YABBY transcription factor family in the octoploid Fragaria × ananassa and five diploid Fragaria species.

YABBY genes encode specific TFs of seed plants involved in development and formation of leaves, flowers, and fruit. In the present work, genome-wide and expression analyses of the YABBY gene family were performed in six species of the Fragaria genus: Fragaria × ananassa, F. daltoniana, F. nilgerrensis, F. pentaphylla, F. viridis, and F. vesca. The chromosomal location, synteny pattern, gene structure, and phylogenetic analyses were carried out. By combining RNA-seq data and RT-qPCR analysis we explored specific expression of YABBYs in F. × ananassa and F. vesca. We also analysed the promoter regions of FaYABBYs and performed MeJA application to F. × ananassa fruit to observe effects on gene expression. We identified and characterized 25 YABBY genes in F. × ananassa and six in each of the other five species, which belong to FIL/YAB3 (YABBY1), YAB2 (YABBY2), YAB5 (YABBY5), CRC, and INO clades previously described. Division of the YABBY1 clade into YABBY1.1 and YABBY1.2 subclades is reported. We observed differential expression according to tissue, where some FaYABBYs are expressed mainly in leaves and flowers and to a minor extent during fruit development of F. × ananassa. Specifically, the FaINO genes contain jasmonate-responsive cis-acting elements in their promoters which may be functional since FaINOs are upregulated in F. × ananassa fruit under MeJA treatment. This study suggests that YABBY TFs play an important role in the development- and environment-associated responses of the Fragaria genus.

Elastomeric biodegradable starch/bentonite nanocomposites. Structure-thermo-mechanical correlation and degradation behavior.

We developed layered silicate nanocomposite films based on corn starch (CS) and bentonite nanoclay, plasticized with glycerol. The films were elastomeric with stretchability of ca. 60-90 % and Tg = -75 to -85 °C. The nanocomposites were exfoliated if cbentonite < 2 wt%, and intercalated if cbentonite > 3 wt%. The exfoliated morphology induced thermal stability as shown by TGA. Interestingly, bentonite induced a reduction of Tg while increasing the Young's modulus E and reducing the extensibility. The fracture energy was a decreasing function of cbentonite except at 2.9 wt%, where the nanocomposite exhibited maximum Young's modulus and toughness, as demonstrated by the Ashby-style plot. The nanocomposite films were biodegradable in anaerobic and aerobic conditions, and in anaerobic conditions the intercalated nanocomposite of cbentonite = 2.9 wt% exhibited slower rate of degradation. These results provide insights into the development of bio-degradable elastomeric food packaging and coatings suitable for sub-ambient conditions.

Results of a four-year multi-channel regional program for monitoring stroke survivors in Franche-Comté, France.

INTRODUCTION: Clinical monitoring of stroke survivors after hospital discharge was initiated in France in 2012 and funding for its model began in 2016. A regional program in Franche-Comté relying on various assessment methods including telehealth was initiated. The objective of this study was to describe the implementation and quality of the program. METHODS: A retrospective observational study was conducted from 1st January 2016 to 31st December 2019. Patients were included if they were adults, hospitalized for stroke or transient ischemic attack in one of the six public hospitals in the region and discharged alive. There were five types of monitoring methods: physical consultation, day hospital, nurse-led phone consultation, postal mail or medical record analysis. Characteristics, method of monitoring and discharge delay were described. RESULTS: In total, 7166 patients were identified; male gender predominated (52.9%); mean age was 72.2years. Monitoring coverage increased from 89.2% to 92% within the period. Most patients had ischemic stroke (68.5%, n=4912) and were at home at the time of monitoring (71.6%, n=5130). The main method was nurse-led phone consultations (40.8%, n=2921) followed by physical consultation (16%, n=1143). Day hospital monitoring increased (1.5% to 14.4%) while the postal mail method decreased (18.7% to 8.1%). The average delay decreased from 240.3 to 148.6days. Monitoring period of less than four months was 46.2% in 2019 and 75.3% for thrombolysis. In 2019, 99.3% of patients were being monitored at one year. Mortality decreased from 10% to 6.3%. DISCUSSION: The program improved over time with an increase in the number of patients and reduction in delays and mortality rate.

