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Faktor XIII (FXIII) spielt eine wichtige Rolle fur den suffizienten Ablauf der Hamostase. In den vergangenen zehn Jahren ist den angeborenen Mangelzustanden, aber vor allem auch dem erworbenen FXIII-Defizit vermehrt Aufmerksamkeit in der klinischen Forschung geschenkt worden. FXIII ist ein vielseitig wirkendes Enzym, das am Ende der Gerinnungskaskade zu einer kovalenten Verknupfung von Fibrinfibrillen fuhrt und die Verankerung des Blutgerinnsels unter Einbeziehung von Thrombozyten am Endotheldefekt verstarkt, sodass ein mechanisch stabiles Gerinnsel entstehen kann.

Parasitic plants are known to discard photosynthesis thus leading to the deletion or loss of the plastid genes. Despite plastid genome reduction in non-photosynthetic plants, some nucleus-encoded proteins are transported back to the plastid to carry out specific functions. In this work, we study such proteins in Rafflesia cantleyi, a member of the holoparasitic genus well-known for producing the largest single flower in the world. Our analyses of three transcriptome datasets, two holoparasites (R. cantleyi and Phelipanche aegyptiaca) and one photosynthetic plant (Arabidopsis thaliana), suggest that holoparasites, such as R. cantleyi, retain some common plastid associated processes such as biosynthesis of amino acids and lipids, but are missing photosynthesis components that can be extensions of these pathways. The reconstruction of two selected biosynthetic pathways involving plastids correlates the trend of plastid retention to pathway complexity - transcriptome evidence for R. cantleyi suggests alternate mechanisms in regulating the plastidial heme and terpenoid backbone biosynthesis pathways. The evolution to holoparasitism from autotrophy trends towards devolving the plastid genes to the nuclear genome despite the functional sites remaining in the plastid, or maintaining non-photosynthetic processes in the plastid, before the eventual loss of the plastid and any site dependent functions.

New excavations at the Jebel Moya cemetery in Sudan reveal extensive evidence for Meroitic-era occupation, providing valuable data on contemporaneous diet, migration, exchange and population composition in sub-Saharan Africa. Corrigendum:https://doi.org/10.15184/aqy.2018.259

Background Blood loss due to phlebotomy leads to hospital-acquired anemia and more frequent blood transfusions that may be associated with increased risk of morbidity and mortality in critically ill patients. Multiple blood conservation strategies have been proposed in the context of patient blood management to minimize blood loss. Here, we evaluated a new small-volume sodium citrate collection tube for coagulation testing in critically ill patients. Methods In 46 critically adult ill patients admitted to an interdisciplinary intensive care unit, we prospectively compared small-volume (1.8 mL) sodium citrate tubes with the conventional (3 mL) sodium citrate tubes. The main inclusion criterium was a proven coagulopathy (Quick 40 second) due to anticoagulation therapy or perioperative coagulopathy. Results In total, 92 coagulation analyses were obtained. Linear correlation analysis detected a positive relationship for 7 coagulation parameters (Prothrombin Time, r = 0.987; INR, r = 0.985; activated Partial Thromboplastin Time, r = 0.967; Thrombin Clotting Time, r = 0.969; Fibrinogen, r = 0.986; Antithrombin, r = 0.988; DDimer, r = 0.969). Bland-Altman analyses revealed an absolute mean of differences of almost zero. Ninety-five percent of data were within two standard deviations of the mean difference suggesting interchangeability. Conclusions As systematic deviations between measured parameters of the two tubes were very unlikely, test results of small-volume (1.8 mL) sodium citrate tubes were equal to conventional (3 mL) sodium citrate tubes and can be considered interchangeable. Small-volume sodium citrate tubes reduced unnecessary diagnostic-related blood loss by about 40% and, therefore, should be the new standard of care for routine coagulation analysis in critically ill patients.

The complex activity of the transglutaminase factor XIII (FXIII) comprises central functions in secondary hemostasis. Congenital or acquired FXIII deficiencies may be associated with habitual abortions, impaired wound healing, coagulopathy and fatal hemorrhage. The present review describes physiological functions of FXIII, as well as pathophysiology, diagnostic and therapeutic options of FXIII deficiencies.

