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The energy storage capability of supercapacitors (SCs) strongly depend on the operating cell voltage of the electrolytes of choice. In this regard, the inherent distinct electrochemical stability of cations and anions is a factor of relevance for the operating cell voltage. The use of double salts sharing one ion has been described as an approach to circumvent this problem, but whether modifying the solvation structure of cations and anions with different solvent molecules (coordinating and/or non‐coordinating) could help balance their electrochemical stability in SCs has not yet been fully addressed. In this work, electrolytes are prepared by combining solvent mixtures and double salts, specifically 1‐ethyl‐3‐methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide (EMIMTFSI) and 1‐ethyl‐3‐methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate (EMIMBF4) in mixtures of water (H2O) and dimethysulfoxide (DMSO) as coordinating co‐solvents and acetonitrile (CH3CN) as a weakly coordinating one. It is found that the presence of this latter one helped to enhanced the cation solvation structure (above 9). This increase of the entropic features allows operating at cell voltages of up to 2.2 V and the subsequent enhancement of the energy storage capabilities and capacitance retentions (up to 15 Wh kg−1 and ≈87% after 10 000 cycles, respectively). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Our objective was to evaluate the effect of glucocorticoid regimens on renal response, infections, and mortality among patients with lupus nephritis (LN). Methods: We performed a systematic review and meta‐analysis of the control arms of randomized clinical trials (RCTs). We included RCTs of biopsy‐proven LN that used a protocolized regimen of glucocorticoids in combination with mycophenolic acid analogs or cyclophosphamide and reported the outcomes of complete response (CR), serious infections, and death. The starting dosage of glucocorticoids, tapering method, and administration of glucocorticoid pulses were abstracted. Meta‐analysis of proportions, meta‐regression, and subgroup meta‐analysis were performed at 6 and 12 months for all outcomes. Results: Fifty RCT arms (3,231 patients with LN) were included. The predicted rates of CR, serious infections, and death when starting on oral prednisone at 25 mg/day without pulses were 19.5% (95% confidence interval [CI] 7.3–31.5), 3.2% (95% CI 2.4–4.0), and 0.2% (95% CI 0.0–0.4), respectively. Starting on prednisone at 60 mg/day (without pulses) increased the rates to 34.6% (95% CI 16.9–52.3), 12.1% (95% CI 9.3–14.9), and 2.7% (95% CI 0.0–5.3), respectively. Adding glucocorticoid pulses increased the rates of CR and death but not serious infections. We observed a dose–response gradient between the initial glucocorticoid dosage and all the outcomes at six months after accounting for the administration of glucocorticoid pulses, underlying immunosuppressant, and baseline proteinuria. Conclusion: A higher exposure to glucocorticoids during the initial therapy of LN was associated with better renal outcomes at the cost of increased infections and death. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This is a study on participation in civil society organisations in Peru, which adopts a gender perspective to understand the dynamics of social welfare production in a family model, and in which there is also a preponderance of community intervention in the field of social protection. The study uses a qualitative methodology and an ethnographic analysis based on 21 organisations. The results indicate polarity of discourses between those who recognise gender differentiation and those who consider that there is gender equality. Despite the polarity, differences in roles, quantity and quality of services, leadership, involvement and motivation are shown. The differences identified vary according to the type of organisation, which shows the relationship between the organisations and the intervention in territories‐regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Opioids (except for tramadol) have not been shown to be effective in patients with fibromyalgia, but they can increase the risk of adverse drug reactions. The aim was to determine the treatment patterns of a group of patients with fibromyalgia and to identify the factors associated with the use of opioids in Colombia. Methods: This was a cross‐sectional study of a group of patients with fibromyalgia from a pain clinic in Colombia. Sociodemographic, clinical and pharmacological variables were identified. Descriptive, bivariate, and multivariate analyses were performed. Results: A total of 559 patients were analysed, 88.6% of whom were women, and the mean age was 53.4 ± 12.6 years. A total of 40.6% received nonpharmacological management, and the majority were treated with acetaminophen (96.1%) and pregabalin (62.8%). A total of 69.6% received opioids, the most common of which was hydrocodone (36.3%). The average morphine equivalent milligrammes was 36.9 ± 91.2 (range: 2.3–750 mg), and 43.8% had intermediate/high doses. Being male (OR: 3.12; 95% CI: 1.40–6.91), having arterial hypertension (OR: 1.67; 95% CI: 1.04–2.69), obesity (OR: 2.23; 95% CI: 1.18–4.24), degenerative disease of vertebral discs (OR: 2.32; 95% CI: 1.10–4.88) and comedication with gabapentinoids (OR: 1.75; 95% CI: 1,15–2.65) were associated with a higher probability of receiving opioids, while patients treated with muscle relaxants had a lower risk of opioid treatment (OR: 0.64; 95% CI: 0.41–0.98). Conclusions: A significant proportion of patients were treated with opioids, the most common of which was hydrocodone, which goes against the recommendations of clinical practice guidelines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The incidence of urinary tract infections (UTIs) in the first 2 months postrenal transplantation (pRT) is very high. We evaluate the efficacy of asymptomatic