Experimental and Theoretical Studies of α-Linolenic Acid as Green Corrosion Inhibitor for Carbon Steel in 0.5 M Sulfuric Acid.

A component of Salvia hispanica, α-linolenic acid, has been evaluated as a green corrosion inhibitor for 1018 carbon steel in 0.5 M sulfuric acid using weight loss tests, potentiodynamic polarization curves and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) measurements. Theoretical calculations using Density Functional Theory (DFT) were used also. The results have shown that this compound is a good corrosion inhibitor, with an efficiency which increased with an increase in its concentration up to 600 ppm, but it decreased with a further increase in the concentration. α-linolenic acid formed protective corrosion products layer because it was chemically adsorbed onto the steel surface according to a Langmuir type of adsorption isotherms. Polarization curves have shown that α-linolenic acid is a good, mixed type of inhibitor with a predominant effect on the cathodic hydrogen evolution reactions. EIS measurements indicated a charge transfer-controlled corrosion process. DFT calculations indicated that α-linolenic acid was more efficient in an acidic environment than in a neutral one because has a high tendency to donate electrons and can be easily protonated. In addition to this, it had the highest EHUMO value, the best chemical reactivity, the greatest tendency to transfer electrons and a greater facility of modifying its electronic configuration in the presence of carbon steel specimens according to its chemical hardness value.

Unusual clinical and topographical midbrain stroke revealed by pure sensory disturbance.

We describe a rare midbrain stroke presenting with predominantly sensory symptoms. A 71-year-old woman was hospitalized due to the recurrence of faciobrachial sensory loss. Magnetic resonance imaging showed an infarct involving the right side of the middle portion of midbrain at the level of the inferior colliculus. In our case we tried to make some clinico-anatomical correlations. The main anatomical structures involved were the medial lemniscal tract, the ventral part of the spinothalamic tract and the trigeminothalamic tract. The location of the stroke would suggest there are overlaps between arterial territories of the midbrain. Clinicians should look for midbrain infarcts in cases of pure sensory stroke.

Acute telestroke in France: A systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Acute telestroke is the use of telemedicine to improve acute stroke care. It has demonstrated to be a safe and effective medical practice. Since 2011, acute telestroke has been promoted by the Ministry of Health in France, and in 2018 many regions were in the process or completion of implementing telestroke. The objective of this study was to describe acute telestroke implementation in France. METHODS: A systematic review was conducted using PubMed and ScienceDirect databases. Articles and abstracts in English and French, published between January 1st, 2000 to April 30th, 2018 were used. Studies conducted in France and that had presented an outcome evaluation of a regional acute telestroke activity were included. No meta-analysis was conducted. RESULTS: A total of 24 studies (14 in French, 10 in English) were included, with 13 published articles (7 indexed on PubMed) and 11 abstracts. Among the 13 published articles, there were seven observational retrospective studies, one quasi-experimental before-after study, one experimental randomised controlled trial, and four medico-economic studies. All telestroke network models of care were drip-and-ship with hub and spoke organisation. The case-control studies did not show a difference with or without telemedicine. The territorial thrombolysis rate was measured in two regions, with an increase in Franche-Comté from 0.2% (2004) to 9.9% (2015), and a relative increase of 76% in Nord-Pas-de-Calais between 2009-2010 and 2012. CONCLUSION: Implementation of acute telestroke in France had a positive clinical and public health impact but the evaluation remained limited and needs to be supported.

Cuidado intensivo en un centro de trauma / Intensive care in a trauma center

OBJETIVO: El traumatismo grave es la causa principal de muerte en pacientes menores de 40 años, siendo el trauma craneoencefálico la primera causa de discapacidad severa, mientras que la hemorragia se mantiene como principal causa prevenible de muerte. El objetivo del presente trabajo es describir la casuística de los pacientes atendidos en la Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos Adultos del Centro de Trauma Hospital Corazón de Jesús de la ciudad de El Alto en La Paz (Bolivia). METODOLOGÍA: Estudio retrospectivo. Se incluyen todos los pacientes internados en la Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos Adultos del Centro de Trauma Hospital Corazón de Jesús, Unidad Polivalente, ingresados en el periodo 01 Octubre 2016-01 Abril de 2019. RESULTADOS: Se ingresaron 485 pacientes, 273 (56%) varones así como 212 (44%) mujeres, la sobrevida llega al 91% y el 9% de mortalidad corregida. La media de edad corresponde a 48 años (desviación estándar 19 años), la media de estancia en la Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos es de 112 horas (desviación estándar 87 horas). La mayor parte de pacientes proviene del Servicio de Urgencias y Quirófano, con diagnósticos de trauma craneoencefálico grave y hemorragia secundaria a trauma. CONCLUSIÓN: Este estudio muestra la casuística de una Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos de un Centro de Trauma, resultando imperativo describir la casuística concerniente a nuestros Centros Asistenciales con fines de la realización de investigación ulterior de forma multicéntrica.

