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Shade trees in agroforestry systems confer ecosystem services, such as enhanced soil fertility from diverse litter inputs, microclimate regulation via shade, and disease mitigation through trophic and abiotic interactions. With this thriving role of agroforestry in sustainable agriculture, particularly for tree crops, systematic and reliable methods to select shade trees for specific agroecosystem outcomes are crucial.Plant functional traits offer a framework to describe, select and manage shade trees. Over the last decade, shade tree leaf functional traits and whole plant traits have been assessed in agroforestry systems. Yet, we lack amalgamated information on (i) what we know about shade tree trait relationships with functions to achieve desired agroecosystem outcomes, (ii) how decades of shade tree selection by farmers impacts agroforests inter‐ and intraspecific trait diversity, and (iii) which shade tree traits should be considered for achieving farmer priorities.We consolidate literature on Coffea arabica (coffee) and Theobroma cacao (cocoa) agroforestry systems to summarize the role of shade tree functional traits in three key ecosystem functions: soil fertility, microclimate modification and crop productivity. We compile global and regional datasets on tree functional trait diversity to show the functional space of agroforestry tree species compared with the overall functional space observed in plants.Despite, or maybe because of, high shade tree diversity, shade tree trait characterization remains coarse and commonly measured at the community scale in the literature. Based on published trait data, we show that farmers adjust the functional composition of shade trees to increase the recycling of soil nutrients (high leaf nitrogen), the production of wood (skewing towards lower wood densities) and the production of fruits (tendency towards high seed size). Common shade trees in coffee and cocoa systems fall in the mid‐range of leaf acquisitive to conservative strategies, providing evidence that expanding shade tree portfolios can improve, or even accelerate, functions.Synthesis and applications: Based on the agroforestry literature and on trait‐environment relationships, we propose a matrix of shade tree traits that influence desirable agroecosystem outcomes for farmers, which can guide fine‐scale coordination of trait expression and agroforestry functions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It has been suggested that, due to topological constraints, rings in the melt may assume a more compact shape than Gaussian chains. In this paper, we exploit the availability of narrow fractions of perdeuterated linear and cyclic polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) and, through the analysis of the small angle neutron scattering (SANS) profiles, demonstrate the difference in scattering properties of linear and cyclic PDMS molecules. As expected for Gaussian chains, for the H/D linear PDMS samples, log-log plots of the scattered intensity versus scattering vector Q display a Q(-2) dependence. However, for H/D cyclic blends, the scaling exponent is higher than 2, as predicted by computer simulations reported in the literature. We show that cyclic molecules in bulk display the characteristic maximum in plots of scattered intensity versus Q(-2) that is expected on the basis of Monte Carlo calculations and from the Casassa equation [E. F. Casassa, J. Polym. Sci. A 3, 605 (1965)]. It is also shown that, for rings, the Debye equation [P. Debye, J. Appl. Phys. 15, 338 (1944)] is no longer appropriate to describe the SANS profiles of H/D cyclic blends, at least up to Mw≈10 000. For these samples, the Casassa form factor gives a better representation of the SANS data and we show that this function which was developed for monodisperse cyclics is still adequate to describe our slightly polydisperse samples. Deviations from all above observations are noted for Mw>11 000 and are attributed to partial contamination of cyclic samples with linear chains. The failure of both the Debye and the Casassa form factors could be due to contamination of the cyclic fractions by linear polymers or to a real conformational change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The genetic association between homozygosity for a 50bp deletion polymorphism in the SOD1 promoter, 1684bp upstream of the ATG, and an increased age of symptom onset was observed in various populations of ALS patients. Moreover, it has been demonstrated that this deletion reduces SOD1 expression in vitro. The objective of the present study was to test whether the observed association is replicated in patients from an Italian population and to check whether the deletion correlates with reduced SOD1 mRNA expression in vivo. Genomic DNA from 235 Italian SALS cases and 245 age- and sex-matched donors from the same ethnic background was screened for the 50bp SOD1 promoter deletion by real time PCR assays. No differences were observed between ALS patients and controls for the frequency of both the alleles (D=deleted, N=non-deleted; p=0.95) and genotypes (p=0.90). Furthermore, stratification of the ALS samples showed that this variation was not associated with increased age of onset in ND and DD patients in comparison to NN patients (p=0.48). Finally, we performed real-time RT-PCR to quantify SOD1 mRNA levels in 48 patients and we did not find a relevant difference among the three sub-groups of genotypes (p=0.30). Our data suggest that the studied polymorphism does not modulate SOD1 mRNA level and disease phenotype in an Italian population. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This contribution details how a continuous flow reactor was used to react carbonyl compounds with Grignard reagents at room temperature in an efficient and safe manner. Flow rate, residence time and temperature were optimized for the preparation of a small collection of secondary and tertiary alcohols. Excellent yields and general applicability were observed using the set-up protocol. The procedure was also applied for the preparation of Tramadol, an analgesic drug belonging to the opioid group. The developed conditions allowed the selective addition of Grignard reagents to aldehydes and ketones in the presence of a nitrile function. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Carbon nanoparticles and multiwall carbon nanotubes were deposited on an Optically Transparent Electrode (OTE) for application in Dye Sensitised Solar Cells (DSSCs) as counter electrode materials. Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) was used to evaluate the behaviour in a electrolyte solution. Results were compared to commercial Pt catalysed OTE and polycrystalline graphite. Multiwalled carbon nanotubes show low series resistance and low charge transfer resistance promising an improved fill factor (and efficiency) in DSSCs assembled with such materials as counter electrodes. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The purpose of this study was to determine whether print materials on stroke resulted in increased knowledge in a sample of lay people. One hundred and seventy-seven participants received (at random) one of five versions of a stroke information packet, or a control packet on colorectal cancer. Participants rated the materials on readability, understandability and usefulness immediately after reading. After a delay of 18 days on average, participants answered questions assessing stroke knowledge. Ratings of all packets were generally positive; however, stroke knowledge scores were significantly higher for the stroke information groups compared to the control group only for knowledge of causal mechanisms (stroke pathophysiology). While there was some indication that the fictionalized material on stroke was more effective than the expository materials, overall the impact of print materials on stroke knowledge, measured after a delay of at least 1 week, was minimal at best. Further research is needed to determine whether fictional contexts make some information more memorable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Amorphous tris(8-hydroxyquinoline) aluminium (Alq[sub 3]) thin films were deposited on fused silica substrates by thermal evaporation. Optical absorption, emission and excitation spectra were measured at room temperature and, for the first time, at 80 K, on an Alq[sub 3] film in a spectral range extending from the near ultraviolet to the visible. Spectroscopic features were carefully investigated as a function of temperature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Neurodegenerative diseases are associated with accumulation of modified proteins or peptides including amyloid-β (Aβ) in Alzheimer's disease (AD), and misfolded superoxide dismutase-1 (SOD-1) in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Clearance of Aβ or SOD-1 by the innate immune system may be important for controlling or preventing disease onset. Curcumins restore Aβ phagocytosis by peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from AD patients and Aβ clearance with upregulation of key genes including MGAT3, vitamin D receptor (VDR) and Toll-like receptors (TLRs). Certain curcumins inhibit inflammatory processes of PBMCs from ALS patients. We developed an in vitro system using human monocytes from patients and monocytic cell lines (i.e. U-937, THP-1) for evaluating curcuminoid potency of innate immune cell stimulation. Bisdemethoxycurcumin and certain analogs potentiated MGAT3,VDR and TLR gene expression 3- to 300-fold in U-937 cells. The effect of curcumins on inflammation in monocytes from patients with ALS was examined. Recursive medicinal chemistry was applied to identify compounds that stimulate the innate immune system for use in the clearance of Aβ in AD and the reversal of neuroinflammation and defective SOD-1 accumulation in ALS. Copyright © 2011 S. Karger AG, Basel [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Familial hemiplegic migraine type 1 (FHM1) is a form of migraine with aura caused by heterozygous mutations in 4 genes: CACNA1A, ATP1A2, SNC1A and PRRT2, but further heterogeneity is expected. Here have been described clinical and molecular features in patients suffering from migraine with Aura (MA), without (MO) and hemiplegic migraine attacks.Next Generation Sequencing by TruSeq Custom Amplicon for CACNA1A and ATP1A2 gene has been performed. All genetic variants have been confirmed by Sanger sequencing and all samples were also analyzed with MLPA assay for ATP1A2-CACNA1A genes to detect duplication or deletion. All MLPA data were verified by Real Time PCR.Results: Sequencing analysis showed 3 point mutations, two novel variants and one already described in literature. Moreover, MLPA analysis showed 3 deletions in 9 sporadic hemiplegic migraine (18%), in 3 patients with non-hemiplegic migraine (4.1%) and in 3 patients affected by episodic ataxia (20%). Two sporadic patients showed a deletion in exons 41-43, while the rest of HM patients (5) showed a deletion in the terminal part of the CACNA1A gene.About episodic ataxia, we have identified deletions in exon 12-15 and in exon 47. Finally, in migraine patients, we have found different subjects affected by different phenotypes deleted in exon 47.Conclusion: This work highlights the importance to complement analysis as direct sequencing with quantitative analysis (MLPA). In fact, intragenic CACNA1A rearrangements have been detected. Our work demonstrated that deletions in CACNA1A gene may be associated also to different migraine phenotypes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A letter to the editor is presented regarding the case of an Italian family with Brown-Vialetto-Van Laere syndrome (BVVLS) which was associated by two novel heterogeous mutations of C20orf54 gene.

