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Central America and the Caribbean are regularly battered by megadroughts, heavy rainfall, heat waves, and tropical cyclones. Although 21st‐century climate change is expected to increase the frequency, intensity, and duration of these extreme weather events (EWEs), their incidence in regional protected areas (PAs) remains poorly explored. We examined historical and projected EWEs across the region based on 32 metrics that describe distinct dimensions (i.e., intensity, duration, and frequency) of heat waves, cyclones, droughts, and rainfall and compared trends in PAs with trends in unprotected lands. From the early 21st century onward, exposure to EWEs increased across the region, and PAs were predicted to be more exposed to climate extremes than unprotected areas (as shown by autoregressive model coefficients at p < 0.05 significance level). This was particularly true for heat waves, which were projected to have a significantly higher average (tested by Wilcoxon tests at p < 0.01) intensity and duration, and tropical cyclones, which affected PAs more severely in carbon‐intensive scenarios. PAs were also predicted to be significantly less exposed to droughts and heavy rainfall than unprotected areas (tested by Wilcoxon tests at p < 0.01). However, droughts that could threaten connectivity between PAs are increasingly common in this region. We estimated that approximately 65% of the study area will experience at least one drought episode that is more intense and longer lasting than previous droughts. Collectively, our results highlight that new conservation strategies adapted to threats associated with EWEs need to be tailored and implemented promptly. Unless urgent action is taken, significant damage may be inflicted on the unique biodiversity of the region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Complete avoidance of milk is the usual management for IgE‐mediated cow's milk protein allergy (CMPA). A baked milk ladder is a method of dietary advancement therapy in IgE‐mediated CMPA in Ireland, while in Spain, avoidance of milk awaiting natural tolerance acquisition through an oral food challenge (OFC) is employed. The aim of this study was to evaluate the use of dietary advancement therapy using a milk ladder compared with complete avoidance of milk for managing IgE‐mediated CMPA. Methods: This is a retrospective chart review of 371 pediatric patients from the population who have been treated for IgE‐mediated CMPA between 2011 and 2020, with the milk ladder (Ireland) or complete avoidance followed by an OFC (Spain). The main outcome was the introduction of cow's milk. Results: Milk ladder patients were 3.67 times more likely to succeed in comparison with milk avoidance (p <.001). Anaphylaxis during the treatment period occurred in 34 patients in the milk avoidance groups, while three patients in the milk ladder group experienced anaphylaxis due to accidental exposure to milk (p <.001). Failure to complete treatment was associated with a higher skin prick test in the milk avoidance group and a raised specific IgE in the milk ladder group. Conclusion: This is the first study that compares outcomes of dietary advancement therapy to complete avoidance for CMPA management, demonstrating that cow's milk can be successfully and safely reintroduced using dietary advancement therapy using a milk ladder. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fucosyltransferases (Fut) regulate the fucosylation process associated with tumorogenesis in different cancer types. Ascitic fluid (AF) from patients diagnosed with advanced stage of epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) is considered as a dynamic tumor microenvironment associated with poor prognosis. Previous studies from our laboratory showed increased fucosylation in SKOV‐3 and OVCAR‐3, cancer‐derived cell lines, when these cells were incubated with AFs derived from patients diagnosed with EOC. In the present work we studied three fucosyltransferases (Fut 2, Fut 4, and Fut 8) in SKOV‐3, OVCAR‐3 and CAOV‐3 cell lines in combination with five different AFs from patients diagnosed with this disease, confirming that all tested AFs increased fucosylation. Then, we demonstrate that mRNAs of these three enzymes were overexpressed in the three cell lines under treatment with AFs. SKOV‐3 showed the higher overexpression of Fut 2, Fut 4, and Fut 8 in comparison with the control condition. We further confirmed, in the SKOV‐3 cell line, by endpoint PCR, WB, and confocal microscopy, that the three enzymes were overexpressed, being Fut 4 the most overexpressed enzyme compared to Fut 2 and Fut 8. These enzymes were concentrated in vesicular structures with a homogeneous distribution pattern throughout the cytoplasm. Moreover, we found that among the three enzymes, only Fut 4 was located inside the nuclei. The nuclear location of Fut 4 was confirmed for the three cell lines. These results allow to propose Fut 2, Fut 4, and Fut 8 as potential targets for EOC treatment or as diagnostic tools for this disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Telehealth is an emerging approach that uses technology to provide healthcare remotely. Recent publications have outlined the importance of supporting the transition to self‐management of adolescents with allergic conditions. However, no synthesis of the evidence base on the use and impact