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This study focuses on the analyses of field‐scale water flow originating from a drywell, using the 3‐D Richards equation for the local description of the flow in a spatially heterogeneous, combined vadose zone‐groundwater flow system. Realistic features of the flow system, that is, height of the groundwater table, records of the time‐dependent rainfall data, spatial heterogeneity of soil hydraulic properties and flow‐controlled attributes, as well as man‐controlled characteristics of the drywell, were considered in the analyses. The effect of (a) the depth‐dependency of the soil type, (b) the vertical position of the drywell's screen, and (c) the mode of water injection to the drywell (constant or time‐dependent), on the performance of the drywell, were examined. Results, and in particular those related to the importance of the soil type depth‐dependency with regard to the drywell performance, can be explained by the physics of flow in unsaturated soils of differing soil texture. Of specific significance is the transition zone between the two different soil types in the case in which the spatially‐heterogeneous coarse‐textured soil overlies the spatially heterogeneous fine‐textured soil. In this case, when most of the drywell screen is located within this transition zone and when the flow is transient and non‐monotonous, the downward flow from the drywell is maximized. Although this study is site‐specific, we believe that its results are novel and relevant for sandy to sandy‐clay soils associated with managed aquifer recharge technology based on a device whose vertical axis is perpendicular to the soil layering. Key Points: Flow from a drywell is simulated for six 3‐D spatially heterogeneous, vadose zone ‐ groundwater (VZ‐GW) flow setupsFlows controlled by rain dynamics and constant injection scenarios are simulatedFine textured layer at the lower part of the drywell will maximize downward fluxes [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wildfires shape ecosystems globally, yet little is known on their effects on wildlife distribution and spatial behaviour. We used bats as models to test the effects of fire on ecosystems because they are multi‐habitat specialists and feature ecological and life traits such as behavioural plasticity and longevity that make them able to respond to both short‐ and long‐term environmental changes. We aimed at testing the effects of a severe wildfire on a Mediterranean bat assemblage in terms of occupancy, activity and individual fitness. Here, we measure the effects of fire on activity levels and occupancy by a Mediterranean bat assemblage at the Vesuvius National Park, in Southern Italy, over 4 years, encompassing a year when a severe wildfire occurred. By comparing bat occurrence and activity at burnt versus unburnt sites with a Before‐After/Control‐Impact approach, we found that bat responses to wildfires are species specific and depend on the time elapsed since the fire. Species that rely more strongly on forest areas showed a strong short‐term adverse response in terms of occupancy and activity, while species adapted to open habitats showed no response 1 year after the wildfire. However, most species showed a general positive effect due to the passage of fire 2 years after its occurrence, probably because of vegetation regrowth. The wildfire event was also associated with reduced reproduction in at least one species, and to worse individual body conditions 1 year after the wildfire. Our results show that most bats in a Mediterranean ecosystem show resilience to the occurrence of fire, yet many species show negative short‐term responses by altering their spatial behaviour and decreasing their investment in reproduction. Future increases in fire occurrence and intensity due to climate change may alter bat assemblages and impair population viability in the long term, hampering the fundamental ecosystem services provided by structured bat communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bat conservation and zoonotic disease risk: a research agenda to prevent misguided persecution in the aftermath of COVID-19 COVID-19 has spread around the globe, with massive impacts on global human health, national economies and conservation activities. Conservation psychology will play a key role in changing behaviours associated with spill-over risks and in building support for bat conservation following COVID-19 (MacFarlane & Rocha, 2020). In spite of widespread recognition that bat-associated zoonotic spill-over events are largely rooted in human activities (Brierley I et al i ., 2016), bats are often presented as the culprits of viral spill-over, with real-world repercussions for conservation efforts (López-Baucells, Rocha & Fernández-Llamazares, 2018). [Extracted from the article]

Immunohistochemistry was performed with anti-BRIT-1 (mouse polyclonal antibody, diluted 1: 300 overnight at 4°C, Abcam), anti-PARP-1 and anti-CAF-1/p60 following the previously described methods.2,3 The expression of BRIT-1 was subdivided into "normal" (nuclear) vs "abnormal" (cytoplasmic or negative); nuclear expression of PARP-1 and CAF-1/p60 in >50% of CM cells was labelled as "overexpression". Consistently, most CM metastases (6/8, 75%) showed PARP-1 and CAF-1/p60 overexpression. Defect of BRCA1 C terminus-repeat inhibitor of human telomerase expression-1 (BRIT-1), a protein involved in DNA repair, appears to promote growth and aggressiveness of several human cancers.1 Mutations in the nuclear localization signals within the BRIT-1-encoding gene have been described, which may lead to an aberrant cytoplasmic localization of the protein.1 However, BRIT-1 has not yet been studied in cutaneous melanoma (CM). [Extracted from the article]

