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The present study describes an efficient analytical method for analyzing apple pesticide residues. This novel approach employs ultrasound-assisted cleaning (UAC), solid-phase microextraction (SPME), and gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC-MS). A fiber coating with carbon nanomaterials (CNMs) was used for the extraction process. The methodology underwent extraction process optimization and analytical method validation. Moreover, its applicability for detecting pesticides in apples was evaluated. The validation showed satisfactory results with linearity coefficients greater than 0.99 (R2 > 0.99) and linear working ranges from 0.5 ng·g−1 to 300.0 ng·g−1. The limits of detection and quantification (LODs and LOQs) ranged from 0.1 ng·g−1 to 0.3 ng·g−1 and from 0.5 ng·g−1 to 0.7 ng·g−1, respectively. The calculated recovery values ranged from 79% to 98%. The precision presented a relative standard deviation (RSD) lower than 14%. The validated method was applied to apple samples acquired from different markets and fruit stands in Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil. Organophosphate pesticides typically used in Brazilian apple production areas were detected in some samples. This study demonstrates the utility of UAC and CNM microextraction as an effective and highly efficient approach for analyzing pesticides in apples.

We have investigated the mechanism of relaxivity for two magnetic resonance imaging contrast agents that both employ a cluster-nanocarrier design. The first system termed Mn

The objective of this study is to examine how criminal justice involvement, specifically arrests, shapes health by race-gender status and age for Black, Latinx, and White men and women from adolescence to adulthood.Data were from sixteen waves (1997-2013) of data of National Longitudinal Survey of Youth 1997 cohort (N = 7,674). Respondents were 12-16 years during the first wave of the survey. Multivariate logistic regression with interactions were used to determine how age and race-gender status shape the association between poor health and arrests over time.With the exception of Black men, arrest history is positively associated with the probability of poor health and this relationship strengthens with age. Arrests have the least detrimental impact on the health of Black men. For those without an arrest history, the probability of poor health also increases with age, but with a less steep incline over time than those who have been arrested. Overall, women who have been arrested, regardless of race, have the worst health prospects.A history of arrest is important for health from adolescence to adulthood and varies by race-gender status and age. Those without arrests in their backgrounds enjoy better health at both younger and older ages. For those who experience arrest, they generally report poorer health from adolescence into adulthood. One exception is Black men for whom those with an arrest history report the lowest probability of poor health, compared to Black women, Latinx men, Latinx women, White men, and White women.

Bacterial and fungal pathogens face various microenvironmental conditions during infection. In addition to acidosis, nutrient consumption, and hypercapnia, pathogen infections are associated with hypoxia, which is induced by bacterial and fungal respiration during the formation of foci of infection or biofilms. Consequently, the in vivo interaction between host immune cells and pathogens is anticipated to occur mainly under low-oxygen conditions. Various infectious disease models have reported that pathogens benefit from hypoxia, which dampens the oxygen-dependent antimicrobial activities of macrophages and neutrophils, such as the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Due to their dual respiration capacity (aerobic and anaerobic) or phenotypical adaptation (e.g., dormancy), pathogens have the capacity to survive and disseminate in the absence of oxygen. In addition, hypoxia modulates various mechanisms of pathogen virulence, promoting the dissemination of pathogens. Further investigations are still required to evaluate the relative importance of oxygen on the capacity of pathogens to invade and colonize host organs and to better understand alternative strategies developed by immune cells to circumvent pathogen dissemination in the absence of oxygen. Addressing this important and fundamental question in various models of infection may direct the development of innovative therapeutic strategies.

The advent of global warming events on already stressed organisms by pollution and loss of habitats raised concerns on the sustainability of local mussel populations. The purpose of this study was to study the physiology 6 commonly found species of freshwater mussels in the attempt to identify species at risk from global warming and pollution. The following species were examined for mass/length, energy metabolism, air survival and lipid peroxidation (LPO): Elliptio complanata (EC), Eurynia dilatata (ED), Pyganodon cataracta (PC), Pyganodon species (Psp), Lasmigona costata (LC) and Dreissena bugenis (DB). The data revealed that the estimated longevity of each species was associated with mussel mass, mitochondria electron transport (MET), temperature-dependent MET but negatively related with mitochondria levels in LPO and the colonization potential. The colonization potential was derived from the scaling of MET activity and mass, which confirmed that DB mussels are more invasive than the other species followed by Psp. Resistance to air emersion was significantly associated with longevity, mass and length and mitochondria LPO. Hence, organisms with low lifetimes, mass or length with high LPO are less able to survive for longer periods in air. In conclusion, longevity and air survival was positively associated with mass and energy metabolism but negatively with oxidative damage. This study proposes key markers in identifying species more at risk to contaminant stress, decreased water levels and global warming.

