Search

In this work, a new family of chromium complexes supported by bis(pyrazolyl)thioether/amine ligands containing pendant O‐ and N‐donor groups CrCl3{S‐bis[(3,5‐DMPz)methyl]sulfide} (2a), CrCl3{N‐bis[(3,5‐DMPz)benzylamine]} (2b), CrCl3{N‐bis[(3,5‐DMPz)butylamine]} (2c), [CrCl2{N‐bis[(3,5‐DMPz)methyl][(2‐pyridinyl)methyl]amine}]Cl (2d), [CrCl2{N‐bis[(3,5‐DMPz)methyl][quinoline]amine}]Cl (2e), [CrCl2{N‐bis[3,5‐DMPz‐methyl][EtNMe2]amine}]Cl (2f), CrCl3{N‐bis[(3,5‐DMPz)methyl][2‐methoxyphenyl]amine} (2g), and CrCl3{N‐bis[2‐(3,5‐DMPz)methyl][(2‐pyridyl)ethyl]amine} (2h) were synthetized and characterized by elemental analysis and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) spectroscopy. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations demonstrated that the pendant group as well as the spacer between the N‐donor group and the central amine nitrogen have strong influence on the coordination motif of the ligand. Thus, 1d–1f act as tetradentate ligands while 1g and 1h preferably coordinated to the chromium metal center in a tridentate [N,N,N] mode fashion. The catalytic performance of 2a–2h is strongly influenced by the nature of the central bridging atom (S, N) as well as the pendant O‐ and N‐donor group. Upon activation with methylaluminoxane (MAO), chromium precatalysts 2a–2c, 2e, and 2f generated active systems producing oligomers ranging from C4 to C12+ with a high selectivity for α‐olefins (>82.4%). On the other hand, precatalysts bearing pyridine (2d and 2h) and methoxy (2g) functionalized amine bis (pyrazolyl) ligands exclusively produce polyethylene (PE) with activities in the range of 107.2–372.0 kg of PE·mol[Cr]−1 h−1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Annual fish species have evolved complex adaptations to survive in temporary wetlands. The main adaptation of these fish is the ability to produce embryos that survive dry periods. Embryo development of this fish can show variation at multiple levels influenced by many environmental factors, such as photoperiod and temperature. Predator cues are another factor that can influence the embryonic stage. One way in which annual fish could adapt to predators is by using risk‐spreading strategies (through bet‐hedging). Nonetheless, this strategy depends on the coevolutionary history between predators and preys and on the degree of environmental unpredictability, resulting in different responses across different species. This study investigated the influence of predator cues on the embryonic development and hatching of two Austrolebias species that inhabit ponds that present differences in hydroperiod and the risk of predator presence. The results confirmed a differentiated response between the two annual fish species tested, corroborating the modulation of hatching against the risk of predation by native predatory fish. The authors further showed that development times varied between the two annual fish species, regardless of the presence of predators. They highlight that the variation in embryonic development is strongly affected by different levels of hydroperiod unpredictability faced by the two species. To unravel finer‐scale local adaptations in the annual fish embryo development, future studies should focus on a region with greater spatial gradient. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To systematically review the quality of evidence comparing the cardiopulmonary effects and quality of anesthesia after induction with alfaxalone vs. other anesthetic agents in dogs and cats. Studies published from 2001 until 20th May 2013 were identified with the terms 'alfaxan' OR 'alfaxalone' OR 'alphaxalone' in electronic databases: Discovery, PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Wiley Interscience. The study design and risk of bias of all included studies were assessed. Twenty-two studies from 408 (22 of 408, 5.39%) satisfied the inclusion criteria. Fourteen studies (14 of 22, 64%) focused on dogs and nine (9 of 22, 40%) on cats. One study had both dogs and cats as subjects. (Hunt et al., 2013) Twelve studies were rated an LOE1, and six of these as ROB1. One, seven, and two studies were rated as LOE2, LOE3, and LOE5, respectively. In dogs, strong evidence shows that induction quality with either alfaxalone- HPCD or propofol is smooth. Moderate evidence supports this finding in cats. In dogs, moderate evidence shows that there is no significant change in heart rate after induction with either alfaxalone- HPCD or propofol. In cats, moderate evidence shows no significant difference in postinduction respiratory rate and heart rate between alfaxalone- HPCD and propofol induction. Strong evidence shows dogs and cats have smooth recoveries after induction using either alfaxalone- HPCD or propofol, before reaching sternal recumbency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The authors discuss aspects of bariatric surgery for reproductive-age women. Topics include the two main types of bariatric surgical procedure such as restrictive and malabsorptive procedures, effects of bariatric surgery in women planning to become pregnant, and incidence of bariatric surgery for reproductive-age women in Australia.