of telehealth interventions for this purpose has been conducted to date. This review achieves these aims, in addition to exploring the language use surrounding these interventions, and their implementation. Four databases were searched systematically. References were independently screened by two reviewers. Methodological quality was assessed using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool. A narrative synthesis was undertaken. Eighteen articles were included, reporting on 15 telehealth interventions. A total of 86% targeted adolescents with asthma. Mobile applications were the most common telehealth modality used, followed by video‐conferencing, web‐based, virtual reality and artificial intelligence. Five intervention content categories were identified; educational, monitoring, behavioural, psychosocial and healthcare navigational. Peer and/or healthcare professional interaction, gamification and tailoring may increase engagement. The studies showed positive effects of the interventions or no difference from active controls, in self‐management outcomes such as knowledge, health outcomes such as quality‐of‐life, and economic outcomes such as healthcare utilization. The most common implementation outcomes reported were acceptability, appropriateness, feasibility and fidelity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Studying past community dynamics can provide valuable insights for anticipating future changes in the world's biota. However, the existing fossil record is too sparse to enable continuous temporal reconstructions of wholesale community dynamics. In this study, we utilise machine learning to reconstruct Late Quaternary community structure, leveraging the climate–trophic structure relationship. We followed a four‐stage approach: 1) identify and map trophic structure units (TSUs) at the global scale based on the guild richness and composition of terrestrial mammal species weighing over 3 kg; 2) train a random forest classifier to predict the observed distribution of TSUs based on contemporary climatic conditions; 3) hindcast the global distribution of TSUs using climatic conditions as reconstructed over the past 120 000 years; and 4) compare TSU hindcasts against elements of community structure as estimated with the fossil record. Models project significant shifts in the geographical distribution of community trophic structures, with more pronounced changes occurring during the Pleistocene–Holocene transition. These shifts exhibit regional variations, particularly in Eurasia and North America, where the models project reductions in the distribution of less‐complex trophic structures over the last 24 000 years. Hindcasts partially identified the alterations in community structure seen in the fossil record, demonstrating a match between the observed and predicted times of change in mammal community structure (between 24 and 8 ka BP). However, projections of trophic guilds diverged from fossil records during the Holocene. While the fossil record indicated a decrease in the number of grazers and carnivores, our models projected an increase in these numbers. Characterising community‐wide responses to climatic changes is essential to address key questions about past and future impacts of such changes. Although further research is needed to refine the models, our approach offers a perspective for addressing the complex interactions among climate and trophic structures and model their distributions over time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although scientific research has identified the causes of undesirable ecological changes in fresh waters, translating the results of research into practical conservation and management, and raising awareness of the need for action, is often inadequate.This Viewpoint considers the present coverage of conservation‐related freshwater research, the application of science to conservation, the extent of collaboration between international organizations, and the level of awareness of freshwater ecosystems and the need for their conservation.Far greater attention has been given to conservation in marine than freshwater areas. This is illustrated by the respective number of publications in the scientific literature, an imbalance in the UN Sustainable Development goals, and, until recently, the lack of an explicit reference to freshwater ecosystems in the UN Global Biodiversity Framework.Four case studies are presented as examples of how freshwater conservation can be made more effective: involving local communities in applying nature‐based solutions; bringing scientists and stakeholders together to discuss how to improve freshwater management; collaborating at a global scale in freshwater protection and restoration; and demonstrating how scientists and government can work together to reconcile the competing needs of nature and human society.Producing and implementing effective conservation and management plans needs a recognition of the extensive diversity of freshwater habitats and species, as well as a systematic evaluation of how scientific information can be translated into action at local, regional and global scales.Data on freshwater ecosystems need to be accessible, comprehensible, unambiguous and available to all those working on practical conservation projects. Many international organizations are already active in this field, but greater collaboration would make their work more effective.Raising awareness needs education and training, carefully targeted at a wide range of audiences, and communicated using the full range of media now available. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A study published in the journal Clinical & Experimental Allergy examined the safety and effectiveness of a milk ladder for managing children with IgE-mediated milk allergy. The study found that 87% of infants with milk allergy successfully introduced milk using a home milk ladder. While allergic reactions were common, cases of anaphylaxis were triggered by accidental milk exposures, not the milk ladder itself. The study provides evidence for the efficacy and safety of the milk ladder in managing milk allergy in young children. However, it is important to note that no management strategy is without risk, and families should be informed of the potential benefits and risks of using a milk ladder. [Extracted from the article]

Background: Anaphylaxis is rising in prevalence among children. The current recommendations on the effective transition of anaphylaxis management to adolescents and young adults suggest preparation for the transition may be considered at 11–13 years of age in accordance with the patient's developmental stage. However, there has been limited research conducted on the perspective of caregivers regarding the transition of anaphylaxis management to their children. This study aims to determine the age caregivers feel it is appropriate to begin to teach their child to recognize anaphylaxis and use their adrenaline auto‐injectors (AAI). Methods: Caregivers of pediatric allergy patients who have been diagnosed with IgE‐mediated food allergy and have an AAI prescription were contacted by phone and invited to complete a questionnaire about when they feel it is appropriate to begin to teach their child to recognize anaphylaxis and use their AAI. Results: Of the 123 responses to the questionnaire received, 44.7% indicated that 9–11 years was the appropriate time for teaching their children to self‐inject an AAI. History of severe anaphylaxis (94.3%), child's ability to describe reasons to inject adrenaline (87.8%), and demonstrate AAI use (82.1%) were "very important" readiness factors identified. Almost half of caregivers were "not confident" (8.94%) or "somewhat confident" (40.65%) in training their child to use AAI. Caregivers with higher household incomes more frequently identified themselves as the party responsible for training their children to use AAI (p =.04). Conclusion: Caregivers in this sample expressed different perspectives than the current guidelines regarding the timing to initiate the transition of anaphylaxis management to their child. Caregivers expressed suboptimal confidence in teaching their children to use AAI. Clinicians should be aware of the factors that may indicate caregivers' desire to initiate an earlier transition of anaphylaxis management to their child and ensure access to appropriate training, education and support is available. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article discusses the hypothetical scenario of prescribing propranolol, a beta blocker, to an infant at risk of anaphylaxis who is also prescribed epinephrine auto-injectors. The concern is that the opposing effects of epinephrine and propranolol may have negative consequences. However, there is no evidence that patients on beta blockers require increased doses of epinephrine for anaphylaxis. In the event of anaphylaxis, it is important to administer epinephrine as quickly as possible, and if there is a suboptimal response, glucagon administration could be considered. Fatal outcomes from anaphylaxis in infants are extremely rare, and symptoms tend to be less severe in infants than in older children. The authors provide guidance on managing the prescription of propranolol and epinephrine auto-injectors in infants with food allergies. [Extracted from the article]

Both gradual and extreme weather changes trigger complex ecological responses in river ecosystems. It is still unclear to what extent trend or event effects alter biodiversity and functioning in river ecosystems, adding considerable uncertainty to predictions of their future dynamics. Using a comprehensive database of 71 published studies, we show that event – but not trend – effects associated with extreme changes in water flow and temperature substantially reduce species richness. Furthermore, event effects – particularly those affecting hydrological dynamics – on biodiversity and primary productivity were twice as high as impacts due to gradual changes. The synthesis of the available evidence reveals that event effects induce regime shifts in river ecosystems, particularly affecting organisms such as invertebrates. Among extreme weather events, dryness associated with flow interruption caused the largest effects on biota and ecosystem functions in rivers. Effects on ecosystem functions (primary production, organic matter decomposition and respiration) were asymmetric, with only primary production exhibiting a negative response to extreme weather events. Our meta‐analysis highlights the disproportionate impact of event effects on river biodiversity and ecosystem functions, with implications for the long‐term conservation and management of river ecosystems. However, few studies were available from tropical areas, and our conclusions therefore remain largely limited to temperate river systems. Further efforts need to be directed to assemble evidence of extreme events on river biodiversity and functioning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Allergy diagnosis, allergy treatment, education, healthcare, learning methods, primary care, primary care pediatricians Keywords: allergy diagnosis; allergy treatment; education; healthcare; learning methods; primary care; primary care pediatricians EN allergy diagnosis allergy treatment education healthcare learning methods primary care primary care pediatricians 1 4 4 01/31/23 20230101 NES 230101 Pediatricians are often the first point of contact for children in primary care (PC). [Extracted from the article]

