Patient experience with bronchoscopy: topical versus monitored anesthesia.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to compare patient experiences during bronchoscopy procedures using either topical anesthesia (TA) or monitored anesthesia care (MA). The goal was to identify circumstances where patients could achieve similar levels of tolerance and satisfaction using only TA, especially in resource-limited settings. METHODS: This study included consecutive patients who underwent bronchoscopy with either TA or MA. Data collected included demographics, indications for bronchoscopy, procedure time, and complications during the procedure. A quality assurance survey was administered to assess patient experience and satisfaction with both procedures. A pre-specified subgroup analysis was performed based on procedure invasiveness and time. RESULTS: This study enrolled 350 (TA 251; MA 99) patients, with an average age of 65 years. Main indications for bronchoscopy included tumor diagnosis (38%), esophageal cancer staging (18%), and pulmonary infection (17%). The average duration of the procedures was 20 min, with MA being associated with a significantly longer procedure time than TA (31 min vs. 16 min; P < 0.001). The overall satisfaction rating with bronchoscopy was significantly higher in the MA group (visual analogue scale, 8.9 vs. 8.2; P = 0.001). Subgroup analyses showed that when less invasive or shorter procedures were performed, TA patients reported tolerance and satisfaction levels comparable to MA patients. CONCLUSIONS: Bronchoscopy with MA offered patients a better experience and greater satisfaction; however, in settings with limited resources, TA alone may provide similar levels of patient tolerance and satisfaction during less invasive or shorter procedures.

More than 1000 genotypes are required to derive robust relationships between yield, yield stability and physiological parameters: a computational study on wheat crop.

KEY MESSAGE: Using in silico experiment in crop model, we identified different physiological regulations of yield and yield stability, as well as quantify the genotype and environment numbers required for analysing yield stability convincingly. Identifying target traits for breeding stable and high-yielded cultivars simultaneously is difficult due to limited knowledge of physiological mechanisms behind yield stability. Besides, there is no consensus about the adequacy of a stability index (SI) and the minimal number of environments and genotypes required for evaluating yield stability. We studied this question using the crop model APSIM-Wheat to simulate 9100 virtual genotypes grown under 9000 environments. By analysing the simulated data, we showed that the shape of phenotype distributions affected the correlation between SI and mean yield and the genotypic superiority measure (Pi) was least affected among 11 SI. Pi was used as index to demonstrate that more than 150 environments were required to estimate yield stability of a genotype convincingly and more than 1000 genotypes were necessary to evaluate the contribution of a physiological parameter to yield stability. Network analyses suggested that a physiological parameter contributed preferentially to yield or Pi. For example, soil water absorption efficiency and potential grain filling rate explained better the variations in yield than in Pi; while light extinction coefficient and radiation use efficiency were more correlated with Pi than with yield. The high number of genotypes and environments required for studying Pi highlight the necessity and potential of in silico experiments to better understand the mechanisms behind yield stability.

Effects of a 12-Week Pilates Program on Functional Physical Fitness and Basal Metabolic Rate in Community-Dwelling Middle-Aged Women: A Quasi-Experimental Study.

Background: The aging society worldwide carries public and inevitable issues. Aging is accompanied by multiple diseases, and the health impacts challenge healthcare and social systems. In addition to medical treatment, exercise has been recognized as an effective strategy not only for disease prevention and alleviation, but also for multiple health benefits on health promotion. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of a suitable Pilates exercise intervention program on health maintenance and benefits in community-dwelling middle-aged women with a quasi-experimental design. Methods: We recruited healthy middle-aged community-dwelling women who had not regularly exercised in the previous three months. The participants were assigned to the experimental (n = 22) and control (n = 23) groups based on a quasi-experimental design. The experimental group participated in a mat-based Pilates exercise class twice a week (1 h/session) throughout the 12-week intervention, whereas there was no intervention for the control group. Body composition, basal metabolic rate, and functional physical fitness­comprising cardiovascular capacity, flexibility, muscular strength of upper limbs, muscular strength of lower limbs, core strength, agility, static balance, and dynamic balance­were assessed as primary outcomes in both groups before and after the intervention. Results: There were no significant differences in any of the dependent variables between the two groups before the exercise intervention. After the 12-week intervention, body composition, including body mass index, body fat (−1.5 to 3%), and basal metabolic rate (+10.6%), and functional fitness, including flexibility (+3.5%), core strength (+31.5%), lower-limb strength (+13.5%), agility (+7.3%), and balance (+4.2%), improved significantly in the experimental group relative to the control group (p < 0.05). Moreover, the improvement in physical fitness in lower-limb strength, agility, and balance for fall prevention also demonstrated higher clinical significance than the control. Conclusions: This 12-week mat-based Pilates exercise program significantly improved body composition, basal metabolic rate, and functional physical fitness in community-dwelling middle-aged women. The beneficial effects of Pilates exercise programs may thus promote improved health in the middle-aged female population, with practical implications for communities.

