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Presents information on a study on the marine Cyanophyceae which belongs to the orders nostocales and stigonematales. Information on the study; Indication of which methods and materials were used; Information on the different species; Identification of the results of the study.

Cancer cells display lysosome hypertrophy, secreting lysosomal hydrolases for tumor progression. Hypertrophy renders lysosomes fragile, increasing lysosomal membrane permeabilization (LMP) tendency. In this issue of Cancer Cell, Petersen and colleagues show that lysosomal sphingomyelin content determines LMP and cationic drugs displace acid sphingomyelinase from lysosomal membranes, increasing tumor LMP and death. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

How do we represent extent in our spatial world? Recent work has shown that even the simplest spatial judgments - estimates of 2D area - present challenges to our visual system. Indeed, area judgments are best accounted for by 'additive area' (the sum of objects' dimensions) rather than 'true area' (i.e., a pixel count). But is 'additive area' itself the right explanation - or might other models better explain the results? Here, we offer two direct and novel demonstrations that 'additive area' explains area judgments. First, using stimuli that are simultaneously equated for number and all other confounding dimensions, we show that area judgments are nevertheless explained by 'additive area'. Next, we show how 'scaling' models of area fail to explain even basic illusions of area. By contrasting squares with diamonds (i.e., the same squares, but rotated), we show a robust tendency to perceive the diamonds as having more area - an effect that no other model of area perception would predict. These results not only confirm the fundamental role of 'additive area' in judgments of spatial extent, but they highlight the importance of accounting for this dimension in studies of other features (e.g., density, number) in visual perception. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A total of 266 species from 11 fish families/subfamilies was recorded in Tawi-Tawi. • Epinephelinae (48 spp) and Lutjanidae (40 spp) were the most speciose groups. • One species was considered Near Threatened (NT) and four species Vulnerable (VU). • Tawi-Tawi had at least 40% more species than Palawan or Panay island. • Tawi-Tawi had about five times more unique species than Palawan or Panay island. Tawi-Tawi, Southern Philippines, which has over 300 islands and huge reef systems, is geographically located at the heart of the Coral Triangle, the global center of coral reef biodiversity. In this study, we conducted an inventory survey of market fishes in Tawi-Tawi from October 2015 to December 2018. We considered 11 major commercially important coral reef fishes, namely, surgeonfish (family Acanthuridae), parrotfish (subfamily Scarinae, family Labridae), snapper (family Lutjanidae), grouper (subfamily Epinephelinae, family Serranidae), sweetlips (family Haemulidae), goatfish (family Mullidae), emperor (family Lethrinidae), triggerfish (family Balistidae), coral bream (family Nemipteridae except genus Nemipterus), fusilier (family Caesionidae) and rabbitfish (family Siganidae). We further compared the results with published reports from Palawan and Panay Island which are also located along the Sulu Sea, the region with the highest coral reef fish diversity in the Philippines. Overall, we recorded a total of 266 species of reef fish in Tawi-Tawi with Epinephelinae (48 species), Lutjanidae (40 species) and Acanthuridae (33 species) as the most speciose groups. Further investigation showed that the average relative abundance of the three most abundant species in each family/subfamily is about 64.5% (range, 51.6% for Acanthuridae to 87.6% for Balistidae) of their respective groups. Based on the status assessment of the International Union for Conservation of Nature, one species (Scarus hypselopterus) was considered as Near Threatened (NT), four species (Bolbometopon muricatum , Epinephelus fuscoguttatus , Epinephelus polyphekadion and Plectropomus areolatus) as Vulnerable (VU) while the majority were considered as Least Concern (LC). The number of species recorded in Tawi-Tawi was much higher than in Palawan and Panay Island which had a total of only 159 species and 139 species, respectively. Moreover, Tawi-Tawi had about five times more unique species than either of the two other areas. Our study indicates the importance of the reefs of Tawi-Tawi and the Sulu Archipelago in general as the richest in the Philippines in terms of commercially important coral reef fish species diversity. Various factors that explain the high diversity of reef fishes on the reefs of Tawi-Tawi and the importance of conserving these valuable ecosystems are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Priming a stimulus can enhance later episodic memory for its context. • In 4 Experiments we address 3 types of resource-based accounts of this effect. • In no experiment did a concurrent load modulate the memory effect. • Formal modelling shows such null effects do not rule out resource-based accounts. • Dual-task experiments may be uninformative even where shared resources are impacted. Prior work has shown that priming improves subsequent episodic memory, i.e., memory for the context in which an item is presented is improved if that item has been seen previously. We previously attributed this effect of "Priming on Subsequent Episodic Memory" (PSEM) to a sharpening of the perceptual/conceptual representation of an item, which improves its associability with an (arbitrary) background context, by virtue of increasing prediction error (Greve, Cooper, Kaula, Anderson, & Henson, 2017). However, an alternative explanation is that priming reduces the attentional resources needed to process an item, leaving more residual resources to encode its context. We report four experiments that tested this alternative, resource-based hypothesis, based on the assumption that reducing the available attentional resources by a concurrent load would reduce the size of the PSEM. In no experiment was there an interaction between attentional load and priming on mean memory performance, nor a consistent correlation across participants between priming and PSEM, failing to support the resource account. However, formal modelling revealed that a resource account is not, in fact, inconsistent with our data, by confirming that nonlinear (sigmoidal) resource-performance functions can reproduce any interaction with load, and, more strikingly, any pattern of correlation between priming and PSEM. This work reinforces not only the difficulty of refuting attentional resource accounts of memory encoding, but also questions the value of load manipulations more generally. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To identify any potentially harmful chemical constituents of the gaseous plume produced from urological endoscopic diathermy. Methods: Chemical analysis was performed on the gaseous plume produced from prostatic resections and vaporizations using gas chromatography with mass spectroscopy and high-performance liquid chromatography using ultraviolet and visible light detection. In addition, carbon monoxide levels were analyzed using a portable catalytic flammable gas sensor. Results: This study identified a cocktail of volatile organic hydrocarbons produced during these procedures, some of which are known carcinogens. The most significant finding being high levels of carbon monoxide. Conclusions: From this preliminary study, we advocate the use of smoke evacuator systems for all urologists regularly performing these procedures, and suggest that further research is required to investigate potential long-term complications to the urologist. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Rossetti et al. identify non- and incompletely penetrant alleles of PKD1. Although such alleles are well recognized in other human mendelian disorders, they have not been associated with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD). These alleles produce atypical, mild, or severe disease depending on whether they are inherited in the heterozygous or homozygous state or in trans with another mutation, providing an intriguing potential mechanism for the considerable phenotypic variability seen in families with ADPKD.Kidney International (2009) 75, 765–767; doi:10.1038/ki.2009.17 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Huisgen cycloaddition reactions of the insoluble yellow solid, phthalazinium dicyanomethanide occurred readily for vigorously stirred aqueous suspensions when the solid dipolarophile had solubility >ca. 10−3 molL−1. For a solubility of ca. 10−4 molL−1, liquefaction of the dipolarophile was necessary in order to achieve reactions. