Cation reordering instead of phase transitions: Origins and implications of contrasting lithiation mechanisms in 1D ζ- and 2D α-V2O5.

Substantial improvements in cycle life, rate performance, accessible voltage, and reversible capacity are required to realize the promise of Li-ion batteries in full measure. Here, we have examined insertion electrodes of the same composition (V2O5) prepared according to the same electrode specifications and comprising particles with similar dimensions and geometries that differ only in terms of their atomic connectivity and crystal structure, specifically two-dimensional (2D) layered α-V2O5 that crystallizes in an orthorhombic space group and one-dimensional (1D) tunnel-structured ζ-V2O5 crystallized in a monoclinic space group. By using particles of similar dimensions, we have disentangled the role of specific structural motifs and atomistic diffusion pathways in affecting electrochemical performance by mapping the dynamical evolution of lithiation-induced structural modifications using ex situ scanning transmission X-ray microscopy, operando synchrotron X-ray diffraction measurements, and phase-field modeling. We find the operation of sharply divergent mechanisms to accommodate increasing concentrations of Li-ions: a series of distortive phase transformations that result in puckering and expansion of interlayer spacing in layered α-V2O5, as compared with cation reordering along interstitial sites in tunnel-structured ζ-V2O5 By alleviating distortive phase transformations, the ζ-V2O5 cathode shows reduced voltage hysteresis, increased Li-ion diffusivity, alleviation of stress gradients, and improved capacity retention. The findings demonstrate that alternative lithiation mechanisms can be accessed in metastable compounds by dint of their reconfigured atomic connectivity and can unlock substantially improved electrochemical performance not accessible in the thermodynamically stable phase.

Comparative performance of scFv-based anti-BCMA CAR formats for improved T cell therapy in multiple myeloma.

In multiple myeloma (MM), B cell maturation antigen (BCMA)-directed CAR T cells have emerged as a novel therapy with potential for long-term disease control. Anti-BCMA CAR T cells with a CD8-based transmembrane (TM) and CD137 (41BB) as intracellular costimulatory domain are in routine clinical use. As the CAR construct architecture can differentially impact performance and efficacy, the optimal construction of a BCMA-targeting CAR remains to be elucidated. Here, we hypothesized that varying the constituents of the CAR structure known to impact performance could shed light on how to improve established anti-BCMA CAR constructs. CD8TM.41BBIC-based anti-BCMA CAR vectors with either a long linker or a short linker between the light and heavy scFv chain, CD28TM.41BBIC-based and CD28TM.CD28IC-based anti-BCMA CAR vector systems were used in primary human T cells. MM cell lines were used as target cells. The short linker anti-BCMA CAR demonstrated higher cytokine production, whereas in vitro cytotoxicity, T cell differentiation upon activation and proliferation were superior for the CD28TM.CD28IC-based CAR. While CD28TM.CD28IC-based CAR T cells killed MM cells faster, the persistence of 41BBIC-based constructs was superior in vivo. While CD28 and 41BB costimulation come with different in vitro and in vivo advantages, this did not translate into a superior outcome for either tested model. In conclusion, this study showcases the need to study the influence of different CAR architectures based on an identical scFv individually. It indicates that current scFv-based anti-BCMA CAR with clinical utility may already be at their functional optimum regarding the known structural variations of the scFv linker.

Blood-brain barrier permeability in the ischemic stroke: An update.

Stroke is the second leading cause of death globally and the major cause of long-term disability. Among the types of strokes, ischemic stroke, which occurs due to obstruction of blood vessels responsible for cerebral irrigation, is considered the most prevalent, accounting for approximately 86 % of all stroke cases. This interruption of blood supply leads to a critical pathophysiological mechanism, including oxidative stress and neuroinflammation which are responsible for structural alterations of the blood-brain barrier (BBB). The increased BBB permeability associated with cerebral ischemia-reperfusion may contribute to a worse outcome after stroke. Thus, this narrative review aims to update the pathophysiological mechanisms involved in the increase in BBB permeability and to list the possible therapeutic strategies.

Sepsis after middle cerebral artery occlusion exacerbates peripheral oxidative stress in a sex-specific manner.

