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[Display omitted] • Nanoparticles exhibited suitable physicochemical parameters and sustained release. • Nanoparticles were internalized inside ocular cells. • Nanoparticles decreased ocular inflammation in vivo. • Nanoparticles were able to revert dry eye symptoms and ameliorate corneal lesions. Dry eye disease (DED) is a chronic multifactorial disorder of the ocular surface caused by tear film dysfunction and constitutes one of the most common ocular conditions worldwide. However, its treatment remains unsatisfactory. While artificial tears are commonly used to moisturize the ocular surface, they do not address the underlying causes of DED. Apigenin (APG) is a natural product with anti-inflammatory properties, but its low solubility and bioavailability limit its efficacy. Therefore, a novel formulation of APG loaded into biodegradable and biocompatible nanoparticles (APG-NLC) was developed to overcome the restricted APG stability, improve its therapeutic efficacy, and prolong its retention time on the ocular surface by extending its release. APG-NLC optimization, characterization, biopharmaceutical properties and therapeutic efficacy were evaluated. The optimized APG-NLC exhibited an average particle size below 200 nm, a positive surface charge, and an encapsulation efficiency over 99 %. APG-NLC exhibited sustained release of APG, and stability studies demonstrated that the formulation retained its integrity for over 25 months. In vitro and in vivo ocular tolerance studies indicated that APG-NLC did not cause any irritation, rendering them suitable for ocular topical administration. Furthermore, APG-NLC showed non-toxicity in an epithelial corneal cell line and exhibited fast cell internalization. Therapeutic benefits were demonstrated using an in vivo model of DED, where APG-NLC effectively reversed DED by reducing ocular surface cellular damage and increasing tear volume. Anti-inflammatory assays in vivo also showcased its potential to treat and prevent ocular inflammation, particularly relevant in DED patients. Hence, APG-NLC represent a promising system for the treatment and prevention of DED and its associated inflammation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A restriction affects the pressure of a two-phase flow, representing large differences compared to an unrestricted pipe. • Downstream of the restriction there is an increase in the void fraction due to the breaking of bubbles and loss of pressure. • Upstream of the restriction there is an increase in the length and velocity of the liquid slugs due to bubble coalescence. • 14 models from the literature, between pressure gradient, void fraction, and frequency of passage of liquid slugs are used to compare with experimental data. Subsurface safety valves play an important role in the hydrocarbon production process. The Brazilian industry is suffering significant losses due to the reduction of the useful life of this device, not to mention the risks associated with the operation and the environment. One possible reason for the failure of the subsurface safety valve's reliability prediction may be the occurrence of two-phase flow in the well. For this reason, a set of twenty horizontal two-phase flow experiments was carefully designed to evaluate the influence of a simplified internal reduction in a steel pipe. Superficial velocities were considered in the range of 0.1 m/s and 2.0 m/s for water and, 0.33 m/s and 7.47 m/s for compressed air. The experiments were carried out in 2″-i.d. and 2-m-long steel pipes, being a tube with restriction and another without restriction. Both tubes have an upstream development length of 126 pipe diameters. Gamma-ray densitometry and a differential pressure transducer were used to measure void fraction and pressure drop, and a visualization window was used to observe the flow patterns. Among the main findings are the effects of void fraction and mixture velocity on pressure gradient, with different impacts on the restricted pipe (RP) compared to the unrestricted pipe (UP). The presence of the restriction generated significant changes in the upstream flow: the lengths of the liquid slugs were increased, appeased by the increase in local pressure necessary to overcome the resistance produced by the restriction. Downstream, the change was reflected in the rise of void fraction and decrease of slip ratio between the phases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to the potential hazard of deepwater oil exploration, the Brazilian industry has an ever-increasing concern for reliability during hydrocarbon production. A major source of concern is mechanical failure in devices, such as safety valves, which can fail without warning, putting both the operation and the environment at risk. A possible reason for malfunction and failure could be the permanent occurrence of vibrations induced by internal two-phase flow during the extraction of fluids from the well. An experimental campaign is proposed to better understand these phenomena. Twenty two-phase flow conditions were tested, with superficial velocities ranging from 0.1 m/s to 2.0 m/s for water, and 0.33 m/s to 7.47 m/s for compressed air. The experiments were carried out in a restricted pipe and a pipe without any restriction to evaluate and compare the vibrations produced by two-phase flow (2-FIV). Three accelerometers positioned downstream of the restriction were used to collect vibrational amplitude spectral density data, 2-D acceleration magnitudes, and RMS values of acceleration. Among the main findings are the roles played by the gas volumetric fraction and the mixture velocity, which strongly influence the vibrational amplitude of both tubes, and the observation that the gas phase is the main responsible for vibrational amplitudes at low frequencies, while the liquid phase acts mainly at high frequencies. Furthermore, the flow pattern is also considered a key feature in determining the vibration level, as 20- and 12-fold increments have been observed for the same volumetric fraction when comparing elongated bubbles and severe slug patterns. Finally, it was demonstrated that the presence of an internal restriction strongly influences the structural response. • The presence of an internal restriction affects a pipe's dynamic response significantly. • Large changes in vibratory response are found between single-phase and two-phase flow. • It is suggested that the gas phase is responsible for the vibration amplitudes at low frequencies. • It is suggested that the liquid phase is responsible for the vibration amplitudes at high frequencies. • Two-phase flow parameters directly influence the structural response to vibration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For a system, a priori identifiability is a theoretical property depending only on the model and guarantees that its parameters can be uniquely determined from observations. This paper provides a survey of the various and numerous definitions of a priori identifiability given in the literature, for both deterministic continuous and discrete-time models. A classification is done by distinguishing analytical and algebraic definitions as well as local and global ones. Moreover, this paper provides an overview on the distinct methods to test the parameter identifiability. They are classified into the so-called output equality approaches, local state isomorphism approaches and differential algebra approaches. A few examples are detailed to illustrate the methods and complete this survey. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract An array of gold interdigitated microelectrodes (Au-IDA) has been modified by casting herringbone carbon nanotubes (hCNTs) producing a new electrochemical sensor suitable for the simultaneous determination of ascorbic acid (AA) and uric acid (UA) in PBS (0.25 M, pH 7.0). The sensor showed good electrocatalytic properties for both analytes with low working potentials, linear ranges between 0 and 600 μM for AA, and between 0 and 420 μM for UA. The empirical limits of detection (LODs) and the limits of quantification (LOQs) for both analytes were 15 μM and 50 μM, respectively. Moreover, UA does not interfere in the measurement of AA and vice versa. Furthermore, the presence of common analytes in physiological fluids as glucose, dopamine and epinephrine do not interfere in the quantification neither AA nor UA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The use of prosthetic meshes is a common practice in hernia repair surgery. However, infection can appear as an important complication where antibiotic selection must be directed by the etiology of the infection. In recent years, sonication has appeared as an important tool for the diagnosis of many biomaterial-associated infections. Here, we evaluated our experience with this methodology for the diagnosis of mesh infection. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the microbiological records between 2015 and 2019 looking for sonicated meshes in the microbiology laboratory. All samples were processed according to the sonication protocol described by Esteban J et al. (J Clin Microbiol. 2008 Feb; 46 (2): 488–92). Results: 26 samples were processed during the study period. 21 of them gave a positive result for culture (11 polymicrobial and 10 monomicrobial ones). Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans were the commonest monomicrobial isolates (4 cases each). There were five cases of mixed gut microbiota. The median (interquartile range) UFC count was > 100,000 (50,000- > 100,000) CFU/mL. Conclusion: Sonication is a useful technique for the diagnosis of mesh infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Casiopeinas®are a group of newly synthesized drugs designed to treat cancer. These copper (Cu) complexes exhibit cytostatic, cytotoxic, genotoxic, and antineoplastic activities through different mechanisms of action. To evaluate the influence of these compounds, somein vivostudies were performed using predominantly somatic cells. The aim of the present study was to examine the cytotoxic and genotoxic actions of Casiopeina III-Ea (Cas III-Ea) in somatic as well as germ cells ofDrosophila melanogaster. For cytotoxicity, the productivity and some morphometric parameters were measured and genotoxicity was assessed by means of the somatic mutation and recombination test assay in the wing. For this purpose, second-instar larvae of the Canton-S strain were treated with different concentrations of Cas III-Ea. The emerged adults were weighed, the area of the wings determined, and the number of trichomes of the region Cʹ counted. The productivity of treated males was measured by a brood method to monitor the influence of Cas III-Ea on spermatozoa, meiotic stage cells, and spermatogonia. For genotoxicity,mwh + /+ flr3larvae 48 hr age were chronically treated within the same concentration range. Results indicated that Cas III-Ea at all concentrations tested significantly increased the productivity per couple in Brood III (spermatids) while at 1 mM a marked elevation was noted in the three broods tested. In contrast, the weight and size of individuals as well as the size and number of cells in the wing were decreased significantly. Data suggest that Cas III-Ea is a weak genotoxic but selective mutagen. Failure to obtain a dose-related genotoxic response suggests that one of the preferred mechanisms of action of Cas III-Ea is to induce apoptosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper treats the two-phase flow-induced vibration in pipes. A broad range of two-phase flow conditions, including bubbly, dispersed and slug flow, were tested in a clamped-clamped straight horizontal pipe. The vibration response of both transversal directions for two span lengths was measured. From experimental results, an in-depth discussion on the nature of the flow excitation and flow-parameters influence is presented. The hydrodynamic mass parameter is also studied. Experimental results suggest that it is proportional to mixture density. On the other hand, two analytical formulations were developed and tested against experimental results. One formulation predicts the quadratic trend between standard deviation of acceleration and shear velocity found in experiments. The other formulation indicates that the peak-frequency of vibration response depends strongly on void fraction. It provides accurate predictions of peak-frequency, predicting 97.6% of the data within ±10% error bands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents results from experimental studies on the thermal resistance and dilatometry analysis of various geopolymer formulations, which were prepared by mixing alkaline solutions, metakaolin and reinforcements. Nine compositions were tested by dilatometric analysis and thermal resistance at high temperature (800 °C). Structural and microstructural analysis was conducted to verify the geopolymerization, and differential thermogravimetric analysis was performed to evaluate the nature of water, depending on the formulation. Some key parameters were identified as critical parameters that influenced the geopolymer properties, such as the nature (Na or K) and the molar concentration of the alkaline cation ([M] < 16 mol/L), the molar concentration of silicon ([Si] < 39 mol/L) and the alkaline metal to aluminum ratio (M/Al < 0.65). Finally, it was possible to arrange the various formulations in a ternary scheme as functions of the metal, aluminum and silicon concentrations. This scheme may represent a roadmap for controlling the thermal resistance of geopolymer materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An electrochemical sensor based on graphene oxide decorated with gold nanoparticles has been prepared for the simultaneous quantification of uric acid (UA) and ascorbic acid (AA) in urine samples. The gold interdigitated microelectrodes array (Au-IDA) has been modified using graphene oxide doped with gold nanoparticles (AuNPs-GO/Au-IDA), which was characterized by TEM, FE-SEM, XPS and cyclic voltammetry. Excellent results were obtained for the separate quantification of UA and AA by chronoamperometry. The electrochemical sensor exhibits limits of detection (LODs) of 1.4 μM and 0.62 μM for AA and UA, respectively, limits of quantification (LOQs) of 4.6 μM (AA) and 2.0 μM (UA), and the working ranges obtained were between 4.6 μM and 193 μM for AA and between 2 μM and 1.05 mM for UA. The repeatability was studied at 20 μM providing coefficients of variation of 16% for AA and 13% for UA. Moreover, UA does not interfere in the measurement of AA and viceversa (provided that the concentration of UA is equal to or higher than 450 μM in the latter case). For lower concentrations of UA, an easy and fast strategy to quantify both analytes is presented. The good electrocatalytic activity achieved with this material makes it useful for the quantification of AA and UA in biological fluids. Other analytes like glucose, dopamine and epinephrine have been investigated. The results allow us to conclude that they do not interfere in the quantification of AA and UA in PBS (0.25 M, pH 7.0). Human urine samples have been analyzed using the method proposed, contaning AA and UA concentration levels of (0.588 ± 0.002) mM and (1.43 ± 0.02) mM, respectively, which are in the concentration range of these analytes in urine samples for healthy people. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Currently, many applications require the assembly of different materials to improve their properties in use. This work focuses on the production of a geopolymer binder coating based on metal or agglomerated sand. For this, several compositions based on sodium or potassium and different reactivities of metakaolin and their interactions in the presence of different types of support were studied. The interactions between the binder and substrate were analysed by measurements of the wetting angles. Coating trials conducted over tin-plated copper and bonded sand highlighted the influences of the binder composition and the drying and deposition parameters. Scanning electronic and optical microscopy observations confirm the chemical adhesion between the various components. FTIR spectroscopic analyses have also identified the parameters for obtaining a geopolymer network such as the reactive aluminium concentration (5 a.u.) and the molar Si/Al and M/Al (M=K or Na) ratios (2 and 1.2, respectively). It is therefore possible, by determining the wetting angle, to control the deposition on either a metal or silica sand. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study is focused on understanding the role of molybdic species during polycondensation reactions. For this purpose, several geopolymers were synthesized using two metakaolins of different reactivities and various amounts of ammonium molybdate (0.40, 0.80 and 1.57% molar molybdenum). The reactions involved were investigated by FTIR, Raman, DTA and MAS-NMR. The results showed that the addition of Mo induces the modification of (i) the silica species negative charge balance and (ii) their nature and size, and favors perturbations toward the polycondensation reactions, which differ in terms of metakaolin reactivity. The addition of Mo species to the silicate solution counterbalances the metakaolin reactivity (the presence of an Al-rich or Si-rich network). This highlights the modification and formation roles played by molybdenum atoms, depending on the amount of ammonium molybdate added. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) NS3 protease inhibitors have been primarily designed against genotype 1, the one with the lowest response to dual therapy. However, less evidence of their efficacy on non-1 genotypes is available, and any such information is mostly concentrated on genotypes 2-4. This study evaluated HCV protease resistance profiles in the major six HCV genotypes and identified genetic barrier (GB) profiles to each available protease inhibitor across HCV strains from different locations worldwide. We obtained 15 099 HCV sequences from treatment-naïve subjects retrieved at the Los Alamos HCV Sequence Database. The wild-type codons of different HCV genotypes were used to analyse the smallest number of nucleotide substitution steps required for changing that codon to the closest one associated with drug resistance. The 36L and 175L RAVs were found as genetic signatures of genotypes 2-5, while the 80K RAV was found in all genotype 5 sequences. Genotypes 4 and 6 showed a higher GB to RAV mutations conferring resistance to telaprevir, while genotypes 2-5 presented baseline resistance to that drug, carrying the 36L mutation. Genotype 4 had a higher GB to simeprevir resistance, requiring three substitutions to acquire the 155K mutation. Subtype 1b showed a higher GB than subtype 1a to resistance for most PIs, with RAVs at codons 36 and 155. Geographic disparities were also found in frequencies of certain RAVs in genotypes 2 and 3. Under a scenario of unprecedented evolution of anti-HCV direct-acting agents, the genetic composition of the circulating HCV sequences should be evaluated worldwide to choose the most appropriate/feasible therapeutic schemes with the highest genetic barriers to resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alkaline silicate solutions are of great interest for several industrial applications. Previous studies demonstrated the influence of different parameters such as the Si/M (Na, K) molar ratio, the dilution level, the cation size and the manufacturing process on the silicate species. The aim of this study was to complete the data from previous works. This study focuses on the effects of these various parameters on the polymerization and the reactivity of silicate solutions. To evaluate the effects, several solutions obtained from various processes with different cations and Si/M ratios were studied. All the solutions were characterized using spectroscopic investigations (FTIR, Raman and NMR). FTIR spectroscopy was used to define the polymerization state of the various solutions. The experiments revealed that increases in the Si/M molar ratio, the dilution level and the cation size lead to the polymerization of the species. However, the effect of the cation is less pronounced. Moreover, Raman spectroscopy revealed an increase in oligomers for Si/M molar ratios less than 1. It was also shown that the manufacturing process causes a slight variation in the amount of the different silicate species responsible of the reactivity of the solution. Knowledge of these key parameters is important for different applications, including geopolymer fabrication. Moreover, it was shown a correlation between the results obtained by NMR and Raman spectroscopy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Geopolymers are new binders resulting from the activation of an aluminosilicate source by an alkaline solution. These binders are economically and environmentally profitable since they have the advantage of reusing recycled waste and industrial by-products as aluminosilicate sources. In this context, this paper focuses on the geopolymer wastes incorporation in different formulations and their effect on geopolymer formation and the properties of the final materials. For this purpose, the geopolymer wastes were at first characterized. Three compositions differing in the used alkaline solution and the amount of metakaolin added were investigated. A feasibility study allowed retaining 20% as the waste percentage added or substituted to the metakaolin to still obtain geopolymer materials. Moreover, it was shown that the incorporation of the geopolymer waste may disturb the polycondensation rate which was proven to strongly depend on the solid to liquid ratio and the Si/K ratio of the alkaline solution. Finally, relationships were demonstrated between the compressive strengths and the chemical compositions of the different samples. The low reactivity of geopolymer waste can be compensated with the use of highly reactive alkaline solution or the increase of the amount of metakaolin in the mixture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper focuses on the influence of the addition of ammonium molybdate to geopolymer mixtures to better understand the formation of geopolymer structural networks and the effect of Mo-based additive on the thermal behavior of material. Several geopolymers were synthesized between two metakaolins and various amounts of ammonium molybdate. The microstructure of samples was determined by SEM, the structural evolution (depending on the amount of molybdenum added) was investigated using Raman spectroscopy and XRD analyses, and the temperature behaviors of materials by DTA–TGA and dilatometric analyses. The results showed that (i) both metakaolins react differently in the presence of ammonium molybdate, (ii) molybdenum induces decrease of shrinkage value at high temperatures, and (iii) the crystallization seems to be favored with ammonium molybdate. This work shows that ammonium molybdate controls polycondensation reactions highlighting the modifier or former role played by the molybdenum atoms depending on the amount of ammonium molybdate added. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The circulation patterns of the deep glacial Pacific Ocean are still debated. Difficulties arise due to the scarcity of reliable paleoceanographic records that can document the past movements and properties of Pacific Ocean water masses. Here, we jointly use δ13C and δ18O measured on the epibenthic foraminifer Cibicidoides wuellerstorfi, from the MD02-2529 sediment core collected at 1619m water depth in the eastern equatorial Pacific, to monitor changes in water mass circulation spanning the past 150kyrBP. After the extraction of short-term (centennial to millennial-scale) δ13C and δ18O changes, which were ~1.0 and 0.5‰, respectively, we observed that these rapid δ13C and δ18O shifts were closely interrelated during the last 150kyrBP. A comparison of MD02-2529 with other benthic δ13C records localized to the north and south of the core location revealed that MD02-2529 was alternately bathed by a northern nutrient-rich and a southern nutrient-poor water mass. The comparison provided a diagnostic for the latitudinal movements of a sharp water mass front that was particularly evident during marine isotope stages 4 and 3 on the millennial timescale. By considering that δ13C is an indicator of the northern vs. southern origin of the water that bathed the MD02-2529 coring site in the past, we found that a North Pacific water mass, that occasionally spreads to the eastern Pacific Ocean as deep as 1600m and as far south as 8°N, was responsible for shifts toward the positive δ18O we observed in the past. We then used the δ13C/δ18O relationship to reconstruct latitudinal temperature and/or salinity gradients of the water mass that were linked to changes in the northern and/or the southern water mass end-members. Evolution of the δ13C/δ18O relationship spanning the past 150kyrBP has shed light on how hydrological processes occurring at northern and southern high latitudes are transmitted to the ocean''s interior through water mass advection. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