Liposomal doxorubicin supercharge-containing frontline treatment for diffuse large B-cell lymphoma or classical Hodgkin lymphoma: preliminary results of a phase II study Myocet™ is doxorubicin encapsulated in a non-pegylated liposomal membrane of phosphatidylcholine and cholesterol (NPLD) that spares the heart muscle from the direct cytotoxic drug. Our data suggest that the NPLD supercharge-driven strategy in high-risk DLBCL/c-HL may be a promising option to test in phase III trials, for improving negative interim-FDG-PET cases incidence. [Extracted from the article]

The genus Hystrix includes eight species of porcupines distributed in Eurasia and Africa, across a broad latitudinal gradient. Our aim was to assess whether porcupine skulls: (1) allow for a reliable interspecific distinction; (2) change in size proportionally with body size; (3) follow the Bergmann's rule. We measured 235 Hystrix skulls from museums and private collections. We tested for differences in skull size and we assessed whether variability in skull shape allows species recognition through a multivariate approach. All Hystrix species considered could be reliably identified by skull shape. Skull size was correlated with body size and species differed in skull shape and size, with skulls of Hystrix javanica and Hystrix africaeaustralis being respectively the smallest and the largest ones. Within Hystrix cristata, the Mediterranean and the sub‐Saharan clades differed for both skull size and shape. Using skull size, we could distinguish among African, mainland Italian and Sicilian populations. Skull size of this species decreased in size for increasing latitude values, contrary to prediction by the Bergmann's rule. Such latitudinal pattern may depend on the adaption of H. cristata to Equatorial African conditions, where the species evolved. In Italy (where H. cristata was introduced in the VI Century AD) and in North Africa, a smaller body size may be due to the local climate, or to a 'founder effect'. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bats show pronounced and often‐adverse reactions to artificial illumination at night (ALAN) when commuting, roosting or foraging. ALAN also affects bat drinking activity, at least when lighting occurs over short intervals. We tested whether continuous illumination of drinking sites over 4‐h periods would lead bats to tolerate ALAN and resume drinking in the course of the night. We conducted our experiments in forest (Italy) and desert (Israel) sites to test whether in the latter habitat, where water is scarce, a greater motivation to drink might lead to less adverse bat reactions. We recorded 6853 drinking buzzes and 1647 feeding buzzes from 17 species and one species group. In the forest sites, species that hunt in open spaces or along forest edges showed little (P. pipistrellus and H. savii) or no (P. kuhlii and N. leisleri) drinking activity decrease, while those associated with forest interiors (Barbastella barbastellus, Plecotus auritus and bats in the genus Myotis) exhibited a strong negative response. In the desert sites, all studied species reduced drinking activity, yet in the desert populations of P. kuhlii we recorded stronger adverse reactions only far from human settlements. The harsh reactions that the desert bat species showed towards ALAN rule out any effect of a greater motivation to drink. Illumination had no effect on foraging by most species, except in the forest sites, where Pipistrellus kuhlii and Nyctalus leisleri increased foraging when the light was on, and in the desert sites, where Hypsugo bodenheimeri decreased foraging in such situations. The progressive human encroachment that is taking place in many world regions on both forests and especially deserts, where few sites for drinking are available, may jeopardize bat populations also through increased exposure to ALAN. We tested reactions of drinking bats to continuous illumination of drinking sites over 4‐h periods in forest (Italy) and desert (Israel) sites and hypothesized that in the latter habitat, where water is scarce, a greater motivation to drink might lead to less adverse responses. We found that artificial illumination seriously affected bat drinking behaviour, especially that of forest specialists and desert species. The increasing human encroachment that is taking place in many world regions on both forests and especially deserts, where few drinking sites are available, may jeopardize bat populations also through increased exposure to artificial lighting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Background: Mycosis fungoides (MF) is the major subtype of cutaneous T‐cell lymphomas (CTCL). It usually has a prolonged indolent clinical course with a minority of cases acquiring a more aggressive biological profile and resistance to conventional therapies, partially attributed to the persistent activation of nuclear factor‐kappa B (NF‐κB) pathway. In the last decade, several papers suggested an important role for the FK506‐binding protein 51 (FKBP51), an immunophilin initially cloned in lymphocytes, in the control of NF‐κB pathway in different types of human malignancies. Objectives: We aimed to investigate the possible value of FKBP51 expression as a new reliable marker of outcome in patients with MF. Methods: We assessed by immunohistochemistry (IHC) FKBP51 expression in 44 patients with MF, representative of different stages of the disease. Immunohistochemical results were subsequently confirmed at mRNA level with quantitative PCR (qPCR) in a subset of enrolled patients. In addition, IHC and qPCR served to study the expression of some NF‐κB‐target genes, including the tumour necrosis factor receptor‐associated factor 2 (TRAF2). Results: Our results show that FKBP51 was expressed in all evaluated cases, with the highest level of expression characterizing MFs with the worst prognosis. Moreover, a significant correlation subsisted between FKBP51 and TRAF2 IHC expression scores. Conclusions: We hypothesize a role for FKBP51 as a prognostic marker for MF and suggest an involvement of this immunophilin in deregulated NF‐κB pathway of this CTCL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

