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Abstract Objective: Community sports clubs provide an important contribution to the health and wellbeing of individuals and the community; however, they have also been associated with risky alcohol consumption. This study assessed whether a club's alcohol management strategies were related to risky alcohol consumption by members and levels of social capital, as measured in terms of participation in and perceived safety of the club. Method: A total of 723 sports club members from 33 community football clubs in New South Wales, Australia, completed a computer assisted telephone interview (CATI) and a management representative from each club also completed a CATI. The club representative reported on the club's implementation of 11 alcohol management practices, while club members reported their alcohol consumption and perceived levels of safety at the club and participation in the club. Results: A structural equation model identified having the bar open for more than four hours; having alcohol promotions; and serving intoxicated patrons were associated with increased risky alcohol consumption while at the club; which in turn was associated with lower levels of perceived club safety and member participation. Conclusion and implications: The positive contribution of community sports clubs to the community may be diminished by specific inadequate alcohol management practices. Changing alcohol management practices can reduce alcohol consumption, and possibly increase perceived aspects of social capital, such as safety and participation.

EEG studies play a crucial role in enhancing our understanding of brain development across the lifespan. The increasing clinical and policy implications of EEG research underscore the importance of utilizing reliable EEG measures and increasing the reproducibility of EEG studies. However, important data characteristics like reliability, effect sizes, and data quality metrics are often underreported in pediatric EEG studies. This gap in reporting could stem from the lack of accessible computational tools for quantifying these metrics for EEG data. To help address the lack of reporting, we developed a toolbox that facilitates the estimation of internal consistency reliability, effect size, and standardized measurement error with user-friendly software that facilitates both computing and interpreting these measures. In addition, our tool provides subsampled reliability and effect size in increasing numbers of trials. These estimates offer insights into the number of trials needed for detecting significant effects and reliable measures, informing the minimum number of trial thresholds for the inclusion of participants in individual difference analyses and the optimal trial number for future study designs. Importantly, our toolbox is integrated into commonly used preprocessing pipelines to increase the estimation and reporting of data quality metrics in developmental neuroscience., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest The authors declare no conflicts of interest., (Copyright © 2024 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.)

Cigarette butts, one of the most common forms of litter in the world, represent a source of chemical and plastic pollution releasing thousands of toxic compounds and microfibers of cellulose acetate (CA). Besides the correct waste management, the recovery of CA from cigarette filters is a way to cushion their negative effects on the environment. Thus far, recycling strategies have been limited to industrial applications, while not many solutions have designed for water remediation. This work describes a strategy to valorize this harmful waste and to reverse its environmental impact, proposing a simple and effective procedure of reclamation of CA and its reuse to prepare a composite sorbent for the treatment of polluted water. The first step entails the washing of filters with hot water (T = 90 °C) and hot ethanol (T = 58-68 °C) to remove the impurities produced during cigarette burning, as verified by means of UV and attenuated total reflection-Fourier-transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy, thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA), and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The second step involves the use of the regenerated CA to prepare porous cylinder-shaped cryogels (15 mm × 10 mm) whose sorption properties are enhanced by the combination with AC (15 % w/w). The synthesis takes advantage of the sol-gel transition of the polymer dispersion (5 % w/V) in a solution acetone/water 5 mM in NH 3 (60/40, v/v) . After characterization by dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA), TGA, FT-IR, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), the adsorption capability of the physical cryogel was studied in terms of treated environmental water volume, contact time and concentration of the selected pollutants. The results have shown that the proposed strategy is a low-cost way to recycle CA from cigarette butts and that the designed sorbent is a promising material for water treatment, allowing quick removal times and yields >79.6 %., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2024 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