Ischemic stroke occurs due a blockage in the blood flow to the brain, leading to damage to the nervous system. The prevalent morbidities resulting from stroke include post-stroke infection, as sepsis. Additionally, oxidative stress is recognized for inducing functional deficits in peripheral organs during sepsis. Therefore, sex differences in stroke exist and we aimed to investigate the peripheral oxidative stress caused by sepsis after stroke in male and female rats. Wistar rats (male and female) were divided into sham+sham, middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) + sham, sham+ cecal ligation and perforation (CLP) and MCAO+CLP groups to males and female rats. Animals were subjected to MCAO or sham and after 7 days, were subjected to sepsis by CLP or sham. After 24 h, serum, total brain, lung, liver, heart, and spleen were collected. Brain edema, myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity, nitrite/nitrate (N/N) concentration, oxidative damage to lipids and proteins, and catalase activity were evaluated. Brain edema was observed only in male rats in MCAO+CLP group compared to MCAO+sham. Regarding MPO activity, an increase was verified in male in different organs and serum in MCAO+CLP group. For N/N levels, the increase was more pronounced in females submitted to MCAO+CLP. In general, to oxidative stress, an increase was only observed in animals exposed to MCAO+CLP, or with a greater increase in this group compared to the others. The findings provided the first indication that animals exposed to MCAO exhibit a heightened vulnerability to the harmful impacts of sepsis, as evidenced by brain edema and peripheral oxidative stress, and this susceptibility is dependent of sex.

Acute Response of Calcium Lactate Supplementation on the Athletic Performance of Soccer Players Under the Age of 15.

PURPOSE: To determine the acute response of lactate supplementation on athletic performance. METHOD: Fifteen athletes under the age of 15 performed the following 4 sessions in a nonrandomized order: (1) familiarization, (2) control, (3)  participants ingested calcium lactate (21.5 mg·kg-1 body mass), and (4) participants ingested a placebo (PLA, calcium carbonate, 21.5 mg·kg-1 body mass). The capsules were randomly offered and consumed 60 minutes before the physical tests. To assess the physical performance, the athletes executed squat jump, countermovement squat jump, 20-m linear sprint, change of direction test, and running anaerobic sprint test. RESULTS: There were no significant differences between conditions for squat jump, countermovement jump, change of direction, and minimum power obtained in the running anaerobic sprint test (P > .05). Conversely, we observed a worse performance (P < .05) in the 20-m linear sprint test in the PLA and lactate conditions compared with control (P < .05). The lactate condition worsened performance during running anaerobic sprint test for peak power, mean power, and fatigue index compared with control and PLA (P < .05). CONCLUSIONS: Calcium lactate supplementation worsened repetitive running sprint ability and 20-m sprint performance. However, lactate supplementation does not affect jump or agility capacity. Therefore, calcium lactate supplementation seems to be an ineffective strategy to improve anaerobic and neuromuscular performance in soccer players 15 years of age or less.

Performance Assessment of Object Detection Models Trained with Synthetic Data: A Case Study on Electrical Equipment Detection.

This paper explores a data augmentation approach for images of rigid bodies, particularly focusing on electrical equipment and analogous industrial objects. By leveraging manufacturer-provided datasheets containing precise equipment dimensions, we employed straightforward algorithms to generate synthetic images, permitting the expansion of the training dataset from a potentially unlimited viewpoint. In scenarios lacking genuine target images, we conducted a case study using two well-known detectors, representing two machine-learning paradigms: the Viola-Jones (VJ) and You Only Look Once (YOLO) detectors, trained exclusively on datasets featuring synthetic images as the positive examples of the target equipment, namely lightning rods and potential transformers. Performances of both detectors were assessed using real images in both visible and infrared spectra. YOLO consistently demonstrates F1 scores below 26% in both spectra, while VJ's scores lie in the interval from 38% to 61%. This performance discrepancy is discussed in view of paradigms' strengths and weaknesses, whereas the relatively high scores of at least one detector are taken as empirical evidence in favor of the proposed data augmentation approach.

Non-Destructive Inspection of High Temperature Piping Combining Ultrasound and Eddy Current Testing.