M.C. Debur, L.R. Vidal, E. Stroparo, M.B. Nogueira, S.M. Almeida, G.A. Takahashi, I. Rotta, L.A. Pereira, C.S. Silveira, C.M. Bonfim, S.M. Raboni. Human metapneumovirus infection in hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients. Transpl Infect Dis 2010: 12: 173–179. All rights reserved Human metapneumovirus (hMPV) was described in 2001 and has been associated with both upper and lower respiratory tract infection (URTI and LRTI, respectively), especially in children, the elderly, and in immunocompromised patients. The objective of this study was to identify hMPV as the etiological agent of acute respiratory infection in hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) patients and to determine the clinical features of hMPV infection in these patients. Methods. The study was performed retrospectively in 769 respiratory samples obtained from immunocompromised patients submitted to HSCT over a period of 6 years. RNA was extracted by the guanidinium thiocyanate method, and reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction assay was performed to amplify a 928pb fragment of the hMPV N gene. Results. hMPV was present in 19 (2.5%) samples. The mean age of infected patients was 18.3±10.8 (range, 3–41). Sixty-six percent of hMPV infections occurred during autumn, winter, and spring months. Three episodes showed co-infection with more than 1 virus. Two patients (11.1%) were infected a few days into the conditioning period and 9 (50%) in the first 3 months after the transplant. The majority of patients (72.2%) presented URTI alone with flu-like symptoms (cough, fever, headache, wheezing), while 5 patients (27.8%) had LRTI (pneumonia). No patient died from complications associated with the hMPV infection. Conclusions. hMPV has been reported as a respiratory pathogen in HSCT patients. We suggest that hMPV infection should be routinely investigated in this population, mainly in children, to prevent nosocomial transmission during transplant proceedings and to avoid the risk of progressing to complications due to LRTI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Nanosized chromium (Cr2O3) oxide was prepared by the common thermal decomposition of Cr(NO3)3·9H2O chromium (III) nitrate nonahydrate. Prior to the heat treatment at 550°C, the commercial reagent was first dissolved in a colloidal silica solution and then dried at a low temperature to slowly evaporate the aqueous solvent. The SiO2/Cr(NO3)3·9H2O weight ratio (R) was changed from 0 to 2. The various Cr2O3 powders were characterized by XRD, FTIR, nitrogen adsorption, SEM and TEM techniques. A maximum specific surface area of 113m2 g−1, associated with a pore volume of 0.72cm3 g−1, was obtained for the Cr2O3 powder prepared with R =2. These pristine chromium oxide nanoparticles, with a slightly sintered sphere-shaped morphology, exhibited a 10nm particle size with a monocrystalline character as demonstrated by the TEM and XRD correlation. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

OBJECTIVE: To compare available antifungal treatments for invasive candidiasis, a leading cause of nosocomial bloodstream infections. METHODS: We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials that compared different antifungal agents for the treatment of candidemia and other forms of invasive candidiasis. Two reviewers independently appraised the quality of trials and extracted data. The primary outcome was all-cause mortality, and secondary outcomes were microbiological failure, treatment failure, and adverse events. Relative risks (RRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were pooled. RESULTS: Of the 15 included trials, 9 compared fluconazole with other drugs (amphotericin B, itraconazole, or a combination of fluconazole and amphotericin B), 4 compared echinocandins with other drugs (fluconazole, amphotericin B, liposomal amphotericin B), 1 compared micafungin and caspofungin, and 1 compared amphotericin B plus fluconazole and voriconazole. No difference in mortality was observed with fluconazole vs amphotericin B (RR, 0.92; 95% CI, 0.72-1.17); however, the rate of microbiological failure increased in the fluconazole arm (RR, 1.52; 95% CI, 1.12-2.07). Anidulafungin decreased the rate of microbiological failure compared with fluconazole (RR, 0.50; 95% CI, 0.29-0.86) with fewer adverse events. Caspofungin was comparable to amphotericin B in mortality and efficacy, with fewer adverse events requiring discontinuation (RR, 0.11; 95% CI, 0.04-0.36). Micafungin was comparable to liposomal amphotericin B in mortality. CONCLUSION: All assessed antifungal agents showed similar efficacy, but the rate of microbiological failure increased with fluconazole vs amphotericin B or anidulafungin. Amphotericin B is associated with a higher rate of adverse events than fluconazole and echinocandins. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and purpose:The P2Y14 receptor is activated by UDP-sugars, most potently by UDP-glucose, but not by free nucleotides, suggesting that UDP-glucose is the cognate agonist for this receptor. However, evidence for regulated release of UDP-glucose is scarce. In the present study, the occurrence of receptor-promoted release of UDP-glucose was investigated, using 1321N1 human astrocytoma cells.Experimental approach:UDP-glucose release and hydrolysis were measured using HPLC-based techniques. Phospholipase C activation and actin cytoskeleton reorganization were assessed by measuring inositol phosphate formation and fluorescence confocal microscopy, respectively.Key results:Thrombin and the protease-activating receptor-1 (PAR1) peptide TFLLRNPNDK (PAR1-AP) evoked the release of UDP-glucose and ATP, which was accompanied by enhanced inositol phosphate formation. Although carbachol promoted fourfold greater inositol phosphate formation than thrombin, it failed to promote nucleotide release. Thrombin-promoted nucleotide release was inhibited by BAPTA-AM, brefeldin A and cytochalasin D, and was insensitive to Pertussis toxin and PI3-kinase inhibitors. Thrombin, but not carbachol, induced actin cytoskeleton reorganization, a hallmark of Rho activation in 1321N1 cells. However, PAR-promoted UDP-glucose release was not affected by Rho kinase inhibition.Conclusions and implications:PAR1-evoked UDP-glucose release reflected a Ca2+-dependent mechanism, engaging additional signalling independently of Gi and Rho kinase activation and requiring a functional actin cytoskeleton and Golgi structures. Our study demonstrates the occurrence of Ca2+-dependent release of UDP-glucose from astrocytoma cells in response to a physiologically relevant stimulus, that is, a G-protein-coupled receptor agonist. Given the presence of P2Y14 receptors in astrocytes, UDP-glucose may have important autocrine/paracrine functions in the brain.British Journal of Pharmacology (2008) 153, 1528–1537; doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0707692; published online 21 January 2008 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The hypocretins (Hcrt; also known as orexins) and melanin-concentrating hormone comprise distinct families of neuropeptides synthesized in cells located in the lateral hypothalamus and adjacent areas. The Hcrts are thought to modulate food intake and sleep/wake patterns in