind turbines, and reactive power compensators. Also, to use the distribution network more efficiently, an optimal network reconfiguration is applied. The wind turbine's output and load demands have probabilistic nature. The proposed scheme reduces the total harmonic distortion as well as total costs. The efficacy of the proposed management scheme is investigated using the IEEE standard 33 bus distribution network. Also, the performance of the multi‐objective individualized instruction mechanism teaching‐learning‐based optimization algorithm is compared with the multi‐objective particle swarm optimization algorithm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Flexible alternating‐current transmission system (FACTS) devices as power electronic‐based technologies have been developed to improve the performance of power systems. This paper proposes a probabilistic framework for optimal allocation of unified power flow controller (UPFC) as one of the most beneficial FACTS devices to increase the reliability of the power system. For this purpose, the expected power not served (EPNS) is considered as a reliability index that is obtained based on the summation of required load shedding in all buses during single contingencies, including transmission lines and generators outage. Power demands and wind speed are considered as uncertain input variables. In addition, the correlations among these variables are included in the proposed study method. The well‐known particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm is used to optimize the proposed objective function. Also, the firefly algorithm (FA) is implemented to determine the total amount of load shedding for the calculation of EPNS, considering each possible generated solution by the PSO. The k‐means based data clustering method (DCM) is used for probabilistic evaluation of the problem, for the first time. Also, the correlations among uncertain input variables are modeled with the Cholesky decomposition method. Extraction of statistical information of UPFC parameters for improving power system reliability in a probabilistic framework is one of the most important achievements of the proposed method. This information is very important in deciding on the UPFC sizing. In order to evaluate the effectiveness of the proposed method, the IEEE 14‐bus and 30‐bus test systems have been used. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Older patients with acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) account for nearly half of those with the disease. Because they are perceived to be unfit for, unwilling to receive, or unlikely to benefit from conventional chemotherapy they represent an important unmet need. Tosedostat is a selective oral aminopeptidase inhibitor, which in phase I/II trials showed acceptable toxicity and encouraging efficacy. We report the only randomised study of low‐dose cytosine arabinoside (LDAC) combined with tosedostat (LDAC‐T) versus LDAC in untreated older patients not suitable for intensive treatment. A total of 243 patients were randomised 1:1 as part of the 'Pick‐a‐Winner' LI‐1 trial. There was a statistically non‐significant increase in the complete remission (CR) rate with the addition of tosedostat, LDAC‐T 19% versus LDAC 12% [odds ratio (OR) 0·61, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0·30–1·23; P = 0·17]. For overall response (CR+CR with incomplete recovery of counts), there was little evidence of a benefit to the addition of tosedostat (25% vs. 18%; OR 0·68, 95% CI 0·37–1·27; P = 0·22). However, overall survival (OS) showed no difference (2‐year OS 16% vs. 12%, hazard ratio 0·97, 95% CI 0·73–1·28; P = 0·8). Exploratory analyses failed to identify any subgroup benefitting from tosedostat. Despite promising pre‐clinical, early non‐randomised clinical data with acceptable toxicity and an improvement in response, we did not find evidence that the addition of tosedostat to LDAC produced a survival benefit in this group of patients with AML. International Standard Randomised Controlled Trial Number: ISRCTN40571019 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Renewable energy sources (RESs) such as wind turbines (WTs) and photovoltaic (PV) cells have become more widespread in recent years due to their superior technical, economical, and environmental benefits. These types of energy sources are innately unpredictable, owing to the uncertain nature of their primary resources and bring about more challenges in the distribution networks. Moreover, there may be a high correlations between uncertain input variables which intensify the mentioned challenges. On the other hand, power electronic‐based devices have had an effective role in improving the performance of distribution networks. Distribution network flexible AC transmission system (D‐FACTS) devices such as distribution static compensator (D‐STATCOM) can be efficiently used for making the modern distribution networks with high penetration of RESs more flexible. In this article, probabilistic assessment of the D‐STATCOM operation is considered in the distribution networks, including RESs such as WTs and PV cells. For this purpose, the probabilistic extended forward‐backward load flow with D‐STATCOM modeling has been introduced. The uncertainties are considered in power demands, wind speed, and solar radiation. Also, the correlations between uncertain variables are taken into account. Probabilistic