Search

Anti-synthetase syndrome constitutes a dynamically evolving subset of Idiopathic Inflammatory Myopathy, however, the nomenclature and abbreviations for this syndrome are plagued by heterogeneity, leading to lack of consistency in literature. The objective of this study is to evaluate existing diversity in disease names and abbreviations, with a future goal to develop consensus on the nomenclature. A scoping review format was used for analysis. A comprehensive PUBMED search was conducted from January 1, 1984 (the initial description of anti-synthetase autoantibodies) to November 30, 2023, encompassing all pertinent articles published within this timeframe. Search terms included, ((antisynthetase syndrome) OR (anti synthetase syndrome)) OR (anti-synthetase syndrome)). The articles were screened for presence of terminology and abbreviations used. The search yielded 936 items with the specified terms. After excluding 303 irrelevant articles and 58 non-English publications, the remaining n = 575 articles underwent detailed review of the abstract and full article. Out of n = 575, 54.7% (n = 314) used 'antisynthetase syndrome' and 43.4% (n = 249) preferred 'anti-synthetase syndrome' with few novel names also. Among these, 394 articles used abbreviations while 181 did not. Most utilized term was ASS; in 64.7% (n = 255), followed AS in 11.9% (n = 47), ASSD in 9.9% (n = 39) and ASyS in 7.6% (n = 30). A discordance in nomenclature is evident, with about half using antisynthetase syndrome and other half using anti-synthetase syndrome. Moreover, significant heterogeneity exists in abbreviation use aswell. There is a pressing need to bridge this disparity and establish a uniform identifier for the disease with an objective to develop greater coherence in future research, educational initiatives, and interdisciplinary collaboration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Liuyi Huang,* Xiaoxia Huang,* Wei Zhou, Yanting Jiang, Haiqing Zhu, Yuehong Lao, Zhenjia Deng, Yuting Tang, Jian Wang, Xi Li Department of Clinical Laboratory, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Key Laboratory of Clinical Laboratory Medicine of Guangxi Department of Education, Nanning, Guangxi, 530021, People’s Republic of China*These authors contributed equally to this workCorrespondence: Xi Li; Jian Wang, Department of Clinical Laboratory, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Key Laboratory of Clinical Laboratory Medicine of Guangxi Department of Education, No. 6 Shuangyong Road, Nanning, Guangxi, 530021, People’s Republic of China, Email cicicats@126.com; wangjian616161@163.comObjective: Idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIM) are classified into four subgroups: dermatomyositis (DM), anti-synthetase syndrome (ASS), immune-mediated necrotizing myopathy (IMNM), and sporadic inclusion body myositis (sIBM); however, the role of LGALS3BP in IIM remains unclear. Our study aimed to explore the ability of LGALS3BP to discriminate between the IIM subtypes. The correlation between serum LGALS3BP levels, clinical features, and inflammatory markers in patients with IIM was also assessed.Methods: Based on the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database, we used bioinformatics analysis to screen for overlapping extracellular protein-differentially expressed genes between any two groups of DM, ASS, IMNM, and healthy controls (HCs). This study enrolled 84 patients with IIM and 36 HCs, and participant baseline data and laboratory parameters were recorded. Serum LGALS3BP levels were measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).Results: Through bioinformatics analysis, LGALS3BP was selected as a potential biomarker for the identification of DM, ASS, IMNM, and HC. LGALS3BP expression decreased sequentially in the DM, ASS, IMNM, and HC groups, with significant differences among the two groups. The ELISA results were similar to those of the bioinformatics analysis; however, the difference in serum LGALS3BP expression between DM and ASS was not statistically significant. According to the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis, using HC as the control group, the area under the curve (AUC) values of serum LGALS3BP levels for the diagnosis of IIM, DM, and ASS were > 0.8. In addition, patients with elevated serum LGALS3BP levels had a higher prevalence of interstitial lung disease (ILD). Serum LGALS3BP levels correlated with inflammatory markers.Conclusion: LGALS3BP is differentially expressed in DM, ASS, IMNM, and HC and may assist in assessing the severity of IIM-ILD.Keywords: LGALS3BP, idiopathic inflammatory myopathies, dermatomyositis, anti-synthetase syndrome, immune-mediated necrotizing myopathy, interstitial lung disease

