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BACKGROUND: International migrants to low TB incidence countries are disproportionately affected by TB compared to the native population: migrants are at increased risk for TB transmission and TB disease due to a variety of personal, environmental and socio-economic determinants experienced during the four phases of migration (pre-departure, transit, arrival and early settlement, return travel).OBJECTIVE: To provide an up-to-date overview of the determinants that drive the TB burden among migrants, as well as effective and feasible interventions to address this for each migration phase.METHODS: We conducted a literature review by searching PubMed and the grey literature for articles and reports on determinants and interventions addressing migrant health and TB.RESULTS: Lowering the risk of TB transmission and TB disease among migrants would be most effective by improving the socio-economic position of migrants pre-, during and after migration, ensuring universal health coverage, and providing tailored and migrant-sensitive care and prevention activities.CONCLUSION: In addition to migrant-sensitive health services and cross-border collaboration between low TB incidence countries, there is a need for international financial and technical support for endemic countries.

Mycobacterium bovis has a wide host range causing TB in animals, both in wildlife and cattle (bovine TB bTB), and in humans (zoonotic TB zTB). The real burden of bovine and zoonotic TB (b/zTB) remains unknown due to diagnostic challenges. Although progress has been made to reduce the burden of TB, b/zTB has been neglected in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) with little improvement in prevention, diagnosis or treatment. Using Tanzania as a case study, because of its high TB burden, large wildlife diversity and wide reliance on livestock, we developed an approach to comprehensively estimate the burden and implement multidisciplinary actions against b/zTB. We performed a review of the literature on b/zTB, but there is a lack of available data on the b/zTB burden in Tanzania and, notably, on epidemiological indicators other than incidence. We propose a five-action programme to address b/zTB in Tanzania, and we believe our proposed approach could benefit other LMICs as it operates by implementing and strengthening surveillance and health delivery. The resulting knowledge and system organisation could further prevent and mitigate the effects of such conditions on human and animal health, livestock production, population livelihood and the economy.

