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The occurrence of acute liver failure (ALF) in pregnant women due to an etiology unrelated to pregnancy (pregALF) that leads to liver transplantation (LT) has rarely been reported. The objective was to report the outcome of pregnant women and fetus and propose a strategy for the timing of delivery and of LT in these patients.Five consecutive pregnant patients with ALF were admitted to our center between 1986 and 2018 and underwent an LT. A systematic review of case reports concerning patients with pregALF who underwent LT was extracted from the literature.Three with gestational ages (GA) at admission of 15, 22, and 31 weeks of gestation (WG) were transplanted after delivery (n = 1) or intrauterine demise (n = 2) and 2 with GA of 16 and 23 WG before delivery. One infant survived in each group. Among the 32 cases published previously, 11 (34%) had been transplanted after delivery (median GA:31 [28-33]); 10 of these 11 infants were alive at birth. The other 21 mothers were transplanted before delivery (GA:21 WG [18-22]). The median GA at delivery was 30 WG [27.75-37]. Twelve of 21 infants were alive at birth. One-year survival among the ALF patients in our series and in the literature was 100%. Overall, the perinatal survival rate was low (64.8%).In pregnant patients presenting with ALF not related to the pregnancy, the LT lifesaving procedure had an excellent outcome. Overall, 65% of the infants were alive at delivery with major mortality in those fetus22 WG despite continued pregnancy.

Severe obesity and metabolic syndrome are common long-term complications after liver transplantation (LT). Metabolic bariatric surgery (MBS) is the essential treatment for severe obesity with laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (SG) being the most commonly performed procedure.This is a retrospective analysis of all LT patients who underwent MBS between January 2006 and December 2020 in a single tertiary center.During the study period, a total of 226 LTs were performed. Four patients (1.8%) underwent SG following LT. Time interval from LT to SG ranged 11-72 months. The median Body Mass Index (BMI) before LT and SG was 38.8(±6.5) and 41.8(±2.7) kg/mSG following LT is associated with low perioperative morbidity and satisfactory long-term results.

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) are often co-transmitted. Viral coinfection results in worse outcomes. Persons who inject drugs (PWIDs) face barriers to medical treatment, but HCV treatment is indicated and effective even with ongoing active drug use. We aimed to assess access to HCV care and treatment results in patients coinfected with HIV-HCV. This is a real-world retrospective single-center study of patients followed in the HIV clinic between 2002 and 2018. Linkage to care was defined as achieving care cascade steps: (1) hepatology clinic visit, (2) receiving prescription of anti-HCV treatment, and (3) documentation of sustained virologic response (SVR). Of 1660 patients with HIV, 254 with HIV-HCV coinfection were included. Only 39% of them achieved SVR. The rate limiting step was the engagement into hepatology care. Being a PWID was associated with ~50% reduced odds of achieving study outcomes, active drug use was associated with ~90% reduced odds. Older age was found to facilitate treatment success. Once treated, the rate of SVR was high in all populations. HCV is undertreated in coinfected young PWIDs. Further efforts should be directed to improve access to care in this marginalized population.

Active travel (AT) is a core physical activity (PA) indicator for children and youth; contributing to health and wellbeing, at both the individual and societal levels. This analysis explores patterns of adolescent active school travel (AST) and cycling and associations with different PA measures. Secondary analysis of the cross-sectional 2018–2019 Health Behaviour in School Age Children study in Israel included an extended PA module with walking, cycling and e-cycling modes. The nationally representative sample includes students in grades 6–12 (n = 4407). Analysis of weighted data included descriptive analyses, inferential statistics, and regression analyses. AST was reported by 61.9% of adolescents; 39.3% reported 20 min or more daily AST; 27.1% reported habitual cycling (HC) and 17.4% reported habitual e-cycling (HEC). There are mixed results for socio-economic status and environment. AST and HC were associated with less sedentary hours daily (odds ratio [OR] = 1.190 and 1.397, respectively); HC was associated with positive sports self-rating (OR = 2.394). Stepwise regression analysis found that lower AST duration, time in minutes, was associated with watching television with the family. Promotion of adolescent AT may be associated with increased PA and joint parent-adolescent AT, and was utilized across different socio-demographic groups in Israel.