1. Natura 2000 network (N2000) and national protected areas (NPAs) are recognised as the most important core ‘units’ for biological conservation in Europe. 2. Species distribution models (SDMs) were developed to detect the potential distribution of the rare and threatened cerambycid beetle Rosalia alpina L. in Europe, and the amount of suitable habitat within the N2000 network [special areas of conservation (SACs) and special protection areas (SPAs)], NPAs (e.g. national parks, regional parks, state reserves, natural monuments and protected landscapes) and the overall European protected area network (EPAN) (N2000 + NPAs) was quantified. 3. According to this analysis, the suitable habitat for R. alpina in Europe amounts to c. 754 171 km2 and stretches across substantially uninterrupted areas from Portugal to Romania (west to east) and from Greece to Germany (south to north). The overlay between the existing system of conservation areas in Europe (N2000 and NPAs) and the binary map for R. alpina showed that only c. 42% of potential habitat is protected. SACs and SPAs protect c. 25% and 21% of potential habitat, respectively. However, because the two site types often spatially overlap, when taken together the entire N2000 network protects c. 31% of potential habitat. Instead, NPAs offer a degree of protection of c. 29%. Overall, almost 60% of the area potentially suitable for the species is unprotected by the EPAN, an aspect that should be considered carefully when planning the conservation of this beetle at a large scale. 4. These results may also help to focus field surveys in selected areas where greater chances of success are encountered to save resources and increase survey effectiveness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: We study the standard deviation of water saturation SDS as function of the mean saturation 〈 S 〉 by a stochastic model of unsaturated flow, which is based on the first‐order solution of the three‐dimensional Richards equation. The model assumes spatially variable soil properties, following a given geostatistical description, and it explicitly accounts for the different scales involved in the determination of the spatial properties of saturation: the extent L, i.e., the domain size, the spacing Δ among measurements, and the dimension ℓ associated to the sampling measurement. It is found that the interplay between those scales and the correlation scale I of the hydraulic properties rules the spatial variability of saturation. A “scale effect” manifests for small to intermediate L/I, for which SDS increase with the extent L. This nonergodic effect depends on the structural and hydraulic parameters as well as the scales of the problem, and it is consistent with a similar effect found in field experiments. In turn, the influence of the scale ℓ is to decrease the saturation variability and increase its spatial correlation. Although the solution focuses on the medium heterogeneity as the main driver for the spatial variability of saturation, neglecting other important components, it explicitly links the spatial variation of saturation to the hydraulic properties of the soil, their spatial variability, and the sampling schemes; it can provide a useful tool to assess the impact of scales on the saturation variability, also in view of the several applications that involve the saturation variability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Artificial illumination at night ( ALAN) alters many aspects of animal behaviour. Commuting and foraging bats have been found to be affected by ALAN, but no study has yet addressed the impact of lighting on drinking activity, despite its critical importance for bats. We experimentally illuminated cattle troughs used by drinking bats at four forest sites in Italy, and compared drinking activity and foraging activity under lit and dark conditions. We predicted that (1) the number of bat species and drinking events will be lower under illumination and (2) forest bat species will be more affected than edge specialists. We recorded 2549 drinking events from 12 species or species groups, most of which decreased drinking activity under illumination. The effects of ALAN on drinking were stronger than on foraging. Forest species never drank when the light was on. Edge-foraging species reduced drinking activity while also increasing foraging under lit conditions. We highlight a previously overlooked negative effect of ALAN on bats, whose implications may be locally catastrophic. Given the importance of water sites for both bat foraging and drinking, their illumination should be forbidden, appropriately mitigated or, if necessary, compensated for with the creation of alternative drinking sites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ULTRASONOGRAPHY-GUIDED CORE-NEEDLE BIOPSY OF LYMPHADENOPATHIES SUSPECTED OF LYMPHOMA: ANALYSIS OF EFFICACY AND SAFETY OF 1000 BIOPTIC PROCEDURES IN A MULTICENTER ITALIAN STUDY For aBc-NHL neoplasms, the sensitivity rate was 100%, that is, 309 of 309 aBc-NHL samples were correctly identified; for iBc-NHL, was 95% with a false negative rate of 5% (13 inconclusive results); for HL, the sensitivity rate was 93% with a false negative rate of 7% (14 inconclusive results); and for NPTC-NHL, the sensitivity rate was 90% with a false negative rate of 10% (3 inconclusive samples). Patients with clinical suspect of lymphoma require prompt and correct diagnosis through the histological examination. [Extracted from the article]