The Philippine General Hospital (PGH) is a tertiary hospital in Ermita, Manila, that was founded on August 17, 1907. It adheres to the philosophy of providing all Filipinos with internationally competitive, cost-effective, compassionate, and accessible health care. It was recently one of the COVID-19 facilities. The PGH sits 9.2 kilometers east of the West Valley Fault, making it more vulnerable to 'The Big One,' a 7.2 magnitude earthquake. Until present, no research has been done to examine the PGH's seismic susceptibility in the case of a large-magnitude earthquake. In keeping with this, the study intended to analyze the seismic susceptibility of the Spine Building, one of PGH's oldest structures. It focused on constructing fragility curves to assess if the building could sustain a 0.4g peak ground acceleration (PGA) earthquake with a maximum likelihood of exceedance of 10%, as required by the Philippine National Structural Code (NSCP) for Seismic Zone 4 sites. The study employed 12 worldwide and 12 local earthquakes from the Incorporated Research Institutions for Seismology, with PGA excitation levels ranging from 0.1g to 3.0g (with a 0.1g gap) (IRIS). The structural model of the PGH Spine Building was created using SAP2000, which was subsequently utilized to perform Pushover Analysis using the Capacity Spectrum Method (CSM). The PGH Spine Building might collapse with 0.538g PGA, which corresponds to Intensity VIII, according to the results of the developed fragility curves, producing significant structural shaking. Furthermore, for 0.4g PGA, the calculated highest likelihood of exceedance in the 'collapse damage' condition was 5.24 percent, with no results above 10%, implying that the PGH Spine Building complies with the NSCP seismic requirement for structures located in Seismic Zone 4. As a result, an adequate retrofitting strategy is not required for the PGH Spine Building., {"references":["Baylon, M.B. (2015). Seismic Assestment of Transportation Lifeline Piers of Bridges and a Fish Port. 17th Association of Structural Engineers of the Philippines' International. Manila, Philippines.","Baylon, M.B. (2017). Seismic Assestment of LRT Line 1 Monumento to 5th Avenue Carriageway Pier Using Fragility Curve. International Journal of Real Estate Studies, 50-59.","Baylon, M.B. (2017). Seismic Assestment of Plaridel Bridge Using Fragility Curve. Research Gate.","Baylon, M. B., & Marcos, M.M. (2018). Seismic Vulnerability Assessment of Adamson University Buildings' As-Built using Fragility Curves. Global Journal of Researchers in Engineering: Civil and Structural Engineering, 29-49.","Baylon, M.B., Caranto, H.D., Espino, A.P., & Nilo, B.D. (2017). Developing Seismic Fragility Curves of Old Hospital in Manila, Philippines. 3rd International Conference on Protection of Historical Construction. Lisbon, Pprtugal.","Baylon, M.B., Lictaoa, C.S., Castillo, I.C., Dungog, C.P., & Jerusalem, L.R. (2021). Seismic vulnerability assessment of Sta. Lucia high school in Pasig City Philippines using rapid visual assessment and fragility curves. International Research Journal of Science, Technology, Education, and Management, 119-135.","Carteciano, J.A. (2017). The Big One: Facts and Impacts. Retrieved from NSCP - DOST: https://nrcp.dost.gov.ph/feature-articles/280-the-big-one-facts-and-impacts","Habibullah, A. & Pyle, S. (1998). Practical Three Dimensional Nonlinear Static Pushover Analysis. Structure Magazine.","Hilotin, J. (2021). Deadliest earthquakes in the Philippines: What you need to know. https://gulfnews.com/special-reports/deadliest-earthquakes-in-the-philippines-what-you-need-to-know-1.1612705914449","Incorporated Research Institutions for Seismology (IRIS). (n.d.). IRIS Earthquake Browser. https://ds.iris.edu/ieb/","Jambalos, A.-A.S., Santos, K.R., Trillana, R.S., & Quinsaat, N.V. (2020). Seismic Vulnerability Assessment of San Agustin Church in Intramuros–Manila Using Fragility Curves","Karim, K.R. & Yamazaki, F. (2003). A simplied method of constructing fragility curves for highway bridges. Earthquake Engineering and Structural Dynamics, 1603-1626.","Kurian, S.A., Deb, S.K., & Dutta, A. (2006). Seismic Vulnerability Assestment of Railway Overbridge Using Fragility Curve. 4th International Conference on Earthquake Engineering. Taipei, Taiwan.","Llaneta, C.A. (2020). UP-PGH begins operating as COVID-19 referral center. Retrieved from UP: https://up.edu.ph/up-pgh-begins-operating-as-covid-19-referral-center/","Najam, F.A. (2017). Nonlinear Static Analysis Procedures for Seismic Performance Evaluation of Existing Buildings – Evolution and Issues. Facing the Challenges in Structural Engineering, 180-198.","Nepomuceno, A. (2016). Are you ready for the 'Big One'? https://businessmirror.com.ph/2016/10/05/are-you-ready-for-the-big-one/","Philippine General Hospital. (2021). About Us. Retrieved from PGH: https://www.pgh.gov.ph/about-us/","Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS). (n.d.). Desctructive Earthquakes in the Philippines. https://www.phivolcs.dost.gov.ph/index.php/earthquake/destructive-earthquake-of-the-philippines/17-earthquake","Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS). (n.d.). Fault Finder. http://faultfinder.phivolcs.dost.gov.ph/","Raza, S., Tsang, H.-H., & Wilson, J. L. (2017). Lateral Load-Drift Model for Normal and High-Strength Reinforced Concrete Columns. Australian Earthquake Engineering Society 2017 Conference. Canberra, Australia.","Selda, P. Y., Luna, R. C., Quebral, R. D., Gargullo, J. B., Leobrera, K. R., Marasigan, E. D., . . . Baniquett, M. P. (2019). Seismic hazard analysis for public infrastructure in Metro Manila. 2016 Asian Regional Conference on Soil Mechanics and Geotechnical Engineering. Taipei, Taiwan.","University of the Philippines Manila. (2016). Philippine General Hospital. https://www1.upm.edu.ph/node/48","UP Media and Public Relations Office. (2020, August 11). https://up.edu.ph/pgh-shares-lessons-learned-during-ongoing-efforts-to-prevent-covid-19-transmission/. https://up.edu.ph/pgh-shares-lessons-learned-during-ongoing-efforts-to-prevent-covid-19-transmission/","Utami, A.C., Kurniawan, R., & Fauzan. (2021). Analytical fragility curve development of maternity and children's M. Djamil Hospital building Padang due to earthquake and tsunami. IOP Conf. Series: Earth and Environmental Science. Indonesia: IOP Publishing.","Vasavada, M. & Patel V. R. (2016, May). Development of Fragility Curves for RC Buildings using HAZUS method. International Research Journal of Engineering and Technology (IRJET), 2256-2262.","Yamazaki, F., Suto, T., Liu, W., Matsuoka, M., Horie, K., Kawabe, K., . . . Inoguchi, M. (2019). Development of fragility curves of Japanese buildings based on the 2016 Kumamoto earthquake. 2019 Pacific Conference on Earthquake Engineering and Annual NZSEE Conference. New Zealand: New Zealand Society for Earthquake Engineering."]}