Abstract Automatic Speech Scoring (ASS) has increasingly become a useful tool in oral proficiency testing for Second Language (L2) learners. However, limited studies investigate the alignment of ASS indices with the Complexity, Accuracy, and Fluency (CAF)—the three dimensions in evaluating L2 speakers’ oral proficiency, and the subsequent impact indices on the oral performance of Chinese college students. To bridge this gap, this study used comparative analysis, Pearson analysis, and linear regression analysis to delve into the relationship and correlations between paired ASS indicators of “pronunciation”, “fluency”, “integrity”, “speed”, “duration”, and “overall”, while also analyzing the relationships between “overall” and other variables. These analyses were conducted using 956 audio clips of freshmen who took the College English Test-Spoken English Test Band 4 (CET-SET-4) in May 2022 in China. The findings reveal that (1) the ASS indicators and evaluation methods are similar but not identical to those employed in prior studies; (2) “pronunciation” encapsulates both the accuracy and fluency dimensions of CAF; (3) “pronunciation” and “integrity” have significant impacts on Chinese college students’ oral English performance in read-aloud tasks. The study suggests that future research should further investigate the specific pronunciation challenges faced by Chinese college students, such as phonetics, stress, and intonation. Additionally, it highlights the need to comprehend teachers’ attitudes and preferences towards ASS to enhance its effectiveness in assessing second language (L2) learners’ oral proficiency. The study would provide some references to teachers for oral English teaching design and students for their self-assessment of oral English proficiencies.

Background: The relationship between white matter hyperintensities (WMH) and the core features of Alzheimer's disease (AD) remains controversial. Further, due to the prevalence of co-pathologies, the precise role of WMH in cognition and neurodegeneration also remains uncertain. Methods: Herein, we analyzed 1803 participants with available WMH volume data, extracted from the ADNI database, including 756 cognitively normal controls, 783 patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and 264 patients with dementia. Participants were grouped according to cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) pathology (A/T profile) severity. Linear regression analysis was applied to evaluate the factors associated with WMH volume. Modeled by linear mixedeffects, the increase rates (Δ) of the WMH volume, cognition, and typical neurodegenerative markers were assessed. The predictive effectiveness of WMH volume was subsequently tested using Cox regression analysis, and the relationship between WMH/ΔWMH and other indicators such as cognition was explored through linear regression analyses. Furthermore, we explored the interrelationship among amyloid-ß deposition, cognition, and WMH using mediation analysis. Results: Higher WMH volume was associated with older age, lower CSF amyloid-ß levels, hypertension, and smoking history (all p = 0.001), as well as cognitive status (MCI, p < 0.001; dementia, p = 0.008), but not with CSF tau levels. These results were further verified in any clinical stage, except hypertension and smoking history in the dementia stage. Although WMH could not predict dementia conversion, its increased levels at baseline were associated with a worse cognitive performance and a more rapid memory decline. Longitudinal analyses showed that baseline dementia and positive amyloid-ß status were associated with a greater accrual of WMH volume, and a higher ΔWMH was also correlated with a faster cognitive decline. In contrast, except entorhinal cortex thickness, the WMH volume was not found to be associated with any other neurodegenerative markers. To a lesser extent, WMH mediates the relationship between amyloid-ß and cognition. Conclusion: WMH are non-specific lesions that are associated with amyloid-ß deposition, cognitive status, and a variety of vascular risk factors. Despite evidence indicating only a weak relationship with neurodegeneration, early intervention to reduce WMH lesions remains a high priority for preserving cognitive function in the elderly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Automatic Speech Scoring (ASS) has increasingly become a useful tool in oral proficiency testing for Second Language (L2) learners. However, limited studies investigate the alignment of ASS indices with the Complexity, Accuracy, and Fluency (CAF)—the three dimensions in evaluating L2 speakers' oral proficiency, and the subsequent impact indices on the oral performance of Chinese college students. To bridge this gap, this study used comparative analysis, Pearson analysis, and linear regression analysis to delve into the relationship and correlations between paired ASS indicators of "pronunciation", "fluency", "integrity", "speed", "duration", and "overall", while also analyzing the relationships between "overall" and other variables. These analyses were conducted using 956 audio clips of freshmen who took the College English Test-Spoken English Test Band 4 (CET-SET-4) in May 2022 in China. The findings reveal that (1) the ASS indicators and evaluation methods are similar but not identical to those employed in prior studies; (2) "pronunciation" encapsulates both the accuracy and fluency dimensions of CAF; (3) "pronunciation" and "integrity" have significant impacts on Chinese college students' oral English performance in read-aloud tasks. The study suggests that future research should further investigate the specific pronunciation challenges faced by Chinese college students, such as phonetics, stress, and intonation. Additionally, it highlights the need to comprehend teachers' attitudes and preferences towards ASS to enhance its effectiveness in assessing second language (L2) learners' oral proficiency. The study would provide some references to teachers for oral English teaching design and students for their self-assessment of oral English proficiencies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acid sulfate soils (ASS) containing hypersulfidic material (pH >4) can, when drained, transform to ASS with a thionic horizon (pH <4), which can cause environmental effects due to the formation of sulfuric acid and the consequent mobilization and leaching of metals and acid into waterways, as well as cause geotechnical problems. Yet, the occurrence of ASS has till now not been a topic of research in Norway. The present pilot study was carried out on an area along the northern coast of Norway. Thirty‐nine localities were sampled and analysed near Alta. Of these, six were classified as ASS with either hypersulfidic or parahypersulfidic material. ASS is not as widespread as within the Baltic Sea area, but the analyses document the occurrence of ASS with hypersulfidic material with high acidifying potential in certain areas if oxidized. This pilot study shows that ASS occurs in specific areas. Three localities with documented ASS were studied in greater detail. Here, sections were excavated and analysed to help with the understanding of the geological context of these occurrences. In this way, the geological prerequisites considered of importance of soils with ASS with hypersulfidic material are outlined. The prerequisites for ASS occurrence that evolved during this study include young, marine, fine‐grained deposits and a low relief environment subjected to episodic sedimentation but otherwise calm water and little water exchange. The results are a starting point for further studies of ASS occurrences along the Norwegian coast. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fishery products in Indonesia serve as a vital source of nutrition for the local population and are significant export commodities. However, the presence of chemicals, particularly heavy metals such as lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd), nearing safety thresholds, has led to export rejections. The aim of this research is to detect heavy metal contaminants in fishery products using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry (AAS). This research was conducted at the Fish Quarantine and Inspection Agency Denpasar, Bali. A total of 17 samples of fishery products intended for international export were analyzed. The results of the tests revealed that none of the samples exceeded the allowable threshold for heavy metal contamination.

