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Misophonia has gained attention in scientific circles that utilise brain imaging to validate diagnoses. The condition is promoted as not merely a symptom of other psychiatric diagnoses but as a discrete clinical entity. We illustrate the social construction of the diagnostic category of misophonia through examining prominent claims in research studies that use brain imaging to substantiate the diagnosis. We show that brain images are insufficient to establish the 'brain basis for misophonia' due to both technical and logical limitations of imaging data. Often misunderstood as providing direct access to the matter of the body, brain images are mediated and manipulated numerical data (Joyce, 2005, Social Studies of Science 35(3), p. 437). Interpretations of brain scans are further shaped by social expectations and attributes considered salient to the data. Causal inferences drawn from these studies are problematic because 'misophonics' are clinically pre‐diagnosed before participating. We argue that imaging cannot replace the social process of diagnosis in the case of misophonia, nor validate diagnostic measures or otherwise substantiate the condition. More broadly, we highlight both the cultural authority and inherent limitations of brain imaging in the social construction of contested diagnoses while also illustrating its role in the disaggregation of symptoms into new diagnoses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Uncertainty about risk of illness and the value of influenza vaccines negatively affects vaccine uptake among persons targeted for influenza vaccination. Methods: During 2016–2019, we followed a cohort of healthcare personnel (HCP) targeted for free‐of‐charge influenza vaccination in five Lima hospitals to quantify risk of influenza, workplace presenteeism (coming to work despite illness), and absenteeism (taking time off from work because of illness). The HCP who developed acute respiratory illnesses (ARI) (≥1 of acute cough, runny nose, body aches, or feverishness) were tested for influenza using reverse‐transcription polymerase chain reaction (rt‐PCR). Findings: The cohort (2968 HCP) contributed 950,888 person‐days. Only 36 (6%) of 605 HCP who participated every year were vaccinated. The HCP had 5750 ARI and 147 rt‐PCR‐confirmed influenza illnesses. The weighted incidence of laboratory‐confirmed influenza was 10.0/100 person‐years; 37% used antibiotics, and 0.7% used antivirals to treat these illnesses. The HCP with laboratory‐confirmed influenza were present at work while ill for a cumulative 1187 hours. Interpretation: HCP were frequently ill and often worked rather than stayed at home while ill. Our findings suggest the need for continuing medical education about the risk of influenza and benefits of vaccination and stay‐at‐home‐while‐ill policies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper addresses the synchronization and operation of a 140 kVA inverter system connected to the main grid as part of a decentralized microgeneration system. The considerations for the supply of electrical energy stored in battery banks, mostly of photovoltaic origin, involve a study of the details of a rigid nonlinear system, which parallels the generation and distribution standards typical of hydroelectric and thermoelectric plants. Considering aspects related to power electronics operation, this paper presents both the modeling and the controlling aspects necessary to synchronize and ensure a stable operation of the microgeneration systems when connected to the main grid. Statistical processing was developed to guarantee synchronization between the systems without presenting electric shocks by simulating the magnetic link in asynchronous generators to meet this aim. The proposed model simulates the increase in power by a phase shift by maintaining a constant frequency based on a Chirp wave generator. The proposed process considers a generation power baseband operation. A Mamdani-type fuzzy proportional-integral controller is used to determine the power setpoint, which sets the Chirp generator phase shift setpoint, which includes a Mamdani fuzzy proportional-type controller. Both controllers are connected in a cascade. The applied correlational technique to achieve the synthesis of the sinusoid and the synchronization presented optimal performance when using 17 samples per signal period. The design of the transformer primarily, guaranteed a phase shift of −4.3018°, allowed for a THD below 2.75%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the effect of different size ranges, densities and feeding frequencies of the nematode Panagrolaimus sp. strain NFS 24–5 on zootechnical performance, biochemical composition and digestive enzyme gene expression of Litopenaeus vannamei stage 1 (PL1) post‐larvae. Trial 1 supplied large (LN) (800–1,200 μm) or small (SN) (200–800 μm) DHA‐enriched nematodes twice daily, substituting non‐enriched Artemia (control treatment) totally (100%) or partially (75%). Trial 2 only supplied LN once or thrice daily, replacing Artemia at 100% or 75%. Trial 1 larvae fed on LN (100LN and 75LN) showed similar zootechnical performance and biochemical composition to those reared with Artemia (100A). Supplying 100% SN negatively