Organisms sharing the same habitats may differ in small-scale microhabitat requirements or benefit from different management. In this study, set in Italy, we focused on two species of high conservation value, the cerambycid beetle R osalia alpina and the bat B arbastella barbastellus, which often share the same forest areas and in several cases the same individual trees. We compared the potential distribution and, at two spatial scales, the niches between such species. The predicted distributions largely overlapped between the beetle and the bat. The niches proved to be similar on a broad scale, yet not on the plot one. Compared with B . barbastellus, R . alpina tends to occur at lower altitude in more irradiated sites with lower canopy closure and uses shorter trees with wider diameters. B . barbastellus occurred more often in trees within forest or along its edges, whereas R . alpina lays eggs in trees found in clearings. B . barbastellus plots were more frequent in forest, R . alpina plots in forested pasture and open-shredded forest. Overall, exposure to sun influenced more critically site and tree selection by R . alpina, as a warm microclimate is essential for larval development. Although B . barbastellus reproduction may be favored by warmer roosting conditions, bats may also find such conditions in dense forest and in strongly irradiated cavities high up in tall trees that project above the canopy. We emphasize that subtle differences in the ecological requirements of syntopic taxa could be missed at broad scales, so multiple-scale assessment is always advisable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Bacterial, fungal, and viral infections often affect non-relapse mortality after allogeneic stem cell transplantation (allo SCT). Recovery from infections depends on a balanced integration between innate and adaptive immune responses. In this complex interplay, a key role is played by Toll-like receptors ( TLRs), which are sensors of pathogen-associated molecular patterns. To our knowledge, no previous study deals with both expression and function of all human TLRs together, in relation to infections in the setting of allo SCT. Methods We prospectively evaluated 9 TLRs by flow cytometry on T lymphocytes and monocytes of 35 patients in relation to infectious events from day +30 to day +120. Tumor necrois factor-alpha, interleukin-4, interferon-gamma, and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 induction upon TLR activation was assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay on cell supernatants. Results In multivariate Cox regression analysis, levels of TLR-9 expression on T lymphocytes ( P = 0.01) and values of natural killer cells ( P = 0.01) correlated negatively with bacterial infections, whereas cytomegalovirus ( CMV) infection resulted as a positive predictor. We observed a trend for negative correlation between TLR-7 levels on T lymphocytes and fungal infections ( P = 0.07). Values of monocytes were negatively associated with CMV infection ( P = 0.03), whereas levels of TLR-5 on T lymphocytes were positive predictors ( P = 0.01). Age ( P = 0.03) and bacterial infections ( P = 0.006) negatively influenced overall survival. Monocyte values were positive predictors of survival ( P = 0.003). Conclusions Bacterial, fungal, and CMV infections were associated with a different expression of some TLRs on T lymphocytes. The protective role of TLR-7 and TLR-9 seemed dominant over other TLRs involved in recognizing fungi and bacteria. We also observed an atypical involvement of TLR-5 in CMV infection. The dominant and atypical role of some TLRs could depend on their pleiotropic functions and the changing inflammatory environment of transplanted patients. A specific TLR profile and an adequate count of monocytes could improve survival, promoting an effective control of infections, and balanced immune responses. If our findings will be confirmed by further studies, these immunological variables could be useful as parameters to predict susceptibility to infections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and purpose Vesicle-associated membrane-protein-associated protein B ( VAPB) is an endoplasmic reticulum ( ER) resident protein participating in ER function, vesicle trafficking, calcium homeostasis and lipid transport. Its N-terminal domain, named MSP, is cleaved and secreted, serving as an extracellular ligand. VAPB mutations are linked to autosomal-dominant motor neuron diseases, including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis ( ALS) type 8. An altered VAPB function is also suspected in sporadic ALS ( SALS). Methods The expression pattern of VAPB cleavage and secreted products in the peripheral blood leukocytes ( PBL) and cerebrospinal fluid ( CSF) of SALS patients and neurological controls was assessed. PBL from healthy controls were also analyzed. Assays were carried out through western blotting, using an anti- VAPB ( N-terminal) antibody. Results Two VAPB fragments containing the MSP domain (17 kDa and 14 kDa molecular sizes) were identified in PBL of SALS and controls, with no significant differences amongst groups. In CSF, only the 14 kDa VAPB MSP fragment was expressed and a corresponding VAPA fragment was not detected. The CSF VAPB fragment was absent in 58.7% of SALS patients, of whom 79.2% were bulbar onset ( P = 0.001, bulbar versus spinal). Conclusions The absence of the CSF VAPB MSP fragment from most bulbar-onset SALS patients suggests a specific alteration of brain-derived VAPB cleavage and secretion in this group of patients, and hints at a role of VAPB in the pathophysiology of this motor neuron disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Porcine lumbosacral dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons were neurochemically characterized by using six neuronal markers: calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), substance P (SP), neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS), neurofilament 200kDa (NF200), transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1), and isolectin B4 (IB4) from Griffonia simplicifolia. In addition, the phenotype and cross-sectional area of DRG neurons