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Background: Children undergoing diagnostic and interventional radiology procedures often require sedation to achieve immobility and analgesia if the procedure is painful. In the past decades, leading scientific organizations have developed evidence‐based guidelines for procedural sedation and analgesia in children outside of the operating room. Their recommendations are being applied to procedural sedation in radiology. However, some questions remain open regarding specific aspects contextualized to the radiology setting, such as elective prone sedation, the urgency of the procedure, when venous access or airway protection is required, and others. Aims: To address the unresolved issues of procedural sedation and analgesia in pediatric diagnostic and interventional radiology. Methods: An expert panel of pediatricians, pediatric anesthesiologists, intensivists, and neuroradiologists selected topics representative of current controversies and formulated research questions. Statements were developed by reviewing the literature for new evidence, comparing expertise and experience, and expressing opinions. Panelists' agreement with the statements was collected anonymously using the DELPHI method. Results: Twelve evidence‐based or expert opinion incorporate are presented, considering risks, benefits, and applicability. Conclusions: This consensus document, developed by a multidisciplinary panel of experts involved in the field, provides statements to improve the quality of decision‐making practice in procedural sedation and analgesia in pediatric radiology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To assess the current prevalences of nutritional status and intestinal parasites, and their potential association with socio‐environmental conditions among schoolchildren in Aristóbulo del Valle, Misiones. Methods: We measured body weight and height in 444 schoolchildren aged 3–14 years and evaluated their nutritional status following WHO criteria. We examined fecal samples and anal swabs from 234 schoolchildren and collected socio‐environmental data through questionnaires. Results: The prevalence of undernutrition was 4.5% and excess of weight was 24.1%. The prevalence of stunting and of being overweight reached 2.3% and 12.4%, respectively. About 42% of the schoolchildren were infected with at least one of the 12 species identified. The most prevalent species were Blastocystis sp., Enterobius vermicularis, and Giardia lamblia. Entamoeba dispar was recorded for the first time in the locality. The multiple correspondence analysis identified peri‐urban, urban, and rural groups. Underweight, stunting and obesity were highest in the peri‐urban group, while overweight, wasting and parasitism rates were highest in the rural group. The urban group showed the lowest parasitic prevalences. Bed‐sharing, mother's education, and animal husbandry were associated with parasitic infections. Conclusions: The study highlights a decrease in undernutrition but a rise in overweight and obesity, indicating an ongoing nutritional transition. The association between socio‐environmental risk factors and parasitic infections underscore the need for comprehensive interventions addressing both nutritional and socio‐environmental conditions to improve the population's life quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Biallelic pathogenic variants in the mitochondrial prolyl‐tRNA synthetase 2 gene (PARS2, OMIM * 612036) have been associated with Developmental and Epileptic Encephalopathy‐75 (DEE‐75, MIM #618437). This condition is typically characterized by early‐onset refractory infantile spasms with hypsarrhythmia, intellectual disability, microcephaly, cerebral atrophy with hypomyelination, lactic acidemia, and cardiomyopathy. Most affected individuals do not survive beyond the age of 10 years. Methods: We describe a patient with early‐onset DEE, consistently showing an EEG pattern of Spike‐and‐Wave Activation in Sleep (SWAS) since childhood. The patient underwent extensive clinical, metabolic and genetic investigations, including whole exome sequencing (WES). Results: WES analysis identified compound heterozygous variants in PARS2 that have been already reported as pathogenic. A literature review of PARS2‐associated DEE, focusing mainly on the electroclinical phenotype, did not reveal the association of SWAS with pathogenic variants in PARS2. Notably, unlike previously reported cases with the same genotype, this patient had longer survival without cardiac involvement or lactic acidosis, suggesting potential genetic modifiers contributing to disease variability. Conclusion: These findings widen the genetic heterogeneity of DEE‐SWAS, including PARS2 as a causative gene in this syndromic entity, and highlight the importance of prolonged sleep EEG recording for the recognition of SWAS as a possible electroclinical evolution of PARS2‐related DEE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study focuses on the consequences of the use of computerized work equipment (hereafter: computer use) on the content and quality of work. It investigates, first, the relationship between computer use and both job tasks and task discretion and, second, their mediating role for the relationship between computer use and job satisfaction. With our German‐UK comparison, we contribute to the long‐standing debate on the upskilling/de‐skilling nature of the use of technology and its repercussions on the quality of work. We analyse data from the Skills and Employment Surveys for the UK and the BIBB/BAuA Employment Surveys for Germany using structural equation modelling. In line with the literature on routine‐biased technological change, we show that computers are complementary to the performance of less routine and more abstract cognitive tasks and that this relationship is conducive to a higher level of task discretion and job satisfaction in both countries. Accounting for differences in job tasks performed, we find a negative direct effect of computer use on both task discretion and job satisfaction in the United Kingdom but not in Germany. Our results indicate that the ultimate effect of computer use on both task discretion and job satisfaction depends on the institutional contexts in which technology is introduced. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aims: Whether the HCV test‐and‐treat strategy impacted on the rate of new HCV infections among PLWH in Italy is unknown. Methods: Prospective study of PLWH in the ICONA network. At baseline, PLWH were tested for HCV‐Ab; HCV‐RNA (if HCV‐Ab positive) and, if positive, treated with DAA. SVR12 indicated eradication. Seroconversions and re‐infections were evaluated yearly in HCV‐Ab neg and HCV‐RNA neg at first screening. We estimated the following: HCV seroconversions, incidence of HCV reinfections, and access to DAA and SVR12 rates tighter with factors associated with each outcome. Data were analysed by Cox regression, Poisson regression and logistic regression models. Results: Sixteen thousand seven hundred and forty‐three PLWH were included; 27.3% HCV‐Ab positive; of these, 39.3% HCV‐RNA positive. HCV seroconversion incidence:.48/100 PYFU (95% CI:.36–.65); re‐infections incidence: 1.40/100 PYFU (95% CI:.91–2.04). The risk factor for HCV re‐infection was young age: aIRR 1.85, 95% CI: 1.17–2.95) per 10 years younger. 86.4% of HCV viremic in follow‐up started DAA. PWID vs. heterosexuals (aHR.75, 95% CI.62–.90), HIV‐RNA >50 copies/mL (aHR.70, 95% CI.56–.87), HCV genotype other than G1, G2, G3, G4 or with multiple/missing HCV genotype and post‐COVID‐19 calendar periods were associated with lower DAA access. 922/965 (95.5%) PLWH achieved SVR12. We estimated 72% reduction of chance to achieve SVR12 in PLWH with a CD4 count <200/mm3 (vs. CD4 ≥200/mm3 aOR.18, 95% CI:.07–.46). 