affected PL1 total length. LN contained twofold more arachidonic (ARA) and eicosapentaenoic acids than SN, and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) was fivefold higher. Trial 2 obtained better zootechnical results with 75% Artemia substitution than 100%. Shrimp fatty acid profiles were similar in Trials 1 and 2. Post‐larvae fed 100LN had twofold higher percentages of ARA and DHA compared with those from the control treatment. Amylase, lipase and chymotrypsin genes were over‐expressed in PL1 fed 100LN once daily. Contrarily, amylase and trypsin genes were under‐expressed in PL1 fed 100LN or 75LN thrice daily, evidencing a better nematode availability for shrimp. In conclusion, non‐enriched Artemia can be partially or totally substituted by large DHA‐enriched Panagrolaimus sp. during the larval stage of L. vannamei when the nematode is distributed twice daily. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Dual enkephalinase inhibitors (DENKIs) are involved in the regulation of nociception via opioid receptors. The novel compound STR‐324 belongs to the DENKI pharmacological class. This first‐in‐human study evaluated the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of STR‐324 in healthy male participants. Methods: This was a randomised, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled ascending dosing study in two parts: in part 1, 30 participants received 0.004‐11.475 mg h−1 of STR‐324 or placebo (ratio 4:1) by 4 h intravenous infusion in a two‐group, partial crossover design with four treatment periods separated by 1 month wash‐out, and in part 2, 48 participants divided into three groups received either the active drug (1.25‐11.25 mg h−1) or placebo (ratio 3:1) by 48 h intravenous infusion. Safety and tolerability parameters, pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamic effects on neurocognitive and neurophysiological tasks and on a nociceptive test battery were evaluated. Results: No clinically relevant changes in safety parameters were observed. All treatment‐emergent adverse events were mild and transient. The pharmacokinetics of STR‐324 could not be determined due to most concentrations being below quantifiable limits. STR‐324 metabolite concentrations were measurable, showing dose proportionality of Cmax and AUCinf with an estimated t1/2 of 0.2‐0.5 h. Significant changes in pharmacodynamic parameters were observed, but these were not consistent or dose‐dependent. Conclusion: STR‐324 displayed favourable safety and tolerability profiles at all doses up to 11.475 mg h−1. Although pharmacokinetic characterisation of STR‐324 was limited, dose proportionality could be assumed based on major metabolite data assayed as proxy. No clear effects on nociceptive thresholds or other pharmacodynamic measures were observed. Trial registry: EudraCT (2014‐002402‐21) and toetsingonline.nl (63085). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Clinical expression of Ellis‐van Creveld syndrome (EvC) is variable and mild phenotypes have been described, including patients with mostly cardiac and limb involvement. Whether these cases are part of the EvC phenotypic spectrum or separate conditions is disputed. Herein, we describe a family with vertical transmission of atrioventricular canal defect (AVCD), common atrium, and postaxial polydactyly. Targeted sequencing of EVC, EVC2, WDR35, DYNC2LI1, and DYNC2H1 identified different compound heterozygosity in EVC genotypes in the two affected members, consisting of a nonsense (p.Arg622Ter) and a missense (p.Arg663Pro) variant in the father, and the same nonsense variant and a noncanonical splice‐site in‐frame change (c.1316–7A>G) in the daughter. Complementary DNA sequencing, immunoblot, and immunofluorescence experiments using patient‐derived fibroblasts and Evc–/– mouse embryonic fibroblasts showed that p.Arg622Ter is a loss‐of‐function mutation, whereas p.Arg663Pro and the splice‐site change c.1316–7A>G are hypomorphic variants resulting in proteins that retain, in part, the ability to complex with EVC2. Our molecular and functional data demonstrate that at least in some cases the condition characterized as "common atrium/AVCD with postaxial polydactyly" is a mild form of EvC due to hypomorphic EVC mutations, further supporting the occurrence of genotype‐phenotype correlations in this syndrome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this work was to evaluate the performance of different extruded catalysts containing K2CO3 as active phase and adding conveniently γ-Al2O3 and/or sepiolite and magnetic particles on the biodiesel production from sunflower oil by the ethanolic route. Firstly, the content of the Fe3O4 on the catalyst (0.1, 0.2, 0.3, and 0.4 g Fe3O4/g of K2CO3/γ-Al2O3), after calcination step, was evaluated to verify the separation facility of the catalysts with magnetic properties from reactional medium, using an external magnetic field, at the end of biodiesel synthesis. After that, three different catalysts were considered for comparative purposes: (a) K2CO3/γ-Al2O3; (b) K2CO3/γ-Al2O3/Fe3O4; (c) K2CO3/γ-Al2O3/Sepiolite/Fe3O4 and subsequently characterized by dynamometry, TGA, SEM, VSM, BET, and XRD to determine their mechanical, structural, magnetic, and textural properties. However, their catalytic activities were determined