This paper presents an automated Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) system for the in-service inspection of orbital welds on tubular components operating at temperatures as high as 200 °C. The combination of two different NDT methods and respective inspection systems is here proposed to cover the detection of all potential defective weld conditions. The proposed NDT system combines ultrasounds and Eddy current techniques with dedicated approaches for dealing with high temperature conditions. Phased array ultrasound was employed, searching for volumetric defects within the weld bead volume while Eddy currents were used to look for surface and sub-surface cracks. The results from the phased array ultrasound results showed the effectiveness of the cooling mechanisms and that temperature effects on sound attenuation can be easily compensated for up to 200 °C. The Eddy current results showed almost no influence when temperatures were raised up to 300 °C.

Yerba Mate (Ilex paraguariensis) Processing and Extraction: Retention of Bioactive Compounds.

Ilex paraguariensis is a native tree from South America known for the presence of bioactive compounds, and its processed leaves are consumed as hot and cold infusions. After harvest (step 1), the leaves are subjected to flame blanching to inactive the enzymes (step 2), followed by drying and milling (step 3). The impacts of I. paraguariensis processing on leaf composition were investigated by extracting the major compounds (chlorogenic and isochlorogenic acids (3-CQA, 4-CQA, 5-CQA, 3,4-DQA, 3,5-DQA and 4,5-DQA), p-coumaric acid, caffeine and rutin) using different ratios of ethanol and water as extraction solvent (EW 25:75, 50:50, and 75:25 (w/w)). The solvent ratio of EW 50:50 was more effective in extracting the chlorogenic acids isomers, with retention of chlorogenic acids of 3463, 9485, and 9516 µg mL- 1 for steps 1, 2, and 3, respectively. Rutin and p-coumaric acid exhibited similar behavior with the increment of processing steps; however, p-coumaric acid was only detected in steps 2 and 3 for the solvent ratios EW 50:50 and 25:50. The caffeine extraction from I. paraguariensis varied from 936 to 1170 µg mL- 1 for all processing steps, with emphasis on its concentration extracted in step 1. The evolution of processing steps led to a higher retention of phenolic compounds from I. paraguariensis, which was not observed when using different solvent ratios, and the solvent ratio EW 50:50 was more effective for the extraction of chlorogenic acids. The successful extraction of chlorogenic acids from I. paraguariensis in this study proved to be a promising alternative for the use of yerba mate beyond the cuia cup.

Ibrutinib-rituximab followed by R-HCVAD as frontline treatment for young patients (≤65 years) with mantle cell lymphoma (WINDOW-1): a single-arm, phase 2 trial.

BACKGROUND: Induction with ibrutinib and rituximab provides an opportunity to minimise chemotherapy exposure, because upfront use of these targeted therapies could result in remission without chemotherapy and allow for consolidation with only four cycles of chemotherapy instead of the conventional eight. We aimed to determine the activity and safety of ibrutinib-rituximab induction followed by shortened chemoimmunotherapy (four cycles) with rituximab plus hyper-fractionated cyclophosphamide, vincristine, doxorubicin, and dexamethasone (R-HCVAD) alternating with methotrexate-cytarabine in previously untreated patients with mantle cell lymphoma. METHODS: We did a single-centre, single-arm, phase 2 trial in previously untreated patients with mantle cell lymphoma. Eligible patients were aged 65 years or younger and had serum bilirubin of less than 1·5 mg/dL, creatinine clearance of 30 mL/min or more, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status of 2 or less, and cardiac ejection fraction 50% or more by echocardiogram. Patients received 12 cycles of ibrutinib-rituximab induction (part A; oral ibrutinib 560 mg daily and intravenous rituximab 375 mg/m2 weekly for the first 4 weeks and then on day 1 of cycles 3-12). As soon as patients had a complete response, four cycles of R-HCVAD alternating with methotrexate-cytarabine (part B) were administered. If they did not have a complete response or had a partial response, patients received two cycles of R-HCVAD alternating with methotrexate-cytarabine followed by reassessment, up to a total of eight cycles. Patients were taken off study if they had stable disease or progression during R-HCVAD. The primary outcome was the overall response rate after part A. The analyses were conducted on an intention-to-treat basis. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT02427620. FINDINGS: 131 patients were enrolled between June 12, 2015, and Dec 6, 2018. The median age was 56 years (IQR 49-60). 58 (50%) of 117 patients had high Ki-67 (≥30%). 129 (98%, 95% CI 95-100) of 131 patients had an overall response in part A. The most common grade 3-4 adverse events were lymphocytopenia (19 [14%] of 131), skin rash (16 [12%]), thrombocytopenia (12 [9%]), infections (11 [8%]), and fatigue (ten [8%]) in part A and lymphocytopenia (96 [73%]), leukocytopenia (42 [32%]), thrombocytopenia (40 [30%]), and neutropenia (26 [20%]) in part B. There was one on-study death, which was not deemed to be treatment-related. INTERPRETATION: Induction with ibrutinib-rituximab in the frontline treatment of young patients with mantle cell lymphoma is active and safe. This approach allowed minimisation of the number of chemotherapy cycles, thereby reducing the adverse events associated with chemotherapy. Newer trials bringing the next-generation Bruton's tyrosine kinase inhibitors into the frontline setting might obviate the need for chemotherapy altogether in patients with mantle cell lymphoma. FUNDING: Pharmacyclics, Janssen.

