Liquid Structure of Shock-Compressed Hydrocarbons at Megabar Pressures.

We present results for the ionic structure in hydrocarbons (polystyrene, polyethylene) that were shock compressed to pressures of up to 190 GPa, inducing rapid melting of the samples. The structure of the resulting liquid is then probed using in situ diffraction by an x-ray free electron laser beam, demonstrating the capability to obtain reliable diffraction data in a single shot, even for low-Z samples without long range order. The data agree well with ab initio simulations, validating the ability of such approaches to model mixed samples in states where complex interparticle bonds remain, and showing that simpler models are not necessarily valid. While the results clearly exclude the possibility of complete carbon-hydrogen demixing at the conditions probed, they also, in contrast to previous predictions, indicate that diffraction is not always a sufficient diagnostic for this phenomenon.

Ultrafast X-Ray Diffraction Studies of the Phase Transitions and Equation of State of Scandium Shock Compressed to 82 GPa.

Using x-ray diffraction at the Linac Coherent Light Source x-ray free-electron laser, we have determined simultaneously and self-consistently the phase transitions and equation of state (EOS) of the lightest transition metal, scandium, under shock compression. On compression scandium undergoes a structural phase transition between 32 and 35 GPa to the same bcc structure seen at high temperatures at ambient pressures, and then a further transition at 46 GPa to the incommensurate host-guest polymorph found above 21 GPa in static compression at room temperature. Shock melting of the host-guest phase is observed between 53 and 72 GPa with the disappearance of Bragg scattering and the growth of a broad asymmetric diffraction peak from the high-density liquid.

[Prospects of Application of Remote Preconditioning at Heart Revascularization].

Remote ischemic preconditioning of the heart exerts anti-necrotic, antiarrhythmic, inotropic effects that have been demonstrated in clinical trials in cardiac surgery both in adults and children. However, so far there is no consensus between cardiologists regarding the impact of remote preconditioning on the incidence of intraoperative myocardial infarctions and mortality in the postoperative period. Until now there is no unanimity concerning choice of remote preconditioning protocol and timing of its application before cardiac surgery.

Effects of psychoeducation on helpful support for complicated grief: a preliminary randomized controlled single-blind study.

BACKGROUND: Complicated grief is a distinct psychological response of individuals facing the loss of a loved one and can lead to many types of adverse health outcomes. Although social support may be beneficial, few studies have examined the beneficial effects of helpful support on complicated grief following bereavement. METHOD: A randomized controlled trial was conducted. Bereaved participants and supporters were randomized to psychoeducation on complicated grief and helpful social support or psychoeducation on complicated grief. The primary outcome was the Inventory of Complicated Grief. RESULTS: The results showed that psychoeducation of supporters of bereaved individuals has significant beneficial effects. Particularly, symptoms of complicated grief were decreased in bereaved individuals with supporters that received psychoeducation. CONCLUSIONS: The results highlight the potential of psychoeducation to facilitate helpful social support and reduce complicated grief.

Degradation of dibenzofuran via multiple dioxygenation by a newly isolated Agrobacterium sp. PH-08.

AIMS: To demonstrate the biodegradation of dibenzofuran (DF) and its structural analogs by a newly isolated Agrobacterium sp. PH-08. METHODS AND RESULTS: To assess the biodegradation potential of newly isolated Agrobacterium sp. PH-08, various substrates were evaluated as sole carbon sources in growth and biotransformation experiments. ESI LC-MS/MS analysis revealed the presence of angular degrading by-products as well as lateral dioxygenation metabolites in the upper pathway. The metabolites in the lower pathway also were detected. In addition, the cometabolically degraded daughter compounds of DF-related compounds such as BP and dibenzothiophene (DBT) in dual substrate degradation were observed. Strain PH-08 exhibited the evidence of meta-cleavage pathway as confirmed by the activity and gene expression of catechol-2,3-dioxygenase. CONCLUSIONS: Newly isolated bacterial strain, Agrobacterium sp. PH-08, grew well with and degraded DF via both angular and lateral dioxygenation as demonstrated by metabolites identified through ESI LC-MS/MS and GC-MS analyses. The other heterocyclic pollutants were also cometabolically degraded. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: Few reports have described the complete degradation of DF by a cometabolic lateral pathway. Our study demonstrates the novel results that the newly isolated strain utilized the DF as a sole carbon source and mineralized it via multiple dioxygenation.