A B S T R A C T Rafflesia cantleyi is locally known as Bunga Pakma has been used in Malaysian folk medicine by men as an energy drink or an aphrodisiac. However, there has been no evaluation of the effect of the repeated dosing of R. cantleyi bud. The current work was undertaken to evaluate the acclaimed aphrodisiac activity of R. cantleyi bud on male rats. The 40 adult male rats were divided into 4 groups (n =10 per group/dose). Rats in group A (control) were administered with 1 mL of distilled water while those in groups B, C and D were given same volume containing 250, 500 and 1000 mg kgG 1 b.wt., of R. cantleyi bud water extract, respectively for 28 days. The effect of the extract on body weight, reproductive organ weight and serum testosterone concentration were determined. Sexual behavior parameters were monitored in male rats for weekly mounting test and on day 28 by pairing with a receptive female (1:1). The results revealed that the R. cantleyi bud water extract significantly increase body weight and serum testosterone content (p

Tetrastigma rafflesiae (Miq.) Planch is one of the sole host species of parasitic plants in the family Rafflesiaceae. A study was conducted in order to propagate this species using vegetative propagation. This propagation technique was done using stem cuttings and was conducted in the nursery at the National University of Malaysia (UKM). The propagation medium were made using four types of soil nursery mixtures of topsoil, organic matter and sand (7:3:1, 3:2:1, 2:1:1 and 1:1:1), mixture of topsoil, organic matter, sand and three different hormones treatments (0:0:IAA, 0:0:IBA and 0:0:NAA) and without any hormone treatment in basic soil (1:0:0, 0:1:0 and 0:0:1) was treated as a control. Approximately, stem cutting was used in 15 cm length. The base of each cutting was treated with root powdered hormones before being planted in soil. After 180 days of planting, the high number of leaf quantity (>12 leaves) was produced from stem cutting planted in 3:2:1 soil mixtures and the same results was obtained from stem cutting more than 15 cm to 18.78 cm in length, significantly. Soil mixture with 7:3:1 has significantly increased the leaf chlorophyll contents (10.22 nm) and also increased in leaf area index (16.375 cm²). Treatment hormones do not have any significant result in this study. The study has showed that T. rafflesiae can be propagated using cuttings as alternative source of planting materials for conservation purposes.

Distribution of Rafflesia spesies are only endemic to tropical rainforest in Southeast Asia. Malaysia is among the country that is blessed with Rafflesia species and reported can be found in Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah and Sarawak. Not all state in Peninsular Malaysia are reported to have this magnificent flower. Only states of Perak, Pahang, Kelantan, Terengganu and Kedah that are reported to have the distribution of Rafflesia species in Peninsular Malaysia. There are seven species of Rafflesia that have been reported and daescribed in Peninsular Malaysia, which namely R. cantleyi, R. kerrii, R. azlanii, R. su-meiae, R. sharifah-hapsahiae, R. parvimaculata and R. tuanku-halimii.

Background Postmastectomy reconstruction using a deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap is increasingly being performed in patients with breast cancer. The procedure induces extensive tissue trauma, and it has been hypothesized that the release of growth factors, angiogenic agonists and immunomodulating factors may reactivate dormant micrometastasis. The aim of the present study was to estimate the risk of breast cancer recurrence in patients undergoing DIEP flap reconstruction compared with that in patients treated with mastectomy alone. Methods Each patient who underwent delayed DIEP flap reconstruction at Karolinska University Hospital, Sweden, between 1999 and 2013, was compared with up to four controls with breast cancer who did not receive a DIEP flap. The control patients were selected using incidence density matching with respect to age, tumour and nodal status, neoadjuvant therapy and year of mastectomy. The primary endpoint was breast cancer‐specific survival. Survival analysis was carried out using Kaplan–Meier survival estimates and Cox proportional hazard regression analysis. Results The analysis included 250 patients who had 254 DIEP flap reconstructions and 729 control patients. Median follow‐up was 89 and 75 months respectively (P = 0·053). Breast cancer recurrence developed in 50 patients (19·7 per cent) in the DIEP group and 174 (23·9 per cent) in the control group (P = 0·171). The 5‐year breast cancer‐specific survival rate was 92·0 per cent for patients with a DIEP flap and 87·9 per cent in controls (P = 0·032). Corresponding values for 5‐year overall survival were 91·6 and 84·7 per cent (P, Deep inferior epigastric perforator is safe