innervating the urinary bladder trigone (UBT) were evaluated by coupling retrograde tracer technique and immunohistochemistry. Lumbar and sacral DRG neuronal subpopulations were immunoreactive (IR) for CGRP (30 ± 3% and 29 ± 3%, respectively), SP (26 ± 8% and 27 ± 12%, respectively), nNOS (21 ± 4% and 26 ± 7%, respectively), NF200 (75 ± 14% and 81 ± 7%, respectively), and TRPV1 (48 ± 13% and 43 ± 6%, respectively), and labeled for IB4 (56 ± 6% and 43 ± 10%, respectively). UBT sensory neurons, which were distributed from L2 to Ca1 DRG, had a segmental localization, showing their highest density in L4-L5 and S2-S4 DRG. Lumbar and sacral UBT sensory neurons expressed similar percentages of NF200 immunoreactivity (64 ± 33% and 58 ± 12%, respectively) but showed a significantly different immunoreactivity for CGRP, SP, nNOS, and TRPV1 (56 ± 9%, 39 ± 15%, 17 ± 13%, 62 ± 10% vs. 16 ± 6%, 16 ± 11%, 6 ± 1%, 45 ± 24%, respectively). Lumbar and sacral UBT sensory neurons also showed different IB4 labeling (67 ± 19% and 48 ± 16, respectively). Taken together, these data indicate that the lumbar and sacral pathways probably play different roles in sensory transmission from the UBT. The findings related to cell size also reinforced this hypothesis, because lumbar UBT sensory neurons were significantly larger than sacral ones (1,112 ± 624 μm2 vs. 716 ± 421 μm2). J. Comp. Neurol. 521:342-366, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Giachetti L, Scaminaci Russo D, Baldini M, Bertini F, Steier L, Ferrari M. Push-out strength of translucent fibre posts cemented using a dual-curing technique or a light-curing self-adhering material. International Endodontic Journal, 45, 249-256, 2012. Abstract Aim To compare by means of a push-out test the interfacial strength of a dual-curing resin cement and a light-curing self-adhering resin composite when used in translucent fibre post cementation. Methodology Thirty-four extracted human premolars with single canals were selected and root filled. Translucent fibre posts (RelyX Fiber Post) were luted into the root canal using two resinous luting systems ( n = 17). Dual-Curing Technique (DC): the specimens were treated with Excite DSC and RelyX ARC, which were light-cured simultaneously through the post for 60 s. Light-Curing Self-Adhering Technique (LCSA): the specimens were treated with Vertise Flow, which was light-cured through the post for 60 s. The specimens were sectioned transversally into six slices to perform the push-out test at the coronal, middle and apical regions of the root canals. Data were analysed by two-way anova. All specimens were analysed by stereomicroscopy and SEM to determine fracture patterns. Results There were no significant differences between the DC and LCSA techniques ( P = 0.703) in any of the canal regions. Root region was not a significant factor for push-out values ( P = 0.255) and group-region interactions were not significant ( P = 0.740). For the DC technique, the majority of the fracture patterns (73.3%) were adhesive at the interface between dual-curing resin cement and adhesive. For the LCSA technique, the majority of the fracture patterns (71.7%) were adhesive at the interface between light-curing self-adhering resin composite and dentine. Conclusions The interfacial strength between light-curing self-adhering resin composite and root canal walls is equivalent to the interfacial strength between dual-curing cement and root canal walls. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many details about the flow of water in soils in a hillslope are unknowable given current technologies. One way of learning about the bulk effects of water velocity distributions on hillslopes is through the use of tracers. However, this paper will demonstrate that the interpretation of tracer information needs to become more sophisticated. The paper reviews, and complements with mathematical arguments and specific examples, theory and practice of the distribution(s) of the times water particles injected through rainfall spend traveling through a catchment up to a control section (i.e., "catchment" travel times). The relevance of the work is perceived to lie in the importance of the characterization of travel time distributions as fundamental descriptors of catchment water storage, flow pathway heterogeneity, sources of water in a catchment, and the chemistry of water flows through the control section. The paper aims to correct some common misconceptions used in analyses of travel time distributions. In particular, it stresses the conceptual and practical differences between the travel time distribution conditional on a given injection time (needed for rainfall-runoff transformations) and that conditional on a given sampling time at the outlet (as provided by isotopic dating techniques or tracer measurements), jointly with the differences of both with the residence time distributions of water particles in storage within the catchment at any time. These differences are defined precisely here, either through the results of different models or theoretically by using an extension of a classic theorem of dynamic controls. Specifically, we address different model results to highlight the features of travel times seen from different assumptions, in this case, exact solutions to a lumped model and numerical solutions of the 3-D flow and transport equations in variably saturated, physically heterogeneous catchment domains. Our results stress the individual characters of the relevant distributions and their general nonstationarity yielding their legitimate interchange only in very particular conditions rarely achieved in the field. We also briefly discuss the impact of oversimple assumptions commonly used in analyses of tracer data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Erythropoietin has been shown to have a protective effect in certain models of ischaemia-reperfusion, and in some cases