Transplantation of mesenchymal stem cells exerts a greater long-term effect than bone marrow mononuclear cells in a chronic myocardial infarction model in rat

The aim of this study is to assess the long-term effect of mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) transplantation in a rat model of chronic myocardial infarction (MI) in comparison with the effect of bone marrow mononuclear cells (BM-MNC) transplant. Five weeks after induction of MI, rats were allocated to receive intramyocardial injection of 106 GFP-expressing cells (BM-MNC or MSC) or medium as control. Heart function (echocardiography and 18F-FDG-microPET) and histological studies were performed 3 months after transplantation and cell fate was analyzed along the experiment (1 and 2 weeks and 1 and 3 months). The main findings of this study were that both BM-derived populations, BM-MNC and MSC, induced a long-lasting (3 months) improvement in LVEF (BM-MNC: 26.61 ± 2.01% to 46.61 ± 3.7%, p < 0.05; MSC: 27.5 ± 1.28% to 38.8 ± 3.2%, p < 0.05) but remarkably, only MSC improved tissue metabolism quantified by 18FFDG uptake (71.15 ± 1.27 to 76.31 ± 1.11, p < 0.01), which was thereby associated with a smaller infarct size and scar collagen content and also with a higher revascularization degree. Altogether, results show that MSC provides a long-term superior benefit than whole BM-MNC transplantation in a rat model of chronic MI

Estimating the Effects of Immigration Status on Mental Health Care Utilizations in the United States

Immigration status is a likely deterrent of mental health care utilization in the United States. Using the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey and National Health Interview survey from 2002 to 2006, multivariable logistic regressions were used to estimate the effects of immigration status on mental health care utilization among patients with depression or anxiety disorders. Multivariate regressions showed that immigrants were significantly less likely to take any prescription drugs, but not significantly less likely to have any physician visits compared to US-born citizens. Results also showed that improving immigrants’ health care access and health insurance coverage could potentially reduce disparities between US-born citizens and immigrants by 14–29% and 9–28% respectively. Policy makers should focus on expanding the availability of regular sources of health care and immigrant health coverage to reduce disparities on mental health care utilization. Targeted interventions should also focus on addressing immigrants’ language barriers, and providing culturally appropriate services

Sex Differences in Instantaneous Wave-Free Ratio or Fractional Flow Reserve–Guided Revascularization Strategy

Objectives: This study sought to evaluate sex differences in procedural characteristics and clinical outcomes of instantaneous wave-free ratio (iFR)– and fractional flow reserve (FFR)–guided revascularization strategies. Background: An iFR-guided strategy has shown a lower revascularization rate than an FFR-guided strategy, without differences in clinical outcomes. Methods: This is a post hoc analysis of the DEFINE-FLAIR (Functional Lesion Assessment of Intermediate stenosis to guide Revascularization) study, in which 601 women and 1,891 men were randomized to iFR- or FFR-guided strategy. The primary endpoint was 1-year major adverse cardiac events (MACE), a composite of all-cause death, nonfatal myocardial infarction, or unplanned revascularization. Results: Among the entire population, women had a lower number of functionally significant lesions per patient (0.31 ± 0.51 vs. 0.43 ± 0.59; p &lt; 0.001) and less frequently underwent revascularization than men (42.1% vs. 53.1%; p &lt; 0.001). There was no difference in mean iFR value according to sex (0.91 ± 0.09 vs. 0.91 ± 0.10; p = 0.442). However, the mean FFR value was lower in men than in women (0.83 ± 0.09 vs. 0.85 ± 0.10; p = 0.001). In men, an FFR-guided strategy was associated with a higher rate of revascularization than an iFR-guided strategy (57.1% vs. 49.3%; p = 0.001), but this difference was not observed in women (41.4% vs. 42.6%; p = 0.757). There was no difference in MACE rates between iFR- and FFR-guided strategies in both women (5.4% vs. 5.6%, adjusted hazard ratio: 1.10; 95% confidence interval: 0.50 to 2.43; p = 0.805) and men (6.6% vs. 7.0%, adjusted hazard ratio: 0.98; 95% confidence interval: 0.66 to 1.46; p = 0.919). Conclusions: An FFR-guided strategy was associated with a higher rate of revascularization than iFR-guided strategy in men, but not in women. However, iFR- and FFR-guided strategies showed comparable clinical outcomes, regardless of sex. (Functional Lesion Assessment of Intermediate Stenosis to guide Revascularization [DEFINE-FLAIR]; NCT02053038