A new synthetic route to arylchalcogenyl‐sulfonate ligands (E,SO) (E = Se, S) and the synthesis and ethylene reactivity of two new nickel complexes [NiCl(py)(E,SO)] (Ni1, E = Se; Ni2, E = S) are reported. The minimum energy structures of the complexes were determined by density functional theory (DFT) calculations. For both compounds, the triplet and singlet 1 structures (with Cl trans to chalcogen) are higher in energy compared with singlet 2 (with Cl cis to chalcogen). Under initial catalytic condition (MAO, [Al/Ni] = 300, time = 20 min, T = 30°C) complex Ni1 oligomerizes ethylene with turnover frequencies (TOF) of 32.6 × 103 (mol ethylene) (mol Ni)−1 (h)−1 with 81.3% of 1‐butene production. The use of different cocatalyst systems (MAO/TMA or MAO/TiBA in an equimolar ratio) led to lower activities and poor selectivity for 1‐C4. Under optimized reaction conditions (MAO, [Al/Ni] = 600, time = 20 min, T = 30°C), the phenylthionyl complex Ni2 was 1.7 times more active than the phenylselenyl analog, with TOF of 72.3 × 103 (mol ethylene) (mol Ni)−1 (h)−1 with 84.3% of 1‐butene selectivity. DFT calculations suggest that the lowest lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) energy and highest natural charge at the Ni center could be associated to the higher activity of Ni2 compared with the phenylselenyl analog Ni1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Questions Are organic rice crops better than convention crops for aquatic plant conservation? We tested three hypotheses: (1) richness, diversity and biomass of aquatic macrophytes are higher in organic rice fields than in conventional ones; (2) aquatic macrophyte species composition in organic rice fields is more similar to that of natural wetlands than to conventional rice fields; and (3) aquatic macrophyte richness, diversity, biomass and species composition in natural wetlands will differ from those of organic and conventional rice fields. Location Coastal plain of southern Brazil. Methods We sampled macrophytes at four conventional crops, four organic crops and four natural intermittent wetlands. We sampled at six different times at each site throughout the rice cultivation cycle. Results A total of 55 species was recorded in natural wetlands and 36 species in rice fields, with 23 found in conventional crops and 27 found in organic crops. The richness, biomass and species composition of macrophytes was similar in the two rice production systems and lower than that of natural wetlands over the cultivation cycle studied. Species composition of natural wetlands differed from that of rice crops mainly through the presence of hydrophytes and rushes. Conclusions Some macrophyte species used rice crops as a complementary habitat, but diversity was lower and composition was different from that of natural wetlands. Both conventional and organic systems negatively impacted macrophyte biodiversity. However, the similar richness and biomass of plants in organic and conventional crops indicated that natural techniques with less impact could be efficient in reducing undesirable plant diversity in agricultural systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Apart from some irregularities reflecting changes in permit costs (1975) and the effects of drought (1976), there were increases in angler-visits, catch per angler-visit and number of fish caught during the first 5 years of the fishery. Thereafter, there were about 1000–1500 angler-visits per season, a mean catch of 1.0–1.2 trout per angler-visit and an annual catch of 1200–1800 trout. Between 1971 and 1980 the mean weight of the fish caught fell from 472 to 349 g. During the period 1976–1980 the mean catch per angler-visit was 1.2 fish. This compares favourably with results from a selection of upland and lowland British reservoirs. The mean weight of individual trout caught was 362 kg and this value is typical of both stocked and unstocked upland reservoirs. The mean annual catch during 1976–1980 was about 2 kg ha-1. This is similar to the values observed in other unstocked upland reservoirs. The gross yield from such reservoirs can be increased by stocking but the limited data available suggest that at stocking rates above about 5 kg ha-1 the net yield (i.e. weight caught — weight stocked) becomes negative. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper examines data on concentration (quantity per unit volume of water) and transport (quantity passing a point per unit time) of suspended peat and animal drift relative to discharge in a small north Pennine stream. Within individual spates, suspended peat concentration and animal drift (in terms of numbers) peaked before the discharge but animal drift concentration (in terms of weight) remained high during the discharge peak, and mean weight per drift animal peaked at the same time as the discharge. The differences in time of peaking of animal drift, as between weight and numbers, reflect the fact that the concentration of most of the aquatic components of the drift was depressed during the spate peak but that the concentration of most of the aquatic components of the drift was depressed during the spate peak but that the concentration of terrestrial material (of greater mean weight individual−1) peaked with the discharge. Data from 212 sampling units were used to examine the relationships between peat concentration/transport and stream discharge. The best fits were to power law relationships between concentration and discharge and transport and discharge. However, a logistic curve relating log10 discharge and log10 transport was also a good fit. A similar analysis of the data for concentration/transport of animals in suspension showed significant positive correlations between concentration/transport in terms of animal numbers and discharge and suggests power law relationships. Animal concentration/transport, in terms of weights, were also positively correlated with discharge but the relationships were exponential. The results show that at least 80% of the peat transported annually by the stream was carried by spates of over 5.6 times the annual mean discharge. These spates occupied less than 3% of the total time in the year, but accounted for 30% of the annual discharge. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The authors comment on an article within the issue about significance of external cephalic version (ECV) in reducing the risk of caesarean section. Topics discussed include cost-effectiveness of the method, incorporation of midwife sonography into several care pathways in Great Britain, and need of collaborative working relationships between obstetricians and midwives.