Patients diagnosed with IgE-mediated CMPA between 2015 and 2021 who were treated with the iMAP milk ladder in a tertiary paediatric allergy clinic and in a local PC clinic in Ireland were included. Primary care as a setting for introducing milk using the milk ladder in children with IgE-mediated cow's milk protein allergy 2023; 15 (6): 1397. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15061397 5 Ball HB, Luyt D. Home-based cow's milk reintroduction using a milk ladder in children less than 3 years old with IgE-mediated cow's milk allergy. [Extracted from the article]

Background: Internationally, the COVID‐19 pandemic severely curtailed access to hospital facilities for those awaiting elective/semi‐elective procedures. For allergic children in Ireland, already waiting up to 4 years for an elective oral food challenge (OFC), the restrictions signified indefinite delay. At the time of the initiative, there were approx 900 children on the Children's Health Ireland (CHI) waiting list. In July 2020, a project was facilitated by short‐term (6 weeks) access to an empty COVID stepdown facility built, in a hotel conference centre, commandeered by the Health Service Executive (HSE), Ireland. The aim of this study was to achieve the rapid roll‐out of an offsite OFC service, delivering high throughput of long waiting patients, while aligning with existing hospital policies and quality standards, international allergy guidelines and national social distancing standards. Methods: The working group engaged key stakeholders to rapidly develop an offsite OFC facility. Consultant paediatric allergists, consultant paediatricians, trainees and allergy clinical nurse specialists were seconded from other duties. The facility was already equipped with hospital beds, bedside monitors (BP, pulse and oxygen saturation) and bedside oxygen. All medication and supplies had to be brought from the base hospital. Daily onsite consultant anaesthetic cover was resourced and a resuscitation room equipped. Standardized food challenge protocols were created. Access to the onsite hotel chef facilitated food preparation. A risk register was established. Results: After 6 weeks of planning, the remote centre became operational on 7/9/2020, with the capacity of 27 OFC/day. 474 challenges were commenced: 465 (98%) were completed and 9 (2%) were inconclusive. 135 (29%) OFCs were positive, with 25 (5%) causing anaphylaxis. No child required advanced airway intervention. 8 children were transferred to the base hospital. The CHI allergy waiting list was reduced by almost 60% in only 24 days. Conclusions: Oral food challenges remain a vital tool in the care of allergic children, with their cost saving and quality‐of‐life benefits negatively affected by a delay in their delivery. This project has shown it is possible to have huge impacts on a waiting list efficiently, effectively and safely with good planning and staff buy‐in—even in a pandemic. Adoption of new, flexible and efficient models of service delivery will be important for healthcare delivery in the post–COVID‐19 era. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and purpose: Prognosis of myasthenia gravis (MG) in patients with thymoma is not well established. Moreover, it is not clear whether thymoma recurrence or unresectable lesions entail a worse prognosis of MG. Methods: This multicenter study was based on data from a Spanish neurologist‐driven MG registry. All patients were aged >18 years at onset and had anti‐acetylcholine receptor antibodies. We compared the clinical data of thymomatous and nonthymomatous patients. Prognosis of patients with recurrent or nonresectable thymomas was assessed. Results: We included 964 patients from 15 hospitals; 148 (15.4%) had thymoma‐associated MG. Median follow‐up time was 4.6 years. At onset, thymoma‐associated MG patients were younger (52.0 vs. 60.4 years, p < 0.001), had more generalized symptoms (odds ratio [OR]: 3.02, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.95–4.68, p < 0.001) and more severe clinical forms according to the Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America (MGFA) scale (OR: 1.6, 95% CI: 1.15–2.21, p = 0.005). Disease severity based on MGFA postintervention status (MGFA‐PIS) was higher in thymomatous patients at 1 year, 5 years, and the end of follow‐up. Treatment refractoriness and mortality were also higher (OR: 2.28, 95% CI: 1.43–3.63, p = 0.001; hazard ratio: 2.46, 95% CI: 1.47–4.14, p = 0.001). Myasthenic symptoms worsened in 13 of 27 patients with recurrences, but differences in long‐term severity were not significant. Fifteen thymomatous patients had nonresectable thymomas with worse MGFA‐PIS and higher mortality at the end of follow‐up. Conclusions: Thymoma‐associated MG patients had more severe myasthenic symptoms and worse prognosis. Thymoma recurrence was frequently associated with transient worsening of MG, but long‐term prognosis did not differ from nonrecurrent thymoma. Patients with nonresectable thymoma tended to present severe forms of MG. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Contemporary dispersal constraints and environmental conditions are broadly recognized as significant drivers of beta diversity patterns. However, beta diversity patterns may also reflect the legacy of past climatic and geological events. In this study, we investigated the relative importance of historical and contemporary factors as drivers of taxonomic, functional and phylogenetic beta diversity in Neotropical stream communities. Location: The Colombian Orinoco basin. Taxon: Diatoms and insects. Methods: We estimated taxonomic, phylogenetic and functional beta diversity using Baselga's (BAS) and Podani's (POD) frameworks. Following both frameworks, we further partitioned every biodiversity facet into turnover and nestedness or richness difference components. Then, we used generalized linear models (GLM) to relate each biodiversity facet with environmental, spatial and historical factors. Results: We found that both historical and contemporary factors affected current patterns of beta diversity. Historical factors and water pH and temperature had the strongest effect on beta diversity patterns, particularly for taxonomic and phylogenetic facets. GLM models performed better for insects than for diatoms in all three facets. Within communities, our analysis also revealed a partial congruence between BAS‐ and POD‐based results. Main conclusions: Due to their past geological history and contemporary environmental gradients, tropical montane streams are natural laboratories for disentangling the joint effects of ecological and biogeographical factors on biodiversity patterns. Our study reveals that present‐day distribution patterns cannot be fully explained without accounting for the effects of past geological and climatic events on mountain landscapes. In the Neotropics, montane geology sets the stage for speciation and landscape formation, with which ecological (e.g., dispersal limitation) and environmental factors interact to generate spatial variation in species turnover. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We assessed the relative influence of ecoregional features in explaining diatom distribution in the Orinoco river basin. Ecoregions in the Colombian Orinoco can be seen as imprints of the evolutionary history of the basin, for their current biodiversity and physiographic features are the result of the geological and climatic shifts that have occurred since the Tertiary. Thus, they represent an ideal testing ground for studying the interplay between ecological and evolutionary processes shaping diversity patterns of microorganisms, such as diatoms, in the present day. To study this interplay, we compared diatom community composition variance within and among seven ecoregions and assessed the explanatory power of environmental, spatial and historical drivers. This was done by a combination of correlation analyses, multivariate methods and constrained ordinations. We also deconstructed the whole community data set into ecological guilds (low‐ and high‐profile, and motile) to explore their individual response to the contemporary and historical drivers. Taken together, these analyses indicated that contemporary constraints to species occurrence and dispersal, as well as the legacies of historical events, can provide an explanation for the contemporary distribution of diatoms in the Colombian Orinoco. Specifically, we provided evidence showing that both historical legacies and contemporary environmental conditions (temperature, pH, and phosphorus concentration) are interacting to determine diatoms' distribution. Our results suggest the need to consider ecoregional gradients for unraveling the mechanisms shaping tropical diversity as well as for designing conservation plans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To identify and characterize the distribution of invertebrate taxa in the Orinoco basin and how their distribution affects the metacommunity structure along the river network. Location: Meta and Guaviare sub‐basins, Orinoco basin, Colombia, South America. Methods: We characterized the invertebrate communities and environmental characteristics of 25 streams from six ecoregions in the Orinoco basin. The ecoregions present different historical evolution, altitude, slope, climate and vegetation features. We used multiplicative diversity partitioning to compare the contributions of riffle (α and β1), stream (β2) and ecoregional (β3) scales to the overall gamma diversity of the basin. We also applied the Elements of Metacommunity Structure framework to delineate metacommunity types and a distance‐based redundancy analysis to assess the relative relevance of environmental, spatial and ecoregional drivers in species compositions of invertebrate communities. Results: Streams showed significant differences in community composition among the ecoregions. Several discrete pools of invertebrate taxa occurred in the basin that largely matched the distribution of the ecoregions. Consequently, the metacommunity in the basin