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An abstract of the medical research "Control of human trophoblast invasion: The role of transforming growth factor beta 1 and 2" is presented. It states that trophoblast invasion and transformation of the maternal spiral arteries are fundamental in a successful pregnancy. It discusses the hypothesis of the study and highlights the conclusions obtained.

An abstract of the medical research "Ultrasound-guided placental bed biopsy in the first and second trimester" is presented. It explains that the study aimed to determine whether adequate samples of the placental bed could be obtained transcervically with the use of biopsy forceps. It also mentions the use of ultrasound to determine gestational age and placental location.

Direct electrochemical generation of hydrogen peroxide in aqueous medium represents an attractive method for the production of the oxidizing agent. This paper describes the development of electrocatalysts comprising Printex L6 carbon black containing 0 to 10% (w/w) of copper or cobalt phthalocyanine (CuPc and CoPc, respectively) as modifier. Formation of H 2 O 2 by the ORR in acidic medium was investigated by linear voltammetry using a rotating ring-disc electrode, whose glassy carbon disc contained a microporous layer of the catalyst. Incorporation of CuPc into Printex decreased the current efficiency for H 2 O 2 formation [i(H 2 O 2 )%] from 75.4% for unmodified Printex to a minimum of 53.3% when 10% of the modifier was present. However, i(H 2 O 2 )% increased when CoPc was employed as modifier, and a maximum value of 92.3% was attained with Printex containing 1.0% CoPc. Moreover, a shift of +340 mV (relative to unmodified Printex) was observed in the overpotential required for the generation of H 2 O 2 when 10% of CoPc was present. SECM demonstrated that, at a potential of -0.2 V, Printex with 10% CoPc produced larger amounts of H 2 O 2 compared with unmodified Printex. It is concluded that the use of the CoPc modifier is promising for the electrogeneration of H 2 O 2 on a large scale. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

All-solid-state lithium batteries (ASSB) are emerging as an effective and promising alternative to current technologies that use organic liquid electrolytes. Its main proposition is to mitigate the safety and environmental issues caused by the leakages and explosions of conventional cells through the development and use of solid electrolytes, in the form of polymer membranes, ceramic pellets, or even composites, which are a combination of both. In the present work, composite electrolytes of polyethylene oxide (PEO), lithium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide (LiTFSI), and Zr-doped niobium garnet oxides (Li 5+x La 3 Nb 2-x Zr x O 12 - LLNZ) were prepared. The addition of ceramic reduced the melting point and inhibited the formation of spherulite-type crystallization of the polymer. The ionic conductivities of the composites were slightly lower than the polymer but still high for composite electrolytes of this composition, around 10−4 S.cm−1. The obtained results were analyzed considering the findings reported by other researchers, and some factors for a high-performance composite electrolyte were detailed. Additionally, all the fabricated composites showed a broad electrochemical window, some even above 5.0 V. Thus, electrochemical measurements were conducted with NMC811 as the cathode. The half-cell exhibited a specific capacity of 185 mAh.g−1 at C/20 at 60 °C, and a capacity retention of 68% after 50 cycles at C/5. The results are promising and indicate the possibility of the use of high‑nickel cathodes in all-solid-state batteries to increase their energy density. Schematic representation of the lithium ions transport in solid composite electrolytes with different ceramic loadings. [Display omitted] • Solid composite electrolytes were prepared with PEO, LITFSI, and a Zr-doped Garnet. • All composites exhibited high ionic conductivities of ∼10−4 S/cm at 60 °C. • Electrochemical stability window above 5.0 V was observed for some samples. • Half-cell tests with NMC811 cathode resulted in 185 mAh.g−1 at 60 °C for C/20. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is a commonly used oxidant with a wide variety of applications in, for example, organic synthesis and wastewater treatment. This paper describes the development of catalysts for the electrogeneration of H2O2 in acidic medium using gas diffusion electrodes (GDE). Initial experiments were performed using rotating ring-disk electrodes modified with microporous layers of Printex 6L carbon containing various amounts of cobalt (II) phthalocyanine (CoPc) in order to evaluate catalytic activities. The results showed that the current efficiency for the formation of H2O2 increased from 69.7% for Printex 6L carbon without catalyst to 81.5% when using Printex 6L carbon with CoPc, and this was accompanied by a decrease in the number of electrons involved in the oxygen reduction reaction from 2.6 to 2.3. Based on these findings, modified GDEs were constructed containing 3.0, 5.0 and 10.0% of CoPc on Printex 6L carbon. The concentration of H2O2 that formed after 90min electrolysis with the GDE modified with Printex 6L carbon alone was 176mgL−1, while the GDE with 5.0% CoPc on carbon produced 331mgL−1 of H2O2, i.e. an increase in yield of 89.1% relative to Printex 6L carbon. Additionally, using GDE s modified with CoPc on carbon, the potential at which H2O2 formation attained its maximum value shifted to less negative values in comparison with electrodes without catalyst. It is concluded that CoPc is an appropriate catalyst for efficient electrogeneration of H2O2. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Hydrogen peroxide is a powerful oxidant that finds application in several areas, but most particularly in the treatment of industrial wastewaters. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of applied potential and electrolyte flow conditions on the in situ generation of hydrogen peroxide in an electrochemical flow-by reactor with a gas diffusion electrode (GDE). The electrolyses were performed in an aqueous acidic medium using a GDE constructed with conductive black graphite and polytetrafluoroethylene (80:20 w/w). Under laminar flow conditions (flow rate = 50 L/h), hydrogen peroxide was formed in a maximum yield of 414 mg/L after 2 h at −2.25 V vs Pt //Ag/AgCl (global rate constant = 3.1 mg/(L min); energy consumption = 22.1 kWh/kg). Under turbulent flow (300 L/h), the maximum yield obtained was 294 mg/L after 2 h at −1.75 V vs Pt//Ag/AgCl (global rate constant = 2.5 mg/(L min); energy consumption = 30.1 kWh/kg). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent findings link metabolic transformation of cancer cells to aberrant functions of mitochondrial uncoupling proteins (UCPs). By inducing proton leak, UCPs interfere with mitochondrial synthesis of adenosine 5'-triphosphate, which is also a key determinant of glycolytic pathways. In addition, UCP suppress the generation of superoxide, a byproduct of mitochondrial electron transport and a major source of oxidative stress. The near ubiquitous UCP2 becomes highly abundant in some cancers and may advance metabolic reprogramming, further disrupt tumour suppression, and promote chemoresistance. Here we review current evidence to suggest that inhibition of mitochondrial uncoupling may eliminate these responses and reveal novel anti-cancer strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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]

Abstract: GPR (Ground Penetrating Radar) results are shown for perpendicular broadside and parallel broadside antenna orientations. Performance in detection and localization of concrete tubes and steel tanks is compared as a function of acquisition configuration. The comparison is done using 100MHz and 200MHz center frequency antennas. All tubes and tanks are buried at the geophysical test site of IAG/USP in São Paulo city, Brazil. The results show that the long steel pipe with a 38-mm diameter was well detected with the perpendicular broadside configuration. The concrete tubes were better detected with the parallel broadside configuration, clearly showing hyperbolic diffraction events from all targets up to 2-m depth. Steel tanks were detected with the two configurations. However, the parallel broadside configuration was generated to a much lesser extent an apparent hyperbolic reflection corresponding to constructive interference of diffraction hyperbolas of adjacent targets placed at the same depth. Vertical concrete tubes and steel tanks were better contained with parallel broadside antennas, where the apexes of the diffraction hyperbolas better corresponded to the horizontal location of the buried target disposition. The two configurations provide details about buried targets emphasizing how GPR multi-component configurations have the potential to improve the subsurface image quality as well as to discriminate different buried targets. It is judged that they hold some applicability in geotechnical and geoscientific studies. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Nausea and vomiting in pregnancy (NVP) is a frequently occurring but often debilitating condition. The more severe form, hyperemesis gravidarum (HG) results in increased health care use and a reduced quality of life for sufferers. Management is inconsistent and results in multiple admissions and poor experience of the health care system. Women feel isolated, depressed and lonely and are often treated unsympathetically. Assessment of the severity of symptoms alongside alternative approaches which take into account the interaction between social, psychological and biological events should be considered. A combination of traditional and alternative remedies may be of benefit while ongoing information, advice, social, psychological and emotional support results in increased knowledge, reassurance and confidence which hopefully empowers and encourages women to carry out health promoting activities. This can be carried out in person or via telephone which is an economical and convenient option. Ultimately this should result in improved care and quality of life for sufferers. [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]