through biodiesel production that was carried out in a glass volumetric reactor during 4 h, under magnetic stirring with 5% wt. of the catalyst and oil : ethanol molar ratio (1 : 12) at 80°C reaction temperature. The best result, i.e., around 88% of biodiesel conversion, was obtained with catalyst K2CO3/γ-Al2O3/Sepiolite/Fe3O4 which showed also satisfactory textural and mechanical strength properties comparatively with the other catalytic derivatives. In addition, no agglomeration of the particles was observed during the reaction, and the magnetic property of this catalytic system was satisfactory for adequate separation from reactional medium seeking further reuse. The attained results are attractive for possible implementation at industrial scale and can be considered to mitigate drawbacks which resulting by using of homogeneous catalysts in the conventional processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to study the modeling of the osmo-convetive drying kinetic and determine the effective mass diffusivity coefficient of Persimmon ( Diospyros kaki cv. Fuyu) fruits. The fruit was subjected to osmo-convective drying at three different temperatures (50, 55, and 60C) and 10 different thin-layer semiempirical mathematical models were adjusted to experimental data. Then, according to the highest correlation coefficient ( R2) and the least χ2 analysis the attained results showed the Midilli's model as the best option to describe the experimental data at the studied temperatures. In addition, the effective mass diffusivity coefficients were 1.04 × 10−6, 1.40 × 10−6, and 8.27 × 10−7 m2/s at 50, 55, and 60C, respectively. These results can be interesting to food data collection, drying equipment design and to support technical research in food process simulation. Practical Applications The osmo-convective drying process is widely used for foods dried production or with reduced water content. In fact, the post-harvest losses can be avoided, since that dried persimmon by osmo-convective drying, exhibit a good quality and extended shelf-life. Thus, the application of mathematical models to describe experimental data of this drying process achieves great practical importance because the number of laboratory tests can be reduced and it makes possible to obtain important parameters such as drying time, mass diffusion coefficient, among others, necessary to conception of processes and dryers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this paper was to estimate fermentation kinetic parameters to develop a mathematical model of the bioethanol production under magnetic field effect. Thus, a non-structured mathematical model was developed considering three non-lineal kinetic models typically known as Levenspiel, Aiba, Jerusalimsky, which take into account inhibitory effects of the high product concentration on yeasts. The non-lineal differential equations system solution was carried out by MatLab software using the Runge-Kutta fourth-order multivariable method. This method was improved through a replication scheme coupled with Newton-Raphson method modified with a damping Broyden parameter. Experimental data on substrate consumption, biomass formation and ethanol production were collected at magnetic field intensities (H) of 414, 796 and 1216 A/cm during 16 h of fermentation. Consequently, the adjusted model for biomass, consumed substrate and bioethanol produced allowed us to correlate fermentation kinetic parameters with the magnetic field. The best result was observed when Jerusalimsky model modified with a magnetic field parameter was considered, because the RMSD order and R-square correlation coefficient were around 10−3 and higher than 0.95, respectively. These results are important to understand the phenomenological behavior of this unconventional bioprocess and be helpful to further sensibility analysis and scale up of the bioethanol production assisted by electromagnetic field. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ozonation on the phenols present in pyrolytic aqueous phases attained from biomass thermochemical conversion was evaluated. During ozonation, the dark color of original samples was found to decrease as a function of ozonation time. The oxidation kinetics of phenols was quantified by a method based on the color changes of samples. The oxidation profiles showed different behaviors and in some cases the phenols presented a positive correlation with the relative R color parameter, except eugenol, syringol, and vanillin which were markedly different. Finally, the color changes observed seem to be associated with the changes in the overall content of phenols and with the change in the molecular weight of the heavy fractions that include lignin oligomers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Perceptions of sea-level rise in urban, environmental justice ( EJ) communities are poorly understood. These communities' long-term vulnerability may increase as a result of the interaction of sea-level rise and legacy pollution. This article presents research on experience and perceptions of sea-level rise, flooding, legacy pollution/contamination, and health in an EJ community in northern Delaware. The community is in close proximity to documented brownfields and other hazardous sites, and