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Knowledge of the evolution of ancient cratonic lithospheres underpins our understanding of Precambrian Earth. The Yilgarn Craton has exceptionally well-preserved Archean geology, with juvenile crust formation and major orogenesis concluding in the Neoarchean, and a stabilised upper-crustal architecture developing before 2.42 Ga. However, in an apparent dichotomy, geophysical models resolve lithospheric mantle composition outside the range of xenolith data from Archean regions, indicating the lithospheric mantle has since been extensively refertilised. Post-Archean igneous and sedimentary rocks record a prolonged lithospheric evolution that is not well resolved in datasets recording bulk crustal isotopic evolution. Reconciling these, we combine interpretation of geological and geophysical data to resolve two phases of lithosphere destabilisation driven by major magmatic events at ∼2.06 Ga and at ∼1.08 Ga. During destabilisation, sub-lithospheric and sub-crustal mantle fluxes caused extensive mantle refertilisation. For 200–400 Ma post-refertilisation, distributed sedimentary basins formed during recratonisation of the now denser lithosphere. The timing of these events suggests a relationship with the early stages of supercontinent assembly: Dominant downwelling beneath the assembling supercontinent sustains a sufficiently non-tensile tectonic setting to inhibit lithospheric thinning and breakup and enhances lateral flow of any upwelling mantle. This setting allows widespread intraplate refertilisation to occur while later the assembled supercontinent provides a stable setting allowing thermal re-equilibration and recratonisation to occur. In contrast, lithospheric refertilisation during supercontinent breakup will be more susceptible to density instabilities and recycling in later collisions. Consequently, we suggest that refertilisation of extant cratonic lithosphere may dominantly have occurred during the assembly of supercontinents.

The objective of this study was to determine the chemical composition as well as antioxidant, antibacterial, and cytotoxic properties of the essential oil of Mentha piperita L. (peppermint). Fifteen chemical constituents were identified in the essential oil, for a total of 99.99% of the compounds. The essential oil exhibited antimicrobial activity against two Gram-positive bacteria Staphylococcus aureus and Listeria monocytogenes. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of essential oil of Mentha piperita L. for Staphylococcus aureus and Listeria monocytogenes was 1.84 μg/ml, whereas the minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) values were 3.7 and 7.43 μg/ml, respectively. The oil displayed potent antioxidant activity inhibiting up to approximately73% of 2,2'-azinothiobis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) radicals. In the cytotoxicity assay, the highest essential oil concentration (100 μg/ml) resulted in viability of approximately 90% human epidermal keratinocyte (HaCaT) cells. With respect to antitumor activity in C6 rat glioma cells, there was significant reduction in cell viability: 56-74% in 24 hr, and 71-77% in 48 hr. Data suggest that in presence of the essential oil of Mentha piperita L. antioxidant, antibacterial, antitumor and non-cytotoxic properties were noted.

Preeclampsia is a main obstetric disease and could be caused by the inability of the woman hemodynamic system to face the cardiovascular effort required by gestation. The aim of the present study i...

The objective of this study was to determine the chemical composition as well as antioxidant, antibacterial, and cytotoxic properties of the essential oil of

Both reduced and increased umbilical cord coiling patterns have been associated with fetal distress and adverse perinatal outcomes, including fetal death. Prenatal diagnosis of cord coiling anomalies is challenging but potentially very useful for identifying those that may benefit from a more intensive monitoring. Nevertheless, there is no standardized approach for this potentially lethal complication when suspected. We report a case of fetal Doppler alterations and cardiotocographic anomalies likely due to hypercoiled cord in a 29-week primigravida referred to our clinic, who therefore underwent an emergency cesarean section. This case could help clinicians to consider cord anomalies as a possible cause of fetal distress.

Aims The primary aim of the present study was to assess the association between levator ani muscle (LAM) integrity and function on the one hand, and the risk of urinary incontinence (UI) on the other. A secondary objective was to assess the association between fundal pressure in the second stage of labor (Kristeller maneuver) and the risk of postpartum UI. Methods In this prospective cohort study, women underwent a clinical and transperineal ultrasound examination at rest, at pelvic floor muscle contraction (PFMC), and at Valsalva maneuver 3-6 months after their first vaginal delivery. LAM avulsion and levator hiatal area (LHA) were evaluated. In addition, women were interviewed about the presence of UI, whether stress (SUI) or urgency (UUI). Results Overall, data of 244 women were analyzed. SUI was reported in 50 (20.5%), while UUI was reported in 19 (7.8%) women. Women who reported SUI had a higher prevalence of LAM avulsion and less proportional reduction in LHA from rest to a maximum contraction in comparison to women with no SUI. Women who reported UUI had a greater LHA at rest, during contraction, and during maximal Valsalva in comparison to women without UUI. No significant association was found between the Kristeller maneuver and the incidence of any UI. Conclusion Levator ani avulsion and less proportional reduction of LHA with PFMC appear to be associated with a higher risk of postpartum urinary stress incontinence.