mammals. Melanin-concentrating hormone has a well-documented role in energy metabolism. A moderate plexus of Hcrt immunoreactive terminals has been described in the hamster intergeniculate leaflet, part of the circadian rhythm system. This study investigated the origin of Hcrt-immunoreactive terminals in the intergeniculate leaflet and determined whether melanin-concentrating hormone neurons also project to the intergeniculate leaflet. The tracer, cholera toxin β-subunit, was injected into the intergeniculate leaflet of the golden hamster. Double-label fluorescent immunohistochemistry for cholera toxin β-subunit and Hcrt or melanin-concentrating hormone was then performed to identify retrogradely labeled cells also containing immunoreactive peptide. Most cholera toxin β-subunit-labeled cells were detected in the medial zona incerta and sub-incertal zone, with few observed in the lateral hypothalamus. Hcrt-immunoreactive cells were abundant and found largely in the lateral hypothalamus and adjacent nuclei. Melanin-concentrating hormone cells were also abundant in the medial zona incerta, in close proximity to cholera toxin β-subunit-labeled cells, but ventral to them. Cells containing both cholera toxin β-subunit and Hcrt-immunoreactive, were present in the dorsal aspect of the lateral hypothalamus. The number observed was small, ≤1% of the total number of Hcrt cells counted in the hamster. No cholera toxin β-subunit-immunoreactive cells also contained melanin-concentrating hormone and no melanin-concentrating hormone-immunoreactive processes were evident in the intergeniculate leaflet. The results show that a small number of lateral hypothalamus cells containing Hcrt-immunoreactivity project to the intergeniculate leaflet, but they are scattered rather than collected into a discrete group. At the present time there is no information regarding the function of these cells, although they may contribute to the regulation of sleep/arousal, circadian rhythmicity, or vestibulo-oculomotor function. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The glyA gene encoding a serine hydroxymethyl transferase (SHMT) with threonine aldolase activity was isolated from Streptococcus thermophilus YKA-184 chromosomal DNA. This aldolase is a pyridoxal 5′-phosphate-dependent enzyme that stereospecifically catalyzes the interconversion of l-threonine to glycine and acetaldehyde. The enzyme was overexpressed in Escherichia coli M15 as a recombinant protein of 45 kDa with a His6-tag at its N-terminus. The recombinant enzyme was purified to homogeneity by a single chromatographic step using Ni-nitrilotriacetic acid affinity, obtaining a high activity-recovery yield (83%). Lyophilized and precipitated enzymes were stable at least for 10 weeks when stored at −20°C and 4°C. It was observed that the K m for l- allo-threonine was 38-fold higher than that for l-threonine, suggesting this enzyme can be classified as a specific l- allo-threonine aldolase. The optimum pH range of threonine aldolase activity for the recombinant SHMT was pH 6–7. When tested for aldol addition reactions with non-natural aldehydes, such as benzyloxyacetaldehyde and ( R)- N-Cbz-alaninal, two possible β-hydroxy-α-amino acid diastereoisomers were produced, but with moderate stereospecificity. The enzyme showed potential as a biocatalyst for the stereoselective synthesis of β-hydroxy-α-amino acids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An ultrastructural and quantitative study of age-related changes in the capillaries of the dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus was carried out using male Wistar rats aged 3, 24, and 28 months. The most important structural changes were found in the basal lamina: thickenings either homogeneously distributed or in specific points; spurs towards the astrocyte sheath; and osmiophilic membrane-like inclusions located within the basal lamina. Endothelial cells and pericytes showed an increase in inclusions and dense bodies in the cytoplasm. The quantitative study showed that the most pronounced alteration was the thickening of the basal lamina, which existed at 24 months. Later, at 28 months, thinning of the endothelial cells was observed together with an increase in mitochondria size and the number of pinocytic vesicles. These changes could be an endothelial cell response to compensate for the increasing transport difficulties caused by the thickening of the basal lamina.The progressive age-related changes observed in the structure of the capillaries might have an effect on the regulation of blood and brain tissue exchanges, and thus might contribute to the development of degenerative alterations in surrounding aging neurones. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Using optical and atomic force microscopy we determined the growth rate of polymer crystals in thin films of low molecular weight poly(styrene-ethyleneoxid) block copolymers. We focused in particular on films either thinner or slightly thicker than the thickness of a crystalline lamella (L). At a given temperature, three distinctly different growth rates were observed for i) crystals grown from adsorbed monolayers thinner than L, ii) “primary” compact lamellar crystals in films thicker than L and iii) “secondary” crystals formed from molecules remaining on top of ii). The growth rate of primary crystals did not indicate a dependence on film thickness. Crystals from monolayers grew by a factor of 30 more slowly than primary crystals. Secondary crystals grew faster than crystals from monolayers but slower than primary crystals and the degree of deviation from the growth rate of primary crystals was found to depend on the value of L, which varied with temperature. The mechanisms responsible for the differences in growth rate are discussed in terms of the amount of available polymers and the controlling influence of diffusion towards the crystal front. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High-resolution benthic oxygen isotope and XRF (Fe and Ca) records from Site 1085 drilled in the Mid-Cape basin (ODP Leg 175) are used to investigate global climate changes during the Late Miocene in relation to Messinian geological events. The cyclic fluctuations of the time series at Site 1085 enable us to establish a reliable chronology for the time interval 7.3–4.7 Ma. Spectral analysis of the δ18O record indicates that the 41-kyr period of orbital obliquity dominates the Late Miocene record. A global climate record was extracted from the oxygen isotopic composition of benthic foraminifera. Both long- and short-term variabilities in the climate record are discussed in terms of sea-level and deep-water temperature changes. The time interval 7.3–6.25 Ma characterized by low-amplitude δ18O variations is followed by a period marked by maximum in the δ18O values (6.25–5.57 Ma). At about 5.56 Ma, a rapid decrease in δ18O values is documented that may reflect a warming of deep-water temperature associated with a global warming period. Comparison between the timing of the oceanic isotope events and the chronology of the Mediterranean Salinity Crisis suggest that global eustatic processes were not essential in the Mediterranean Salinity Crisis history. From our data, we infer that the global warmth documented in the Early/mid-Pliocene probably started during the Late Miocene (at 5.55 Ma). At the same time, the onset of evaporite deposition in the central basin of the Mediterranean Sea took place. Sharp changes in the sedimentation rates, mainly driven by terrigenous input at this site, are observed during the Messinian Stage. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The article presents a reprint of the article "Targeting the reconsolidation of extinction memories: a novel potential strategy to treat anxiety disorders," by L. E. Rosas-Vidal and colleagues which appeared online in the September 15, 2015 issue. It focuses on the treatment of anxiety through memory extinction-based therapy. Topics include its implication brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), the BDNF time frame, and activation of BDNF-tropomyosin receptor kinase B (TrkB) signaling.