Copyright of Zeitschrift für Psychosomatische Medizin und Psychotherapie is the property of Vandenhoeck & Ruprecht GmbH & Co. KG and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

In this case study, we report the case of a 13-year-old girl with citrullinemia type 1 (MIM #215700), an autosomal recessive inherited disorder of the urea cycle, which was confirmed by the identification of a homozygous pathogenic variant in the argininosuccinate synthetase 1 (ASS1) gene. However, the patient presented abnormal hyperkinetic movements with global developmental delay and clinical signs that were not fully consistent with those of citrullinemia type 1 or with those of her siblings with isolated citrullinemia type 1. Exome sequencing showed the presence of a de novo heterozygous pathogenic variant in the adenylate cyclase type 5 (ADCY5) gene. The variant confirmed the overlap with the so-called ADCY5-related dyskinesia with orofacial involvement, which is autosomal dominant (MIM #606703), a disorder disrupting the enzymatic conversion of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) to cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP). In addition to the citrullinemia-related low-protein diet and arginine supplementation, the identification of this second disease led to the introduction of a treatment with caeine, which considerably improved the dyskinesia neurological picture. In conclusion, this case highlights the importance of clinical-biological confrontation for the interpretation of genetic variants, as one hereditary metabolic disease may hide another with therapeutic consequences. Summary: This article reports the misleading superposition of two inherited metabolic diseases, showing the importance of clinical-biological confrontation in the interpretation of genetic variants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The relationship between the gut microbiome and various organ systems has gained interest throughout the scientific community in recent times. The understanding of these complex relationships has greatly improved with clinical benefits now being seen. Cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) is a form of extracorporeal circulation that provides circulatory and respiratory support during cardiac surgery. This physiological support facilitates a still and bloodless field facilitating operations on the heart to be performed. Through various mechanisms CPB results in a systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS). This response can vary from mild hypotension to multiple organ failure. It remains difficult to predict the degree to which a patient will experience SIRS post-operatively. The relationship between the composition of the gut microbiome and inflammatory processes associated with disease has been seen across several fields including gastroenterology, neurology, psychiatry and cardiology. To date, minimal research has been undertaken to examine the impact the gut microbiome has on outcomes following cardiac surgery. This review paper explores the pathophysiology behind the SIRS response associated with CPB for cardiac surgery and the hypothesis that a correlation exists between a patients gut microbiome composition and the degree of inflammatory response experienced following cardiac surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the complete cDNA sequence of argininosuccinate synthetase was cloned in the saltwater clam Meretrix meretrix using the rapid amplification of cDNA ends (RACE) approach. The complete MmASS cDNA measures 1588 bp in length with an open reading frame encoding 415 amino acids. The molecular weight of MmASS was 46.81 kD and the theoretical isoelectric point was 5.51. The deduced MmASS protein comprises six conserved sequences, containing the substrate-binding residues for ATP, aspartate and citrulline. The results of the multiple amino acid alignment and the phylogenetic analysis showed that MmASS exhibited high amino acid sequence identity with other species. MmASS also had a close phylogenetic relationship with Sinonovacula constricta. Overall, similar functions might exist in M. meretrix and other species. Predicted subcellular localization suggested that MmASS is a cytosolic enzyme. The expression levels of MmASS were distributed in all of the examined tissues. MmASS was most highly expressed in the gill (P<0.05), followed by the hepatopancreas. These results indicated that MmASS was involved in various physiological activities of different tissues and may play an important role in the immune mechanisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Cameroon Academy of Sciences Journal is the property of Cameroon Academy of Sciences and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Comprehensive reports of the caseload of donkeys and mules in veterinary hospitals in the United States are lacking. We compiled the information of the caseload of donkeys and mules at the Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital at the University of California, Davis for a ten-year period, from 2008 to 2017. The overall equid caseload was 94,147, of which 996 (1.06%) were donkeys and mules. Most of the neonates seen were mules. Most miniature donkeys were between 2 and 10 years of age, and standard donkeys and mules were 10 to 20 years old. The body condition scores were predominantly high, especially in donkeys. Most miniature and standard donkeys resided in sanctuary and rescue farms and their use was not stated. Most mules were used for riding, packing or driving. Medical complaints represented 62% of the total visits and wellness visits represented 38% of total visits. The donkeys and mules in the case population described here received a good standard of veterinary care with regular vaccinations, deworming, routine dental care, and treatment of ailments. Our study is the first report of the life expectancy, use, body condition, preventative health and veterinary medical care of a population of donkeys and mules in the western United States.

Acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) creates an immunosuppressive environment to conventional T cells through Arginase 2 (ARG2)-induced arginine depletion. We identify that AML blasts release the acute phase protein serum amyloid A (SAA), which acts in an autocrine manner to upregulate ARG2 expression and activity, and promote AML blast viability. Following in vitro cross-talk invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cells become activated, upregulate mitochondrial capacity, and release IFN-γ. iNKT retain their ability to proliferate and be activated despite the low arginine AML environment, due to the upregulation of Large Neutral Amino Acid Transporter-1 (LAT-1) and Argininosuccinate Synthetase 1 (ASS)-dependent amino acid pathways, resulting in AML cell death. T cell proliferation is restored in vitro and in vivo. The capacity of iNKT cells to restore antigen-specific T cell immunity was similarly demonstrated against myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) in wild-type and Jα18−/− syngeneic lymphoma-bearing models in vivo. Thus, stimulation of iNKT cell activity has the potential as an immunotherapy against AML or as an adjunct to boost antigen-specific T cell immunotherapies in haematological or solid cancers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Perspektive Mediation is the property of Verlag Oesterreich GmbH and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

In recent years, the suspension system in modern vehicles has played a key role both as far as driving safety and comfort is concerned. To satisfy these vehicle performance specifications, active suspension is currently studied and implemented in practice in recent decades. In contrast to passive suspensions, by introducing force into system, active suspension can alter the suspension dynamic in real-time. A design of a controller is needed for real-time tuning of the control force in an active suspension system (ASS) to fulfill the challenging control objectives of suspension system comprising road handling, ride convenience, and travel suspension. This research proposed a novel ant colony optimization (ACO) algorithm for solving multi-objective weight optimization problem of the linear quadratic regulator (LQR) for automobiles ASS. The optimization problem of ASS is to design a state-feedback controller (SFC) as a result ACO is used to find optimal LQR weights. Here both Q and R weight matrix of LQR is tuned. On a quarter-car ASS (QCASS) system, the effectiveness of ACO-tuned LQR is analytically checked with hardware in loop (HIL) analysis for an irregular road surface. Here, for experiment, ISO road D rough runway, bumpy path, and pulse-type road profile are taken into account. Experimental findings illustrate that the proposed procedure can substantially reduce the acceleration of the Car body due to irregular road profiles compared to classical tuned LQR and model predictive control (MPC). The proposed controller shows the profound impact on the efficiency of the control schemes for three different road profiles.