Background: The Global Matrix 4.0 on physical activity (PA) for children and adolescents was developed to achieve a comprehensive understanding of the global variation in children’s and adolescents’ (5–17 y) PA, related measures, and key sources of influence. The objectives of this article were (1) to summarize the findings from the Global Matrix 4.0 Report Cards, (2) to compare indicators across countries, and (3) to explore trends related to the Human Development Index and geo-cultural regions. Methods: A total of 57 Report Card teams followed a harmonized process to grade the 10 common PA indicators. An online survey was conducted to collect Report Card Leaders’ top 3 priorities for each PA indicator and their opinions on how the COVID-19 pandemic impacted child and adolescent PA indicators in their country. Results: Overall Physical Activity was the indicator with the lowest global average grade (D), while School and Community and Environment were the indicators with the highest global average grade (C+). An overview of the global situation in terms of surveillance and prevalence is provided for all 10 common PA indicators, followed by priorities and examples to support the development of strategies and policies internationally. Conclusions: The Global Matrix 4.0 represents the largest compilation of children’s and adolescents’ PA indicators to date. While variation in data sources informing the grades across countries was observed, this initiative highlighted low PA levels in children and adolescents globally. Measures to contain the COVID-19 pandemic, local/international conflicts, climate change, and economic change threaten to worsen this situation.

Children are more vulnerable as pedestrians due to their cognitive, physical and behavioral traits. However, walking is one of the main forms of travel for children, particularly during leisure hours. Child pedestrian injury primarily occurs in urban areas, with a significant share at crosswalks. This study observed child pedestrian behaviors at crosswalks of urban intersections aiming to characterize their behavior patterns and identify risk factors that may lead to injury. Crossing behaviors of children and adolescents up to age 18, during leisure hours, were video-recorded at 29 crosswalks, on signalized and un-signalized intersections situated on collector roads. Some children used pedestrian crosswalks while riding a bicycle or other non-motorized means; they were also included in the sample. Behaviors of 2930 young road users were encoded and compared by age groups. Multivariate logistic regression models were adjusted to identify factors associated with crossing on red and with non-checking vehicle traffic at un-signalized crosswalks. The findings pointed to different behavior patterns for the various child age groups. Risk-taking behaviors are higher for older children; adolescents aged 14-17 cross more on red, without checking traffic, outside crosswalk boundaries and while distracted. At all types of sites, a fifth of children over the age of 9 crossed by riding, the probability of crossing on red and of non-checking traffic prior to crossing at an un-signalized crosswalk was higher for children riding an electric bicycle or kick-scooter. The non-checking of traffic was also higher when a child is distracted by a mobile phone or other electronic gadget, or carries a big object. Children under age 9 were usually accompanied by adults but still exhibited risk-taking behaviors that apparently mirrored those of the adults. Risk-taking behaviors of young road users should be taken into account in the development of injury prevention programs focusing on child and parent education and training, and by adapting the urban environment to better meet their needs.

Background and aims Two SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccines were approved to prevent COVID-19 infection, with reported vaccine efficacy of 95%. Liver transplant (LT) recipients are at risk for lower vaccine immunogenicity and were not included in the registration trials. We assessed vaccine immunogenicity and safety in this special population. Methods LT recipients followed at the Tel-Aviv Sourasky Medical Center and healthy volunteers were tested for SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibodies directed against the Spike-protein (S) and Nucleocapsid-protein (N) 10-20 days after receiving the second Pfizer-BioNTech BNT162b2 SARS-CoV-2 vaccine dose. Information regarding vaccine side effects and clinical data was collected from patients and medical records. Results Eighty LT recipients were enrolled. Mean age was 60 years and 30% were female. Twenty-five healthy volunteer controls were younger (mean age 52.7 years, p=0.013) and mostly female (68%, p=0.002). All participants were negative for IgG N-protein serology, indicating immunity did not result from prior COVID-19 infection. All controls were positive for IgG S-protein serology. Immunogenicity among LT recipients was significantly lower with positive serology in only 47.5% (p, Graphical abstract