Summary paragraphNeutrophil degranulation plays a central role in their ability to kill pathogens but also to stimulate other immune cells1–3. Here we show that neutrophil degranulation, induced in hypoxia or upon Shigella infection in vitro and in vivo, leads to the release of polymers called neutrophil Proteoglycofili (PGF). PGF are mainly composed of granular proteins (myeloperoxidase, elastase, lactoferrin, cathelicidin, albumin) pre-stored in various types of granules, and chondroitin sulfate. PGF individual fibers have a diameter of 43.9 ± 20.3 nm and. They secreted by viable neutrophils and do not contain DNA, as opposed to NETs which contains also granular proteins, chondroitin sulfate in addition to chromatin, released upon neutrophil disintegration and cell death.We demonstrated that PGF block the growth of Shigella and other bacteria and degrade Shigella virulence factors. The degradation of the chondroitin sulfate polymers with testes hyaluronidases destabilizes PGF ultrastructure and abolishes its antimicrobial activity. Our results provide novel insights in the neutrophil degranulation process and open new doors for the investigation of PGF contribution to cytokines concentration gradient formation and adaptive immune cells activation. Further investigations are required to better appreciate the importance of this “sterile blaster” in infectious or inflammatory diseases.

Alf Brodal (1910-1988) was a professor of anatomy at the University of Oslo, Norway, and the author of almost 200 articles and medical textbooks including Neurological Anatomy in Relation to Clinical Neurology. He suffered a right hemisphere embolic stroke during a lecture trip abroad in April 1972. In the following year, he described his own clinical picture and the recovery process in an article published in Brain, making insightful observations based on his vast neuroanatomical knowledge. His comments and analyses remain largely valid after 50 years.

The genus

Pesticides constitute a category of chemical products intended specifically for the control and mitigation of pests. With their constant increase in use, the risk to human health and the environment has increased proportionally due to occupational and environmental exposure to these compounds. The use of these chemicals is associated with several toxic effects related to acute and chronic toxicity, such as infertility, hormonal disorders and cancer. The present work aimed to study the metabolic profile of individuals occupationally exposed to pesticides, using a metabolomics tool to identify potential new biomarkers. Metabolomics analysis was carried out on plasma and urine samples from individuals exposed and non-exposed occupationally, using liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS). Non-targeted metabolomics analysis, using principal component analysis (PCA), partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) or partial least squares discriminant orthogonal analysis (OPLS-DA), demonstrated good separation of the samples and identified 21 discriminating metabolites in plasma and 17 in urine. The analysis of the ROC curve indicated the compounds with the greatest potential for biomarkers. Comprehensive analysis of the metabolic pathways influenced by exposure to pesticides revealed alterations, mainly in lipid and amino acid metabolism. This study indicates that the use of metabolomics provides important information about complex biological responses.

The impact of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic on pediatric intensive care units (PICUs) is difficult to quantify. We conducted an observational study in all eight Swiss PICUs between 02/24/2020 and 06/15/2020 to characterize the logistical and medical aspects of the pandemic and their impact on the management of the Swiss PICUs. The nine patients admitted to Swiss PICUs during the study period suffering from pediatric inflammatory multisystem syndrome temporally associated with SARS-CoV-2 (PIMS-TS) and constituting 14% (9/63) of all SARS-CoV-2 positive hospitalized patients in Swiss children's hospitals caused a higher workload [total Nine Equivalents of nursing Manpower use Score (NEMS) points, p = 0.0008] and were classified to higher workload categories (p < 0.0001) than regular PICU patients (n = 4,881) admitted in 2019. The comparison of the characteristics of the eight Swiss PICUs shows that they were confronted by different organizational issues arising from temporary regulations put in place by the federal council. These general regulations had different consequences for the eight individual PICUs due to the differences between the PICUs. In addition, the temporal relationship of these different regulations influenced the available PICU resources, dependent on the characteristics of the individual PICUs. As pandemic continues, reflecting and learning from experience is essential to reduce workload, optimize bed occupancy and manage resources in each individual PICU. In a small country as Switzerland, with a relatively decentralized health care local differences between PICUs are considerable and should be taken into account when making policy decisions.

Introduction Recent data suggest that margins ≥2 mm after breast-conserving surgery may improve local control in invasive breast cancer (BC). By allowing large resection volumes, oncoplastic breast-conserving surgery (OBCII; Clough level II/Tübingen 5-6) may achieve better local control than conventional breast conserving surgery (BCS; Tübingen 1-2) or oncoplastic breast conservation with low resection volumes (OBCI; Clough level I/Tübingen 3-4). Methods Data from consecutive high-risk BC patients treated in 15 centers from the Oncoplastic Breast Consortium (OPBC) network, between January 2010 and December 2013, were retrospectively reviewed. Results A total of 3,177 women were included, 30% of whom were treated with OBC (OBCI n = 663; OBCII n = 297). The BCS/OBCI group had significantly smaller tumors and smaller resection margins compared with OBCII (pT1: 50% vs. 37%, p = 0.002; proportion with margin p < 0.001). There were significantly more re-excisions due to R1 (“ink on tumor”) in the BCS/OBCI compared with the OBCII group (11% vs. 7%, p = 0.049). Univariate and multivariable regression analysis adjusted for tumor biology, tumor size, radiotherapy, and systemic treatment demonstrated no differences in local, regional, or distant recurrence-free or overall survival between the two groups. Conclusions Large resection volumes in oncoplastic surgery increases the distance from cancer cells to the margin of the specimen and reduces reexcision rates significantly. With OBCII larger tumors are resected with similar local, regional and distant recurrence-free as well as overall survival rates as BCS/OBCI.