bacteriuria (AB) screening and treatment on the incidence of UTI in the first 2 months pRT Methods: We conducted a randomized controlled clinical trial. A urine culture was obtained in all patients on the day of the bladder catheter removal, on week three, and before removal of the ureteral catheter. The intervention group received treatment for AB. The control group did not receive treatment. The primary outcomes were the cumulative incidence of UTI and/or graft pyelonephritis and the time to the first episode of UTI and/or graft pyelonephritis Results: Eighty patients were randomized, 40 in each group, and the median follow‐up was 63 days (IQR 54–70). The average age was 29.8 years and 33.7% (n = 27) were women. The incidences of UTI (n = 10, 25 % vs. n = 4, 10%, p =.07) and pyelonephritis (n = 6, 15% vs. n = 1, 2.5%, p =.04) were greater in the intervention group, as also shown in the survival analysis: UTI (HR2.8, 95% CI 0.8–9.1, p =.07) and pyelonephritis (HR 6.5, 95% CI 0.8–54.7, p =.08), respectively. The most commonly isolated bacterium was Escherichia coli (n = 28, 59.5%), and over half were E. coli with extended‐spectrum beta‐lactamases (n = 15). A major limitation was not obtaining the calculated sample size due to a delay in patient recruitment resulting from the COVID‐19 pandemic Conclusion: Treatment of AB in the first 2 months pRT does not decrease the incidence of UTI or graft pyelonephritis and may actually increase their frequency. Routine treatment of AB during the first months after renal transplantation should not be a standard procedure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Eye color prediction based on an individual's genetic information is of interest in the field of forensic genetics. In recent years, researchers have studied different genes and markers associated with this externally visible characteristic and have developed methods for its prediction. The IrisPlex represents a validated tool for homogeneous populations, though its applicability in populations of mixed ancestry is limited, mainly regarding the prediction of intermediate eye colors. With the aim of validating the applicability of this system in an admixed population from Argentina (n = 302), we analyzed the six single nucleotide variants used in that multiplex for eye color and four additional SNPs, and evaluated its prediction ability. We also performed a genotype–phenotype association analysis. This system proved to be useful when dealing with the extreme ends of the eye color spectrum (blue and brown) but presented difficulties in determining the intermediate phenotypes (green), which were found in a large proportion of our population. We concluded that these genetic tools should be used with caution in admixed populations and that more studies are required in order to improve the prediction of intermediate phenotypes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This systematic review aimed to determine the effects of the interproximal enamel reduction (IPR) techniques used in orthodontics. Six databases were searched: PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Dentistry & Oral Sciences Source, ScienceDirect and Clinical Trials. Grey literature was sourced from Google Scholar. The risk of bias was assessed by Risk of Bias 2, Newcastle‐Ottawa Scale and Robins‐I depending on the design of the evaluated study. Additionally, the quality of the included studies was determined using Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) criteria. This systematic review included randomized clinical trials, non‐randomized clinical trials and observational studies with a control group that reported the effects of IPR for orthodontic purposes on the teeth and periodontium. Case reports, and in vitro and in vivo studies were excluded. Eight clinical studies match the eligibility criteria. As a result, no demineralization of the enamel, no increase in caries incidence, no periodontal changes or dental sensitivity was found after IPR. Also, considering the duration of orthodontic treatment, IPR resulted in a quicker technique than dental extractions. At the risk‐of‐bias assessment, all observational studies showed low risk, the non‐randomized clinical trial had a critical bias, and all randomized clinical trials exhibited some concerns. The overall quality of the studies was found to be between low and very low. After the analysis of the data from included studies, it was concluded that the IPR procedures could be useful to treat dental crowding in orthodontic clinical practice without negative effects. However, more randomized controlled clinical trials with a longer follow‐up time and high‐quality studies are required to generate robust statements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to explore the effects of cannabidiol (CBD) on binge drinking and evaluate potential gender-related differences. To this aim, male and female C57BL/6J mice (n = 60 per sex) were exposed to the drinking in the dark (DID) model for 4 weeks (DID-1 to DID-4). Dose-response effects of CBD on the ethanol intake were tested by acute (day-4 of DID-3) or repeated administration (day-1 to 4 of DID-4) (experiment 1: CBD 15, 30, and 60 mg/kg, i.p.; experiment 2: CBD 90 mg/kg, i.p.). Finally, we analyzed the relative gene expression of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) and μ-opioid receptor (OPRM1) and cannabinoid CB1 receptor (CB1 r) in the ventral tegmental area (VTA) and in the nucleus accumbens (NAc), respectively, by real-time quantitative PCR. Females exhibited higher ethanol intake during each DID session. Interestingly, females also showed higher expression of TH and OPRM1, without any difference in CB1 r. Only the acute administration of CBD at the highest dose (90 mg/kg) reduced significantly ethanol consumption in both sexes. Chronic CBD administration (30, 60 and 90 mg/kg) reduced ethanol intake in males, whereas in females a significant reduction was only achieved