Objective We investigated the accuracy of fetal umbilical artery Doppler to predict the risk of compromise of fetal/neonatal wellbeing in a high-risk population. Methods Searches in MEDLINE, Embase, The Cochrane Library and Medion (from inception to March 2009) were carried out, together with hand searching of relevant journals, reference list checking of included articles and contact with experts. Criteria for selection were observational studies with umbilical artery Doppler used in a high-risk pregnant population with an outcome measure for compromise of fetal/neonatal wellbeing. Data on study design, quality and results were extracted to construct 2 × 2 tables. Bivariate meta-analysis was performed. Likelihood ratios (LRs) were used as the summary measure of accuracy. Results One-hundred and four studies met the selection criteria (19 191 fetuses). In a high-risk population, umbilical artery Doppler predicted small-for-gestational age with a pooled LR+ of 3.76 (2.96, 4.76) and pooled LR- of 0.52 (0.45, 0.61), and compromise of fetal/neonatal wellbeing with a pooled LR+ of 3.41 (2.68, 4.34) and pooled LR- of 0.55 (0.48, 0.62). In this group it was also possible to predict, with accuracy, intrauterine death (pooled LR+ = 4.37 (0.88, 21.8); pooled LR- = 0.25 (0.07, 0.91)) and acidosis (pooled LR+ = 2.75 (1.48, 5.11); pooled LR- = 0.58 (0.36, 0.94)). Conclusions In a high-risk population, fetal umbilical artery Doppler is a moderately useful test with which to predict mortality and risk of compromise. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The anabolic–androgenic steroids (AAS) are clinically used as an androgen replacement, in hypogonadism treatment, to induce puberty, and also in the treatment of chronic degenerative diseases. The AAS use out of clinical context is becoming massively, being used merely for aesthetic reasons. AAS abuse may cause severe disarrangement on the HPG axis and generate a significant decrease in testosterone synthesis and secretion by the testes. This review aims to evaluate whether the hypogonadism induced by AAS abuse is reversible and under what circumstances the reversibility is possible. For this, PRISMA guidelines and several databases are used between July and September 2020. Altogether, this systematic review identified and analysed 179 cases of AAS users. Of these, 168 cases had the hypogonadism clearly diagnosed and proven to be linked exclusively to AAS abuse. However, between these 168 cases, only 38 cases presented fully known outcomes and among these, merely in 4, the hypogonadism was completely reversible (2 based on drug therapy) with HPG axis recovery. In conclusion, this review presents evidences that AAS‐induced hypogonadism is a seriously underestimated problem, and in the majority of cases, full recovery is very difficult to succeed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Nb doping of Li[Ni0.855Co0.13Al0.015]O2 (NCA85) modifies its primary particle morphology to allow precise tailoring of its microstructure. The Nb dopant (1 mol%) elongates the primary particles and aligns them in the radial direction, creating a configuration that effectively dissipates the abrupt internal strain caused by H2↔H3 phase transitions near the charge end. The negation of the internal strain substantially improves the long‐term cycling stability achieved by the Nb‐doped NCA85 cathode; it retains 90% of its initial capacity after 1000 cycles while an undoped cathode retains 57.3%. Moreover, the enhanced mechano‐chemical stability of the Nb‐doped NCA85 cathode enables fast charging; accordingly, the Nb‐doped NCA85 cathode cycles stably for 500 cycles even when charged at 3 C (full charge is achieved in 20 min). The Nb‐doped cathode also demonstrates enhanced chemical and structural stability during calendar aging and under thermal load. The simple strategy of introducing Nb ions during the lithiation of NCA85, proposed in this paper, represents an effective solution that guarantees sufficient battery life, fast charging, and safety without compromising battery capacity for next‐generation electric vehicles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: To investigate the views and experience of pregnant women newly diagnosed with gestational diabetes mellitus participating in a 1200 kcal/day diet to achieve moderate weight loss (the WELLBABE study), and to explore barriers to and facilitators of adherence. Methods: Twelve participants engaged in semi‐structured interviews after completion of the 4‐week diet. An interview schedule was devised using open‐ended questions guided by the Theoretical Domains Framework. Transcript responses were analysed thematically. Results: Participants were anxious about their diagnosis of gestational diabetes, but concerns related to dieting in pregnancy were allayed by reassurance from the research team. Participants expected health benefits, improved knowledge and support from enrolling on the study. The participants' primary motivator to diet adherence was their baby's wellbeing. Other facilitatory factors included improving their own health and reducing any future risk of diabetes. Trying to provide reliable results and receiving extra care also facilitated adherence. Partners, friends and family were an important source of social support and no barrier caused by concern about weight loss in pregnancy was encountered. Observed and experienced physical changes and feedback from the research team positively reinforced adherence. The main barrier was that learning new skills was initially time‐consuming. Conclusions: Weight loss was acceptable to women with gestational diabetes provided with clear information about likely benefit. A randomized controlled trial of this intervention is now required, employing clear information and feedback of glycaemic benefit to facilitate efficacy. What's new?: Pregnant women newly diagnosed with gestational diabetes mellitus found a moderately reduced calorie diet both achievable and acceptable.The participants' main motivation for diet adherence was optimizing the wellbeing of their baby.Other facilitating factors included