Changes of Brain Structures and Psychological Characteristics in Predatory, Affective Violent and Nonviolent Offenders.

PURPOSE: Violent subjects were demonstrated to exhibit abnormal brain structures; however, the brain changes may be different between criminals committing affective (VA), predatory violence (VP), and non-violence (NV). Therefore, the purpose of this study was to compare the differences in brain structures and psychological characteristics between VA, VP, and NV offenders. METHODS: Twenty male criminal subjects (7 VP; 6 VA; and 7 NV) offenders; and twenty age-matched male healthy non-criminals were enrolled in this study. All subjects received psychological assessments as well as magnetic resonance imaging scans of the brain. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was performed to understand the differences among four groups with Bonferroni correction. The voxel-based morphometry and voxel-wise diffusion tensor imaging analyses were performed to compare the gray matter (GM) volume and white matter (WM) integrity between the groups. In significant regions, a Spearman correlation analysis was performed to understand the relationship between the brain changes and psychological scores. RESULTS: The ANOVA analysis showed that AUDIT scores were significantly different among four groups, but no significant group difference was noted after Bonferroni correction. The imaging comparisons further demonstrated that the VP and NV offenders exhibited significant alterations of WM and GM tissues in the rectus and superior temporal gyrus, respectively. In addition, the VP offenders exhibited greater GM volumes than VA offenders in the right middle frontal gyrus, and NV offenders had greater GM volumes than VP offenders in the bilateral thalamus. CONCLUSION: We concluded that the VA, VP, and NV groups exhibited different degrees of alterations in GM and WM tissues in regions involved in emotion and cognition.

Isotonic and Isometric Exercise Interventions Improve the Hamstring Muscles' Strength and Flexibility: A Narrative Review.

BACKGROUND: Hamstring weakness has been associated with an increased risk of hamstring strain, a common sports injury that occurs when athletes perform actions such as quick sprints. The hamstring complex comprises three distinct muscles: the long and short heads of the bicep femoris, the semimembranosus, and the semitendinosus. METHODS: The researchers collected the data from different electronic databases: PubMed, Google Scholar, and the Web of Science. RESULTS: Many studies have been conducted on the numerous benefits of hamstring strength, in terms of athletic performance and injury prevention. Isotonic and isometric exercises are commonly used to improve hamstring strength, with each exercise type having a unique effect on the hamstring muscles. Isotonic exercise improves the muscles' strength, increasing their ability to resist any force, while isometric training increases strength and the muscles' ability to produce power by changing the muscle length. CONCLUSIONS: These exercises, when performed at low intensity, but with high repetition, can be used by the healthy general population to prepare for training and daily exercise. This can improve hamstring muscle strength and flexibility, leading to enhanced performance and reduced injury risk.

Novel Mat Exergaming to Improve the Physical Performance, Cognitive Function, and Dual-Task Walking and Decrease the Fall Risk of Community-Dwelling Older Adults.