with the highest dose (90 mg/kg). Repeated administration with CBD (60 mg/kg) significantly reduced TH and OPRM1 in males. In addition, CBD (30 and 60 mg/kg) significantly reduced CB1 r in males. No effect was observed in females. Taken together, these findings suggest that CBD may be of interest for treating binge-drinking patterns and that gender-related difference may affect the treatment outcome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and objectives: Full fat rice bran is a highly nutritional by‐product of white rice production underutilized at present, with 90% of it being employed as a cheap feedstock. This study aimed to apply a water‐and‐citric‐acid extraction method as a green technique to obtain a protein concentrate from rice bran. Extractions were carried out through a heat treatment, varying time and temperature, and optimized using response surface methodology based on protein purity, followed by citric acid (50% w/w) precipitation. Co‐products obtained after the procedure were also characterized to determine their functional properties. Findings: Increasing temperature and time yielded higher protein purity, so 75 °C for 90 min was applied. Under these conditions, the protein concentrate contained 69.5% of protein, the supernatant had 60.6% of soluble carbohydrates, and their corresponding bioaccessible fraction had better antioxidant capacity than that of the bran. Finally, the sediment was similar in composition and functional properties to rice bran, which means high dietary fiber content. Conclusions: A protein concentrate, hypoallergenic and with high nutritional value, and two other functional fractions could be obtained through this environmentally friendly method. Significance and novelty: This technique could help meet the demand of proteins throughout the world. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background & Aims: Patients with chronic hepatitis C and stage 3 fibrosis are thought to remain at risk of hepatocellular carcinoma after sustained virological response. We investigated this risk in a large cohort of patients with well‐defined stage 3 fibrosis. Methods: We performed a multicentre, ambispective, observational study of chronic hepatitis C patients with sustained virological response after treatment with direct‐acting antivirals started between January and December 2015. Baseline stage 3 was defined in a two‐step procedure: we selected patients with transient elastography values of 9.5‐14.5 kPa and subsequently excluded those with nodular liver surface, splenomegaly, ascites or collaterals on imaging, thrombopenia or esophago‐gastric varices. Patients were screened twice‐yearly using ultrasound. Results: The final sample comprised 506 patients (median age, 57.4 years; males, 59.9%; diabetes, 17.2%; overweight, 44.1%; genotype 3, 8.9%; HIV coinfection, 18.4%; altered liver values, 15.2%). Median follow‐up was 33.7 (22.1‐39.1) months. Five hepatocellular carcinomas and 1 cholangiocarcinoma were detected after a median of 29.4 months (95% CI: 26.8‐39.3), with an incidence of 0.47/100 patients/year (95% CI: 0.17‐1.01). In the multivariate analysis, only males older than 55 years had a significant higher risk (hazard ratio 7.2 [95% CI: 1.2‐41.7; P =.029]) with an incidence of 1.1/100 patients/year (95% CI: 0.3‐2.8). Conclusions: In a large, well‐defined cohort of patients with baseline hepatitis C stage‐3 fibrosis, the incidence of primary liver tumours was low after sustained virological response and far from the threshold for cost‐effectiveness of screening, except in males older than 55 years. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent new outbreaks of Bursaphelenchus xylophilus in Spain and adverse pine wilt disease expansion forecasts must be met with rapid advances in genetic breeding against this pathogen. The optimal approach for breeding trees that are more resistant to pine wilt disease is to use the most virulent isolates in inoculation assays. A series of controlled inoculation experiments on Botrytis cinerea cultures, along with Pinus pinaster and P. radiata branch sections and seedlings, was conducted to investigate differences among seven virulent B. xylophilus isolates of diverse geographic origin (USA745 from USA, KA4 and S10 from Japan, Pt52T and Pt72CH from Portugal, SpPO1 and SpSA1 from Spain). Results from the experiments showed significant differences among B. xylophilus isolates. The virulence classification of the isolates studied differed for P. pinaster and P. radiata, indicating that PWN isolates vary according to host specificity. Isolates Pt52T and SpP01 proved the most virulent to P. pinaster, so either of them could be used as 'test isolates' in future assays to identify resistant or tolerant genotypes. For P. radiata, any isolate except SpSA1 could be used, as all the others were more virulent and all presented the same significant level of virulence. The results indicate that use of P. pinaster branch sections, rather than P. radiata branch sections or multiplication assays on B. cinerea, could be an accurate, time‐saving method for evaluating virulence levels of new B. xylophilus isolates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High‐performance energy‐storage devices are receiving great interest in sustainable terms as a required complement to renewable energy sources to level out the imbalances between supply and demand. Besides electrode optimization, a primary objective is also the judicious design of high‐performance electrolytes combining novel ionic liquids (ILs) and mixtures of aqueous solvents capable of offering "à la carte" properties. Herein, it is described the stoichiometric addition of a zwitterion such as betaine (BET) to protic ILs (PILs) such as those formed between methane sulfonic acid (MSAH) or p‐toluenesulfonic acid (PTSAH) with ethanolamine (EOA). This addition resulted in the formation of zwitterionic‐based PILs (ZPILs) containing the original anion and cation