A new portable electrochemical sensor based on 4-aminobenzoic acid-modified herringbone carbon nanotubes (hCNTs-4ABA/Au-IDA) has been developed for the simultaneous determination of ascorbic acid (AA) and uric acid (UA) in physiological fluids. AA and UA were quantified by chronoamperometry at 0.1 and 0.32 V, respectively, in phosphate buffer solution (PBS 0.25 M, pH 7.0). Significant results were obtained for the separate quantification of AA and UA, with a limit of detection (LOD) of 0.65 μM for both analytes, and sensitivities of (9.0 ± 0.4) A g −1 mM −1 and (8.8 ± 0.3) A g −1 mM −1 for AA and UA, respectively. Repeatability was studied at 50 μM for AA and UA, providing relative standard deviations (RSD) lower than 9%. Additions of glucose, dopamine and epinephrine did not interfere with the AA and UA determination. Furthermore, UA did not interfere with AA determination at 0.1 V, although AA additions increased the current recorded at 0.32 V. The method has been successfully applied to human urine, perspiration and serum samples, without significant matrix effects, which allows for the use of an external calibration and the analysis of all the matrices investigated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a numerical procedure based on a distribution approach for doing parameter estimation in nonlinear dynamical models. The originality of the paper is first, to present a complete study of the errors due to the method and due to the noise on the signal then, to apply it to a recent model describing the transmission of the chikungunya virus to the human population. The advantage of this numerical procedure is not to require any knowledge about the value of the parameters or about the statistics of measurement uncertainties. Furthermore, it attenuates a part of the noise improving consequently the results of the parameter estimation. The numerical results attest the relevance of this approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Impaired apoptosis is a common feature of cancer cells and may contribute to chemoresistance. LCL161 is an oral small molecule antagonist of Inhibitor of Apoptosis Proteins (IAPs) that sensitizes a subset of tumors from diverse lineages to treatment with cytotoxic therapies, including paclitaxel. Multiple breast cancer models are sensitive to LCL161 as a single agent and LCL161 acts synergistically with paclitaxel in these models. A phase I study established an LCL161 dose of 1800 mg once weekly as well tolerated, with strong evidence of pharmacodynamic activity at doses ≥320 mg. This ongoing phase Ib study defines the dose limiting toxicities (DLTs), maximum tolerated dose (MTD), safety, and pharmacokinetics (PK) of LCL161 in combination with weekly paclitaxel. Methods: Patients with advanced/metastatic solid tumors were treated with paclitaxel 80 mg/m² each week followed by escalating doses of LCL161 administered once weekly immediately following paclitaxel. PK and biomarker sampling was performed. Results: Thirty-two patients have received LCL161 doses of 600 mg (n = 3), 1200 mg (n = 5), 1500 mg (n = 4), and 1800 mg (n = 20). The most frequent adverse events considered LCL161-related included diarrhea (n = 11; 1 Grade 3), nausea (n = 8), fatigue (n = 7; 2 Grade 3), peripheral neuropathy (n = 6; 1 Grade 3), vomiting (n = 6), decreased appetite (n = 5), alopecia (n = 4), and anemia (n = 4). The principal DLTs were neutropenia, fatigue, and neuropathy. Significant cytokine release syndrome, the DLT of single-agent LCL161, has not been observed likely due to the use of dexamethasone as a premedication. No PK interaction between LCL161 and paclitaxel was observed. RECIST partial responses have been observed in 4 patients with diverse tumor types, including breast cancer. Preliminary antitumor activity in the expansion cohort with breast cancer patients will be presented. Discussion: LCL161 and paclitaxel combination therapy is well tolerated, with manageable toxicities and no evidence of a PK interaction that might interfere with the activity of either agent. Enrollment of additional patients with breast and ovarian cancer into an expansion cohort is ongoing, utilizing an approach to identify those more likely to respond to treatment with IAP antagonists. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Meso- and macroporous tungsten disulfide (WS 2 ) and tungsten nitride (W 2 N) powders were successfully synthesized by reduction of [WO 3 /colloidal silica] composites under hydrogen sulfide and ammonia gases respectively. The colloidal silica, marketed as Ludox ® , was used as a hard template and its removal from the composite led to a porosity release. The products were characterized by X-ray diffraction, nitrogen adsorption, mercury porosimetry and electron microscopy. Well-crystallized samples with specific surfaces areas close to ~40 m 2 g −1 were thus synthesized. The present approach might be easily extended to the synthesis of other nitrides and sulfides materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gold interdigitated microelectrodes (Au-IDA) modified with either graphene flakes exfoliated using flavin mononucleotide (FMN) (Gr-FMN) or graphene flakes and platinum nanoparticles (Pt-Gr-FMN) have been studied in the oxidation of uric acid (UA). An electrochemical method for the detection and quantification of UA in phosphate buffer solution at physiological pH (PBS, 0.25 M, pH 7) in the absence and presence of ascorbic acid (AA) has been studied by cyclic voltammetry. The quantification of UA was investigated by cyclic voltammetry, presenting an oxidation peak at 0.99 V with both modified electrodes. Linearity range of 60–578 μM and 60–345 μM has been found for Gr-FMN/Au-IDA and Pt-Gr-FMN/Au-IDA electrodes, respectively. Limits of detection of 18 μM were obtained for both electrodes, and the repeatability was studied at 177 μM providing 4% and 8% for Gr-FMN/Au-IDA and Pt-Gr-FMN/Au-IDA, respectively. AA interference has been studied by cyclic voltammetry, showing two clearly separated oxidation peaks, at 0.99 V for UA oxidation and at 0.74 V for Gr-FMN/Au-IDA and 0.70 V for Pt-Gr-FMN/Au-IDA for AA oxidation. Linearity range has been studied in presence of 250 μM AA obtaining a working range of 60–578 μM for Gr-FMN/Au-IDA electrode and of 60–288 μM with Pt-Gr-FMN/Au-IDA electrode. Limits of detection remain at 18 μM for both electrodes and the repeatability was studied at 177 μM providing 8% and 14% for Gr-FMN/Au-IDA and Pt-Gr-FMN/Au-IDA electrodes respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the SOLO2 trial (ENGOT Ov-21; NCT01874353), maintenance olaparib in patients with platinum-sensitive relapsed ovarian cancer (PSROC) and BRCA mutation significantly improved progression-free survival (PFS) and prolonged overall survival (OS). Following disease progression on olaparib, efficacy of subsequent chemotherapy remains unknown. We conducted a