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Around former glass factories in south eastern Sweden, there are dozens of dumps whose radioactivity and physico-chemical properties were not investigated previously. Thus, radiometric and physico-chemical characteristics of waste at Madesjö glass dump were studied to evaluate pre-recycling storage requirements and potential radiological and environmental risks. The material was sieved, hand-sorted, leached and scanned with X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF). External dose rates and activity concentrations of Naturally Occurring Radioactive Materials from 238U, 232Th series and 40K were also measured coupled with a radiological risk assessment. Results showed that the waste was 95% glass and dominated by fine fractions (<11.3 mm) at 43.6%. The fine fraction had pH 7.8, 2.6% moisture content, 123 mg kg−1 Total Dissolved Solids, 37.2 mg kg−1 Dissolved Organic Carbon and 10.5 mg kg−1 fluorides. Compared with Swedish EPA guidelines, the elements As, Cd, Pb and Zn were in hazardous concentrations while Pb leached more than the limits for inert and non-hazardous wastes. With 40K activity concentration up to 3000 Bq kg−1, enhanced external dose rates of 40K were established (0.20 μSv h−1) although no radiological risk was found since both External Hazard Index (H ex) and Gamma Index (I γ) were <1. The glass dump needs remediation and storage of the waste materials under a safe hazardous waste class 'Bank Account' storage cell as a secondary resource for potential future recycling. • Radiometric and physico-chemical characteristics of glass waste were investigated. • As, Cd, Pb and Zn were in hazardous concentrations according to Swedish EPA limits. • Pb leached more than limits for inert and non-hazardous waste unlike As, Cd and Zn. • External dose rates and gamma measurements showed enhanced levels of 40K. • External Hazard index and Gamma Index indicated no radiological exposure risks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To examine the outcomes of renal ultrasound studies after subureteral injection of dextranomer/hyaluronic acid copolymer and provide recommendations for postoperative management of vesicoureteral reflux (VUR). Methods: Pediatric patients aged 15 years or younger with uncomplicated primary VUR were recruited for endoscopic treatment with dextranomer/hyaluronic acid gel. After undergoing the procedure, patients were instructed to continue prophylactic antibiotic treatment until a follow-up voiding cystourethrogram was obtained 2 weeks or more after treatment. VUR resolution was defined as grade 0. Repeat endoscopic injection was offered to patients with persistent VUR. Postoperative renal ultrasound scans were obtained on the same day as the voiding cystourethrogram. Results: Of 120 patients treated, 6 were lost to follow-up and 14 had not yet undergone the posttreatment evaluation. The 100 remaining patients (efficacy population) had a mean age of 4.2 years (range 0.5 to 15), and the median reflux grade was 2 (range 1 to 5). The overall VUR resolution rate for the patients was 87% after endoscopic injection. Of 100 patients, 88 achieved complete resolution after a single injection and 19 required a repeat injection. Of the 100 patients who underwent postoperative ultrasound examination, none demonstrated renal ultrasound changes consistent with significant ureteral obstruction or renal parenchymal changes. Conclusions: Renal ultrasound studies after endoscopic treatment with dextranomer/hyaluronic acid gel are unnecessary after determination of reflux resolution by voiding cystourethrography. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We have previously shown that oligonucleotides designed to bind in triplex fashion to a specific p53 binding site homology inhibit the proliferation of colon cancer cells in vitro. The present study was designed to extend these observations in an in vivo model. HCT 116 human colon carcinoma cells were injected subcutaneously into Ncr nude mice and tumors formed at one to two weeks. Tumors were injected daily for 14 days with either triplex forming oligonucleotide (Hoog 1), a scrambled Hoog 1 oligonucleotide (Hoog3) as control, or vehicle. Tumor size was measured twice weekly. Active triplex forming oligonucleotide (Hoog1) reduced tumor size in comparison to either control oligonucleotide (Hoog3) or vehicle. Tumor sizes in the three groups were significantly different (P<0.001). Student Newman Keuls test shows statistically significant differences between the experimental group and each of the control and vehicle groups (P<0.05). A triplex forming oligonucleotide directed at a p53 consensus binding site reduces tumor growth suggesting a novel method of tumor inhibition. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Previously we reported that adipocyte SNAP23 (synaptosome- associated protein of 23 kDa) deficiency blocks the activation of macroautophagy, leading to an increased abundance of BAX, a pro-death Bcl-2 family member, and activation and adipocyte cell death both in vitro and in vivo. Here, we found that knockdown of SNAP23 inhibited the association of the autophagosome regulators ATG16L1 and ATG9 compartments by nutrient depletion and reduced the formation of ATG16L1 membrane puncta. ATG16L1 knockdown inhibited autophagy flux and increased BAX protein levels by suppressing BAX degradation. The elevation in BAX protein had no effect on BAX activation or cell death in the nutrient-replete state. However, following nutrient depletion, BAX was activated with a concomitant induction of cell death. Co-immunoprecipitation analyses demonstrated that SNAP23 and ATG16L1 proteins form a stable complex independent of nutrient condition, whereas in the nutrient-depleted state, BAX binds to SNAP23 to form a ternary BAX-SNAP23-ATG16L1 protein complex. Taken together, these data support a model in which SNAP23 plays a crucial function as a scaffold for ATG16L1 necessary for the suppression of BAX activation and induction of the intrinsic cell death program. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Department of Defense encourages service members ≤26 years of age to receive the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine. Although this vaccine is not recommended in pregnancy, inadvertent vaccination may occur. The objective of this study was to assess whether active duty US military women who received the quadrivalent HPV vaccine (4vHPV) during pregnancy were at increased risk for adverse maternal or infant outcomes. The study population included active duty US military women aged 17–28 years with at least one pregnancy between 2007 and 2014, and the infants resulting from those pregnancies. Pregnancies, live births, and outcomes were identified using medical codes in administrative medical records. Exposure to 4vHPV during pregnancy was ascertained from personnel immunization records. Multivariable regression models were used to calculate risk estimates and 95% confidence intervals for the maternal outcomes of spontaneous abortion, preeclampsia/eclampsia and preterm labor, and the infant outcomes of preterm birth, birth defects, growth problems in infancy or in utero , and infant sex. Overall, 90,600 pregnancies and 75,670 singleton infants were identified. Approximately 2% of pregnancies and infants were exposed to 4vHPV during pregnancy. After adjustments, no positive associations were detected between inadvertent exposure to 4vHPV during pregnancy and any adverse pregnancy or infant outcomes. Our findings add to an established body of literature demonstrating the safety of 4vHPV when inadvertently administered during pregnancy. Although 4vHPV is no longer administered in the US, its use continues overseas; therefore, safety studies remain important. Furthermore, such studies can provide reassurance to women inadvertently exposed to nonavalent HPV vaccine (9vHPV) in pregnancy, which protects against four of the same antigens as 4vHPV, since safety of 9vHPV has not yet been established in pregnant women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• This is the first observational cohort study to assess JE vaccination in pregnancy. • JE vaccination in pregnancy was not associated with select reproductive outcomes. • Results are similar to animal models; risk from inactivated vaccines is unlikely. • These findings are reassuring for pregnant travelers to JE endemic regions. Japanese encephalitis (JE) vaccine is an inactivated vaccine that has shown no risks in pregnancy in animal models, but epidemiologic studies are lacking. U.S. military service members located in JE endemic regions are required to be vaccinated; understanding the potential adverse events (AEs), including AEs that may occur in pregnancy, is needed. Here, we assessed pregnancy and infant health outcomes in association with JE vaccination in pregnancy. The study population consisted of 192,570 pregnancies to active duty women (2003–2014), captured in the Department of Defense Birth and Infant Health Research program. JE vaccine in pregnancy, vaccine count, formulation, trimester, and whether first career dose coincided with pregnancy were compared with unexposed pregnancies to assess risk of pregnancy and infant health outcomes. Adjusted risk estimates