INTRODUCTION There has been a significant increase in online purchasing and product safety problems have been identified in e-commerce. This study examines consumer behavior and safety perceptions among parents purchasing child products online. METHOD A mixed methods approach, including focus groups and a survey with parents, identified key characteristics and behaviors. Cluster analysis was used to determine different population segments (including "Informed," "Uninformed," and "Infrequent" consumer groups) based on their frequency of online shopping and search for product information. "Safe" and "Unsafe" behavior groups were identified related to their search for safety information on child products. Logistic regression analysis was used to study the effects of consumer type groups and demographic variables on the chances of being a safer consumer. RESULTS Findings indicate that child product safety considerations are not a priority for parents when shopping online. Only 62% of the survey respondents indicated that they search for information prior to buying a child product online, of which only 13% of the respondents noted that they search for information on product safety. Risky consumer behaviors were identified including the purchase of imitation products (counterfeit or knockoff products) and autonomous checks for product safety in lieu of safety standards. The logistic regression analysis found that being an "Uninformed Consumer" increases the odds of an individual being an "Unsafe Consumer" by 8.4 times (χ2(11) = 97.33, p

Research indicates that hands-on instruction on installation and use of child restraint systems (CRSs) is an effective method to reduce misuse. However, use of these services is low. The objective of the Awareness and Availability of Child Passenger Safety Information Resources (AACPSIR) Survey was to estimate the degree of awareness caregivers have of CRS inspection stations. The survey also evaluated the relationships among caregiver confidence and risk perceptions as well as potential barriers and facilitators to inspection station use.The AACPSIR was a web-based cross-sectional survey targeting a nationally representative sample of adults who drove with children aged 0-9 at least twice a month. An address-based sample was selected using a cluster sample design. Caregivers who reported driving frequently with child passengers answered questions on awareness and use of inspection stations, confidence related to CRS use, and barriers and facilitators to inspection station use.Data were collected from 1,565 households. In all, 66.9% of respondents were aware of inspection stations, but only 44.2% reported that they had used these services. Most caregivers indicated that they were confident (91.7%) that the car seat was installed correctly. A quarter of the respondents indicated a reason that might prevent them from using an inspection station was that they "don't think it's necessary". A long wait time (66.5%), distance (65.2%), and schedule conflicts (63.9%) were also frequently indicated as potential barriers. Conversely, among inspection station users, most did not need to make an appointment (73%), and over half indicated that the station was five miles or less from their home and within a 15-minute drive.The AACPSIR Survey results suggest a segment of caregivers share a positive safety culture, including knowledge of CPS services and use of those services. Of concern are caregivers who did not access an inspection station because they indicated it was not necessary, they already knew how to install the CRS, or pointed to other inconveniences. Future intervention programs that target caregivers unfamiliar with inspection stations or believe that the services are not necessary have the potential to improve child passenger safety.

Systematic data surveillance is essential for child injury prevention. Beterem- Safe Kids Israel works in partnership with the Commissioner of Standardization Administration (SA) to prevent child injuries due to hazardous products. The objective of the partnership is to collect and disseminate data to identify, raise awareness and deal with life-threatening products involved in child injury. Child injury data is collected via the National Pediatric Injury and Safety Surveillance System (NAPIS) for emergency department (ED) visits, hospitalizations and deaths using the Minimum Data Set (MDS) recommended by the WHO. MDS includes socio-demographics, injury type, place, activity, and product. Reports on defective products are also collected via hotline and Facebook. Hazardous products and businesses are reported immediately for treatment by SA. Data is analyzed bi-monthly and annually to report on on-going trends and issues. Specific injury areas are investigated with the SA, and in the case of recalls, published in media and reported in OECD Global Recalls portal. Overall 49% of ED visits, 67% of hospitalizations, and 63% of deaths due to child injury reported in NAPIS involve products. Distinguishing between injuries due to hazardous products as opposed to dangerous behaviors is an ongoing challenge. Prevalent products involved in injuries are building products, furniture and bicycles. Recent years have seen a surge in child injuries involving E-bikes. The birth-to-4 age group is at highest risk for product related injuries and the home and yard is the predominant place of injury. A partnership between an NGO and government agency to reduce child injury due to consumer products is viable. Data surveillance on trends, risk factors, and populations at risk related to consumer products contributes to injury prevention. Data from NAPIS supports enforcement of hazardous products and revision of regulations. Joint actions are conducted to promote safety awareness and behaviors among consumers.