OBJECTIVE: Severe trauma is leading cause of death in patients younger than 40 years, traumatic brain injury is also the leading cause of severe disability, while hemorrhage remains as main cause of preventable death. The objective of this paper is to describe the casuistic of patients treated in the Intensive Care Unit of Trauma Center Hospital Corazón de Jesús of El Alto City in La Paz (Bolivia). METHODOLOGY: Retrospective study. Includes all patients admitted at Intensive Care Unit, Polyvalent Unit, during the period 01 October 2016-01 April 2019. RESULTS: 485 patients were admitted, 273 (56%) male and 212 (44%) female, survival reaches 91% and 9% of adjusted mortality. Mean age is 48 years (standard deviation 19 years), mean length-of-stay in Intensive Care Unit is 112 hours (standard deviation 87 hours). The majority of patients arrived from the Emergency Department and Operating Room, with main diagnoses of severe traumatic brain injury and hemorrhage secondary to trauma. CONCLUSION: This study shows the casuistic of an Intensive Care Unit of a Trauma Center, resulting imperative to describe the casuistic of other Hospitals for the purpose of conducting further multicentric research.

Electrokinetic removal of radionuclides contained in scintillation liquids absorbed in soil type Phaeozem.

Control samples of scintillation liquids - Phaeozem soil mixtures were prepared with different scintillation liquids as the support electrolyte, Install Gel® XF, (Ultima Gold AB™ and Ultima Gold XR™), to construct the polarization curves, and to select the cell potential with the highest mass transfer to remove 24Na (15 h) and 99mTc (6 h) as radiotracers from polluted Phaeozem soil. During the electrokinetic treatment (EKT), the removal of radionuclides contained in scintillation liquids absorbed in Phaeozem soil, liquid phase was characterized by Gas Chromatography coupled with a Flame Ionization Detector (GC-FID) and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrometry (FTIR), solids by FTIR, before and after the application of cell potential. In this sense, the support electrolyte was selected based on the highest current generated (1 mA), as in the case of scintillation liquid 50% Ultima Gold XR™ + 50% Water (1:1), which was used for 6 h in the presence of a mesh and a titanium rod, as anode and cathode, respectively. Finally, the removal percentage accumulated in the liquid phase after the EKT of Phaeozem soil polluted by 99mTc was 61% close to the anode after 4 h. It was also 61% for 24Na close to cathode after 2 h, and after 4 h it was 71.8%.

[Mnesic disorders caused by left temporal gliomas]. / Les troubles mnésiques dans les gliomes temporaux gauches.

Episodic memory disorders are frequent in patients with temporal lesion. Verbal or visuo-spatial memory disorders depend on the location and the lateralization of the lesion. These disorders are well described in temporal epilepsy but rarely in population with cerebral tumor and especially not specifically focus on temporal glioma. The purpose of this study was to describe neuropsychological examination in patient with temporal glioma in the database of the regional memory centre of Besançon. Four patients were identified (all right-handed and with a left temporal glioma). Verbal episodic memory impairment and auditory-verbal short-term memory impairment were observed. One patient had also visual memory disorders. Therefore, further investigations showed an associated Alzheimer's disease. This finding modified the clinical management of this patient. Extensive neuropsychological assessment should be systematic initially to seek an associated pathology, especially in elderly patients, if the cognitive profile is unusual, during the follow-up to better understand cognitive evolution and the effect of therapies on cognition.

Glassy carbon electrodes sequentially modified by cysteamine-capped gold nanoparticles and poly(amidoamine) dendrimers generation 4.5 for detecting uric acid in human serum without ascorbic acid interference.