We aimed to identify the prevalence of acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) nonresponse in patients after coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery and the possible consequences for the rate of major cardiovascular events. This prospective, observational, bicentric cohort study was conducted in two German University hospitals. A total of 400 patients (200 in each study center) undergoing elective CABG surgery were enrolled after written informed consent. Platelet function was analyzed on day 3 (d3) and day 5 (d5) postoperatively following stimulation with arachidonic acid (ASPItest) and with thrombin receptor–activating peptide 6 (TRAPtest) using multiple electrode aggregometry (Multiplate). Individuals with an ASPItest ≥40 AU·min were categorized as ASA nonresponders. A 1-year follow-up recorded the combined end point of cardiovascular events, hospital admissions, or deaths related to cardiovascular disease. The prevalence of ASA nonresponse was 51.5% on d3, and it significantly increased to 71.3% on d5 ( P = .0049). The area under the aggregation curve in the TRAPtest ( P < .0001), the platelet count on d5 ( P = .009), and the cardiopulmonary bypass time ( P = .01) were identified as independent predictors of an ASA nonresponse. A 1-year follow-up recorded 54 events fulfilling criteria for the combined end point with no difference between ASA responders and nonresponders. This study indicates a high incidence of perioperative ASA nonresponse in patients following CABG. No effect on the incidence of cardiovascular events was recorded in the 1-year follow-up. Therefore, a randomized dosage adjustment trial should elucidate whether a tailored ASA treatment after CABG surgery represents a useful concept.

Purpose Sociodemographic comparisons in outcomes of patients (pts) with heart failure (HF) typically focus on morbidity and mortality, not health-related quality of life (HRQOL). We examined differences in HRQOL by race (white vs non-white), gender, and insurance type (private vs Medicare/Medicaid) in advanced HF pts prior to heart transplantation (HT) or mechanical circulatory support as destination therapy (DT MCS). Methods We enrolled 344 pts awaiting HT (n=207, 100 with MCS and 107 without MCS) and DT MCS (n=137) at 13 U.S. sites from 10/1/15-9/15/18. HRQOL was measured using the generic EQ-5D-3L (Visual Analog Scale [VAS]: 0-100=worst to best health state) and HF-specific KCCQ-12 (0-100=lowest to highest health status). Statistical analyses included descriptive summaries, t-tests and baseline-adjusted regression models. Results Most pts were white and male. The DT MCS group was older than the HT group (DT = 68.6±5.1 vs HT with MCS = 64.5±3.3 vs HT without MCS = 64.0±2.9 years, p Conclusion Socio-demographic differences in overall HRQOL were found only for pts prior to DT MCS, but not HT. Furthermore, DT pts also had worse pre-operative overall HRQOL than HT pts with MCS. These race- and gender-specific differences in overall HRQOL require further research and may assist clinicians to target HRQOL-focused therapies to DT MCS pts.

Purpose Heart transplantation (HT) with or without prior mechanical circulatory support (MCS) and MCS as destination therapy (DT) are life-saving options for 60-80 year-old patients (pts) with advanced heart failure (HF). We prospectively collected and compared pts' health-related quality of life (HRQOL) before and 6 months (mos) after surgery in pts undergoing HT (with or without MCS) and DT MCS. Methods Among 344 pts from 13 U.S. sites awaiting HT (n=207; 100 awaiting HT with MCS and 107 awaiting HT without MCS) and DT MCS (n=137) between 10/1/15-9/15/18, we collected generic (EQ-5D-3L Visual Analog Scale [VAS]: 0-100=worst to best) and HF-specific HRQOL (KCCQ-12: 0-100=lowest to highest), as well as depressive (PHQ-8: 0-24=fewer to more) and anxiety (STAI-state: 20-80=lower to higher]) symptoms. Statistical analyses included t-tests , chi-square tests , and baseline-adjusted linear models. Results The majority of pts were white, male, and well-educated. The DT MCS group was older than the HT group (DT = 68.6±5.1 vs HT with MCS = 64.5±3.3 vs HT without MCS = 64.0±2.9 years, p Depressive symptoms and anxiety did not change significantly over time in the HT with MCS group, although these scores were similar among all three groups at 6 mos (Figure panels A-D). Conclusion While all three groups improved over time, HRQOL at 6 mos was best in those undergoing HT without MCS. Change in depressive symptoms and anxiety varied by group. These data provide unique insights into pts’ experiences after alternative surgical treatments for advanced HF.