Environmentally Persistent Free Radicals (EPFRs). 3. Free versus Bound Hydroxyl Radicals in EPFR Aqueous Solutions

Additional experimental evidence is presented for in vitro generation of hydroxyl radicals because of redox cycling of environmentally persistent free radicals (EPFRs) produced after adsorption of 2-monochlorophenol at 230 °C (2-MCP-230) on copper oxide supported by silica, 5% Cu(II)O/silica (3.9% Cu). A chemical spin trapping agent, 5,5-dimethyl-1-pyrroline-N-oxide (DMPO), in conjunction with electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy was employed. Experiments in spiked O17 water have shown that ∼15% of hydroxyl radicals formed as a result of redox cycling. This amount of hydroxyl radicals arises from an exogenous Fenton reaction and may stay either partially trapped on the surface of particulate matter (physisorbed or chemisorbed) or transferred into solution as free OH. Computational work confirms the highly stable nature of the DMPO–OH adduct, as an intermediate produced by interaction of DMPO with physisorbed/chemisorbed OH (at the interface of solid catalyst/solution). All reaction pathways have been supported by ab initio calculations

Effects of Microwave Heating on Sensory Characteristics of Kiwifruit Puree

The effect of microwave processing on the characteristics of kiwifruit puree was evaluated by applying various gentle treatments. Different combinations of microwave power/processing time were applied, with power among 200-1,000 W and time among 60-340 s, and various sensory and instrumental measurements were performed with the aim of establishing correlations and determining which instrumental parameters were the most appropriate to control the quality of kiwi puree. The water and soluble solids of the product, 83 and 14/100 g sample, respectively, did not change due to treatments. For sensory assessment, an expert panel was previously trained to describe the product. Fourteen descriptors were defined, but only the descriptors 'typical kiwifruit colour', 'tone', 'lightness', 'visual consistency' and 'typical taste' were significant to distinguish between kiwifruit puree samples. The instrumental analysis of samples consisted in measuring consistency, viscosity, colour and physicochemical characteristics of the treated and fresh puree. Applying intense treatments (600 W-340 s, 900 W-300 s and 1,000 W-200 s) through high power or long treatment periods or a combination of these factors, mainly affects the consistency (flow distance decreased from 5. 9 to 3. 4 mm/g sample), viscosity (increased from 1. 6 to 2. 5 Pa/s), colour (maximun ¿E was 6 U) and taste of the product. As a result, samples were thicker and with an atypical flavour and kiwifruit colour due to increased clarity (L* increased from 38 to 43) and slight changes in the yellow-green hue (h* decreased from 95 to 94). For the instrumental determinations of colour and visual perception of consistency, the most suitable parameters for quality control are the colour coordinates L*, a*, h*, whiteness index and flow distance measured with a Bostwick consistometer. © 2011 Springer Science+Business Media, LLC.The authors thank the Ministerio de Educacion y Ciencia for the financial support given throughout the Project AGL 2010-22176. The authors are indebted to the Generalitat Valenciana (Valencia, Spain) for the Grant awarded to the author Maria Benlloch. The translation of this paper was funded by the Universidad Politecnica de Valencia, Spain.Benlloch Tinoco, M.; Varela Tomasco, PA.; Salvador Alcaraz, A.; Martínez Navarrete, N. (2012). Effects of Microwave Heating on Sensory Characteristics of Kiwifruit Puree. Food and Bioprocess Technology. 5(8):3021-3031. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11947-011-0652-1S3021303158Albert, A., Varela, P., Salvador, A., & Fiszman, S. M. (2009). Improvement of crunchiness of battered fish nuggets. European Food Research and Technology, 228, 923–930.Alegria, P., Pinheiro, J., Gonçalves, E. M., Fernandes, I., Moldao, M., & Abreu, M. (2010). Evaluation of a pre-cut heat treatment as an alternative to chlorine in minimally processed shredded carrot. Innovative Food Science and Emerging Technologies, 11, 155–161.AOAC. (2000). Official Methods of Analysis of AOAC International. Gaithersburg: AOAC.Barboni, T., Cannac, M., & Chiaramonti, N. (2010). Effect of cold storage and ozone treatment on physicochemical parameters, soluble sugars and organic acids in Actinidia deliciosa. Food Chemistry, 121, 946–951.Beirão-da-Costa, S., Steiner, A., Correia, L., Empis, J., & Moldão-Martins, M. (2006). Effects of maturity stage and mild heat treatments on quality of minimally processed kiwifruitfruit. Journal of Food Engineering, 76, 616–625.Bodart, M., de Peñaranda, R., Deneyer, A., & Flamant, G. (2008). Photometry and colorimetry characterisation of materials in daylighting evaluation tools. Building and Environment, 43, 2046–2058.Bourne, M. C. (1982). Food texture and viscosity-concept and measurement. New York: Academic.Cano, M. P., Hernández, A., & de Ancos, B. (1997). High pressure and temperature effects on enzyme inactivation in strawberry and orange products. Journal of Food Science, 62(1), 85–88.Chiralt, A., Martínez-Navarrete, N., Camacho, M. M., & González, C. (1998). Experimentos de fisicoquímica de alimentos. Valencia: Editorial Universidad Politécnica de Valencia (Chapter 3).Chiralt, A., Martínez-Navarrete, N., González, C., Talens, P., & Moraga, G. (2007). Propiedades físicas de los alimentos. Valencia: Editorial Universidad Politécnica de Valencia (Chapter 16).Contreras, C., Martín, M. E., Martínez-Navarrete, N., & Chiralt, A. (2005). Effect of vacuum impregnation and microwave application on structural changes occurred during air drying of apple. Food Science and Technology/LWT, 38(5), 471–477.Contreras, C., Martín-Esparza, M. E., Martínez-Navarrete, N., & Chiralt, A. (2007). Influence of osmotic pre-treatment and microwave application on properties of air dried strawberry related to structural changes. European Food Research and Technology, 224, 499–504.de Ancos, B., Cano, M. P., Hernández, A., & Monreal, M. (1999). Effects of microwave heating on pigment composition and color of fruit purees. Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture, 79, 663–670.Dubost, N. J., Shewfelt, R. L., & Eitenmiller, R. R. (2003). Consumer acceptability, sensory and instrumental analysis of peanut soy spreads. Journal of Food Quality, 26, 27–42.Escribano, S., Sánchez, F. J., & Lázaro, A. (2010). Establishment of a sensory characterization protocol for melon (Cucumis melo L.) and its correlation with physical-chemical attributes: indications for future genetics improvements. European Food Research and Technology, 231, 611–621.Fang, L., Jiang, B., & Zhang, T. (2008). Effect of combined high pressure and thermal treatment in kiwifruit peroxidase. Food Chemistry, 109, 802–807.Fisk, C. L., McDaniel, M. R., Strick, B. C., & Zhao, Y. (2006). Physicochemical, sensory, and nutritive qualities of hardy kiwifruit (Actinidia arguta ‘Ananasnaya’) as affected by harvest maturity and storage. Sensory and Nutritive Qualities of Food, 71(3), 204–210.Fúster, C., Préstamo, G., & Cano, M. P. (1994). Drip loss, peroxidase and sensory changes in kiwi fruit slices during frozen storage. Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture, 64, 23–29.Guldas, M. (2003). Peeling and the physical and chemical properties of kiwi fruit. Journal of Food Processing Preservation, 27, 271–284.Igual, M., Contreras, C., & Martínez-Navarrete, N. (2010). Non-conventional techniques to obtain grapefruit jam. Innovative Food Science and Emerging Technologies, 11, 335–341.Igual, M., García-Martínez, E., Camacho, M. M., & Martínez-Navarrete, N. (2010). Effect of thermal treatment and storage on the stability of organic acids and the functional value of grapefruit juice. Food Chemistry, 118, 291–299.Jaeger, S. R., Rossiter, K. L., Wismer, W. V., & Harker, F. R. (2003). Consumer-driven product development in the kiwifruit industry. Food Quality and Preference, 14, 187–198.Lawless, H., & Heymann, H. (1998). Sensory evaluation of food: Principles and practices. New York: Chapman & Hall.MAPA (2010). Plataforma de conocimiento para el medio rural y pesquero. National Agricultural Statistics Database, Spain, Available at: www.mapa.es . Accessed 05 October 2010.Maskan, M. (2001). Kinetics of colour change of kiwifruits during hot air and microwave drying. Journal of Food Engineering, 48, 169–175.Mohammadi, A., Rafiee, S., Emam-Djomeh, Z., & Keyhani, A. (2008). Kinetic models for colour change in kiwifruit slices during Hoy Air drying. World Journal of Agricultural Sciences, 4(3), 376–383.Moretti, C. L., Mattos, L. M., Machado, C. M. M., & Kluge, R. A. (2007). Physiological and quality attributes associated with different centrifugation times of baby carrots. Horticultura Brasileira, 25, 557–561.Nielsen, S. S. (2010). Food analysis laboratory manual. New York: Springer.Oraguzie, N., Alspach, P., Volz, R., Whitworz, C., Ranatunga, C., Weskett, R., et al. (2009). Postharvest assessment of fruit quality parameters in apple using both instrument and an expert panel. Posthaverst Biology and Technology., 52, 279–287.Pagliarini, E., Laureati, M., & Lavelli, V. (2010). Sensory evaluation of gluten-free breads assessed by a trained panel of celiac assessors. European Food Research and Technology, 231, 37–46.Park, E. Y., & Luh, B. S. (1985). Polyphenol oxidase of kiwifruit. Journal of Food Science, 50, 678–684.Schubert, H., & Regier, M. (2010). The microwave processing of foods. London: Woodhead.Segnini, S., Dejmek, P., & Öste, R. (1999). Relationship between instrumental and sensory analysis of texture and colour of potato chips. Journal of Texture Studies, 30, 677–690.Sinija, V. R., & Mishra, H. N. (2011). Fuzzy analysis of sensory data for quality evaluation and ranking of instant green Tea powder and granules. Food Bioprocess Technology, 4, 408–416.Soufleros, E. H., Pissa, I., Petridis, D., Lygerakis, M., Mermelas, K., Boukouvalas, G., et al. (2001). Instrumental analysis of volatile and other compounds of Greek kiwi wine; sensory evaluation and optimization of its composition. Analytical, Nutritional and Clinical Methods Section, 75, 487–500.Vadivambal, R., & Jayas, D. S. (2007). Changes in quality of microwave-treated agricultural products-a review. Biosystems Engineering, 98, 1–16.Worch, T., Lê, S., & Punter, P. (2010). How reliable are the consumers? Comparison of sensory profiles from consumers and experts. Food Quality and Preference, 21, 309–318.Zanoni, B., Lavelli, V., Ambrosoli, R., Garavaglia, L., Minati, J., & Pagliarini, E. (2007). A model to predict shelf-life in air and darkness of cut, ready-to-use, fresh carrots under both isothermal and non-isothermal conditions. Journal of Food Engineering, 79, 586–591.Zolfaghari, M., Sahari, M. A., Barzegar, M., & Samadloiy, H. (2010). Physicochemical and enzymatic properties of five kiwifruit cultivars during cold storage. Food Bioprocess Technology, 3, 239–246