Physical exercise and cognitive training were previously demonstrated to improve the physical functioning and decrease the incidence of falls for older adults. This study aimed to utilize an interactive exergame mat system to develop a novel cognitive-physical training program and explore the training effects on physical performance, cognitive function, dual-task walking (DTW), and fall risk compared to the control condition. In this quasi-experimental non-randomized controlled intervention study, 110 community-dwelling older adults participated. The exercise group (n = 56; mean age, 70.7 ± 4.6 years) performed ladder-type, three-by-three grid-type, and circle-type mat exergames with simultaneous cognitive-physical training (EMAT), while the control group (n = 54; mean age, 72.0 ± 5.7 years) underwent a multicomponent exercise intervention focused on physical and cognitive training. A 2 h training session was completed weekly for 3 months. Functional fitness (including upper- and lower-extremity strength and flexibility, grasp strength, aerobic endurance, static balance, dynamic balance and agility), a foot tapping test (FTT), the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), DTW, and a fall risk questionnaire (FRQ) were assessed before and after the interventions. The EMAT program enhanced upper-extremity strength, lower-extremity strength and flexibility, aerobic endurance, and dynamic balance and agility; improved DTW and FTT performances; and decreased FRQ score. EMAT also showed a significant advantage over control in terms of lower-extremity strength and flexibility, aerobic endurance, dynamic balance and agility, and FRQ score (all P < 0.05). The current study provides evidence of the effects of a novel mat exergaming program on physical and cognitive performance. EMAT effectively reduced the fall risk and increased the dual-task ability of walking, factors that are important in fall prevention for community-dwelling older adults.

The effect of oral care intervention on pneumonia hospitalization, Staphylococcus aureus distribution, and salivary bacterial concentration in Taiwan nursing home residents: a pilot study.

BACKGROUND: Elevated Staphylococcus aureus and oral bacterial concentrations are known to correlate with pneumonia hospitalization in nursing home residents. However, the effects of a professional oral care intervention on these factors remain unclear. The aims of this quasi-experimental study were to compare bacterial concentrations in saliva and sputum, oral health status, distribution of Staphylococcus aureus, and pneumonia status before and after a professional oral care intervention. METHODS: A purposive sample of residents from two nursing homes was divided into an intervention group that received a weekly professional oral care intervention and a control group. Oral bacterial concentration was determined by real-time polymerase chain reaction. The Staphylococcus aureus distribution was determined by bacterial culture and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry. After data collection, a statistical analysis was performed to evaluate the effect of the intervention. RESULTS: Most residents were unconscious (80%), and most had a history of pneumonia (76%). Baseline demographic data did not significantly differ between the two groups. After the intervention, the intervention group had significant improvements in plaque index (1.66 ± 0.78 vs. 0.94 ± 0.64, p <  0.01), gingival index (2.36 ± 0.76 vs. 1.65 ± 0.83, p <  0.01), tongue coating index (0.96 ± 1.10 vs. 0.16 ± 0.47, p <  0.01), distribution of Staphylococcus aureus in salivary samples (11.11 ± 14.47% vs. 1.74 ± 3.75%, p = 0.02), and salivary bacterial concentration ([4.27 ± 3.65] × 105 vs. [0.75 ± 1.20] × 105, p <  0.01). Sputum bacterial concentration did not significantly differ. The intervention group also had a significantly lower annual prevalence of pneumonia hospitalization (1.24 ± 1.51 vs. 0.48 ± 0.59, p = 0.01), especially in residents whose salivary bacterial concentration exceeded the median. However, the duration of pneumonia hospitalization did not significantly differ between the two groups. CONCLUSION: A professional oral care intervention in nursing home residents can improve oral health, reduce levels of salivary bacteria and Staphylococcus aureus, and decrease the annual prevalence of pneumonia hospitalization. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03874962. Registered 12 March 2019 - Retrospectively registered.

Enhancement of Structured Reporting - an Integration Reporting Module with Radiation Dose Collection Supporting.

Collection of radiation dose derived from radiological examination is necessary not only for radiation protection, but also for fulfillment of structured reports. However, the material regarding of radiation dose cannot be directly utilized by the Radiological Information System (RIS) since it is generated and only stored in the Picture Archiving and Communication System (PACS). In this paper, an integration reporting module is proposed to facilitate handling of dose information and structured reporting by providing two functionalities. First, a gateway is established to automatically collect the related information from PACS for further analyzing and monitoring the accumulated radiation. Second, the designated structured reporting patterns with corresponding radiation dose measurements can be acquired by radiologists as necessary. In the design, the radiation dose collection gateway and the well-established pattern are collocated to achieve that there is no need to do manual entry for structured reporting, thus increasing productivity and medical quality.

Gastric Anatomic Type Is Associated with Obesity and Gender.