Purpose In patients (pts) with advanced HF, frailty is independently associated with adverse outcomes after heart transplantation (HT) and durable mechanical support as destination therapy (DT-MCS). We compared frailty, using the 5-meter gait speed (GS) test, before and 6 months (mos) after surgery in 60-80-year-old pts undergoing HT (with or without MCS) and DT-MCS. Methods A standardized GS test was attempted on all pts at baseline and 6 months post-surgery. The average of 3 measurements was recorded at each time point. HRQOL was assessed by the EQ-5D-3L Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and KCCQ-12 summary score. Statistical analyses included t-tests, chi-square tests, and Pearson correlation coefficients. Results We analyzed data on 163 pts from 13 U.S. sites awaiting HT (n= 130; 68 with MCS and 62 without MCS) and DT-MCS (n=33) between 10/1/15-9/15/18, who were able to complete the GS test at baseline and 6 mos. The most common reason for GS test non-completion was too sick. DT MCS pts were on average older (DT = 67.4 ± 5.4 vs HT MCS = 64.8 ± 3.4 vs HT non-MCS = 63.8 ± 2.6 years, p Conclusion Physical frailty is more common in elderly pts who undergo DT-MCS vs pts who receive HT. Findings from our study also suggest that physical frailty is reversible in pts with advanced HF. Improvement in physical frailty after HT and DT-MCS is associated with better HRQOL early after surgery.

In distribution system, wind power plants are becoming popular renewable energy sources. It employs Doubly Fed Induction Generator (DFIG) to generate power based on wind conversion. Short and long transmission lines, presence of faults and presence of Static Synchronous Compensator (STATCOM) are highlighted issues in this paper. Basically, this research develops investigations on some electrical variables such as voltage and current to control them. Distribution Static Synchronous Compensator (DSTATCOM) is proposed in this paper. Wind farm acts as a source while DSTATCOM is connected to the distribution system with a DFIG based wind farm. The controller proposed is DSTATCOM is modeled and simulated in MATLAB/SIMULINK and the results are given. A microgrid based small signal analysis is performed in the laboratory using MATLAB and different comparisons are made and simulation case studies are presented and validated.

In distribution system, wind power plants are becoming popular renewable energy sources. It employs Doubly Fed Induction Generator (DFIG) to generate power based on wind conversion. Short and long transmission lines, presence of faults and presence of Static Synchronous Compensator (STATCOM) are highlighted issues in this paper. Basically, this research develops investigations on some electrical variables such as voltage and current to control them. Distribution Static Synchronous Compensator (DSTATCOM) is proposed in this paper. Wind farm acts as a source while DSTATCOM is connected to the distribution system with a DFIG based wind farm. The controller proposed is DSTATCOM is modeled and simulated in MATLAB/SIMULINK and the results are given. A microgrid based small signal analysis is performed in the laboratory using MATLAB and different comparisons are made and simulation case studies are presented and validated.

In patients suffering from massive bleeding, transfusion of allogenic blood products (red blood cells, fresh frozen plasma and platelets) and the application of other hemostatic therapy in form of coagulation factor concentrates represent therapeutic approaches to optimize hemostasis and to restore and assure tissue oxygenation. In accordance to the "Helsinki declaration on patient safety" of the European Society of Anaesthesiology, this review article describes a clinical practice guideline for the treatment of patients requiring massive transfusion that was implemented at the University hospital Frankfurt in 2013. Our guideline may be used as a template for other institutions.