improvements in their own physical health, reducing future risk of Type 2 diabetes mellitus and helping the research team.Absence of any barrier attributable to partners, family and friends being concerned about weight loss in pregnancy was striking.These data provide a basis for design of a randomized controlled trial of weight loss as therapy for gestational diabetes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We describe herein our results on the synthesis of bisarylselanylbenzo‐2,1,3‐selenadiazoles through double cross‐coupling reaction. The named compounds were obtained in moderate to good yields by reactions of a range of diaryl diselenides with the 4,7‐dibromobenzo[c][1,2,5]selenadiazole using 20 mol‐% of CuO nanoparticles as a catalyst. In addition, the obtained compounds were investigated regarding their photophysical properties in solution and singlet oxygen generation. Bisarylselanylbenzo‐2,1,3‐selenadiazoles presents strong absorption bands at UV region and red emission properties, depending on the substituent. Geometrical, photophysical and electronic properties of the compounds are characterized with density functional theory calculations. In all derivatives are observed the oxidation process of Se atom, using electrochemical analysis. Also, the quantum yields of photosensitized 1O2 production of the synthesized compounds were slightly lower than the standard, but still displays good ability to generate singlet oxygen species. The ability to generate 1O2 of benzo‐2,1,3‐selenadiazole derivatives after being exposed to light and oxygen allowed us to envisage them as a potential application in photodynamic therapy. The synthesis, photophysics, electrochemical and singlet‐oxygen‐generation properties of bis‐arylselanyl‐benzo‐2,1,3‐selenadiazoles are described. These compounds were obtained in moderate to good yields. The ability to generate 1O2 of benzo‐2,1,3‐selenadiazole derivatives after exposure to light and oxygen allowed us to envisage them as a potential application in photodynamic therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To assess the contribution of fetal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in fetuses of the MERIDIAN cohort diagnosed with either agenesis or hypogenesis of the corpus callosum (referred to collectively as failed commissuration) on antenatal ultrasound.Methods: This was a subgroup analysis of the MERIDIAN study of fetuses with failed commissuration (with or without ventriculomegaly) diagnosed on ultrasound in women who had MRI assessment within 2 weeks of ultrasound and for whom outcome reference data were available. The diagnostic accuracy of ultrasound and MRI was studied, as well as indicators of diagnostic confidence and effects on prognosis/clinical management. Appropriate diagnostic confidence was assessed by the score-based weighted average method, which combines diagnostic accuracy with diagnostic confidence data.Results: In the MERIDIAN cohort, 79 fetuses were diagnosed with failed commissuration on ultrasound (55 with agenesis and 24 with hypogenesis of the corpus callosum). The diagnostic accuracy for detecting failed commissuration was 34.2% for ultrasound and 94.9% for MRI (difference, 60.7% (95% CI, 47.6-73.9%), P < 0.0001). The diagnostic accuracy for detecting hypogenesis of the corpus callosum as a discrete entity was 8.3% for ultrasound and 87.5% for MRI, and for detecting agenesis of the corpus callosum as a distinct entity was 40.0% for ultrasound and 92.7% for MRI. There was a statistically significant improvement in 'appropriate' diagnostic confidence when using MRI as assessed by the score-based weighted average method (P < 0.0001). Prognostic information given to the women changed in 36/79 (45.6%) cases after MRI and its overall effect on clinical management was 'significant', 'major' or 'decisive' in 35/79 cases (44.3%).Conclusions: Our data suggest that any woman whose fetus has failed commissuration as the only intracranial finding detected on ultrasound should have MRI examination for further evaluation. Copyright © 2017 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To assess the diagnostic and clinical contribution of fetal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in fetuses of the MERIDIAN cohort diagnosed with abnormalities of the posterior fossa as the only intracranial abnormality recognized on antenatal ultrasound.Methods: This was a subgroup analysis of the MERIDIAN study of fetuses with abnormalities of the posterior fossa (with or without ventriculomegaly) diagnosed on antenatal ultrasound in women who had MRI within 2 weeks of ultrasound and for whom outcome reference data were available. The diagnostic accuracy of ultrasound and MRI is reported, as well as indicators of diagnostic confidence and effects on prognosis and clinical management. Appropriate diagnostic confidence was assessed by the score-based weighted average method, which combines diagnostic accuracy with diagnostic confidence data.Results: Abnormalities confined to the posterior fossa according to ultrasound were found in 81 fetuses (67 with parenchymal and 14 with cerebrospinal fluid-containing lesions). The overall diagnostic accuracy for detecting an isolated posterior fossa abnormality was 65.4% for ultrasound and 87.7% for MRI (difference, 22.3% (95% CI, 14.0-30.5%); P < 0.0001). There was an improvement in 'appropriate' diagnostic confidence, as assessed by the score-based weighted average method (P < 0.0001), and a three-fold reduction in 'high confidence but incorrect diagnosis' was achieved using MRI. Prognostic information given to the women changed after MRI in 44% of cases, and the overall effect of MRI on clinical management was considered to be 'significant', 'major' or 'decisive' in 35% of cases.Conclusions: Our data suggest that any woman whose fetus has a posterior fossa abnormality as the only intracranial finding on ultrasound should have MRI for further evaluation. This is on the basis of improved diagnostic accuracy and confidence, which impacts substantially on the prognostic information given to women as well as their clinical