resembled a Clementsian idealized structure. The species composition of invertebrate communities was mostly explained by ecoregion type and its interaction with the local environment, particularly its physiographic features. Main conclusions: Historical and evolutionary processes have resulted in species pools differing between the ecoregions of the Orinoco basin. At the basin scale, the metacommunity structure seems to be constrained by ecoregional features rather than by spatial structure or the local environment. Hence, using the basin as a unit for biodiversity conservation and river management would not adequately reflect the diversity and distribution patterns in highly heterogeneous basins such as the Orinoco basin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Aroma profile and carotenoids content of melon flesh are two important aspects influencing the quality of this fruit that have been characterized using only selected genotypes. However, the extant variability of the whole species remains unknown. RESULTS: A complete view of the volatile/carotenoid profiles of melon flesh was obtained analyzing 71 accessions, representing the whole diversity of the species. Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry and high‐performance liquid chromatography were used to analyze 200 volatile compounds and five carotenoids. Genotypes were classified into two main clusters (high/low aroma), but with a large diversity of differential profiles within each cluster, consistent with the ripening behavior, flesh color and proposed evolutionary and breeding history of the different horticultural groups. CONCLUSION: Our results highlight the huge amount of untapped aroma diversity of melon germplasm, especially of non‐commercial types. Also, landraces with high nutritional value with regard to carotenoids have been identified. All this knowledge will encourage melon breeding, facilitating the selection of the genetic resources more appropriate to develop cultivars with new aromatic profiles or to minimize the impact of breeding on melon quality. The newly characterized sources provide the basis for further investigations into specific genes/alleles contributing to melon flesh quality. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose To compare the ordinary monoexponential model with three anomalous relaxation models-the stretched Mittag-Leffler, stretched exponential, and biexponential functions-using both simulated and experimental cartilage relaxation data. Methods Monte Carlo simulations were used to examine both the ability of identifying a given model under high signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) conditions and the accuracy and precision of parameter estimates under more modest SNR as would be encountered clinically. Experimental transverse relaxation data were analyzed from normal and enzymatically degraded cartilage samples under high SNR and rapid echo sampling to compare each model. Results Both simulation and experimental results showed improvement in signal representation with the anomalous relaxation models. The stretched exponential model consistently showed the lowest mean squared error in experimental data and closely represents the signal decay over multiple decades of the decay time (e.g., 1-10 ms, 10-100 ms, and >100 ms). The stretched exponential parameter αse showed an inverse correlation with biochemically derived cartilage proteoglycan content. Conclusion Experimental results obtained at high field suggest potential application of αse as a measure of matrix integrity. Simulation reflecting more clinical imaging conditions, indicate the ability to robustly estimate αse and distinguish between normal and degraded tissue, highlighting its potential as a biomarker for human studies. Magn Reson Med 76:953-962, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The continuous increase in the number of open online courses has radically changed the traditional sector of education during the last years. These new learning approaches are very difficult to manage by using traditional management methods. This is one of the challenges in order to improve the new massive open online courses. In this paper, we propose a big data modelling approach, considering information from a big data analysis perspective, finding out which are the most relevant indicators in order to guarantee the success of the course. This novel approach is described along the paper using the case study of an open online course offered at our university. We describe the lessons learned in this work with the objective of providing general tools and indicators for other online courses. This will enhance the analysis and management of this kind of courses, contributing to their success. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND Melon aroma volatiles were extracted at harvest from juice of a climacteric near-isogenic line ( NIL) SC3-5-1 with two quantitative trait loci ( QTLs) introgressed which produced climacteric behaviour and its non-climacteric parental ( PS) using two methodologies of analysis: static headspace solid phase micro-extraction ( HS-SPME) by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry ( GC-MS) and inside needle dynamic extraction ( INDEX) by MS-based electronic nose ( MS-E-nose). RESULTS Of the 137 volatiles compounds identified, most were found at significantly higher concentrations in SC3-5-1 than in PS in both seasons. These volatiles were mostly esters, alcohols, sulfur-derived esters and even some aldehydes and others. The number of variables with high correlation values was reduced by using correlation network analysis. Partial least squares-discriminant analysis ( PLS-DA) achieved the correct classification of PS and SC3-5-1. The ions m/ z 74, 91, 104, 105, 106 and 108, mainly volatile derivatives precursor phenylalanine, were the most discriminant in SC3-5-1 and PS. As many as 104 QTLs were mapped in season 1 and at least 78 QTLs in each season with an effect above the PS mean. CONCLUSION GC-MS gave better discrimination than E-nose. Most of the QTLs that mapped in both seasons enhanced aroma volatiles associated with climacteric behaviour. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we establish sufficient conditions for the global relative controllability of nonlinear neutral fractional Volterra integro-differential systems with distributed delays in control. The results are obtained by using the Mittag- Leffler functions and the Schauder fixed-point theorem. Examples are presented to illustrate the results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim There is limited evidence about the diagnostic value of urine dipsticks in young febrile infants. The aim of this study was to determine whether urine dipsticks would identify positive urine cultures in febrile infants of less than 90 days of age. Methods This study was a subanalysis of a prospective multicentre study developed in 19 Spanish paediatric emergency departments belonging to the Spanish Paediatric Emergency Research Network. It focused on febrile infants of less than 90 days of age admitted between October 2011 and September 2013. A positive urine culture was defined as the growth of ≥ 50 000 cfu/mL of a single pathogen collected by a sterile method. Results We included 3401 patients, and 176 (12.8%) female patients and 473 (23.3%) males had a positive urine culture. The leucocyte esterase test showed a mean sensitivity of 82.1% and a mean specificity of 92.4%, with a greater mean negative predictive value for females than males (97.8 versus 94.1%) and a greater mean positive predictive value for males than females (79.4% versus 58%). Conclusion The leucocyte esterase test showed the same accuracy in young febrile infants as previously reported findings for older children. It predicted positive urine cultures and also revealed important gender differences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gene targeting is progressively becoming a realistic therapeutic alternative in clinics. It is unknown, however, whether this technology will be suitable for the treatment of DNA repair deficiency syndromes such as Fanconi anemia ( FA), with defects in homology-directed DNA repair. In this study, we used zinc finger nucleases and integrase-defective lentiviral vectors to demonstrate for the first time that FANCA can be efficiently and specifically targeted into the AAVS1 safe harbor locus in fibroblasts from FA- A patients. Strikingly, up to 40% of FA fibroblasts showed gene targeting 42 days after gene editing. Given the low number of hematopoietic precursors in the bone marrow of FA patients, gene-edited FA fibroblasts were then reprogrammed and re-differentiated toward the hematopoietic lineage. Analyses of gene-edited FA- iPSCs confirmed the specific integration of FANCA in the AAVS1 locus in all tested clones. Moreover, the hematopoietic differentiation of these iPSCs efficiently generated disease-free hematopoietic progenitors. Taken together, our results demonstrate for the first time the feasibility of correcting the phenotype of a DNA repair deficiency syndrome using gene-targeting and cell reprogramming strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Orange-fleshed cantaloupe melons have intense aroma and flavor but are very perishable during storage life. Fresh-cut processing enhances ethylene-mediated quality losses. Post-cutting 1-methylcyclopene (1-MCP) application to fresh-cut cantaloupe was evaluated for its effects on quality attributes, phytochemical content and aroma volatiles. RESULTS: Fresh-cut cantaloupe ( Cucumis melo var. cantalupensis 'Fiesta') cubes treated with 1.0 µL L−1 of 1-MCP for 24 h at 5 °C, packaged in vented plastic clamshells and stored under normal atmosphere at 5 °C for 9 days, preserved their soluble solids, total phenolics, total carotenoids and β-carotene contents, but significant softening occurred. A significant increase of non-acetate esters and a decrease of aldehydes occurred during storage. Most quality attributes of fresh-cut cantaloupe were unaffected by the treatment with 1-MCP. 1-MCP-treated fresh-cut cantaloupe accumulated higher levels of propyl acetate, 2-methylbutyl acetate, methyl butanoate, methyl 2-methyl butanoate, methyl hexanoate, 2-methylbutyl alcohol and phenethyl alcohol, and lower levels of benzyl alcohol and heptanal than untreated controls. CONCLUSION: Post-cutting treatment with 1-MCP affected nine of the flavor-important volatiles, particularly those derived from the amino acids isoleucine and phenylalanine, but had no practical effect on phytochemicals or other quality attributes. © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An introduction to the journal is presented in which the editor discusses various topics including big data, analytics and query language.