and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated by multivariable models. Of the 192,570 identifed pregnancies, 513 were exposed to the JE vaccine; 474 exposures occurred in the first trimester. For all outcomes, elevated risk estimates ranging from 1.53 to 1.70, were observed with receipt of >1 JE vaccine in pregnancy, though 95% CIs were wide and encompassed the null. First dose of JE vaccination in pregnancy was associated with a 1.87 (95% CI: 1.12–3.13) times increased risk of low birthweight (LBW) when excluding pregnancies exposed to other non-routinely recommended vaccinations in pregnancy. All other associations were null in both main and subset analyses. The overall results of these analyses provide reassuring findings for the safety of JE vaccination in pregnancy. Higher counts of JE vaccine received in pregnancy yielded large yet non-statistically significant risk estimates for all outcomes, though likely driven by lack of pregnancy awareness. An association was observed with LBW in subset analyses, but it was limited to women receiving their first JE vaccine and not observed in the larger main analyses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Few studies have examined domain-specific psychosocial functioning in Bipolar Disorder (BD) youths. This prospective study examines (1) Interpersonal Relationships with Family; (2) Interpersonal Relationships with Friends; (3) School/Work; (4) Recreation; (5) Life Satisfaction, in BD youths.Method: A Course and Outcome of Bipolar Youth subsample (n = 367; mean intake age = 12.6 years, SD = 3.3; 46.6% female) was previously grouped into 4 Classes based on their illness trajectories and percentage of time euthymic using Latent Class Growth Analysis: Class 1 Predominantly Euthymic; Class 2 Moderately Euthymic; Class 3 Ill with Improving Course; Class 4 Predominantly Ill. Psychosocial functioning within the domains were examined for greater than 10 years using the Adolescent Longitudinal Interval Follow-Up Evaluation.Results: Class 1 demonstrated better functioning across all domains; Class 4 demonstrated worse functioning across all domains. Class 2 showed worsening relationships and recreation, and improvement in work/schoolwork. Class 3 showed variable domain declines and improvements. Despite symptomatic remission, 13%-20% of Class 1 and 20-47% of Classes 1/3 still had impairments across different domains. Early age of BD onset impacted impairment across most domains, and low SES significantly predicted impairment in family relationships.Limitations: The study does not have a healthy control group to compare functioning findings.Conclusions: Participants with more symptomatic mood trajectories had greater impairment across domains. Moreover, even with symptomatic remission, participants still exhibited impairment. Each Class and domain had different trajectories for impairment. Results suggest the importance of examining specific (vs. global) domains for targeted treatment, even when symptomatically remitted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Approaches to risk assessment in pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) include the noninvasive French risk assessment approach (number of low-risk criteria based on the European Society of Cardiology and European Respiratory Society guidelines) and Registry to Evaluate Early and Long-term PAH Disease Management (REVEAL) 2.0 risk calculator. The prognostic and predictive value of these methods for morbidity/mortality was evaluated in the predominantly prevalent population of GRIPHON, the largest randomized controlled trial in PAH. GRIPHON randomized 1,156 patients with PAH to selexipag or placebo. Post-hoc analyses were performed on the primary composite end-point of morbidity/mortality by the number of low-risk criteria (World Health Organization functional class I-II; 6-minute walk distance >440 m; N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide <300 ng/liter) and REVEAL 2.0 risk category. Hazard ratios and 95% confidence intervals were calculated using Cox proportional hazard models. Both the number of low-risk criteria and the REVEAL 2.0 risk category were prognostic for morbidity/mortality at baseline and any time-point during the study. Patients with 3 low-risk criteria at baseline had a 94% reduced risk of morbidity/mortality compared to patients with 0 low-risk criteria and were all categorized as low-risk by REVEAL 2.0. The treatment effect of selexipag on morbidity/mortality was consistent irrespective of the number of low-risk criteria or the REVEAL 2.0 risk category at any time-point during the study. Selexipag-treated patients were more likely to increase their number of low-risk criteria from baseline to week 26 than placebo-treated patients (odds ratio 1.69, p = 0.0002); similar results were observed for REVEAL 2.0 risk score. These results support the association between risk profile and long-term outcome and suggest that selexipag treatment may improve risk profile. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the United States, industrial compounds are routinely transported by rail in pressurized vessels, often near urban areas. A rupture of a vessel, for example due to a derailment, can result in the rapid release of a liquid-aerosol-gas mixture. The health consequences of such a release, especially close to population centers, are not well understood. To address this question, a series of controlled experimental releases of pressurized chlorine (Cl 2) was conducted at the Dugway Proving Ground (Dugway, Utah). Each trial consisted of the sudden breach of a tank containing at least 4,500 kg (kg) of pressurized liquid Cl 2. In this paper, we report on measured Cl 2 concentrations in three test structures downwind of the release. Based on these data, we estimate the indoor-outdoor exchange, transport through a multi-room structure, and the first-order loss rate due to reaction or sorption. This loss rate is particularly important for consequence assessment. For example, in a mobile office with a ventilation rate of about three air changes per hour, the reaction loss rate was approximately 2.5 h−1. This accounts for a nearly 20 percent reduction in toxic load to indoor occupants. Finally, the paper discusses the modeling and analysis of a typical urban hazard assessment. • In 2015 and 2016, a series of controlled release experiments of pressurized chlorine (Cl 2) was conducted. • An experiment consisted of the sudden breaching of a tank containing greater than 4,500 kg (kg) of pressurized liquid Cl 2. • The measurement of the Cl 2 plume's transport through an array of downwind structures. • This paper reports the results of an experiment that is unlikely to be conducted often. • The reaction between the gas and indoor surfaces is important for hazard and consequence assessment. • The current study found that total Cl 2 gas loss was faster than the trailer's air change rate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article introduces the Second Special Issue of Cardiovascular Pathology (CVP), the official journal of the Society for Cardiovascular Pathology (SCVP). This CVP Special Issue showcases a series of commemorative review articles in celebration of the 25th anniversary of CVP originally published in 2016 and now compiled into a virtual collection with online access for the cardiovascular pathology community. This overview also provides updates on the major categories of cardiovascular diseases from the perspective of cardiovascular pathologists, highlighting publications from CVP , as well as additional important review articles and clinicopathologic references. • This article introduces the Second Special Issue of Cardiovascular Pathology (CVP), the official journal of the Society for Cardiovascular Pathology (SCVP). • This CVP Special Issue showcases a series of commemorative review articles commemorating the 25th anniversary of CVP originally published in 2016. • This overview also provides updates on the major categories of cardiovascular diseases from the perspective of cardiovascular pathologists. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Moisture-graphite oxidation of nuclear graphite was investigated numerically. • Simulations indicate significant differences in the graphite's burn-off values. • Moisture-graphite oxidation mainly occurs at the bottom three to four blocks in an MHTGR core. • The oxidation alone may not noticeably threaten the graphite integrity. A small amount of moisture on the ppm level could present in the primary helium coolant under normal operations of High-Temperature Gas-cooled Reactors (HTGRs). One potential safety issue related to HTGRs is the chronic moisture-graphite oxidation, which could affect the integrity of the fuel blocks and reflectors in the reactor core, and the support columns in the hot plenum. However, it is infeasible to perform chronic moisture-graphite oxidation tests under the prototypic high-pressure, high-temperature conditions over a long period of time that is comparable to the full service time, i.e., 36 months for Modular High Temperature Gas-cooled Reactor (MHTGR). As an alternate, accelerated moisture-graphite oxidation tests at the atmospheric pressure and high moisture concentrations have been performed in the literature. Through these accelerated tests, global reaction rate equations have been proposed, which makes it possible to study the moisture-graphite oxidation numerically. This paper is aimed to establish a multiphysics model that can evaluate the moisture-graphite oxidation under MHTGR normal operation condition. COMSOL Multiphysics was applied to couple the modeling of the fluid flow, heat and mass transfer, chemical reaction and material structural changes. To reduce the calculation time, the prototypic three-dimensional structures were simplified into a two-dimensional simulation domain. The performance of four nuclear grades of graphite (IG-110, 2114, PCEA, and NBG-17) over a 36-month service period was then investigated under the most likely prototypic condition of MHTGR. The simulation results indicate that most oxidation occurs in the three or four bottom fuel blocks due to their higher temperatures. In general, however, only a thin layer of about 1.5 mm into the graphite will be considerably oxidized even for those three or four bottom fuel blocks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Integrated PFAS exposure and population toxicokinetic model developed for cattle. • Dynamic exposure models used to estimate daily PFAS dose from environment. • Tissue concentrations estimated using one compartment toxicokinetic model. • Models aid development of management measures to minimise PFAS in food. • First validated models for prediction of PFAS in cattle from environmental PFAS. With increasing global focus on planetary boundaries, food safety and quality, the presence of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in the food chain presents a challenge for the sustainable production and supply of quality assured food. Consumption of food is the primary PFAS exposure route for the general population. At contaminated sites, PFAS have been reported in a range of agricultural commodities including cattle. Consumer exposure assessments are complicated by the lack of validated modelling approaches to estimate PFAS bioaccumulation in cattle. Previous studies have shown that PFAS bioaccumulation in livestock is influenced by environmental, spatial and temporal factors that necessitate a dynamic modelling approach. This work presents an integrated exposure and population toxicokinetic (PopTK) model for cattle that estimates serum and tissue concentrations of PFAS over time. Daily exposures were estimated from intakes of water, pasture, and soil, and considered animal growth, seasonal variability (pasture moisture content and temperature) and variable PFAS concentrations across paddocks. Modelled serum and tissue estimates were validated against monitoring data from Australian and Swedish cattle farms. The models were also used to develop and test practical management options for reducing PFAS exposure and to prioritise remediation for farms. Model outputs for exposure management scenarios (testing cattle rotation and targeted supplementation of feed and water) showed potential for marked reductions in consumer exposures from cattle produce. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Provides a review of adverse neuropsychiatric effects of mefloquine and the differential diagnosis of malaria, with focus on the case study of a 10-year old boy who developed acute neuropsychiatric symptoms. Methodology used in the case study; Results from the case study.

So far, Streptococcus devriesei , which belongs to the mutans streptococci group, has been incriminated in the formation of caries in Equidae . We report the first human infection due to this species in a 54-year-old man with gangrenous cholecystitis. The patient was treated successfully by cholecystectomy and ceftriaxone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the kinetics and stable isotopic fractionation of nitrate (NO 3 −) reduction in Fe(II)/Fe(III) homogeneous/heterogeneous systems were investigated at circumneutral pH (i.e., pH 6.5 to 7.5) and ambient temperature (24 °C). Of the suite of iron (oxy)(hydr)oxides examined, NO 3 − reduction by Fe(II) was only significant in the presence of layered double hydroxide green rust (GR) minerals. Comparison of type 1 and type 2 GRs demonstrated that type 1 (GR(Cl−)) had the fastest NO 3 − reducing ability, with an Fe(II)-normalized pseudo first-order kinetic rate constant of k obs (NO 3 −) = 16.2 × 101 M−1 d−1. Anion concentrations (SO 4 2− or Cl−) and the ratio of [Fe(II)] to [Fe(III)] also influenced reduction kinetics. Ammonium (NH 4 +) was the predominant reaction end-product (>50%) with the remaining reduced N species concluded to be comprised of N 2(g) as other intermediates (nitrite (NO 2 −), nitric oxide (NO) and nitrous oxide (N 2 O) were not detected during NO 3 − reduction. Apparent nitrogen (δ15N-NO 3 −) isotopic fractionation (15ε) for GR(Cl−) and GR(SO 4 2−) were were calculated to be 12.9 (CI: 8.2, 16)‰ and 37.9 (CI: 34, 41)‰, respectively. Similarly, oxygen (δ18O-NO 3 −) isotopic fractionation (18ε) differed between GR(Cl−) and GR(SO 4 2−): 4.53 (CI: 2.5, 5.8)‰ and 14.4 (CI: 12, 16)‰. However, the ratio of 18ε:15ε for both minerals could be fitted to a linear regression of slope 0.369 (CI: 0.361, 0.377). These findings reaffirm the importance of GR minerals to NO 3 − reduction, especially in iron-rich systems hosting dynamic redox oscillations, including hyporheic zones, estuarine sediments and groundwater aquifers. These results also demonstrate that N and O stable isotope kinetic fractionation analyses as well as the ratio of 18ε:15ε can provide a means to distinguish between this abiotic anoxic reaction from anaerobic bacterial NO 3 − reduction processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Broadly protective coronavirus vaccines are an important tool for protecting against future SARS-CoV-2 variants and could play a critical role in mitigating the impact of future outbreaks or pandemics caused by novel coronaviruses. The Coronavirus Vaccines Research and Development (R&D) Roadmap (CVR) is aimed at promoting the development of such vaccines. The CVR, funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and The Rockefeller Foundation, was generated through a collaborative and iterative process, which was led by the Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy (CIDRAP) at the University of Minnesota and involved 50 international subject matter experts and recognized leaders in the field. This report summarizes the major issues and areas of research outlined in the CVR and identifies high-priority milestones. The CVR covers a 6-year timeframe and is organized into five topic areas: virology, immunology, vaccinology, animal and human infection models, and policy and finance. Included in each topic area are key barriers, gaps, strategic goals, milestones, and additional R&D priorities. The roadmap includes 20 goals and 86 R&D milestones, 26 of which are ranked as high priority. By identifying key issues, and milestones for addressing them, the CVR provides a framework to guide funding and research campaigns that promote the development of broadly protective coronavirus vaccines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cognitive tests sensitive to the integrity of the medial temporal lobe (MTL), such as mnemonic discrimination of perceptually similar stimuli, may be useful early markers of risk for cognitive decline in older populations. Perceptual discrimination of stimuli with overlapping features also relies on MTL but remains relatively unexplored in this context. We assessed mnemonic discrimination in two test formats (Forced Choice, Yes/No) and perceptual discrimination of objects and scenes in 111 community-dwelling older adults at different risk status for cognitive impairment based on neuropsychological screening. We also investigated associations between performance and MTL sub-region volume and thickness. The at-risk group exhibited reduced entorhinal thickness and impaired perceptual and mnemonic discrimination. Perceptual discrimination impairment partially explained group differences in mnemonic discrimination and correlated with entorhinal thickness. Executive dysfunction accounted for Yes/No deficits in at-risk adults, demonstrating the importance of test format for the interpretation of memory decline. These results suggest that perceptual discrimination tasks may be useful tools for detecting incipient cognitive impairment related to reduced MTL integrity in nonclinical populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: In a sample of participants diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder (BD) in youth, we aim: (1) to examine longitudinal psychosocial functioning; (2) to determine whether psychosocial impairment remains in those who remitted from mood disorders during later periods of follow-up; (3) to examine predictors of psychosocial impairment despite symptomatic remission.Method: A Course