management. Copyright © 2017 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To assess the contribution of fetal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in fetuses of the MERIDIAN cohort diagnosed with ventriculomegaly (VM) as the only abnormal intracranial finding on antenatal ultrasound.Methods: This was a subgroup analysis of the MERIDIAN study of fetuses with only VM diagnosed on ultrasound in women who had a subsequent MRI examination within 2 weeks and for whom outcome reference data were available. The diagnostic accuracy of ultrasound and MRI was reported in relation to the severity of VM. The difference in measurements of trigone size on the two imaging methods and the clinical impact of adding MRI to the diagnostic pathway were also studied.Results: In 306 fetuses with VM, ultrasound failed to detect 31 additional brain abnormalities, having an overall diagnostic accuracy of 89.9% for ultrasound, whilst MRI correctly detected 27 of the additional brain abnormalities, having a diagnostic accuracy of 98.7% (P < 0.0001). There were other brain abnormalities in 14/244 fetuses with mild VM on ultrasound (diagnostic accuracy, 94.3%) and MRI correctly diagnosed 12 of these (diagnostic accuracy, 99.2%; P = 0.0005). There was a close agreement between the size of trigones measured on ultrasound and on MRI, with categorical differences in only 16% of cases, showing that MRI did not systematically overestimate or underestimate trigone size. Complete prognostic data were available in 295/306 fetuses and the prognosis category changed after MRI in 69/295 (23.4%) cases. The overall effect of MRI on clinical management was considered to be 'significant', 'major' or 'decisive' in 76/295 (25.8%) cases.Conclusion: Our data suggest that a woman carrying a fetus with VM as the only intracranial finding on ultrasound should be offered an adjuvant investigation by MRI for further evaluation. Copyright © 2017 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Recent animal studies have shown that platelets directly activate hepatic stellate cells to promote liver fibrosis, whereas anti-platelet agents decrease liver fibrosis. It is unknown whether platelet inhibition by aspirin prevents liver fibrosis in humans. Aim To examine the association between aspirin use and liver fibrosis among adults with suspected chronic liver disease. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional analysis using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey III. We identified 1856 individuals with suspected chronic liver disease ( CLD). The degree of liver fibrosis was determined using four validated fibrosis indices and a composite index. Results The use of aspirin was associated with a significantly lower composite liver fibrosis index calculated from FIB4, APRI, Forns and NFS [0.24 standard deviation (s.d.) units lower; 95% CI −0.42 to −0.06, P = 0.009]. The association of aspirin with lower fibrosis scores was significantly larger among those with suspected CLD compared to those without (−0.23 vs. −0.03 s.d. units; P interaction = 0.05). The negative association between aspirin use and lower fibrosis index was consistent across all four fibrosis indices ( P = 0.002-0.08) in individuals with chronic viral hepatitis, suspected alcoholic liver disease and NASH. In comparison, no negative associations with liver fibrosis were seen with ibuprofen in parallel analyses. Conclusions The use of aspirin was associated with significantly lower indices of liver fibrosis among US adults with suspected chronic liver diseases. Aspirin and other anti-platelet drugs warrant further investigation for the prevention and treatment of liver fibrosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Elevated fasting triglyceride is often associated with metabolic syndrome and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease ( NAFLD), the most common form of chronic liver disease. On the other hand, as liver disease progresses, patients may develop hepatocellular dysfunction that impairs triglyceride production. Aim To test the hypothesis that lower fasting triglyceride levels may paradoxically indicate more advanced liver disease. Methods A cross-sectional analysis of 11 947 adults aged 20 years or older without chronic viral hepatitis from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 1999-2010 was performed to analyze the relationships between fasting triglyceride levels and five validated non-invasive indices of liver fibrosis, including Fibrosis 4 Score ( FIB4), NAFLD Fibrosis Score ( NFS), Ast-Platelet Ration Index, AST/ ALT ratio and BARD. Results Low-fasting triglyceride levels were consistently associated with elevated liver fibrosis indices. Individuals in the lowest quintile of triglycerides (TG) had an adjusted odds ratio ( OR) of 3.0 (95% CI, 1.7-5.2; P < 0.001) for advanced fibrosis estimated by FIB4 score and OR of 1.8 (95% Cl, 1.2-2.7; P = 0.009) estimated by NFS, compared to individuals in the highest quintile. This association remained highly significant when restricted to individuals with abnormal LFTs from suspected NAFLD. This inverse relationship was continuous, and more pronounced among men and whites ( P interaction <0.001 and 0.008 respectively), but not modified by age or body mass index. In addition, fasting TG had a stronger, more direct association with liver fibrosis indices than did albumin or total bilirubin. Conclusions Fasting triglyceride levels were inversely associated with liver fibrosis indicators in American adults, especially among white men. Our findings suggest that sequential lipid measurements may serve as a useful disease marker in the management of chronic liver disease patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background The suppressive mechanism of regulatory T cells (Tregs) has remained incompletely clarified. Recent studies found that CD39 expressed by Tregs may participate in the immunoregulatory role of Tregs. CD39-induced ATP hydrolysis and/or adenosine generation contribute to the suppressive mechanism of Tregs. Previous studies suggested that ATP is involved in allergic