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The biocompatibility and mechanical performance of biodegradable metals (e.g. magnesium, iron, and zinc-based alloys) in orthopaedic-targeted applications are contingent on limiting the rate of corrosion in vivo throughout the bone healing. Concurrently, the surgical procedure for the implantation of internal bone fixation devices may impart plastic deformation to the device, potentially altering the corrosion rate of the device. However, the potential effect of the surgical implantation procedure on the mechanochemical performance of metallic degradable orthopaedic devices in vivo remains largely unresolved. The objective of the present study is to develop a robust technique that permits the quantification of the strain introduced due to surgical implantation of degradable orthopaedic devices. Specifically, a novel combined experimental-modelling approach based on 3D laser scanning in situ and the finite element method is utilised to quantify the plastic strain introduced to a bone fixation plate following surgical implantation in a cadaveric porcine model where the plate is based on a ternary magnesium-zinc-calcium alloy (ZX10). The magnitude of plastic strains determined by the above approach for the Mg craniofacial miniplate confirms that the surgical procedure itself has the potential to enhance the corrosion rate of the Mg alloy in an accelerated and potentially localised manner. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: : Surgically-induced deformation in biodegradable orthopaedic implant devices Biodegradable metallic orthopaedic implant devices have emerged as a potential alternative to permanent implants, although successful adoption is contingent on achieving an acceptable degradation profile. Plastic strain that is introduced to the device during surgical implantation may influence the resulting degradation behaviour of the implant. In the present work, 3D laser scanning is combined with computer simulation to estimate the level and distribution of surgically-induced plastic strain in a magnesium alloy (ZX10). Subsequently, clinically-relevant pre-strain is shown to influence the rate of corrosion of ZX10 in vitro, indicating the value of such an approach in the design of biodegradable metallic devices under multiaxial loading.

Several science Working Groups (WG) were formed in 2019 within the Ariel Mission Consortium to help prepare the RedBook (Tinetti et al. ESA/SCI(2020)1), defining the science cases, and to contribute to address three fundamental questions 1) what exoplanets are made of; 2) how they formed and 3) how they evolve. Among those WGs, “Synergies between Solar System planets and exoplanets” was set-up to foster collaboration between the scientific community working on Solar System Planets atmospheres and the new growing community of the Ariel Science Team. We show here an overview of on-going studies and future projects foreseen by WG members, mostly focused on using our Solar System planets as proxies to develop and test tools to support Ariel science cases

Pheochromocytoma in cats is a rare clinical condition characterised by the development of a secretory endocrine tumour that arises from the adrenal medulla. An 8-year-old castrated male, domestic shorthair cat was referred for further investigation of a 4-month history of progressive weight loss with normal appetite, polyuria/polydipsia, generalised weakness, and severe hypertension. Sonography and computed tomography of the abdomen disclosed a mass arising from the left adrenal gland. The contralateral adrenal gland was normal in size and shape. Results from a low dose dexamethasone suppression test and measurements of plasma aldosterone concentration and plasma renin activity ruled out a cortisol-secreting tumour and aldosteronoma. The clinical presentation made a sex-steroid secreting tumour unlikely. Increased plasma metanephrine and normetanephrine concentrations prioritised the differential diagnosis of pheochromocytoma. The cat underwent adrenalectomy of the left gland and histopathological diagnosis with immunohistochemical markers confirmed the diagnosis.