Objective: To assess the feasibility and reliability of transperineal ultrasound in the assessment of fetal breech descent in the birth canal, by measuring the breech progression angle (BPA). Methods: Women with a singleton pregnancy with the fetus in breech presentation between 34 and 41 weeks' gestation were recruited. Transperineal ultrasound images were acquired in the midsagittal view for each woman, twice by one operator and once by another. Each operator measured the BPA after anonymization of the transperineal ultrasound images. BPA was defined as the angle between a line running along the long axis of the pubic symphysis and another line extending from the most inferior portion of the pubic symphysis tangentially to the lowest recognizable fetal part in the maternal pelvis. Each operator was blinded to all other measurements performed for each woman. Intra- and interobserver reproducibility of BPA measurement was evaluated using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). To investigate the presence of any bias, intra- and interobserver agreement was also analyzed using Bland–Altman analysis. Student's t-test and Levene's W0 test were used to investigate whether a number of different clinical factors had an effect on systematic differences and homogeneity, respectively, between BPA measurements. Results: Overall, 44 women were included in the analysis. BPA was measured successfully by both operators on all images. Both intra- and interobserver agreement analyses showed excellent reproducibility in BPA measurement, with ICCs of 0.88 (95% CI, 0.80–0.93) and 0.83 (95% CI, 0.71–0.90), respectively. The mean difference between measurements was 0.4° (95% CI, −1.4 to 2.2°) for intraobserver repeatability and −0.4° (95% CI, −2.6 to 1.8°) for interobserver repeatability. The upper limits of agreement were 12.0° (95% CI, 8.9–15.1°) and 13.6° (95% CI, 9.9–17.3°) for intra- and interobserver repeatability, respectively. The lower limits of agreement were −11.2° (95% CI, −14.3 to −8.1°) and −14.4° (95% CI, −18.2 to −10.7°) for intra- and interobserver repeatability, respectively. No systematic difference between BPA measurements was found on either intra- or interobserver agreement analysis. None of the clinical factors examined (maternal body mass index, maternal age, gestational age at the ultrasound scan and parity) showed a statistically significant effect on intra- or interobserver reliability. Conclusions: BPA represents a new feasible and highly reproducible measurement for the evaluation of fetal breech descent in the birth canal. Future studies assessing its usefulness in the prediction of successful external cephalic version and breech vaginal delivery are needed. © 2021 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Sugar cane molasses is a cheap by-product of the sugar cane industry. This product was used for growth and production of bacteriocins by Lactobacillus plantarum BN and evaluated for its potential application in the extension of the shelf-life of raw meat. Bovine meat cubes were dipped in the filtered and neutralized supernatant of the fermented broth (Treatment A) and stored at 5ºC. Counts of psychrotrophic and mesophilic aerobic microorganisms, pH determination and total acidity were performed on meat cubes after 0, 3, 6, 9, 12 and 15 days. These determinations were also done in cubes dipped in a 6% lactic acid solution (treatment B) and distilled water (treatment C). After 3 days, the counts of psychrotrophic microorganisms in cubes submitted to treatment A, B and C increased 0.38, 1.42 and 2.04 log cycles, respectively. The same happened with mesophilic microorganisms (0.31, 0.33 and 1.04 log cycles increases, respectively). On the sixth day, the psychrotrophic population in samples submitted to treatments A and B were 2.07 and 0.64 log cycles, respectively, lower than in the control samples (treatment C). Mesophilic microorganisms in these samples were 1.58 and 1.12 log cycles, respectively, lower than the controls. On the sixth day, only samples submitted to treatment A presented lower counts than those recommended by ICMSF as quality standards for raw meat (Melaço de cana de açúcar é um sub-produto barato da indústria açucareira. Esse produto foi empregado para o crescimento e produção de bacteriocina de Lactobacillus plantarum BN e avaliado quando a sua aplicação potencial no aumento da vida útil de carne crua. Cubos de carne bovina foram imersos por 5 minutos no sobrenadante filtrado e neutralizado dessa cultura (Tratamento A) e mantidos a 5ºC. Contagens de microrganismos psicrotróficos e mesófilos, determinação de pH e de acidez total foram realizadas nas amostras após 0, 3, 6, 9, 12 e 15 dias. Essas determinações foram também feitas em amostras mergulhadas por 5 minutos em solução de ácido lático a 6% (tratamento B) e em água destilada (tratamento C). Após 3 dias em refrigeração, as contagens de microrganismos psicrotróficos nas amostras submetidas ao tratamento A aumentaram 0,38 ciclos log, enquanto aquelas submetidas aos tratamentos B e C aumentaram muito mais (1,42 and 2,04 ciclos log, respectivamente). O mesmo aconteceu com os microrganismos mesófilos (0,31, 0,33 and 1,04 ciclos log, respectivamente). No sexto dia, as contagens de psicrotróficos nas amostras submetidas aos tratamentos A e B foram 2,07 e 0,64 ciclos log, respectivamente, mais baixas que nas amostras controle (tratamento C). As contagens de mesófilos nessas amostras foram 1,58 e 1,12 ciclos log, respectivamente, mais baixas que nos controles. No sexto dia, somente as amostras submetidas ao tratamento A apresentaram contagens inferiores a aquelas consideradas pelo ICMSF como padrão de qualidade (