In this research, four styrylquinolines were synthesized and evaluated in vitro and in vivo antileishmanial activity. The following compounds were obtained: 2-[(E)-2-(2-chlorophenyl)ethenyl]quinoline-8-ol (3a), 4-bromo-2-[(E)-2-(8-hydroxyquinoline-2-yl)ethenyl]phenyl-acetate (3b), 4-[(E)-2-(8-hydroxyquinoline -2-yl)ethenyl]-2,6- dimethoxyphenyl acetate (3c), 2-{(E)-2-[2-(acetyloxy)-5-nitrophenyl]ethenyl} quinoline-8-yl-acetate (3d). Of the four compounds, evaluated in vitro, 3b and 3c were active against intracellular amastigotes at median effective concentrations (EC50) of 2.8 and 3.14 μg mL-1 and exhibited toxicity over human U-937 macrophages at median lethal concentrations (LC50) of 5.5 and 3.4 μg mL-1, which showed selectivity indices (SI) of 1.96 and 1.08. The results of in vivo studies of therapeutic response in hamsters with experimental CL caused by L. (V) panamensis indicated that with topical creams at 2% of compounds 3b and 3c produced a clinical improvement of 4/5 (80%) of hamsters with 3b, and with 3c a complete cure of 1/5 (20%) and a clinical improvement of 2/5 (40%) of the hamsters, while the in vivo control drug (MA-il) produced clinical improvement in 3/5 (60%) of hamsters.

The purpose of this technical note is to illustrate a simple and economical preoperative method for preshaping a reconstructive titanium plate in a fibula free flap (FFF) by using 3D printing of a virtually reconstructed mandible haptic model. The whole process consisted in creating a 3D model of the patient's mandible based on a CT-scan using a combination of free software (3Dslicer and ITK-snap), and simulating the surgical osteotomies and reconstruction, and print it as a guide for bending a reconstruction titanium plate. Reconstruction is performed using virtual cubes (1 to 3 cubes, according the number of FFF osteotomies). This virtual lab work is performed using 3D Builder® (Microsoft, Redmond) software. This technique allows obtaining an optimal plate application on the bony fragments. It facilitates reconstructive surgery with good functional (putting the patient back in an optimal dental occlusion based on the native maxilla) and aesthetic results. This technical note presents a simple and economical preoperative fabrication of a reconstructive plate through freeware and a low-cost 3D printer accessible to all surgeons.

Composite materials have been having an increasing importance in the industry. Their high specific properties and their high flexibility that allows tailoring materials that suit the needs of practically every project, have been leading to a growth in the demand of this kind of materials. Fiber-Metal Laminates have an established usage on the aeronautic industry and lately have been subject of research by the automotive industry. Since composite manufacturing methods allow the obtention of components with their final geometry, drilling is the most used machining operation in the machining of composites. Drilling of composites is very demanding from the tools point of view, with very high wear rates and several defects can occur to the workpiece like delamination, fiber pull-outs, burrs and matrix degradation. When combined with a metal, additional challenges appear in drilling these materials such as loads of different magnitudes during a single operation and surface defects on the interface because of chip removal. Orbital drilling is seen as a promising alternative to conventional drilling, presenting several advantages that result in holes with higher quality. Given the interest the automotive industry has been showing in fiber-metal laminates constituted by steel and carbon fiber reinforced plastics (CFRP) and due to the lack of information regarding drilling of this combination of materials, the aim of this work was to evaluate the influence of the machining parameters in the quality of holes obtained by orbital drilling. A full factorial design of experiments was done and the influence of the parameters was then evaluated by means of an Analysis of Variance (ANOVA).&nbsp

Purpose: Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) recommendations differ between the 2018 American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association (ACC/AHA) and 2019 European Society of Cardiology/European Atherosclerosis Society (ESC/EAS) guidelines for patients with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) (< 70 vs. < 55 mg/dl, respectively). In the DA VINCI study, residual cardiovascular risk was predicted in ASCVD patients. The extent to which relative and absolute risk might be lowered by achieving ACC/AHA versus ESC/EAS LDL-C recommended approaches was simulated. Methods: DA VINCI was a cross-sectional observational study of patients prescribed lipid-lowering therapy (LLT) across 18 European countries. Ten-year cardiovascular risk (CVR) was predicted among ASCVD patients receiving stabilized LLT. For patients with LDL-C ≥ 70 mg/dl, the absolute LDL-C reduction required to achieve an LDL-C of < 70 or < 55 mg/dl (LDL-C of 69 or 54 mg/dl, respectively) was calculated. Relative and absolute risk reductions (RRRs and ARRs) were simulated. Results: Of the 2039 patients, 61% did not achieve LDL-C < 70 mg/dl. For patients with LDL-C ≥ 70 mg/dl, median (interquartile range) baseline LDL-C and 10-year CVR were 93 (81–115) mg/dl and 32% (25–43%), respectively. Median LDL-C reductions of 24 (12–46) and 39 (27–91) mg/dl were needed to achieve an LDL-C of 69 and 54 mg/dl, respectively. Attaining ACC/AHA or ESC/EAS goals resulted in simulated RRRs of 14% (7–25%) and 22% (15–32%), respectively, and ARRs of 4% (2–7%) and 6% (4–9%), respectively. Conclusion: In ASCVD patients, achieving ESC/EAS LDL-C goals could result in a 2% additional ARR over 10 years versus the ACC/AHA approach. Graphical abstract: [Figure not available: see fulltext.] © 2022, The Author(s).