95.5% of DAA‐treated individuals eradicated HCV, but they represent only 53.2% of HCV viremic PLWH and 66.4% of those in follow‐up. HCV‐RNA positivity by year decreased from 41.7% in 2017 to 11.7% in 2022. Conclusions: The screening‐and‐treat campaign implemented in Italy, even if only partially effective, resulted in a dramatic drop in HCV circulation in our cohort. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ischemic heart disease (IHD) is one of the leading causes of death and morbidity in the world. The role of primary prevention is particularly relevant since IHD can be for a long time asymptomatic until the occurrence of a condition that could lead to plaque instabilization or increased oxygen demand. Secondary prevention is also essential to improve patients' prognosis and quality of life. The aim of this review is to provide a detailed and updated description of the role of sport and physical activity both in primary prevention and secondary prevention. In primary prevention, sport and physical activity are effective through the control of the main cardiovascular risk factors, such as hypertension and dyslipidemia. In secondary prevention, sport and physical activity can lead to a reduction in subsequent coronary events. Every effort must be made to encourage the performance of physical and sports activity both in asymptomatic subjects at risk and those with a history of IHD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Eriopis connexa is an important predator in the Neotropical region, associated with pests of economic relevance on horticultural crops in Argentina. The use of broad‐spectrum insecticides could reduce the biodiversity of these natural enemies in agroecosystems and put at risk its conservation. New, selective "risk reduced" insecticides could be an alternative to conventional chemical control to promote sustainable agriculture. The goal of this work was to assess the lethal and sublethal effects of two insect growth regulator (IGR) insecticides on eggs and two larval instars of E. connexa exposed to insecticides. RESULTS: Pyriproxyfen and cypermethrin significantly affected egg hatching by 28.8% and 70.4%, respectively. Pyriproxyfen reduced the survival of larvae that emerged by ≈52% from Day (D3)3 after hatching and caused the lengthening of developmental time for both larval and pupal stages. By contrast, teflubenzuron did not reduce hatching and survival but shortened the developmental time of the pupae stage. Cypermethrin reduced the survival of 2nd (L2) and 4th (L4) larval instars by 36.4% and 74.6%, respectively, and lengthened the development time of L2. Pyriproxyfen lengthened the development time of L4 and reduced the fecundity and fertility of females. Teflubenzuron reduced survival of L2 and L4 larval instars by 46.9% and 28.6%, respectively, and lengthened the total development time for the larval stage. In addition, teflubenzuron reduced the fecundity and fertility of females. CONCLUSIONS: Both eggs and larvae were susceptible to exposure to IGR, showing lethal and sublethal effects. This study highlights, once again, the higher toxicity of cypermethrin to E. connexa. The toxicity of both IGR insecticides could impair the performance of E. connexa as a biological control agent in agroecosystems. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

β‐glucosidases play a pivotal role in second‐generation biofuel (2G‐biofuel) production. For this application, thermostable enzymes are essential due to the denaturing conditions on the bioreactors. Random amino acid substitutions have originated new thermostable β‐glucosidases, but without a clear understanding of their molecular mechanisms. Here, we probe by different molecular dynamics simulation approaches with distinct force fields and submitting the results to various computational analyses, the molecular bases of the thermostabilization of the Paenibacillus polymyxa GH1 β‐glucosidase by two‐point mutations E96K (TR1) and M416I (TR2). Equilibrium molecular dynamic simulations (eMD) at different temperatures, principal component analysis (PCA), virtual docking, metadynamics (MetaDy), accelerated molecular dynamics (aMD), Poisson‐Boltzmann surface analysis, grid inhomogeneous solvation theory and colony method estimation of conformational entropy allow to converge to the idea that the stabilization carried by both substitutions depend on different contributions of three classic mechanisms: (i) electrostatic surface stabilization; (ii) efficient isolation of the hydrophobic core from the solvent, with energetic advantages at the solvation cap; (iii) higher distribution of the protein dynamics at the mobile active site loops than at the protein core, with functional and entropic advantages. Mechanisms i and ii predominate for TR1, while in TR2, mechanism iii is dominant. Loop A integrity and loops A, C, D, and E dynamics play critical roles in such mechanisms. Comparison of the dynamic and topological changes observed between the thermostable mutants and the wildtype protein with amino acid co‐evolutive networks and thermostabilizing hotspots from the literature allow inferring that the mechanisms here recovered can be related to the thermostability obtained by different substitutions along the whole family GH1. We hope the results and insights discussed here can be helpful for future rational approaches to the engineering of optimized β‐glucosidases for 2G‐biofuel production for industry, biotechnology, and science. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We describe a case of epileptic encephalopathy in a young woman with undiagnosed medium‐chain acyl‐coenzyme A dehydrogenase deficiency (MCADD), who presented with an early‐onset focal motor status epilepticus (SE) then followed by permanent left hemiplegia and drug‐resistant epilepsy with neurodevelopmental delay. Throughout her clinical history, recurrent episodes of lethargy, feeding difficulties, and clustering seizures occurred, progressing into a super refractory SE and death at the age of 25 years. Although epilepsy is not a distinctive feature of MCADD, we advise considering this metabolic disease as a possible etiology of epileptic encephalopathy and hemiconvulsion‐hemiplegia‐epilepsy syndrome of unknown origin, on the chance to provide a timely and targeted treatment preventing development delay and evolution to SE. Adult patients with epilepsy of unknown etiology not screened at birth for inborn errors of metabolism, such as MCADD, should be promptly investigated for these treatable conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction. Maxillary canine is the most frequent dental element that could likely remain impacted in the bone structure, with a percentage between 1 and 5%. This study presents a case report using a diode laser for surgical-orthodontics disinclusion of a palatal mucosal impacted permanent left upper canine (2.3) and the simultaneous application of an orthodontic bracket. Methods. After cementation of the trans-palatal bar to the upper first molars with a hook for orthodontic traction, local anaesthesia with articaine was performed, followed by surgical operculectomy using a diode laser (810 nm wavelength, continuous wave mode with a power output of 3 W, and a 0.4 mm diameter optical fiber), and the orthodontic bracket with a passive metal looped ligature was applied. Subsequently, active elastic traction was applied on 2.3 and the upper arch was bonded for the application of a series of orthodontic wires, lace-back, and metal ligatures. A progressive reactivation of the elastic traction and extraction of 6.3 was necessary to translate the canine into the correct arch position. Results. Diode laser surgical-orthodontic disinclusion of impacted upper canine was performed successively, resulting in a dry surgical field ideal for orthodontic bracket adhesion. No pain and no swelling have been reported from the patient. The orthodontic treatment allowed the canine to be moved to the correct position in the arch. Conclusions. This case showed that the diode laser is a valid alternative for the surgical-orthodontic disinclusion of an included tooth element. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Parkinsonian features have been described in patients harboring variants in nuclear genes encoding for proteins involved in mitochondrial DNA maintenance, such as TWNK.Objectives: The aim was to screen for TWNK variants in an Italian cohort of Parkinson's disease (PD) patients and to assess the occurrence of parkinsonism in patients presenting with TWNK-related autosomal dominant progressive external ophthalmoplegia (TWNK-adPEO).Methods: Genomic DNA of 263 consecutively collected PD patients who underwent diagnostic genetic testing was analyzed with a targeted custom gene panel including TWNK, as well as genes causative of monogenic PD. Genetic and clinical data of 18 TWNK-adPEO patients with parkinsonism were retrospectively analyzed.Results: Six of 263 PD patients (2%), presenting either with isolated PD (n = 4) or in combination with bilateral ptosis (n = 2), carried TWNK likely pathogenic variants. Among 18 TWNK-adPEO patients, 5 (28%) had parkinsonism.Conclusions: We show candidate TWNK variants occurring in PD without PEO. This finding will require further confirmatory studies. © 2022 Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson Movement Disorder Society. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Eukaryote symbionts of animals are major drivers of ecosystems not only because of their diversity and host interactions from variable pathogenicity but also through different key roles such as commensalism and to different types of interdependence. However, molecular investigations of metazoan eukaryomes require minimising coamplification of homologous host genes. In this study we (1) identified a previously published "antimetazoan" reverse primer to theoretically enable amplification of a wider range of microeukaryotic symbionts, including more evolutionarily divergent sequence types, (2) evaluated in silico several antimetazoan primer combinations, and (3) optimised the application of the best performing primer pair for high throughput sequencing (HTS) by comparing one‐step and two‐step PCR amplification approaches, testing different annealing temperatures and evaluating the taxonomic profiles produced by HTS and data analysis. The primer combination 574*F – UNonMet_DB tested in silico showed the largest diversity of nonmetazoan sequence types in the SILVA database and was also the shortest available primer combination for broadly‐targeting antimetazoan amplification across the 18S rRNA gene V4 region. We demonstrate that the one‐step PCR approach used for library preparation produces significantly lower proportions of metazoan reads, and a more comprehensive coverage of host‐associated microeukaryote reads than the two‐step approach. Using higher PCR annealing temperatures further increased the proportion of nonmetazoan reads in all sample types tested. The resulting V4 region amplicons were taxonomically informative even when only the forward read is analysed. This region also revealed a diversity of known and putatively parasitic lineages and a wider diversity of host‐associated eukaryotes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Local steroid administration during anterior cervical spine surgery has been shown to improve postoperative dysphagia. However, concerns over potential complications remain. This study aims to evaluate the effect of local steroid administration on bone regeneration and spine fusion in a preclinical model, as well as the impact on osteogenic differentiation of human bone marrow‐derived mesenchymal stem cells (hBM‐MSCs) in a 3D culture system. Materials and methods: Forty‐five rats underwent bilateral L4‐L5 posterolateral lumbar fusion (PLF) utilizing local delivery of low‐dose recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein‐2 (rhBMP‐2; 0.5 μg/implant). Rats were divided into three groups: no steroid (control), low dose (0.5 mg/kg), and high dose (2.5 mg/kg) of triamcinolone. Bone growth and fusion were assessed using radiography, blinded manual palpation, and micro‐CT analysis and were visualized by histology. The impact of triamcinolone exposure on osteogenic differentiation of hBM‐MSCs was evaluated by gene expression analysis, alkaline phosphatase activity assay, and alizarin red staining. Results: No significant differences in fusion scores or rates were seen in the low‐ or high‐dose steroid treatment groups relative to untreated controls. Quantification of new bone formation via micro‐CT imaging revealed no significant between‐group differences in the volume of newly regenerated bone. Triamcinolone also had no negative impact on pro‐osteogenic gene transcript levels, and ALP activity was enhanced in the presence of triamcinolone. Mineral deposition appeared comparable in cultures grown with and without triamcinolone. Conclusions: Local steroid application does not seem to inhibit rhBMP‐2‐mediated spine fusion in rats, though our study may not be adequately powered to detect differences in fusion as measured by manual palpation or bone volume as measured by micro‐CT. These findings suggest that local triamcinolone may not increase pseudarthrosis in spine fusion procedures. Further large animal and clinical studies to verify its safety and efficacy are warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Due to the constraints surrounding autograft bone, surgeons have turned to osteoinductive agents to augment spinal fusion. Reports of complications and questionable efficacy slowed the adoption of these alternatives. Recombinant human platelet‐derived growth factor B homodimer (rhPDGF‐BB) has been Food and Drug Administration (FDA)‐approved (Augment) to promote fusion in other areas of orthopedics, but its characterization in spine fusion has not yet been tested. The purpose of this study is to characterize the host response to PDGF‐BB in vivo. Methods: Eighty female Fischer rats underwent L4‐5 posterolateral fusion using one of four implant types: (a) iliac crest syngeneic allograft harvested from syngeneic donors, (b) β‐TCP/bovine collagen matrix (β‐TCP/Col) with sodium acetate buffer, (c) β‐TCP/Col with 0.3 mg/mL "low dose," or (d) β‐TCP/Col with 3.0 mg/mL "high dose" of rhPDGF‐BB. Animals underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and serum cytokine quantification at 4, 7, 10, and 21 days, postoperatively. Tissues were processed for immunofluorescence staining for Ki67 and von Willebrand factor (vWF) to assess neovascularization. Results: MRI demonstrated no differences in fluid accumulation among the four treatment groups at any of the time points. Serum cytokine analysis showed no clinically significant differences between treatment groups in 20 of the 27 cytokines. Inflammatory cytokines IFN‐γ, IL‐1β, IL‐18, MCP‐1, MIP‐1α, TNF‐α were not induced by rhPDGF‐BB. Histology showed no differences in cell infiltration, and Ki67 and vWF immunofluorescence staining was similar among groups. Conclusions: rhPDGF‐BB delivered with a β‐TCP/Col matrix exerts no exaggerated systemic or local host inflammatory response when compared to iliac crest syngeneic allograft bone or the control carrier. rhPDGF‐BB mixed with a β‐TCP/Col matrix could be a viable and safe biologic alternative to syngeneic allograft in spine fusion. Further studies need to be performed to evaluate efficacy in this setting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ultracold fermionic atoms are proposed to be used in 1D optical lattices to quantum simulate the electronic transport in quantum cascade laser (QCL) structures. The competition between the coherent tunneling among (and within) the wells and the dissipative decay at the basis of lasing is discussed. In order to validate the proposed simulation scheme, such competition is quantitatively addressed in a simplified 1D model. The existence of optimal relationships between the model parameters is shown, maximizing the particle