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is associated with chronic and progressive lung disease and is closely related to increased morbidity and mortality in cystic fibrosis (CF) patients. Hypermutable (HPM) P. aeruginosa isolates have been described in these patients and are usually associated with antibiotic resistance. This study aimed to investigate the occurrence of carbapenem resistance and hypermutable phenotype in 179 P. aeruginosa isolates from 8 chronically CF patients assisted at two reference centers in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Using disk diffusion test, non-susceptible (NS) rates higher than 40% were observed for imipenem, amikacin, and gentamicin. A total of 79 isolates (44.1%), 71 (39.6%), and 8 (4.4%) were classified as carbapenem-resistant (CR resistance to at least one carbapenem), multidrug-resistant (MDR), and extensively drug-resistant (XDR), respectively. Minimal inhibitory concentration was determined for 79 CR P. aeruginosa and showed the following variations: 4 and 128 μg/mL to imipenem, 4 and 64 µg/mL to meropenem, and 4 and ≥ 32 µg/mL to doripenem. We have found only four (2.23%) HPM isolates from 4 patients. Analyzing the genetic relationship among the HPM isolates, 3 pulsed-field gel electrophoresis/pulsotypes (D, M, and J) were observed. Only M pulsotype was recovered from two patients in different years. Polymerase chain reaction screening for blaGES, blaIMP, blaKPC, blaNDM, blaOXA-48, blaSPM, and blaVIM genes was performed for all CR isolates and none of them were positive. Our results demonstrate a high occurrence of CR and MDR P. aeruginosa of CF patients follow-up in both centers studied, while the presence of HPM is still unusual. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The complexity of fetal medicine (FM) referrals that can be managed within obstetric units is dependent on the availability of specialist ultrasound expertise. Telemedicine can effectively transfer real-time ultrasound images via video-conferencing. We report the successful introduction of a fetal ultrasound telemedicine service linking a specialist fetal medicine (FM) centre and a remote obstetric unit.Methods: Over a four-year period from October 2015, all women referred for FM consultation from the obstetric unit were seen via telemedicine, excluding cases where invasive testing, intrauterine therapy or cardiac anomalies were anticipated. The outcomes measured included the indication for FM referral; scan duration and image and sound quality during the consultation. Women's perceptions of the telemedicine consultation and estimated costs to attend the FM centre were measured by a structured questionnaire completed following the first telemedicine appointment during the Phase 1 of the project.Results: Overall, 297 women had a telemedicine consultation during Phase 1 (pilot and evaluation) and Phase 2 (embedding and adoption) of the project, which covered a 4 year period 34 women completed questionnaires during the Phase 1 of the study. Travel to the telemedicine consultation took a median (range) time of 20 min (4150), in comparison to an estimated journey of 230 min (120,450) to the FM centre. On average, women would have spent approximately £28 to travel to the FM centre per visit. The overall costs for the woman and her partner/ friend to attend the FM centre was estimated to be £439. Women were generally satisfied with the service and valued the opportunity to have a FM consultation locally.Conclusions: We have demonstrated that a fetal ultrasound telemedicine service can be successfully introduced to provide FM ultrasound of sufficient quality to allow fetal diagnosis and specialist consultation with parents. Furthermore, the service is acceptable to parents, has shown a reduction in family costs and journey times. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia causes significant morbidity and mortality, mainly by methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA). Currently, vancomycin is the main choice for the treatment of infections by MRSA. Broth microdilution (BMD) remains the gold standard for measuring vancomycin MIC. However, most clinical laboratories employ practical methods in the routines, but these methods may not determine accurate vancomycin MIC values. Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the accuracy of VITEK®2, Phoenix® and Etest® methods against BMD. Materials and Methods: A total of 78 strains (27 methicillin-sensitive S. aureus and 51 MRSA) were isolated from bloodstream infections. The vancomycin MIC was determined following CLSI and the manufacturers' recommendations. We also performed SCCmec typing, in order to identify their vancomycin MIC ratio values. Results: Most of all isolates showed values of MIC = 1 µg/mL by BMD and Phoenix®, while Etest® and VITEK® 2 determined the majority with MIC = 1.5 and 0.5 µg/mL, respectively. Thus, Etest® and VITEK® 2 tended to overestimate and underestimate, respectively, the MIC values. Three MRSA isolates that were vancomycin susceptible by the BMD were vancomycin-intermediate by Etest®. The SCCmec II (39%) and IV (51%) were the