airway inflammation by acting on type 2 purinergic (P2) receptors, but the role of CD39 and CD39+Tregs in allergic airway inflammation has not been elaborated. Objective To investigate the role and underlying mechanism of CD39 expression by Tregs in allergic airway inflammation. Methods A model of allergic asthma was developed with ovalbumin--alum in female Cd39 wild type (Cd39+/+) and deficient (Cd39-/-) C57BL/6 mice. Foxp3-GFP knock-in Cd39+/+ and Cd39-/- mice were used to sort CD4+GFP+ cells (Tregs) for exploring the role of CD39 expression by Tregs in allergic asthma. The effects of modulating CD39 activity with ARL67156 (inhibitor) or apyrase were also observed. Results ARL67156 greatly worsened airway inflammation including increased lung inflammatory cells infiltration, goblet cell hyperplasia, and higher levels of Th2 and Th17 cytokines in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), accompanied by an increment in transcription factor (GATA-3 and RORct) and P2R (P2Y2, P2Y4 and P2Y6) mRNA expression in lungs. This potentiating effect was rescued by intratracheal injection of apyrase. Airway inflammation was markedly increased in Cd39-/- mice compared to Cd39+/+ mice. In contrast to CD39-Tregs, CD39+Tregs showed stronger suppressive effects on airway inflammation. In vitro suppression assay suggested that CD39+Tregs have more potent suppressive effect on cytokines secretion from CD4+CD25- responder T cells and the inhibitory effects were reduced by addition of adenosine A2A receptor antagonist. Conclusion CD39 expressed on Tregs participates in the regulation of limiting allergic airway inflammation by regulating extracellular ATP and/or adenosine. CD39 may represent a new therapeutic target for asthma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim To examine the prediction of gestational diabetes in obese women using routine clinical measures and measurement of biomarkers related to insulin resistance in the early second trimester. Methods A total of 117 obese pregnant women participating in a pilot trial of a complex intervention of dietary advice and physical activity were studied. Blood samples were obtained at recruitment (15+0-17+6 weeks' gestation) and demographic, clinical history and anthropometric measures recorded. The biomarkers analysed were plasma lipids ( HDL cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, triglycerides), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, alanine transaminase, aspartate transaminase, ferritin, fructosamine, insulin, adiponectin, tissue plasminogen activator, interleukin-6, visfatin and leptin. Univariate and logistic regression analyses were performed to determine independent predictors and area under the receiver-operating curve was calculated for the model. Results Of the 106 participants included in the analysis, 29 (27.4%) developed gestational diabetes. Participants with gestational diabetes were older ( P = 0.002), more often of parity ≥ 2, had higher systolic ( P = 0.02) and diastolic blood pressure ( P = 0.02) and were more likely to be black ( P = 0.009). Amongst the blood biomarkers measured, plasma adiponectin alone remained independently associated with gestational diabetes in adjusted models ( P = 0.002). The area under the receiver-operating curve for clinical factors alone (0.760) increased significantly (area under the curve 0.834, chi-square statistic (1) = 4.00, P = 0.046) with the addition of adiponectin. Conclusions A combination of routinely measured clinical factors and adiponectin measured in the early second trimester in obese women may provide a useful approach to the prediction of gestational diabetes. Validation in a large prospective study is required to determine the usefulness of this algorithm in clinical practice. (Clinical Trial Registry No: ISRCTN89971375) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We have compared fetal heart rate patterns, Apgar scores and umbilical cord gas values following initiation of labour analgesia using either combined spinal-epidural or epidural. One hundred and fifteen healthy women requesting neuraxial analgesia in the first stage of labour were randomly assigned to receive either combined spinal-epidural (n = 62) or epidural analgesia (n = 53). Fetal heart rate traces, recorded for 30 min before and 60 min after neuraxial block, were categorised as normal, suspicious or pathological according to national guidelines. Sixty-one fetal heart rate tracings were analysed in the combined spinal-epidural group and 52 in the epidural group. No significant differences were found in fetal heart rate patterns, Apgar scores or umbilical artery and vein acid-base status between groups. However, in both combined spinal-epidural and epidural groups, there was a significant increase in the incidence of abnormal fetal heart rate patterns following neuraxial analgesia (p < 0.0001); two before compared with eight after analgesia in the combined spinal-epidural group and zero before compared with 11 after in the epidural group. These changes comprised increased decelerations (p = 0.0045) (combined spinal-epidural group nine before and 14 after analgesia, epidural group four before and 16 after), increased late decelerations (p < 0.0001) (combined spinal-epidural group zero before and seven after analgesia, epidural group zero before and eight after), and a reduction in acceleration rate (p = 0.034) (combined spinal-epidural group mean (SD) 12.2 (6.7) h−1 before and 9.9 (6.1) h−1 after analgesia, epidural group 11.0 (7.3) h−1 before and 8.4 (5.9) h−1 after). These fetal heart rate changes did not affect neonatal outcome in this healthy population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article provides information on the British Committee for Standards in Haematology (BCSH) guidelines regarding the use of anti-D immunoglobulin (anti-D Ig) for the prevention of haemolytic disease in fetus and newborn. It states that the guidelines were reviewed by the board of British haematologists, the BCSH and representatives from the Royal College of Obstetrics and Gynaecology and the Royal College of Midwifery.