the protection has been correlated with activation of signalling pathways known to play a role in cell survival and proliferation. We have studied whether erythropoietin would overcome direct toxic effects of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) treatment to human renal proximal tubular (HK-2) cells. Materials and methods: HK-2 cells were incubated with H2O2 (2 mm) for 2 h with or without erythropoietin at concentrations of 100 and 400 U/ml, and cell viability/proliferation was assessed by chemical reduction of MTT. Changes in phosphorylation state of the kinases Akt, glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK-3β), mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) and extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1 and 2 (ERK1/ERK2) were also analysed. Results: Cells incubated with H2O2 alone showed a significant decrease in viability, which did not significantly change by addition of erythropoietin at concentration of 100 U/ml, but was further reduced when concentration of erythropoietin was increased to 400 U/ml. Phosphorylation state of the kinases Akt, GSK-3β, mTOR and ERK1/ERK2 of H2O2-treated HK-2 cells was slightly altered in the presence of erythropoietin at concentration of 100 U/ml, but was significantly less in the presence of erythropoietin at a concentration of 400 U/ml. Phosphorylation of forkhead transcription factor FKHRL1 was diminished in cells incubated with H2O2 and erythropoietin at a concentration of 400 U/ml. Conclusions: Erythropoietin, at high concentrations, may significantly increase cellular damage in HK-2 cells subjected to oxidative stress, which may be due in part to decrease in activation of important signalling pathways involved in cell survival and/or cell proliferation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A stochastic model is developed for the analysis of the traveltime distribution f τ in a hillslope. The latter is described as made up from a surficial soil underlain by a less permeable subsoil or bedrock. The heterogeneous hydraulic conductivity K is described as a stationary random space function, and the model is based on the Lagrangian representation of transport. A first-order approach in the log conductivity variance is adopted in order to get closed form solutions for the principal statistical moments of the traveltime. Our analysis indicates that the soil is mainly responsible for the early branch of f τ, i.e., the rapid release of solute which preferentially moves through the upper soil. The early branch of f τ is a power law, with exponent variable between −1 and −0.5; the behavior is mainly determined by unsaturated transport. The subsoil response is slower than that of the soil. The subsoil is mainly responsible for the tail of f τ, which in many cases resembles the classic linear reservoir model. The resulting shape for f τ is similar to the Gamma distribution. Analysis of the f τ moments indicates that the mean traveltime is weakly dependent on the hillslope size. The traveltime variance is ruled by the distribution of distances of the injected solute from the river; the effect is coined as source zone dispersion. The spreading due to the K heterogeneity is less important and obscured by source zone dispersion. The model is tested against the numerical simulation of Fiori and Russo (2008) with reasonably good agreement, with no fitting procedure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We recorded bat activity on Zakynthos island (Greece) to test the hypotheses that (1) olive ( Olea europea) groves and native woodlands provide comparable foraging habitat for insectivorous bats, (2) lower foraging activity occurs in olive groves treated with insecticide chemicals. We acoustically sampled bat activity (passes per minute) in four wooded habitats (organic and non-organic olive groves, oak woodland ( Quercus ilex and Quercus coccifera) and pine ( Pinus halepensis) woodland from June to August 2005. Habitat type did not affect overall bat activity. A single application of insecticide chemicals annually did not affect activity over traditional olive groves. Habitat use on the island differed in several ways from that reported in studies at mainland sites. Most strikingly, pine woodland supported higher bat activity than expected relative to other habitat types, and we recorded unexpectedly high levels of M. capaccinii activity in woodland habitats. We suggest that traditional olive groves buffer some bat species from the effects of deforestation. Conservation plans for Mediterranean bats should consider the biodiversity value of these groves along with the need to conserve small woodland patches. Finally, understanding island-specific patterns of habitat use is essential to bat conservation on small off-shore islands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Myotis capaccinii is one of the most endangered Mediterranean bats. We radio tracked 21 adult individuals to assess foraging range and analyse micro-habitat selection around a nursery roost in central Italy. Habitats were characterized by development of riparian vegetation, distance between banks, degree of water clutter and levels of water pollution (expressed by macro-benthic bioindicators). Diet was also analysed to see whether prey rarity might account for species decline. Myotis capaccinii proved highly mobile: the maximum straight line distance between roost location and the farthest foraging fix recorded on one night was c. 21 km, whereas this variable averaged 7.5 km for the entire study. In general, the species preferred calm waters bordered by well-developed riparian vegetation and large (>5 m) inter-bank distances. Such factors determined the overall quality of foraging sites. Although diet was dominated by pollution-tolerant insects such as Chironomus midges, bats preferred less polluted waters. Our study also confirmed the occurrence of piscivory