In fruit species, the amount of solar energy absorbed can influence fruit quality; hence, ensuring optimal light distribution management in the canopy of plants is essential. Therefore, the objectives of this study were (i) to analyze the variations in gas exchange through the day and (ii) identify the photosynthetically active photon flux density (PPFD) that promotes higher chlorophyll fluorescence and electron transport rate in jaboticaba seedlings. The experimental design was completely randomized, with treatments consisting of 18 photosynthetic photon flux densities and three evaluations throughout the day. Six replicates were used, with two plants per plot. Gas exchange and chlorophyll a fluorescence in P. peruviana were altered due to fluctuating photosynthetic photon flux density (0; 25; 50; 75; 100; 125; 150; 175; 200; 400; 600; 800; 1,000; 1,200; 1,400; 1,600; 1,800; and 2,000 μmol m-2 s-1) and environmental conditions throughout the day (8:00 a.m., 12:00 and 4:00 p.m.). The higher PPFD (1,384.6 μmol m-2 s-1) and air temperature (39.74 °C) at noon (12:00 p.m.) favored gas exchange in this species. An increase in PPFD of up to 1,000 μmol m-2 s-1 positively influenced the gas exchange and chlorophyll a fluorescence of P. peruviana. RESUMO Em espécies fruteiras, é essencial considerar o gerenciamento da distribuição da luz nas copas das plantas, pois a quantidade de energia solar absorvida pode influenciar na qualidade dos frutos. Diante disso, os objetivos deste estudo foram: (i) analisar as variações das trocas gasosas ao longo do dia; (ii) identificar a densidade de fluxo de fótons fotossinteticamente ativos (PPFD) que promove maior fluorescência da clorofila e maior taxa de transporte de elétrons em mudas de jaboticaba. O delineamento experimental foi inteiramente casualizado, sendo os tratamentos compostos por 18 densidades de fluxo de fótons fotossinteticamente ativos (0; 25; 50; 75; 100; 125; 150; 175; 200; 400; 600; 800; 1.000; 1.200; 1.400; 1.600; 1.800 e 2.000 μmol m-2 s-1) e três horários de avaliação ao longo do dia (08:00, 12:00 e 16:00 h). Foram utilizadas seis repetições, considerando duas plantas por parcela útil. Trocas gasosas e fluorescência da clorofila a de P. peruviana foram alterados em virtude da PPFD e das condições ambientais ao longo do dia. A alta PPFD (1.384,6 μmol m-2 s-1) e temperatura do ar (39,74 °C) no horário de 12 horas favoreceu as trocas gasosas dessa espécie. O aumento da PPFD até 1.000 µmol m-2 s-1 influenciou positivamente as trocas gasosas e fluorescência da clorofila a de P. peruviana.

Sulfonamides are a conventional class of antibiotics that are well-suited to combat infections. However, their overuse leads to antimicrobial resistance. Porphyrins and analogs have demonstrated excellent photosensitizing properties and have been used as antimicrobial agents to photoinactivate microorganisms, including multiresistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) strains. It is well recognized that the combination of different therapeutic agents might improve the biological outcome. In this present work, a novel meso-arylporphyrin and its Zn(II) complex functionalized with sulfonamide groups were synthesized and characterized and the antibacterial activity towards MRSA with and without the presence of the adjuvant KI was evaluated. For comparison, the studies were also extended to the corresponding sulfonated porphyrin TPP(SO3H)4. Photodynamic studies revealed that all porphyrin derivatives were effective in photoinactivating MRSA (>99.9% of reduction) at a concentration of 5.0 μM upon white light radiation with an irradiance of 25 mW cm−2 and a total light dose of 15 J cm−2. The combination of the porphyrin photosensitizers with the co-adjuvant KI during the photodynamic treatment proved to be very promising allowing a significant reduction in the treatment time and photosensitizer concentration by six times and at least five times, respectively. The combined effect observed for TPP(SO2NHEt)4 and ZnTPP(SO2NHEt)4 with KI seems to be due to the formation of reactive iodine radicals. In the photodynamic studies with TPP(SO3H)4 plus KI, the cooperative action was mainly due to the formation of free iodine (I2).