Niobium oxide thin films have been prepared by spin-coating aqueous solutions of tetramethylammonium salts of the isostructural polyoxometalate clusters [Nb10O28]6−, [TiNb9O28]7− and [Ti2Nb8O28]8− onto silicon wafers, and annealing them. The [Nb10O28]6− cluster yields films of Nb2O5 in the orthorhombic and monoclinic crystal phases when annealed at 800 °C and 1000 °C, respectively, whereas the [TiNb9O28]7− and [Ti2Nb8O28]8− clusters yield the monoclinic crystal phases of Ti2Nb12O29 and TiNb2O7 (titanium–niobium oxides) in different ratios. We also demonstrate a protocol for depositing successive layers of metal oxide films. Finally, we explore factors affecting the roughness of the films.

NK cells are functionally controlled by the killer immunoglobulin-like receptor (KIR) family that comprises inhibitory (iKIR) and activating (aKIR) members. Genetic association studies suggest that donors expressing aKIRs next to iKIRs will be superior donors in the setting of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation of patients with leukemia. However, contrary evidence states that aKIR expression may be irrelevant or even detrimental. Using a complex methodology incorporating KIR-Q-PCR, double fluorescence and viSNE analysis, we characterized subset distribution patterns and functionality in haplotype A donors which lack aKIRs and haplotype B donors that express a variety of B-specific genes. Here, we show that the alloreactive KIR2DS1+ NK cell subset in HLA-C1/C2 donors is highly responsive towards C2-expressing targets but quantitatively small and as such does not significantly contribute to cytotoxicity. Thus, we fail to find a direct link between haplotype allocation status and NK cell cytotoxicity at least in HLA-C1/C2 heterozygous donors.

Background/Objective Georges Simenon accurately describes, in a novel called Les Anneaux de Bicetre, the clinical picture and course, and the hospital procedures and treatment of a patient with a large left hemispheric stroke, presumably ischemic. Methods I here summarize these features and use them as a basis to discuss the marked changes in stroke evaluation and care in the last 60 years. Results/Case Report A 54-year old Newspaper director was admitted shortly after an acute stroke leading to temporary loss of consciousness, to motor aphasia and right hemiplegia and hypoesthesia. Risk factors included hypertension, a sedentary life, smoking, and a previous episode of cardiac arrhythmia possibly related to congenital heart disease. Evaluation included electroencephalography, cerebral arteriography and cerebrospinal fluid analysis. The acute treatment involved prolonged bed rest in a private room, prophylactic antibiotics, and oral anticoagulation. Smoking was allowed. Prolonged in-hospital rehabilitation followed initial passive physical therapy provided by nurses. After many months, the patient was released with persistent motor problems and a marked psychological change. Conclusion The entire field of acute stroke care has been revolutionized in the last 60 years. Big data management, telemedicine, software, new brain and vascular imaging techniques, biomarkers, robotics etc., are currently in development and again should lead to new and surprising changes during the next decades.

The energetics of the different spin states of the five Baker-Figgis isomers of the iron(iii) Keggin ion, [Fe(O-4)(Fe(OH)(2)(OH2))(12)](7+), have been investigated using density functional theory in order to demonstrate how the energy landscape of medium-to-large discrete paramagnetic transition metal oxide clusters with large numbers of antiferromagnetically coupled centres can be resolved. Antiferromagnetic coupling causes the energies to span a surprisingly large range of 30 kcal mol(-1), as determined by calculating the energies of all 664 unique spin configurations based on determination of the antiferromagnetic coupling constants by density functional theory. A program which simplifies the resolution of the energetics of this type of system is also provided.

Microwave preparation of polyoxoniobates and ‐tantalates afford a more rapid alternative to conventional hydrothermal methods of synthesis, in addition to allowing for the use of anhydrous niobium ...

Benzene is a human carcinogen whose exposure to concentrations below 1 ppm (3.19 mg·m−3) is associated with myelotoxic effects. The determination of biomarkers such as trans-trans muconic acid (AttM) and S-phenylmercapturic acid (SPMA) show exposure without reflecting the toxic effects of benzene. For this reason, in this study, the urinary metabolome of individuals exposed to low concentrations of benzene was investigated, with the aim of understanding the biological response to exposure to this xenobiotic and identifying metabolites correlated with the toxic effects induced by it. Ultra-efficient liquid chromatography coupled to a quadrupole-time-of-flight mass spectrometer (UHPLC-ESI-Q-ToF-MS) was used to identify metabolites in the urine of environmentally (n = 28) and occupationally exposed (n = 32) to benzene (mean of 22.1 μg·m−3 and 31.8 μg·m−3, respectively). Non-targeted metabolomics analysis by PLS-DA revealed nine urinary metabolites discriminating between groups and statistically correlated with oxidative damage (MDA, thiol) and genetic material (chromosomal aberrations) induced by the hydrocarbon. The analysis of metabolic pathways revealed important alterations in lipid metabolism. These results point to the involvement of alterations in lipid metabolism in the mechanisms of cytotoxic and genotoxic action of benzene. Furthermore, this study proves the potential of metabolomics to provide relevant information to understand the biological response to exposure to xenobiotics and identify early effect biomarkers.