is located where there are long-term projections of water inundation due to sea-level rise. Researchers administered quantitative surveys at local events that measured knowledge and concern for these issues; conducted focus groups that enabled a deeper understanding of survey results; and examined community perceptions relative to existing policy tools, including sea-level rise inundation maps and documentation of contaminated sites. The mixed-method approach created a baseline of perceptions on pollution, flooding, a health-environment connection, and sea-level rise. Key findings include the value of experiential knowledge of local flooding to improve efficacy of future policy prescriptions, and how a lack of knowledge of sea-level rise, coupled with great concern for it, might be explained by longtime familiarity with flooding issues in the community. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of blood derivatives represents an alternative therapeutic approach that is gaining interest in regenerative medicine due to its potential to stimulate and accelerate tissue healing. Autologous serum eye drops and platelet-enriched plasma eye drops are being used in the treatment of different ophthalmological disorders. In this review, we summarize the different blood-derived formulations used in the treatment and care of ocular surface disorders. The biological basis and use of autologous serum and plasma rich in growth factors are deeply evaluated as well as the challenges to be addressed in the future in this new generation of blood-derived therapies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In some cases Neu-Laxova syndrome (NLS) is linked to serine deficiency due to mutations in the phosphoglycerate dehydrogenase ( PHGDH) gene. We describe the prenatal and postnatal findings in a fetus with one of the most severe NLS phenotypes described so far, caused by a homozygous nonsense mutation of PHGDH. Serial ultrasound (US) and pre- and postnatal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) evaluations were performed. Prenatally, serial US evaluations suggested symmetric growth restriction, microcephaly, hypoplasia of the cerebellar vermis, micrognathia, hydrops, shortened limbs, arthrogryposis, and talipes equinovarus. The prenatal MRI confirmed these findings prompting a diagnosis of NLS. After birth, radiological imaging did not detect any gross bone abnormalities. DNA was extracted from fetal and parental peripheral blood, all coding exons of PHGDH were PCR-amplified and subjected to Sanger sequencing. Sequencing of PHGDH identified a homozygous premature stop codon mutation (c.1297C>T; p.Gln433*) in fetal DNA, both parents (first-cousins) being heterozygotes. Based on previous associations of mutations in this gene with a milder NLS phenotype, as well as cases of serine deficiency, these observations lend further support to a genotype-phenotype correlation between the degree of PHGDH inactivation and disease severity. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Ellis-van Creveld (EvC) syndrome is a rare, autosomal recessive disorder characterized by short stature, short limbs, growth retardation, polydactyly, and ectodermal defects with cardiac anomalies occurring in around 60% of cases. EVC syndrome has been linked to mutations in EVC and EVC2 genes. Case Presentation. We report EvC syndrome in two unrelated Lebanese families both having homozygous mutations in the EVC2 gene, c.2653C>T (p.(Arg885*)) and c.2012_2015del (p.(Leu671*)) in exons 15 and 13, respectively, with the latter being reported for the first time. Conclusion. Although EvC has been largely described in the medical literature, clinical features of this syndrome vary. While more research is required to explore other genes involved in EvC, early diagnosis and therapeutic care are important to achieve a better quality of life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Optical coherence tomography ( OCT) is a powerful imaging modality to visualize tissue structures, with axial image pixel resolution as high as 1.6 μm in tissue. However, OCT is intrinsically limited to providing structural information as the OCT contrast is produced by optically scattering tissues. Methods Gold nanorods ( GNRs) were injected into the anterior chamber ( AC) and cornea of mice eyes which could create a significant OCT signal and hence could be used as a contrast agent for in vivo OCT imaging. Results A dose of 30 nM of GNRs (13 nm in diameter and 45 nm in length) were injected to the AC of mice eyes and produced an OCT contrast nearly 50-fold higher than control mice injected with saline. Furthermore, the lowest detectable concentration of GNRs in living mice AC was experimentally estimated to be as low as 120 pM. Conclusions The high sensitivity and low toxicity of GNRs brings great promise for OCT to uniquely become a high-resolution molecular imaging modality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents the study on the Seborrhoeic Dermatitis (SD) pathogenesis caused by zinc finger transcription factor (ZNF750) dysfunction. It states the investigations on the inflammatory skin phenotype of Mpzl3 knockout mice to understand pathobiology of SD. It mentions that the ZNF750/Mpzl3 pathways plays important role in pathogenesis of SD.