OBJECTIVE: To enhance our understanding of the associations among gastric anatomy, obesity, and gender. METHODS: 777 randomly selected participants received health checkups, including a series of radiographs of the upper gastrointestinal tract (UGI); the findings were linked with each corresponding subject's gender and BMI. We measured the length, angle, and different portions of the stomach with the subjects in the standing position using radiographs to classify all individuals into anatomic types 1 through 6 based on gastric morphology. The gastric morphology was identified based on the initial UGI examination: 166 follow-up UGI radiographs at 12 ± 1.5 months to evaluate whether the stability of gastric anatomy persisted over time. RESULTS: There was a significant difference in anatomic types between females and males (p < 0.001). The proportions of men with certain types (e.g., barium initially pools in a retroflexed fundus) were significantly higher than those of women; these participants were more likely to be overweight/obese (p < 0.001) compared with participants with other anatomic types. Additionally, the proportion of women with gastroptosis was significantly higher than that of men; participants with this type were less likely to be overweight/obese (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Gastric anatomic types were associated with obesity and gender.

Encoding and decoding time in neural development.

The development of a multicellular organism involves time-dependent changes in molecular and cellular states; therefore 'time' is an indispensable mathematical parameter of ontogenesis. Regardless of their inextricable relationship, there is a limited number of events for which the output of developmental phenomena primarily uses temporal cues that are generated through multilevel interactions between molecules, cells, and tissues. In this review, we focus on neural stem cells, which serve as a faithful decoder of temporal cues to transmit biological information and generate specific output in the developing nervous system. We further explore the identity of the temporal information that is encoded in neural development, and how this information is decoded into various cellular fate decisions.

Sperm deoxyribonucleic acid fragmentation assessment in normozoospermic male partners of couples with unexplained recurrent pregnancy loss: a prospective study.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether sperm DNA integrity in normozoospermic male partners plays a role in idiopathic recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL). DESIGN: Prospective, cohort study. SETTING: Academic tertiary care center. PATIENT(S): Group I: 26 male partners of women with unexplained RPL. Group II: 31 normozoospermic males with proven fertility. INTERVENTION(S): Semen samples were collected by masturbation after 48-72 hours of abstinence. After liquefaction at room temperature, semen analysis was performed according to World Health Organization standards. Only samples with >20 × 10(6) spermatozoa/mL with at least 50% progressive sperm motility and 30 % normal morphology were selected for the study. DNA fragmentation of the sperm was assessed with TUNEL assay followed by flow cytometric analysis. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Sperm DNA fragmentation in both groups. RESULT(S): Mean DNA fragmentation (mean ± SD) was significantly more in men with RPL (36.8 ± 5) compared with controls (9.4 ± 2.7). CONCLUSION(S): Sperm DNA fragmentation may play a role in unexplained RPL despite normal semen analysis parameters.

Single-cell analysis of circulating tumor cells identifies cumulative expression patterns of EMT-related genes in metastatic prostate cancer.

BACKGROUND: Prostate tumors shed circulating tumor cells (CTCs) into the blood stream. Increased evidence shows that CTCs are often present in metastatic prostate cancer and can be alternative sources for disease profiling and prognostication. Here we postulate that CTCs expressing genes related to epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) are strong predictors of metastatic prostate cancer. METHODS: A microfiltration system was used to trap CTCs from peripheral blood based on size selection of large epithelial-like cells without CD45 leukocyte marker. These cells individually retrieved with a micromanipulator device were assessed for cell membrane physical properties using atomic force microscopy. Additionally, 38 CTCs from eight prostate cancer patients were used to determine expression profiles of 84 EMT-related and reference genes using a microfluidics-based PCR system. RESULTS: Increased cell elasticity and membrane smoothness were found in CTCs compared to noncancerous cells, highlighting their potential invasiveness and mobility in the peripheral circulation. Despite heterogeneous expression patterns of individual CTCs, genes that promote mesenchymal transitioning into a more malignant state, including IGF1, IGF2, EGFR, FOXP3, and TGFB3, were commonly observed in these cells. An additional subset of EMT-related genes (e.g., PTPRN2, ALDH1, ESR2, and WNT5A) were expressed in CTCs of castration-resistant cancer, but less frequently in castration-sensitive cancer. CONCLUSIONS: The study suggests that an incremental expression of EMT-related genes in CTCs is associated with metastatic castration-resistant cancer. Although CTCs represent a group of highly heterogeneous cells, their unique EMT-related gene signatures provide a new opportunity for personalized treatments with targeted inhibitors in advanced prostate cancer patients.

The adaptor protein SH2B3 (Lnk) negatively regulates neurite outgrowth of PC12 cells and cortical neurons.