The value of preoperative 18F-FDG PET/CT for the assessing contralateral neck in head and neck cancer patients with unilateral node metastasis (N1-3).

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to determine whether preoperative (18) F-FDG PET/CT is useful in assessing contralateral lymph node metastasis in the neck. DESIGN: A retrospective review of medical records was performed. SETTING: Patients treated at a single institute. PARTICIPANTS: One hundred and fifty-seven patients whose pathology results were positive for unilateral node metastasis (N1-3) involvement and underwent preoperative (18) F-FDG PET/CT for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) were reviewed. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Prognostic factors and nodal SUVmax were studied to identify the risk of contralateral disease. RESULTS: Thirty-six (22.9%) patients had contralateral cervical lymph node metastases. The (18) F-FDG PET/CT had a sensitivity of 80% and a specificity of 96% in identifying the contralateral cervical lymph node metastases on a level-by-level basis. The median SUVmax values of the ipsilateral and contralateral lymph nodes were 3.99 ± 3.36 (range, 0-20.4) and 2.94 ± 2.04 (range, 0-8.7), respectively (P = 0.001). There was a significant difference in the median SUVmax of contralateral nodes between the benign and malignant cervical lymph nodes (2.31 ± 0.62 versus 3.28 ± 2.43, P = 0.014). The cut-off value of contralateral median SUVmax in the context of contralateral cervical metastasis was 2.5 with the sensitivity of 75% and the specificity of 94%. A median contralateral lymph node SUVmax  ≥ 2.5 was associated with 5-year disease-specific survival (P = 0.038). CONCLUSION: (18) F-FDG PET/CT median SUVmax cut-off values of contralateral lymph nodes ≥2.5 were associated with contralateral cervical lymph node metastases and 5-year disease-specific survival in HNSCC patients with unilateral metastases.

In vitro and Lactation Responses in Mid-lactating Dairy Cows Fed Protected Amino Acids and Fat.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of ruminally protected amino acids (RPAAs) and ruminally protected fat (RPF) supplementation on ruminal fermentation characteristics (in vitro) and milk yield and milk composition (in vivo). Fourteen mid-lactating Holstein dairy cows (mean weight 653±62.59 kg) were divided into two groups according to mean milk yield and number of days of postpartum. The cows were then fed a basal diet during adaptation (2 wk) and experimental diets during the treatment period (6 wk). Dietary treatments were i) a basal diet (control) and ii) basal diet containing 50 g of RPAAs (lysine and methionine, 3:1 ratio) and 50 g of RPF. In rumen fermentation trail (in vitro), RPAAs and RPF supplementation had no influence on the ruminal pH, dry matter digestibility, total volatile fatty acid production and ammonia-N concentration. In feeding trial (in vivo), milk yield (p<0.001), 4% fat corrected milk (p<0.05), milk fat (p<0.05), milk protein (p<0.001), and milk urea nitrogen (p<0.05) were greater in cows fed RPAAs and RPF than the corresponding values in the control group. With an index against as 0%, the rates of decrease in milk yield and milk protein were lower in RPAAs and RPF treated diet than those of basal diet group (p<0.05). In conclusion, diet supplemented with RPAAs and RPF can improve milk yield and milk composition without negatively affecting ruminal functions in Holstein dairy cows at mid-lactating.

[Etoricoxib in the treatment of active sacroiliitis in patients with axial spondyloarthritis, including ankylosing spondylitis].