Increased visceral fat distribution and body composition impact cytokine release syndrome onset and severity after CD19 chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy in advanced B-cell malignancies.

Chimeric antigen receptor T-cell (CAR-T) therapy is associated with a distinct toxicity profile that includes cytokine release syndrome (CRS) and immune effector cell-associated neurotoxicity syndrome (ICANS). CRS is characterized by the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin 6 (IL-6) and is closely linked to CAR-T expansion and bystander cells like monocytes/macrophages. In other hyperinflammatory states, obesity contributes to inflammatory cascades and acts as a risk factor for disease severity. We aimed to study the influence of anthropometric and body composition (BC) measurements on CAR-T-related immunotoxicity in 64 patients receiving CD19-directed CAR-T for relapsed/refractory Bcell malignancies. Patients with grade ≥2 CRS presented with a significantly higher median body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, waist-to-height ratio (WtHR) and visceral adipose tissue (VAT). These parameters were also found to be associated with an earlier CRS onset. Other adipose deposits and muscle mass did not differ between patients with grade 0-1 CRS versus grade ≥2 CRS. Moreover, BC parameters did not influence ICANS severity or onset. In a multivariate binary logistic regression incorporating known risk factors of immunotoxicity, the factors BMI, waist circumference, WtHR and VAT increased the probability of grade ≥2 CRS. Receiver operating characteristic analyses were utilized to determine optimal discriminatory thresholds for these parameters. Patients above these thresholds displayed markedly increased peak IL-6 levels. Our data imply that increased body composition and VAT in particular represent an additional risk factor for severe and early CRS. These findings carry implications for risk-stratification prior to CD19 CAR-T and may be integrated into established risk models.

LDL Receptor Regulates the Reverse Transport of Macrophage-Derived Unesterified Cholesterol via Concerted Action of the HDL-LDL Axis: Insight From Mouse Models.

RATIONALE: The HDL (high-density lipoprotein)-mediated stimulation of cellular cholesterol efflux initiates macrophage-specific reverse cholesterol transport (m-RCT), which ends in the fecal excretion of macrophage-derived unesterified cholesterol (UC). Early studies established that LDL (low-density lipoprotein) particles could act as efficient intermediate acceptors of cellular-derived UC, thereby preventing the saturation of HDL particles and facilitating their cholesterol efflux capacity. However, the capacity of LDL to act as a plasma cholesterol reservoir and its potential impact in supporting the m-RCT pathway in vivo both remain unknown. OBJECTIVE: We investigated LDL contributions to the m-RCT pathway in hypercholesterolemic mice. METHODS AND RESULTS: Macrophage cholesterol efflux induced in vitro by LDL added to the culture media either alone or together with HDL or ex vivo by plasma derived from subjects with familial hypercholesterolemia was assessed. In vivo, m-RCT was evaluated in mouse models of hypercholesterolemia that were naturally deficient in CETP (cholesteryl ester transfer protein) and fed a Western-type diet. LDL induced the efflux of radiolabeled UC from cultured macrophages, and, in the simultaneous presence of HDL, a rapid transfer of the radiolabeled UC from HDL to LDL occurred. However, LDL did not exert a synergistic effect on HDL cholesterol efflux capacity in the familial hypercholesterolemia plasma. The m-RCT rates of the LDLr (LDL receptor)-KO (knockout), LDLr-KO/APOB100, and PCSK9 (proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9)-overexpressing mice were all significantly reduced relative to the wild-type mice. In contrast, m-RCT remained unchanged in HAPOB100 Tg (human APOB100 transgenic) mice with fully functional LDLr, despite increased levels of plasma APO (apolipoprotein)-B-containing lipoproteins. CONCLUSIONS: Hepatic LDLr plays a critical role in the flow of macrophage-derived UC to feces, while the plasma increase of APOB-containing lipoproteins is unable to stimulate m-RCT. The results indicate that, besides the major HDL-dependent m-RCT pathway via SR-BI (scavenger receptor class B type 1) to the liver, a CETP-independent m-RCT path exists, in which LDL mediates the transfer of cholesterol from macrophages to feces. Graphical Abstract: A graphical abstract is available for this article.