A letter to the editor is presented related to VPS54 genetic analysis in Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) Italian cohort.

Background: Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a rare autosomal-recessive neurodegenerative disorder caused by mutations in survival motor neuron 1 (SMN1) gene, and consequent loss of function of SMN protein, which results in progressive loss of lower motor neurons, and muscular wasting. Antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) nusinersen (Spinraza®) modulates the pre–mRNA splicing of the SMN2 gene, allowing rebalance of biologically active SMN. It is administered intrathecally via lumbar puncture after removing an equal amount of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Its effect was proven beneficial and approved since 2017 for SMA treatment. Given the direct effect of nusinersen on RNA metabolism, the aim of this project was to evaluate cell-free RNA (cfRNA) in CSF of SMA patients under ASOs treatment for biomarker discovery. Methods: By RNA-sequencing approach, RNA obtained from CSF of pediatric SMA type 2 and 3 patients was processed after 6 months of nusinersen treatment, at fifth intrathecal injection (T6), and compared to baseline (T0). Results: We observed the deregulation of cfRNAs in patients at T6 and we were able to classify these RNAs into disease specific, treatment specific and treatment dependent. Moreover, we subdivided patients into "homogeneous" and "heterogeneous" according to their gene expression pattern. The "heterogeneous" group showed peculiar activation of genes coding for ribosomal components, meaning that in these patients a different molecular effect of nusinersen is observable, even if this specific molecular response was not referable to a clinical pattern. Conclusions: This study provides preliminary insights into modulation of gene expression dependent on nusinersen treatment and lays the foundation for biomarkers discovery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study we report small-angle neutronscattering measurements of cyclic and linear polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) in the melt. It has been suggested that due to the presence of topological constraints, rings in the melt may be more compact than Gaussian chains. We show that the cyclic chains are partially collapsed and do not follow Gaussian statistics: the weight-average radius of gyration R[sub g,w] is found to be proportional to M[sup 0.53, sub w] and M[sup 0.40, sub w] in the case of linear and cyclic PDMS, respectively. The results are in agreement with recent computer simulations, which predict R[sub g] to be proportional to N[sup 2/5], where N is the degree of polymerisation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Thiazolidinediones (TZDs) including rosiglitazone (ROSI) are insulin sensitizing agents with beneficial gastrointestinal effects. However, no studies are available on TZDs effect in gastrointestinal motility. We evaluated the effects of ROSI on gastrointestinal inhibitory neurotransmission focusing on the modulatory roles of nitric oxide synthase/nitric oxide (NOS/NO) and heme oxygenase/carbon monoxide (HO/CO) pathways. Methods Spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) were used as model of insulin resistance. Duodenal strips were obtained from vehicle-treated SHR, ROSI-treated SHR (5 mg kg−1 by gavage daily per 6 weeks), and Wistar Kyoto (WKY). Inhibitory responses to electrical field stimulation (EFS) were evaluated in the presence of HO inhibitor zinc protoporphyrin IX (ZnPPIX, 10 μmol L−1) or NOS inhibitor NG-nitro- l-arginine (L-NNA, 100 μmol L−1), alone and in combination. Protein levels of HO and NOS isoforms were evaluated by immunohistochemistry and western blot analysis. Key Results Basal responses to EFS were significantly increased in duodenum strips from vehicle-treated SHR vs WKY. This effect was reversed in ROSI-treated SHR. The EFS-mediated relaxation was comparably reduced by ZnPPIX in WKY and SHR, but not in ROSI-treated SHR animals. The L-NNA reduced EFS response to a similar extent in WKY and ROSI -treated SHR, but its effect was significantly higher in vehicle-treated SHR. Expression of HO-1 protein was significantly lower, whereas HO-2 protein levels were unchanged in ROSI-treated SHR with respect to vehicle-treated SHR. Finally, increased levels of nNOS in vehicle-treated SHR were reduced in ROSI-treated SHR. Conclusions & Inferences Chronic ROSI treatment reverses increased SHR duodenal inhibitory response acting on CO and NO components. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In mice, pregnancy has been shown to have a beneficial effect on the endogenous repair of focal lysolecithin-induced CNS demyelinative lesions, enhancing the genesis of new oligodendrocytes and the degree of remyelination. To identify local cells undergoing mitosis in response to such lesions, we examined the time course of phospho-histone H3 (PH3) and myelin basic protein (MBP) expression by immunohistochemistry. After lysolecithin injection into the corpus callosum of virgin female mice, the number of dividing cells peaked about 48 h after injection and declined gradually to baseline by day 7; in pregnant mice, this initial peak was unchanged, but a new delayed peak on day 4 was induced. Colocalization data using PH3 and NG2 proteoglycan, or bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) and oligodendrocyte transcription factor 1 (Olig1), suggested that about 75% of the proliferating cells on day 2, and about 40% of the cells on day 4, were likely of oligodendrocyte lineage; these differential percentages were of the same magnitude in both virgin and pregnant animals. Notably, the heightened proliferative response to focal lysolecithin injection during pregnancy was specific to gestational stage (early, but not late) and to lesion location (in the corpus callosum of the periventricular forebrain, but not in the caudal cerebellar peduncle of the hindbrain). [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The Hamma (Algeria) desalination plant, briefly described in the paper, was mathematically modelled in order to check its behaviour in an advanced phase of its design. The plant will employ 288 ERI''s PX units to recover the pressure of the brine discarded from the RO membranes. This way of recovering energy is one of the most advanced and efficient now available, and its functioning is also briefly described in the paper. The devices'' behaviour in unsteady flow conditions was checked by tests carried out in the hydraulics laboratory of the Politecnico di Milano, Italy. The paper reports on the experimental plant and the results obtained. On the basis of the experimental results, which showed an almost perfect hydraulic disconnection between the high and low pressure lines, the mathematical model of the Hamma plant was built using the momentum and continuity equations integrated by means of the characteristic method. The paper describes the mathematical model and sets out the results, which evidence of the plant''s safety even under the worst conditions likely to occur. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Purpose: Although at present nonabsorbable meshes are the preferred material for tension-free hernioplasty, some problems with their use have yet to be addressed (i.e., chronic pain and infections). In order to address these disadvantages, a collagen-based material, the porcine small-intestinal submucosa mesh (Surgisis Inguinal Hernia Matrix, Cook Surgical, Bloomington, IN, USA), has recently been developed for hernia repair.Methods: With the aim of investigating the clinical safety and effectiveness of Surgisis IHM inguinal hernia repair, we report our experience of 45 consecutive hernioplasties with a medium-term follow-up. The surgical technique for the use of this material in hernioplasty is described in detail.Results: Although some local (i.e., seromas) and general (i.e., hyperpyrexia), complications appeared in the immediate postoperative period (all of them disappeared spontaneously), no rejection or infection was observed after operations. At the 2-year follow-up, a low degree of pain and discomfort and no recurrences were observed.Conclusions: We conclude that the Surgisis IHM hernioplasty is feasible with promising results and, from a clinical perspective, seems safe and effective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The chemical reactions and diffusion processes at the interface of a metal with oxides and nitrides are a critical issue in the production of metal–dielectric optical filters. The optical properties of these filters depend on the quality of the interfaces between the metal layer and the adjacent dielectric layers. The chemical and physical processes occurring at the silver–dielectric interface are studied by means of ellipsometry and XPS analysis and comprise the subject of the present work. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

It is argued that some organic materials play an important role in preventing the formation of nonemissive species and enhancing the intrinsic stability of Alq3 thin films. In the present work, films (Alq3 pure, Alq3+ORGMAT (top), and Alq3 doped with same) were grown on glass and silica substrates by thermal evaporation. Excitation, fluorescence, and transmission spectra have been measured, and the intensity of the green photoluminescence as a function of time has been monitored. Preliminary results show an improved stability of the emission in the doped Alq3 films compared with the undoped ones. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Direct methanol fuel cells are very promising power sources, but the easy poisoning of the platinum anode electrocatalyst by CO-like reaction intermediates, restricts their industrial application and commercialization. The development of Pt-based alloys or bimetallic catalysts, in which the second metal acts as Pt poisoning inhibitor, is one of the main promising solutions to this problem. In this work we have combined the use of unconventional methods to deposit the catalyst nanoparticles with unconventional carbon supports. Innovative electrodes made of platelet carbon nanofibers, directly grown on graphite paper, as substrate for electrodeposited platinum and gold bimetallic nanoparticles, have been developed. These electrodes allow having a single layer with both the diffusive and catalytic function, and a considerable decrease of noble metals amount (about five times), with consequent large cost reduction. Moreover, the replacement of the conventional ink deposition methods with electrodeposition for platinum and gold dispersion, considerably increases the catalytic activity. The electrocatalytic performance results were encouraging. Gold allows increasing the catalyst poisoning tolerance and then the electrode long term stability. The innovative electrodes show a performance improvement up to three times compared to a commercial carbon substrate electrode (Vulcan XC-72R) with ink-spray deposited PtRu nanoparticles as catalyst. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Carbon nanowall films were synthesized by plasma enhanced hot filament chemical vapour deposition on carbon paper, a three dimensionally structured material. The micro-structured nature of the carbon paper, which is composed of an irregular and open mesh of carbon fibres, allowed one to determine the microstructure of the carbon nanowalls both at the tip and at the fibre–nanowall base interface. The number of graphenes which pile up to form the structure of a single nanowall ranges from 1 to 2 at the tip up to several 10s at the base, making this material suitable to study and eventually exploit the electronic properties of graphenes on a macroscopic scale. Such material is promising for electrochemical applications. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background: Complicated hernias often involve contaminating surgical procedures in which the use of polypropylene meshes can be hazardous. Prostheses made of porcine dermal collagen (PDC) have recently been proposed as a means to offset the disadvantages of polypropylene meshes and have since been used in humans for hernia repairs. The aim of our study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of incisional hernia repair using PDC as a mesh in complicated cases involving contamination.Methods: A prospective study of hernia repair of complicated incisional hernias with contamination using PDC grafts was carried out at the Department of General, Emergency and Transplant Surgery of St Orsola-Malpighi University Hospital.Results: From January 2004 up to the writing of this article, seven patients were treated for complicated incisional hernias with a PDC prosthesis. In six out of seven patients a bowel resection was carried out. There were not surgical complications. Morbidity was 14.2%. No recurrences and wound infections were observed.Conclusions: Incisional hernioplasty using PDC grafts is a potentially safe and efficient approach in complicated cases with contamination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report a preliminary dynamic study of poly(din-alkyl itaconate)s with varying side chain length n. QENS measurements were carried out on two backscattering spectrometers, IRIS at ISIS and IN10 at the ILL in the temperature range of 4 to 350 K. We show that molecular motion can be detected well below the polymer glass transition for all samples. It is possible to distinguish different dynamic processes. The temperature range over which these are observed is dependent on the length of the side chain, n. The intermediate scattering function, I(Q, t), was determined from the IRIS and found to obey time-temperature superposition. We show that the I(Q, t) data at different temperatures can be overlapped using the same time-scale shift factors, indicating that the relaxation process is common to all the polymers investigated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Kohlrausch–Williams–Watts (KWW) function is widely used to describe relaxation behavior in glass‐forming polymers and other condensed systems. The application of this time domain function to frequency domain spectroscopy is, in principle, possible through its Fourier transform. Unfortunately analytical forms for the transform exist only in limited cases, and a number of methods, which circumvent this limitation, are described in the literature. Here we have revisited the problem of evaluating the Fourier integral in the general case, but with the specific aim of producing a fast and accurate algorithm suitable for use within common spreadsheet applications available on personal computers. Two methods were examined, a corrected discrete Fourier transform and, more successfully, a two‐series expansion representation. A previous problem associated with the use of complementary series, that they may not adequately cover the whole range of evaluation of the transform, was overcome by the substitution of a Padé approximant for one of the series. This was found to provide the basis for a robust and effective algorithm whose accuracy was tested against both symbolic mathematical expressions and standard tabulated values. The use of this algorithm in iterative nonlinear least squares curve fitting routines is illustrated by reference to quasi‐elastic neutron scattering data and dielectric relaxation spectra. The former involves a convolution of the real part of the integral with the instrumental resolution function; very satisfactory fits to scattering spectra for poly(vinyl acetate) and poly(isobutylene), at temperatures above their glass transitions, was achieved and the KWW characteristic relaxation parameters established. The dielectric spectrum due to the α‐relaxation of poly(vinyl acetate) is similarly well‐described, here using both the real and the imaginary parts of the integral. The KWW description of the PVAc relaxation is compared with that using the Havriliak–Negami equation and was found to provide an equally acceptable description of the data, and by using one less adjustable parameter. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Early-time optical observations of supernova (SN) 2005cs in the Whirlpool Galaxy (M51) are reported. Photometric data suggest that SN 2005cs is a moderately underluminous Type II plateau SN (SN IIP). The SN was unusually blue at early epochs ( about three days after explosion) which indicates very high continuum temperatures. The spectra show relatively narrow P Cygni features, suggesting ejecta velocities lower than observed in more typical SNe IIP. The earliest spectra show weak absorption features in the blue wing of the He i 5876-Å absorption component and, less clearly, of Hβ and Hα. Based on spectral modelling, two different interpretations can be proposed: these features may either be due to high-velocity H and He i components, or (more likely) be produced by different ions (N ii, Si ii). Analogies with the low-luminosity, 56Ni-poor, low-velocity SNe IIP are also discussed. While a more extended spectral coverage is necessary in order to determine accurately the properties of the progenitor star, published estimates of the progenitor mass seem not to be consistent with stellar evolution models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The aim of the study was to evaluate the use of Surgisis (Cook Biotech Inc.), a porcine derived extracellular matrix already used in tissue engineering, as a scaffold for neointestinal regeneration in a rat model. A 3-cm length of tubular Surgisis graft was interposed with bilateral anastomoses in the middle of an isolated ileal loop of Sprague Dawley rats with an ileostomy. The grafts were harvested and analyzed using histology and immunohistochemistry at 24 weeks after operation. Macroscopic examination revealed neither stenosis nor adhesions in the area surrounding the neointestine. The regenerated small bowel showed a mean shrinkage of 30.7% (range 20%–40%). Histologic and immunohistochemical evaluation showed a well-developed three layers of mucosa and smooth muscle and serosa in the regenerated bowel wall that were similar to those of the normal bowel with evident neovascularization. Also, the regeneration of smooth muscle fibers and innervation were evident. The preliminary results of this study showed that Surgisis allowed rapid regeneration of mucosa and smooth muscle and therefore may be a promising material for the creation of a neointestine. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

We report the results of the morphological, electrical and optical characterisation of double-layer Alq3-based organic emitting diodes with a lithium fluoride (LiF)/Al cathode. A detailed electron microscopy investigation of their cross-section shows the presence of LiF isolated grains underneath the Al film. Due to the introduction of the LiF layer, luminance was larger than 30,000 cd/m2 at a bias voltage VB=25 V with a maximum external luminous efficiency as large as 46 lm/W at VB=20 V. Performing on/off VB cycles at a very low frequency, each time a recovery of the initial electric and luminous performance was observed. The non-exponential decay of both electric current and luminance during each on-cycle has been interpreted as the signature of dispersive transport controlled by multiple trapping on localised states in an amorphous system. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Objectives: We report a young man with bilateral enlarged internal auditory canals who developed sudden sensorineural hearing loss following weight-lifting exercise. Methods: We present a detailed clinical history, including the patient's high resolution computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging scans. Results: The patient reported left-sided hearing loss immediately following weight-lifting exercise. He had no vestibular disturbance. He was treated with a combined regimen of steroids and an antiviral drug, but his profound hearing loss did not resolve. During another session of weight-lifting exercise, he suffered another episode of sudden hearing loss. Conclusions: To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of a patient with patulous internal auditory canals, with no other anomalies, who developed bilateral sudden hearing loss after weight-lifting exercise. Although no definitive conclusions can be drawn, close surveillance and lifestyle warnings should be considered in such patients, even if they are clinically asymptomatic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While polypropylene mesh remains the preferred prosthesis material for hernioplasties, there are some problems with infections, intestinal obstruction and fistulization, and migration particularly in immunodepressed patients. A new degradable and reabsorbable material, the porcine small intestinal submucosa (Surgisis) has been developed for hernia repairs in humans. This prospective study evaluated the safety and efficacy of Lichtenstein hernioplasty using the Surgisis inguinal hernia matrix soft-tissue graft as a mesh in ten immunodepressed subjects. Six subjects were HIV-positive in the immunodepressive phase, and the other four had undergone transplantation (three kidney, one liver). There were no intraoperative or postoperative complications, recurrences, or wound infections. Thus Lichtenstein's hernioplasty using the Surgisis inguinal hernia matrix soft-tissue graft in immunodepressed patients promises safety and efficacy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]