Osteogenesis imperfecta is a genetic condition characterized by bone fragility and recurrent fractures, which in the large majority of patients are caused by defects in the production of type I collagen. Mutations in the gene encoding bone morphogenetic protein 1 ( BMP1, also known as procollagen C-endopeptidase) have been associated with osteogenesis imperfecta in two sib pairs. In this report, we describe an additional patient with osteogenesis imperfecta with normal bone density and a recurrent, homozygous c.34G>C mutation in BMP1. Western blot analysis of dermal fibroblasts from this patient showed decreased protein levels of the two alternatively spliced products of BMP1 and abnormal cleavage of the C-terminal propeptide of type I procollagen. In addition, fluorescence and electron microscopy showed impaired assembly of type I collagen fibrils in the extracellular matrix of cultured fibroblasts derived from two patients: the patient described here and a previously reported patient with a homozygous BMP1 c.747C>G mutation. We conclude that BMP1 is essential for human type I collagen fibrilogenesis. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The IFITM5 gene has recently been found to be mutated in patients with autosomal dominant osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) type V. This form of OI is characterized by distinctive clinical manifestations, including hyperplastic callus formation at the site of fractures, calcification of the interosseous membrane of the forearm, and dislocation of the head of the radius. Notably, in spite of the fact that a considerable number of patients with IFITM5 mutations have been identified, to date all of them have been shown to have the same heterozygous mutation (c.-14C>T). Herein, we describe one patient with a de novo c.119C>T heterozygous mutation in IFITM5, which predicts p.Ser40Leu, and another with the recurrent c.-14C>T transition that was also apparently de novo. While the patient with the p.Ser40Leu mutation had none of the typical signs of OI type V and was diagnosed with limb shortening at prenatal stages, the patient with the c.-14C>T mutation developed hyperplastic calluses and had calcification of the forearm interosseous membrane. This study challenges the lack of allelic and clinical heterogeneity in IFITM5 mutations. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Autosomal recessive osteogenesis imperfecta (AR-OI) is an inherited condition which in recent years has been shown with increasing genetic and clinical heterogeneity. In this article, we performed clinical assessment and sought mutations in patients from 10 unrelated families with AR-OI, one of whom was presented with the additional features of Bruck syndrome (BS). Pathogenic changes were identified in five different genes: three families had mutations in FKBP10, three in SERPINF1, two in LEPRE1, one in CRTAP, and one in PPIB. With the exception of a FKBP10 mutation in the BS case, all changes are novel. Of note, insertion of an AluYb8 repetitive element was detected in exon 6 of SERPINF1. Since the studied patients had variable manifestations and some distinctive features, genotype/phenotype correlations are suggested. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

PLOD2 and FKBP10 are genes mutated in Bruck syndrome (BS), a condition resembling osteogenesis imperfecta (OI), but that is also typically associated with congenital joint contractures. Herein, we sought mutations in six consanguineous BS families and detected changes in either PLOD2 or FKBP10 in all cases. Two probands were found with a homozygous frameshift mutation in the alternative exon 13a of PLOD2, indicating that specific inactivation of the longer protein isoform encoded by this gene is sufficient to cause BS. In addition, by homozygosity mapping, followed by a candidate gene approach, we identified a homozygous donor splice site mutation in PLOD2 in a patient with autosomal-recessive OI (AR-OI). Screening of additional samples also revealed compound heterozygous mutations in PLOD2 in two brothers, one affected with mild AR-OI and the other with mild BS. Thus, PLOD2 in addition to causing BS is also associated with AR-OI phenotypes of variable severity. Hum Mutat 33:1444-1449, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herein, we have studied a consanguineous Egyptian family with two children diagnosed with severe autosomal recessive osteogenesis imperfecta (AR-OI) and a large umbilical hernia. Homozygosity mapping in this family showed lack of linkage to any of the previously known AR-OI genes, but revealed a 10.27 MB homozygous region on chromosome 8p in the two affected sibs, which comprised the procollagen I C-terminal propeptide (PICP) endopeptidase gene BMP1. Mutation analysis identified both patients with a Phe249Leu