Background Extracellular Adenosine-5′-Triphosphate ( ATP) is known to accumulate in the lung, following allergen challenge, and contributes via activation of purinergic receptors on dendritic cells ( DC), to the development of allergic airway inflammation ( AAI). Extracellular ATP levels in the airways are normally tightly regulated by CD39. This ectonucleotidase is highly expressed by DC purified from skin (Langerhans cells) and bone marrow, and has been shown to modulate DC adaptive/haptenic immune responses. In this study, we have evaluated the impact of Cd39 deletion and associated perturbation of purinergic signaling in AAI. Methods Standard ovalbumin ( OVA)-alum and house dust mite ( HDM) bone marrow-derived DC ( BMDC)-dependent models of AAI were used to study effects of Cd39. Migration assays, time lapse microscopy, and T-cell priming assays were further used to determine functional relevance of Cd39 expression on BMDC in the setting of immune and Th2-mediated responses in these models. Results Cd39 −/− mice exhibited marked increases in BALF ATP levels but paradoxically exhibited limited AAI in both OVA-alum and HDM models. These pathophysiological abnormalities were associated with decreased myeloid DC activation and chemotaxis toward ATP, and were linked to purinergic receptor desensitization responses. Further, Cd39 −/− DCs exhibited limited capacity to both prime Th2 responses and form stable immune synaptic interactions with OVA-transgenic naïve T cells. Conclusions Cd39-deficient DCs exhibit limited capacity to induce Th2 immunity in a DC-driven model of AAI in vivo. Our data demonstrate a role of CD39 and perturbed purinergic signaling in models of AAI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biodiesel can be obtained from fatty acid raw materials through esterification. The reactivity of lauric, palmitic, stearic, oleic, and linoleic fatty acids with methanol using powdered niobic acid as a heterogeneous catalyst was investigated in this work, both experimentally (in a batch reactor) and theoretically. A 2 experimental design was used, with methanol/fatty acid molar ratio, catalyst concentration, and temperature as main factors. An empirical model demonstrated that temperature is the most important variable. Fourteen heterogeneous and 56 homogeneous-like kinetic models were tested. A homogeneous-like model considering zero order for all species and inhibition by water was the most adequate for experiments without catalyst. A homogeneous-like model considering a second-order reaction in relation to the fatty acid and no water inhibition was the most adequate for niobic acid catalyzed reaction. Molecular modeling confirmed the experimental results showing that the reactivity is directly related to the increase of unsaturated bonds and the reduction of carbon chain length. The polarity of the fatty acid is determinant in the reactivity. At the molecular level, reaction occurs between the HOMO orbital of methanol and LUMO orbitals of fatty acids and reactivity is higher when the energy difference between these orbitals is lower. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. At the empirical and molecular level, the reactivity of fatty acids in esterification reactions increases with the increase of unsaturated bonds and the reduction of carbon chain lengths. The kinetic studies, up to 30 min, indicated inhibition by water for the experiments without catalysts and a strong influence of the fatty acid associated, with no water inhibition, for niobic acid catalyzed reactions. The polarity of the fatty acid molecule is determinant in the reaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Please cite this paper as: Kelly T, Suddes J, Howel D, Hewison J, Robson S. Comparing medical versus surgical termination of pregnancy at 13-20 weeks of gestation: a randomised controlled trial. BJOG 2010;117:1512-1520. Objective To compare the psychological impact, acceptability and clinical effectiveness of medical versus surgical termination of pregnancy (TOP) at 13-20 weeks of gestation. Design Randomised trial. Setting Large UK tertiary centre. Sample Women accepted for TOP at 13-20 weeks of gestation. Methods Medical TOP (MTOP) using mifepristone and misoprostol or surgical TOP (STOP) by vacuum aspiration at <15 weeks of gestation, and by dilatation and evacuation at 15 or more weeks of gestation. Main outcome measures Distress 2 weeks after TOP, measured by the impact of events scale (IES), and acceptability, measured by the proportion of women who would opt for the same procedure again. Results One hundred and twenty two women were randomised: 60 to the MTOP group and 62 to the STOP group. Twelve women opted to continue their pregnancy. Follow-up rates were low ( n = 66/110; 60%). At 2 weeks post-procedure there was no difference in total IES score between groups. However, compared with women undergoing STOP, women undergoing MTOP had a higher score on the IES intrusion subscale (mean difference 6.6; 95% CI 1.4-11.8), and a higher score on the general