current, the population inversion (or their product), and the stimulated emission rate. This substantiates the concept of emulating the QCL operation mechanisms in cold‐atom optical lattice simulators, laying the groundwork for addressing open questions, such as the impact of electron–electron scattering and the origin of transport‐induced noise, in the design of new‐generation QCLs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study aims to characterize the epilepsy phenotype of maternally inherited Leigh's syndrome (MILS) and neuropathy, ataxia, retinitis pigmentosa (NARP) due to mutations in the mitochondrial ATP6 gene and to correlate electroclinical features with mutant heteroplasmy load (HL). We investigated 17 individuals with different phenotype, from asymptomatic carriers to MILS: 11 carried the m.8993T> G mutation, 5 the m.8993T> C and one the novel, de novo m.8858G> A mutation. Seizures occurred in 37.5% of patients, EEG abnormalities in 73%. We ranked clinical and EEG abnormalities severity and performed quantitative EEG to estimate Abnormality Ratio (AR) and Spectral Relative Power (SRP). Spearman's rho and Kruskal–Wallis test were used for correlation with heteroplasmy load (HL). HL correlated with disease severity (Rho = 0.63, P = 0.012) and was significantly higher in patients with seizures or EEG abnormalities (P = 0.014). HL correlated with EEG severity score only for the m.8993T> G (Rho = 0.73, P = 0.040), showing a trend toward a positive correlation with AR and delta SPR, irrespective of the mutation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Developmental and epileptic encephalopathies (DEE) encompass rare, sporadic neurodevelopmental disorders and usually with pediatric onset. As these conditions are characterized by marked clinical and genetic heterogeneity, whole‐exome sequencing (WES) represents the strategy of choice for the molecular diagnosis. While its usefulness is well established in pediatric DEE cohorts, our study is aimed at assessing the WES feasibility in adult DEE patients who experienced a diagnostic odyssey prior to the advent of this technique. We analyzed exomes from 71 unrelated adult DEE patients, consecutively recruited from an Italian cohort for the EPI25 Project. All patients underwent accurate clinical and electrophysiological characterization. An overwhelming percentage (90.1%) had already undergone negative genetic testing. Variants were classified according to the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics guidelines. WES disclosed 24 (likely) pathogenic variants among 18 patients in epilepsy‐related genes with either autosomal dominant, recessive or X‐linked inheritance. Ten of these were novel. We obtained a diagnostic yield of 25.3%, higher among patients with brain malformations, early‐onset epilepsy and dysmorphisms. Despite a median diagnostic delay of 38.7 years, WES analysis provided the long‐awaited diagnosis for 18 adult patients, which also had an impact on the clinical management of 50% of them. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in individuals with arterial hypertension (AH) and/or diabetes mellitus (DM) accompanied by Primary Health Care (PHC) in Brazil. The estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) based on creatinine, and urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio (ACR) were measured in 841 subjects with AH and/or DM, followed by PHC in the city of Viçosa. The CKD was diagnosed according to KDIGO criteria. Sociodemographic, clinical, and anthropometric factors related to the prevalence of CKD were investigated through multiple logistic regression. The prevalence of hidden CKD was 15.4%. Of these, 7.5% were identified by albuminuria (ACR ≥30 mg/g) with slightly decreased eGFR. Age, baseline disease, waist circumference (WC), and systolic blood pressure remained associated with CKD after multivariate analysis. The two major risk factors for hidden CKD were the presence of AH in association with DM and an increase in age. Hidden CKD was more common within people with AH and DM, and with high WC, glycosylated hemoglobin, and serum phosphorus as well as male gender and decreased serum albumin. This knowledge of risk associations can help avoid progression to CKD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To investigate the efficacy of a combination of continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) and continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) versus an optimized degludec‐based multiple daily injections (MDI) regimen + self‐monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG) in people with type 1 diabetes with regard to optimizing glucose control. Material and methods: The trial included 28 individuals who underwent a 4‐week run‐in phase, and were then randomized 1:1 to: (a) CSII + CGM followed by MDI + SMBG or (b) an MDI basal‐bolus regimen followed by CSII + CGM. Results: In patients randomized to the CSII + CGM → MDI + SMBG arm, a significant reduction in glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) versus baseline was found at the end of the first phase (CSII + CGM) without significant variation in the following MDI + SMBG phase. In the arm randomized to the MDI + SMBG → CSII + CGM sequence, a significant improvement in HbA1c was observed in the first phase (MDI + SMBG), together with a further decrease in the following CSII + CGM phase. In the comparison of the two treatments using a mixed linear model, CSII + CGM was superior to MDI + SMBG with respect to change in HbA1c (P = 0.001). Conclusions: This study suggests that CSII + CGM improves glycaemic control without relevant safety issues in type 1 diabetes, in comparison with MDI + SMBG. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The advent of the high‐throughput next‐generation sequencing produced a large number of biological data. Knowledge discovery from the huge amount of available biological data requires researchers to develop solid skills in biology and computer science. As the majority of the Bioinformatics professionals are either computer science or life sciences graduates, to teach biology skills to computer science students and computational skills to life science students has become usual. In this article, we reported the experience of teaching programming for life science students. Our strategy is composed by explaining basic concepts of algorithms, abstraction of biological problems, and script programming using Python language. Based on the student's answers to an assessment questionnaire, we conclude that the course achieved positive results. They reported an improvement in their skills in programming and bioinformatics. Furthermore, the students approved the didactic adopted in the classes and evaluation methods (programming exercises and final presentation). This article is useful for other professors who want to implement an initial bioinformatics training for undergraduate or graduate students in life sciences. We believe that the strategies here demonstrated could be reproduced, which could help in the formation of a new generation of bioinformaticians with hybrid abilities in computation and biology. © 2019 International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, 47(3):288–295, 2019. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: We investigated the contribution to sporadic focal epilepsies (FE) of ultrarare variants in genes coding for the components of complexes regulating mechanistic Target Of Rapamycin (mTOR)complex 1 (mTORC1). Methods: We collected genetic data of 121 Italian isolated FE cases and 512 controls by Whole Exome Sequencing (WES) and single‐molecule Molecular Inversion Probes (smMIPs) targeting 10 genes of the GATOR1, GATOR2, and TSC complexes. We collapsed "qualifying" variants (ultrarare and predicted to be deleterious or loss of function) across the examined genes and sought to identify their enrichment in cases compared to controls. Results: We found eight qualifying variants in cases and nine in controls, demonstrating enrichment in FE patients (P = 0.006; exact unconditional test, one‐tailed). Pathogenic variants were identified in DEPDC5 and TSC2, both major genes for Mendelian FE syndromes. Interpretation: Our findings support the contribution of ultrarare variants in genes in the mTOR pathway complexes GATOR and TSC to the risk of sporadic FE and a shared genetic basis between rare and common epilepsies. The identification of a monogenic etiology in isolated cases, most typically encountered in clinical practice, may offer to a broader community of patients the perspective of precision therapies directed by the underlying genetic cause. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

