Low-mass evolved stars are major contributors to interstellar medium enrichment as a consequence of the intense mass-loss process these stars experience at the end of their lives. The study of the ...gas in the envelopes surrounding asymptotic giant branch (AGB) stars through observations in the millimetre wavelength range provides information about the history and nature of these molecular factories. Here we present ALMA observations at subarsecond resolution, complemented with IRAM-30 m data, of several lines of SiO, SiS, and CS towards the best-studied AGB circumstellar envelope, IRC + 10 degrees 216. We aim to characterise their spatial distribution and determine their fractional abundances mainly through radiative transfer and chemical modelling. The three species display extended emission with several enhanced emission shells. CS displays the most extended distribution reaching distances up to approximately 20 ''. SiS and SiO emission have similar sizes of approximately 11 '', but SiS emission is slightly more compact. We have estimated fractional abundances relative to H-2, which on average are equal to f(SiO) similar to 10(-7), f(SiS) similar to 10(-6), and f(CS) similar to 10(-6) up to the photo-dissociation region. The observations and analysis presented here show evidence that the circumstellar material displays clear deviations from an homogeneous spherical wind, with clumps and low density shells that may allow UV photons from the interstellar medium (ISM) to penetrate deep into the envelope, shifting the photo-dissociation radius inwards. Our chemical model predicts photo-dissociation radii compatible with those derived from the observations, although it is unable to predict abundance variations from the starting radius of the calculations (similar to 10 R-*), which may reflect the simplicity of the model. We conclude that the spatial distribution of the gas proves the episodic and variable nature of the mass loss mechanism of IRC + 10 degrees 216, on timescales of hundreds of years.
The metal-organic framework MOF-808 contains Zr6O8 nodes with a high density of vacancy sites, which can incorporate carboxylate-containing functional groups to tune chemical reactivity. Although the ...postsynthetic methods to modify the chemistry of the Zr6O8 nodes in MOFs are well known, tackling these alterations from a structural perspective is still a challenge. We have combined infrared spectroscopy experiments and first-principles calculations to identify the presence of node vacancies accessible for chemical modifications within the MOF-808. We demonstrate the potential of our approach to assess the decoration of MOF-808 nodes with different catechol–benzoate ligands. Furthermore, we have applied advanced synchrotron characterization tools, such as pair distribution function analyses and X-ray absorption spectroscopy, to resolve the atomic structure of single metal sites incorporated into the catechol groups postsynthetically. Finally, we demonstrate the catalytic activity of these MOF-808 materials decorated with single copper sites for 1,3-dipolar cycloadditions.
Birds are important seed dispersers for fleshy fruits through their transportation of ingested seeds. The seeds of many species germinate faster and in greater proportions after passing through a ...digestive tract, although the effects of this passage vary amongst bird and plant species. Many factors determine the germination success of ingested seeds, such as seed scarification during the digestion process, the fertilizing effect of droppings and the removal of pulp surrounding the seeds. In central Spain, the great bustard (Otis tarda) may act as a disperser of European black nightshade (Solanum nigrum). We analysed the germination success of ingested and non-ingested S. nigrum seeds. The fertilizing effect of bustard droppings and the disinhibition effect of the removal of Solanum pulp on final germination percentage, germination speed and viability were also assessed. Although ingested seeds germinated faster than non-ingested seeds, the former showed a lower germination percentage than the latter: 80–87% versus 99%. Droppings and fruit pulp showed no effect on germination enhancement, except in one aspect: the germination speed of non-ingested seeds decreased when they were sprayed with a fruit extract. We confirm that seeds ingested by great bustards had lower germination success than non-ingested seeds. Although seed ingestion by great bustards reduced seedling emergence, the number of emerged seedlings was still quite large. Thus, great bustards may play a role as a S. nigrum seed dispersal vector.
To explore the role of cardiovascular risk factors and the different NOTCH-3 mutations to explain the variability observed in the clinical presentation of CADASIL.
This was a retrospective cohort ...study of 331 individuals, 90 were carriers of four mutations in the NOTCH3 gene. These four mutations are the ones identified in our region from the genetic evaluation of probands. Cox proportional hazards models were fitted to estimate the effect of genetic and cardiovascular factors on the onset of migraine, first stroke, and dementia. Competing risk regression models considered death as risk.