Our setting for this paper is projective 3-spaceover an algebraically closed fieldK. By a curveC⊂is meant a 1-dimensional, equidimensional projective algebraic set, which is locally Cohen-Macaulay. Letbe the Hartshorne-Rao module of finite length (cf. [R]). HereZis the set of integers andℐcthe ideal sheaf ofC. In [GMV] it is shown that, whereis the homogeneous ideal ofC,is the first local cohomology module of theR-moduleMwith respect to. Thus there exists a smallest nonnegative integerk∊Nsuch that, (see also the discussion on the 1-st local cohomology module in [GW]). Also in [GMV] it is shown thatk= 0 if and only ifCis arithmetically Cohen-Macaulay andCis arithmetically Buchsbaum if and only ifk≤ 1. We therefore have the following natural definition.

We consider the possibility of characterizing Buchsbaum and some special generalized Cohen-Macaulay rings by systems of parameters having certain properties of regular sequences. As an application, we give a bound on Castelnuovo-Mumford regularity of so-called (k;d)-Buchsbaum graded Kalgebras.

The Microwave Source Facility at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory is commencing a series of experiments involving reacceleration of a modulated beam alternating with extraction of energy in the form of X-band microwaves. The Choppertron, a high-power microwave generator, is used to modulate a 5-MV, 1-kA induction accelerator beam. The modulated beam is then passed through a series of traveling-wave output structures separated by induction cells. In this paper we report on computer simulations used in the design of these experiments. Simulations include analysis of beam transport, modulation, power extraction and transverse instabilities.

The Microwave Source Facility at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory is a facility for testing high power microwave devices for possible linear collider applications. In order to study the feasibility of a Relativistic Klystron/Two Beam Accelerator concepts, we are planning a series of experiments that involve reacceleration of a modulated beam alternating with power extraction. In support of these planned experiments, we have performed numerical simulations using the two‐dimensional, time‐dependent code RSK2. We describe the main features of RKS2 and present simulation results including analysis of beam transport, modulation, phase space, and power extraction.

We give two criteria of almost factoriality and factoriality for local rings. Two geometrical applications follow.

The urinary excretion of Hydroxyproline (OH-P), evaluated as OH-P/creatinine ratio, has been examined in the follow up of 142 breast cancer patients. The mean value obtained in the women with bone lytic lesions, prior to treatment, was 5.3 +/- 1.9 (min. 3, max. 9), whereas in the women without bone metastases it was 1.7 +/- 0.5 (min. 0.6, max. 3), similar to the control group. The patients affected by osteoplastic lesions had a normal OH-P/creatinine ratio. The highest values of OH-P/creatinine ratio were found in women with bone marrow infiltration, ascertained by bone needle biopsy. In the group of patients with bone lytic metastases, a good correlation between changes of OH-P/creatinine ratio and response to hormonal or chemotherapeutic treatment has been observed. Therefore the OH-P/creatinine ratio could be effectively useful, with other clinical parameters, in the follow up of breast cancer patients.