The current and future expansion of aquaculture production appears to be only manageable by using veterinary medicinal products (VMPs) to prevent and reduce disease outbreaks. However, only a very low number of VMPs are available for use in aquaculture systems. In addition, the environmental risk potentially emanating from the use of these products has gained increased attention in the last years. In this context, the present review represents an in-depth analysis of the current two-tiered (phase I and phase II) approach for the environmental risk assessment (ERA) of VMPs mandatory in the European Union and the European Economic Area (EU/EEA), and its applicability to medicinal products intended for use in aquaculture. The following conclusions are drawn: (i) the current regulatory guidance documents detailing the phase I and II ERA procedure should be updated and harmonised across Member States and simple approach(es) applicable to the assessment of the environmental exposure of VMPs intended for use in aquaculture facilities should be devised; (ii) current and future regulatory guidance documents detailing the phase II ERA procedure for VMPs intended for use in aquaculture should comprise advanced mathematical models suitable for addressing different exposure scenarios relevant across the whole EU/EEA (including scenarios addressing the exposure of VMPs to agricultural soils from fish sludge); and (iii) it is recommended that any updates of relevant ERA guidelines clearly detail the types of studies needed to determine potential adverse effects of VMPs used in aquaculture on non-target organisms. Furthermore, the application of risk mitigation measures tailored to the reduction of the environmental exposure of VMPs on an individual aquaculture farm level should be considered in any future or updated guideline. Finally, it is anticipated that the present analysis of the main drawbacks surrounding the current ERA regulatory framework will help competent authorities to harmonise and facilitate the approval process for VMPs intended for use in aquaculture.

We present the evolution of the structural, electronic, and lattice dynamical properties, as well as the electron-phonon (el-ph) coupling and superconducting critical temperature (

International audience; Complex sequences of paleosols are often formed by the interaction between pedogenesis and geomorphological evolution. Their study, particularly in mountain areas, is useful to reconstruct past environmental conditions as well as climate shifts, and to gather information on the morphodynamical processes affecting the landscape through time.Since the combined role that all different factors can play in the soil formation and evolution through time and space influences the formation and evolution of those complex paleosol sequences, a multidisciplinary study was conducted at the NW slope of Mt. Cusna (Northern Apennines, Italy). This work aims to reconstruct and to evaluate how the interactions between the geomorphological context, the Holocene climate variations, and the modification of the vegetation cover and composition influence the soil development of this area.A combination of routine soil analyses (i.e., grain-size distributions, total organic carbon, total nitrogen, pH, and Fe/Al extractions), soil micromorphology and the Rock-Eval® pyrolysis allowed to characterize and to correlate the different soil units constituting a toposequence of six soil profiles.The presence of different pedological units that can be correlated along the slope underlines the occurrence of separate events of pedogenesis, spatio-temporally linked to recognizable stability phases at slope scale. These phases of biostasy, characterized by vegetation cover and soil development, alternate to phases of rhexistasy, characterized mainly by slope instability (i.e., aggradation/degradation).In detail, in the Mt. Cusna toposequence three different soil units, linked to three different stability phases, have been identified: the earliest stability phase, characterized by the presence of well-developed Luvisols, the subsequent stability phase typified by less expressed Luvisols, and the ongoing stability phase with Leptosols. This latter pedogenetic phase, in some cases, is superimposed to the previous one, so affecting the exhumed paleosols.In this light, the Mt. Cusna toposequence characterization allowed to enlighten the complexity of soil polygenesis in higher detail than the previous studies, not only reconstructing the past environmental conditions but also inferring the succession of phases of slope stability and phases characterized by erosion and deposition processes.

BackgroundChronic kidney disease (CKD) is a global health issue with a general prevalence of 9%. Although the most affected populations are in low- and middle-income countries, the epidemiology of CKD in these countries remains poorly understood and prevalence estimates come from global efforts informed by data from high-income countries; these prevalence estimates need to be compared –and if needed updated–with local estimates.ObjectiveTo estimate the prevalence of CKD in adults in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC).MethodsSystematic review and meta-analysis. We will search Embase, Medline, Global Health (these three through Ovid), Scopus and LILACS. No date or language restrictions will be set. We seek observational studies with a random sample of the general population. We will screen titles and abstracts, we will then study the selected reports. Both phases will be done by two reviewers independently. Data extraction will be performed by two researchers independently using a pre-specified Excel form. We will evaluate the risk of bias with the scale proposed by Hoy et al. for prevalence studies. We will conduct a meta-analysis of prevalence estimates, if there are at least three reports homogeneous enough to be pooled; we will use a random-effects model.ConclusionsThis systematic review and meta-analysis will provide the prevalence of CKD in adults in countries of LAC. Currently, information regarding CKD in the region is limited. This work will provide evidence to elucidate the magnitude of CKD prevalence in LAC. In so doing, we will provide evidence to inform the scientific community about the burden of CKD in LAC so that research, policies and health interventions can be planned accordingly.