e sport en milieu scolaire est un moyen d’éducation, de formation, d’échange, et de réussite socioprofessionnelle. Son importance multidimensionnelle lui accorde une place éminente au point de vue des individus, du mouvement sportif et de la société. D’après les conclusions du 1er forum africain du sport scolaire tenu en 2018, les responsables proclament toujours un mécontentement relatif aux résultats du sport scolaire africain à plusieurs niveaux, entre autres, la performance sportive scolaire. Au Maroc, les instances compétentes (la DC et la DPSS) sont convaincues du rôle capital que joue le sport au milieu scolaire dans l’atteinte des finalités éducatives. Ces organismes définissent les objectifs éducatifs et sportifs, et déterminent les actions à entreprendre par le corps professoral pour concrétiser le programme d’enseignement et de compétitions sportives. Malgré les efforts déployés, le sport scolaire marocain (EPS et Association Sportive Scolaire) baigne toujours dans la précarité et l’incompétence. Cette déplorable situation est le résultat de plusieurs facteurs connexes. D’ici, l’objectif de la présente recherche est d’approcher l’un de ces facteurs qui influencent fortement l’évolution du sport en milieu scolaire et de montrer dans quelle mesure l’administration, représentée par la DPSS, la DC, et la FRMSS, et les enseignants disposent de la même perception aux objectifs du sport à l’école et aux conditions de leur réalisation. Dans notre recherche nous avons exploité les programmes établis par l’administration et les données des questionnaires distribués aux enseignants de l’éducation physique et sportive à la région Casablanca-Settat.

According to Todd Gitlin, 1981 would be the starting point of a new American television era, one free of traditional, frivolous comedies and dramas with no real narrative basis. This article aims to test this assumption by studying the treatment of nudity and sex by four emblematic series of the 1980s: Magnum, P.I. (CBS, 1980-1988), The Fall Guy (ABC, 1981-1986), Miami Vice (NBC, 1984-1990) and Hunter (NBC, 1984-1991). Another one of Gitlin’s hypotheses will also be discussed: the claim that the early 1980s would mark the beginning of an erasure of the female body to the (more or less explicit) benefit of a “triumphant” masculinity, with male semi-nudity being considered de facto less reprehensible. Should we see in this some kind of collective awareness that materialized through a refusal to keep eroticizing (or even reifying) the female body on American television?

The molecular mechanisms of uric acid (UA)-induced liver injury has not been clearly elucidated. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effect and action mechanisms of UA in liver injury. We analyzed the damaging effect of UA on mouse liver and L02 cells and subsequently performed metabolomics studies on L02 cells to identify abnormal metabolic pathways. Finally, we verified transcription factors that regulate related metabolic enzymes. UA directly activated the hepatic NLRP3 inflammasome and Bax apoptosis pathway in vivo and in vitro. Related metabolites in the arginine biosynthesis pathway (or urea cycle), l -arginine and l -argininosuccinate were decreased, and ammonia was increased in UA-stimulated L02 cells, which was mediated by carbamoyl phosphate synthase 1 (CPS1), argininosuccinate synthase (ASS) and argininosuccinate lyase (ASL) downregulation. UA upregulated hypoxia inducible factor-1alpha (HIF-1α) in vivo and in vitro , and HIF-1α inhibition alleviated the UA-induced ASS downregulation and hepatocyte injury. In conclusion, UA upregulates HIF-1α and inhibits urea cycle enzymes (UCEs). This leads to liver injury, with evidence of hepatocyte inflammation, apoptosis and oxidative stress. • Uric acid (UA) causes damage to mouse liver and L02 cells. • HIF-1α upregulation mediates UA-induced hepatocyte injury. • UA downregulates hepatic CPS1, ASS and ASL expression. • L-arginine or HIF-1α inhibitor LW6 is protective against UA-induced hepatocyte injury. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revue Internationale des Économistes de Langue Française (RIELF) is the property of Poznan University of Economics & Business and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

New productive niches can offer new commercial perspectives linked to donkeys' products and human therapeutic or leisure applications. However, no assessment for selection criteria has been carried out yet. First, we assessed the animal inherent features and environmental factors that may potentially influence several cognitive processes in donkeys. Then, we aimed at describing a practical methodology to quantify such cognitive processes, seeking their inclusion in breeding and conservation programmes, through a multifactorial linear model. Sixteen cognitive process-related traits were scored on a problem-solving test in a sample of 300 Andalusian donkeys for three consecutive years from 2013 to 2015. The linear model assessed the influence and interactions of four environmental factors, sex as an animal-inherent factor, age as a covariable, and the interactions between these factors. Analyses of variance were performed with GLM procedure of SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 24.0 software to assess the relative importance of each factor. All traits were significantly (P