The advent of global warming events on already stressed organisms by pollution and loss of habitats raised concerns on the sustainability of local mussel populations. The purpose of this study was to study the physiology 6 commonly found species of freshwater mussels in the attempt to identify species at risk from global warming and pollution. The following species were examined for mass/length, energy metabolism, air survival and lipid peroxidation (LPO): Elliptio complanata (EC), Eurynia dilatata (ED), Pyganodon cataracta (PC), Pyganodon species (Psp), Lasmigona costata (LC) and Dreissena bugenis (DB). The data revealed that the estimated longevity of each species was associated with mussel mass, mitochondria electron transport (MET), temperature-dependent MET but negatively related with mitochondria levels in LPO and the colonization potential. The colonization potential was derived from the scaling of MET activity and mass, which confirmed that DB mussels are more invasive than the other species followed by Psp. Resistance to air emersion was significantly associated with longevity, mass and length and mitochondria LPO. Hence, organisms with low lifetimes, mass or length with high LPO are less able to survive for longer periods in air. In conclusion, longevity and air survival was positively associated with mass and energy metabolism but negatively with oxidative damage. This study proposes key markers in identifying species more at risk to contaminant stress, decreased water levels and global warming.

The impact of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic on pediatric intensive care units (PICUs) is difficult to quantify. We conducted a retrospective cohort study in all eight Swiss PICUs between 02-24-2020 and 06-15-2020 to characterize the logistical and medical aspects of the pandemic and their impact on Swiss PICUs. Out of the 1113 patients under the age of 20, who were tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 in Switzerland during the study period, 6% (63/1113) had to be hospitalized. All nine patients requiring intensive care had pediatric inflammatory multisystem syndrome temporally associated with SARS-CoV-2 (PIMS-TS) and constituted 14% (9/63) of all hospitalized patients. The patients presented with multiple organ dysfunction, needed longer stays in PICUs (p < 0.0001) and longer positive pressure ventilation (p = 0.025) than the regular PICU patients. They caused a higher workload (total Nine Equivalents of nursing Manpower use Score (NEMS) points, p = 0.0008) and were classified to higher workload categories (p < 0.0001) than regular PICU patients (n = 4881) in 2019. PICU burden was also influenced by different logistical factors such as cancellation of planned surgeries and staff recruitment to adult wards.Conclusions The different logistical and medical factors associated with the pandemic influenced the workload of the individual PICUs differently, depending on the presence of the single factors and their temporal relationship. The experiences of the study period help further to organize Swiss PICUs during the current pandemic to reduce the workload and optimize occupancy.

The factors governing the substitution of group 4B-12B metals into the decaniobate framework are explored using density functional theory in order to ascertain whether (1) recently isolated [MNb9O28]x- clusters are kinetic or thermodynamic products, (2) density functional theory is a sufficient level of theory to accurately predict substitution patterns in polyoxometalates where ion pairing and other effects may operate, and (3) it can be used to guide future synthetic efforts. Computations using restricted, unrestricted and open-shell density functional theory at PBE0/def2-tzvp were found to correctly predict substitution patterns in known clusters, and were subsequently used to calculate the relative energies of a large series of [MNb9O28]x- clusters, to reveal trends and suggest potential synthetic approaches. OPBE/def2-tzvp correctly predicted favoured spin states of known substituted decametalates.

Bacteria, including those that are pathogenic, have been generally classified according to their ability to survive and grow in the presence or absence of oxygen: aerobic and anaerobic bacteria, respectively. Strict aerobes require oxygen to grow (e.g., Neisseria), and strict anaerobes grow exclusively without, and do not survive oxygen exposure (e.g., Clostridia); aerotolerant bacteria (e.g., Lactobacilli) are insensitive to oxygen exposure. Facultative anaerobes (e.g., E. coli) have the unique ability to grow in the presence or in the absence of oxygen and are thus well-adapted to these changing conditions, which may constitute an underestimated selective advantage for infection. In the WHO antibiotic-resistant 'priority pathogens' list, facultative anaerobes are overrepresented (8 among 12 listed pathogens), consistent with clinical studies performed in populations particularly susceptible to infectious diseases. Bacteria aerobic respiratory chain plays a central role in oxygen consumption, leading to the formation of hypoxic infectious sites (infectious hypoxia). Facultative anaerobes have developed a wide diversity of aerotolerance and anaerotolerance strategies in vivo. However, at a single cell level, the modulation of the intracellular oxygen level in host infected cells remains elusive and will be discussed in this review. In conclusion, the ability of facultative bacteria to evolve in the presence or the absence of oxygen is essential for their virulence strategy and constitute a selective advantage. TAKE AWAY: Most life-threatening pathogenic bacteria are facultative anaerobes. Only facultative anaerobes are aerotolerant, anaerotolerant and capable of consuming O2 . Facultative anaerobes induce and are well adapted to cellular hypoxia.

The red cell allo-antibodies research is mandatory before transfusion. In France, pretransfusion testing intervals that are prescribed by regulatory and accrediting agencies are commonly 72hours. In the University hospital of Brest, the interval for multi-transfused patients has been 24hours. In this study we aim to analyse these practice and argue the delay. METHODS This is a retrospective study of post-transfusional allo-immunizations from 2015 to 2020. For each patient, the time interval between the last negative research and the allo-immunization was investigated. RESULTS 189 patients developed allo-antibodies. In 16 patients (8,5%), the interval for allo-immunization was 24hours, 48hours and 72hours in 4, 8 and 4 patients respectively. 12 patients were transfused after the discovery of the allo-antibodies. That means if we have chosen a delay of validity of 72hours, then 9 patients would have been transfused with a negative result. CONCLUSION Checking for allo-antibodies before RBC transfusion with an interval of 24hours (and not 72hours) is pertinent in order to assure an optimal transfusion safety and to limit the risk of hemolytic transfusion reactions. A pretransfusion testing interval of 24hours for multi-transfused patients should be considered.