SH2B adaptor protein family members (SH2B1-3) regulate various physiological responses through affecting signaling, gene expression, and cell adhesion. SH2B1 and SH2B2 were reported to enhance nerve growth factor (NGF)-induced neuronal differentiation in PC12 cells, a well-established neuronal model system. In contrast, SH2B3 was reported to inhibit cell proliferation during the development of immune system. No study so far addresses the role of SH2B3 in the nervous system. In this study, we provide evidence suggesting that SH2B3 is expressed in the cortex of embryonic rat brain. Overexpression of SH2B3 not only inhibits NGF-induced differentiation of PC12 cells but also reduces neurite outgrowth of primary cortical neurons. SH2B3 does so by repressing NGF-induced activation of PLCγ, MEK-ERK1/2 and PI3K-AKT pathways and the expression of Egr-1. SH2B3 is capable of binding to phosphorylated NGF receptor, TrkA, as well as SH2B1ß. Our data further demonstrate that overexpression of SH2B3 reduces the interaction between SH2B1ß and TrkA. Consistent with this finding, overexpressing the SH2 domain of SH2B3 is sufficient to inhibit NGF-induced neurite outgrowth. Together, our data demonstrate that SH2B3, unlike the other two family members, inhibits neuronal differentiation of PC12 cells and primary cortical neurons. Its inhibitory mechanism is likely through the competition of TrkA binding with the positive-acting SH2B1 and SH2B2.

Assisted reproductive technology in nonhuman primates.

Nonhuman primates (NHP) are the closest animal species to humans and have been widely used for studying human reproductive physiology. Assisted reproductive technology (ART) in Old World NHPs provides great opportunity for studying fertilization, embryo development, embryonic stem cell (ESC) derivation for regenerative medicine, somatic cell nuclear transfer (cloning), and transgenic NHP models of inherited genetic disorders. Here we present two ART protocols developed for rhesus monkey (Macaca mulatta) and baboon (Papio cynocephalus).

SH2B1ß regulates N-cadherin levels, cell-cell adhesion and nerve growth factor-induced neurite initiation.

Little is known regarding the role of inter-cellular interaction during neuronal differentiation. Homophilic N-cadherin engagement between cells contributes to neuronal migration. However, its function in neurite initiation is not clear. In this study, we provide the first evidence that the adaptor protein SH2B1ß regulated N-cadherin levels and neurite initiation. Overexpression of SH2B1ß reduces N-cadherin levels and increased phosphotyrosine 654 ß-catenin, leading to increased nerve growth factor-induced neurite initiation in PC12 cells, an established model for neuronal differentiation. In contrast, overexpression of the dominant-negative mutant SH2B1ß(R555E) increases N-cadherin expression, cell-cell aggregation, and reduces neurite initiation. Moreover, SH2B1ß binds directly or indirectly to N-cadherin indicative of its involvement in regulating the levels of N-cadherin. Taken together, these findings provide significant new insights into how N-cadherin-mediated inter-cellular interactions may influence neurite initiation and how SH2B1ß may regulate these processes.

Derivation and characterization of novel nonhuman primate embryonic stem cell lines from in vitro-fertilized baboon preimplantation embryos.

The development of nonhuman primate (NHP) embryonic stem cell (ESC) models holds great promise for cell-mediated treatment of debilitating diseases and to address numerous unanswered questions regarding the therapeutic efficacy of ESCs while supplanting ethical considerations involved with human studies. Here we report successful establishment and characterization of 3 novel baboon (Papio cynocephalus) ESC lines from the inner cell mass of intracytoplasmic sperm injection-derived blastocysts. Embryos were cultured in an improved baboon embryo in vitro culture protocol. The inner cell mass of blastocyst was laser-dissected and plated on mouse embryonic fibroblast feeder cell monolayer in the NHP ESC culture medium. Three cell lines with characteristic ESC morphology have been cultured through an extended period (>14 months), with 2 male cell lines (UT-1 and -2) and 1 female cell line (UT-3) displaying normal baboon karyotypes. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction analysis confirmed that all 3 lines express primate ESC pluripotency markers, including OCT-4, NANOG, SOX-2, TERT, TDGF, LEFTYA, and REX-1. All 3 lines demonstrated positive immunocytochemical staining for OCT-4, stage-specific embryonic antigen-3, stage-specific embryonic antigen-4, TRA-1-60, and TRA-1-81. Baboon ESCs injected into NOD/SCID mice formed teratomas with all 3 germ layers. In addition, embryoid body-like spherical structures were derived and initial outgrowth was observed when embedded into extracellular matrix Matrigel. The ESC lines established in this NHP model have the potential to extend our knowledge in the fields of developmental biology, regenerative medicine, and future applications, including preclinical safety assessment of in vivo stem cell therapy.