We have performed density functional calculations in conjunction with the linearized Migdal-Eliashberg equations and the functional derivative approach, which takes into account the energy-range dependence of the density of states at the Fermi level ($N(\varepsilon)$ variable on the scale of phonon energy), to determine the evolution of the critical temperature ($T_{c}$) and the isotope effect coefficient ($\alpha$) of H$_{3}$S as a function of pressure on its $lm\bar{3}m$ crystal-structure range (from 162 to 250 GPa). Such approach, in comparison with $N(\varepsilon)$=$N(0)$=const., improves the agreement of $T_{c}$ with available experiments on the whole range of studied pressure. Considering for $\alpha$ two main contributions: one positive coming from the electron-phonon (el-ph) and the other negative from the electron-electron interaction (el-el), we obtained a monotonic decrement as a function of pressure, independent of applied scheme ($N(\varepsilon)$ or $N(0)$). However, when $N(\varepsilon)$ is taken into account, an important renormalization occurs on both contributions, el-ph and el-el, improving the agreement with experimental data, specially for the high-pressure regime. The observed evolution of $T_{c}$ and $\alpha$ as a function of pressure indicates, thus, the crucial role of the energy-dependence on $N(\varepsilon)$ for the proper analysis and description of the superconducting state on high-$T_{c}$ metal hydrides as H$_{3}$S, by considering the role of its van Hove singularities., Comment: 12 pages, 12 figures

The purpose of this technical note is to illustrate a simple and economical preoperative method for preshaping a reconstructive titanium plate in a fibula free flap (FFF) by using 3D printing of a virtually reconstructed mandible haptic model. The whole process consisted in creating a 3D model of the patient's mandible based on a CT-scan using a combination of free software (3Dslicer and ITK-snap), and simulating the surgical osteotomies and reconstruction, and print it as a guide for bending a reconstruction titanium plate. Reconstruction is performed using virtual cubes (1 to 3 cubes, according the number of FFF osteotomies). This virtual lab work is performed using 3D Builder® (Microsoft, Redmond) software. This technique allows obtaining an optimal plate application on the bony fragments. It facilitates reconstructive surgery with good functional (putting the patient back in an optimal dental occlusion based on the native maxilla) and aesthetic results. This technical note presents a simple and economical preoperative fabrication of a reconstructive plate through freeware and a low-cost 3D printer accessible to all surgeons.

We present in this paper a general method to calculate the thermodynamics and the isotope effect under pressure within the Migdal-Eliashberg theory. We apply this method to Palladium hydrides. We have considered the crystal lattice to be zincblende taking into account the experimental evidence for both PdH and PdD at temperatures below 55 K. We have studied, in particular, the changes induced by pressure in the critical temperature, T c , in the specific heat jump at T c , in the energy gap at T = 0 K and in the deviation function D ( t ) . Replacement of hydrogen by deuterium in palladium hydride results in a higher superconducting temperature and in an anomalous isotope effect coefficient, α. The behaviour under pressure of the isotope effect coefficient can be explained taking into account the change in T c due to the change in both, the electron-phonon and the electron-electron interactions. We get a very good agreement with experiment where the data exist. This method represents a basis on which the thermodynamics of other hydrides under pressure can be studied.

In this work are presented the results obtained from the deposition of Cd1-xZnxTe nanolayers using as precursor the vapours of the elements Zn, Te, and a mixture of Cd and Zn on GaAs and GaSb (001) substrates by Atomic Layer Deposition technique (ALD), which allows the deposition of layers of nanometric dimensions. At each exposure of the growth surface to the of cation or anion precursors vapours, this surface is saturated. Therefore, it is considered that the process is self-regulated. The ZnTe layers were grown in a wide range of temperatures; however, ZnTe nanolayers with a shiny mirror-like surface could be grown at temperatures between 370 and 410oC. Temperatures higher than 400oC were necessary for the CdTe growth. The layers of the Cd1-xZnxTe ternary alloy were deposited at temperature range of 400 and 425oC. The grown nanofilms were characterized by Raman spectroscopy and high-resolution X-ray diffraction. The Raman spectrum shows the peak corresponding to LO-ZnTe at 208 cm-1, which is weak and is slightly redshifted in comparison with the reported for the bulk ZnTe. For the case of the CdTe nanolayers, Raman spectrum presents the LO-CdTe peak, which is indicative of the successfully growth of the nanolayers, its weakness and its slight redshifted in comparison with the reported for the bulk CdTe can be related with the nanometric characteristic of this layer. The performed high resolution X-ray diffraction measurements allowed to study some important characteristics, as the crystallinity of the grown layers. Additionally, the performed HR-XRD measurements suggest that the crystalline quality have dependence with the growth temperature.