The increasing extraction of rare earth elements (REEs) for technology applications raised concerns for contamination and toxicity in the environment. The purpose of this study was to examine the toxicity of the following REEs in primary cultures of rainbow trout hepatocytes: yttrium (Y), samarium (Sm), gadolinium (Gd), terbium (Tb) and lutetium (Lu). Hepatocytes were exposed to increasing concentrations of the above elements for 24 h at 15 °C and they were analyzed for viability, metallothioneins (MT), glutathione-S-transferase (GST) and arachidonate cyclooxygenase (COX) as markers of oxidative stress and inflammation. The results revealed that the cytoxicity of REEs were as follows in decreasing order: Y > Sm > Lu > Tb > Gd in concordance with published rainbow trout mortality data. While effects on GST and COX activities were marginal, MT levels were more strongly increased with the 2 most toxic REEs (Y and Sm) and Gd, while MT levels were decreased in the least toxic ones (Tb, Lu). While cell viability followed published trout mortality data, it also followed the redox potential and the glutathione affinity constant (log k). The capacity to induce/decrease MT levels was associated with ionic radius, log k (glutathione) and electronegativity. A proposed mechanism of toxicity for REEs is presented based on the chemical properties of REEs, namely the glutathione binding constant and ionic radius, in light of the observed effects in trout hepatocytes.

Pro-inflammatory and amyloidogenic S100A9 protein is central to the amyloid-neuroinflammatory cascade in neurodegenerative diseases. Polyoxometalates (POMs) constitute a diverse group of nanomaterials, which showed potency in amyloid inhibition. Here, we have demonstrated that two selected nanosized niobium POMs, Nb10 and TiNb9, can act as potent inhibitors of S100A9 amyloid assembly. Kinetics analysis based on ThT fluorescence experiments showed that addition of either Nb10 or TiNb9 reduces the S100A9 amyloid formation rate and amyloid quantity. Atomic force microscopy imaging demonstrated the complete absence of long S100A9 amyloid fibrils at increasing concentrations of either POM and the presence of only round-shaped and slightly elongated aggregates. Molecular dynamics simulation revealed that both Nb10 and TiNb9 bind to native S100A9 homo-dimer by forming ionic interactions with the positively charged Lys residue-rich patches on the protein surface. The acrylamide quenching of intrinsic fluorescence showed that POM binding does not perturb the Trp 88 environment. The far and near UV circular dichroism revealed no large-scale perturbation of S100A9 secondary and tertiary structures upon POM binding. These indicate that POM binding involves only local conformational changes in the binding sites. By using intrinsic and 8-anilino-1-naphthalene sulfonate fluorescence titration experiments, we found that POMs bind to S100A9 with a Kd of ca. 2.5 μM. We suggest that the region, including Lys 50 to Lys 54 and characterized by high amyloid propensity, could be the key sequences involved in S1009 amyloid self-assembly. The inhibition and complete hindering of S100A9 amyloid pathways may be used in the therapeutic applications targeting the amyloid-neuroinflammatory cascade in neurodegenerative diseases.

The factors governing the substitution of group 4B–12B metals into the decaniobate framework are explored using density functional theory in order to ascertain whether (1) recently isolated [MNb9O28]x− clusters are kinetic or thermodynamic products, (2) density functional theory is a sufficient level of theory to accurately predict substitution patterns in polyoxometalates where ion pairing and other effects may operate, and (3) it can be used to guide future synthetic efforts. Computations using restricted, unrestricted and open-shell density functional theory at PBE0/def2-tzvp were found to correctly predict substitution patterns in known clusters, and were subsequently used to calculate the relative energies of a large series of [MNb9O28]x− clusters, to reveal trends and suggest potential synthetic approaches. OPBE/def2-tzvp correctly predicted favoured spin states of known substituted decametalates.

This study draws on identity theory to examine the relationship between the presence of public Confederate monuments and white racial identity. Data for this study come from a novel census of Confederate monuments collected by the Southern Poverty Law Center and a nationally representative sample of white Americans from the American Mosaic Project (n = 986). Results show that having a greater number of Confederate monuments in the state of residence, but not the county of residence, is associated with increased likelihood of identifying white racial identity as very important. We argue that public Confederate monuments are related to the prominence of whiteness for white Americans because monuments represent observable cues of white supremacy and state-sanctioned black-white boundary maintenance. Our findings extend identity theory by demonstrating that cultural artifacts can factor into the strength of a social identity.

Based on a rate equation model for single-mode two-level lasers, two algorithms for stochastically simulating the dynamics and steady-state behaviour of micro- and nanolasers are described in detail. Both methods lead to steady-state photon numbers and statistics characteristic of lasers, but one of the algorithms is shown to be significantly more efficient. This algorithm, known as Gillespie’s first reaction method (FRM), gives up to a thousandfold reduction in computation time compared to earlier algorithms, while also circumventing numerical issues regarding time-increment size and ordering of events. The FRM is used to examine intra-cavity photon distributions, and it is found that the numerical results follow the analytics exactly. Finally, the FRM is applied to a set of slightly altered rate equations, and it is shown that both the analytical and numerical results exhibit features that are typically associated with the presence of strong inter-emitter correlations in nanolasers.