As many as 40% of all plant protection products currently used contain chiral active ingredients. Enantiomers of the same pesticide have identical physicochemical properties in an isotropic medium, but they may display different activity and toxicity because of their interaction with enzymes or other naturally occurring asymmetric molecules. This difference may also lead to variations in biotic degradation rates, making one enantiomer more persistent than the other in natural and agricultural environments. In terms of methodological aspects, this critical review describes the most used chiral stationary phases for HPLC enantioseparations of chiral pesticides, pinpointing their strengths and weaknesses. As far as their applicability is concerned, most research has been carried out by means of columns based on derivatized amylose/cellulose due to their rather universal analyte coverage. The chromatographic compatibility with sensitive detection techniques, such as mass spectrometry, has allowed the trace analysis of stereoisomers, revealing ubiquitous occurrence of some chiral pesticides in surface waters, sediments, plants, agricultural soils, roots, fruit and vegetables. The study of their distribution and degradation in various environmental compartments and agricultural soil-plant systems has highlighted the enrichment with one enantiomer over the other in certain matrices following the enantioselective dissipation catalysed by microorganisms or plant enzymes as well as the phenomenon of chiral inversion in some cases. Irrespective of the reliability of a chiral method, such investigations are often hindered by the lack of pure standards of single enantiomers, which makes it difficult to identify their stereochemical configuration and requires precise strategies of quantification. Surely, the research in this field has been grown over the last few years due to the necessity of assessing and limiting risks related to exposure to chiral pesticides, which can be considered emerging contaminants in all aspects., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest The authors declare the following financial interests/personal relationships which may be considered as potential competing interests: member of the Editorial Advisory Board of JCA, A.G. member of the Editorial Advisory Board of JCA, B.C. Editor of JCA, S.F., (Copyright © 2022 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Objective: Community sports clubs provide an important contribution to the health and wellbeing of individuals and the community; however, they have also been associated with risky alcohol consumption. This study assessed whether a club's alcohol management strategies were related to risky alcohol consumption by members and levels of social capital, as measured in terms of participation in and perceived safety of the club., Method: A total of 723 sports club members from 33 community football clubs in New South Wales, Australia, completed a computer assisted telephone interview (CATI) and a management representative from each club also completed a CATI. The club representative reported on the club's implementation of 11 alcohol management practices, while club members reported their alcohol consumption and perceived levels of safety at the club and participation in the club., Results: A structural equation model identified having the bar open for more than four hours; having alcohol promotions; and serving intoxicated patrons were associated with increased risky alcohol consumption while at the club; which in turn was associated with lower levels of perceived club safety and member participation., Conclusion and Implications: The positive contribution of community sports clubs to the community may be diminished by specific inadequate alcohol management practices. Changing alcohol management practices can reduce alcohol consumption, and possibly increase perceived aspects of social capital, such as safety and participation., (© 2014 Public Health Association of Australia.)

This study shows for the first time the presence of intra and extrapancreatic ganglionar neurons and telocytes in Octodon degus such as those described in human and guinea pig pancreas. Pancreatic ganglionar neurons were identified by their histological characteristics as well as their positive immunostaining with mouse anti-human neuron specific enolase (NSE) antibody. Somatostatin secreting delta cells (D cells) in the islets of Langerhans were identified by positive immunostaining with rabbit antihuman polyclonal somatostatin antibody. Electron microscopy evidenced the presence of some unmyelinated axons in the interlobular spaces or septa, usually located adjacent to blood vessels and the exocrine epithelial ducts. The presence of telocytes with at least 2 telopodes was observed in the interlobular space, frequently in close spatial relationship with blood vessels and nerve endings. Telocytes were often observed in the vicinity or even in close proximity with both secretory acini and exocrine epithelial ducts and regulatory nerves and blood vessel apparatuses. A possible framework has been put forward within which such structures might contribute to elicit physiological responses in the pancreas. Further studies of synaptic interactions within and between pancreatic neuron cells are needed to help clarify the morphological results reported here. A broad overview of the field of neurogastroenterology with focus on the pancreas of O. degus related to the enteric nervous system (ENS) is provided in order to help design future studies on the connections of specific neurons forming pancreatic pathways, their neurotransmission processes and how disruption of these pathways may contribute to pancreatic disease., (Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Chagas' disease, produced by the haemoflagellated protozoan Trypanosoma cruzi (T. cruzi), is one of the most frequent endemic diseases in Latin America. In spite that in the past few years T. cruzi congenital transmission has become of epidemiological importance, studies about this mechanism of infection are scarce. The placental tissue undergoes apoptosis throughout gestation, as part of its normal turnover. On the other hand, it is known that T. cruzi induces, delays or inhibits apoptosis in other mammalian tissues. In order to determine the effect of parasite invasion on normal apoptosis in the placenta, explants of human chorionic villi were incubated with 105 trypomastigotes for 24 h. Effective infection was tested by visualizing T. cruzi antigens in histological preparations and by PCR. Upon infection, apoptotic cell death was determined by light and transmission electron microscopy, TUNEL analysis, measurement of caspase-3 like activity and immunohistochemical detection of caspase 3 cleaved cytokeratin 18. Our results clearly show that T. cruzi induces apoptosis in the chorionic villi and suggest that this is one of mechanisms used by the parasite to insure infection and invasion of human placenta and fetus., (Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Congenital Chagas' disease, endemic in Latin America and also present with lower frequency in other countries, is associated with premature labor, miscarriage, and placentitis. The mechanism of tissue invasion and infection of human placenta by the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi (T. cruzi) remains unclear. In order to explore some morphological aspects of this infection in the placenta, we incubated chorionic villous explants from normal human placentae ex vivo with the parasite and studied the resulting effects by immunohistochemical and histochemical methods. Infection of the chorionic villi with the parasite was confirmed by immunofluoresence and PCR. T. cruzi induces syncytiotrophoblast destruction and detachment, selective disorganization of basal lamina and disorganization of collagen I in the connective tissue of villous stroma. These effects are a function of the number of parasites used for the infection. Our results suggest a participation of the proteolytic activity of the parasite on the placental basal lamina and connective tissue in the mechanism of infection of the fetus by T. cruzi.