Questions Can shrubs (Cytisus multiflorus) and large herbivore exclusion (fence) facilitate seedling survival and growth of marcescent and sclerophyllous oaks (Quercus pyrenaica vs Q. ilex subsp. ballota) under a bioclimatic limit in Mediterranean grazed areas? Location Open oak woodlands in central-western Spain (41o13’ N, 6o24’ W). Methods A two-year field experiment was conducted by planting 200 seedlings of each Quercus species under four different treatments combining the influence of nurse shrubs and fencing on Quercus seedling survival and growth. Results C. multiflorus enhanced the poor Quercus seedling survival found in the study area, at least during the first two years after planting and particularly during the first dry season. The improvement in soil organic matter under shrub canopy may have contributed to this positive effect, which was more pronounced on Q. pyrenaica seedlings. Seedling herbivory did not seem to be a limitation to survival. Increase seedling growth in both species was also very low and no growth was recorded two years after planting without shrubs. The positive shrub effect on seedling growth, especially marked in fenced areas, was more important in Q. pyrenaica in the first growing period and in Q. ilex in the second; two years after planting no different shrub effect on growth was found in either Quercus species. Seedling herbivory was a limitation to seedling growth in areas without shrubs, mainly in the case of Q. pyrenaica. Conclusions In Mediterranean grazed areas with important summer drougth and very sandy soils, shrubby Cytisus multiflorus plants have a clear facilitative effect on seedlings of ecologically-contrasted Quercus species. The facilitative effect was found in both marcescent and sclerophyllous oak seedlings, but to a different degree depending on the species considered and the variable measured (survival or growth). In terms of survival, the marcescent species was more favored by shrub cover than the sclerophyllous one, and this effect was accentuated throughout time. However, in terms of growth, although Q. pyrenaica was initially more favored by shrubs, differences between both species were attenuated after two years. Therefore, C. multiflorus can have a key role in the restoration of these oak degraded environments. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) cause chronic pain and interfere with quality of life (QoL). Botulinum toxin is one of the treatment modalities popularly used for TMDs. The primary objective of this retrospective study was to evaluate improvement in QoL after botulinum toxin injections in patients with TMD.Twenty-eight patients diagnosed with TMD were included in this study. In accordance with the Research Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders, all patients had myofascial pain. They received botulinum toxin A (BTX-A) injections in temporalis and masseter muscles. QoL was measured using a French translated version of the validated Oral Health Impact Profile-14 (OHIP-14) and a second questionnaire, which was an adaptation of the temporomandibular joint replacement QoL questionnaire (TMJ-QoL). Patients answered both questionnaires and a visual analogue scale (VAS) before the injection, at 1 month after the injection and at 3 months after the injection. Relationship between QoL and factors such as bruxism, age, sex and body mass index (BMI) were also evaluated.All patients reported significant improvements in QoL (OHIP-14 and TMJ-QoL) and VAS Scores at 1 and 3 months after BTX-A injections (P 0.0001). A significant moderate positive correlation was noted between TMJ-QoL before BTX-A injections and BMI (P = 0.016).Overall, QoL in patients with TMD improved significantly at 1 and 3 months after BTX-A injections. BTX-A injection in masticatory muscles of patients with TMD can be a useful supportive therapy to control pain and improve QoL.

We report follow-up results from the randomized, placebo-controlled, phase 3 HELIOS trial of ibrutinib+bendamustine and rituximab (BR) for previously treated chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL)/small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL) without deletion 17p. Overall, 578 patients were randomized 1:1 to either ibrutinib (420 mg daily) or placebo, in combination with 6 cycles of BR, followed by ibrutinib or placebo alone. Median follow-up was 34.8 months (range: 0.1–45.8). Investigator-assessed median progression-free survival (PFS) was not reached for ibrutinib+BR, versus 14.3 months for placebo+BR (hazard ratio [HR] [95% CI], 0.206 [0.159–0.265]; P < 0.0001); 36-month PFS rates were 68.0% versus 13.9%, respectively. The results are consistent with the primary analysis findings (HR = 0.203, as assessed by independent review committee, with 17-month median follow-up). Median overall survival was not reached in either arm; HR (95% CI) for ibrutinib+BR versus placebo: 0.652 (0.454–0.935; P = 0.019). Minimal residual disease (MRD)-negative response rates were 26.3% for ibrutinib+BR and 6.2% for placebo+BR (P < 0.0001). Incidence of treatment-emergent adverse events (including grades 3–4) were generally consistent with the initial HELIOS report. These long-term data support improved survival outcomes and deepening responses with ibrutinib+BR compared with BR in relapsed CLL/SLL. © 2018, The Author(s).