Additional file 7. miR156 and miR529 recognition sites in SPL14 mRNA target in O. sativa (OsSPL14), O. glaberrima (OgSPL14) and O. barthii (ObSPL14). The single nucleotide change in O. sativa from C to A at the Osa-miR156 targeted site in OsSPL14 as reported in the japonica cultivars Aikawa1 and Shaoniejing (SNJ) by [24, 25], respectively, is highlighted in red. Numbers above the sequence indicate the location of the nucleotide in the OsSPL14 coding sequence. Dots indicate identical nucleotide sequences in the region corresponding to the recognition sites of Osa-miR156 and Osa-miR529.

This first European Public Health News of 2013 is closely related to the theme of the 2013 European Public Health Conference: ‘Health in Europe: are we there yet? Learning from the past, building the future’. Chaze and Adam show that more needs to be done in patient safety; Jakab shows how WHO Europe helps build the future with the Health 2020 initiative; Zeegers Paget explains that building the future of EUPHA is based on the successes from the past; and Ricciardi reflects on the importance of European Public Health Conferences by summarizing the Malta 2012 conference. Ms Jakab describes the new year of European public health wonderfully in her column: ‘I believe that Health 2020 can add significant value to all our work and serve as unique resource to renew, enhance and enrich our efforts to work together for the benefit of the people of our Region, even in these difficult economic times’. # President’s column {#article-title-2} Taking advantage of the notes of our dear colleague and friend Natasha Muscat Azzopardi, Chief Medical Officer of Malta, I would like to underline the importance and success of the 5th European Public Health Conference. This conference was an important landmark, and it marked the 20th anniversary of EUPHA, a small project starting out from a noble idea of public health researchers who believed they had to go beyond the mere confines of the traditional researcher role and do something for public health at a European level. It was also the 5th anniversary of the European Public Health Conference, which has brought together the leading organizations in public health in Europe and has taken this conference altogether to a different scope and dimension. The conference got off to a fantastic start with Louise Gunning-Schepers putting forward the challenge that we do reasonably well on knowledge generation but …

Factor XIII (FXIII) plays an important role in the field of blood coagulation. In the last decade, both congenital and acquired deficiencies have been investigated in clinical studies. FXIII is a versatile enzyme that leads to a covalent cross-linking of fibrin fibrils at the end of the clotting cascade and supports platelet adhesion to the damaged sub-endothelium with the result of a mechanically stable clot.Symptoms of FXIII deficiencies vary within a broad spectrum from superficial skin bleeding episodes to severe, sometimes life threatening hemorrhage, requiring prophylactic or therapeutic replacement therapy.Since 1993 purified plasma-derived FXIII concentrate has been available in Germany, large parts of Europe and in the USA and Canada. The administration is conducted intravenously, and FXIII is immediately available in the plasma. The dosage should be determined by measuring actual plasma FXIII-activity. Repetitive application is possible, especially with regard to the mean half-time of 7.9 days.Administration is considered to be safe and effective, but there are some case reports, as with other coagulation factors, describing the appearance of inhibitory antibodies.This summary seeks to provide an insight into the principle pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic characteristics of plasma-derived FXIII concentrate, reviewing the current literature. For detailed use in clinical settings, the application of FXIII concentrate or substitution therapy with fresh frozen plasma, we therefore refer to current guidelines and significant studies that have been recently published.

Rafflesia is a biologically enigmatic species that is very rare in occurrence and possesses an extraordinary morphology. This parasitic plant produces a gigantic flower up to one metre in diameter with no leaves, stem or roots. However, little is known about the floral biology of this species especially at the molecular level. In an effort to address this issue, we have generated and characterised the transcriptome of the Rafflesia cantleyi flower, and performed a comparison with the transcriptome of its floral bud to predict genes that are expressed and regulated during flower development. Approximately 40 million sequencing reads were generated and assembled de novo into 18,053 transcripts with an average length of 641 bp. Of these, more than 79% of the transcripts had significant matches to annotated sequences in the public protein database. A total of 11,756 and 7,891 transcripts were assigned to Gene Ontology categories and clusters of orthologous groups respectively. In addition, 6,019 transcripts could be mapped to 129 pathways in Kyoto Encyclopaedia of Genes and Genomes Pathway database. Digital abundance analysis identified 52 transcripts with very high expression in the flower transcriptome of R. cantleyi. Subsequently, analysis of differential expression between developing flower and the floral bud revealed a set of 105 transcripts with potential role in flower development. Our work presents a deep transcriptome resource analysis for the developing flower of R. cantleyi. Genes potentially involved in the growth and development of the R. cantleyi flower were identified and provide insights into biological processes that occur during flower development.