White spot disease in penaeid shrimp is caused by the white spot syndrome virus (WSSV). It is the most economically important disease of farmed warm‐water shrimp, causing extensive economic losses estimated from $8 to $15 billion since its emergence in the 1990s. Early diagnosis of disease is critical in the management of outbreaks and to avoid crop losses. Diagnosis of white spot disease is generally carried out in centralized laboratory settings using molecular biology approaches. However, this mode of testing can be expensive and time consuming, requiring laboratory equipment, highly trained laboratory personnel, dedicated laboratory space, and long‐distance transportation of samples from field to lab. In‐field diagnostics are gaining credence as tools for rapid and early animal disease detection, allowing diagnosticians and farmers to potentially manage disease outbreaks from the pond side. In the present study, we describe the development and application of a new in‐field point‐of‐need diagnostic test and platform for the diagnosis of WSSV in remote settings (shrimp farms). We report its performance in laboratory and field settings and compare it with current gold‐standard diagnostic approaches. We discuss the potential benefits (and barriers to uptake) of applying such testing in the global shrimp farming sector. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Sonography is a clinical tool being incorporated in multiple medical specialties with evidence of improved patient care and cost. Some schools have begun implementing ultrasound curricula. We hope to build upon that foundation and provide another potential framework of incorporation. There are several barriers, including curricular space, equipment and physical space, adequate faculty, and performing assessment. Methods: At West Virginia University, we began a longitudinal ultrasound curriculum in 2012 with incorporation of didactic and practical sessions into gross anatomy, our systems‐based second‐year curriculum, physical diagnosis course, and clinical rotations. We included both written and practical assessment from the onset. After the initial 4 years, the first graduates were surveyed on their perceptions of the curriculum. Responses were correlated with specialty choice and clinical campus site. Results: Based on our survey (90% response rate), students felt sonography was useful for anatomical understanding and patient care. Overall, 93% of our respondents reviewed the curriculum favorably. Qualitative feedback was very positive, with students desiring more ultrasound education and more required components, specifically in clinical rotations. Conclusions: Based on these results, some changes have already been implemented, including decreased student‐to‐instructor ratios, more open scan time, and more required components. The breadth of formal assessment has increased. Multiple pilot programs for clinical rotations are being developed. There is an ongoing need for faculty development and continued assessment of ultrasound competency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Dipyridamole stress echocardiography (DSE) represents a fundamental test in patients with suspected coronary artery disease (CAD). The diagnosis of microvascular disease is still challenging. We aimed to determine the diagnostic value of left ventricular (LV) layer‐specific longitudinal (LS) and circumferential strain (CS) by Speckle Tracking in detecting CAD during DSE and to study if they can help in discriminate between a negative echo and a suspected microvascular angina. Methods and results: We enrolled 66 patients with known or suspected CAD. All underwent standard DSE. We identified 3 groups according to the result of DSE (36 negative DSE, 19 positive DSE, 11 indicatives for microvascular disease). Wall motion score index, global LV LS and CS (global longitudinal strain [GLS] and global circumferential strain [GCS]), and layer‐specific LV LS and CS were measured at rest and peak stress. The Delta between rest and peak stress values was calculated. GLS increased after injection in negative DSE and microvascular disease while reducing in positive DSE. Endocardial GCS and transmural GCS values were stable in microvascular disease while increasing significantly in negative DSE, helping in the diagnosis. The specific analysis of endocardial LS showed the most powerful difference between healthy and macrovascular CAD patients, both for LS and CS. Conclusions: Global circumferential strain can be a new valuable added tool in the echocardiographic diagnosis of microvascular disease. Endocardial GLS is the best indicator of an altered wall deformation in the presence of macrovascular ischemia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives To measure the size and timing of changes in utilization and costs for employees and dependents who had major access barriers to primary care removed, across an 8-year period (2007 to 2014). Study design and methods Retrospective observational study examining patterns of utilization and costs before and after the implementation of a worksite medical office in 2010. The worksite office offered convenient primary care services with no travel from work, essentially guaranteed same day access, and no co-pay. Trends in visit rates and costs were compared for an intervention fixed cohort group (employees and dependents) at the employer ( n = 1211) with a control fixed cohort group ( n = 542 162) for 6 types of visits (primary, urgent, emergency, inpatient, specialty, and other outpatient). Difference-in-differences methods assessed the significance of between-group changes in utilization and costs. Results The worksite medical office intervention group had an increase in primary care visits relative to the control group (+43% vs +4%, P < 0.001). This was accompanied by a reduction in urgent care visits by the intervention group compared with the control group (−43% vs −5%, P < 0.001). There were no differences in the other types of visits, and the total visit costs for the intervention group increased 5.7% versus 2.7% for the control group ( P = 0.008). A sub-group analysis of the intervention group (comparing dependents to employees) found that that the dependents achieved a reduction in costs of 2.7% ( P < 0.001) across the study period. Conclusions The potential for long-term reduction in utilization and costs with better access to primary care is significant, but not easily nor automatically achieved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Indoor allergens are risk factors for asthma: Thus, the characterization of indoor air quality is important for studying environment-health relationships in children. In particular, Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus is the dominant allergen for asthma. We cross-sectionally investigated the relationships among respiratory symptoms and function, airway inflammation, allergen sensitization, and indoor allergen concentration. Methods One hundred and thirty-two children aging 10-14 years and living in a Southern Mediterranean area were evaluated by parental questionnaires. Spirometry, exhaled nitric oxide (Fe NO), skin prick tests, total, and specific serum IgE