Maintenance of thymus homeostasis is a delicate interplay involving hormones, neurotransmitters and local microenvironmental proteins, as well as saccharides, acting on both thymocytes and stromal cells. Disturbances in these interactions may lead to alterations on thymocyte development. We previously showed that galectin-3, a β-galactoside-binding protein, is constitutively expressed in the thymus, interacting with extracellular matrix glycoproteins and acting as a de-adhesion molecule, thus modulating thymocyte-stromal cell interactions. In this work, we aimed to investigate the participation of galectin-3 in the maintenance of thymus homeostasis, including hormonal-mediated circuits. For that, we used genetically engineered galectin-3-deficient mice. We observed that the thymus of galectin-3-deficient mice was reduced in mass and cellularity compared to wild-type controls; however, the proportions of different thymocyte subpopulations defined by CD4/CD8 expression were not changed. Considering the CD4−CD8− double-negative (DN) subpopulation, an accumulation of the most immature (DN1) stage was observed. Additionally, the proliferative capacity of thymocytes was decreased in all thymocyte subsets, whereas the percentage of apoptosis was increased, especially in the CD4+CD8+ double-positive thymocytes. As glucocorticoid hormones are known to be involved in thymus homeostasis, we evaluated serum and intrathymic corticosterone levels by radioimmunoassay, and the expression of steroidogenic machinery using real-time PCR. We detected a significant increase in corticosterone levels in both serum and thymus samples of galectin-3-deficient mice, as compared to age-matched controls. This was paralleled by an increase of gene transcription of the steroidogenic enzymes, steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (Star) and Cyp11b1 in thymus, 11β-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenase (Hsd11b1) in the adrenal, and Cyp11a1 in both glands. In conclusion, our findings show that the absence of galectin-3 subverts mouse thymus homeostasis by a mechanism likely associated to intrathymic and systemic stress-related endocrine circuitries, affecting thymocyte number, proliferation and apoptosis.

Replacement of hydrogen by deuterium in palladium hydride results in higher superconducting temperatures and an anomalous isotope effect that has not been yet fully explained. In this work, we try a new approach to the explanation of the inverse isotope effect in PdH(D). Our approach introduces two new aspects. First, we took into account the experimental evidence that at temperatures below 50 K, the crystal structure of PdH and of PdD is zincblende. Second, we take into account not only the influence of the electron-phonon interaction but also the electron-electron interaction contribution to the isotope coeffiecient due tothe replacement of deuterium in the place of hydrogen. We used the Migdal-Eliashberg theory to perform our ab initio calculations. We found in this picture that the electron-electron interaction is considerably reduced by the isotope substitution and is the most important factor to explain the inverse isotope effect. We found $\Delta T_c^{total}=2.224\:K$ and $\alpha= -0.3134$ in excellent agreement with the values found experimentally., Comment: 12 pages, 2 figures, 1 table. arXiv admin note: substantial text overlap with arXiv:1708.03916

The herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) is widespread in the population, and in most cases its infection is asymptomatic. The currently available anti-HSV-1 drugs are acyclovir and its derivatives, although long-term therapy with these agents can lead to drug resistance. Thus, the discovery of novel antiherpetic compounds deserves additional effort. Naturally occurring antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) represent an interesting class of molecules with potential antiviral properties. To the best of our knowledge, this study is the first demonstration of the in vitro anti-HSV-1 activity of temporin B (TB), a short membrane-active amphibian AMP. In particular, when HSV-1 was preincubated with 20 μg/ml TB, significant antiviral activity was observed (a 5-log reduction of the virus titer). Such an effect was due to the disruption of the viral envelope, as demonstrated by transmission electron microscopy. Moreover, TB partially affected different stages of the HSV-1 life cycle, including the attachment and the entry of the virus into the host cell, as well as the subsequent postinfection phase. Furthermore, its efficacy was confirmed on human epithelial cells, suggesting TB as a novel approach for the prevention and/or treatment of HSV-1 infections.