health questionnaire (GHQ) ( P = 0.033). Women found STOP more acceptable: compared with MTOP, more women would opt for the same procedure again (100% versus 53%, P ≤ 0.001), and fewer women found the experience to be worse than expected (0% versus 53%, P = 0.001). Women who had MTOP experienced more bleeding ( P = 0.003), more pain on the day of the procedure ( P = 0.008), and more days of pain ( P = 0.020). Of the 107 women who declined to participate, 58 (67%) preferred a STOP. Conclusions Randomised trials of women requesting midtrimester TOP are challenging. Women found STOP less painful and more acceptable than MTOP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents insights on the creation of a consensus proposal to standardize the ultrasound descriptions used for each ultrasound sign of abnormally invasive placenta (AIP). Topics covered include the goal of reaching an agreement for standardized means of reporting ultrasound assessment of suspected AIP, the options for preferred method of reporting clinical interpretation and the members of the ad-hoc International AIP Expert Group.

Weaver ants ( Oecophylla smaragdina) are dominant ants in open forests from India, Australia, China and Southeast Asia, whose leaf nests are held together with larval silk. The species, together with its sole congener O. longinoda, has been important in research on biological control, communication, territoriality and colony integration. Over most of the range, only one queen has been found per colony, but the occurrence of several queens per nest has been reported for the Australian Northern Territory. The number of males mating with each queen is little known. Here we report on the colony structure of O. smaragdina using published and new microsatellite markers. Worker genotype arrays reflect the occurrence of habitual polygyny (more than one queen per colony) in 18 colonies from Darwin, Northern Australia, with up to five queens inferred per colony. Monogyny (one queen per colony) with occasional polygyny was inferred for 14 colonies from Queensland, Australia, and 20 colonies from Java, Indonesia. Direct genotyping of the sperm carried by 77 Queensland queens and worker genotypic arrays of established colonies yielded similar results, indicating that less than half of the queens mate only once and some mate up to five times. Worker genotype arrays indicated that queens from Java and the Northern Territory also often mate with more than one male, but less often than those from Queensland. A strong isolation-by-distance effect was found for Queensland samples. The variation uncovered means that O. smaragdina is a more versatile study system than previously supposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The intensity and duration of host responses are determined by protective mechanisms that control tissue injury by dampening down inflammation. Adenosine generation and consequent effects, mediated via A2A adenosine receptors (A2AR) on effector cells, play a critical role in the pathophysiological modulation of these responses in vivo. Adenosine is both released by hypoxic cells/tissues and is also generated from extracellular nucleotides by ecto-enzymes e.g. CD39 (ENTPD1) and CD73 that are expressed by the vasculature and immune cells, in particular by T regulatory cell. In general, these adenosinergic mechanisms minimize the extent of collateral damage to host tissues during the course of inflammatory reactions. However, induction of suppressive pathways might also cause escape of pathogens and permit dissemination. In addition, adenosinergic responses may inhibit immune responses while enhancing vascular angiogenic responses to malignant cells that promote tumor growth. Novel drugs that block A2AR-adenosinergic effects and/or adenosine generation have the potential to boost pathogen destruction and to selectively destroy malignant tissues. In the latter instance, future treatment modalities might include novel 'anti-adenosinergic' approaches that augment immune clearance of malignant cells and block permissive angiogenesis. This review addresses several possible pharmacological modalities to block adenosinergic pathways and speculates on their future application together with impacts on human disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A response from the authors of the article "Aspirin use is associated with lower indices of liver fibrosis among adults in the United States" the 2016 issue is presented.

A letter to the editor is presented in response to the article "The discovery of a new class of synaptic transmitters in smooth muscle fifty years ago and amelioration of coronary artery thrombosis" by Max R. Bennett in the February 2013 issue of the periodical.

The article presents an abstract of the research paper "CD39 is a Caveolar-Associated Ectonucleotidase." CD39 is a known ATDase which hydrolyzes extracellular ATP ad ADP. It is an ectonucleotidase which plays a significant role in purinergic signaling, in thromboregulation by converting ATP to adenosine.