as well as the zwitterion. The ZPILs prepared in this work ([EOAH]+[BET][MSA]− and [EOAH]+[BET][PTSA]−) were liquid at room temperature even though the original PILs ([EOAH]+[MSA]− and [EOAH]+[PTSA]−) were not. Moreover, ZPILs exhibited a wide electrochemical stability window, up to 3.7 V vs. Ag wire for [EOAH]+[BET][MSA]− and 4.0 V vs. Ag wire for [EOAH]+[BET][PTSA]− at room temperature, and a high miscibility with both water and aqueous co‐solvent (WcS) mixtures. In particular, "WcS‐in‐ZPIL" mixtures of [EOAH]+[BET][MSA]− in 2 H2O/ACN/DMSO provided specific capacitances of approximately 83 F g−1 at current densities of 1 A g−1, and capacity retentions of approximately 90 % after 6000 cycles when operating at a voltage of 2.0 V and a current density of 4 A g−1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper studies the mechanisms which motivate managers to engage in cheap talk and attract the market's attention in a credible way. We consider stock split announcements, voluntary earnings forecasts, and press releases issued by firms to the media as proxies for managerial cheap talk. We show that: (a) managerial performance‐related pay contracts incentivize executives to attract attention; (b) analysts increase their coverage of firms following cheap talk; and (c) chief executive officers are punished for attracting attention when market prices do not increase following cheap talk. The results are stronger for firms which are most in need of attention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND Arsenic pollution of water supplies is a global problem of environmental concern. Among inorganic species, trivalent arsenite, As(III), is the most toxic and difficult to remove. Conventional treatments usually involve the pre‐oxidation to pentavalent arsenic, As(V); however, this study is focused on the direct removal of aqueous arsenite species by selective adsorption. RESULTS: Sulfur‐containing adsorbents were prepared from mesostructured SBA‐15 silica by functionalization with propylthiol chains. The sulfur content of the synthetized materials, denoted as SBA‐15‐SH‐x, reached 4 mmol g−1. Kinetics and equilibrium batch experiments showed that all materials were excellent As(III) adsorbents, with maximum capacity as high as 0.46 mmol g−1, superior to literature values for comparable materials. The pH influence was significant and the best performance occurred at pH 8. A complementary pelletized material was designed and synthetized to explore the potential use of the adsorbents in the treatment of water streams polluted with arsenic through fixed‐bed column experiments. The breakthrough curves obtained in different operative conditions evidenced the viability of the process. CONCLUSIONS: SBA‐15‐SH‐x materials evaluated in this work exhibited very good performance for aqueous As(III) removal by direct adsorption without previous oxidation to As(V). The suitability of the materials was demonstrated through kinetics, equilibrium, and fixed‐bed column adsorption experiments. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work developed a novel method for the identification and selection of green solvents for extraction processes. The methodology was experimentally validated in the downstream separation of sucrose‐based surfactants obtained from a solvent‐free transesterification of sucrose and methyl palmitate (MP). First, a preliminary solvent screening was carried out taking into account environmental consciousness, extraction effectiveness, and predicted operating costs, combining both theoretical and empirical inputs. Potential solvents were first selected from a green solvents list used at the pharmaceutical industry, and the affinity with reactants was assessed based on the Hansen solubility parameters. Solvent suitability was ranked according to a novel objective function that incorporated the heat of vaporization, normal boiling point, cost, and availability. In the case of study, ethyl acetate was identified as the most promising solvent for MP extraction. This and other solvents were experimentally evaluated to validate the selection method and to assess their extraction performance. According to different effectiveness criteria, ethyl acetate was confirmed as the preferable extraction solvent. Finally, MP extraction from reaction media was optimized, varying temperature, number of stages, and solvent loading. Purified sucrose esters were subjected to bleaching obtaining a product under market specifications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Beef preparations (meatballs, minced meat, hamburgers, white sausages, and red sausages) from northwest Spain were tested. Microbial counts ranged from 0.70 ± 0.00 log10 cfu/g (enterococci) to 9.57 ± 0.37 log10 cfu/g (psychrotrophs). In 73.3% of cases, total aerobic counts were higher than the microbiological limits set for the end of the manufacturing process in the European Union (EU Regulation 2073/2005). Forty Escherichia coli isolates were tested against thirteen clinically important antibiotics (disk diffusion method; CLSI). Three of the strains (7.5%) were susceptible to all the antibiotics, four (10.0%) showed resistance or reduced susceptibility to one antibiotic, and 33 (82.5%) were multiresistant (with resistance or reduced susceptibility to between two and eight antibiotics), with an average of 1.85 resistances per strain. The highest rates of resistance were observed for two antimicrobials widely used on cattle farms (cefalotin and tetracycline). The findings in this research emphasize the need to correctly handle beef preparations with the aim of reducing risks to consumers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Purpose: The aim of this study was to explore if the administration of naltrexone together with cannabidiol (CBD) may improve the efficacy in reducing alcohol consumption and motivation rather than any of the drugs given separately.Experimental Approach: The effects of low doses of