AIM: To study a trend in active sacroiliitis (ASI) in patients with axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) during different short-term regimens using etoricoxib (ET) 90 mg. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Forty patients with axSpA, including 30 with ankylosing spondyloarthritis), and ASI (sacroiliac joint (SIJ) osteitis as evidenced by magnetic resonance imaging) were examined and then randomized to 2 groups: 1) 20 patients who took ET 90 mg four days or more a week; 2) 20 patients who received ET 90 mg 3 days or less a week. Osteitis was measured in 4 quadrants of each SIJ (0-3 scores). Its main criterion was considered to be a decrease in total osteitis activity (TOA) 12 week later. RESULTS: In all the patients (n = 40), TOA decreased from 6.5 (4; 9) to 2 (0; 5) scores (p < 0.0001). In Group 1 (n = 20), that reduced from 6.5 (4; 8.5) to 0 (0; 3) scores (p < 0.0001). In Group 2 (n = 20), that did from 6.5 (4; 10) to 4 (1; 8) scores (p = 0.49). At 12 weeks, in in Groups 1 and 2, the difference in final TOA achieved no statistical significance (p=0.056). In these groups, there were 19 (95%) and 14 (70%) treatment-responsive patients, respectively. CONCLUSION: The intake of ET 90 mg for 12-weeks is associated with a reduction in the degree of ASI in patients with axSpA. The use of ET 4 times or more a week is more effective in diminishing osteitis than that of ET 3 days or less.

In Situ Photo-Crosslinkable Protein Bioadhesive for Bone Graft Fixation.

Bone grafting is a fundamental dental surgery procedure widely used for implant placement and periodontal disease management treatments. Despite its broad applications, vertical bone augmentation presents unique challenges, including the risk of graft displacement due to gravitational and masticatory forces. Traditional physical stabilization methods introduce additional complexities and risks, underscoring the need for innovative fixation technologies. This study aimed to develop an in situ photo-crosslinkable bioadhesive hydrogel (iPBAH) as a multifunctional bone graft binder to enhance the process of bone reconstruction. The bioadhesive is composed of mussel-derived adhesive protein (MAP) fused with the cell-adhesive peptide RGD. The numerous tyrosine residues in MAP facilitate rapid photo-crosslinking, enabling efficient hydrogel formation using visible blue light. Subsequently, iPBAH underwent comprehensive characterization to evaluate its suitability as a multifunctional bone graft binder. iPBAH efficiently underwent in situ crosslinking through harmless exposure to visible light within minutes and displayed several exceptional properties, including a microporous structure, underwater adhesion, extended durability, high compressive strength, and biocompatibility. In vivo assessments, using male Sprague-Dawley rats, demonstrated that iPBAH binder significantly enhanced bone regeneration in a rat calvarial bone defect model. The in situ crosslinking of the iPBAH binder during bone graft transplantation can effectively fill irregular and complex defect shapes while simultaneously preventing graft material leakage. The improved physical attributes of the bound graft material can enhance its resistance to external forces, thereby ensuring sustained retention over time. Moreover, the interaction between iPBAH and surrounding tissues promotes adhesion and integration of the graft material with host tissues in the defect area. In addition, the included RGD peptide in iPBAH can augment inherent cell recruitment, adhesion, and growth, consequently expediting osteogenesis.

Effect of indigenous herbs on growth, blood metabolites and carcass characteristics in the late fattening period of hanwoo steers.