post-hoc hypothesis-generating analysis of SOLO2 data to determine the efficacy of different chemotherapy regimens following RECIST disease progression in patients who received olaparib or placebo. We evaluated time to second progression (TTSP) calculated from the date of RECIST progression to the next progression/death. The study population comprised 147 patients who received chemotherapy as their first subsequent treatment after RECIST progression. Of these, 69 (47%) and 78 (53%) were originally randomized to placebo and olaparib arms, respectively. In the placebo-treated cohort, 27/69 and 42/69 received non-platinum and platinum-based chemotherapy, respectively, compared with 24/78 and 54/78, respectively, in the olaparib-treated cohort. Among patients treated with chemotherapy (N = 147), TTSP was significantly longer in the placebo than in the olaparib arm: 12.1 versus 6.9 months [hazard ratio (HR) 2.17, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.47-3.19]. Similar result was obtained on multivariable analysis adjusting for prognostic factors at RECIST progression (HR 2.13, 95% CI 1.41-3.22). Among patients treated with platinum-based chemotherapy (n = 96), TTSP was significantly longer in the placebo arm: 14.3 versus 7.0 months (HR 2.89, 95% CI 1.73-4.82). Conversely, among patients treated with non-platinum-based chemotherapy (n = 51), the TTSP was comparable in the placebo and olaparib arms: 8.3 versus 6.0 months (HR 1.58, 95% CI 0.86-2.90). Following progression from maintenance olaparib in the recurrent setting, the efficacy of platinum-based subsequent chemotherapy seems to be reduced in BRCA1/2 -mutated patients with PSROC compared to patients not previously receiving poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase inhibitors (PARPi). The optimal strategy for patients who relapse after PARPi is an area of ongoing research. • Progression on olaparib may diminish the efficacy of platinum-based subsequent chemotherapy for recurrent ovarian cancer. • The disease progression patterns are similar in patients receiving either olaparib or placebo. • Characterization of the mechanisms of resistance is crucial for the development of new treatments for these patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article reports on a case of orbital mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma with breast involvement in a 71-year -old woman detected by fluorodeocyglucose positron emission tomography (F-FDG-PET). FDG-PET showed an area of moderate hypermetabolism in the left breast. Breast lesion showed non-Hodgkin lymphoma consistent with MALT lymphoma.

Graphite is a widely used anode electrode material for Li-ion batteries. When the anode is polarized to a low potential, the electrolyte reduction products form a film called SEI (Solid Electrolyte Interphase) playing a crucial role in the reversibility of the electrochemical cycling. This SEI layer is preferentially formed through the carbon edge planes that can be divided into two main categories with different reactivity: zigzag and armchair edges. Main objective of this work is to experimentally study the influence of the carbon edge atoms configuration on SEI formation and consequently on the electrochemical performance of the electrode. In this aim, a preferential etching method based on oxygen or water gasification was first developed to control zigzag and armchair edge concentration. A range of graphite samples having different reactivity could be prepared and electrochemically tested. Experimental results point out that the carbon edge atom configuration is an important parameter controlling the reactivity of the graphite toward the electrolyte. In particular, a carbon material having a high concentration of zigzag edge carbon atoms is not recommended for the formation of an ad hoc SEI. As a result, the co-intercalation of solvent is enhanced leading to an exfoliation tendency of the electrode. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The hydrological conditions during the Last Glacial Maximum in the Eastern Mediterranean have long been debated. In particular, very little is known about the development of high-altitude glaciers in this region. In the present study, morphological and sedimentological evidence, such as U-shape valleys, glacial cirques, and morainic ridges, are used to identify past glaciers on the western slopes of Mount Lebanon, which is by far the highest topography along the eastern Mediterranean coast (3088 m a.s.l.). The geometry of three paleo-glaciers is reconstructed: one 8-km-long glacial tongue stretching from the highest peak down to an elevation of about 2000 m a.s.l., and two small glacial cirques located at about 2300 m a.s.l. The age of maximum glacier advance is constrained from a 10-m-deep 36Cl depth-profile within the diamicton of one terminal moraine, and yields an early LGM timing (between 25.4 ± 3.1 ka and 31.2 ± 4.5 ka), which agrees with the chronology of the last maximum glacier extension in the Eastern Mediterranean. The three glaciers together form a consistent group, compatible with an Equilibrium Line Altitude (ELA) at 2400 m estimated using the Accumulation Area Ratio method. A degree-day model is further used to infer the temperature and precipitation conditions required to depress the LGM ELA to 2400 m. Our results suggest that the observed glacier extent is compatible with early LGM paleo-temperature records of the area only under the condition of decreased precipitation relative to modern times. These findings thus support an early LGM climate of the Levant region that was drier than today. • First evidence of LGM glaciers in the southeastern Mediterranean (Mount Lebanon; 34.25°N) are provided. • The geometry of three glaciers is reconstructed and constrains the LGM Equilibrium Line Altitude at about 2400 m a.s.l. • Glacial and climate modeling indicates a drier LGM climate than today. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The fine fraction of carbon black (CB) sample N234, initially prepared by the furnace process, was obtained by sieving and it was then dispersed in aqueous medium at various aqueous phase pH. Further, adsorption from water onto this non porous CB particles, of polystyrene-polyethylene oxide (PS-PEO), non ionic diblock copolymers, having molecular weights, M w = 2000 and M w = 4000 g/mol, were investigated at ambient temperature. For the bare CB particles, prepared in the absence of copolymers, the TEM micrographs show aggregates and/or agglomerates having sizes depending of the aqueous phase pH, and formed from fused primary particles having sizes in the range 13–17 nm. These aggregates develop intra-porosity that result from their branching shape. The CB bare particles prepared in acidic aqueous dispersion form mostly ellipsoidal agglomerates having sizes exceeding 500 nm. However, by increasing the pH of the medium from pH = 3 to pH = 10, and after drying the CB dispersion, aggregates shaped as “bunch” of grapes and having smaller sizes are observed by TEM. The microelectrophoresis studies of these dispersions indicate that the CB particles are positively and negatively surface charged at pH values, respectively, below and above the Isoelectrical point (IEP) which is about pH ∼ 6. Such electrokinetic behavior of the CB aqueous dispersion results from the presence on the CB surface of acidic and basic functional groups. However, upon PS-PEO copolymers adsorption onto CB, reduction in the magnitude of zeta potential, and shift of the Isoelectrical point (IEP) to lower pH values were observed. Such IEP shift is related to the copolymer adsorption on the Stern layer and to the position of the shear plane in the electrical double layer. In addition, the copolymer adsorption was found to reduce the CB particle size achieving a minimum value in water of about 200 nm, resulting in sterically stable CB aqueous dispersions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acrylate functionalities were grafted at the surface of carbon fibers in order to improve the adhesion strength with an acrylate matrix cured by electron beam. An isocyanate bearing aliphatic urethane acrylate was used as a coupling agent. As revealed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, the isocyanate groups reacted with carboxylic acids and hydroxyl groups located at the surface of the fiber, leading to a covalent bonding of the acrylate groups. The adhesion strength was measured by a micromechanical test derived from the pull-out test. A significant improvement of the interfacial shear strength was obtained (+91%) with an electron beam curing. For comparison, an isothermal cure by UV was also investigated and led to the same level of adhesion strength. The improvement was also proved by an increase in the 90° flexural strength of unidirectional composites (+38%). Grafting functionalities that were compatible with the radical mechanism of the polymerization of the matrix appeared to be a promising strategy for the improvement of the mechanical properties of carbon fiber–acrylate composites cured by electron beam. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oxygen plasma was used to modify the surface properties of carbon fibers and their adhesion strength with an acrylate resin cured by electron beam. A characterization of the surface topography and the surface chemistry was carried out (topography at a micrometric and nanometric scale, specific surface area, temperature programmed desorption, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy). The topography remained unchanged. Regarding the surface chemistry, carboxylic acids, alcohols, lactones, and ethers were created and their location was at the outer surface of the fibers. A pull-out test was used to measure the adhesion strength with the acrylate resin cured by electron beam. For comparison, an isothermal UV curing was also investigated. The value of the interfacial shear strength was increased only in the case of UV curing. No improvement was observed with electron beam curing, which highlighted the generation of an interphase, the mechanical properties of which are dependent on the processing conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

A time-dependent oxidation of carbon fibers in boiling nitric acid was used to investigate the influence of a modification of the fiber surface properties on the adhesion strength with an acrylate resin cured by electron beam (EB). For each time of treatment, a characterization of the surface topography and the surface chemistry was done (topography at a micrometric and nanometric scale, specific surface area, temperature programmed desorption, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis). The oxidation of the fiber surface in boiling nitric acid created a rough surface, which significantly increased the specific surface area, and also generated a high density of hydroxyl groups, carboxylic acids and lactones in comparison to untreated fibers. The adhesion strength with the acrylate resin cured by EB was measured by a pull-out test. For comparison, an isothermal ultraviolet curing of the matrix was also investigated. The value of the interfacial shear strength, determined by the Greszczuk's model, was increased by the oxidation of the carbon fiber surface for both curing processes, but lower values were systemically obtained with EB curing. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Oxidized and non-oxidized carbon fibers were used to investigate the influence of an oxidation surface treatment on the adhesion strength with an acrylate resin cured by electron beam. For each type of fiber, a complete characterization of the surface properties was done (topography at a nanometric scale, specific surface area, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis and dispersive and polar components of the surface energy). The adhesion strength was measured by a pull-out test. For comparison, an isothermal UV curing of the matrix was also investigated. The value of the interfacial shear strength, determined by Greszczuk''s model, was increased by the oxidation of the carbon fiber surface in the case of UV curing. In the case of electron beam curing, low values were obtained for both types of fibers, which could be explained by an incomplete cure of the matrix at the interface. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background: The clinical significance of incidental venous thrombosis (IVT) is uncertain. The objective of this study was to compare the clinical characteristics and the outcome of cancer patients with IVT with those of patients with symptomatic venous thrombosis (SVT).Patients and methods: Prospective observational study enrolling consecutive cancer patients newly diagnosed with venous thromboembolism (May 2006–April 2009). Diagnosis of IVT was based on vascular filling defects in scheduled computed tomography scans in the absence of clinical symptoms. Anticoagulant therapy was routinely prescribed regardless of SVT or IVT.Results: IVT was diagnosed in 94 out of 340 (28%) patients. Patients with IVT were older (63.7 ± 10.5 versus 60.8 ± 10.5 years, P = 0.035), more frequently had metastatic cancer (82% versus 65%, P = 0.01) and were less likely to be receiving chemotherapy at the time of the thrombotic event (53% versus 67%, P = 0.018). Mean follow-up was 477 days. A lower risk of venous rethromboses was observed in patients with IVT (log-rank P = 0.043), with no differences in major bleeding and overall survival compared with SVT patients.Conclusions: A high proportion of venous thrombotic events in cancer patients are diagnosed incidentally during scheduled imaging. Prospective controlled trials evaluating the optimal therapy in this setting are required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]