There is an increasing interest in the development of functional foods and bioactive ingredients to fully exhaust food's potential to promote human health and prevent disease. The wish to rationally design such foods based on their gastrointestinal behavior has led to an upsurge in studies looking into the physicochemical basis of digestion and application of various in vitro methods. In light of advances in physiology and bioreactor technologies, this study aimed to develop and apply a dynamic yet simple in vitro method mirroring gastric pH alterations in the adult and infant stomach. These models were used to examine the digestive fate of β-lactoglobulin and lactoferrin as well as the behavior of their corresponding emulsions. In respect to proteolysis, SDS-PAGE of digesta collected revealed retarded protein breakdown and altered peptide profiles compared to common in vitro gastric models held at a constant pH. Regarding emulsion behavior, laser based droplet sizing and fluorescence microscopy showed altered times for emulsion destabilization, flocculation and coalescence occurring during the dynamic gastric digestions. Moreover, proteolysis and emulsion stability during digestion were found to differ between adults and infants. To the best of our understanding, the results of this study indicate that application of documented physiological gastric pH changes provides an opportunity to better understand the physicochemical basis of colloid digestion. Application of such models could help facilitate the development and screening of foods for health and well-being.

Because the rate of injury and mortality from car crashes among Arab children is higher than among Jewish children in Israel, this study assesses the patterns of age-appropriate child restraint system (CRS) use in Arab towns in Israel.From October 2010 to September 2011, 4396 children ages 0 to 14 were observed while seated in vehicles in 9 Arab towns and villages in Israel.Among infants aged 0 to 1 year old, 31.2 percent were observed in an age-appropriate restraint, whereas among children aged 1 to 4 years, only 12.4 percent were age-appropriately restrained. Children aged 5 to 9 were observed to have the lowest levels of age-appropriate restraint use (1.3%). The variation between the various villages was large and dependent on the age of the child.The low rates of CRS use may explain to some degree the high rates of injury and mortality of Arab children in car crashes. These low rates indicate that previous interventions have not been successful in increasing restraint use in the Arab community in Israel and there is a need to plan targeted interventions specifically for this population. Supplemental materials are available for this article. Go to the publisher's online edition of Traffic Injury Prevention to view the supplemental file.

Road traffic injuries are a leading cause of injury-related death and disability in children in Israel. The use of safety performance indicators (SPIs) is common today for benchmarking road safety performance and monitoring of trends. This study aimed to develop a set of indicators which would assist in diagnosis and promotion of child road safety in urban communities. A wide set of basic indicators was defined with an interdisciplinary team of experts. A pilot study was undertaken in four municipalities, in which the data for five safety domains: injury, background characteristics, road user behaviors, attitudes, policy and management—were collected and basic SPIs were estimated. To combine the basic indicators into a composite index, for each domain, a statistical model based on common Factor Analysis was applied. The Factor Analysis demonstrated a reasonable way of aggregating the indicators’ meaning, for each domain considered, and produced the tools for municipalities’ comparison. It was concluded that the child road safety indicators and composite indices developed are applicable for measuring and monitoring of municipalities’ road safety level and practices. National authorities may use the tools developed to compare urban communities at a regional or country level.

Background/Aims: Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is an endothelium-specific peptide that stimulates angiogenesis via two receptor tyrosine kinases, Flt-1 and KDR. Endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) plays a major role in VEGF signaling. Delivery of arginine to membrane bound eNOS by the cationic amino acid transporter-1 (CAT-1) has been shown to modulate eNOS activity. The current studies were designed to test the hypothesis that VEGF enhances eNOS activity via modulation of arginine transport by CAT-1. Methods: Using radio-labeled arginine, {[3H] L-arginine} uptake was determined in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) following incubation with VEGF with and without silencing the VEGF receptors Flt-1 or KDR. Subsequently, western blotting for CAT-1, PKCα, ERK 1/2, JNK, and their phosphorylated forms were performed. NO generation was measured by the Griess reaction. Results: VEGF (50 and 100 ng/ml) significantly augmented endothelial arginine transport in a time dependent manner, an effect which was prevented by Sunitinib (2 µM), a multi targeted receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor. The increase in arginine transport velocities by VEGF was not affected by silencing Flt-1 while silencing KDR abrogated VEGF effect. Furthermore, incubating cells with 50 and 100 ng of VEGF for 30 minutes significantly augmented CAT-1 abundance. The expression of PKC-α, JNK, and ERK1/2 and their phosphorylated forms were unchanged following incubation of HUVEC with VEGF. The concentration of NO2/NO3 following incubation with VEGF was significantly higher than from untreated cells. This increase was significantly attenuated by silencing KDR. Conclusions: VEGF increases arginine transport via modulation of CAT-1 in endothelial cells. This effect is exclusively dependent on KDR rather than Flt-1.