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of indigenous herbal supplements on growth, blood metabolites and carcass characteristics in the late fattening period of Hanwoo steers. In a 6 month feeding trial, thirty Hanwoo steers (647±32 kg) were allotted to one of 5 treatment groups, control (basal diet contained lasalocid), licorice, clove, turmeric and silymarin, with six steers per pen. All groups received ad libitum concentrate and 1 kg rice straw/animal/d throughout the feeding trial. Blood samples were collected at the beginning, middle, and the end of the experiment and the steers were slaughtered at the end. Blood glucose, triglyceride, total protein, and albumin concentrations were higher in the turmeric treatment compared with other treatments. Blood urea nitrogen and creatinine concentrations were highest (p<0.003 and p = 0.071, respectively) in steers treated with silymarin. Alanine aminotransferase activity was lower (p<0.06) for licorice and silymarin compared with the control group. There were no alterations in serum aspartate aminotransferase and gamma glutamyltransferase activities as a consequence of herb treatments (p = 0.203 and 0.135, respectively). Final body weight, body weight gain, average dairy gain and dry matter intake were not significantly different among treatments. Yield grade, marbling score and quality grade were higher for silymarin group than those of the control group (p<0.05). Therefore, the results suggest that silymarin can be used an effective dietary supplement as an alternative to antibiotic feed additive and a productivity enhancer, providing safe and more consumer acceptable alternative to synthetic compounds during the late fattening period of steers.

Clinical Feasibility of Ultrafast Contrast-Enhanced T1-Weighted 3D-EPI for Evaluating Intracranial Enhancing Lesions in Oncology Patients: Comparison with Standard 3D MPRAGE Sequence.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Contrast-enhanced 3D T1WI is a preferred sequence for brain tumor imaging despite the long scan time. This study investigated the clinical feasibility of ultrafast contrast-enhanced T1WI by 3D echo-planar imaging compared with a standard contrast-enhanced 3D MPRAGE sequence for evaluating intracranial enhancing lesions in oncology patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty-one patients in oncology underwent brain MR imaging including both contrast-enhanced T1WI, 3D-EPI and 3D MPRAGE, in a single examination session for evaluating intracranial tumors. Two neuroradiologists evaluated image quality, lesion conspicuity, diagnostic confidence, number and size of the lesions, and contrast-to-noise ratio measurements from the 2 different sequences. RESULTS: Ultrafast 3D-EPI T1WI did not reveal significant differences in diagnostic confidence, contrast-to-noise ratiolesion/parenchyma, and the number of enhancing lesions compared with MPRAGE (P > .05). However, ultrafast 3D-EPI T1WI revealed inferior image quality, inferior anatomic delineation and greater susceptibility artifacts with fewer motion artifacts than images obtained with MPRAGE. The mean contrast-to-noise ratioWM/GM and visual conspicuity of the lesion on ultrafast 3D-EPI T1WI were lower than those of MPRAGE (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: Ultrafast 3D-EPI T1WI showed comparable diagnostic performance with sufficient image quality and a 7-fold reduction in scan time for evaluating intracranial enhancing lesions compared with standard MPRAGE, even though it was limited by an inferior image quality and frequent susceptibility artifacts. Therefore, we believe that ultrafast 3D-EPI T1WI may be a viable option in oncology patients prone to movement during imaging studies.

Respiratory viral co-infections among SARS-CoV-2 cases confirmed by virome capture sequencing.

Accumulating evidence supports the high prevalence of co-infections among Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) patients, and their potential to worsen the clinical outcome of COVID-19. However, there are few data on Southern Hemisphere populations, and most studies to date have investigated a narrow spectrum of viruses using targeted qRT-PCR. Here we assessed respiratory viral co-infections among SARS-CoV-2 patients in Australia, through respiratory virome characterization. Nasopharyngeal swabs of 92 SARS-CoV-2-positive cases were sequenced using pan-viral hybrid-capture and the Twist Respiratory Virus Panel. In total, 8% of cases were co-infected, with rhinovirus (6%) or influenzavirus (2%). Twist capture also achieved near-complete sequencing (> 90% coverage, > tenfold depth) of the SARS-CoV-2 genome in 95% of specimens with Ct < 30. Our results highlight the importance of assessing all pathogens in symptomatic patients, and the dual-functionality of Twist hybrid-capture, for SARS-CoV-2 whole-genome sequencing without amplicon generation and the simultaneous identification of viral co-infections with ease.

Investigating off-Hugoniot states using multi-layer ring-up targets.