Reviewed and updated Algorithm for Genetic Characterization of Syndromic Obesity Phenotypes.

Background: Individuals with a phenotype of early-onset severe obesity associated with intellectual disability can have molecular diagnoses ranging from monogenic to complex genetic traits. Severe overweight is the major sign of a syndromic physical appearance and predicting the influence of a single gene and/or polygenic risk profile is extremely complicated among the majority of the cases. At present, considering rare monogenic bases as the principal etiology for the majority of obesity cases associated with intellectual disability is scientifically poor. The diversity of the molecular bases responsible for the two entities makes the appliance of the current routinely powerful genomics diagnostic tools essential. Objective: Clinical investigation of these difficult-to-diagnose patients requires pediatricians and neurologists to use optimized descriptions of signs and symptoms to improve genotype correlations. Methods: The use of modern integrated bioinformatics strategies which are conducted by experienced multidisciplinary clinical teams. Evaluation of the phenotype of the patient's family is also of importance. Results: The next step involves discarding the monogenic canonical obesity syndromes and considering infrequent unique molecular cases, and/or then polygenic bases. Adequate management of the application of the new technique and its diagnostic phases is essential for achieving good cost/efficiency balances. Conclusion: With the current clinical management, it is necessary to consider the potential coincidence of risk mutations for obesity in patients with genetic alterations that induce intellectual disability. In this review, we describe an updated algorithm for the molecular characterization and diagnosis of patients with a syndromic obesity phenotype.

Quantitative proteomics identifies proteins that resist translational repression and become dysregulated in ALS-FUS.

Aberrant translational repression is a feature of multiple neurodegenerative diseases. The association between disease-linked proteins and stress granules further implicates impaired stress responses in neurodegeneration. However, our knowledge of the proteins that evade translational repression is incomplete. It is also unclear whether disease-linked proteins influence the proteome under conditions of translational repression. To address these questions, a quantitative proteomics approach was used to identify proteins that evade stress-induced translational repression in arsenite-treated cells expressing either wild-type or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)-linked mutant FUS. This study revealed hundreds of proteins that are actively synthesized during stress-induced translational repression, irrespective of FUS genotype. In addition to proteins involved in RNA- and protein-processing, proteins associated with neurodegenerative diseases such as ALS were also actively synthesized during stress. Protein synthesis under stress was largely unperturbed by mutant FUS, although several proteins were found to be differentially expressed between mutant and control cells. One protein in particular, COPBI, was downregulated in mutant FUS-expressing cells under stress. COPBI is the beta subunit of the coat protein I (COPI), which is involved in Golgi to endoplasmic reticulum (ER) retrograde transport. Further investigation revealed reduced levels of other COPI subunit proteins and defects in COPBI-relatedprocesses in cells expressing mutant FUS. Even in the absence of stress, COPBI localization was altered in primary and human stem cell-derived neurons expressing ALS-linked FUS variants. Our results suggest that Golgi to ER retrograde transport may be important under conditions of stress and is perturbed upon the expression of disease-linked proteins such as FUS.

The current state of robotic retromuscular repairs-a qualitative review of the literature.