homozygous missense change within the BMP1 protease domain involving a residue, which is conserved in all members of the astacin group of metalloproteases. Type I procollagen analysis in supernatants from cultured fibroblasts demonstrated abnormal PICP processing in patient-derived cells consistent with the mutation causing decreased BMP1 function. This was further confirmed by overexpressing wild type and mutant BMP1 longer isoform (mammalian Tolloid protein [mTLD]) in NIH3T3 fibroblasts and human primary fibroblasts. While overproduction of normal mTLD resulted in a large proportion of proα1(I) in the culture media being C-terminally processed, proα1(I) cleavage was not enhanced by an excess of the mutant protein, proving that the Phe249Leu mutation leads to a BMP1/mTLD protein with deficient PICP proteolytic activity. We conclude that BMP1 is an additional gene mutated in AR-OI. Hum Mutat 33:343-350, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Autosomal recessive Ellis-van Creveld syndrome and autosomal dominant Weyer acrodental dysostosis are allelic conditions caused by mutations in EVC or EVC2. We performed a mutation screening study in 36 EvC cases and 3 cases of Weyer acrodental dysostosis, and identified pathogenic changes either in EVC or in EVC2 in all cases. We detected 40 independent EVC/EVC2 mutations of which 29 were novel changes in Ellis-van Creveld cases and 2 were novel mutations identified in Weyer pedigrees. Of interest one EvC patient had a T>G nucleotide substitution in intron 7 of EVC (c.940−150T>G), which creates a new donor splice site and results in the inclusion of a new exon. The T>G substitution is at nucleotide +5 of the novel 5′ splice site. The three Weyer mutations occurred in the final exon of EVC2 (exon 22), suggesting that specific residues encoded by this exon are a key part of the protein. Using murine versions of EVC2 exon 22 mutations we demonstrate that the expression of a Weyer variant, but not the expression of a truncated protein that mimics an Ellis-van Creveld syndrome mutation, impairs Hedgehog signal transduction in NIH 3T3 cells in keeping with its dominant effect. Hum Mutat 30:1-9, 2009. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Moisture adsorption isotherms from a new biscuit considered as functional food were determined using a gravimetric static method at 25 and 40C and over a range of relative humidity from 0.112 to 0.903. The biscuit had 2.5, 3.3, 10.0 and 31.0% of ash, fiber, protein and fat, respectively, and 4.7% moisture content. The equilibrium moisture content of the biscuit (kg/kg) increased when the storage temperature at any given water activity (A w) was reduced. The experimental data were analyzed using different models, namely Guggenheim–Anderson–de Boer (GAB) (three-parameter relationships), Henderson and Oswin (both models with two parameters), which exhibited a sigmoid shape at the studied temperatures. The maximum isosteric heat of sorption was 21.6 kJ/mol, which exponentially decreased when the moisture content was increased. The GAB model was found to be the most suitable for describing the adsorption characteristics at the temperature and A w range studied, according to the relative error and the coefficient determination. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS This article describes the characterization of moisture adsorption behavior of a new biscuit considered as functional food. In general, the sorption behaviors of several foods have been studied extensively; nevertheless, a reduced number of published articles about biscuit sorption isotherms are found in the literature. The experimental data reported in this article may be important for the scientific community of the food science and technology. Isosteric heat of sorption is important for the determination of the binding strength of water to the food, as well as the amount of water present in the food. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previous work has shown Ellis-van Creveld (EvC) patients with mutations either in both alleles of EVC or in both alleles of EVC2. We now report affected individuals with the two genes inactivated on each allele. In a consanguineous pedigree diagnosed with EvC and borderline intelligence, we detected a 520-kb homozygous deletion comprising EVC, EVC2, C4orf6, and STK32B, caused by recombination between long interspersed nuclear element-1 (LINE-1 or L1) elements. Patients homozygous for the deletion are deficient in EVC and EVC2 and have no increase in the severity of the EvC typical features. Similarly deletion carriers demonstrate absence of digenic inheritance in EvC. Further, the phenotype of these patients suggests that the EVC-STK32B deletion also leads to mild mental retardation and reveals that loss of the novel genes C4orf6 and STK32B causes