Laser compression has long been used as a method to study solids at high pressure. This is commonly achieved by sandwiching a sample between two diamond anvils and using a ramped laser pulse to slowly compress the sample, while keeping it cool enough to stay below the melt curve. We demonstrate a different approach, using a multilayer 'ring-up' target whereby laser-ablation pressure compresses Pb up to 150 GPa while keeping it solid, over two times as high in pressure than where it would shock melt on the Hugoniot. We find that the efficiency of this approach compares favourably with the commonly used diamond sandwich technique and could be important for new facilities located at XFELs and synchrotrons which often have higher repetition rate, lower energy lasers which limits the achievable pressures that can be reached.

Demonstration of X-ray Thomson scattering as diagnostics for miscibility in warm dense matter.

The gas and ice giants in our solar system can be seen as a natural laboratory for the physics of highly compressed matter at temperatures up to thousands of kelvins. In turn, our understanding of their structure and evolution depends critically on our ability to model such matter. One key aspect is the miscibility of the elements in their interiors. Here, we demonstrate the feasibility of X-ray Thomson scattering to quantify the degree of species separation in a 1:1 carbon-hydrogen mixture at a pressure of ~150 GPa and a temperature of ~5000 K. Our measurements provide absolute values of the structure factor that encodes the microscopic arrangement of the particles. From these data, we find a lower limit of [Formula: see text]% of the carbon atoms forming isolated carbon clusters. In principle, this procedure can be employed for investigating the miscibility behaviour of any binary mixture at the high-pressure environment of planetary interiors, in particular, for non-crystalline samples where it is difficult to obtain conclusive results from X-ray diffraction. Moreover, this method will enable unprecedented measurements of mixing/demixing kinetics in dense plasma environments, e.g., induced by chemistry or hydrodynamic instabilities.

Evidence for Crystalline Structure in Dynamically-Compressed Polyethylene up to 200 GPa.

We investigated the high-pressure behavior of polyethylene (CH2) by probing dynamically-compressed samples with X-ray diffraction. At pressures up to 200 GPa, comparable to those present inside icy giant planets (Uranus, Neptune), shock-compressed polyethylene retains a polymer crystal structure, from which we infer the presence of significant covalent bonding. The A2/m structure which we observe has previously been seen at significantly lower pressures, and the equation of state measured agrees with our findings. This result appears to contrast with recent data from shock-compressed polystyrene (CH) at higher temperatures, which demonstrated demixing and recrystallization into a diamond lattice, implying the breaking of the original chemical bonds. As such chemical processes have significant implications for the structure and energy transfer within ice giants, our results highlight the need for a deeper understanding of the chemistry of high pressure hydrocarbons, and the importance of better constraining planetary temperature profiles.

Comparison of the removal efficiency of endocrine disrupting compounds in pilot scale sewage treatment processes.

The removal efficiency of endocrine disrupting compounds from effluents using pilot scale sewage treatment processes, including various treatment technologies, such as membrane bioreactors (MBR), nanofiltration (NF) and reverse osmosis (RO) for the purpose of water reuse, were estimated and compared. The calculated estrogenic activity, expressed in ng-EEQ/l, based on the concentration detected by GC/MS, and relative potencies for each target compound were compared to those measured using the E-screen assay. The removal efficiencies for nonylphenol, was within the range of 55-83% in effluents. High removal efficiencies of approximately >70% based on the detection limits were obtained for bisphenol A, E1, EE2 and genistein with each treatment processes, with the exception of E1 ( approximately 64%) using the MBR process. The measured EEQ values for the effluents from the MBR, NF and RO processes also indicated low estrogenic activities of 0.65, 0.23 and 0.05 ng-EEQ/l, respectively. These were markedly reduced values compared with the value of 1.2 ng-EEQ/l in influent. Consequently, the removals of EDCs in terms of the EEQ value from the biological and chemical determinations were sufficiently achieved by the treatment process applied in this study, especially in the cases of the NF and RO treatments.