Metals profiling of medicinal plants is obligatory to uncover the therapeutic use and safe dose judgment. Therefore, anti-arthritic plant Moringa oleifera (MO), Smilax china (SC), Vernonia anthelmintica (VA) and Colchicum aitchisonii (CA) were screened for heavy metals by Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer. The study revealed Ca, Na, K and Mg as predominant metals. Pb was not detected in any plant and their extracts whereas, Fe, Zn, Co, Cr, Cd and Ni accumulated beyond the accepted limits set for medicinal plants according to WHO. Except Cr in Colchicum aitchisonii, toxic metals such as Ni (4.24-8.99), Cd (2.39-4.73) and Cr (3.52-19.39) mg/Kg were found higher in all powder samples with maximum in the Vernonia anthelmintica. All methanolic and aqueous extracts contained Cd and Cr, whereas only one out of four aqueous extracts contanied Ni. It is concluded from the result that these medicinal plants could be a significant source of major nutrients but their inappropriate use may cause noxious effects due to the accumulation of toxic metals. So, constant checking of medicinal plants is needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Installations of an Energy Storage System (ESS) with various functions such as power stabilization of renewable energy, demand management, and frequency adjustment are increasing. In particular, ESS for demand management is being established for high-voltage customers (300 KVA–1000 KVA) who have placed an Auto Section Switch (ASS) at the connection point within the distribution system. However, a power outage may occur in the Power Receiving System (PRS) when a short-circuit fault due to insulation breakdown occurs at the ESS DC side. The reason for this breakdown is that the fault current is reduced by transformer impedance, and the ASS is opened before the DC power fuse. Therefore, using the Graphic Solution Method (GSM), this paper presents an operation algorithm for protection coordination that isolates the fault section by first operating the DC power fuse with a small fault current. Furthermore, fault analysis modeling for a PRS composed of a switchgear section, a main distribution panel, a Power Conditioning System (PCS), a power fuse, and a battery is performed through PSCAD/EMTDC. From the simulation results, it is confirmed that the fault section is quickly isolated, and power outages for high-voltage customers are prevented because the DC power fuse selected by the proposed operation algorithm of protection coordination is opened before the ASS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is fundamental for analytical psychology to understand images symbolically. However, Jung was aware of the non-symbolic and direct appearance of image in synchronistic visions and dreams. Therefore, there are two aspects of the non-symbolic: literal and synchronistic. Firstly, the pathology of the non-symbolic was explored in psychosomatic syndromes, trauma, borderline syndromes and autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Then the historical and cultural considerations show that dreams were shared and understood directly and non-symbolically in Japanese medieval times. Historically, the symbolic aspect emerged through the loss of this directness and is characteristic for the modern, western, and adult consciousness. However, the increasing prevalence of ASD and ambiguity between reality and virtual reality show that the contemporary world is again dominated by directness and the non-symbolic, which can be called 'postmodern consciousness'. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study examined the effect of prior austenite grain size on twin density and hardness of austenitic stainless steels (ASS). The 253 MA and 316L ASS were subjected to multipass cold rolling to reduce thickness up to 2.3 mm. Subsequently, the rolled steels were heat treated at 1100°C at 0, 900, 1800, 2700, and 3600 seconds in a tubular furnace in a hydrogen atmosphere. At the end of the annealing time, the rolled steel was quenched in the cooled zone of the tubular furnace until it reached room temperature in a hydrogen atmosphere. Then, microstructure observation of ASS was done to identify the austenitic grain size and annealing twin, and a hardness test was performed using the micro-Vickers hardness scale. The line intercept method was used to measure the changes in 253 MA and 316L austenitic grain sizes. ImageJ software was used to measure grain size and twin length. The results showed that austenite grains of both steels grew normally; 253 MA ASS had a lower SFE and K value than 316L ASS, which indicated that 253 MA ASS had sluggish grain growth, smaller grains, more easily formed annealing twins, and higher twin density. The Hall-Petch coefficient, K', of 253 MA ASS was higher than 316L ASS, which resulted in a higher hardness value. The Sellars, Pande and Hall-Petch models were shown to predict austenite grain sizes, twin density, and hardness in 253 MA and 316L ASS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The early diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is highly desirable but remains a challenging task, which requires a set of cognitive tests and hours of clinical examinations. In addition, variations of such symptoms exist, which