at most mild mental deficit. In an EvC compound heterozygote of different ethnic origin we identified the same LINE-to-LINE rearrangement due to a different recombination event. These findings highlight the importance of L1 repetitive sequences in human genome architecture and disease. Hum Mutat 29(7), 931-938, 2008. © 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The assumed ordinal relationship between seriously considering, planning, and attempting suicide in the 1999 Youth Risk Behavior Survey was examined by constructing a trajectory that identified all possible response patterns among the four questions measuring suicidal activity. Statistical analysis tested for differences in frequency of risk behaviors across levels of the trajectory. Overall, the trajectory provided insight to the progression of adolescent suicidal activity and demonstrated usefulness as a measure of suicidal intent. Significant differences between means of dependent variables at each level of the normative trajectory supported the hypothesis that frequency of risk behaviors increases monotonically with successive suicidal thought and behavior. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Case of a 39 y/o male patient that presented due to decreased vision and pain in the left eye secondary to corneal edema related to vertical Descemet's membrane breaks. The patient's past medical history was remarkable for a complicated vaginal delivery with the use of obstetrical forceps and presumed obstetrical forceps corneal injury. Herein, we demonstrate for the first time the use of descemet's stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty (DSAEK) in the management of this complication and for the first time show histologically the area of prior descemet's membrane break in the submitted stripped descemet's membrane. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Imines generated in situ from salicylaldehydes react with sodium borohydride, methanol, and a second equivalent of aldehydes to form fairly stable cyclic boramides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An abstract of the article "A High Yield Procedure for the Preparation of 2-Hydroxynitrostyrenes: Synthesis of Imines and Tetracyclic 1,3-Benzoxazines" is presented.

Ellis-van Creveld syndrome (EvC; OMIM 225500) is a recessive disorder comprising chondrodysplasia, polydactyly, nail dysplasia, orofacial abnormalities and, in a proportion of patients, cardiovascular malformations. Weyers acrodental dysostosis (Weyers; OMIM 193530) is an allelic dominant disorder comprising polydactyly, nail dysplasia, and orofacial abnormalities. EvC results from loss-of-function mutations in EVC or EVC2, the phenotype associated with the mutations in these two genes being indistinguishable. Three convincing causative mutations have been identified in patients with Weyers acrodental dysostosis, which are clustered in the last coding exon of EVC2 and lead to production of a truncated protein lacking the final 43 amino acids. Localization and function of EVC and EVC2 are inferred from studying the murine orthologs. Both Evc and Evc2 proteins localize to the basal bodies of primary cilia and analysis of an Ellis-van Creveld mouse model, which includes the limb shortening and tooth abnormalities of EvC patients, has demonstrated Hedgehog signaling defects in the absence of Evc. The loss of Evc2 has not been studied directly, but Hedgehog signaling is impaired when a mutant murine Evc2 Weyer variant is expressed in vitro. We conclude that the phenotypic abnormalities in EvC and Weyers syndrome result from tissue specific disruption of the response to Hh ligands., (Copyright 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc.)

The effect of extremely low frequency (ELF) magnetic fields on ethanol production by Saccharomyces cerevisiae using sugar cane molasses was studied during batch fermentation. The cellular suspension from the fermentor was externally recycled through a stainless steel tube inserted in two magnetic field generators, and consequently, the ethanol production was intensified. Two magnetic field generators were coupled to the bioreactor, which were operated conveniently in simple or combined ways. Therefore, the recycle velocity and intensity of the magnetic field varied in a range of 0.6-1.4 m s(-1) and 5-20 mT, respectively. However, under the best conditions with the magnetic field treatment (0.9-1.2 m s(-1) and 20 mT plus solenoid), the overall volumetric ethanol productivity was approximately 17% higher than in the control experiment. These results made it possible to verify the effectiveness of the dynamic magnetic treatment since the fermentations with magnetic treatment reached their final stage in less time, i.e., approximately 2 h earlier, when compared with the control experiment.