naltrexone (0.7 mg·kg-1 , p.o.) and/or CBD (20 mg·kg-1 ·day-1 , s.c.) on ethanol consumption and motivation to drink were evaluated in the oral-ethanol self-administration paradigm in C57BL/6 mice. Gene expression analyses of the opioid μ receptor (Oprm1) in the nucleus accumbens (NAc), tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) in the ventral tegmental area (VTA) and the 5-HT1A receptor in the dorsal raphe nucleus (DR) were carried out by real-time PCR. The role of 5-HT1A receptors in the ethanol reduction induced by the administration of CBD + naltrexone was analysed by using the 5-HT1A receptor antagonist WAY100635 (0.3 mg·kg-1 , i.p.).Key Results: The administration of CBD + naltrexone significantly reduced motivation and ethanol intake in the oral self-administration procedure in a greater proportion than the drugs given alone. Only the combination of both drugs significantly reduced Oprm1, TH and 5-HT1A gene expressions in the NAc, VTA and DR respectively. Interestingly, the administration of WAY100635 significantly blocked the actions of CBD + naltrexone but had no effects by itself.Conclusion and Implications: The combination of low doses of CBD plus naltrexone were more effective than either CBD or naltrexone alone at reducing ethanol consumption and the motivation to drink. These effects appear to be mediated, at least in part, by 5-HT1A receptors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study evaluated the effects of cannabidiol (CBD) on ethanol reinforcement, motivation and relapse in C57BL/6 J mice. The effects of CBD (60 mg/kg, i.p.) on blood ethanol concentration, hypothermia and handling-induced convulsions associated to acute ethanol administration were evaluated. The two-bottle choice paradigm was performed to assess the effects of CBD (30, 60 and 120 mg/kg/day, i.p.) on ethanol intake and preference. In addition, an oral ethanol self-administration experiment was carried out to evaluate the effects of CBD [a single s.c. administration of a microparticle formulation providing CBD continuous controlled release (30 mg/kg/day)] on the reinforcement and motivation for ethanol. The effects of CBD (60 and 120 mg/kg/day, i.p.) on ethanol-induced relapse were also evaluated. Gene expression analyses of tyrosine hydroxylase in ventral tegmental area and μ-opioid (Oprm1), cannabinoid (CB1 r and CB2 r) and GPR55 receptors in nucleus accumbens (NAcc) were carried out by real-time polymerase chain reaction. Cannabidiol reduced the ethanol-induced hypothermia and handling-induced convulsion but failed to modify blood ethanol concentration. CBD reduced ethanol consumption and preference in the two-bottle choice, significantly decreased ethanol intake and the number of effective responses in the oral ethanol self-administration, and reduced ethanol-induced relapse. Furthermore, the administration of CBD significantly reduced relative gene expression of tyrosine hydroxylase in the ventral tegmental area, Oprm1, CB1 r and GPR55 in the NAcc and significantly increased CB2 r in the NAcc. Taken together, these results reveal that the administration of CBD reduced the reinforcing properties, motivation and relapse for ethanol. These findings strongly suggest that CBD may result useful for the treatment of alcohol use disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Key Clinical Message: The evaluation of first‐degree family members is very important to detect additional cases of polyglandular autoimmune syndrome type 2. The genetic evaluation of human leukocyte antigen (HLA) may be useful in the study of this syndrome. This study is the first report of an HLA study of this syndrome in a Mexican family. The evaluation of first‐degree family members is very important to detect additional cases of polyglandular autoimmune syndrome type 2. The genetic evaluation of human leukocyte antigen (HLA) may be useful in the study of this syndrome. This study is the first report of an HLA study of this syndrome in a Mexican family. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Attempts at historical reconstruction are based on limited data. We are more likely to produce accurate historical reconstructions by utilizing information from diverse sources and pooling data within the relevant research communities which will allow us to build up a moving picture of the geological, climatic, and biological evolution of our planet. We suggest that dated phylogenies of plants can contribute greatly to a better understanding of Earth history. Timing of phylogenetic splits of lowland restricted lineages on either side of the Andes could provide information on the timing of montane uplift and associated climatic changes. The timing of the arrival and diversification of organisms restricted to specific climatic regimes at a particular altitude can provide information on the age at which mountains reached a height adequate for that climate once corrected for global climate changes. As a model for study, we discuss how dated phylogenies in biome rich Colombia may contribute to an understanding of geological and climatic change in north‐western South America. Lowland wet forest restricted lineages separated from the mid‐Miocene, whereas lineages primarily restricted to mid‐altitude cloud forests began to diversify from the mid‐ to late‐Miocene and the majority of high‐altitude Páramo lineages began to diversify during the Pliocene. The age of diversification of altitudinally restricted lineages therefore gives an indication of the age at which particular altitudes may have been reached. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The quantum yields for singlet oxygen production by diluted solutions of an Argentine crude oil and its SARA (saturates, aromatics, resins and asphaltenes) fractions were obtained by direct detection of the characteristic phosphorescence following monochromatic excitation at 355 nm. The most efficient sensitizers of singlet oxygen in organic media are crude oil, maltenes and aromatics fractions (values of singlet oxygen quantum yield are around 0.7), and resins (values around 0.1) are the poorest. Also, the quenching of singlet oxygen by the crude oil and its fractions was investigated; the asphaltenes and the petroleum are relatively efficient quenchers of singlet oxygen. Singlet oxygen quantum yields at 355 nm of an Argentine petroleum (Escalante crude oil) and its fractions in diluted solutions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The ability of Fe3O4 magnetic nanoparticles decorated with perylene bisimides to adsorb aromatic volatile organic compounds (VOCs) is reported. We have used DFT‐D3 calculations to anticipate the strong ability of the electron‐poor perylene bisimide to form noncovalent complexes with electron‐rich aromatic rings belonging to the VOC family. Subsequently, we synthesized a hybrid magnetic nanomaterial based on bisimide perylene dopamine and iron oxide nanoparticles. This material was used to fill a sorbent tube to study its ability to adsorb aromatic VOCs. We connected two tubes in series filled with the hybrid nanoparticles. The analysis of the front and back tubes was performed by thermal desorption (TD) coupled with capillary gas chromatography (GC)/flame ionization detector (FID). Adsorption values (defined as %VOCs found in the back tube) were determined for a series of aromatic VOCs and compared with the DFT binding energies. The tubes can be desorbed and reutilized more than 200 times without losing their properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction Materials and Methods Results Conclusion Despite the established role of the interventional pathologist, their diagnostic performance is difficult to establish. At least in Spain training of pathology residents in ultrasound‐guided interventional procedures for specimen collection is limited or absent in most institutions. We present our teaching experience in the instruction of ultrasound‐guided fine‐needle aspiration (FNA) to pathology residents in a tertiary‐level hospital.The training of pathology residents who rotated through the interventional unit of the pathology department and the application of ultrasound‐guided FNA and rapid on‐site evaluation (U‐ROSE) was documented over 5 years. The training period was broken down into learning phases and included the number of ultrasound‐guided FNA performed, anatomical location, and their diagnostic performance, among other aspects.Nineteen (19) pathology residents were trained in U‐ROSE, and performed a total of 4003 procedures, with a mean of 211 per resident. In 53% of cases only one pass was required for an adequated sample. The specimen was diagnostic in more than 97% of cases. The most frequently sampled anatomical sites were the thyroid gland (n = 2347), followed by lymph node (n = 667), soft tissues (n = 663) and salivary glands (n = 322).The results support the training programme followed by pathology residents in learning U‐ROSE, which is essential to lay the foundations for the future interventional pathologist. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Previous studies demonstrated that patients with alcohol use disorders (AUDs) show altered startle reflex responses to alcohol-related stimuli. However, there is little information about the role of these altered responses in the development of AUDs. This study examined the startle reflex response to different visual stimuli and the role of these patterns in the development of AUDs in a 4-year follow-up. Methods Two hundred and thirty-nine (nondependent) heavy-drinking participants were selected. In the baseline period, the startle reflex responses to alcohol-related, aversive, appetitive, and neutral pictures were assessed. Startle reflex responses to these pictures were used as predictive variables. Status drinking (alcohol dependence and nondependence) assessed at 4-year follow-up was used as outcome measure. Results At the 4-year follow-up assessment, 46% of participants fulfilled DSM- IV alcohol abuse or dependence criteria. Alcohol dependence status was predicted by an attenuated startle reflex response to alcohol-related and aversive pictures. Conclusions This study revealed that an attenuated modulation of startle reflex response to alcohol-related and aversive stimuli could be used as a clinical marker to predict the development of AUDs in participants with previous alcohol consumption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of early life stress on the vulnerability to ethanol consumption in adolescence. To this aim, mice were separated from their mothers for 12 hours/day on postnatal days 8 and 12. Emotional behavior (light-dark box, elevated plus maze and tail suspension tests) and pre-attentional deficit (pre-pulse inhibition) were evaluated in adolescent maternal separated (MS) mice. Alterations of the corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF), glucocorticoid receptor (NR3C1), tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), mu-opioid receptor (MOr), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), neuronal nuclei (NeuN), microtubule-associated protein 2 (MAP2) and neurofilament heavy (NF200)-immunoreactive fibers were studied in the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus (PVN), ventral tegmental area (VTA), nucleus accumbens (NAc) or hippocampus (HIP). The effects of maternal separation (alone or in combination with additional stressful stimuli) on ethanol consumption during adolescence were evaluated using the oral ethanol self-administration paradigm. MS mice presented mood-related alterations and pre-attentional deficit. Increased CRF, MOr and TH, and reduced BDNF, NR3C1, NeuN, MAP2 and NF200-immunoreactive fibers were observed in the PVN, NAc and HIP of adolescent MS mice. In the oral ethanol self-administration test, adolescent MS mice presented higher ethanol consumption and motivation. Exposure to additional new stressful stimuli during adolescence