White clover (Trifolium repens) is the key legume component of New Zealand pastoral agriculture due to the high quality feed and nitrogen inputs it provides. Invertebrate pests constrain white clover growth and this study investigated rhizosphere-associated fungal controls for two of these pests and attempts to disentangle the underpinning mechanisms. The degree of suppressiveness of 10 soils, in a latitudinal gradient down New Zealand, to added Meloidogyne hapla and Costelytra zealandica scarab larvae was measured in untreated soil. Most of the soils showed no suppressive activity against these pests but two showed activity against M. hapla and two against C. zealandica. Rhizosphere fungi responsible for pest suppressive responses were elucidated via next-generation sequencing. In the M. hapla-suppressive soils nematode-trapping Orbiliomycetes fungi were present in significantly greater abundance than non-suppressive soils and their abundance increased further with addition of M. hapla. A comparison of plant growth and the rhizosphere fungal community between untreated and irradiated soil was carried out on 5 of the 10 soils using Pyronota as the scarab larvae. Soil irradiation either: reduced (by 60–70%); increased (16×) or made no difference to white clover growth across the five soils tested, illustrating the range of microbial impacts on plant production. In one of the M. hapla suppressive soils irradiation resulted in a significant increase in nematode galling suggesting that Orbiliomycetes fungi were indeed responsible for the suppressive effect. Lack of consistent changes in soil macronutrients and pH post-irradiation suggest these were not responsible for plant or invertebrate responses. The use of next generation sequencing in controlled pot trials has allowed identification of a potential biological control organism and bioindicator for M. hapla suppression.

Rafflesia cantleyi, known as one of the world's largest flowers, is a specialised holoparasite due to dramatic morphological modifications. It possesses highly reduced vegetative structure and only appears as a flower for sexual reproduction. Moreover, it has an unusual life cycle in that its floral bud development takes up to nine months. In order to fully understand the highly modified floral organ structure and long life cycle of R. cantleyi, we used Illumina sequencing technology (HiSeq) for sequence generation followed by de novo assembly of sequence reads. We obtained the RNA-seq data from three different stages of floral bud, representing the early, mid and advanced developmental stages. These data are available via BioProject accession number PRJNA378435. More than 10.3 Gb raw sequence data were generated, corresponding to 102,203,042 raw reads. Following removal of low-quality reads and trimming of adapter sequences, a total of 91,638,836 reads were obtained. De novo assembly of these sequences using Trinity resulted in 89,690 unique transcripts with an N50 of 1653 bp. The obtained transcriptomic data will be useful for further study to understand the molecular interactions that result in R. cantleyi floral development.

Investigations of endogenous blood-derived growth factors have increased in the past two decades. The initial protocols for blood concentrates, such as platelet-rich-plasma, utilized anticoagulants followed by bovine thrombin to catalyze fibrin polymerization. Subsequently, platelet-rich-fibrin (PRF) protocol was developed to eliminate anticoagulants and thrombin. The PRF production was described in a vertical rotor centrifuge with an angle of ~33°. Many commercial enterprises have attempted to replicate this protocol with a multitude of different centrifuges. These attempts have utilized revolutions per minute (RPM) to develop their protocol to generate PRF. However, RPM is a variable parameter, as it depends on the design and radius of the centrifuge. The separation of blood components is highly dependent on the relative centrifugal force (RCF) generated, which is based on the applied centrifugal force, expressed as multiples of earth's gravitation (g) field. RCF is a function of the acceleration due to the gravity of the earth, g = 9.81 m/s2 RCF, not RPM, is the key factor for the sedimentation of the cells and proteins within blood concentrates. RCF is determined using the maximum centrifuge radius for calculation. The initial PRF was generated by applying an RCF of 700 ×g. Accordingly, so far, a large number of studies existing about PRF are not comparable, as they were technically prepared with different RCFs. In addition, due to the nonstandardized measurement methods, in some published studies, incorrect RCF values are published as the authors did not know how to calculate the RCF correctly. This is the case for a widespread blood concentrate called leukocyte-PRF, which is commercially available. Recently, we introduced the low-speed centrifugation concept (LSCC) for the production for solid and liquid PRF matrices. This concept is based on the above-mentioned initial PRF protocols, which represents a relatively high RCF. It shows that a systematic reduction of 700 ×g to 44 ×g can significantly increase the cells and growth factors within the same blood concentrates. The LSCC concept was established initially for a fixed rotor centrifuge with a radius of ~110 mm. The present narrative review highlights the necessity of standardization in the generation of blood concentrates, which utilizes RCF, rather than commercial protocols.