BACKGROUND: The management of ventral incisional hernias (VIH) has undergone many iterations over the last 5 years due to evolution in surgical techniques and advancement in robotic surgery. Four general principles have emerged: mesh usage, retromuscular mesh placement, primary fascial closure, and usage of minimally invasive techniques when possible. The application of robotic retromuscular repairs in VIH allow these principles to be applied simultaneously. This qualitative review attempts to answer what robotic retromuscular repairs are described, which patients are selected for these techniques, and what are current outcomes. METHODS: Using the key words: "robotic retromuscular repair", "robotic Rives Stoppa", and "robotic transversus abdominis release", a PubMed search of articles written up to December 2019 was critically reviewed. RESULTS: 44 articles were encountered, 9 high-quality articles were analyzed for this manuscript. Level of evidence ranged from 2B to 2C. Robotic TAR patients had BMI of 33 kg/m2, defect sizes ranging from 7-14 cm wide to 12-19 cm long, longer OR times, no difference in surgical site events, and shorter length of stay (LOS). The techniques to perform robotic Rives Stoppa (RS) were heterogeneous; however, extended totally extraperitoneal (ETEP) approach is most described. Defect width for RS repairs ranged 4-7 cm and LOS was less than 1 day. Complication rates were low, there is no long-term data on hernia recurrence, and information on cost is limited. CONCLUSION: In short-term follow-up, robotic retromuscular repairs show promise that VIH can be repaired with intramuscular mesh, few complications, and shorter LOS. Data on hernia recurrence, long-term complications, and rigorous cost analysis are needed to demonstrate generalizability.

Red araçá pulp microencapsulation by hydrolyzed pinhão starch, and tara and arabic gums.

BACKGROUND: Red araçá is a Brazilian native species whose fruits are rich in phenolic acids, flavonoids, anthocyanins, and carotenoids. To preserve the properties of compounds during processing, red araçá pulp (RAP) was encapsulated by hydrolyzed pinhão starch (PS), tara gum (TG), and arabic gum (AG) in different blends in equal proportions, serving as a coating material. RESULTS: Fresh RAP had a gallic acid equivalent of 3098 mg per 100 g of dry weight, 156.29 µg ß-carotene per gram of dry weight, total anthocyanins of 18 mg per 100 g of dry weight and exhibited high antioxidant activity. The highest encapsulation efficiency achieved with the PS, TG, and AG blend was 80.4% for the total carotenoids, and that for the total anthocyanins was 76% with the TG and AG blend. Only one step of antioxidant activity degradation was identified, and the carrier system PSTG was efficient at maintaining the antioxidant activity, with half-life of 23.60-37.27 days. CONCLUSION: The use of PS alone as a coating material or associated with TG and AG gums resulted in improved retention of bioactive compounds, these being an excellent alternative coating material since they improved the stability of the antioxidant activity of RAP. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry.

Effect of dietary inclusion of Spirulina on production performance, nutrient digestibility and meat quality traits in post-weaning piglets.

The effect of Spirulina (Arthrospira platensis), individually or in combination with two commercial carbohydrases, in piglet diets was assessed on growth performance, nutrient digestibility and meat quality traits. Forty post-weaned male piglets from Large White × Landrace sows crossed with Pietrain boars with an initial live weight of 12.0 ± 0.89 kg were used. Piglets were assigned to one of four dietary treatments (n = 10): cereal and soya bean meal base diet (control), base diet with 10% Spirulina (SP), SP diet supplemented with 0.005% Rovabio® Excel AP (SP + R) and SP diet supplemented with 0.01% lysozyme (SP + L). Animals were slaughtered after a 4-week experimental period. Growth performance was negatively affected by the incorporation of Spirulina in the diets, with an average decrease of 9.1% on final weight, in comparison with control animals. Total tract apparent digestibility (TTAD) of crude protein was higher (p < .05) in the control group than in other groups. In addition, lysozyme increased TTAD of crude fat and acid detergent fibre, relative to the SP and control groups, respectively. In addition, the incorporation of Spirulina, individually and supplemented with enzymes, did not impair meat quality traits. Surprisingly, no protective effect against lipid oxidation was observed with the inclusion of Spirulina in pork after 7 days of storage. This study indicates that growth performance of post-weaning piglets was impaired by the incorporation of 10% Spirulina in the diets, which is mediated by an increase in digesta viscosity and a lower protein digestibility, as a consequence of the resistance of microalga proteins to the action of endogenous peptidases. In addition, it also indicates that lysozyme, in contrast to Rovabio® Excel AP, is efficient in the degradation of Spirulina cell wall in piglet's intestine. However, the digestion of proteins liberated by Spirulina cell wall disruption is still a challenge.

[Pulmonary embolism in the era of choosing wisely]. / Embolie pulmonaire à l'ère du choosing wisely.