can make the identification of ASD even more difficult. Although diagnosis tests are largely developed by experts, they are still subject to human bias. In this respect, computer-assisted technologies can play a key role in supporting the screening process. Objective: This paper follows on the path of using eye tracking as an integrated part of screening assessment in ASD based on the characteristic elements of the eye gaze. This study adds to the mounting efforts in using eye tracking technology to support the process of ASD screening Methods: The proposed approach basically aims to integrate eye tracking with visualization and machine learning. A group of 59 school-aged participants took part in the study. The participants were invited to watch a set of age-appropriate photographs and videos related to social cognition. Initially, eye-tracking scanpaths were transformed into a visual representation as a set of images. Subsequently, a convolutional neural network was trained to perform the image classification task. Results: The experimental results demonstrated that the visual representation could simplify the diagnostic task and also attained high accuracy. Specifically, the convolutional neural network model could achieve a promising classification accuracy. This largely suggests that visualizations could successfully encode the information of gaze motion and its underlying dynamics. Further, we explored possible correlations between the autism severity and the dynamics of eye movement based on the maximal information coefficient. The findings primarily show that the combination of eye tracking, visualization, and machine learning have strong potential in developing an objective tool to assist in the screening of ASD. Conclusions: Broadly speaking, the approach we propose could be transferable to screening for other disorders, particularly neurodevelopmental disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives Xanthohumol (XAN) is a unique component of Humulus lupulus L. and is known for its diverse biological activities. In this study, we investigated whether Xanthohumol could ameliorate memory impairment of APP/PS1 mice, and explored its potential mechanism of action. Methods APP/PS1 mice were used for in vivo test and were treated with N-acetylcysteine and Xanthohumol for 2 months. Learning and memory levels were evaluated by the Morris water maze. Inflammatory and oxidative markers in serum and hippocampus and the deposition of Aß in the hippocampus were determined. Moreover, the expression of autophagy and apoptosis proteins was also evaluated by western blot. Key findings Xanthohumol significantly reduced the latency and increased the residence time of mice in the target quadrant. Additionally, Xanthohumol increased superoxide dismutase level and reduced Interleukin-6 and Interleukin-1ß levels both in serum and hippocampus. Xanthohumol also significantly reduced Aß deposition in the hippocampus and activated autophagy and anti-apoptotic signals. Conclusions Xanthohumol effectively ameliorates memory impairment of APP/PS1 mice by activating mTOR/LC3? and Bax/Bcl-2 signalling pathways, which provides new insight into the neuroprotective effects of Xanthohumol. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Effects of increased summer temperatures on poultry production are becoming more pronounced due to global warming, so it is important to consider approaches that might reduce heat stress in chickens. Thermal conditioning in chickens in the neonatal period can improve thermotolerance and reduce body temperature increases when birds are exposed to high ambient temperature later in life. The objective of this study was to investigate physiological and molecular changes associated with heat production and hence body temperature regulation under high ambient temperatures in thermally conditioned chicks. Three-day-old broiler chicks (Chunky) were thermally conditioned by exposure to a high ambient temperature (40°C) for 12 h while control chicks were kept at 30°C. Four days after the treatment, both groups were exposed to 40°C for 15 or 90 min. The increase in rectal temperature during 90 min of exposure to a high ambient temperature was less in thermally conditioned than control chicks. At 15-min of re-exposure treatment, gene expression for uncoupling protein and carnitine palmitoyletransferase 1, key molecules in thermogenesis and fatty acid oxidation, were significantly higher in pectoral muscle of control chicks but not conditioned chicks. Hepatic argininosuccinate synthase (ASS) decreased and hepatic argininosuccinate lyase (ASL) increased after reexposure to a high temperature. The concentrations of hepatic arginosuccinic acid, and ASS and ASL expression, were upregulated in conditioned chicks compared with the control chicks, indicating activity of the urea cycle could be enhanced to trap more energy to reduce heat production in conditioned chicks. These results suggest thermal conditioning can reduce the increase in heat production in muscles of chickens that occurs in high ambient temperatures to promote sensible heat loss. Conditioning may also promote energy trapping process in the liver by altering the heat production system, resulting in an alleviation of the excessive rise of body temperature.