This paper considers system identification and $\mathcal{H}_{\infty}$ control of a load-controlled fatigue structural test rig. The test rig is comprised of an aluminum-composite structure and hydraulic actuators that apply desired loads. Fatigue tests must be performed using closed-loop control in order to avoid damaging the test article. Therefore, three closed-loop system identification methods are considered, the direct method, indirect method, and dual-Youla method. The best identified models in terms of variance accounted for are then used to design two degree-of-freedom $\mathcal{H}_{\infty}$ controllers. Reduced-order versions of the $\mathcal{H}_{\infty}$ controllers are implemented on the test rig and used to track a load profile. The system identification and $\mathcal{H}_{\infty}$ controller synthesis methods are presented, along with identification and tracking results.

This letter is meant to inform the community of pediatricians/pediatric intensivists that we suspect SARS-CoV-2 to cause life-threatening bronchiolitis in infants and we therefore suggest maintaining a high level of suspicion of COVID-19, irrespective of an initially negative SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR testing, when other causes of bronchiolitis are unidentifiable in young children.

In Canada, head lettuce (Lactuca sativa capitata) is extensively produced in the muck soils of southwestern Québec. However, yields are increasingly affected by various soilborne pathogens, including Pythium spp., which cause wilt and damping off. In a survey conducted in Québec muck soils in 2010 and 2011, Pythium tracheiphilum Matta was identified as the predominant Pythium sp. in the root of head lettuce showing Pythium stunt symptoms. Therefore, to improve risk assessment and help further understanding of disease epidemiology, a specific and sensitive real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) assay based on TaqMan-minor groove binder (MGB) technology was developed for P. tracheiphilum. The PCR primers along with a TaqMan-MGB probe were designed from the ribosomal internal transcribed spacer 2 region. A 100-bp product was amplified by PCR from all P. tracheiphilum isolates tested while no PCR product was obtained from 38 other Pythium spp. or from a selection of additional lettuce pathogens tested. In addition to P. tracheiphilum, the assay was multiplexed with an internal control allowing for the individual validation of each PCR. In artificially infested soils, the sensitivity of the qPCR assay was established as 10 oospores/g of dry soil. P. tracheiphilum was not detected in soils in which lettuce has never been grown; however, inoculum ranged from 0 to more than 200,000 oospores/g of dry soil in commercial lettuce fields. Also, disease incidence was positively correlated with inoculum concentration (r = 0.764). The results suggest that inoculum concentration should be considered when making Pythium stunt management decisions. The developed qPCR assay will facilitate reliable detection and quantification of P. tracheiphilum from field soil.

Biological organisms evolved to take advantage of recurring environmental factors which enabled them to assimilate and process metabolic energy for survival. Mitochondria display non-linear oscillations in NADH levels (i.e. wave behavior) that result from the balance between NADH production (aerobic glycolysis) and oxidation for ATP synthesis. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of cadmium (Cd) on mitochondrial NADH oscillations in quagga mussels Dreissena bugensis exposed to 50 and 100 μg/L CdCl2 for 7 days at 15 °C. Metallothionein (MT) levels, thioredoxin reductase (TrxR) activity and NADH oxidation rate were also determined, as were oscillations in NADH and the formation of dissipative structures (turbidity), in isolated mitochondria suspensions. The results show that exposure to Cd readily induced MT levels at both concentrations tested and that TrxR and NADH oxidase activity was induced at 100 μg/L Cd only. In control mussels, NADH levels oscillated in mitochondria suspensions with a natural period of 2 to 2.5 min for up to 40 min. Exposure to Cd increased the complexity of the frequency profile of NADH oscillations and reduced the amplitudes of the natural signal with a period of 2 to 2.5 min. The formation of dissipative structures decreased in response to a Cd concentration of 100 μg/L but increased at a level of 50 μg/L. The amplitudes at the natural frequency were significantly correlated with NADH oxidase activity (r = −0.91) and with the formation of dissipative structures (r = −0.59). We conclude that Cd could alter the natural frequency in oscillations of NADH in mitochondria, thereby contributing to an increase in NADH oxidation rate and disruption of the spatial organization of mitochondria in suspension. In conclusion, changes in the wave behavior of NADH in mitochondria are proposed as a novel biomarker of toxicity in aquatic organisms.

This paper considers single-input-single-output (SISO) system identification of a fatigue test rig. The test rig consists of an aluminum-composite structure and four hydraulic actuators that are independently actuated. Because the test rig cannot be run in an open-loop manner, three different closed-loop system identification methods are considered. Specifically, direct, indirect, and dual-Youla closed-loop system identification methods are considered. The models obtained via system identification are used to generate inversion-based feedforward controllers of varying order. The feedforward controllers are implemented on the test rig in combination with a proportional-integral (PI) feedback controller, and together the feedforward and feedback controllers are used to track a random load profile. System identification and tracking results are presented.