most frequent, and there was no relationship between the type of SCCmec and the MIC values. Conclusions: The results showed that vancomycin MICs vary according to the test method. It is essential that clinicians consider the differences in MIC results determined by different methods, since the MIC value is generally the parameter used by clinicians to select the appropriate therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report a case of 68-year-old Caucasian man who presented with cerebral infarcts secondary to arterial thrombosis associated with nephrotic syndrome. His initial presentation included edema of legs, left hemiparesis, and right-sided cerebellar signs. Investigations with computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging of brain showed multiple cerebral infarcts in middle cerebral and posterior cerebral artery territory. Blood and urine investigations also showed impaired renal function, hypercholesterolemia, hypoalbuminaemia, and nephrotic range proteinuria. Renal biopsy showed minimal change disease. Cerebral infarcts were treated with antiplatelet agents and nephrotic syndrome was treated with high dose steroids. Patient responded well to the treatment and is all well till date. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present work reports the degradation of the antibiotic ciprofloxacin (CIP) by different advanced oxidative process systems (UV; Anodic Oxidation; H 2 O 2 ; H 2 O 2 /UV; H 2 O 2 /Fe2+ and H 2 O 2 /UV/Fe2+) in an electrochemical cell using gas diffusion electrode (GDE) for the synthesis of hydrogen peroxide. CIP degradation and mineralization were evaluated by high efficiency liquid chromatography (HPLC) and total organic carbon (TOC) techniques. Of all the systems investigated, the photoelectro-Fenton system presented the best degradation efficiency; this system promoted highly significant mineralization percentages of 54.8% and 84.6% in 90 and 360 min, and relatively lower energy consumption rates of 4110.0 and 9808.2 kWh kg−1 TOC, respectively. In 6 h period of experiment, the main degradation products of ciprofloxacin were identified, and the aliphatic acids obtained helped confirm the rupture of the aromatic ring. The application of the photoelectro-Fenton process with in situ eletroctrogeneration of H 2 O 2 using GDE has proved to be suitably promising for the treatment of organic pollutants. • The highest hydrogen peroxide production was obtained 755 mg L-1 with 84.5 kWh of energy consumed by 1 kg of H 2 O 2. • The synergism between H2O2/Fe2+/UV provided the greatest removal of organic matter. • CIP degradation indicated molecular oxidation and aliphatic acid formation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Foods available in the home food environment (HFE) can influence dietary intake. The purpose of this study was to use an open home food inventory to assess fruits and vegetables in the HFE and their relationship with maternal and child fruit and vegetable intake. Methods: An open home food inventory, where the name, size, and quantity of all foods and beverages in the home were recorded, was conducted to assess the HFE of 22 mothers (40.1 ± 5.4 years, BMI 31.3 ± 12 I

Prolonged exposure to hyperoxia has deleterious effects on the lung, provoking both inflammation and alveolar injury. The elements of hyperoxic injury, which result in high rates of lethality in experimental models, are thought to include multicellular immune responses. To characterize these alterations in immune cell populations, we performed time-of-flight mass cytometry (CyTOF) analysis of CD45-expressing immune cells in whole lung parenchyma and the bronchoalveolar space of mice, exposed to 48 hours of hyperoxia together with normoxic controls. At the tested time point, hyperoxia exposure resulted in decreased abundance of immunoregulatory populations (regulatory B cells, myeloid regulatory cells) in lung parenchyma and markedly decreased proliferation rates of myeloid regulatory cells, monocytes and alveolar macrophages. Additionally, hyperoxia caused a shift in the phenotype of alveolar macrophages, increasing proportion of cells with elevated CD68, CD44, CD11c, PD-L1, and CD205 expression levels. These changes occurred in the absence of histologically evident alveolar damage and abundance of neutrophils in the parenchyma or alveolar space did not change at these time points. Collectively, these findings demonstrate that pulmonary response to hyperoxia involves marked changes in specific subsets of myeloid and lymphoid populations. These findings have important implications for therapeutic targeting in acute lung injury. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Four new hybrid molecules containing benzo-2,1,3-thiadiazole, benzofuran and arylselanyl moieties, named 4,7-bis(3-(arylselanyl)benzofuran-2-yl)benzo[c][1,2,5]thiadiazoles, were designed and synthesized in good yields through an electrophilic cyclization of 4,7-bis((2-methoxyphenyl)ethynyl)benzo[c][1,2,5]thiadiazole 1 and diaryl diselenides 2 using trichloroisocyanuric acid to generate electrophilic arylselanyl species. The photophysical properties of compounds 3a–d were investigated using UV-vis absorption and emission fluorescence analysis. The emission fluorescence analysis showed a yellow-orange region emission. Large Stokes shift values were observed for all new derivatives and attributed to the ICT state and to the electron-substituent properties. The biomolecule-binding DNA and HSA-binding interactions were also investigated by experimental and theoretical methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Study Question: Is vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) dedifferentiation a feature of uterine spiral artery (SpA) remodelling in early human pregnancy?Summary Answer: Remodelling of human uterine SpAs is associated with dedifferentiation of VSMCs and can be induced in vitro by uterine natural killer (uNK) cells and extravillous trophoblast cells (EVTs).What Is Known Already: Uterine SpAs undergo profound morphological changes in normal pregnancy with replacement of the musculoelastic arterial wall structure by fibrinoid containing EVTs. The fate of VSMCs in SpA remodelling is unknown; in guinea pig uterine artery VSMCs dedifferentiate, remain in the vessel wall and differentiate after parturition to restore the arterial wall. There is increasing evidence that uNK cells play a role in SpA remodelling. We hypothesized that SpA remodelling in human pregnancy is associated with VSMC dedifferentiation, initiated by uNK cell-derived growth factors.Study Design, Size, Duration: Formalin fixed, paraffin embedded placental bed biopsies were immunostained for angiogenic growth factor (AGF) receptors and markers of VSMC differentiation. An in vitro model of SpA remodelling using chorionic plate arteries (CPAs) was used to test the effect of different cell types and AGFs on VSMC differentiation.Participants/materials, Setting, Methods: Placental bed biopsies were immunostained for vascular endothelial growth factor receptors 1-3 (VEGF-R1, VEGF-R2, VEGF-R3), transforming growth factor beta 1 receptors I and II (TGF-βRI, TGF-βRII), interferon gamma receptors 1 and 2 (IFN-γR1, IFN-γR2), Tie2, α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), H-caldesmon (H-Cal), myosin heavy chain (MyHC), osteopontin and smoothelin. Staining intensity was assessed using a modified quickscore. Expression by VSMCs of the AGF receptors was confirmed by laser capture microdissection and real-time RT-PCR of non-remodelled SpAs, after laser removal of the endothelium. As an in vitro model, VSMC differentiation was assessed in CPAs by immunohistochemistry after culture in uNK cell-conditioned medium (CM), EVT-CM, uNK cell/EVT co-culture CM, Ang-1, Ang-2, IFN-γ, VEGF-A and VEGF-C, and after blocking of both Ang-1 and Ang-2 in uNK-CM.Main Results and the Role Of Chance: SpA VSMC expression of Tie-2 (P = 0.0007), VEGF-R2 (P = 0.005) and osteopontin (P = 0.0001) increased in partially remodelled SpAs compared with non-remodelled SpAs, while expression of contractile VSMC markers was reduced (α-SMA P < 0.0001, H-Cal P = 0.03, MyHC P = 0.03, smoothelin P = 0.0001). In the in vitro CPA model, supernatants from purified uNK cell (H-Cal P < 0.0001, MyHC P = 0.03, α-SMA P = 0.02, osteopontin P = 0.03), EVT (H-Cal P = 0.0006, MyHC P = 0.02, osteopontin P = 0.01) and uNK cell/EVT co-cultures (H-Cal P = 0.001, MyHC P = 0.05, osteopontin P = 0.02) at 12-14 weeks, but not 8-10 weeks, gestational age induced reduced expression of contractile VSMC markers and increased osteopontin expression. Addition of exogenous (10 ng/ml) Ang-1 (P = 0.006) or Ang-2 (P = 0.009) also reduced H-Cal expression in the CPA model. Inhibition of Ang-1 (P = 0.0004) or Ang-2 (P = 0.004) in uNK cell supernatants blocked the ability of uNK cell supernatants to reduce H-Cal expression.Limitations, Reasons For Caution: This is an in vitro study and the role of uNK cells, Ang-1 and Ang-2 in SpA remodelling in vivo has not yet been shown.Wider Implications Of the Findings: VSMC dedifferentiation is a feature of early SpA remodelling and uNK cells and EVT play key roles in this process by secretion of Ang-1 and Ang-2. This is one of the first studies to suggest a direct role for Ang-1 and Ang-2 in VSMC biology.Study Funding/competing Interest(s): This work was supported by a grant from British Biotechnology and Biosciences Research Council (BB/E016790/1). The authors have no competing interests to declare. [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]