Glassy carbon electrodes (GCE) were sequentially modified by cysteamine-capped gold nanoparticles (AuNp@cysteamine) and PAMAM dendrimers generation 4.5 bearing 128-COOH peripheral groups (GCE/AuNp@cysteamine/PAMAM), in order to explore their capabilities as electrochemical detectors of uric acid (UA) in human serum samples at pH 2. The results showed that concentrations of UA detected by cyclic voltammetry with GCE/AuNp@cysteamine/PAMAM were comparable (deviation <±10%; limits of detection (LOD) and quantification (LOQ) were 1.7×10(-4) and 5.8×10(-4) mg dL(-1), respectively) to those concentrations obtained using the uricase-based enzymatic-colorimetric method. It was also observed that the presence of dendrimers in the GCE/AuNp@cysteamine/PAMAM system minimizes ascorbic acid (AA) interference during UA oxidation, thus improving the electrocatalytic activity of the gold nanoparticles.

[Specific treatment for intracerebral hemorrhage. Experts' recommendations: stroke management in the intensive care unit]. / Traitement spécifique des hématomes cérébraux. Recommandations formalisées d'experts: prise en charge de l'AVC par le réanimateur.

Spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhages represent from 10 to 15% of strokes. They can be defined by the eruption of arterial blood within the cerebral parenchyma. Clinical signs are not specific and the diagnosis can only be made using brain imaging techniques (CT or magnetic resonance imaging). Management of intracerebral hemorrhage combines general measures (neurovascular intensive care unit, treatment of high blood pressure and of neurotoxic factors) with more specific measures including correction of coagulation abnormalities and, in some cases, neurosurgical treatment.

Participation of cell-surface hydrophobins for hemin binding in Helicobacter pylori.

Treatment of Helicobacter pylori cells with several chaotropic agents resulted in different degrees of inhibition in the binding of the bacteria to hemin and Congo-red dye. Polyanions also yielded a >50% inhibitory effect. Furthermore, hydrophobic interaction chromatography was used to determine the relative surface hydrophobicity of cell-associated proteins extracted with 3 mol/L urea, revealing proteins with a significant hydrophobic profile.

[Cerebellar infarction]. / Les infarctus cérébelleux.

Cerebellar infarction can be difficult to diagnose because the clinical picture is often dominated by fairly non-specific symptoms, which are more indicative of a benign condition. When cerebellar infarction affects the brainstem, the semiology is richer, and pure cerebellar signs are rendered less important. A perfect knowledge of the organisation of the cerebellar artery territories is required, regardless of the infarct topography. This knowledge is essential for making an accurate diagnosis, understanding the mechanisms and organising a treatment plan. Clinical algorithms for the treatment of dizziness, headaches and vomiting would improve the selection of candidates for brain imaging. Thus, the early identification of patients with a high risk of subsequent deterioration would lead to a better prognosis in cases of cerebellar artery territory infarction.

[Functional organisation of the cerebellum: a neuroanatomical approach]. / Organisation fonctionnelle du cervelet: approche neuro-anatomique.

Knowledge of the functional organisation of the cerebellum has progressed. The phylogenetic and anatomical divisions within the cerebellum, which have long been used to describe cerebellar functions, are now too simplistic. The understanding of cerebellar motor functions requires knowledge of a neuroanatomical division based on the afferents and the corticonuclear organisation of the cerebellum. Non-motor cerebellar functions are even more poorly systematised, but the rapid progress being made in neuroscience and neuroimaging techniques should enable them to be better understood.

Absorption oscillator strengths for vibronic transitions of nppi Rydberg series in NO.

The vibronic intensities for band systems of NO corresponding to transitions with origin in both the X(2)Pi ground and the 3ssigma(A(2)Sigma(+)) Rydberg states, and ending in the nppi Rydberg series with n = 3-5, have been determined. The description of the Rydberg states has been made with the molecular quantum defect orbital methodology. The Rydberg-valence interaction of the (2)Pi symmetry states involved in the studied transitions has been analyzed through a vibronic matrix. The present results have been compared with experimental and theoretical data available in the literature. Additionally, predictions for a number of unknown intensities have been made, which may be useful for the interpretation of the spectrum of NO.