Fullerene C60 reacts with dimagnesium(i) compounds LMgMgL, where L is a monoanionic β-diketiminate ligand, to contact ion complexes [(LMg)nC60], where n is predominantly 2, 4 or 6., The reaction of the magnesium(i) complexes [{(Arnacnac)Mg}2], (Arnacnac = HC(MeCNAr)2, Ar = Dip (2,6-iPr2C6H3), Dep (2,6-Et2C6H3), Mes (2,4,6-Me3C6H2), Xyl (2,6-Me2C6H3)) with fullerene C60 afforded a series of hydrocarbon-soluble fulleride complexes [{(Arnacnac)Mg}nC60], predominantly with n = 6, 4 and 2. 13C{1H} NMR spectroscopic studies show both similarities (n = 6) and differences (n = 4, 2) to previously characterised examples of fulleride complexes and materials with electropositive metal ions. The molecular structures of [{(Arnacnac)Mg}nC60] with n = 6, 4 and 2 can be described as inverse coordination complexes of n [(Arnacnac)Mg]+ ions with C60n– anions showing predominantly ionic metal–ligand interactions, and include the first well-defined and soluble complexes of the C606– ion. Experimental studies show the flexible ionic nature of the {(Arnacnac)Mg}+···C606– coordination bonds. DFT calculations on the model complex [{(Menacnac)Mg}6C60] (Menacnac = HC(MeCNMe)2) support the formulation as an ionic complex with a central C606– anion and comparable frontier orbitals to C606– with a small HOMO–LUMO gap. The reduction of C60 to its hexaanion gives an indication about the reducing strength of dimagnesium(i) complexes.

Microplastics (MPs), plastic debris smaller than 5mm, are widely found in both marine and freshwater ecosystems. However, few studies regarding their hazardous effects on inland water organisms, have been conducted. For this reason, the aim of our research was the evaluation of uptake and chronic toxicity of two mixtures (MIXs) of virgin polystyrene microbeads (PMs) of 10μm and 1μm in size (MIX 1, with 5×105 of 1μmsizePMs/L and 5×105 of 10μmsizePMs/L, and MIX 2 with 2×106 of 1μmsizePMs/L and 2×106 of 10μmsizePMs/L) on freshwater zebra mussel Dreissena polymorpha (Mollusca: Bivalvia) during 6 exposure days. The PM uptake in the mussel body and hemolymph was assessed using confocal microscopy, while the chronic toxicity of PMs was evaluated on exposed mussels using a comprehensive battery of biomarkers of cellular stress, oxidative damage and neuro- genotoxicity. Confocal microscopy analyses showed that MPs concentrated in the gut lumen of exposed mussels, absorbed and transferred firstly in the tissues and then in the hemolymph. The results revealed that PMs do not produce oxidative stress and genetic damage, with the exception of a significant modulation of catalase and glutathione peroxidase activities in mussels exposed to MIX 1. Regarding neurotoxicity, we observed only a significant increase of dopamine concentration in mussels exposed to both MIXs, suggesting a possible implication of this neurotransmitter in an elimination process of accumulated PMs. This research represents a first study about the evaluation of virgin MP toxicity in zebra mussel and more research is warranted concerning the long term neurological effects of virgin MPs.

The intense mining extraction of oil sand (OS) has increased over the last few decades, raising concerns about the release of OS contaminants and toxicity in resident aquatic organisms in the Athabasca River (Alberta, Canada). To address this, endemic Pyganodon grandis mussels were caged for 6 weeks at various upstream and downstream sites of industrial OS mining activities. Post-exposure mussels were then analyzed for light/medium/heavy polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in tissues, general health (weight to length ratio, growth rate, air survival time), biotransformation (cytochrome P4501A and 3A and glutathione S-transferase activities), oxidative stress/inflammation (lipid peroxidation-LPO and arachidonate cyclooxygenase-COX), genotoxicity (DNA strand breaks), and gonad status (triglycerides, GSI and vitellogenin-like proteins). The following effects significantly differed between OS mining area and natural/background sites: health condition, growth rate, air survival time, COX (immune/inflammation) activity, P4501A/GST activity, LPO and DNA breaks in the digestive gland and vitellogenin-like proteins in the gonad. Correlation analysis revealed that the biochemical responses were scaled to at least one of the following impacts at the individual level: air survival time, weight to length ratio, growth rate and vitellogenin-like proteins. These indices were therefore identified as key adverse outcome pathways of mussels impacted by OS mining activities. Based on the relative levels of light/medium/heavy PAHs in tissues, the observed effects appears to be associated rather to the disturbance of OS in this area than contamination from OS tailing ponds leaching into the aquatic environment.

Resume La decision du 6 novembre 2006 definissant les principes de bonnes pratiques recommande que les recherches d’anticorps irreguliers (RAI) post-transfusionnelles (PT) soient realisees entre un et trois mois apres la transfusion. Au CHRU de Brest, c’est l’unite d’hemovigilance (Hv) qui a en charge l’envoi des ordonnances dans ce delai et la centralisation des resultats. Nous avons souhaite evaluer si la realisation de cet examen en PT restait toujours pertinente. Methodologie Une analyse prospective a ete mise en place pour l’annee 2015. Nous avons evalue le taux de realisation de la RAI PT, le taux de RAI PT positives et les fiches d’effet indesirable receveurs (FEIR) avec l’orientation diagnostique : allo-immunisation. Resultats En 2015, 2162 ordonnances ont ete adressees aux 3271 patients transfuses. Mille trois cent dix-huit RAI PT ont ete realisees, soit un taux de retour de 61 %. Parmi elles, la RAI etait positive dans 12 cas (0,9 %) dans un delai moyen de 56 jours Trente-trois autres allo-immunisations antierythrocytaires ont ete decouvertes lors de la realisation d’un bilan pretransfusionnel. Dans 10 cas, ces patients avaient beneficie d’une RAI PT qui etait negative. Une enquete a ete realisee aupres des membres du groupe des hemobiologistes et correspondants d’hemovigilance (GHCOH) afin de decrire l’etat des lieux des pratiques dans les etablissements de sante (ES). Douze questionnaires ont ete analyses. Dix ES font une RAI PT par remise d’une ordonnance a la sortie du patient avec un taux de retour entre 0,14 et 16 %. Pour 1 ES, l’envoi est realise par l’unite d’Hv avec un taux de retour de 68,3 % ; 1566 RAI PT ont ete realisees et parmi elles, la RAI etait positive dans 24 cas (1,53 %). Conclusion Ces resultats montrent que pour etre efficace, la gestion de ce bilan doit etre centralisee. Cependant, malgre une centralisation, le taux de RAI positives decouvertes par le bilan PT reste tres faible (0,9 et 1,53 %) et pose la question de la pertinence de realisation systematique de cet examen, qui reste de toute facon obligatoire en pre transfusionnel.