significantly increased the vulnerability to ethanol consumption induced by maternal separation. These results clearly demonstrated that exposure to early life stress increased the vulnerability to ethanol consumption, potentiated the effects of stressful stimuli exposure during adolescence on ethanol consumption and modified the expression of key targets involved in the response to stress, ethanol reinforcing properties and cognitive processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A template-free approach based on the use of eutectic mixtures composed of 2-hydroxymethylthiophene and furfuryl alcohol has been designed for the preparation of hierarchical sulfur-doped carbons (SPCs) in monolithic form. The temperature used for carbonization, for example, 600, 800, or 900 °C, determined most of the physicochemical properties of the resulting SPCs. Thus, the surface area increased from below 400 to up 775 m2 g−1, along with the carbonization temperature, whereas the sulfur content decreased from approximately 15 to 5 wt %. The oxygen reduction reaction performance in samples carbonized at 900 °C was good, with the four-electron-transfer reaction prevailing over the two-electron-transfer one. Interestingly, the methanol tolerance and stability of these SPCs were also remarkable, with less than 5 % current decrease immediately after methanol addition, whereas, in terms of stability, the current decrease was below 8 % after 20000 s. This performance was in the range of that found not only for other SPCs, but also for many nitrogen-doped and even some dual-doped (S and N) ones. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work describes the preparation and characterization of biomimetic chitosan/multiwall carbon nanotubes/nano-hydroxyapatite (CTS/MWCNT/nHAp) scaffolds and their viability for bone tissue engineering applications. The cryogenic process ice segregation-induced self-assembly (ISISA) was used to fabricate 3D biomimetic CTS scaffolds. Proper combination of cryogenics, freeze-drying, nature and molecular ratio of solutes give rise to 3D porous interconnected scaffolds with clusters of nHAp distributed along the scaffold surface. The effect of doping in CNT (e.g. with oxygen and nitrogen atoms) on cell viability was tested. Under the same processing conditions, pore size was in the range of 20-150 μm and irrespective on the type of CNT. Studies on cell viability with scaffolds were carried out using human cells from periosteum biopsy. Prior to cell seeding, the immunophenotype of mesenchymal periosteum or periosteum-derived stem cells (MSCs-PCs) was characterized by flow cytometric analysis using fluorescence-activated and characteristic cell surface markers for MSCs-PCs. The characterized MSCs-PCs maintained their periosteal potential in cell cultures until the 2nd passage from primary cell culture. Thus, the biomimetic CTS/MWCNT/nHAp scaffolds demonstrated good biocompatibility and cell viability in all cases such that it can be considered as promising biomaterials for bone tissue engineering. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 102A: 3341-3351, 2014. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND Metastatic dissemination is the most frequent cause of death in patients with sporadic colorectal cancer (sCRC). It is believed that the metastatic process is related at least in part to a specific background of genetic alterations accumulated in cells from primary tumors, and the ability to detect such alterations is critical for the identification of patients with sCRC who are at risk of developing metastases. METHODS The authors used high-resolution, 500-K single nucleotide polymorphism arrays to identify copy number alteration profiles present at diagnosis in primary tumors from patients with metastatic (n = 23) versus nonmetastatic (n = 26) sCRC. RESULTS The results revealed a characteristic pattern of copy number alterations in metastatic sCRC tumors that involved losses of 23 regions at chromosomes 1p, 17p, and 18q, together with gains of 35 regions at chromosomes 7 and 13q. CONCLUSIONS In line with expectations, the copy number profile investigated involved multiple genes that were associated previously with sCRC (ie, SMAD2) and/or the metastatic process (ie, podocalyxin-like [ PODXL]), and it also was associated with a poorer outcome. Cancer 2014;120:1948-1959. © 2014 American Cancer Society. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of deep eutectic solvents (DESs) that act as all-in-one solvent-template-reactant systems offers an interesting green alternative to conventional syntheses in materials science. This Review aims to provide a comprehensive overview to emphasize the similarities and discrepancies between DES-assisted and conventional syntheses and rationalize certain green features that are common for the three DES-assisted syntheses described herein: one case of radical polymerization and two cases of polycondensations. For instance, DESs contain the precursor itself and some additional components that either provide certain functionality (e.g., drug delivery and controlled release, or electrical conductivity) to the resulting materials or direct their formation with a particular structure (e.g., hierarchical-type). Moreover, DESs provide a reaction medium, so polymerizations are ultimately carried out in a solventless fashion. This means that DES-assisted syntheses match green chemistry principles 2 and 5 because of the economy of reagents and solvents, whereas the functionality incorporated by the second component allows the need for any post-synthesis derivatization to be minimized or even fully avoided (principle 8). DESs also provide new precursors that favor more efficient polymerization (principle 6) by decreasing the energy input required for reaction progress. Finally, the use of mild reaction conditions in combination with the compositional versatility of DESs, which allows low-toxic components to be selected, is also of interest from the viewpoint of green chemistry because it opens up the way to design biocompatible and/or eco-friendly synthetic methods (principle 3). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The deep eutectic solvents (DESs) based on the mixtures of a variety of ammonium salts and hydrogen bond donors containing acrylic acids and acrylamides are capable of sustaining frontal polymerization (FP). The selection of ammonium salt affects the reactivity and allows FP at relatively low temperature but with full conversion. Also, full conversion allows us to use these polymers for biomedical applications (e.g., drug delivery systems) as the unreactive ammonium salts can be released from the resulting polymer without by-products. We call these components 'active fillers,' which can be ammonium salts with biological or pharmaceutical importance. For instance, we prepared poly(acrylic acid) loaded with lidocaine hydrochloride (a common anesthetic), the release of which was found to occur in a controlled fashion. The ammonium salts also create a sufficiently high viscosity to suppress buoyancy-driven convection without additional materials. The DES here described played an all-in-one role, providing the monomer, the active filler, and the polymerization medium for FPs. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2013 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hierarchically structured graphitic carbons synthesized from deep eutectic solvents exhibit a bicontinuous structure where the continuity of the graphitic domains throughout the entire 3D carbon network provides electrical conductivities of up to 31 S/cm to the depicted monoliths. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The kinetics of the reaction between aqueous solutions of [Fe(CN)5NO]2- and NH2OCH3 has been studied by means of UV/Vis spectroscopy and complementary solution techniques, FTIR/ATR spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, and isotopic labeling ([Fe(CN)515NO]2-), in the pH range 6.0-9.3, I = 1 M (NaCl). The main products were nitrous oxide (N15NO), CH3OH, and [FeII(CN)5H2O]3-, characterized as the [FeII(CN)5(pyCONH2)]3- complex (pyCONH2 = isonicotinamide). In excess NH2OCH3, the kinetic runs indicated pseudo-first-order behavior, with corresponding rate constants, kobs [s-1], that correlated linearly with the concentration of NH2OCH3. The rate law is: R = kexp[Fe(CN)5NO2-][NH2OCH3], with kexp = (4.1 ± 0.4) × 10-4 M-1 s-1 at 25 ± 0.2 °C, Δ H# = 27 ± 1 kJ mol-1, and Δ S# = -220 ± 5 J K-1 mol-1, at pH 7.1. The value of kexp is much lower than that for similar addition reactions of NH2OH and of the N-substituted methyl derivative. In addition, the latter reactions exhibit a third-order rate law with a linear dependence of R on the concentration of OH-. The reaction profile has been modeled by density functional theoretical methodologies, providing mechanistic evidence on the different reaction steps, namely, the adduct formation and subsequent decomposition processes, with valuable comparisons with the reactivity of other nucleophiles with [Fe(CN)5NO]2-. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Paso Otero Locality is a cluster of archaeological sites within the middle Río Quequén Grande basin located in the northern coastal plain of Argentina. The valley fill is Holocene alluvial, eolian, and palustrine sediment, including the top of the Guerrero Member (∼10,000 14 C yr B. P.), upper Río Salado Member (∼3000 14 C yr B. P.), and lower La Postrera Formation (∼2400 14 C yr B. P.). Regional soils include the Puesto Callejón Viejo (10,000 to 9400 14 C yr B. P.) and the Puesto Berrondo (∼4800 14 C yr B. P.). Radiocarbon sampling of buried A-horizons on both sides of the river produced 17 dates considered reliable. The geoarchaeological information allows exploration of the implications for the formation of the archaeological record. Similar geological processes of differential intensity have resulted in contexts of different archaeological resolution and integrity. The Paso Otero Locality provides both a local and regional view of late Quaternary events and processes for the middle basin of the Río Quequén Grande. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE The aim of this study was to explore the effects of CB2 receptor agonist and antagonist in the regulation of anxiety-like behaviours. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACHES Effects of acute and chronic treatment with the CB2 receptor agonist JWH133 and CB2 receptor antagonist AM630 were evaluated in the light-dark box (LDB) and elevated plus maze (EPM) tests in Swiss ICR mice. CB2 receptor, GABAAα2 and GABAAγ2 gene and protein expression in the cortex and amygdala of mice chronically treated with JWH133 or AM630 were examined by RT-PCR and Western blot. Effects of chronic AM630 treatment were evaluated in spontaneously anxious DBA/2 mice in LDB. KEY RESULTS Acute JWH133 treatment failed to produce any effect. Acute AM630 treatment increased anxiety and was blocked by pre-treatment with JWH133. Chronic JWH133 treatment increased anxiety-like behaviour whereas chronic AM630 treatment was anxiolytic in LDB and EPM tests. Chronic AM630 treatment increased gene and reduced protein expression of CB2 receptors, GABAAα2 and GABAAγ2 in cortex and amygdala. Chronic JWH133 treatment resulted in opposite gene and protein alterations. In addition, chronic AM630 administration decreased the anxiety of DBA/2 mice in the LDB test. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS The opposing behavioural and molecular changes observed after chronic treatment with AM630 or JWH133 support the key role of CB2 receptors in the regulation of anxiety. Indeed, the efficacy of AM630 in reducing the anxiety of the spontaneously anxious DBA/2 strain of mice strengthens the potential of the CB2 receptor as a new target in the treatment of anxiety-related disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]