assessment for this problem is conducted by k‐means based data clustering method for the first time. In addition to the comparison of the results with the Latin hypercube sampling, the results are validated with the Monte Carlo simulation method as a reference technique. The IEEE 33‐node and 69‐node test networks are used as case studies and show the effectiveness of the proposed method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hookworm infection (Necator americanus and Ancylostoma spp) causes significant morbidity in resource‐limited countries. Dog and pig ownership is associated with human infection, although the mechanism through which animals increase risk remains unknown. We first confirmed this association in Kintampo North, Ghana, using a retrospective analysis and serology, followed by a prospective molecular study of animal faeces. As a proxy of exposure to dog faeces, we analysed immunoreactivity of human serum to the zoonotic nematode Toxocara canis. Anti‐Toxocara antibodies were present in 62% of samples (n = 89), and reactivity was associated with dog ownership. A subsequent prospective study revealed that 43% of dog and 56% of pig faecal samples contained hookworm eggs by microscopy. PCR analysis confirmed the presence of N. americanus DNA in 47% of samples from dogs and 56% pig samples. Nematode larvae were successfully cultured from samples collected from 36 dogs and seven pigs. These results demonstrate that dogs and pigs have a likely role in the transmission of N. americanus in endemic communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigated whether the joint inversion of geodetic and stress direction data can constrain long‐term fault slip rates in the central Apennines, and ultimately how extension is partitioned among fault slip and bulk lithosphere permanent strain. Geodetic velocities are collected in the fault interseismic stage with steady secular deformation; thus, long‐term estimates can be derived with a model of elastically unloading seismogenic faults within a viscously deforming lithosphere. As the average spacing of permanent Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) stations is similar to the average length of seismogenic faults (25–35 km), if not larger, we decided to merge permanent and temporary GNSS measurements, resulting in a denser geodetic data set. Given that most normal faults in the Apennines have slip rates around or below 1 mm/a, and most campaign GNSS velocities carry similar uncertainties, simple local back slip models cannot be applied. More sophisticated modeling is required to extract reasonable bulk deformation rates and long‐term fault slip rates at signal‐to‐noise ratio of order unity. Given the spatial distribution of the GNSS network, we estimated the long‐term slip rate of seven major fault systems that are in satisfactory agreement with available geological slip rates. The resulting spatial distribution of bulk deformation rates locally fits short‐term transients; in other cases, they represent the currently unclear signature of tectonic processes like upper‐crustal viscoplastic deformation and aseismic slip, or indicate missing faults in the adopted database. We conclude that the time is ripe for determining fault slip rates using geodetic and stress direction data, particularly where fault activity rates are hard to determine geologically. Key Points: We perform a joint inversion of GNSS velocities and stress data to determine fault slip rates and bulk deformation rates in the central ApenninesComplex modeling can extract reasonable estimates of long‐term fault slip rates in satisfactory agreement with available geological estimatesModel fault slip rates may complement and constrain geological slip rates for any application in seismic hazard assessment [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate whether sleep deprivation (SD) induces inflammation, autophagy and myogenesis in the following masticatory muscles: masseter and temporal. Methods: In this study, 18 animals were randomly distributed into three groups: control group (CTL, n = 6), SD for 96 hours (SD96, n = 6), and SD for 96 hours and more 96 hours of sleep recovery (SD96 + R, n = 6). Results: In the histopathological analysis, SD 96 was able to induce inflammation in masseter and temporal. Nevertheless, the lack of inflammatory process was evidenced to the masseter in the group SD96 + R. Upregulation of TNF‐alpha production was detected in the SD96 group, while SD96 + R decreased TNF immunoexpression for both skeletal muscles evaluated. MyoD and myogenin increased in rats submitted to SD96. By contrast, the levels of MyoD decreased in the group SD96 + R. Myogenin pointed out high immunoexpression in SD96 + R groups. In temporal, pAkt decreased in animals submitted to SD96, but it increased in the group SD96 + R. The levels of LC3 protein increased in both skeletal muscles studied, and masseter decreased LC3 protein expression in the SD96 + R. Conclusion: In summary, our results demonstrate that SD is able to induce inflammation, atrophy and myogenesis in rat masticatory muscles, being more intense in temporal when compared to masseter. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The growing popularity of renewable‐based generations along with loads fluctuation and network topology variation has exposed distribution systems to high uncertainties, causing difficulties in operating and planning decisions. In addition, the correlation among various uncertain variables has introduced more complexity to this problem. The probabilistic assessment of power systems with various uncertain variables and with any correlation between them can be efficiently handled by Monte–Carlo simulation (MCS) method, but the calculation burden in this method is heavy and thus it is not appropriate in online applications. Keeping the accuracy of the results, data clustering techniques can be efficiently substituted for this method with much less calculation time and burden. In this study, two methods based on data clustering which can consider the correlation between different variables in a straightforward manner are presented for the probabilistic power flow of distribution systems. In order to demonstrate the efficiency of the proposed methods, IEEE 37 node test feeder and IEEE 123 node test feeder were selected as the case study. The results obtained by the proposed methods were compared with those of the MCS method in terms of accuracy and calculation time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

People who use alcohol and other drugs(hereafter "substances") and who are over the age of 40 are now more likely to die of a non‐drug related cause than people who use substances under the age of 40. This population will therefore potentially need greater access to palliative and end of life care services. Initially, the purpose of this rapid evidence assessment (REA), conducted August 2016–August 2017, was to explore the peer‐reviewed evidence base in relation to end of life care for people with problematic substance use. The following databases were searched using date parameters of 1 January 2004–1 August 2016: Amed, Psycharticles, Ovid, Ageinfo, Medline, Ebscohost, ASSIA, Social Care Online, Web of Knowledge, Web of Science, SSCI, Samsha, NIAAA. Data were extracted using a predefined protocol incorporating inclusion and exclusion criteria. Given the dearth of evidence emerging on interventions and practice responses to problematic substance use, the inclusion criteria were broadened to include any peer‐reviewed literature focussing on substance use specifically and end of life care. There were 60 papers that met the inclusion criteria. These were quality assessed. Using a textual thematic approach to categorise findings, papers fell into three broad groups (a) pain management, (b) homeless and marginalised groups, and (c) alcohol‐related papers. In general, this small and diverse literature lacked depth and quality. The papers suggest there are challenges for health and social care professionals in meeting the end of life needs of people who use substances. Addressing issues like safe prescribing for pain management becomes more challenging in the presence of substance use and requires flexible service provision from both alcohol/drug services and end of life care providers. Work is needed to develop models of good practice in working with co‐existing substance use and end of life conditions as well as prevalence studies to provide a wider context for policy development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In team sports, non-contact ACL and MCL injuries occur during abrupt changes of direction, like turns or cutting manoeuvres. Fatigue affects dynamic neuromuscular control and increases knee injury risk. This study analysed how lower limb joints and centre-of-mass kinematics are affected throughout a high-intensity running protocol involving repeated 180°-turns. Twenty young men (18–23 years, BMI: 20.8–24.4 kg m−2) completed a 5-m shuttle running trial lasting 5 min at an average speed of 75% of their maximum aerobic speed. During the test, cardio-metabolic parameters were obtained, together with joints and centre-of-mass kinematics, using a motion capture system. Kinematic data were compared between the first and the last minute of exercise. Perceived exercise intensity ranged from "hard" to "maximum exertion" and post-exercise lactate concentration ranged from 5.4 to 15.5 mM. The repetition of 180°-turns induced a substantial reduction of hip (−60%, p <.001, large effect) and knee flexion (−40%, p =.003, medium-to-large effect), and an increase of hip adduction and internal rotation (+25–30%, p <.05, medium-to-large effect). Since such movements are factors increasing the likelihood of non-contact knee injuries, we concluded that the prolonged repetition of turns may expose participants to increased risk of ligament failure. Prevention programmes should include discipline-specific neuromuscular training especially in late practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