The tumor-initiating activity of the 3,4-dihydrodiols (diols) as well as other metabolites of 8-methylbenz[a]anthracene (8-MBA) and 8-hydroxymethylbenz[a]anthracene (8-OHMBA) were examined in the classical 2-stage initiation-promotion model on mouse skin. The 3,4-diol of 8-MBA caused 2.2 times as many papillomas/mouse as did 8-MBA. The 3,4-diol of 8-OHMBA was not more tumorigenic than either 8-MBA or 8-OHMBA. None of the other diols tested, including the 5,6- and 8,9-diol of 8-MBA and the 5,6 and 10,11-diol of 8-OHMBA were remarkably tumorigenic. These data indicate that the 3,4-diol of 8-MBA is a good candidate as a proximate carcinogen of 8-MBA and further suggest that the bay region 3,4-diol-1,2-epoxide is a likely ultimate carcinogen of this compound on mouse skin.

Twenty-two patients with advanced breast cancer have been treated with sequential chemo-hormonotherapy consisting of tamoxifen 20 mg/day orally for 14 consecutive days, followed by no therapy for ten days, then estrogen 0.625 mg/day orally for three days; the next day methotrexate 200 mg/m2 i.v. and cyclophosphamide 600 mg/m2 i.v.; after 24 hours folinic acid 200 mg/m2 i.v. and 5-fluorouracil 600 mg/m2 i.v. Fifteen patients were evaluable for response, 22 were evaluable for toxicity. All but one were heavily pretreated with chemo and/or hormonotherapy. Nine of 15 had previously received palliative CMF (cyclophosphamide, methotrexate, 5-fluorouracil) (mean 9 cycles), and one patient 12 cycles adjuvant CMF. Thirteen of 15 previously received tamoxifen (median treatment of 18 months). Six patients had multiple metastatic disease, while five had visceral involvement. They were all postmenopausal, with median age 57 years, and median disease-free interval 31 months. ER status was not known and the median ECOG performance status was 1. Overall response rate was 20%. Only one patient attained complete remission; 46.6% were stable disease and 33.3% progressive disease. Accepting that the response rate is very low in pretreated patients, this 20% can be significant. Ninety cycles were administered to 22 patients and the treatment was very well tolerated: both hematologic and nonhematologic toxicities were mild.

The authors report the results of LH-RH blocking by an analogue for the purpose of obtaining a more constant inducement of ovulation. It concerns a delayed action product, the inconvenience of which is a possible extended action beyond thirty days, which could have an unfavorable effect on the luteal phase.

The 12 possible monomethylbenz[a]anthracenes (MBAs) were examined for their tumor-initiating activity in the classical two-stage initiation-promotion experiment. Based on the average number of tumors/mouse, 7-MBA was the most tumorigenic compound of the series causing 4.9 papillomas/mouse at an initiating dose of 400 nmol/mouse. At this same dose level 8-MBA and 12-MBA were equally potent causing 1.0 papillomas/mouse. 6- an 9-MBAs caused -0.6 papillomas/mouse at this dose level. These data are in general agreement with previous experiments using other model systems. Of interest is the low tumorigenicity of the 1-, 2-, 3-and 4-MBAs which has been cited in support of the bay region theory of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon carcinogenesis. The tumor-initiating ability of anthracene and 9,10-dimethylanthracene was also examined. Neither of these compounds possessed tumor-initiating activity.

The quality of ovarian stimulation for in vitro fertilization with or without an LH-RH analogue was investigated in a randomized trial involving 30 women divided into 3 groups. Group I women were treated with the conventional clomiphene citrate-human menopausal gonadotropin combination without LH-RH analogue. Group II women (long regimen) received a slow-release preparation of triptorelin (DTRp6-LH-RH), an LH-RH analogue, and human menopausal gonadotropin. Group II women (short regimen) were given triptorelin with human menopausal gonadotropin. Inhibition of the endogenous luteinizing hormone using triptorelin improved the results of in vitro fertilization in group II and group III women, but the short regimen was distinctly less compelling and less expensive than the long regimen.

We examined and evaluated the immunologic status of 15 patients suffering from neoplastic, not ematologic, diseases, who underwent external beam radiation therapy. We determined the total lymphocyte count, the percentage of E and EAC rosettes, surface membrane immunoglobulins, the lymphocyte reactivity to PWM and PHA, and T-lymphocyte subpopulations by means of monoclonal antibodies (OKT3-OKT4-OKT8). Besides we evaluated the percentage of LEU7 and OKM1 cells and lymphocytes response to MLR. Blastogenesis tests (PHA and MLR), after 18 months, were performed with and without monocytes. We found out that the amount of T and B lymphocyte subpopulations, which was extremely variable during and after radiotherapy, gradually returned to initial value. After 30 months, the functional impairment seems to be almost completely recovered. At 18 months from the beginning of radiation treatment, the mixed lymphocyte reaction was normal. The presence of monocytes doesn't change either MLR or PHA responses. LEU7+ cells are normal, while OKM1+ cells increased.