Ovarian stimulation, in vitro fertilization, and effects of culture conditions on baboon preimplantation embryo development.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of ovarian stimulation and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI)-induced fertilization and efficacy of various culture systems on in vitro development of baboon embryos. DESIGN: In vitro study, animal model. SETTING: Research laboratory. ANIMAL(S): Baboons in laboratory animal research facility. INTERVENTION(S): Baboons received FSH (75 IU daily) for 7 to 8 days and FSH/LH (75/75 IU daily) for 3 days, followed by hCG (2,000 IU). Oocytes were retrieved laparoscopically 36 hours after hCG. Intracytoplasmic sperm injection was performed on metaphase II (MII) oocytes. Fertilized embryos were placed into different culture conditions and feeder cell coculture. Embryo development was observed through the most advanced stages, including blastocyst formation. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Oocytes retrieved, fertilization rates, multicell embryo rates, and blastocyst rates. RESULT(S): Baboon oocytes (n = 1,924, from 49 cycles) were retrieved. Significant heterogeneity was seen in ovarian response to exogenous gonadotropins and subsequent oocyte maturation. The percentage of MII oocytes showed no significant difference among individual female baboons and stimulation cycles. Nearly two thirds of MII oocytes were successfully fertilized with ICSI. Blastocyst rates varied significantly among embryos in different treatments. Coculture with feeder cells in P1/Blast, Quinn's Advantage, and Sydney IVF media generated better blastocyst rates. CONCLUSION(S): We tested multiple media and feeder cell combinations to optimize culture conditions in baboon embryo culture and obtained a high blastocyst rate similar to those reported for rhesus monkey embryos cultured in vitro, but still lower than with assisted reproductive technologies in women.

Atomic mobility in nanostructured liquid Ga-In alloy.

Nuclear spin relaxation and the Knight shift for (71)Ga, (69)Ga, and (115)In isotopes were studied by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) in liquid gallium-indium alloy confined to porous glass and alloy surface film and were compared with the bulk counterparts. Drastic spin relaxation acceleration under nanoconfinement was observed for the three isotopes. Quadrupole and magnetic contributions to spin relaxation were separated for gallium and indium isotopes using the experimental data obtained, which allowed, in particular, the evaluation of correlation times of atomic mobility. The strong decrease in the correlation time was found for confined alloy which evidenced a remarkable diffusion slowdown. The effect of changes in atomic mobility on NMR line broadening was also discussed.

Trophoblast stem cells: models for investigating trophectoderm differentiation and placental development.

The placenta is an ephemeral organ containing diverse populations of trophoblasts that are all derived from the embryonic trophectoderm but have morphological, functional, and molecular diversity within and across species. In hemochorial placentation, these cells play especially important roles, interfacing with and modifying the cells of the maternal decidua. Within the rapidly growing placenta, it has been shown that there are trophoblast stem cells well characterized in the mouse and postulated but not well understood in primates. This review will discuss the characteristics of candidates for human and nonhuman primate trophoblast stem cells, present the diverse methods of their generation, and propose future prospects for experimental systems in which they can shed light on developmental and pathophysiological processes in human pregnancy.

Phase transitions in K(1-x)Na(x)NO(3) embedded into molecular sieves.

Dielectric studies of molecular sieves MCM-41 filled with K(1-x)Na(x)NO(3) salts (x = 0, 0.05 and 0.10) were carried out and compared with results obtained for their bulk counterparts. The regular increase upon warming of the temperature of the reconstructive phase transition from phase II to phase I with decreasing pore sizes was observed for all x. A thermodynamic model for shifts of reconstructive phase transitions was suggested. Ferroelectric phase III was shown to occur upon cooling in bulk binary salts and for all x in confined geometry under the thermal conditions when phase III does not arise in bulk KNO(3). Ferroelectricity persisted below room temperature in the bulk binary salt with x = 0.10.