Noncarriers (healthy controls from the same families without NOTCH3 mutations) and NOTCH3 mutation carriers had similar frequencies for all cardiovascular risk factors. Diabetes (SHR 2.74, 95% CI 1.52–4.94) was associated with a younger age at onset of strokes among carriers. Additionally, a genotype–phenotype relationship was observed among C455R mutation carriers, with higher frequency of migraines (100%), younger age at onset of migraine (median age 7 years, IQR 8) and strokes (median age 30.5 years, IQR 26). Moreover, fewer carriers of the R141C mutation exhibited migraines (20%), and it was even lower than the frequency observed in the noncarrier group (44.8%).
This study characterizes extended family groups, allowing us a comparison in the genotype–phenotype. The results suggest a complex interplay of genetic and cardiovascular risk factors that may help explain the variability in the clinical presentation and severity of CADASIL.
•Frequency of cardiovascular risk factors is similar in NOTCH3 mutations carriers.•Diabetes may accelerate the onset of stroke in NOTCH3 mutation carriers.•C455R NOTCH3 mutation carriers younger age at onset of migraine and strokes.•R141C mutation carriers had a lower frequency of migraines than even noncarriers.
Gemin5 is a RNA-binding protein (RBP) that was first identified as a peripheral component of the survival of motor neurons (SMN) complex. This predominantly cytoplasmic protein recognises the small ...nuclear RNAs (snRNAs) through its WD repeat domains, allowing assembly of the SMN complex into small nuclear ribonucleoproteins (snRNPs). Additionally, the amino-terminal end of the protein has been reported to possess cap-binding capacity and to interact with the eukaryotic initiation factor 4E (eIF4E). Gemin5 was also shown to downregulate translation, to be a substrate of the picornavirus L protease and to interact with viral internal ribosome entry site (IRES) elements via a bipartite non-canonical RNA-binding site located at its carboxy-terminal end. These features link Gemin5 with translation control events. Thus, beyond its role in snRNPs biogenesis, Gemin5 appears to be a multitasking protein cooperating in various RNA-guided processes. In this review, we will summarise current knowledge of Gemin5 functions. We will discuss the involvement of the protein on translation control and propose a model to explain how the proteolysis fragments of this RBP in picornavirus-infected cells could modulate protein synthesis.
To assess the usefulness of oral glutamine to prevent radiochemotherapy-induced esophagitis in patients with lung cancer, and to determine the dosimetric parameter predictive of esophagitis.
...Seventy-five patients were enrolled; 34.7% received sequential radiochemotherapy, and 65.3% received concomitant radiochemotherapy. Every patient received prophylactic glutamine powder in doses of 10 g/8 h. Prescribed radiation doses were 45-50 Gy to planning target volume (PTV)1 (gross tumor volume plus wide margins) and 65-70 Gy to PTV2 (reduced margins). The primary endpoint was the incidence of Grade 2 or greater acute esophagitis.
No patient experienced glutamine intolerance or glutamine-related toxicity. Seventy-three percent of patients who received sequential chemotherapy and 49% of those who received concomitant chemotherapy did not present any form of esophagitis. V50 was the dosimetric parameter with better correlation between esophagitis and its duration. A V50 of <or=30% had a 22% risk of esophagitis Grade >or=2, which increased to 71% with a V50 of >30% (p = 0.0009).
The use of oral glutamine may have an important role in the prevention of esophageal complications of concomitant radiochemotherapy in lung cancer patients. However, randomized trials are needed to corroborate that effect. V50 is the dosimetric parameter with better correlation with esophagitis grade and duration.
Purpose
To evaluate the microvascular changes in the superficial plexus of the retina and peripapillary plexus in patients with relapsing‐remitting multiple sclerosis (RR MS) by optical coherence ...tomography angiography (OCT‐A).
Method
A prospective study was performed in a total of 75 patients. The control group consisted of 84 eyes of 42 subjects without any ocular disease. The study group was formed by 66 eyes of 33 patients with RR MS. Visual function was evaluated by visual acuity with Bailey‐Lovie optotype and contrast sensitivity with Pelli Robson test. The Deep Range Image (DRI) Triton, Swept Source OCT (Topcon Eye Care Company) was used to analyze vascular density of superficial plexus of the retina and the peripapillary area using (OCT‐A).
Results
The nasal, temporal, superior and inferior parafoveal areas of RR MS patient group showed a significant decrease in vascular flow compared with the control group (p = 0.024, 0.039, 0.001 and <0.014 respectively). No significant differences were found in the peripapillary plexus between controls and patients groups.
Conclusions
There is a vascular reduction in the macular zone at the superficial plexus level in patients suffering RR MS.
Introduction
Neoadjuvant radiochemotherapy followed by radical surgery is the standard approach in advanced rectal carcinoma. Tumor response is determined in histological specimen.