Considering the cashew tree’s relevance and the limitations imposed by salinity stress in semi-arid regions, the use of alternatives capable of mitigating the harmful effects due to salinity is of great importance to the production sector. The use of grafted plants, especially with rootstock made of tolerant materials, influences the accumulation of toxic ions in leaves of grafted seedlings. Thus, the objective of this work was to evaluate morphophysiological characteristics and leaf concentrations of Na+, K+ and Ca+2 of combinations of scion and rootstock of early dwarf cashew, contrasting in terms of salinity tolerance. The experiment was carried out in a completely randomized design with five replicates, in a 4 × 3 factorial arrangement, corresponding to four dwarf cashew scion/rootstock combinations (self-graft CCP 09, CCP 09/CCP 76, self-graft CCP 76, and CCP 76/CCP 09) and three NaCl concentrations (0, 50, and 100 mM L-1). Height, number of leaves, leaf area, dry matter, tolerance index and leaf concentrations of Na+, K+ and Ca+2 were evaluated after 30 days of application of NaCl concentrations. The scion/rootstock combination CCP 76/09 showed tolerance to 50 mM L-1, due to the increase of leaf area and number of leaves. The scion/rootstock combination CCP 76/09 was more suitable, as it kept the leaf K+ concentration and had the lowest Na+ concentration. RESUMO Considerando a relevância do cajueiro e a limitação imposta pelo estresse salino em regiões semiáridas, o uso de alternativas capazes de mitigar os efeitos deletérios em decorrência da salinidade são de grande importância ao setor produtivo. O uso de plantas enxertadas, principalmente com porta-enxertos de materiais tolerantes, influencia no acúmulo de íons tóxicos nas folhas das mudas enxertadas. Assim, o objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar características morfofisiológicas e concentração foliar de Na+, K+, Ca+2 de combinações de copa e porta-enxerto de cajueiro anão precoce, contrastantes à salinidade. O experimento foi realizado em delineamento inteiramente casualizado, com cinco repetições, tendo os tratamentos dispostos em arranjo fatorial de 4 × 3, correspondentes a quatro combinações de mudas enxertadas (auto-enxerto CCP 09/CCP 09, CCP 09/CCP 76, auto-enxerto CCP 76/CCP 76 e CCP 76/CCP 09) e a três concentrações de NaCl (0-controle, 50 e 100 mM L-1). Foram avaliados altura, número de folhas, área foliar, massa seca, índice de tolerância e concentração foliar de Na+, K+ e Ca+2 após 30 dias da aplicação das concentrações de NaCl. A combinação copa/porta-enxerto CCP 76/09 apresentou tolerância à salinidade de 50 mM L-1, devido ao aumento da área foliar e número de folhas. A combinação copa/porta-enxerto CCP 76/09 foi mais adequada, pois manteve a concentração foliar de K+ e o menor concentração de Na+.

A set of non-linear optimisation algorithms are combined with a finite element simulation code to analyse the energy absorption and elastic stress wave propagation problem in multilayer/multi- material armour systems under ballistic impacts. An Abaqus Python script is used to simulate the ballistic event and to generate the variables and post-processing outputs necessary for the integration with the optimisation algorithms. A number of modelling strategies are considered and three optimisation algorithms are used: Particle Swarm Optimisation (PSO), Genetic Algorithm (GA) and Simulated Annealing (SA). The performance and efficiency of each algorithm are assessed through four benchmark tests with different levels of complexity. A multi-objective optimisation procedure is proposed that uses the most efficient algorithm based on every single-objective formulation, variables and constraints from the benchmark tests, resulting in a highly non-linear problem. The proposed optimisation methods successfully achieve the study purposes both in the simulation of generic ballistic impacts and in the quality of the optimised solutions, demonstrating the potential for this type of optimisation method on terminal ballistic applications, serving as a standpoint for further studies into higher energy impacts and material non-linearities.

Porphyrins are promising materials for photodynamic therapy, but their low solubility and aggregation in biological environments are still obstacles to surpass. In order to overcome these limitatio...

Seven aspects of the management of acute scaphoid fractures are open to debate: Diagnosis of true fractures among suspected fractures, assessment of fracture displacement, cast immobilization strategies, the role of surgical fixation, proximal pole fractures, assessment of union, and the underlying objective of treatment. We reviewed current evidence, and our varied interpretations of it, to highlight areas of uncertainty where more evidence might be helpful.

Black pepper, also designated as ‘King of spices’ a characteristic familiar global spice related to the Piperaceae family and generally used in culinary and medicinal preparations. Its pungency is due to piperine, volatile elements and essential oil. Piperine is an amide alkaloid, effective bioactive present in piper species of black and long peppers; and reveals several potential therapeutic actions to intervene different disease conditions whereas functional group responses at active site liable to act as a xenobiotic bio-enhancer and an effective CNS stimulant. However, piperine is slightly soluble in water, limiting its pharmacological activities and biomedical services. It is solid crystalline nature, mild basic, initially tasteless while, a burning after taste. Therefore, this bioactive natural substance should be considered in the arenas of rational drug design and development of formulations. Recent developments in drug delivery system have to overcome its limitations, including poor bioavailability and blood–brain barrier permeability. Chaperons like phytosomes are encouraging tools to alter oral absorption of piperine. The study highlights the prepared and correctly recognized piperine-phospholipid complex (PPC) in terms of FT-IR (Fourier Transform Infra-red spectroscopy), DSC (differential scanning calorimetry), XRPD (X-ray powder diffractometry), and SEM (scanning electron microscopy). The PPC was found to be fine and loose, airy, light, rough surface with improved water solubility and bioavailability. Keywords: Piperine, Bioavailability, Characterization, Herbosomes