in this bat. Of the factors potentially responsible for species endangerment, the most likely are general habitat degradation, that is alteration of riparian vegetation and pollution, and cave roost loss. Given the large ecological niche overlap, increasing Myotis daubentonii may be outcompeting M. capaccinii. The most urgent actions to preserve M. capaccinii are extensive restoration of riparian vegetation and strict roost protection. Our study offers indications about where, and how, restoration of riparian vegetation may translate into best conservation results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim To compare the percentage of gutta-percha-filled area (PGP) in simulated root canals when varying the penetration depth and function of the pluggers (heat versus heat plus vibration) using Endo Twinn. Methodology Sixty-four resin blocks with simulated 34–35° curved canals were randomly divided into two groups in order to obtain two canal shapes: group A with 0.8 taper and group B with 0.4 taper. The apical portion of each canal was prepared to a size 20 K-file. The canals were filled with gutta-percha in combination with a root canal sealer. In each group 16 canals were filled using the Endo Twinn heat function and 16 canals by means of both the heat and the vibration function. All samples were sectioned horizontally at three levels (1.25, 2.5 and 4.0 mm from the working length) and the PGP was measured. Data were analysed usinganova test. Results At the 1.25 mm level PGP was significantly greater using the vibration function ( P = 0.0329) and in 0.8 taper canals ( P < 0.0001). At the 2.5 mm level the PGP was greater in the canals with 0.8 taper compared with a 0.4 taper with or without vibration (vibration, P = 0.0056; interaction taper-vibration, P = 0.0020). In 0.4 taper canals the PGP was greater when the vibration function was activated. At the 4 mm level in 0.8 taper canals there was no significant difference in PGP with or without the vibration ( P = 0.6742). Conclusions 0.8 taper canals had significantly greater PGP than 0.4 taper canals. At the 1.25 mm level there was significantly greater PGP when the vibration function was activated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Steroids may have a powerful role in neuronal degeneration. Recent research has revealed that steroids may influence the onset and progression of some retinal disorders as well as neurodegenerative diseases and, as in brain, they accumulate in the retina via a local synthesis (neurosteroids) and metabolism of blood-circulating steroid hormones. Their crucial role as neurodegenerative and neuroprotective agents has been also upheld in a retinal excitotoxic paradigm. These findings are reviewed especially from the emerging perspective that after an insult local changes in steroidogenic responses and consequent neurosteroid availability might turn out to be offensive or defensive cellular adaptations for the potentiation or prevention of neuronal death. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

PURPOSE: To describe the spiritual care activities of nurses as subsequently identified in the Nursing Interventions Classification (NIC) labels. METHODS: Data were taken from a larger study that used a multiple triangulation research design to describe spiritual perspectives, interventions, and attitudes of 1,000 Sigma Theta Tau International members. Data analysis included descriptive and multivariate statistics for quantitative items, and content analysis for responses to questions. FINDINGS: 97 respondents reported providing 32 spiritual care activities. Ten NIC labels actually mapped the nurses' spiritual care activities. CONCLUSIONS: Spiritual care activities involve a broad spectrum of interventions that may be unique to each patient. The 32 spiritual care activities described by the nurses provide new knowledge regarding core spiritual care activities. The use of NIC labels can facilitate documentation of spiritual care activities in diverse practice settings. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: This study supports greater specificity in describing spiritual care interventions to a level that allows replication and advancement of knowledge. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the implication of mitochondria- and caspase-dependent pathways in the death of retinal neurones exposed to the neurosteroid pregnenolone sulfate (PS) shown to evoke apoptosis and contribute to amplification and propagation of excitotoxicity. After a brief PS challenge of intact retinas, caspase-3 and caspase-2 activation and cytochrome c release occur early and independent of changes in the oxidative state measured by superoxide dismutase activity. The temporal and spatial relationship of these events suggests that a caspase-3-dependent pathway is activated in response to cytochrome c release and requires caspase-2 activation and a late cytochrome c release in specific cellular subsets of retinal layers. The protection by caspase inhibitors indicates a predominant role of the pathway in PS-induced retinal apoptosis, although a limited use of caspase inhibitors is upheld on a conceivable shift from apoptosis toward necrosis. Conversely, 3α-hydroxy-5β-pregnan-20-one sulfate and 17β-oestradiol provide complete prevention of PSinduced retinal death. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Examines the characteristics of soil and irrigation water for trifluralin transport. Retardation of the trifluralin movement due to adsorption in solid phase; Effects of water velocity and water uptake by plants roots; Enhancement of movement with the presence of dissolved organic matter.

Focuses on the therapeutic use of monoclonal antibody rituximab in a case of cold agglutinin disease (CAD). Information on CAD; Effectiveness of rituximab in the treatment of CAD; Implication of the finding on the alternative treatment of CAD.