The interaction of the Arf1-directed GTPase-activating protein ArfGAP1 with the Golgi apparatus depends on motifs in its noncatalytic part that are unstructured in solution but are capable of folding into amphipathic helices in vitro upon interaction with poorly packed lipids. In previous studies a few hydrophobic residues that are critical for lipid binding and Golgi localization were identified, but the precise topology of the amphipathic motifs has not been determined. Here we present a detailed analysis of the Golgi targeting and in vitro folding features of the region encompassing the amphipathic motifs (residues 199-294). Point mutation analysis revealed that most hydrophobic residues within this region contribute to Golgi localization, whereas analysis by proline replacements and alanine insertions revealed that Golgi interaction depends on folding into two amphipathic helices with a short interrupting sequence. Analysis of splice isoforms containing 10-residue in-frame insertions within their first amphipathic motifs revealed that the insertion causes a truncation of the amphipathic helix that does not extend beyond the insertion sequence. Lastly, a lysine replacement mutant recently reported to bind to negatively charged liposomes in a curvature-independent manner showed normal cellular distribution, suggesting that Golgi targeting of Arf-GAP1 may involve factors other than sensing lipid packing.

Endothelial cell dysfunction (ECD) is a common feature of chronic renal failure (CRF). Defective nitric oxide (NO) generation due to decreased endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) activity is a crucial parameter characterizing ECD. Decreased activity of cationic amino acid transporter-1 (CAT-1), the selective arginine transporter of eNOS, has been shown to inhibit eNOS in uremia. Recently, we failed to demonstrate a decrease in glomerular arginine transport in uremic female rats (Schwartz IF, Grupper A, Soetendorp H, Hillel O, Laron I, Chernichovski T, Ingbir M, Shtabski A, Weinstein T, Chernin G, Shashar M, Hershkoviz R, Schwartz D. Am J Physiol Renal Physiol 303: F396–F404, 2012). The current experiments were designed to determine whether sexual dimorphism which characterizes glomerular arginine transport system in uremia involves the systemic vasculature as well and to assess the effect of l-arginine in such conditions. Contractile and vasodilatory responses, ultrastructural changes, and measures of the l-arginine-NO system were performed in thoracic aortas of female rats subjected to ⅚ nephrectomy. The contractile response to KCl was significantly reduced, and acetylcholine-induced vasodilation was significantly impaired in aortas from CRF dames compared with healthy rats. Both of these findings were prevented by the administration of arginine in the drinking water. The decrease in both cGMP generation, a measure of eNOS activity, and aortic eNOS and phosphorylated eNOS abundance observed in CRF rats was completely abolished by l-arginine, while arginine transport and CAT-1 protein were unchanged in all experimental groups. Arginine decreased both serum levels of advanced glycation end products and the asymmetrical dimethylarginine/arginine ratio and restored the endothelial ultrastructure in CRF rats. In conclusion. arginine administration has a profound beneficial effect on ECD, independently of cellular arginine uptake, in CRF female rats.

Growing attempts are being made to rationally utilize foods for human health improvement and disease prevention. Milk proteins are well suited for this purpose, since they are widely consumed, offer nutritional benefits and have been shown to be potentially suitable carriers for bioactive ingredients, such as vitamins and nutraceuticals. This work characterizes the interactions between β-lactoglobulin (β-lg) and folic acid (FA) at different load ratio and their functional implications, in terms of colloidal behavior and digestibility. Dynamic light scattering, isothermal titration calorimetery and atomic force microscopy were used to investigate β-lg/FA nano-complexes (mean size < 10 nm) formed at protein:vitamin molar ratio 1:10, whereas three FA molecules were found to be bound to one protein molecule. Colloidal stability tests (3 < pH < 10) revealed that nano-complexes formation improved β-lg dissolution near its isoelectric point and at low pH-values. This was also found to be accompanied by a shift in zeta-potential values at pH = 5 for pure β-lg (0.95 ± 0.09 mV) versus β-lg/FA nano-complexes (−20.13 ± 1.29 mV). SDS-PAGE analysis of digesta, collected from gastric and duodenal in vitro digestion of β-lg and its nano-complexes, revealed no marked alterations in the proteolytic susceptibility of β-lg. The study findings show the interactions of FA and β-lg in the formation of nano-complexes may be harnessed for delivery of FA in clear beverages with minimal effects to the protein's sensitivity to proteolysis. Fil: Perez, Oscar Edgardo. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales. Departamento de Industrias; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentina Fil: David Birman, Tatyana. Technion - Israel Institute of Technology; Israel Fil: Kesselman, Ellina. Technion - Israel Institute of Technology; Israel Fil: Levi Tal, Sharon. Technion - Israel Institute of Technology; Israel Fil: Lesmes, Uri. Technion - Israel Institute of Technology; Israel