CDKL5 deficiency disorder (CDD) is a rare encephalopathy characterized by early onset epilepsy and severe intellectual disability. CDD is caused by mutations in the X‐linked cyclin‐dependent kinase‐like 5 (CDKL5) gene, a member of a highly conserved family of serine‐threonine kinases. Only a few physiological substrates of CDKL5 are currently known, which hampers the discovery of therapeutic strategies for CDD. Here, we show that SMAD3, a primary mediator of TGF‐β action, is a direct phosphorylation target of CDKL5 and that CDKL5‐dependent phosphorylation promotes SMAD3 protein stability. Importantly, we found that restoration of the SMAD3 signaling through TGF‐β1 treatment normalized defective neuronal survival and maturation in Cdkl5 knockout (KO) neurons. Moreover, we demonstrate that Cdkl5 KO neurons are more vulnerable to neurotoxic/excitotoxic stimuli. In vivo treatment with TGF‐β1 prevents increased NMDA‐induced cell death in hippocampal neurons from Cdkl5 KO mice, suggesting an involvement of the SMAD3 signaling deregulation in the neuronal susceptibility to excitotoxic injury of Cdkl5 KO mice. Our finding reveals a new function for CDKL5 in maintaining neuronal survival that could have important implications for susceptibility to neurodegeneration in patients with CDD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Parkinson's disease is an intractable disorder with heterogeneous clinical presentation that may reflect different underlying pathogenic mechanisms. Surrogate indicators of pathogenic processes correlating with clinical measures may assist in better patient stratification. Mitochondrial function, which is impaired in and central to PD pathogenesis, may represent one such surrogate indicator.Methods: Mitochondrial function was assessed by respirometry experiment in fibroblasts derived from idiopathic patients (n = 47) in normal conditions and in experimental settings that do not permit glycolysis and therefore force energy production through mitochondrial function. Respiratory parameters and clinical measures were correlated with bivariate analysis. Machine-learning-based classification and regression trees were used to classify patients on the basis of biochemical and clinical measures. The effects of mitochondrial respiration on α-synuclein stress were assessed monitoring the protein phosphorylation in permitting versus restrictive glycolysis conditions.Results: Bioenergetic properties in peripheral fibroblasts correlate with clinical measures in idiopathic patients, and the correlation is stronger with predominantly nondopaminergic signs. Bioenergetic analysis under metabolic stress, in which energy is produced solely by mitochondria, shows that patients' fibroblasts can augment respiration, therefore indicating that mitochondrial defects are reversible. Forcing energy production through mitochondria, however, favors α-synuclein stress in different cellular experimental systems. Machine-learning-based classification identified different groups of patients in which increasing disease severity parallels higher mitochondrial respiration.Conclusion: The suppression of mitochondrial activity in PD may be an adaptive strategy to cope with concomitant pathogenic factors. Moreover, mitochondrial measures in fibroblasts are potential peripheral biomarkers to follow disease progression. © 2019 The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ever increasing use of renewable energies beside other uncertain parameters in power systems makes it necessary to evaluate power system issues, probabilistically. One of the important studies in power systems operating is optimal power flow (OPF), which should be considered as probabilistic OPF (POPF). However, the Monte Carlo simulation (MCS) method can be efficiently used for handling any type of uncertainty but this method suffers from large calculation requirements and cannot be implemented in various studies. Especially, in evolutionary based optimization problems the use of MCS method is completely restricted. Data clustering is an alternative method which keeps the accuracy of the MCS method and requires very less calculation burden. In this study, data clustering is used for probabilistic assessment of power system in POPF problem. The proposed method is very fast, accurate and can easily handle any type of correlation between stochastic input variables. The correlated input variables are generated by the Cholesky decomposition method. The Genetic Algorithm (GA) is used as optimization tool. In order to demonstrate and validate the performance of the proposed method, IEEE 30- and 118-bus standard test systems are studied and the results are compared with a modified version of the two-point estimate method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Tr1 cell therapy is considered an emerging approach to improve transplant tolerance and enhance allogeneic graft survival. However, it remains unclear how Tr1 cells promote transplant tolerance and whether they will be safe and stable in the face of an acute viral infection. By employing a mouse model of pancreatic islet transplantation, we report that Tr1 cell therapy promoted transplant tolerance via de novo induction of Tr1 cells in the recipients. Acute viral infection with lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV) had no impact on Tr1 cell number and function, neither on the Tr1 cells infused nor on the ones induced, and that was reflected in the robust maintenance of the graft. Moreover, Tr1 cell immunotherapy had no detrimental effect on CD8 and CD4 anti‐LCMV effector T‐cell responses and viral control. Together, these data suggest that Tr1 cells did not convert to effector cells during acute infection with LCMV, maintained transplant tolerance and did not inhibit antiviral immunity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT: Poly(para‐phenylene vinylene) (PPV) is a key material for optoelectronics because it combines the potential of both polymers and semiconductors. PPV has been synthesized via solution‐processable precursor route, in which the precursor polymer poly(xylene tetrahydrothiophenium chloride) (PTHT) is thermally converted to PPV throughout the sample as a whole. Much effort has been devoted to fulfill spatial selectivity of PPV conversion. However, none of the methods proposed stand for PPV conversion three dimensionally, which would be appealing for the design of microdevices. Here, we demonstrate the potential of fs‐laser direct writing via two‐photon polymerization (2PP) to fabricate PPV‐doped 3D microstructures. PTHT is incorporated into the polymeric material and it is subsequently converted to PPV through a thermal treatment. Optical measurements, taken prior and after thermal conversion, confirm the PTHT to PPV conversion. Fs‐laser direct writing via 2PP can be exploited to fabricate a variety of 3D microdevices, thus opening new avenues in polymer‐based optoelectronics. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2018, 56, 479–483 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, a clustering scheme based on the particle swarm optimisation (PSO) algorithm is used for probabilistic load flow calculation in the presence of wind generations. In this method, input random variables are first clustered in several groups according to their similarity and then a representative is assigned to each group by the PSO algorithm; finally, the deterministic load flow is performed. Using this technique, computational time is meaningfully decreased, while an acceptable level of accuracy is achieved. The IEEE 57-bus and IEEE 118-bus test systems were selected for the case study to demonstrate the performance of the proposed method. The results were compared with those of the Monte Carlo as well as K-means clustering methods from the accuracy and computation time points of view. Simulation results show that the introduced method significantly reduced the computational burden while keeping a high level of accuracy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article examines the relationship between local socio-economic characteristics and implementation performance by analyzing the performance of Brazilian municipalities implementing the Bolsa Família Program, the largest conditional cash transfer programme in the world. Counterintuitively, poor municipalities were found to outperform wealthy ones. Analysis of the interactions between local socio-economic characteristics and municipal administrative capacity, willingness and intergovernmental relations help to explain why this was the case. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

PTPN22 (protein tyrosine phosphatase non receptor 22) encodes a tyrosine phosphatase that functions as a key regulator of immune homeostasis. In particular, PTPN22 inhibits T‐cell receptor signaling and selectively promotes type I interferon responses in myeloid cells. To date, there is little information on the CD8 T‐cell‐intrinsic role of PTPN22 in response to a viral pathogen. We unexpectedly found that PTPN22‐deficient virus‐specific CD8 T cells failed to accumulate in wild‐type hosts after lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus infection. Lack of PTPN22 expression altered CD8 T‐cell activation and antiviral cytokine production, but did not significantly affect the composition of effector and memory cell precursors. Most significantly, in vivo, PTPN22‐deficient CD8 T cells showed a profound defect in upregulating STAT‐1 after lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus infection and considerably less phosphorylation of STAT‐1 in response to IFN‐α treatment in vitro compared with their wild‐type counterparts. In stark contrast, following transfer into lymphopenic mice, CD8 T‐cell expansion and central‐like phenotype, was considerably increased in the absence of PTPN22. Collectively, our results suggest that PTPN22 has dual roles in T‐cell clonal expansion and effector function; whereas it promotes antigen‐driven responses during acute infection by positively regulating interferon signaling in T cells, PTPN22 inhibits homeostatic‐driven proliferation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of an intramolecular rhodium(I)-catalyzed Pauson-Khand reaction of alkoxyallene-ynes with a proximal alkoxy group is reported. This reaction, in the presence of a [Rh(cycloocta-1,5-diene)Cl]2/propane-1,3-diylbis(diphenylphosphane) system under a CO atmosphere, constitutes a powerful tool for selectively accessing carbo- and heterobicyclo[5.3.0] frameworks featuring an enol ether moiety. Through this procedure, a straightforward access to guaiane skeletons with a tertiary hydroxy group at the C10 position was achieved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The sugarcane and mining sectors experience substantial losses due to shut-downs and repair or replacement of worn out or obsolete components. Surface engineering studies have been widely developed aiming at optimizing the coating processes and, mainly, increasing the portfolio of higher wear resistant materials. HRC Metalização® (a joint venture between Höganäs and Oxipira), in partnership with CBMM, has been working on the development of niobium carbide in iron matrix (Fe-NbC) hardfacing coatings applied by laser cladding on wear components for mining. Field trials were conducted on the coated teeth of a Volvo wheel loader operating at CBMM's mine in Araxá, Brazil. The metallographic analysis of the coated teeth showed an excellent adhesion of the Fe-NbC coating layer, as well as a homogeneous dispersion