Objective
To ...assess predictive factors for survival in 115 patients.
Patients and Method
115 patients treated with neoadjuvant radiochemotherapy followed by radical surgery with total mesorectal excision, in our hospital from January 2007 to December 2014. All patients received pelvic radiotherapy with concomitant chemotherapy, followed by radical surgery and in some adjuvant chemotherapy.
Results
In univariate analysis, distance to anal verge, radial margin, perineural invasion, and good grade regression are predictive factors for both, specific and disease free survival; and in multivariant, only radial margin and perineural invasion were predictive factors for survival. We found distance to anal verge (<5 cm) as the only clinical factor to predict a positive margin in the histologic specimen.
Conclusions
Perineural invasion and positive radial margin are predictive factors for both specific and disease free survival.
Background
Textbook outcome (TO) is a multidimensional measure used to assess the quality of care. It is the “ideal” surgical result, based on a series of established indicators. In the field of ...bariatric surgery (BS), only one publication on TO is available.
Objectives
To determine TO in our BS unit and identify the factors linked to TO.
Setting
University public hospital in Alicante (Spain).
Methods
Retrospective observational study of all primary BS was performed. TO for BS was defined in relation to the following features: no major postoperative complications (Clavien-Dindo >II), hospital stay <75th percentile, and no mortality or readmissions within 30 days of surgery. Comparative analysis of the characteristics of the TO and non-TO groups was performed, as well as univariate and multivariate logistic regressions, to identify the independent factors associated with obtaining TO.
Results
In 970 patients, TO was achieved in 71.5%. The hospital stay was the one that most affected achievement of TO. Analysis according to the type of procedure (sleeve gastrectomy and gastric bypass) did not reveal any differences between both procedures in terms of obtaining TO (71.5 vs 71.26%). Logistic regression identified smoking, heart disease, operative time, and upper gastrointestinal bleeding as independent factors associated with obtaining TO (
p
<0.05). Analysis of the annual evolution of TO reveals a progressive increase in its achievement (7.7–86.4%).
Conclusion
In our series, TO was obtained in 71.5% of patients. The standardization of the technique and the experience gained over the years has improved our TO results.
Background
The INHERIT (INtersectoral Health and Environment Research for InnovaTion) project has evaluated intersectoral cooperation (IC) in 12 European case studies attempting to promote health, ...environmental sustainability, and equity through behavior and lifestyle changes. These factors are the concerns of multiple sectors of government and society. Cooperation of health and environmental sectors with other sectors is needed to enable effective action. IC is thus essential to promote a triple win of health, sustainability, and equity.
Objective
This paper describes the design of a qualitative study to gain insights into successful organization of IC, facilitators and barriers, and how future steps can be taken to improve IC in the evaluated case studies.
Methods
Each case study was assessed qualitatively through a focus group. A total of 12 focus groups in 10 different European countries with stakeholders, implementers, policymakers, and/or citizens were held between October 2018 and March 2019. Five to eight participants attended each focus group. The focus group method was based on appreciative inquiry, which is an asset-based approach focusing on what works well, why it is working well, and how to strengthen assets in the future. A stepped approach was used, with central coordination and analysis, and local implementation and reporting. Local teams were trained to apply a common protocol using a webinar and handbook on organizing, conducting, and reporting focus groups. Data were gathered in each country in the local language. Translated data were analyzed centrally using deductive thematic analysis, with consideration of further emerging themes. Analyses involved the capability, opportunity, motivation-behavior (COM-b) system to categorize facilitators and barriers into capability, motivation, or opportunity-related themes, as these factors influence the behaviors of individuals and groups. Web-based review sessions with representatives from all local research teams were held to check data analysis results and evaluate the stepped approach.
Results
Data collection has been completed. A total of 76 individuals participated in 12 focus groups. In December 2019, data analysis was nearly complete, and the results are expected to be published in fall 2020.
Conclusions
This study proposes a stepped approach that allows cross-country focus group research using a strict protocol while dealing with language and cultural differences. The study generates insights into IC processes and facilitators in different countries and case studies to filter out which facilitators are essential to include. Simultaneously, the approach can strengthen cooperation among stakeholders by looking at future cooperation possibilities. By providing knowledge on how to plan for, improve, and sustain IC successfully to deal with today’s multisectoral challenges, this study can contribute to better intersectoral action for the triple win of better health, sustainability, and equity. This protocol can serve as a tool for other researchers who plan to conduct cross-country qualitative research.
International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID)
RR1-10.2196/17323
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