and Outcome of Bipolar Youth subsample of 367 (≥ 4 years follow-up data) were grouped into mood trajectories: Class 1 Predominantly Euthymic; Class 2 Moderately Euthymic; Class 3 Ill with Improving Course; Class 4 Predominantly Ill. Psychosocial functioning was assessed via Children's Global Assessment Scale (C-GAS) for those under age 22; Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF) scale after 22. Current school, employment, and disability status were examined. Established predictors of symptomatic impairment were analyzed.Results: The Predominantly Euthymic Class had better psychosocial functioning, and were more likely to be in school/employed. The Persistently Ill Class had worse psychosocial functioning, and were more likely to receive disability. However, 44% of Predominantly Euthymic and 93% of Ill with Improving Course participants continued to experience current psychosocial impairment. Early BD onset, low Socioeconomic Status (SES), and current comorbidity, predicted poor psychosocial functioning. Low SES, and current comorbidity, predicted no school enrollment/unemployment.Limitations: The study does not have a healthy control group to compare functioning findings.Conclusions: In general, youth with persistent mood symptoms had worse psychosocial functioning, moreover, those with remitted symptoms still exhibited current psychosocial functioning deficits. High risk individuals with predictors of impairment should be targeted for functioning interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • Detailed local thermal-hydraulic performance of the simplified PCHE with zigzag channels is obtained. • Fully-developed flow condition is not observed in the PCHE with zigzag channels. • The global heat transfer coefficient is considerably different from the local heat transfer coefficient. • Thermal boundary conditions play an important role in the PCHE heat transfer. • Effects of thermophysical properties and geometrical parameters on PCHE's performance are analyzed. Abstract Printed circuit heat exchanger (PCHE) is one of the leading candidates to be employed in advanced nuclear reactors and next generation concentrated solar power applications due to its compactness and capability for high-temperature, high-pressure applications with high effectiveness. In the current study, thermal-hydraulic performance of a zigzag-channel PCHE with high-pressure, high-temperature helium on both the hot and cold sides was simulated using a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) software package STAR-CCM +. Comparisons between the experimental data and CFD simulation results showed good agreement with some discrepancies in the pressure drop and heat transfer results. Local thermal-hydraulic performance analyses indicated that a fully-developed flow condition was not observed in the PCHE, mainly due to the nature of the zigzag channels, leading to periodic flow disturbance at each of the zigzag bends. It was also found that the local and global heat transfer coefficients were considerably different in the PCHE. Furthermore, thermal boundary conditions showed that the fluid temperatures and heat fluxes were not uniform along the azimuthal direction of a cross section of the flow channel and that the helium temperature distribution for each segment along the flow direction presented a wavy profile. However, the distribution of the helium bulk temperature along the flow direction was approximately linear. For the heat flux distributions, although they were significantly different at different segments, the trend of the heat flux for each segment along the fluid flow direction was similar. Finally, effects of several parameters on the thermal-hydraulic performance of the PCHE were investigated, including the fluid and solid thermophysical properties, radius of curvature at zigzag bends, channel configuration, channel length pitch in the flow direction, and zigzag pitch angle. No considerable enhancement in the Nusselt numbers was observed when the zigzag pitch angles were greater than 30°. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Determination of how geogenic arsenic (As) and vanadium (V) is mobilised from naturally-enriched soils and iron (Fe) stones is integral for understanding the potential risk to the environment from changed land use conditions. Thus, the association of As, V and Fe in As-enriched sediments and Fe stones in Tertiary sediments of Melbourne, Australia, was assessed using chemical extraction methods, micro focused X-ray fluorescence and X-ray absorption spectroscopy. We show that the selective association of As with Fe during Fe stone formation has resulted in As enrichment of up to 60 times the concentration of surrounding soils, and 1000 times higher than mean As concentrations in world soils. In both soil and Fe stones, As was distributed with goethite as arsenate and relatively immobile under oxic conditions. The presence of V on the outer edge of the assessed Fe stone provided evidence of differences in historical As and V solubility; that is, As was immobilised by Fe during an earlier stage of Fe stone formation than V. Graphical abstract Unlabelled Image Highlights • Iron stones comprised up to 6700 mg/kg arsenic and 1360 mg/kg vanadium. • Arsenic was present as arsenate with goethite. • Arsenic and vanadium in iron stones had low leachability. • Iron stone banding provides an indication of differences in vanadium and arsenic historical solubility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract We show that collisions in a single supersonic molecular beam reach characteristic temperatures in the range of a few Kelvin. Experiments have been carried out for mixtures of H 2 and HD as well as HD and D 2 in a pulsed supersonic expansion. From the measured time-of-flight spectrum, we find that the high velocity edge of the distribution for both species is nearly coincident, but the average speed of the heavier species is slightly greater than the lighter one. By working in the few Kelvin regime, this relatively simple technique reduces the number of partial waves in the collision process, which allows the observation of collision resonances. Additionally, copropagation of scattering partners in a single molecular beam precisely defines the direction of their relative velocity vector, which is essential for the study of stereodynamics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • 4–6 year olds and adults participated in a 3-Alternative Forced Choice guessing game to find a hidden toy. • Toy location was probabilistically determined with a 70%–15%–15% distribution. • The distribution of events changed without warning after 80 trials. • Adults and older children responded to the change but younger children did not. • Suggests a developmental shift in ability to track changes in a non-stationary task. Abstract We regularly make predictions about future events, even in a world where events occur probabilistically rather than deterministically. Our environment may even be non-stationary such that the probability of an event may change suddenly or from one context to another. 4–6 year olds and adults viewed 3 boxes and guessed the location of a hidden toy. After 80 trials with one set of probabilities assigned to the 3 boxes, the spatial distribution of these probabilities was altered. Adults easily responded to this change, with participants who maximized in the first half (by choosing the most common location at a higher rate than it was presented) being the fastest at making this shift. Only the older children successfully switched to the new location, with younger children either partially switching, perseverating on their original strategy, or failing to learn the first distribution, suggesting a fundamental development in children's response to changing probabilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The inorganic core of the iron storage protein, ferritin, is recognized as being analogous to the poorly crystalline iron mineral, ferrihydrite (Fh). Fh is also abundant in soils where it is central to the redox cycling of particular soil contaminants and trace elements. In geochemical circles, it is recognized that Fh can undergo Fe(II)-catalyzed transformation to form more crystalline iron minerals, vastly altering the reactivity of the iron oxide and, in some cases, the redox poise of the system. Of relevance to both geochemical and biological systems, we investigate here if the naturally occurring reducing agent, ascorbate, can effect such an Fe(II)-catalyzed transformation of Fh at 25 °C and circumneutral pH. The transformation of ferrihydrite to possible secondary Fe(III) mineralization products was quantified using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, with supporting data obtained using X-ray absorbance spectroscopy (XAS) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Whilst the amount of Fe(II) formed in the presence of ascorbate has resulted in Fh transformation in previous studies, no transformation of Fh to more crystalline Fe(III) (oxyhydr)oxides was observed in this study. Further