of the hard niobium carbides. The loader's coated teeth achieved in severe mining operation an increase of approximately 100% in service life above best performance, and 115% above the average service life of the regular uncoated, low alloy carbon steel teeth, demonstrating the significant potential of Fe-NbC as a hardfacing coating applied by laser cladding. The wear resistance is attributed to the intermetallic phase FeAl3C formed between NbC and the FeAl3 matrix, which withstood the tribological shear, as well as to the fact that the NbC did not fragment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Macauba or macaw palm (Acrocomia aculeata) has great potential for oil production in tropical American biomes. This work aimed to describe a full set of procedures to obtain high quality crude and refined pulp oil. Crude oil was extracted by forced pressing of dried, mechanically pulped fruits that were collected directly from the bunch at ripening stage. The preliminary refining process sequentially encompassed degumming, neutralization, bleaching, and deodorization. Identity and quality parameters (fatty acid composition, peroxide value, molar absorptivity at 232 and 270 nm, moisture, refractive index, saponification index, unsaponifiable matter, color, total carotenoids, and solid fat content) were determined in all steps. Crude and refined oils presented about 64% of monounsaturated acids (oleic acid) and 26% saturated acids (mostly palmitic acid). Oil composition and physicochemical characteristics were maintained after refining, rendering high quality oil, suitable for multipurpose employments, such as food processing and biodiesel production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Responding effectively to children and young people's (CYP's) needs in relation to the overlapping issues of parental substance use (alcohol and other drugs) and domestic abuse requires an understanding of their perspectives and experiences. This study set out to explore the views of CYP on the impact of substance use on violent and abusive behaviours within intimate relationships in order to inform practice and policy development. Fourteen young people attended focus groups at three different specialist substance use support services for families in England. The results showed clear ambivalence about alcohol use in particular and its impact on violent and abusive behaviours. They did not blame substances for subsequent violent or abusive behaviour overall, however, the quantities and type of substances used were considered key to such behaviour. Most importantly, the CYP reported that getting help with substance problems does not automatically improve relationships, indeed, there are situations when pressure to change substance use can make relationships worse. The implications for social care practice are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The relationships between locomotor performance and major features of environmental structure, such as incline and diameter, have been consistently identified in several vertebrate groups. The effects of variation in characteristics such as texture and structural complexity, in contrast, remain neglected, and associations between sprint speeds achieved during steady-level locomotion and the way an animal grips the surface are particularly obscure. In the present study, we have used the habitat generalist lizard T ropidurus torquatus to test the hypothesis that animals run faster on the substrates where gripping performance is higher. We ran 18 individuals on seven different substrates (wood, thin and coarse sand, coarse gravel, rock, leaf litter and grass) and recorded their maximum speeds using high-speed cameras. Surfaces were characterized for height variation and grip, the last given by average grip performance achieved by lizards of different sizes. Maximum sprint speeds were highest on rock and grass and lowest on thin and coarse sand, and variation in performance among substrates was explained by grip: substrates in which lizards gripped stronger are those that enhanced average maximum sprint speed. This study is the first report providing evidence for variation in maximum sprint speeds achieved by a generalist lizard running on different substrates, and demonstrates how friction resulting from the interaction of the lizard with the substrate may be critically important for sprint speed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Accurate prediction of power system state has significant importance specially in bidding strategies, risk management and operational decisions. Consideration of this matter is very important, especially in systems with large penetration of renewable energies such as wind powers. The effect of the most versatile flexible alternative current transmission systems (FACTS) devices unified power flow controller (UPFC) on predictability of power system state has been studied. For this purpose, predictability indices are used which can quantify the ability of system prediction. The likely harmful properties of UPFC in power system predictability are presented and the results are discussed on IEEE 14 and IEEE 57 bus test system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The regioselectivity of the nitroso-Diels-Alder reaction between unsymmetrical acyclic dienes and Boc-nitroso (Boc= tert-butoxycarbonyl) reagent or the Wightman chiral chloronitroso