Results of field measurement of trapped charges on a 275 kV cable will be presented. The instrumentation and calibration method used in the measurement will be discussed. It will be shown that if the cable is not force-discharged by means of earth switches, the trapped charges will decay very slowly. The atmospheric parameters such as humidity and temperature affect the discharge time, which also depends on how much of the circuit is exposed to open air. The measurement results are used in EMTP-ATP simulation to confirm that trapped charges may be sufficient to cause sheath voltage limiters (SVL) of the cable to fail. The number of SVL breakdown depends on the mode of SVL failure, i.e. whether it attains low impedance (short circuit) or open circuit when the energy absorbed exceeds the rating. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Predation and population density have fundamental size- and sex-specific effects on individual survival and demographic parameters. Given the overlap and interactions between different age cohorts in natural populations, separating the factors related to differential survival and growth based on longitudinal field-collected data is problematic. Using a Neotropical annual fish (Austrolebias minuano) with a single age cohort per generation, we used replicated field enclosures to experimentally test the roles of avian predation and fish population density on survival and growth over adult lifespan. We found that mortality risk was higher in larger males and smaller females when predation was experimentally excluded. Exposure to avian predation eliminated this sex-specific effect of body size on survival. No overall sex difference in survival was found in the experiment, despite a female-biased sex ratio in natural populations. Individually based growth rates were highest in enclosures at low population density with no predation risk. Overall, we demonstrate that annual fish suffer high sex-dependent size-specific mortality that is more strongly related to predation than to density-dependent processes. This has important implications for our understanding of the evolution of senescence and other life history traits in annual fishes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this work was to evaluate the continuous production of biodiesel through the esterification reaction between oleic acid and ethanol using niobic acid as a solid acid catalyst. In this study, different calcination temperatures of niobic acid were tested. W/F tests were carried out, to avoid mass transfer problems and, then, the catalytic activities of all the samples were evaluated. Results showed that niobic acid calcined at 350 °C presented the highest catalytic activity. The experimental conditions of temperature, amount of catalyst and ethanol:oleic acid molar ratio were optimized by using design of experiments (DOE) and canonical analysis. All three single parameters were significant on the yield of esters. The esterification reaction of oleic acid led to yields of esters up to 70% and conversion up to 90%, at 249 °C, ethanol:oleic acid molar ratio of 10.83:1 and 0.7 g of niobic acid. [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]

Crude glycerin, the main by-product of biodiesel production, can replace dietary energy sources, such as corn. The objective of this study was to evaluate the inclusion of up to 30% of crude glycerin in dry matter (DM) of the total diets, and its effects on meat quality parameters of feedlot Nellore bulls. Thirty animals (227.7 ± 23.8 kg body weight; 18 months old) were housed in individual pens and fed 5 experimental diets, containing 0, 7.5, 15, 22.5 or 30% crude glycerin (DM basis). After 103 d (21 d adaptation) animals were slaughtered and the Longissimus muscle was collected. The characteristics assessed were chemical composition, fatty acid profile, cholesterol, shear force, pH, color, water-holding capacity, cooking loss and sensory properties. The increasing inclusion of crude glycerin in the diets did not affect the chemical composition of the Longissimus muscle (P > 0.10). A quadratic effect was observed when levels of crude glycerin were increased, on the concentration of pentadecanoic, palmitoleic and eicosenoic fatty acids in meat (P < 0.05), and on the activity of the delta-9 desaturase 16 and delta-9 desaturase 18 enzymes (P < 0.05). The addition of crude glycerin increased the gamma linolenic fatty acid concentration (P < 0.01), and altered the monounsaturated fatty acids in Longissimus muscle of animals (Pquad . < 0.05). Crude glycerin decreased cholesterol content in meat (P < 0.05), and promoted higher flavor score and greasy intensity perception of the meat (P < 0.01). The inclusion of up to 30% crude glycerin in Nellore cattle bulls`diets (DM basis) improves meat cholesterol and sensory attributes, such as flavor, without affecting significantly the physical traits, the main fatty acid concentrations and the chemical composition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Vemurafenib has shown activity in patients with BRAFV600 mutated melanoma with brain metastases (BM). This phase 2 study evaluated vemurafenib in patients with/without prior treatment for BM. Methods: Patients with BRAFV600 mutated melanoma with BM were enrolled into cohort 1 (previously untreated BM) and cohort 2 (previously treated BM) and received vemurafenib (960mg BID) until disease progression (PD) or intolerance. Primary endpoint was best overall response rate (BORR) in the brain in cohort 1 that was evaluated using modified RECIST 1.1 criteria using lesions≥0.5 cm to assess response. Results: 146 patients were treated (cohort 1 n=90; cohort 2 n=56), 62% of whom were male. Median (range) time since diagnosis of BM: 1.0 (0-9) month in cohort 1 and 4.2 (1-68) months in cohort 2. Median duration of treatment was 4.1 months (range 0.3-34.5) in cohort 1 and 4.1 months (range 