experiments indicated this was due to the ability of ascorbate to inhibit the formation of goethite, lepidocrocite and magnetite. The manner in which ascorbate associated with Fh was investigated using FTIR and total organic carbon (TOC) analysis. The majority of ascorbate was found to adsorb to the Fh surface under anoxic conditions but, under oxic conditions, ascorbate was initially adsorbed then became incorporated within the Fe(III) (oxyhydr)oxide structure (i.e., co-precipitated) over time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction La chondrocalcinose est une arthropathie microcristalline fréquente affectant habituellement genoux, chevilles, poignets et symphyse pubienne. Il existe parfois des atteintes rachidiennes, exceptionnellement responsables d’un canal cervical étroit et d’une compression médullaire. Observation Il s’agissait d’un homme de 83 ans diabétique (type 2) avec un adénocarcinome de prostate en rémission. Début août, il présentait une altération brutale de l’état général, fébrile et une parésie progressive des membres supérieurs (3/5) puis inférieurs (4/5) responsable d’une perte d’autonomie. Il existait un syndrome inflammatoire biologique sévère (CRP = 217 mg/L, fibrinogène = 7,6 g/L) mais les prélèvements microbiologiques (ECBU, hémocultures), les sérologies (VIH, VHB, VHC, syphilis, EBV, CMV, Coxiella burnetii , Bartonella hensellae ) et la PCR CMV étaient négatives. Le bilan auto-immun retrouvait un facteur rhumatoïde positif (IgG = 45 UI/mL) mais les anti-CCP, cryoglobulinémie, ANA et ANCA étaient négatifs ; le complément était normal. L’IRM cervico-médullaire objectivait une discarthrose protrusive en C3-C4 sans cavitation syringomyélique, anomalie de signal médullaire ou spondylodiscite. Le scanner thoraco-abdomino-pelvien était normal. Un avis neurochirurgical retenait l’indication opératoire après disparition de la fièvre et du syndrome inflammatoire biologique. L’évolution était marquée par une persistance de la fièvre, l’apparition de céphalées, de cervicalgies et scapulalgies d’horaire inflammatoire et l’aggravation du déficit neurologique (1/5 aux membres supérieurs et 2/5 aux membres inférieurs). L’échographie articulaire objectivait une bursite sous-acromio-deltoïdienne bilatérale et la ponction articulaire des cristaux de pyrophosphate de calcium (CPPC). La biopsie de l’artère temporale ne retrouvait pas de signes d’artérite. Une nouvelle IRM cérébro-cervicale retrouvait une arthrite articulaire postérieure C3-C4 et le scanner cervical des lésions lytiques (respectant la corticale osseuse) des lames et massifs épineux, un aspect de dent couronnée et des calcifications intracanalaires compatibles avec une chondrocalcinose. Un traitement d’épreuve par colchicine était initié avec apyrexie à 48 heures, disparition des cervicalgies-scapulalgies, récupération progressive de la parésie aux membres supérieurs et inférieurs et normalisation du syndrome inflammatoire biologique. Le patient avait finalement refusé le traitement neurochirurgical et n’a pas représenté de déficit neurologique ultérieur. Discussion La chondrocalcinose est une arthropathie microcristalline fréquente, affectant habituellement le sujet âgé (plus de 45 % après 85 ans). Elle est secondaire à des dépôts de CPPC intra-articulaires (mono/oligo-arthrites) ou extra-articulaires (ténosynovites, compression médullaire/nerfs périphériques, pseudo-tumeurs). Souvent sporadique, elle est parfois associée à une maladie métabolique (hémochromatose, hyperparathyroïdie, hypothyroïdie, hypophosphatémie, hypomagnésémie), un traumatisme, une chirurgie ou certains médicaments. Les CPPC peuvent se déposer dans toutes les structures vertébrales (atloïdo-axoïde, apophyses, ligaments (notamment jaune et longitudinal postérieur), disques inter-vertébraux). D’importants dépôts sont exceptionnellement responsables de compressions médullaires. Le tableau clinique survient le plus souvent chez des femmes diabétiques de plus de 70 ans, présentant des cervicalgies chroniques, parfois des névralgies, un engourdissement des membres voire une tétraparésie spastique d’apparition progressive (sur plusieurs semaines). Le TDM montre des calcifications, érosions osseuses et élimine les diagnostics différentiels (DD) (tumeur, spondylodiscite, fracture…) ; l’IRM montre un syndrome de masse (parties molles), des complications médullaires (lésions œdémateuses), des érosions osseuses et précise les DD. Dans la série de Mwaka et al., 26 (11 hommes–15 femmes ; âge moyen = 73,1 ans ; intervalle : 50 à 86 ans) sur 465 patients avaient été opérés d’une compression médullaire secondaire à des dépôts de CPPC au niveau du ligament jaune : C2-C3 ( n = 1), C3-C4 ( n = 13), C4-C5 ( n = 17), C5-C6 ( n = 12), C6-C7 ( n = 5) et C7-T1 ( n = 3). Dix patients présentaient des calcifications nodulaires et seize des dépôts diffus. La chirurgie est habituellement proposée afin de supprimer l’effet de masse et décomprimer la moelle ; l’anatomopathologie confirme le diagnostic de chondrocalcinose. Conclusion Cette observation est originale car il s’agit d’un homme ayant présenté une myélopathie cervicale brutale. Le diagnostic de chondrocalcinose a été porté avant la chirurgie et la guérison est survenue sous traitement médical seul. Ainsi, tout tableau de compression médullaire fébrile chez le sujet âgé doit faire évoquer le diagnostic de chondrocalcinose. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the US, only 23% of lungs offered for transplantation are transplanted. Ex vivo lung perfusion (EVLP) allows for evaluation of additional donor lungs; its adoption has been limited by resources and expertise. Dedicated facilities with a centralized lung evaluation system (CLES) could expand access to EVLP. In this unblinded, nonrandomized, traditional feasibility study, 7 US transplant centers referred lungs declined for standard transplantation to a dedicated EVLP facility, which utilized a CLES. EVLP was remotely monitored by the transplant teams. CLES lungs were matched with contemporaneous conventional static cold-preserved controls at each center. A total of 115 recipients were enrolled, and 66 received allografts from 63 donors after EVLP at the dedicated CLES facility. Forty-nine contemporaneous patients served as controls. Primary graft dysfunction grade 3 at 72 hours (PGD3-72 hours) was higher in the CLES group with 16 (24%) vs 2 (4%) in the control (common RD 95% CI, 0.07-0.32; p = 0.0009). All recipients survived to 30 days and 1-year survival was similar for both groups (92% controls vs 89% CLES; common RD 95% CI, -0.14-0.08; p = 0.58). Total preservation time, hospital and ICU lengths of stay, and time to first extubation were longer in the CLES group. Remote ex vivo perfusion of lung allografts declined for conventional transplantation at a dedicated CLES facility is feasible and resulted in additional transplants. Recipients of allografts assessed with a CLES had a higher rate of PGD3-72 hours, but similar 30-day and 1-year outcomes compared to conventional lung recipients. (NCT02234128) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: We explored the associations of dual sensory impairment (DSI) with long-term depressive and anxiety symptoms as well as low perceived social support (LPSS) as a modifier of these associations.Methods: Multinomial logistic regression models were used to examine the associations of DSI and single sensory impairment (hearing [pure-tone average > 25 dB] and vision [impaired visual acuity and/or contrast sensitivity]) with long-term depressive symptom (≥8 on the 10-item Center for Epidemiologic Studies-Depression Scale) and anxiety symptom (present on the Hopkins Symptom Checklist) latent classes from group-based trajectory models (rare/never; mild/moderate increasing; chronically high) among 2102 Health, Aging and Body Composition Study participants (mean age:74.0 ± 2.8 years; 51.9 % female) over 10 years. Models were adjusted by demographic characteristics and cardiovascular risk factors, and LPSS. An additional model evaluated the two-way interaction between DSI and LPSS.Results: DSI was associated with increased risk of being chronically depressed (Risk Ratio, RR = 1.99, 95 % Confidence Interval, CI: 1.25, 3.17), not mild/moderate increasingly depressed (RR = 1.25, 95 % CI: 0.91, 1.71). DSI had increased risk of being mild/moderate increasingly anxious (RR = 1.60, 95 % CI: 1.16, 2.19) and chronically anxious (RR = 1.86, 95 % CI: 1.05, 3.27) groups, as compared to no impairments. Hearing impairment was associated with being mild/moderate increasingly anxious (RR = 1.34, 95 % CI: 1.01, 1.79). No other associations were found for single sensory impairments. LPSS did not modify associations.Limitations: Sensory measures were time-fixed, and LPSS, depression and anxiety measures were self-reported.Conclusions: Future research is warranted to determine if DSI therapies may lessen long-term chronically high depressive and anxiety symptoms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To present our experience in a single pediatric urology practice over a 10-year period with bladder