The emergence of new management rules and algorithms for suspected pulmonary embolism (PE) allows clinicians to limit certain additional examinations. The PERC rule can « rule-out ¼ PE without complementary investigation. The revised Geneva and Wells scores, the YEARS algorithm, the use of age-adjusted D-dimers, and D-dimers adjusted to clinical probability can all reduce the need for CT scan. Finally, PESI and HESTIA provide help to choose which patient is eligible to be treated as out-patient.

L'émergence de nouvelles règles et algorithmes de prise en charge lors d'une suspicion d'embolie pulmonaire (EP) permet aux cliniciens de limiter certains examens complémentaires. La règle Pulmonary Embolism Rule-out Criteria (PERC) permet d'exclure l'EP sans autre investigation. Les scores de Genève révisés, de Wells, de même que l'algorithme YEARS et l'utilisation des D-dimères adaptés soit à l'âge soit à la probabilité clinique permettent également de diminuer le recours à une imagerie. Enfin, les scores Pulmonary Embolism Severity Index (PESI) et HESTIA aident à la décision d'un traitement ambulatoire ou hospitalier de l'EP.

Age Is a Prognostic Factor for the Overall Survival of Patients with Multiple Myeloma Undergoing Upfront Autologous Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation.

In this retrospective analysis, we evaluated the impact of age on the outcome of patients with multiple myeloma who received an autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (auto-HCT) at our institution. A total of 1128 patients were divided into the older (>70 years; 182 [16%]) and the younger (≤70 years; 946 [84%]) groups. Compared with the younger cohort, older patients had a higher International Staging System (ISS) stage (ISS-II, 57 [31%] versus 215 [23%]; ISS-III, 52 [28%] versus 211 [22%]; P = .01), higher use of reduced-dose melphalan as a conditioning regimen (140 mg/m², 59 [32%] versus 29 [3%]; P < .001), and a higher comorbidity index (median, 3 versus 2; P = .01). Nonrelapse mortality at 1 year after auto-HCT was significantly higher in older patients (7 [4%] versus 9 [1%]; hazard ratio [HR], 4.1; P = .005). Complete remission rates after auto-HCT for the older and the younger groups were 41% and 46%, respectively. With a median follow-up of 52 months, the 5-year progression-free survival (PFS) was 24% (95% confidence interval [CI], 17% to 32%) and 37% (95% CI, 33% to 40%) in the older and younger groups, respectively (HR, 1.3; P = .02). Five-year OS for the older and younger groups was 56% (95% CI, 47% to 64%) and 73% (95% CI, 70% to 76%; P < .001), respectively. Older age emerged as one of the predictors of shorter OS but not PFS in the multivariate classification and regression tree analysis. In conclusion, age ≥70 years was associated with shorter PFS and OS in patients with multiple myeloma who underwent an auto-HCT.

Understanding the ECL interaction of luminol and Ru(bpy)32+ luminophores by spectro-electrochemiluminescence.

A detailed analysis of the ECL interaction between luminol and tris(2,2'-bipyridyl)dichlororuthenium(ii) (Ru(bpy)32+) is required before using them in ECL systems for multianalyte detection purposes. Spectro-electrochemiluminescence demonstrates that not only must the emission properties be considered, but also their additional optical characteristics are involved in the explanation of the interaction mechanism between these luminophores.

A meta-cognitive approach to doping in sports: The effects of thought validation on attitudes related to doping.

To better understand doping-related attitude change, it is important to consider not only the amount of thinking (i.e., elaboration) done by message recipients, but also the favourability of their thoughts in response to the proposal, as well as the perceived validity in their thoughts. The main goal of the present study was to analyse the effects of a meta-cognitive process (i.e., thought validation) on attitudes related to doping. Thus, we randomly assigned participants to read a message either against or in favour of legalising several doping behaviours. Participants listed their thoughts regarding the proposal and indicated the perceived validity in their thoughts, then reported their attitudes. As hypothesised, the message against legalisation elicited more unfavourable thoughts and attitudes than the message in favour of legalisation. Most relevantly, the effects of the message direction on attitudes were greater for participants with higher (vs. lower) levels of thought validity. Furthermore, consistent with the thought validation process, results revealed that thought favourability was a better predictor of attitudes for participants with higher (vs. lower) perceived thought validity, indicating that perceiving one's thoughts as valid plays an important role in persuasion. These findings provide novel insights for research and interventions regarding doping in sports.