The present study was designed to investigate the neurosteroid pregnenolone sulfate (PS), known for its ability to modulate NMDA receptors and interfere with acute excitotoxicity, in delayed retinal cell death. Three hours after exposure of the isolated and intact retina to a 30-min PS pulse, DNA fragmentation as assessed by genomic DNA gel electrophoresis and a modified in situ terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP-biotin nick end-labeling (TUNEL) method appeared concurrently with an increase in superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS) levels. At 7 h, the increased amount of DNA laddering was accompanied by a higher number of TUNEL-positive cells in the inner nuclear and ganglion cell layers. Necrotic signs were characterized by DNA smear migration, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release, and damage mainly in the inner nuclear layer. PS-induced delayed cell death was markedly reduced by the NMDA receptor antagonists 4-(3-phosphonopropyl)-2-piperazinecarboxylic acid and 3α-hydroxy-5β-pregnan-20-one sulfate but completely blocked after concomitant addition of the non-NMDA receptor antagonist 6-cyano-7-nitroquinoxaline-2,3-dione. Steroids with antioxidant properties (progesterone, dehydroepiandrosterone and its sulfate ester, and 17β-estradiol) differently prevented PS-induced delayed cell death. Cycloheximide treatment protected against DNA fragmentation and LDH release but failed to prevent the rise in SOD activity and TBARS level. We conclude that a brief PS pulse causes delayed cell death in a slowly evolving apoptotic fashion characterized by a cycloheximide-sensitive death program downstream of reactive oxygen species generation and lipid peroxidation, turning into secondary necrosis in a retinal cell subset. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Here we investigated the possible regulation of neurosteroidogenesis by N ‐methyl‐d‐aspartic acid (NMDA) receptor activation and addressed the hypothesis that neurosteroid synthesis may be involved in acute excitotoxicity. In the isolated retina, exposure to NMDA modified pregnenolone and pregnenolone sulphate formation. This effect was dose and time dependent, the synthesis being increased by relatively moderate NMDA doses (1–100 μm) within 30 min exposure and reduced to its control value by 60 min or by raising drug concentrations. NMDA‐stimulated neurosteroid synthesis was blocked by (+)‐5‐methyl‐10,11‐dihydro‐5H‐dibenzo[a,d ]cyclo‐hepten‐5,10‐imine hydrogen maleate (MK‐801) and 3(2‐carboxypiperazine‐4‐yl)propyl‐1‐phosphonic acid (CPP), depended on extracellular calcium and reproduced by glutamate. Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release and morphological analysis revealed that retinal cell viability was not significantly affected after 30 min exposure to 50 μm NMDA, but severe cell damage occurred by 60 min. When the GABAA (γ‐aminobutyric acid) receptor agonist muscimol (1–1000 μm), known to activate retinal neurosteroidogenesis, was added together with NMDA, no additional increase in neurosteroid synthesis was observed, and NMDA‐induced LDH release remained unchanged. However, exposure to a high concentration of muscimol alone (500 μm) provoked a similar degree of toxicity to NMDA. By contrast, bicuculline abolished the increase in neurosteroidogenesis and LDH release. Similarly, pretreatment with R (+)‐p‐aminoglutethimide (AMG), an inhibitor of cholesterol side‐chain cleavage cytochrome P450, attenuated acute retinal cell damage. The inhibitory nature of AMG on NMDA‐stimulated neurosteroidogenesis was confirmed in the... [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A correction to the article "Multicenter Phase III Trial on Fludarabine, Ara-C and Idarubicine (FLAI) Versus Idarubicine, Ara-C and Etoposide (ICE) for Induction Treatment of Younger Newly Diagnosed Acute Myeloid Leukeamia Patients," recently published in the journal is presented.

A response by D. Russo and M. Malgola to a letter to the editor about their article "is presented in response to the article "The Importance of Consistent Use of Denominators Across Patient Groups in Assessing Responses in Clinical Trials," that was previously published is presented.

The endocannabinoid anandamide may regulate intestinal motility through activation of CB1 receptors. Anandamide is then inactivated by fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH), a membrane bound enzyme. Under pathological conditions, inactivation of such enzymatic activity may lead to inhibition of the intestinal motility. Here, preliminary reports on the distribution of Fatty Acid Amide Hydrolase (FAAH) immunoreactivity in the mouse gastrointestinal neurons, and the pharmacological effects of N-arachidonoylserotonin (AA-5HT), a selective inhibitor of FAAH, are reported. FAAH was revealed by an indirect immunofluorescence. Laminar preparations containing the myenteric or the submucous plexus adhered, were peeled off after the whole gut wall had been stretched out and fixed in 4% paraformaldehyde. They were subsequently incubated with a polyclonal anti-serum directed against a region near the N-terminus of the human FAAH and revealed by a FITC-conjugated goat anti-rabbit secondary anti-serum. FAAH-immunoreactive neurons were observed within the myenteric ganglia throughout the GIT. The positive nerve cells varied in size and density of immunoreactivity. Stomach and large intestine showed the highest neuronal density. AA-5HT significantly reduced both gastric emptying and gastrointestinal tract transit. Such inhibitory effect was reduced by the C1 receptor antagonist SR141716A. Both morphological and pharmacological results suggest that FAAH may play a critical role in controlling gut anandamide levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]