analyses were performed along with the evaluation of home dust samples for the content in Der p 1 allergen. Three clusters were created on the basis of the presence/absence of wheeze in the last 12 months (Wh12m) and Der p 1-specific IgE level. Results Cluster 1 (Wh12m+/high Der p 1 IgE) presented higher Fe NO and poorer pulmonary function (lower FEV1 and FEF25%-75%), while its symptom score was not different from Cluster 2 (Wh12m+/low Der p 1 IgE). Cluster 3 (Wh12m−/low IgE) showed the lowest Fe NO values and pulmonary function similar to Cluster 2. Within Cluster 1, both Der p 1-specific IgE and Fe NO were positively correlated with dust Der p 1. Conclusions Similar asthma phenotypes may occur in children despite differences in their atopic state. In atopic children, sensitizing allergens in the indoor environment may increase airway inflammation worsening pulmonary function. Moreover, environmental exposures may contribute to the development of asthma-like symptoms also in the absence of atopic sensitization, thus contributing to asthma overdiagnosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An initial survey in 2009 carried out at a site in northwestern Patagonia region, Argentina, revealed for the first time in South America the presence of the flagellate Crithidia bombi and the neogregarine Apicystis bombi, two pathogens associated with the Palaearctic invasive bumble bee Bombus terrestris. In order to determine the long-term persistence and dynamics of this microparasite complex, four additional collections at the same site (San Carlos de Bariloche) were conducted along the following seven years. Both protists were detected in all collections: prevalence was 2%-21.6% for C. bombi and 1.2%-14% for A. bombi. In addition, the microsporidium Nosema bombi was recorded for the first time in the country in the last two collections, at prevalences of 12.4% and 2.4% and unusually high infection intensities (Average = 6.56 × 107 spores per individual). Due to the exceptional dispersal ability of the exotic B. terrestris, these three multihost pathogens should be considered as potential threats to South American native bumble bees. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses strategies of Belmont University to develop leadership capacities and awareness among its students through curricular activities and privileges of the University to the Christian tradition in its approach to liberal education. It discusses invitation by the University to physician David Vanderpool to work with him in construction of a clinic and school building in Thomazeu, Haiti. It also mentions spiritual development questionnaire for student awareness.

Recording skills practice on videotape can enhance learning — a comparative study between nurse lecturers and nursing students Video recording techniques have been used in educational settings for a number of years. They have included viewing video taped lessons, using whole videos or clips of tapes as a trigger for discussion, viewing video recordings to observe role models for practice, and being video recorded in order to receive feedback on performance from peers and tutors. Although this last application has been in use since the 1960s, it has only been evaluated as a teaching method with health care professionals in the past 10 years and mostly in the areas of medical and counsellor education. In nurse education, however, use of video recording techniques has been advocated without any empirical evidence on its efficacy. This study has used nursing degree students and nurse educationalists to categorize statements from four cohorts of students who took part in a 12-day clinical supervision course during which their interpersonal skills were recorded on videotape. There were two categories: positive and negative/neutral. Analysis of the data showed that between 61% and 72% of the subjects gave an overall positive categorization to the statements in the questionnaire. Chi-square tests were significant for all groups in both categories. This suggests that both nursing students and nurse lecturers thought that course participants’ statements expressed a positive belief that video tape recording is useful in enhancing students’ ability to learn effective interpersonal skills in clinical supervision. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives To evaluate the therapeutic effects of tamsulosin on recurrent urinary tract infections in women with dysfunctional voiding. Methods A total of 155 women with recurrent urinary tract infections and dysfunctional voiding were included and randomly assigned to the following groups: uroflowmetry biofeedback (group 1), α1-adrenoceptor antagonists (group 2), uroflowmetry biofeedback combined with α1-adrenoceptor antagonists (group 3) and no treatment (group 4). Patients were evaluated by the American Urological Association Symptom Index at 3, 6 and 12 months. Urodynamics was carried out in patients of groups 1, 2, and 3 at 3, 6 and 12 months, whereas urodynamics was only carried out at 12 months in group 4. All patients were followed up for 1 year with monthly urine cultures. Results The incidence of storage and emptying symptoms decreased significantly at 3, 6 and 12 months. Mean flow rate, flow time and voiding volume increased significantly (with a better outcome in patients of group 3), whereas post-void residual urine decreased. Mean opening detrusor pressure and detrusor pressure at maximum flow decreased significantly (with a better outcome in patients of group 3). Mean urethral closure pressure and maximum urethral closure pressure decreased significantly with a more significant decrease for patients in group 3. The prevalence of urinary tract infection decreased significantly in all groups after treatment, and this decrease remained stable during the follow up. Conclusions In women with dysfunctional voiding and recurrent urinary tract infection, tamsulosin associated with uroflowmetry biofeedback might be an effective and safe treatment option for improving urinary symptoms and quality of life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Elaphoglossum luridum (F'ee) Christ. (Dryopteridaceae) is an epiphytic fern of the Atlantic Forest (Brazil). Anatomical and physiological studies were conducted to understand how this plant responds to water stress. The E. luridum frond is coriaceus and succulent, presenting trichomes, relatively thick cuticle, and sinuous cell walls in both abaxial and adaxial epidermis. Three treatments were analyzed: control, water deficit, and abscisic acid (ABA). Physiological studies were conducted through analysis of relative water content (RWC), photosynthetic pigments, chlorophyll a fluorescence, and malate content. No changes in RWC were observed among treatments; however, significant decreases in chlorophyll a content and photosynthetic parameters, including optimal irradiance (Iopt) and maximumelectron transport rate (ETRmax),were determined by rapid light curves (RLC).No evidence of crassulacean acid metabolism (CAM) pathway was observed in E. luridum in response to either water deficit or exogenous application of ABA. On the other hand, malate content decreased in the E. luridum frond after ABA treatment, seeming to downregulate malate metabolism at night, possibly through tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle regulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The critical micelle concentration (CMC) of aqueous mixtures of decyl- (CTAB), dodecyl- (CTAB), and tetradecyl trimethyl ammonium (CTAB) bromides has been studied in the complete triangular diagram. The results have been analyzed on the basis of the multicomponent regular solution theory for mixed micelles (MRST). It has been found that the mixtures of both, two or three components, contrary to the MRST theory assumptions, have a nonideal behavior. Both the experimental CMC, (CMC), and that computed with the MRST, (CMC)), were lower than the ideal one, (CMC), indicating an attractive interaction. Moreover, in the majority of the triangular diagram (CMC) differs significantly from (CMC). This suggests that the assumption in the MRST that the interaction among the three different homologue molecules in the mixed micelle computed using the binary regular solution theory interaction parameters obtained from binary mixtures may be an oversimplification. This has been reinforced by analysis of the intramicellar activity coefficients of components, indicating differences in the surrounding of the component molecules when they are in bi- or tricomponent micelles. The excess free energy of micellization in three-component systems indicates that the more stable mixed micelles are those having an excess of the shorter components (CTAB-CTAB) and <50 % of the longer one (CTAB). Furthermore, the common statement that mixtures of homologue surfactants are ideal is not supported by this work. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oxidative stress is a determining factor of cellular senescence and aging and a potent inducer of the tumour-suppressor p53. Resistance to oxidative stress correlates with delayed aging in mammals, in the absence of accelerated tumorigenesis, suggesting inactivation of selected p53-downstream pathways. We investigated p53 regulation in mice carrying deletion of p66, a mutation that retards aging and confers cellular resistance and systemic resistance to oxidative stress. We identified a transcriptional network of ~200 genes that are repressed by p53 and encode for determinants of progression through mitosis or suppression of senescence. They are selectively down-regulated in cultured fibroblasts after oxidative stress, and, in vivo, in proliferating tissues and during physiological aging. Selectivity is imposed by p66 expression and activation of p44/p53 (also named Delta40p53), a p53 isoform that accelerates aging and prevents mitosis after protein damage. p66 deletion retards aging and increases longevity of p44/p53 transgenic mice. Thus, oxidative stress activates a specific p53 transcriptional response, mediated by p44/p53 and p66, which regulates cellular senescence and aging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite recent treatments, such as bortezomib, thalidomide, and lenalidomide, therapy of multiple myeloma ( MM) is limited, and MM remains an incurable disease associated with high mortality. The outcome of patients treated with cytotoxic therapy has not been satisfactory. Therefore, new therapies are needed for relapsed MM. A new anticancer strategy is the use of monoclonal antibodies ( Mo Abs) that represent the best available combination of tumor cytotoxicity, environmental signal privation, and immune system redirection. Clinical results in patients with relapsed/refractory MM suggest that Mo Abs are likely to operate synergistically with traditional therapies (dexamethasone), immune modulators (thalidomide, lenalidomide), and other novel therapies (bortezomib); in addition, Mo Abs have shown the ability to overcome resistance to these therapies. It remains to be defined how Mo Ab therapy can most fruitfully be incorporated into the current therapeutic paradigms that have achieved significant survival earnings in patients with MM. This will require careful consideration of the optimal sequence of treatments and their clinical position as either short-term induction therapy, frontline therapy in patients ineligible for ASCT, or long-term maintenance treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives/Aim This randomized control trial was designed to evaluate the incidence of emergence delirium ( ED) in preschool children receiving sevoflurane or desflurane anesthesia combined with an effective caudal block. Background While ED has been described in children receiving sevoflurane or desflurane anesthesia, a direct comparison between the two agents using a validated ED assessment tool has not been reported previously. Methods/Materials Two hundred and sixty preschool children scheduled for elective sub-umbilical surgery were randomized to receive sevoflurane or desflurane anesthesia combined with a caudal block. ED was defined as a Paediatric Anesthesia Emergence Delirium scale ( PAED) ≥10 points. A delirium-specific score ( ED I) was calculated from the first three items of the PAED score (eye contact, purposeful actions, awareness of the surroundings) and a nonspecific score ( ED II) from the last two items on the PAED score (restlessness and inconsolability) to test the hypothesis that some items of the PAED scale may better reflect clinical ED than others. Results Thirty-one (25%) children in each group demonstrated ED after awakening with ED being of shorter duration in the desflurane group than the sevoflurane group. An ED I score of nine points had a sensitivity of 0.93 and a specificity of 0.94 for ED. An ED II score of five points had a sensitivity of 0.34 and specificity of 0.95 for ED. Conclusion Sevoflurane and desflurane anesthesia were associated with similar incidences of ED in children undergoing sub-umbilical surgery and receiving effective regional anesthesia. High scores on the first three items of the PAED scale were highly correlated with ED. The items restlessness and inconsolability had lower sensitivity for the diagnosis of ED. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The composition of the mixed micelles formed by benzethonium chloride and dodecyl trimethyl ammonium bromide in water were experimentally determined by a combination of surfactant ion-selective electrodes and UV-Vis spectroscopy measurements. Results were compared with the computed compositions from three theories on mixed micelles available in the literature (Regular Solution, Motomura' and Georgiev's). The basis of the Junquera and Aicart method and the determination of the micelle aggregation number ( N) by pyrene fluorescence quenching, i.e., the constancy of N and the mixed micelle composition when the total concentration is changed , were not supported by our experimental results. Experimental micelle compositions were statistically equal to those computed by Regular Solution Theory. The mixed micelle composition and the quantity of non-micellized surfactant molecules change with concentration above the critical micelle concentration, and therefore do not support the assumptions used in the Junquera and Aicart procedure and in the determination of N by pyrene fluorescence quenching. The reason why the latter procedure gives N values similar to those obtained from other techniques is discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) of the bladder is one of the most common malignancies of genitourinary tract. Patients with bladder cancer need a life-long surveillance, directly due to the relatively high recurrence rate of this tumor. The use of cystoscopy represents the gold standard for the followup of previously treated patients. Nevertheless, several factors, including cost and invasiveness, render cystoscopy not ideal for routine controls. Advances in the identification of specific alterations in the nuclear structure of bladder cancer cells have opened novel diagnostic landscapes. The members of nuclear matrix protein family BLCA-1 and BLCA-4, are currently under evaluation as bladder cancer urinary markers. They are involved in tumour cell proliferation, survival, and angiogenesis. In this paper, we illustrate the role of BLCA-1 and BLCA-4 in bladder carcinogenesis and their potential exploitation as biomarkers in this cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The critical micelle concentration of sodium oleate-hexadecyltrimethylammonium bromide mixtures was determined as a function of the mixture composition and analyzed with Rubingh's theory, showing a strong nonideality. The hydrophile-lipophile balance (HLB) of the mixtures was also measured and the validity of the additivity rule for the HLB of surfactants mixtures was tested. Results were compared with the aggregation behavior of that mixture. Both the HLB and the critical micelle concentration dependencies on the mixture composition exhibit a negative deviation when compared with ideal behavior, which is explained on the basis of the interactions between components and surfactant partitioning between the bulk and the interface. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the setting of an acute coronary syndrome, the differential diagnosis between a thrombus and a myxoma may be cumbersome. We describe the case of a patient presenting with an acute coronary syndrome associated with an aneurysmatic apical left ventricular myxoma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Surgery is the main treatment for renal cell carcinoma (RCC); nephron sparing surgery can be performed as a treatment of choice for small peripheral lesions. Epigenetics configures a new entity that regulates gene expression throughout methylation, acetylation and chromatin remodelling. In addition to silencing as a result of mutations, loss of heterozygosity, or classic genetic events, epigenetic modification symbolizes essential events during carcinogenesis and tumour development. We investigated global methylation and histone acetylation expression in a series of small conventional clear cell renal carcinomas ( i.e. less than 5 cm) (pT1a) treated with partial nephrectomy, to assess their possible role as diagnostic biomarkers. A total of 54 patients with conventional single RCC were selected and treated with partial nephrectomy; they were followed up to 186 months. Immunohistochemistry was performed on paraffin-embedded sections, using anti-5-methylcytosine (5mc) and anti-Acetyl-Histone H3 (Lys 9). Our results confirm that the mean percentage of global cellular methylation in tumoural tissue was significantly higher compared to healthy peritumoural tissue, whereas the mean percentage of histone cellular acetylation in tumoural tissue was significantly lower. The percentage of methylation was significantly higher in grades 3 and 4 ( P= 0.033), whereas the percentage of histone acetylation was significantly lower ( P= 0.023), suggesting therefore that these markers could correlate with tumour aggressiveness in pT1a RCC. On univariate analysis of patient survival in relation to the different considered factors, Fuhrman grade was the most important survival factor. These epigenetic markers can give us interesting information about chromatin remodelling in RCCs; the percentage of global methylation increases with increasing Fuhrman grade, whereas histone acetylation decreases with increasing grade in small RCC; our results suggest that global hypermethylation and histone hypoacetylation can be assumed to be an early event in RCC and to correlate with tumour aggressiveness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Traumatic brain injury is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality. The prehospital care of the patient with a traumatic brain injury is critical to maximizing the chances for a good outcome. Prehospital management of the traumatic brain injury patient is directed toward preventing and limiting secondary brain injury while facilitating rapid transport to an appropriate facility capable of providing definitive neurocritical care. Key points in management include the assessment of oxygenation, blood pressure, and mental status (as measured with the Glasgow Coma Scale) and the pupillary examination. Treatment strategies are directed toward maintaining adequate oxygenation and perfusion and treating herniation. Judicious use of temporary hyperventilation and hypertonic saline are considerations. This review provides the most recent evidence regarding the treatment of traumatic brain injury in the prehospital setting and introduces areas in need of future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of electron beam irradiation doses from 0 to 30 kGy on extraction yield and phenolic compounds was evaluated in almond skin phenolic extracts (ASPE). Total soluble phenols and distribution of phenolic compounds from acidified methanol ASPE and 52% methanol ASPE were quantified using Folin–Ciocalteau method, liquid chromatography with diode array and fluorescence detection, and negative ion electrospray-mass spectrometry. Electron beam irradiation increased extraction yield by as much as 23%, with the greatest increase observed in the acidified methanol ASPE. Irradiated samples extracted with acidified methanol also exhibited an increase in extractable phenols (Folin–Ciocalteau) and total HPLC-resolved phenolics at all irradiation doses. Samples extracted with 52% methanol exhibited an increase at 10 and 20 kGy, but a 31% decrease at 30 kGy. An increase in aglycones respective to their glycosides was not observed with irradiation. Therefore, the increase in phenolics was attributed to release of phenolics from their cellular matrix. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Observational studies suggest that low levels of antioxidants are associated with high risk for coronary artery disease (CAD). We investigated whether the biomarkers of oxidative balance undergo the same modifications in all CAD patient groups, regardless of gender and age. Materials and methods One hundred sixty-eight CAD patients and 107 healthy controls were assayed for plasma levels of reduced glutathione (GSH), α- and γ-tocopherol (α- and γ-T) as endogenous antioxidants. A damage score (DS), representative of oxidative stress status, was calculated.ancova models were used to test the association between antioxidants, DS and CAD and its modulation by age and gender. Results The DS was higher in CAD than in controls. GSH levels, were lower in CAD patients (mean ± SEM: 57·61 ± 1·87 μmol 10 g−1 haemoglobin vs. 68·55 ± 2·23 in controls, P < 0·0006) in males and in older subjects. Levels of other antioxidants exhibited a complex pattern. Overall, no difference was found in α- and γ-T contents between CAD and controls, but lower α-T values were observed in CAD females. A significant interaction between CAD status and gender was observed ( P = 0·003). Conclusions Our study shows that the involvement of antioxidants in CAD is related to patients’ characteristics. These findings may be relevant in planning antioxidant therapies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we carried out a comparative analysis between two classical methodologies to prospect residue contacts in proteins: the traditional cutoff dependent (CD) approach and cutoff free Delaunay tessellation (DT). In addition, two alternative coarse-grained forms to represent residues were tested: using alpha carbon (CA) and side chain geometric center (GC). A database was built, comprising three top classes: all alpha, all beta, and alpha/beta. We found that the cutoff value at about 7.0 Å emerges as an important distance parameter. Up to 7.0 Å, CD and DT properties are unified, which implies that at this distance all contacts are complete and legitimate (not occluded). We also have shown that DT has an intrinsic missing edges problem when mapping the first layer of neighbors. In proteins, it may produce systematic errors affecting mainly the contact network in beta chains with CA. The almost-Delaunay (AD) approach has been proposed to solve this DT problem. We found that even AD may not be an advantageous solution. As a consequence, in the strict range up to 7.0 Å, the CD approach revealed to be a simpler, more complete, and reliable technique than DT or AD. Finally, we have shown that coarse-grained residue representations may introduce bias in the analysis of neighbors in cutoffs up to 6.8 Å, with CA favoring alpha proteins and GC favoring beta proteins. This provides an additional argument pointing to the value of 7.0 Å as an important lower bound cutoff to be used in contact analysis of proteins. Proteins 2009. © 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]