Summary Introduction Our study was designed to evaluate, on healthy subjects and patients on oral anticoagulant therapy vitamin K antagonist (OAT-vka), the possible interference caused by hemolysis on the main coagulation tests. Methods To obtain hemolyzed samples, two methods were used: heat shock and mechanical system. The coagulation tests on hemolyzed samples were performed employing optical automated analyser BCSxp (Siemens Healthcare®). Moreover, the prothrombin time (PT) and activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) tests were also carried out manually using an electromechanical device (KC4 – Amelung). Results The PT test, on healthy subjects, in case of moderate hemolysis can be performed without significant interference on automatic instrument. On manual instrument, the PT test can be performed even in case of marked hemolysis. For patients on OAT-vka, the PT test in case of marked hemolysis can be performed both on automatic and manual instrument. For the aPTT test, it can be carried out manually, because also in case of marked hemolysis a statistically significant difference was not observed. For the fibrinogen test, a dramatic concentration decrease was already clear for weak hemolysis. A decreased function on antithrombin test was statistically significant for mild-moderate hemolysis. The D-dimer test showed increased values for mild hemolysis. Conclusions The rejection of hemolyzed sample and/or the request of a second sample are not always the proper attitudes to take for performing clotting tests. The rational management of the hemolyzed samples decreases the employment of both nursing and technical staff significantly, the turnaround time and, consequently, does not lead to additional costs for each patient involved.

Superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles with a wide size range (2.6-14.1 nm) were synthesized and coated with the amphiphilic poly(amidoamine) PAMAM-C12 dendrimer. The resulting well dispersed and stable water suspensions were fully characterized in order to explore their possible use in biomedical applications. The structural and magnetic properties of the nanoparticles were preserved during the coating and were related to their relaxometric behaviour. The Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Dispersion (NMRD) profiles were found to be in accordance with the Roch model. The biocompatibility was assessed by means of cell viability tests and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) analysis. The nanoparticles' capability of being detected via Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) was investigated by means of clinical MRI scanners both in water and agar gel phantoms, and in a mouse model.

Although adenotonsillectomy is the first line treatment for children with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (0SAS),(1) improvement in objectively documented outcomes is often inadequate and a substantial number of children have residual disease. Early recognition and treatment of children with persistent OSAS is required to prevent long-term morbidity. The management of these children is frequently complex and a multidisciplinary approach is required as most of them have additional risk factors for OSAS and comorbidities. In this paper, we first provide an overview of children at risk for persistent disease following adenotonsillectomy. Thereafter, we discuss different diagnostic modalities to evaluate the sites of persistent upper airway obstruction and the currently available treatment options. (C) 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Radiotherapy (RT) is a key component of the management of older cancer patients. Level I evidence in older patients is limited. The International Society of Geriatric Oncology (SIOG) established a task force to make recommendations for curative RT in older patients and to identify future research priorities. Evidence-based guidelines are provided for breast, lung, endometrial, prostate, rectal, pancreatic, oesophageal, head and neck, central nervous system malignancies and lymphomas. Patient selection should include comorbidity and geriatric evaluation. Advances in radiation planning and delivery improve target coverage, reduce toxicity and widen eligibility for treatment. Shorter courses of hypofractionated whole breast RT are safe and effective. Conformal RT and involved-field techniques without elective nodal irradiation have improved outcomes in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) without increasing toxicity. Where comorbidities preclude surgery, stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) is an option for early-stage NSCLC and pancreatic cancer. Modern involved-field RT for lymphoma based on pre-treatment positron emission tomography data has reduced toxicity. Significant comorbidity is a relative contraindication to aggressive treatment in low-risk prostate cancer (PC). For intermediate-risk disease, 4-6 months of hormones are combined with external beam radiotherapy (EBRT). For high-risk PC, combined modality therapy (CMT) is advised. For high-intermediate risk, endometrial cancer vaginal brachytherapy is recommended. Short-course EBRT is an alternative to CMT in older patients with rectal cancer without significant comorbidities. Endorectal RT may be an option for early disease. For primary brain tumours, shorter courses of postoperative RT following maximal debulking provide equivalent survival to longer schedules. MGMT methylation status may help select older patients for temozolomide alone. Stereotactic RT provides an alternative to whole-brain RT in patients with limited brain metastases. Intensity-modulated radiation therapy provides an excellent technique to reduce dose to the carotids in head and neck cancer and improves locoregional control in oesophageal cancer. Best practice and research priorities are summarised.

L. Lieberman, D. V. Devine, H. W. Reesink, S. Panzer, J. Wong, T. Raison, S. Benson, J. Pink, G. C. Leitner, M. Horvath, V. Compernolle, P. S. Prado Scuracchio, S. Wendel, G. Delage, S. Nahirniak, X. Dongfu, T. Krusius, E. Juvonen, S. Sainio, J.-P. Cazenave, P. Guntz, D. Kientz, G. Andreu, P. Morel, E. Seifried, K. Hourfar, C. K. Lin, J. O’Riordan, E. Raspollini, S. Villa, P. Rebulla, P. Flanagan, D. Teo, S. Lam, A. L. Ang, M. Lozano, S. Sauleda, J. Cid, A. Pereira, B. Ekermo, C. Niederhauser, S. Waldvogel, S. Fontana, M. J. Desborough, R. Pawson, M. Li, H. Kamel, M. Busch, L. Qu & D. Triulzi