Introduction Cognitive dysfunction (CD), a risk factor for poor outcomes, is common in older patients (pts) with advanced heart failure (HF). Given these pts may be candidates for heart transplantation (HT) or mechanical circulatory support as destination therapy (DT MCS), we compared CD in older advanced HF pts prior to HT and DT MCS. Methods A total of 263 advanced HF pts from 11 U.S. sites either listed for HT (n=164; 75 HT-MCS and 89 HT-non-MCS) or scheduled for DT MCS (n=99) were enrolled between 10/1/15-1/1/18 and completed the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), a 10-minute screening instrument (worst-to-best total score range=0-30), including 7 cognitive domains, to detect CD (MoCA total score less than 26). Risk-unadjusted statistical analyses included descriptive statistics, ANOVA, and chi-square tests. To risk-adjust for baseline age differences, we used linear regression and polytomous logistic regression models. Results The majority of advanced HF pts were white males. DT MCS candidates were older than HT candidates and had more co-morbidities (DT = 4.6±2.1 vs HT-MCS = 3.9±2.0 vs HT-non-MCS =3.7±1.7, p=0.008). More DT MCS candidates had CD than HT candidates. DT MCS candidates had lower total MoCA scores and lower scores in all domains except naming, abstraction and orientation (strong trend), compared with HT-MCS and HT-non-MCS candidates. See table. The same conclusions were reached after baseline age-adjustment. See table. Conclusions CD exists in older pts with advanced HF who are candidates for DT MCS and HT. DT MCS pts may be at highest risk. Baseline CD in these pts may inform shared decision making discussions about remaining on medical therapy vs choosing these surgical treatment options.

Stabilized landfill leachate often contains higher organic fractions than the young one. The organics require several sequential treatments to render the leachate parameters concentrations to permissible discharge limits before being discharged to receiving water. This study focused on the application of Zinc Sulphate (ZnSO4) as coagulant agent followed with microfiltration of 0.45 µm pore size under different condition of landfill leachates. The results indicated that the sludge volume index (SVI), soluble COD and turbidity concentrations were inter-related to each other when compared under different ZnSO4 dosages. However, that was not the case when correlation between stabilized and young leachate were compared side by side. To conform the finding, one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was conducted and the results were further explained by the adequacy and significant of confidence interval. Finally, it was proven that, soluble and particulate COD had significant CI of 95% applicable for stabilized leachate alone.