0.2-27.6) in cohort 2. Intracranial BORR in cohort 1 by an independent review committee (IRC) was 18% (2 CRs, 14 PRs). Extracranial BORR by IRC was 33% in cohort 1 and 23% in cohort 2. Median PFS (brain only, investigator-assessed) was 3.7 months (range 0.03-33.4; IQR 1.9-5.6) in cohort 1 and 4.0 months (range 0.3-27.4; IQR 2.2-7.4) in cohort 2. Median OS was 8.9 months (range 0.6-34.5; IQR 4.9-17.0) in cohort 1 and 9.6 months (range 0.7-34.3; IQR 4.5-18.4) in cohort 2. Adverse events (AEs) were similar in type, grade and frequency to other studies of single-agent vemurafenib. Grade 3/4 AEs occurred in 59 (66%) patients in cohort 1 and 36 (64%) in cohort 2. Overall, 84% of patients died during the study (86% in cohort 1 and 80% in cohort 2), mainly due to disease progression. Conclusions: The study demonstrates clinically meaningful response rates of melanoma BM to vemurafenib, which was well tolerated and without significant CNS toxicity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Molecular genetic markers are one of the most informative and widely used genome features in clinical and environmental diagnostic studies. A polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based molecular marker is very attractive because it is suitable to high throughput automation and confers high specificity. However, the design of taxon-specific primers may be difficult and time consuming due to the need to identify appropriate genomic regions for annealing primers and to evaluate primer specificity. Results: Here, we report the development of a Tool for Identification of Primers for Multiple Taxa (TipMT), which is a web application to search and design primers for genotyping based on genomic data. The tool identifies and targets single sequence repeats (SSR) or orthologous/taxa-specific genes for genotyping using Multiplex PCR. This pipeline was applied to the genomes of four species of Leishmania (L. amazonensis, L. braziliensis, L. infantum and L. major) and validated by PCR using artificial genomic DNA mixtures of the Leishmania species as templates. This experimental validation demonstrates the reliability of TipMT because amplification profiles showed discrimination of genomic DNA samples from Leishmania species. Conclusions: The TipMT web tool allows for large-scale identification and design of taxon-specific primers and is freely available to the scientific community at http://200.131.37.155/tipMT/. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Liposomes are concentric lipid vesicles that allow a sustained release of entrapped substances. GABA (γ-aminobutyric acid) is the most prevalent inhibitory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system. New method Using GABA-containing liposomes (GL) prepared by the freeze-thawing method, we determined the effect of sustained release of GABA on expression of neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) and GABA A receptor (GABA A R) in an in vitro neuronal model. Results Neuronal cell line NG108-15 treated with different doses of GL during 24 h showed an increase in expression of GABA A R (54 and 50% with 10 and 20 ng doses, respectively) and nNOS (138, 157 and 165% with 20, 50 and 100 ng doses, respectively) compared with cells treated with empty liposomes (EL). Additionally, cells treated with 50 ng of GL showed an increase in GABA A R (23%) after 1 h followed by an increase in nNOS (55, 46 and 55%) at 8, 12 and 24 h time points, respectively. Immunofluorescence experiments confirmed an increase in nNOS (134%) and basal intracellular levels of nitric oxide (84%) after GL treatment. Further, treatment of cells with GL showed a decrease in expression of a protein inhibitor of nNOS (PIN) (26, 66 and 57% with 20, 50 and 100 ng doses respectively) compared with control. Comparison with existing methods This is first demonstration for the development of GL that allows sustained slow release of this neurotransmitter. Conclusion These results suggest that a slow release of GABA can change the expression of nNOS possibly via alteration in PIN levels in neuronal cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper reports the synthesis of a new class of catalysts based on niobium using Filter Cake (FC) as precursor, which is more affordable economically than other niobium sources commonly used. FC is obtained before the necessary purification to obtain niobic acid (Nb 2 O 5 ∙ n H 2 O), making the catalyst synthesis process less costly. Its modification by hydrothermal treatment in the presence of different agents (oxalic acid or hydrogen peroxide) allowed the obtention of nanostructured materials in the form of rods or spheres with larger BET area, crystallinity and acidity than the precursor. Their catalytic potential were evaluated in fructose dehydration reaction in aqueous media, aiming the obtention of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (5-HMF). The production of furan compounds from sugars has become a process of great interest in recent years because it is related to the search for more sustainable sources of energy, since carbohydrates are the predominant part of biomass. In optimum conditions, it was