Installations of an Energy Storage System (ESS) with various functions such as power stabilization of renewable energy, demand management, and frequency adjustment are increasing. In particular, ESS for demand management is being established for high-voltage customers (300 KVA–1000 KVA) who have placed an Auto Section Switch (ASS) at the connection point within the distribution system. However, a power outage may occur in the Power Receiving System (PRS) when a short-circuit fault due to insulation breakdown occurs at the ESS DC side. The reason for this breakdown is that the fault current is reduced by transformer impedance, and the ASS is opened before the DC power fuse. Therefore, using the Graphic Solution Method (GSM), this paper presents an operation algorithm for protection coordination that isolates the fault section by first operating the DC power fuse with a small fault current. Furthermore, fault analysis modeling for a PRS composed of a switchgear section, a main distribution panel, a Power Conditioning System (PCS), a power fuse, and a battery is performed through PSCAD/EMTDC. From the simulation results, it is confirmed that the fault section is quickly isolated, and power outages for high-voltage customers are prevented because the DC power fuse selected by the proposed operation algorithm of protection coordination is opened before the ASS.

The research work has focused on identifying the influence of pulsed gas metal arc welding (PGMAW) parameters on the austenitic stainless steel (ASS) weld bead on high-strength low-alloy (HSLA) steel plate. The effect of pulse parameters such as dimensionless factor (ϕ), mean current (Im), and heat input (Ω) has been analyzed on the thermal behavior of weld, weld pool geometry, and the weld bead microstructure. The influence of ϕ on the thermal and metal transfer behaviors has been also examined to produce the desired weld bead quality. The optimized pulse parameters such as Im (160–230 A), Ω (6.5–11.2 kJ/cm), ϕ (0.05–0.25), and welding speed (S) (15–25 cm/min) have been considered to perform the experiment. The microstructural evaluation of the weld bead was carried out by an optical microscope. The enhanced Im from 160 A to 230 A considerably increased the amount of temperature received by the weld pool (QT) from 4525 to 6525 J/S. The results also depicted that the increase of ϕ from 0.05 to 0.25 predominantly reduced the width of the weld bead (Wb) from 15 to 13.5 mm, depth of penetration (Pd) from 3.5 to 2.5 mm, and area of fusion (Af) from 40 to 30 mm2, respectively. It is also found that the formation of fine-grain microstructure in the weld deposit primarily happened due to the effect of thermal behaviors such as QT, transfer of heat content from filler to weld pool (Qf), and characteristics of filler metal transfer to the weld deposition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Copyright of Lernen und Lernstörungen is the property of Hogrefe AG and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

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Stemming from The Worldwide Donkey Breeds Project, an initiative aiming at connecting international researchers and entities working with the donkey species, molecularly tested pedigree analyses were carried out to study the genetic diversity, structure and historical evolution of the Andalusian donkey breed since the 1980s to infer a model to study the situation of international endangered donkey breeds under the remarkably frequent unknown genetical background status behind them. Demographic and genetic variability parameters were evaluated using ENDOG (v4.8). Pedigree completeness and generation length were quantified for the four gametic pathways. Despite mean inbreeding was low, highly inbred animals were present in the pedigree. Average coancestry, relatedness, and non-random mating degree trends were computed. The effective population size based on individual inbreeding rate was about half when based on individual coancestry rate. Nei’s distances and equivalent subpopulations number indicated differentiated farms in a highly structured population. Although genetic diversity loss since the founder generations could be considered small, intraherd breeding policies and the excessive contribution of few ancestors to the gene pool could lead to narrower pedigree bottlenecks. Long average generation intervals could be considered when reducing inbreeding. Wright’s fixation statistics indicated slight inbreeding between farms. Pedigree shallowness suggested applying new breeding strategies to reliably estimate descriptive parameters and control the negative effects of inbreeding, which could indeed, mean the key to preserve such valuable animal resources avoiding the extinction they potentially head towards, making the present model become an international referent when assessing endangered donkey populations.

Purpose: Drugs with cardiovascular protective properties (statins, acetylsalicylic acid (ASS)) were assumed to have positive effects on patients suffering from glaucoma disease. The present retrospective study aimed to investigate the influence of statins, ASS or a combination of both on the glaucoma conversion and progression rate in glaucoma suspects and glaucoma patients with a 20-year follow-up period. Methods: A retrospective analysis of 199 eyes of 120 patients (63 male, 57 female) of the Erlanger Glaucoma Registry (EGR; ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT00494923; ISSN 2191-5008, CS-2011) was performed considering systemic therapy with statins, ASS or a combination of both: 107 eyes with ocular hypertension (OHT) and 92 eyes with pre-perimetric primary open-angle glaucoma (pre-POAG). All patients received an ophthalmological examination including morphometric and functional glaucoma diagnostics. Glaucoma conversion was defined as the conversion of OHT to pre-POAG. Glaucoma progression was defined as confirmed visual field loss. Data were shown as percentages. Statistical analysis was performed by Chi-Quadrat tests. Results: 1. Glaucoma conversion/progression was observed in 46.7% of the subjects, additionally in combination with hypercholesterinemia in 76.8%. 2. Statins: 27.3% of eyes under systemic statin therapy showed a conversion/progression. Patients taking statins ≥ 10 years yielded a reduced conversion/progression rate (p = 0.028, non-significant after Bonferroni–Holm). 3. ASS: 34.7% of eyes under systemic ASS therapy showed a conversion/progression. A significantly lower conversion/progression rate was observed after ASS therapy ≥ 12 years (p = 0.017, significant after Bonferroni–Holm). 4. ASS and statins: 25.0% of eyes under combined therapy showed a conversion/progression. A significantly reduced conversion/progression rate was reached after 8 years of combined therapy (p = 0.049, non-significant after Bonferroni–Holm). Conclusions: Patients with ocular hypertension and early glaucoma seem to benefit from adjuvant cardiovascular protective therapy. However, the benefits and disadvantages of treatment with statins and/or ASS should be kept in mind. Thus, a thorough risk–benefit evaluation has to be performed for each patient individually to avoid unwanted side effects.