Alike many allopathic lipophilic drug molecules, these natural phyto-constituents are potent, lipophilic, but pose problems like poor aqueous solubility, slower drug release profile, and, reduced bioavailability leading to inferior therapeutic efficacy. This creates scope as well as a challenge for researchers to overcome the above-mentioned problems while developing a formulation for poorly aqueous soluble phytoconstituents. Herbosome is one of the efficient techniques to improve these problems. Herbosome /Phytosome is nothing but the combination of liposome with phytoconstituents forming H-bond anchored amphiphilic drug-phospholipids complexes. Quercetin i.e. 2-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)-5,7-dihydroxy-4H-1-benzopyran-4-one is a polyphenolic flavonoid with potent and diverse biological effects like anti-inflammatory, anti-proliferative, and anti-mutagenic. However, like many other potent drugs, its usage is limited due to its poor aqueous solubility. To overcome this problem, an ameliorated complex of phospholipids loaded with quercetin was developed to improve its aqueous solubility for better absorption. Thus quercetin encapsulated in herbosomes/phytosomes was assessed for the phospholipid complex formation, appearance, surface, and porosity evaluation using different physicochemical tests like FT­IR, DSC, XRPD, 1H-NMR, SEM, and solubility studies. Apart from this anti-oxidant activity of quercetin was evaluated in vitro. The surface characteristics of herbosomes appeared to be flocculent and permeable with a coarse surface in SEM studies whereas FTIR, DSC, 1H-NMR, and XRPD data, confirmed the formation of the phospholipids complex. There were 12 folds improvement in aqueous solubility of per se quercetin and quercetin encapsulated in herbosome (i.e. from 3.44 µg/ml to 36.81 µg/ ml). On the other hand, the results of in vitro anti­oxidant activity of phytosomic quercetin showed no significant statistical difference compared to per se quercetin thus indicating no adverse effects of complexation on quercetin’s availability for anti­oxidant activity. Further, we prepared tard-gelatin capsules containing phytosomic quercetin and evaluated them for drug release, drug content, and solubility studies like dissolution, disintegration, drug content, and stability studies. The results for the evaluation of the kinetics of drug release were in line with the Korsmeyer Peppas model. The drug stability studies did not affect the drug's organoleptic properties, disintegration time, drug content, and in-vitro drug release of the formulation. Keywords: Quercetin, Aqueous solubility, Herbosome, Drug release, and in vitro study.

Introduction Brugada syndrome (BrS) is an autosomal dominant channelopathy, which typically presents in young adults. It can also be diagnosed in children, but data in this age group is scarce. Purpose To describe the clinical features, management and long-term follow-up of children with BrS history followed-up in a tertiary paediatric referral centre. Methods Single centre retrospective study of consecutive patients with history of BrS, defined as having a BrS positive phenotype (BrS(+)), or a negative phenotype-positive genotype (BrS(−)). They were all followed up in a paediatric heart rhythm clinic. Clinical and demographical data were collected and analysed according to the phenotype. Results 30 patients were included, with a median age at diagnosis of 7 years (IQR 1–13) and a mean follow-up time of 7±3 years. Sixteen patients were BrS(+), predominantly male (n=13, 81%). 88% (n=14) performed a genetic test, which was positive in 57% (n=8); the most frequent mutation was SCN5A (n=5). Family history of BrS was present in 56% (n=9) and almost one third had family history of sudden cardiac death (SCD). Most of the patients had a type 1 Brugada ECG pattern (n=14) and 2 patients presented a fever and drug induced pattern, respectively. Fourteen patients were BrS(−), mostly female (n=11, 79%) with a loss-of-function mutation in the SCN5A gene (n=10). They all had family members with BrS, mainly from the paternal side, and 43% (n=6) mentioned SCD history. Although most of the patients were asymptomatic, the prevalence of rhythm or conduction disturbances was not infrequent, particularly in BrS(+) patients (n=12, 75%). Also, in this group and during follow-up, 3 patients had documented supraventricular tachyarrhythmias, and 2 patients had syncope episodes, one of which required an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator. No events were reported in the BrS(−) patients. Nine patients (n=9/30, 30%) were hospitalized, 3 due to an arrhythmic event (all in the BrS(+) group). Overall, no sudden cardiac death event was reported during follow-up. Conclusion In our study, although the majority of the patients were asymptomatic, the occurrence of arrhythmic events was not negligible, especially in the BrS(+) patients. Despite the significant family history, patients with BrS(−) had no events reported during follow-up. Nevertheless, the management of these patients is not clear cut, and a personalized therapeutic strategy with close follow-up is essential. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: None.