The Athabasca oil sands deposit is the world's largest known reservoir of crude bitumen and the third-largest proven crude oil reserve. Mining activity is known to release contaminants, including metals, and to potentially impact the aquatic environment. The purpose of this study was to determine the impacts of oil sands mining on water quality and metal bioaccumulation in mussels from the Fort McMurray area in northern Alberta, Canada. The study presents two consecutive years of contrasting mussel exposure conditions (low and high flows). Native freshwater mussels (Pyganodon grandis) were placed in cages and exposed in situ in the Athabasca River for four weeks. Metals and inorganic elements were then analyzed in water and in mussel gills and digestive glands to evaluate bioaccumulation, estimate the bioconcentration factor (BCF), and determine the effects of exposure by measuring stress biomarkers. This study shows a potential environmental risk to aquatic life from metal exposure associated with oil sands development along with the release of wastewater from a municipal treatment plant nearby. Increased bioaccumulation of Be, V, Ni and Pb was observed in mussel digestive glands in the Steepbank River, which flows directly through the oil sands mining area. Increased bioaccumulation of Al, V, Cr, Co, Ni, Mo and Ni was also observed in mussel gills from the Steepbank River. These metals are naturally present in oil sands and generally concentrate and increase with the extraction process. The results also showed different pathways of exposure (particulate or dissolved forms) for V and Ni resulting from different river water flows, distribution coefficient (Kd) and BCF. Increasing metal exposure downstream of the oil sands mining area had an impact on metallothionein and lipid peroxidation in mussels, posing a potential environmental risk to aquatic life. These results confirm the bioavailability of some metals in mussel tissues associated with detoxification of metals (metallothionein levels), and oxidative stress in mussels located downstream of the oil sands mining area. These results highlight a potential ecotoxicological risk to biota and to the aquatic environment downstream of the oil sands mining area, even at low metal exposure levels.

Resume La recherche d’agglutinines irregulieres (RAI) est obligatoire chez tout patient transfuse. En France, le delai reglementaire de validite est de 72 heures dans la majorite des cas. Au CHRU de Brest, nous avons institue un delai de validite de 24 heures de la RAI pour les patients polytransfuses. Nous avons souhaite faire un bilan de notre pratique et argumenter ce delai. Methodologie Une analyse retrospective des allo-immunisations a ete realisee de 2015 a 2020. Pour chaque patient, nous avons releve sur le serveur de resultats biologiques la date de la derniere RAI negative et analyse les delais de seroconversion. Resultats 189 patients ont presente une allo-immunisation post-transfusionnelle. Parmi eux, 16 patients (8,5%) ont une RAI qui s’est positivee entre un et trois jours: 4 patients en 24 heures, 8 en 48 heures et 4 en 72h. 12 patients ont ete transfuses par la suite. Pour ces 12 patients, si on avait respecte le delai de validite des RAI de 72 heures, alors 9 patients auraient ete transfuses sur la base d’une RAI negative. Conclusion Notre etude rapporte que 8,5 % des allo-immunisations declarees surviennent entre 24 et 72 heures justifiant le delai de validite de 24 heures de la RAI que nous avons mis en place chez les patients transfuses de maniere reguliere ou transfuses recemment. Cette pratique permet d’assurer une securite transfusionnelle optimale et de limiter au maximum le risque d’accident hemolytique transfusionnel.

The treatment of leukemia/lymphoma by chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) redirected T cells with specificity for CD19 induced complete remissions in the majority of patients, with a realistic hope for cure. However, recent follow-up data revealed a substantial risk of relapse through leukemic cells that lack the CAR targeted antigen. In this situation, a bispecific CAR with binding domains for CD19 and CD20 is aimed at recognizing leukemic cells with only one cognate antigen. The anti-CD20-CD19 bispecific CAR induced a full T-cell response upon engagement of CD19 or CD20 on target cells showing a true “OR” gate recognition in redirecting T-cell activation. T cells with the anti-CD20-CD19 CAR efficiently killed patients' chronic lymphocytic leukemia cells in vitro. The bispecific CAR T cells cleared pediatric acute lymphocytic leukemia with a mixed CD19+CD20+/CD20− phenotype from the blood and bone marrow of transplanted mice, while anti-CD20 CAR T cells left CD20− leukemic cells behind without curing the dis...