Lateral neck dissection affects the voice in thyroid cancer patients.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to identify the effect of lateral neck dissection on voice change in thyroidectomised patients. METHODS: Medical records from 264 patients who underwent thyroidectomy with (n = 65) or without (n = 199) lateral neck dissection were reviewed. Clinical and voice evaluation data were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: Patients who underwent surgery that included lateral neck dissection had lower fundamental frequencies and speaking fundamental frequencies. They also had a higher incidence of asymmetric mucosal wave and vocal fold oedema on videostroboscopy during the first month after surgery, with the incidence of vocal fold oedema remaining significantly higher at three months. Self-assessed voice quality scores were significantly higher in lateral neck dissection patients at both one and three months after surgery. CONCLUSION: In thyroidectomised patients, lateral neck dissection lowers the vocal pitch in the initial period after surgery and induces vocal fold oedema that persists for several months. Although most objective parameters improved within a month, subjective symptoms lasted for longer.

[PROBLEM OF END EFFECTOR OF ISCHEMIC PRECONDITIONING OF THE HEART].

An analysis of the literature data performed by the authors shows that the main contenders for the role of the end effector of ischemic preconditioning of the heart are: (1) MPT pore (2) nexuses (3) cytoskeleton. Thus, almost all of the known intracellular molecular cascades eventually converge on MPT pore, on the components of the cytoskeleton and nexuses.

[SIGNIFICANCE OF OPIOID RECEPTORS IN THE CYTOPROTECTIVE ACTION OF CHRONIC HYPOXIA DURING ANOXIA-REOXYGENATION OF CARDIOMYOCYTES].

It was investigated the role of δ-, µ- и κ-opioid receptors (ORs) in the development of cytoprotective effect of chronic normobaric hypoxia (CNH) using anoxia/reoxygenation of isolated cardiomyocytes. Adaptation to CNH was achieved by the maintenance of rats for 21 days at atmosphere containing 12% O2. Anoxia/reoxygenation of isolated cardiomyocytes of intact rats evoked a death of 23% cells and enhancement of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release from cells. Anoxia/reoxygenation of isolated cardiomyocytes of adapting rats induced a death of only 2.5% cells and LDH release decreased by 25%. Preliminary incubation of cells with the OR blocker naloxone (300 nM) or the δ-OR antagonist TIPP(ψ) (30 nM) or the selective δ2-OR antagonist naltriben (1 nM) or the µ-OR antagonist CTAP (100 nM) 25 min prior to anoxia abolished adaptive enhancement of cell survival and a decrease in LDH release. The blocking of δ1-OR by BNTX (1 nM) or κ-OR by nor-binaltorphimine (3 nM) not affected on the cytoprotection at CNH. Consequently, cardiac cell δ2- and µ-opioid receptors are involved in the cytoprotective effect of chronic normobaric hypoxia.

Vascularized cranial bone grafts for mandibular and maxillary reconstruction. The parietal osteofascial flap.

The authors have performed 13 cases of vascularized cranial bone grafts for reconstruction of maxillofacial defects since 1986. Two types of flaps were used: the parietal osteofascial flap pedicled to the parieto-temporal fascia based on the superficial temporal artery and the temporalis osteomuscular flap pedicled to the temporalis muscle based on the deep temporal artery. Zygomatico-orbital complex, maxilla and mandible were reconstructed and hemifacial microsomia was also treated. The results of vascularized cranial bone grafts pedicled to fascia were as good as those of grafts pedicled to muscle. There were no major complications. Two types of vascularized cranial bone grafts seem to be useful in reconstruction of maxillofacial defects with avascular recipient beds because of their good blood supply. The parietal osteofascial flap has additional advantages including easy rotation of the flap to the defect, particularly a mandibular defect, and versatile use of fascia without bulkiness for reconstruction of soft tissue defects. This flap can be designed as a full- or partial-thickness cranial bone graft with good vascularity. In this paper, our technique for mandibular and maxillary reconstruction using the parietal osteofascial flap is introduced, and the results compared with our temporalis osteomuscular flap technique are reported.