tumors in the pediatric population in an effort to add to the relatively small amount of existing data. We hope to expand the community's knowledge of presentations, management and natural history of pediatric bladder tumors.Methods: We retrospectively queried our electronic medical records for International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision (ICD-10) and Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes relevant for bladder tumors. Patients with underlying bladder pathology, such as neurogenic bladder, history of bladder exstrophy, and history of bladder augmentation, were excluded.Results: We identified 30 patients with bladder tumors from 2011 to 2021. There were 21 males and 9 females. Age at diagnosis ranged from 16 months to 19 years. Tumors identified were: 11 of various inflammatory subtypes; 4 papillomas; 4 rhabdomyosarcomas; 3 papillary urothelial neoplasms of low malignant potential and 8 of other types. Treatment included transurethral resection of bladder tumor, chemoradiation and laparoscopic partial cystectomy. Twenty nine patients had disease limited to the bladder and 1 had disease outside the bladder. Follow-up ranged from 2 weeks to 13 years (median 19 months). All patients had no evidence of disease at most recent follow-up.Conclusion: Pediatric bladder tumors range from aggressive rhabdomyosarcomas to more benign urothelial lesions. Fortunately, the latter type of tumor is the more prevalent lesion. Knowledge of the treatment options and natural history of these tumors will hopefully be of benefit to clinicians and parents alike. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Registry data suggest that disease progression in pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is indicative of poor prognosis. However, the prognostic relevance of PAH-related morbidity has not been formally evaluated in randomized controlled trials.Objectives: The purpose of these analyses was to assess the impact of morbidity events on the risk of subsequent mortality using the landmark method and data from the SERAPHIN and GRIPHON studies.Methods: For each study, the risk of all-cause death up to the end of the study was assessed from the landmark time point (months 3, 6, and 12) according to whether a patient had experienced a primary endpoint morbidity event before the landmark. Each analysis was conducted using data from all patients who were available for survival follow-up at the landmark.Results: In the SERAPHIN study, on the basis of the 3-month landmark time point, patients who experienced a morbidity event before month 3 had an increased risk of death compared with patients who did not (hazard ratio [HR]: 3.39; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.94 to 5.92). In the GRIPHON study, on the basis of the 3-month landmark time point, there was also an increased risk with a HR of 4.48; (95% CI: 2.98 to 6.73). Analyses based on 6-month and 12-month landmarks also showed increased risk in patients who experienced morbidity events, albeit with a reduced HR.Conclusions: These results demonstrate the prognostic relevance of PAH-related morbidity as defined in the SERAPHIN and GRIPHON studies, highlighting the importance of preventing disease progression in patients with PAH and supporting the clinical relevance of SERAPHIN and GRIPHON morbidity events. (Study of Macitentan [ACT-064992] on Morbidity and Mortality in Patients With Symptomatic Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension [SERAPHIN]; NCT00660179; Selexipag [ACT-293987] in Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension [GRIPHON]; NCT01106014). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was aimed to assess the effect of irradiation on the shelf-life of pseudo-dairy food product consisting of different concentration levels of the structural and energy-giving caloric component macronutrients (protein, fat and carbohydrate). Gamma irradiated products (1 kGy, 3 kGy, 5 kGy and 10 kGy) were compared to the current procedure used by the industry of non-irradiated dairy products. The study looked at the impact of different treatments on storage quality in respect to physicochemical (pH, acidity, macronutrients), and microbiological properties [total viable count (TVC)]. The products were aseptically packaged in plastic containers and analysed at regular weekly intervals up until 100 days during refrigerated storage at 4 ± 1 °C. The storage period did not bring about any significant change in physicochemical properties of the products throughout the period of study while the TVC displayed a linear regression for irradiated products stored at 4 ± 1 °C as well as the control (non-irradiated). At the end of the shelf-life trial (benchmarked at log 4.3 CFU/g), the total viable count did not exceed log 3.94 CFU/g for samples treated at 10 kGy after 100 days of analysis. These observations indicated that the product could be safely stored aerobically for > 100days (10 and 5 kGy), 56days at (3 kGy), 42 days at (1 kGy) for the irradiated samples' and 14–28 days for the non-irradiated samples without much change in physicochemical and microbiological properties using refrigerated storage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There has been significant recent interest in clarifying how learners use distributional information during language acquisition. Many researchers have suggested that distributional learning mechanisms play a major role during grammatical category acquisition, since linguistic form-classes (like noun and verb ) and subclasses (like masculine and feminine grammatical gender) are primarily defined by the ways lexical items are distributed in syntactic contexts. Though recent experimental work has affirmed the importance of distributional information for category acquisition, there has been little evidence that learners can acquire linguistic subclasses based only on distributional cues. Across two artificial grammar-learning experiments, we demonstrate that subclasses can be acquired from distributional cues alone. These results add to a body of work demonstrating rational use of distributional information to acquire complex linguistic structures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent studies have revealed unexpected subunit diversity and specificity in the general transcription machinery for orchestrating multicellular differentiation. In this issue of Developmental Cell, Oyama et al. (2013) report a requirement for Taspase 1-dependent TFIIA proteolytic processing in the mouse testis to enable TRF2 targeting to genes regulating spermatogenic differentiation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We describe the use of ambient ionization mass spectrometry in a freshman-level undergraduate class for the detection of caffeine and other components in several commercially available energy drinks (5-hour Energy, Starbucks Refreshers, Red Bull Sugarfree, and Coca Cola Classic). We use the technique of paper-spray mass spectrometry where a filter paper is used as a substrate on which a sample is directly applied and a high voltage is used to generate an electrospray of ions in ambient conditions which are then detected by a mass spectrometer. The purpose of this laboratory exercise is twofold: 1) to use the paper-spray method to determine the chemical composition of different types of commercially available energy drinks and 2) to perform tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) to demonstrate that the mass spectrometer can be used for structural analysis. This laboratory serves as an excellent means of introducing the beginning student to the concepts of charge, mass, and molecular structure. In addition to the freshmen general chemistry class, we also incorporated this lab into the introductory analytical chemistry class taught at the sophomore level with the inclusion of a third exercise where the usefulness of mass spectrometry for quantitative analysis is demonstrated by determining the concentration of caffeine in the energy drinks with deuterated caffeine as an internal standard. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article reviews the major physiological and physicochemical principles of the effect of food and gastrointestinal (GI) pH on the absorption and bioavailability of oral drugs, and the various absorption models that are used to describe/predict oral drug absorption. The rate and extent of oral drug absorption is determined by a complex interaction between a drug’s physicochemical properties, GI physiologic factors, and the nature of the formulation administered. GI pH is an important factor that can markedly affect oral drug absorption and bioavailability as it may have significant influence on drug dissolution & solubility, drug release, drug stability, and intestinal permeability. Different regions of the GI tract have different drug absorptive properties. Thus, the transit time in each GI region and its variability between subjects may contribute to the variability in the rate and/or extent of drug absorption. Food-drug interactions can result in delayed, decreased, increased, and sometimes un-altered drug absorption. Food effects on oral absorption can be achieved by direct and indirect mechanisms. Various models have been proposed to describe oral absorption ranging from empirical models to the more sophisticated “mechanism-based” models. Through understanding of the physicochemical and physiological rate-limiting factors affecting oral absorption, modellers can implement simplified population-based modelling approaches that are less complex than whole-body physiologically-based models but still capture the essential elements in a physiological way and hence will be more suited for population modelling of large clinical data sets. It will also help formulation scientists to better predict formulation performance and to develop formulations that maximize oral bioavailability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The biogeochemistry of the acid leaching of a non-sulfidic, weathered uranium ore from Ranger Mine (Australia) in relation to varied iron concentrations and Fe(III)/Fe(II) ratios was examined in this work. Controlled column studies which simulate a heap-leaching process, showed rapid uranium leaching during the initial stages of operation. This was thought to be a product of both the enhanced mobility of U(VI) in the stockpiled ore, possible aided by enhanced ion exchange with Fe(III) under higher Fe(III)/Fe(II) ratios. Indeed, it was observed that any elevated Fe(II) which was originally present in the leaching solution irreversibly hampered maximal uranium recovery when compared to Fe(III)-rich leaching counterparts (~ 10% in U recovery). Importantly though, the mine-derived native microbial community, once established, was able to oxidise the continuous supply of Fe(II). In doing so, the microbial consortium was able to restore chemical conditions amenable to enhanced uranium recovery. The Fe-oxidising bacteria (FeOB) did not correspond to mesophilic bacteria typically found in sulfidic ores. Furthermore, the planktic and benthic communities were vastly different from each other. Collectively, this research provides key insights into the biogeochemical processes that are important to maximising uranium resource recovery from heap leaching activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent studies have demonstrated that the rate at which Fe(II)-Fe(III) oxyhydroxide systems catalyze the reduction of reducible contaminants, such as 4-chloronitrobenzene, is well correlated to their thermodynamic reduction potential. Here we confirm this effect in the presence of Fe(III) oxyhydroxide phases not previously assessed, namely ferrihydrite and nano-goethite, as well as Fe(III) oxyhydroxide phases previously examined. In addition, silicate is found to decrease the extent of Fe(II) sorption to the Fe(III) oxyhydroxide surface, increasing the reduction potential of the Fe(II)-Fe(III) oxyhydroxide suspension and, accordingly, decreasing the rate of 4-chloronitrobenzene reduction. A linear relationship between the reduction potential of the Fe(II)-Fe(III) oxyhydroxide suspensions and the reduction rate of 4-chloronitrobenzene (normalized to surface area and concentration of sorbed Fe(II)) was obtained in the presence and absence of silicate. However, when ferrihydrite was doped with Si (through co-precipitation) the reduction of 4-chloronitrobenzene was much slower than predicted from its reduction potential. The results obtained have significant implications to the likely effectiveness of naturally occurring contaminant degradation processes involving Fe(II) and Fe(III) oxyhydroxides in groundwater environments containing high concentrations of silicate, or other species which compete with Fe(II) for sorption sites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives LUME-Lung 2 investigated the efficacy/safety of nintedanib plus pemetrexed in patients with pretreated non-squamous non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Materials and methods Patients with stage IIIB/IV or recurrent non-squamous NSCLC who had received one prior chemotherapy regimen were randomized (1:1 stratified by histology [adenocarcinoma/non-adenocarcinoma], prior bevacizumab, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status and presence of brain metastases) to receive intravenous pemetrexed 500 mg/m 2 on Day 1 plus nintedanib 200 mg orally twice daily or matching placebo on Days 2–21, every 3 weeks until progression/unacceptable toxicity. Progression-free survival (PFS) by independent central review was the primary endpoint. Overall survival (OS) was the key secondary endpoint. Results Based on the pre-planned futility analysis of investigator-assessed PFS, conducted by an independent data monitoring committee, recruitment was halted on 18 June 2011 after 713 ( n = 353 nintedanib/pemetrexed; n = 360 placebo/pemetrexed)/1300 planned patients had enrolled. There were no safety concerns. Subsequent analysis demonstrated a significant improvement in PFS favoring nintedanib/pemetrexed over placebo/pemetrexed (median 4.4 months vs 3.6 months; hazard ratio [HR] = 0.83, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.70–0.99, p = 0.0435). There was no significant difference in OS (median 12.0 months vs 12.7 months; HR = 1.01, 95% CI 0.85–1.21, p = 0.8940) after 514 deaths. Nintedanib/pemetrexed resulted in a higher incidence of grade ≥3 elevated alanine aminotransferase (23.3% vs 7.3%), elevated aspartate aminotransferase (12.1% vs 1.7%) and diarrhea (3.5% vs 1.1%) compared with placebo/pemetrexed, but no difference in hypertension, bleeding or thrombosis. Conclusion Although recruitment stopped prematurely, combining nintedanib with pemetrexed significantly prolonged PFS in patients with advanced non-squamous NSCLC after first-line chemotherapy, with a manageable safety profile. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Forming an accurate representation of a task environment often takes place incrementally as the information relevant to learning the representation only unfolds over time. This incremental nature of learning poses an important problem: it is usually unclear whether a sequence of stimuli consists of only a single pattern, or multiple patterns that are spliced together. In the former case, the learner can directly use each observed stimulus to continuously revise its representation of the task environment. In the latter case, however, the learner must first parse the sequence of stimuli into different bundles, so as to not conflate the multiple patterns. We created a video-game statistical learning paradigm and investigated (1) whether learners without prior knowledge of the existence of multiple "stimulus bundles" - subsequences of stimuli that define locally coherent statistical patterns - could detect their presence in the input and (2) whether learners are capable of constructing a rich representation that encodes the various statistical patterns associated with bundles. By comparing human learning behavior to the predictions of three computational models, we find evidence that learners can handle both tasks successfully. In addition, we discuss the underlying reasons for why the learning of stimulus bundles occurs even when such behavior may seem irrational. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A comparative study of the ability of microparticulate zerovalent iron (mZVI) and nanoparticulate zerovalent iron (nZVI) to oxidize a target compound (in this study, 14 C-labelled formate) under aerobic conditions has been conducted with specific consideration given to differences in reaction mechanisms. Results of Fe K -edge extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) spectroscopy showed that mZVI underwent a slow transformation to ferrihydrite while nZVI, in contrast, rapidly transformed into lepidocrocite. The behavior of mZVI (compared to nZVI) could be attributed to either (i) a lower reactivity with oxygen and/or water, (ii) surface passivation by ferrihydrite resulting in reduced electron conductivity, and/or (iii) the relatively low concentration of Fe(II) which, in the case of nZVI, catalyzed the transformation of ferrihydrite to lepidocrocite. The influence of these structural transformations on contaminant removal was profound with the ferrihydrite that formed on mZVI inducing rapid adsorption of formate and moderating reactions of mZVI with oxygen and/or water. Although surface passivation of mZVI was significant, the effectiveness of the ensuing heterogeneous redox reactions in the mZVI/O 2 system, as characterized by the molar ratio of oxidized formate to consumed Fe(0) (i.e., 13.7 ± 0.8 μM/M), was comparable to that for nZVI (16.5 ± 1.4 μM/M). The results of this study highlight the potential of mZVI for the oxidative degradation of target organics in preference to nZVI despite its lower intrinsic reactivity though some means (either natural or engineered) of inducing continual depassivation of the iron oxyhydroxide-coated mZVI would be required in order to maintain ongoing oxidant production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]