Aim: To evaluate early and late complications among victims exposed to indoor fire and smoke inhalation., Method: An observational, descriptive and prospective longitudinal study of 15 victims of smoke inhalation admitted to the intensive care unit., Results: Although without significant burns, 13 of the victims were unconscious, with airway injury, abnormal temperature and hypokalaemia, and underwent mechanical ventilation. Initial carbon monoxide concentration averaged 20.4+/-8.3%, dropping to 3.9+/-3.3% 4h later. On the 1st day, two victims recovered and were transferred, and another two died. Creatine kinase levels (2594+/-2455 U/l) correlated with duration of intensive care. Of the remaining 11 patients, 10 had early pneumonia. Steroid treatment was initiated for four patients receiving prolonged mechanical ventilation, because of persistent fever and dry cough without evidence of infection., Conclusions: Mortality and systemic involvement were related to burn of the upper airway and contact with combustion products. Initial creatine kinase levels emerged as a prognostic marker of injury severity. Bronchoscopy was useful in grading airway injury and obtaining bronchoalveolar culture. Corticosteroids were effective, after the acute phase, in treating non-infectious pulmonary complications.

Objective: This study was undertaken to evaluate whether screening through a uterine artery (UtA) Doppler and biochemical markers of oxidative stress and endothelial dysfunction predict preeclampsia., Study Design: UtA Doppler was performed at 11 to 14 and 22 to 25 weeks on 1447 asymptomatic pregnant women. Oxidative stress, endothelial dysfunction, and antiangiogenic state were assessed in women who later developed preeclampsia and normotensive controls., Results: There was a significantly increased of UtA pulsatility index (PI), plasma levels of soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase 1 (sFlt1), PAI-1/PAI-2 ratio, and F-2 isoprostane in women who subsequently developed preeclampsia compared with control pregnancies. Multivariate logistic regression showed that increased UtA PI performed at 23 weeks was the best predictor for preeclampsia., Conclusion: This study demonstrates early changes in markers of impaired placentation, antiangiogenic state, oxidative stress, and endothelial dysfunction suggesting that these derangements may play a role in the pathogenesis of preeclampsia. Our data point to UtA as the best test to predict preeclampsia at 23 weeks of gestation.

This study evaluated the antioxidant defense system of the rat kidney following chronic exposure to red wine rich in flavonols. Both ethanol and antioxidant non-alcoholic wine components, mainly polyphenols, could contribute to the antioxidant status of kidney. Adult rats were given separately, water, ethanol (12.5%), red wine or alcohol-free red wine. After ten weeks of treatment, blood samples were obtained to determine plasma antioxidant capacity (FRAP, ferric reducing ability of plasma), uric acid and ethanol levels. Kidney tissues (cortex and papilla) were separated to perform measurements of reduced glutathione (GSH), glutathione disulfide (GSSG), lipid peroxidation (malondialdehyde, MDA) and the antioxidant enzymes catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px). The activity of (Na + K)-ATPase, a membrane-bound enzyme, was also assessed. Red wine in plasma, elevated the FRAP without changing the concentration of uric acid; in kidney, it diminished the MDA production and elevated the GSH/GSSG ratio and the activity of CAT and GSH-Px. The activity of SOD did not change. Despite the finding that renal (Na + K)-ATPase activity was upregulated by ethanol, it was not altered by either red wine or alcohol-free red wine. The effects on the antioxidant enzymes could be attributed to ethanol, but the increase in the FRAP and GSH/GSSG ratio is attributed to the non-alcoholic components of red wine. These data suggest that there is an enhancement of the antioxidant defense potential in kidney and plasma, after chronic red wine consumption. Both ethanol and the non-alcoholic antioxidant constituents of red wine could be responsible for these effects.