reagents has been studied. With the Boc-nitroso reagent, the selectivity is a consequence of steric effects at the C1-position in the diene and electronic effects at the C2-position in the diene. The combination of an unprotected hydroxyethyl side chain at C1 and an electron-withdrawing group at C2 allows complete regioselectivity in favour of the proximal isomer. The same isomer was obtained exclusively with the chiral nitroso reagent with high enantioselectivities. A model based on steric effects is proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Background and Purpose Malignant gliomas, the most common primary brain tumours, are highly invasive and neurologically destructive neoplasms with a very bad prognosis due to the difficulty in removing the mass completely by surgery and the limited activity of current therapeutic agents. PHA-848125 is a multi-kinase inhibitor with broad anti-tumour activity in pre-clinical studies and good tolerability in phase 1 studies, which could affect two main pathways involved in glioma pathogenesis, the G1- S phase progression control pathway through the inhibition of cyclin-dependent kinases and the signalling pathways mediated by tyrosine kinase growth factor receptors, such as tropomyosin receptors. For this reason, we tested PHA-848125 in glioma models. Experimental Approach PHA-848125 was tested on a panel of glioma cell lines in vitro to evaluate inhibition of proliferation and mechanism of action. In vivo efficacy was evaluated on two glioma models both as single agent and in combination with standard therapy. Key Results When tested on a subset of representative glioma cell lines, PHA-848125 blocked cell proliferation, DNA synthesis and inhibited both cell cycle and signal transduction markers. Relevantly, PHA-848125 was also able to induce cell death through autophagy in all cell lines. Good anti-tumour efficacy was observed by oral route in different glioma models both with s.c. and intracranial implantation. Indeed, we demonstrate that the drug is able to cross the blood-brain barrier. Moreover, the combination of PHA-848125 with temozolomide resulted in a synergistic effect, and a clear therapeutic gain was also observed with a triple treatment adding PHA-848125 to radiotherapy and temozolomide. Conclusions and Implications All the pre-clinical data obtained so far suggest that PHA-848125 may become a useful agent in chemotherapy regimens for glioma patients and support its evaluation in phase 2 trials for this indication. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives The aim of this study was to investigate the principal discharge diagnosis and related comorbidity in hospitalized older patients affected by dementia. Methods Data from 51,838 consecutive computerized discharge records of the St. Anna University Hospital (Ferrara, Italy) were analyzed. Records included only subjects aged ≥60 years. Number of admissions, length of stay in hospital, primary and secondary discharge diagnosis (by ICD-9-CM code), number of procedures, and possible death were evaluated. Results Demented patients represented 8.6% of the sample (4466 individuals) and were older and more likely to be female patients compared with controls (47,372 individuals); they were characterized by higher number of admissions to hospital, instrumental clinical investigations, secondary diagnoses, and mortality rate. Among the primary diagnoses, a higher prevalence of cerebrovascular disease, pneumonia, and hip fracture was observed in demented patients. Furthermore, pulmonary embolism, renal failure, septicemia, and urinary infections were frequently reported in demented patients, but not in controls. As regards secondary diagnoses, dementia was associated with an increased risk of delirium, muscular atrophy and immobilization, dehydration, cystitis, and pressure ulcers, whereas the risk for other conditions, including cancer, was reduced. Conclusions Among older patients, dementia was associated with higher rate of admissions to hospital and mortality. Discharge diagnoses were sensibly different according to the presence of dementia; in particular, a greater load and a different kind of comorbidity were observed in demented patients. On the whole, our data suggest that the adequate management of demented outpatients might help to reduce hospitalization. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Intestinal parasitic infections cause one of the largest global burdens of disease. To identify possible areas for interventions, a structured questionnaire addressing knowledge, attitude, and practice regarding parasitic infections as well as the less studied role of culture and resource availability was presented to mothers of school-age children in rural communities around San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua. We determined that access to resources influenced knowledge, attitude, and behaviors that may be relevant to transmission of parasitic infections. For example, having access to a clinic and prior knowledge about parasites was positively correlated with the practice of having fencing for animals, having fewer barefoot children, and treating children for parasites. We also found that cultural beliefs may contribute to parasitic transmission. Manifestations of machismo culture and faith in traditional medicines conflicted with healthy practices. We identified significant cultural myths that