Zusammenfassung Die wichtigsten physikalisch-chemischen Parameter zur Bestimmung der molekularen Struktur des Maul- und Klauenseuche Virus wurden neu gemessen. An Flachenkristallen mit hexagonal dichtester Kugelpackung wurde mit dem Elektronenmikroskop ein Durchmesser von 29 nm gefunden. Aus den analytisch bestimmten Werten S20,w = 145,2 Svedberg, D20, w = 1,41 cm2/sec und dem partiellen spezifischen Volumen = 0,6908 cm3/g konnte ein molekulargewicht von 8,08 · 106 Dalton berechnet werden. Fur die leeren Hullen wurde auf Grund der gleichen Hilfsgrosen ein Molekulargewicht von 4.19 · 106 Dalton und fur die 12 S Untereinheit von 289 · 103 Dalton bestimmt. Ein Vergleich der Massen ergibt einen Aufbau des Virions aus zwanzig 12 S-Einheiten und 60 strukturidentischen Proteintrimeren zu je 3 nichtidentischen Proteinen. Die kunstlich hergestellten leeren Hullen hatten eine deutlich kleinere Masse, als es der Proteinhulle des intakten Viruspartikels entspricht. Aus den Molekulargewichtsverhaltnissen lies sich errechnen, das etwa 150 Proteine am Aufbau der leeren Hullen beteiligt sind. An einem Modell der Hulle des Viruspartikels wurden die verschiedenen Bindungsverhaltnisse untersucht und diskutiert. Summary The structure of foot-and-mouth disease virus The most important physico-chemical parameters were measured anew to determine the molecular structure of foot-and-mouth disease virus. On a flat crystal with the closest hexagonal packing of spheres, the diameter of the particles was found to be 29 nm. With the analytical ultracentrifuge, the value for the sedimentation constant was determined to be s20, w = 145.2 Svedberg, the diffusion constant: D20, w = 1.41 cm2./sec. and the partial specific Volume V = 0.6908 g./cm3. A molecular weight of 8.08 · 106 Dalton was calculated. On the base of the same parameters of the empty capsids a molecular weight of 4.19 · 106 Dalton was found and for the 12 S subunits one of 289 · 103 Dalton was found. A comparison of the masses amounts to a relation of twenty 12 S subunits per virion and 60 structure identical protein trimers with 3 non-identical protein chains each. The artificial empty capsids show a distinctly smaller mass than the protein coat of the whole virus. The relation of the molecular weights suggests that only 150 protein chains make up the construction of the artificial empty capsids. The relationships of the bonds between the different subunits were studied with a model of the coat of the virion. Resume La structure du virus de la fievre aphteuse Procede pour mesurer de nouveau les parametres chimiques-physiques les plus importantes quant a la characterisation de la structure moleculaire du virus de la fievre aphteuse. Au moyen du microscope electronique on a trouve dans les cristaux de surface d'une disposition spherique hexagonale la plus dense un diametre de 29 nm. En outre on a pu calculer des valeurs analytiques de s20, w = 145,2 Svedberg, D20, w = 1,41 cm2/sec ainsi que du volume partiel specifique V = 0,6908 cm3/g le poids moleculaire de 8,08 middot; 106 Dalton. En ce qui concerne les poids moleculaires des enveloppes vides de 4,19 · 166 Dalton et des 12 S subunites de 289 · 103 Dalton ils ont ete determines en s'appuyant sur les meme grandeurs auxiliaires donnees precedemment. D'une comparaison des masses s'ensuite que la structure du virion se compose de vingt 12 S unites et de 60 proteines triplees a structure analogue dont est chacune de 3 proteines d'une structure non-analogique. Alors les enveloppes a proteine vides artificiellement construites renferment une masse nettement moindre que celle correspondant de la particule viral intacte. Il se faisait calculer par les proportions du poids moleculaire qu'a peu pres 150 especes de proteines participent a la constitution de l'enveloppe vide. Les diverses forces de liaison ont ete etudiees et discutees aU moyen d'un modele de l'enveloppe de la particule viral. Resumen La estructura del virus aftoso Se han medido de nuevo los parametros fisicos y quimicos mas importantes para determinar la estructura molecular del virus aftoso. Al microscopio electronico se ha hallado un diametro de 29 nm de cristales superficiales en posicion esferica hexagonal muy densa. De los datos analiticos obtenidos s 20, w = 145,2 Svedberg, D 20, w = 1,41 cm2/seg y el volumen especifico parcial V = 0,6908 cm3/g se calculo un peso molecular de 8,08 · 106 Dalton. En virtud de los mismos parametros se calculo para los capsides vacios un peso molecular de 4,19 · 106 Dalton y para la subunidad 12 S de 289 · 106 Dalton. De la comparacion de las masas se desprende la estructura del virion a base de veinte unidades 12 S y 60 trimeros de estructura identica de cada vez 4 proteinas no identicas. Los capsides vacios artificiales tenian una masa mucho menor que la correspondiente a la envoltura proteica de la particula viral intacta. De las relaciones de pesos moleculares se pudo calcular que unas 150 proteinas participan en la constitucion de los capsides vacios. En un modelo de la envoltura del virion se examinaron y discutieron las diversas relaciones de union.