Background: The spectrum of cardiovascular toxicity by cyclosporine (CsA) includes hypertension, accelerated atherosclerosis, and thrombotic microangiopathy, all of which are the result of endothelial cell dysfunction. Endothelial cell dysfunction is characterized by decreased endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) activity. Cationic amino acid transporter-1 (CAT-1) is the specific arginine transporter for eNOS. CsA has been shown to attenuate nitric oxide (NO) generation. However, the mechanism remains elusive. We hypothesize that CsA inhibits eNOS activity through modulation of its selective arginine supplier CAT-1. Methods: We studied the effect of CsA on arginine uptake, NO2/NO3 generation, and CAT-1, protein kinase Cα (PKCα), and phosphorylated PKCα protein expression in human umbilical vein endothelial cell cultures (HUVEC) in the absence and presence of L-arginine. Results: CsA (0.5-2 μg/ml) significantly attenuated arginine transport in a dose- and time-dependent manner, a phenomenon which was prevented by co-incubation with L-arginine (1 mM). The aforementioned findings were accompanied by increased protein nitration, a measure for peroxynitrite accumulation. In contrast, no changes were observed in NO2/NO3 generation. CsA significantly decreased the abundance of CAT-1 protein, an effect that was attenuated by L-arginine. PKCα and phosphorylated PKCα (CAT-1 inhibitors) protein contents were not affected by CsA. Conclusion: CsA inhibits arginine transport and induces protein nitration in HUVEC through modulation of CAT-1.

Background ‘Beterem in the City’ is a model developed in 2008, based on criteria established by Safe Communities, to promote and manage child safety in municipalities. The model incorporates components of public health, organisational consultation and safety management and is tailored to unique characteristics of municipalities in Israel. A formative and summative evaluation of program effectiveness was conducted. Methods The three year evaluation process comprised various methods. Quantitative tools included: 1. Surveys with program directors and managers in 23 cities 2. Surveys with organisational consultants; 2. Surveys of safe behaviour in four cities. Qualitative tools included: 1. Interviews with program developers and stakeholders; 2. In-depth review of program implementation in four cities, based on interviews and program documentation Results The evaluation indicates that the implementation of the model is incomplete and demands improvement. Those components that are implemented in full demand less time, resources, and expertise as compared to the components that were not implemented. Program components that were found to be correlated with positive outcomes include effective management and utilisation of the organisational consultation hours. While ‘Beterem in the City’ has potential to lead organisational change and increase child safety over time, the current model is ambitious and may not be suitable for the organisational culture and management in most municipalities in Israel. In spite of these results, the evaluation points to success in implementing the model and better outcomes over time and in cities with stronger and more evolved management structures. Conclusions ‘Beterem in the City’ needs to be adapted to different types of municipalities in Israel, including Arab cities and cities with a low socio-economic population. In order to implement the model effectively additional resources, from national bodies, will need to be directed to the program.

Lemnaflavoside (1) and three monoacetates (2-4) have been isolated from the Indo-Pacific soft coral Lemnalia flava, collected off Mombasa, Kenya. The structure of the new glycoside was elucidated by interpretation of MS and 2D NMR data. The sugar of the diterpene glycoside was found to be D-xylose.