prevented healthy behaviors, including the beliefs that cutting a child's nails can cause tetanus and that showering after a hot day caused sickness. The use of traditional medicine was positively correlated with the belief in these cultural myths. Our study demonstrates that the traditional knowledge, attitude, and practice model could benefit from including components that examine resource availability and culture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two experiments were conducted to evaluate the relationship among the level of feed intake, chewing pattern, and diet digestibility in sheep fed a moderate-concentrate diet. The first experiment was conducted using six male lambs at a replicated 3 × 3 Latin square design to evaluate diet digestibility and microbial N synthesis according to the level of intake: ad libitum, or restricted to either 70 or 55% of the ad libitum intake. In the second experiment, fifteen male lambs were housed in individual stalls, in a completely randomized design, and fed one of the three levels of dry matter intake (DMI). Chewing patterns were then evaluated for 24 h using a regular 5-min interval observation technique, two times during the experimental period. Decreasing level of feed intake resulted in increased apparent digestibility of dry matter, organic matter, crude protein, and neutral detergent fibre, as well as of the true digestibility of organic matter. Total time spent eating and ruminating decreased with feed restriction. However, lambs fed at restricted levels of intake presented a higher rate of eating (g DMI/min) than those fed ad libitum, and spent more time ruminating each gram of DM (min/g DMI). In conclusion, our results suggest that a more effective chewing during rumination activity can have an important role on feed digestion in animals submitted to feed restriction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Excess adiposity is associated with low-grade inflammation and decreased iron status. Iron depletion in obesity is thought to be mediated by an inflammation-induced increase in the body's main regulator of iron homeostasis, hepcidin. Elevated hepcidin can result in iron depletion as it prevents the release of dietary iron absorbed into the enterocytes, limiting replenishment of body iron losses. Weight reduction is associated with decreased inflammation; however, the impact of reduced inflammation on iron status and systemic hepcidin in obese individuals remains unknown. We determined prospectively the impact of weight loss on iron status parameters, serum hepcidin, inflammation, and dietary iron in 20 obese premenopausal females 6 months after restrictive bariatric surgery. At baseline, the presence of iron depletion was high with 45% of the women having serum transferrin receptor (sTfR) >28.1 nmol/l. Differences between baseline and 6 months after surgery for BMI (47.56 vs. 39.55 kg/m2; P < 0.0001), C-reactive protein (CRP) (10.83 vs. 5.71 mg/l; P < 0.0001), sTfR (29.97 vs. 23.08 nmol/l; P = 0.001), and serum hepcidin (111.25 vs. 31.35 ng/ml; P < 0.0001) were significantly lower, whereas hemoglobin (Hb) (12.10 vs. 13.30 g/dl; P < 0.0001) and hematocrit (Hct) (36.58 vs. 38.78%; P = 0.001) were significantly higher. Ferritin and transferrin saturation (Tsat) showed minimal improvement at follow-up. At baseline, hepcidin was not correlated with sTfR (r = 0.02); however, at follow-up, significant correlations were found (r = −0.58). Change in interleukin-6 (IL-6) from baseline was marginally associated with decreased log serum hepcidin (Δ IL-6: β = −0.22; P = 0.15), whereas change in BMI or weight was not. No significant difference in dietary iron was noted after surgery. Weight loss in obese premenopausal women is associated with reduced serum hepcidin and inflammation. Reduction in inflammation and hepcidin likely allow for enhanced dietary iron absorption resulting in an improved functional iron profile. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The application of projection matrices in population biology to plant and animal populations has a parallel in infectious disease ecology when next-generation matrices (NGMs) are used to characterize growth in numbers of infected hosts ( R0). The NGM is appropriate for multi-host pathogens, where each matrix element represents the number of cases of one type of host arising from a single infected individual of another type. For projection matrices, calculations of the sensitivity and elasticity of the population growth rate to changes in the matrix elements has generated insight into plant and animal populations. These same perturbation analyses can be used for infectious disease systems. To illustrate this in detail we parameterized an NGM for seven tick-borne zoonoses and compared them in terms of the contributions to R0 from three different routes of transmission between ticks, and between ticks and vertebrate hosts. The definition of host type may be the species of the host or the route of infection, or, as was the case for the set of tick-borne pathogens, a combination of species and the life stage at infection. This freedom means that there is a broad range of disease systems and questions for which the methodology is appropriate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Tropical Medicine & International Health is the property of Wiley-Blackwell and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)