possible to obtain 22% yield of 5-HMF in aqueous medium and 47% yield of 5-HMF using DMSO as solvent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• New set of chromium(III) catalysts supported by pyrrolide-imine ligands with pendant O -, S - and N -donor groups has been synthesized. • Upon activation with MAO, chromium precatalysts generated active species affording a nonselective distribution of α‐olefins along with the production of varied amounts of polymers. • The nature of the donor atom at the pendant group of the pyrrolide-imine ligand has a strong influence on the product distribution. • DFT calculations suggested that the type of donor atom induce the formation of different species in the reactional medium. The synthesis and ethylene reactivity of a new set of chromium(III) complexes supported by pyrrolide-imine ligands bearing pendant O -, S - and N -donor groups [Cr{(C 4 H 3 N-2-CH=N)Z}(THF)Cl 2 ] (Z = CH 2 Ph-2-OMe, Cr1 ; Z = Ph-2-OPh, Cr2 ; Z = Ph-2-OMe, Cr3 ; Z = Ph-2-SPh, Cr4 ; Z = Ph-2-SMe, Cr5 ; Z = CH 2 Py, Cr6; Z = C 2 H 4 Py, Cr7) are described. Activation of Cr1-Cr7 with MAO generates active systems affording a full range oligomerization of ethylene (C 4 -C 12 +) with turnover frequencies (TOFs) in the range of 13,900–94,200 mol(ethylene)·mol(Cr)–1·h–1 along with production of a varied amount of polymer (6.9 - 91.5 wt.%). The nature of the pendant group has a significant impact on the catalytic performances of these Cr complexes. Particularly, catalytic precursors containing pendant O -donor groups (Cr1 - Cr3) produce mostly oligomers (up to 89.0 wt%) while those bearing sulfur-base donor groups (Cr4 and Cr5) are primarily polymerization systems. DFT calculations suggested the presence of two different CrIII catalytic species, the mononuclear species responsible for production of polymer and one dinuclear species that have been ascribed for production of oligomers. By tunning the reactional conditions, higher TOF and higher selectivities for production of α-olefins were achieved. Notably, the use of high MAO loading (1500 equiv.) enhanced the activity of Cr2 [TOF = 389,800 (mol ethylene)⋅(mol Cr)−1⋅h−1] producing mostly oligomers (97.7 wt% of total products) with high selectivity for α-olefins (>95.5 wt.%). [Display omitted] [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]

In this paper, an analysis of experimental results on the behavior under impulse currents of various grounding electrodes: rod and horizontal electrodes, a ground grid, and tower footings, is presented. The parameters used for analyzing transient performance are reviewed, and the differences are highlighted based on test data. The analysis is extended to the following: 1) to quantify the effect of impulse shape; 2) to quantify the effect of current magnitude; 3) to compare low-frequency and impulse performances; 4) to compare impulse and high-frequency performances; and 5) to examine the effects of the test setup on measured results, e.g., in the case of field tests, the effect of current return leads, and proximity and extent of return electrodes. A generalized impulse index is introduced to help elucidate the differences between different parameters used for the analysis of transient test results on ground electrodes. It is found that the analysis of test data based on different parameters may lead to different assessments of impulse performance. The results also show that the impulse parameters used for the analysis of test data can be influenced by several factors such as electrode length, impulse current rise time, and experimental setup. In addition, variable-frequency test results are analyzed by introducing a “harmonic coefficient” which quantifies the deviations of the harmonic impedance from the low-frequency resistance over different frequency ranges covering the entire lightning frequency spectrum. Significant variations of the harmonic coefficient with frequency were observed, highlighting the importance of taking the frequency dependence of soil properties when modeling the impulse and high-frequency behavior of grounding systems. [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]

Choice of a medical or surgical method of termination for fetal anomaly (TFA) is advocated in national guidelines based on a similar risk profile. We investigated whether women are offered a choice of method, by surveying members of a UK parent support organisation. An online questionnaire was designed to examine respondents' experience of TFA. A total of 351 responses were included in the final analysis. TFAs after 24 weeks' gestation and selective reductions were excluded. Mean gestational age at TFA was 17 weeks; 14% (n = 50) were offered a choice of method, falling to 8% (n = 19) after 14 weeks' gestation. Overall, 78% (n = 275) underwent medical TFA with 88% stating they chose it because it was the only method offered; 60% (n = 30) of those offered a choice had a surgical TFA. Our survey suggests that women having TFA are not offered a choice of method. Service delivery should be improved to meet national guidance and women's needs. [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]