In recent years there has been an increasing interest in the development of new and efficient oral food delivery systems as tools to prevent disease and promote human health and well-being. Such vehicles are sought to protect bioactive ingredients added to food while controlling and targeting their release as they pass through the human gastrointestinal tract (GIT). This review aims to summarize the key concepts of food delivery systems, their characterization and evaluation. Particularly, evaluation of their performance within the human GIT is discussed. To this end an overview of several in vivo and in vitro methods currently applied for the study of such systems is given. Although considered to be still in its infancy, this promising field of research is likely to infiltrate into real products through rational design. In order for such efforts to materialize into real products some challenges still need to be met and are discussed herein. Overall, it seems that adopting a comprehensive pharmacological approach and relevant cutting edge tools are likely to facilitate innovations and help elucidate and perhaps tailor delivery systems' behavior in the human GIT.

The Arf1 GTPase-activating protein ArfGAP1 regulates vesicular traffic through the COPI system. This protein consists of N-terminal catalytic domain, lipid packing sensors (the ALPS motifs) in the central region, and a carboxy part of unknown function. The carboxy part contains several diaromatic sequences that are reminiscent of motifs known to interact with clathrin adaptors. In pull-down experiments using GST-fused peptides from rat ArfGAP1, a peptide containing a {sup 329}WETF sequence interacted strongly with clathrin adaptors AP1 and AP2, whereas a major coatomer-binding determinant was identified within the extreme carboxy terminal peptide ({sup 405}AADEGWDNQNW). Mutagenesis and peptide competition experiments revealed that this determinant is required for coatomer binding to full-length ArfGAP1, and that interaction is mediated through the {delta}-subunit of the coatomer adaptor-like subcomplex. Evidence for a role of the carboxy motif in ArfGAP1-coatomer interaction in vivo is provided by means of a reporter fusion assay. Our findings point to mechanistic differences between ArfGAP1 and the other ArfGAPs known to function in the COPI system.

ArfGAP1 (Arf GTPase activating protein 1) controls the cycling of the COPI coat on Golgi membranes by catalyzing GTP hydrolysis in the small G protein Arf1. ArfGAP1 contains a central motif named ALPS (ArfGAP1 lipid-packing sensor) that adsorbs preferentially onto highly curved membranes. This motif allows coupling of the rate of GTP hydrolysis in Arf1 with membrane curvature induced by the COPI coat. Upon membrane adsorption, the ALPS motif folds into an amphipathic alpha-helix. This helix contrasts from a classical membrane-adsorbing helix in the abundance of S and T residues and the paucity of charged residues in its polar face. We show here that ArfGAP1 contains a second motif with similar physicochemical properties. This motif, ALPS2, also forms an amphipathic alpha-helix at the surface of small vesicles and contributes to the Golgi localization of ArfGAP1 in vivo. Using several quantitative assays, we determined the relative contribution of the two ALPS motifs in the recognition of liposomes of defined curvature and composition. Our results show that ALPS1 is the primary determinant of the interaction of ArfGAP1 with lipid membranes and that ALPS2 reinforces this interaction 40-fold. Furthermore, our results suggest that depending on the engagement of one or two functional ALPS motifs, ArfGAP1 can respond to a wide range of membrane curvature and can adapt to lipid membranes of various acyl chain compositions.

Background In Israel similar to the European region road traffic injuries are the leading cause of injury-related death and disability in children age 1–17. Children are vulnerable road users in the community travelling to school, parks and other neighbourhood destinations. Limited cognitive, behavioural and physical abilities make children more susceptible to injuries where infrastructure and interventions are not designed to promote road safety. Objective Develop Child Road Safety Indicators for Local Communities and a general assessment method to diagnose and promote child road safety issues in local communities. Methods Over 100 quantitative and qualitative indicators were developed in a 2 year-long series of working meetings with an interdisciplinary team of researchers, policy makers, engineers and child safety experts. A study was conducted in four municipalities. Indicators were measured for each municipality based on child injury data, behavioural observations, KAP surveys, management analysis, infrastructure and walkability assessments and surveys of children9s trips. Analysis was conducted to create a composite indicator of child road safety in a city. Results The indicators provide detailed assessment of child road safety issues in each municipality and allow for comparison across communities. Findings also point to variations between individual municipalities and national data, for example, the national survey of child safety restraints indicates 88% use while municipality survey results ranged 36–92% use. A set of essential child road safety indicators was compiled. Future assessment in a larger sample of municipalities will allow for further development of indicators and adjustments to the assessment method.