Unlabelled: STUDY AND OBJECTIVES: (Na + K)-adenosine triphosphatase (ATPase) activity, oxidative stress parameters, and morphologic characteristics of the lung and kidney of rats under acute ethanol intoxication were assessed to investigate the pathogenic mechanism of tissue damage., Design and Interventions: Adult rats were given ethanol (5.5 g/kg) 3 h before performing the biochemical and morphologic studies. Oxidative stress was assessed by measuring the levels of reduced glutathione (GSH) and glutathione disulfide (GSSG), the activities of key antioxidant enzymes (ie, catalase [CAT], superoxide dismutase [SOD], and glutathione peroxidase [GSH-Px]) and malondialdehyde production. (Na + K)-ATPase, a membrane-bound enzyme, also was assayed., Results: In the lung, ethanol increased MDA production by 60%, decreased GSH levels by 33%, decreased SOD and GSH-Px activity by 10%, and decreased (Na + K)-ATPase activity by 55%, whereas CAT activity was unaltered. Impaired surfactant secretion and cell adhesion of lung epithelial cells were found. In the kidney, ethanol did not influence the activity of (Na + K)-ATPase or lipid peroxidation, despite the reduction of both GSH and the GSH/GSSG ratio. Focally thickened glomerular basement membrane, apoptosis of foot processes, and tubulointerstitial fibrosis were found., Conclusions: These data suggest that oxidative stress plays a role in mediating the ethanol-induced down-regulation of lung (Na + K)-ATPase. GSH depletion seems to be a major determinant of this effect. Independent mechanisms seem to account for the morphologic alterations of these organs.

Ten handball players, members of the Italian National Team (aged 20-25 years), were studied in two sessions corresponding to different performance levels. The first session occurred one week after the end of the regular season of the Italian Handball Federation: it corresponded to the beginning of the training cycle for the European Handball Championship. The second session occurred ten weeks after the first session. During this period, training consisted of 3 weeks of active recovery and 7 weeks of increasing workload. For each session, jumping performances (maximal height in a single jump, average mechanical power for a 15-s set of consecutive jumps) were evaluated. Venous blood samples were collected in resting conditions immediately before jumping performances to assess cortisol and testosterone plasma concentrations and glucocorticoid receptors (GcR) binding capacity and affinity in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). All the parameters, except GcR binding affinity, increased in the second session. The trends of variation in jumping performances, steroid hormone levels and GcR binding capacity were similar. For testosterone, this agrees with the hypothesis that an adequate level of this hormone is a prerequisite for improvement in explosive performances. For cortisol, higher GcR binding capacity after 10 weeks of training (with respect to initial values) indicated an up-regulation of GcR concomitant with the increase in hormone levels and performances. These findings suggest that the adaptation to training, confirmed by the improvement in performance, is characterized by a high value of GcR binding capacity and that it is mediated, among other factors, by the hormone levels and up-regulation of the receptors.

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of single and combined deficiencies of Se, Zn and I on thyroid function in rats. Rats were fed amino acid-based diets for 6 wk starting from weaning. The diets contained either low or adequate amounts of these minerals. In addition to the control and control pair-fed groups, seven experimental groups were formed: Se deficient (Se-); I deficient (I-); Zn deficient (Zn-); Se and I deficient (Se-I-); Zn and I deficient (Zn-I-); Se and Zn deficient (Se-Zn); and Se, I and Zn deficient (Se-I-Zn-). Serum triiodothyronine (T3) was significantly lower than in controls in Zn-, Se-Zn- and Se-I- groups. Serum total thyroxine (T4) and free T4 were significantly lower and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) greater in all iodine-deficient groups, regardless of Se or Zn status. Thyroid glutathione peroxidase activity was significantly reduced in Se- and Se-Zn- groups. Nevertheless, in the groups with a concurrent I deficiency, the activity of this enzyme was significantly greater than in controls. Severe alterations of the follicle cellular architecture, including signs compatible with apoptosis, were observed in the Zn- and Se-Zn- groups. These alterations appeared to be less severe when iodine deficiency was simultaneously present. Single and multiple deficiencies of Se, Zn and I have distinct effects on thyroid metabolism and structure.

Measures of overt response and of the event-related brain potential (ERP) were used to investigate the processing of a priming stimulus varying in its information content. Subjects were shown sequences of 2 letters that served as a priming and an imperative stimulus. In 3 randomly interspersed conditions the imperative stimulus had a 0.80, 0.50, or 0.20 probability of physically matching the priming letter. The different probability conditions were signaled by the position of a dot flanking the priming letter. Reaction time and accuracy data indicated that the subjects primed their responses as a function of the information conveyed by the priming stimulus. The amplitude and latency of the P300 to the priming stimulus were sensitive to the amount of information conveyed by the priming stimulus and the duration of the processing required. The readiness potential in the foreperiod was lateralized as a function of the priming stimulus. Furthermore, the larger the amplitude of the P300 to the priming stimulus, the larger the lateralization of the readiness potential, indicating that information extraction, indexed by the P300, was related to response priming, indexed by the readiness potential. The results indicate that ERP measures make manifest covert aspects of the priming process occurring in the foreperiod.