Enantioselective recognition of alanine in solution with modified gold electrodes using chiral PAMAM dendrimers G4.0.

Enantiomeric alanine was covalently grafted onto modified gold electrodes with mercaptopropionic acid and PAMAM dendrimers G4.0 with amine terminal groups. Cyclic voltammetric experiments in the presence of monocarboxylic ferrocene as a probe molecule proved that the alanine (Ala) was immobilized as a monolayer on the gold electrodes. Electron transfer to Ru(NH3)6Cl3 in solutions of different pH was studied by cyclic voltammetry (CV). Changes in solution pH resulted in the variation of the charge state of the terminal group and surface pKa values were estimated on the basis of these results. Because of electrostatic interactions between the positive charged groups on the electrode surface and the Ala, enantioselective recognition was possible. The interaction between enantiomers can be proven with molecular simulation. The electro-oxidation peak current was linearly dependent on Ala concentration over the range 0-10 microM with slopes between 143 and 187 microAcm(-2)/microM. The detection limit (3sigma) was 0.4059 microM for PAMAM G4.0-D(+)Ala-L(-)Ala and 0.4172 microM for PAMAM G4.0-L(-)Ala-D(+)Ala.

Antibacterial and antifungal activities of some Mexican medicinal plants.

In Mexico about 4,000 plant species have some medicinal use. The aim of this work was to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of six Mexican medicinal plants against fungi and Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Methanolic extracts were prepared from the Mexican medicinal plants Amphypteringium adstrigens, Castella tortuosa, Coutarea latiflora, Ibervillea sonorae, Jatropha cuneata, and Selaginella lepidophylla. The antibacterial and antifungal activities of the plants were determined by the broth microdilution method and the radial growth inhibition assay, respectively. All Mexican plants tested showed antimicrobial activity. Among the six plant extracts analyzed, J. cuneata showed the highest growth-inhibitory activity against fungi, Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria (J. cuneata > A. adstrigens > C. latiflora > C. tortuosa > I. sonorae approximately S. lepidophylla). Shigella flexneri and Staphylococcus aureus were the most susceptible bacteria to plant extracts. Complete inhibition of S. flexneri growth was observed with J. cuneata methanolic extract at 90 microg/mL. This plant extract also showed the strongest antifungal activity against Fusarium verticillioides and Aspergillus niger. Our data suggest that the medicinal plants tested have important antimicrobial properties. This is the first report describing the antimicrobial activities of several of the Mexican medicinal plants used in this study.

Study on the precision of the multiaperture scintillation sensor turbulence profiler (MASS) employed in the site testing campaign for the Thirty Meter Telescope.

The multiaperture scintillation sensor (MASS) has become a device widely employed to measure the altitude distribution of atmospheric turbulence. An empirical study is reported that investigates the dependence of the MASS results on the knowledge of the instrumental parameters. Also, the results of a side-by-side comparison of two MASS instruments are presented, indicating that MASS instruments permit measurements of the integrated seeing to a precision better than 0.05 arc sec and of the individual turbulence layer strength C(n)(2)(h)dh to better than 10(-14) m(1/3).

Preparation, characterization, and electrocatalytic activity of surface anchored, Prussian Blue containing starburst PAMAM dendrimers on gold electrodes.

Gold bead electrodes were modified with submonolayers of 3-mercaptopropionic acid or 2-aminoethanethiol and further reacted with poly(amidoamine) (PAMAM) dendrimers (generation 4.0 and 3.5, respectively) to obtain films on which Prussian Blue (PB) was later absorbed to afford mixed and stable electrocatalytic layers. Experiments carried out with these novel materials not only showed an improved surface coverage of PB on the dendrimer modified electrodes as compared to PB modified gold electrodes prepared under acidic conditions, but also showed an increased stability at neutral pH values for one of the dendrimer containing substrates where the PB film on a bare gold electrode is simply not formed. The dendrimer modified electrodes were also tested as electrocatalytic substrates for the electroxidation of L(+)-ascorbic acid (AA), and it was found that their sensitivity as well as the corresponding detection limits were improved as compared to the voltammetric response of a Au-PB modified electrode. On the basis of UV-visible (UV-vis) spectroscopy and electrochemical experiments, it is suggested that the PB molecules are located within the dendritic structure of the surface attached PAMAM dendrimers.