Effects of capillary refill time-vs. lactate-targeted fluid resuscitation on regional, microcirculatory and hypoxia-related perfusion parameters in septic shock: a randomized controlled trial

Background: Persistent hyperlactatemia has been considered as a signal of tissue hypoperfusion in septic shock patients, but multiple non-hypoperfusion-related pathogenic mechanisms could be involved. Therefore, pursuing lactate normalization may lead to the risk of fuid overload. Peripheral perfusion, assessed by the capillary refll time (CRT), could be an efective alternative resuscitation target as recently demonstrated by the ANDROMEDA-SHOCK trial. We designed the present randomized controlled trial to address the impact of a CRT-targeted (CRT-T) vs. a lactate-targeted (LAC-T) fuid resuscitation strategy on fuid balances within 24 h of septic shock diagnosis. In addi‑ tion, we compared the efects of both strategies on organ dysfunction, regional and microcirculatory fow, and tissue hypoxia surrogates. Results: Forty-two fuid-responsive septic shock patients were randomized into CRT-T or LAC-T groups. Fluids were administered until target achievement during the 6 h intervention period, or until safety criteria were met. CRT-T was aimed at CRT normalization (≤3 s), whereas in LAC-T the goal was lactate normalization (≤2 mmol/L) or a 20% decrease every 2 h. Multimodal perfusion monitoring included sublingual microcirculatory assessment; plasma-disap‑ pearance rate of indocyanine green; muscle oxygen saturation; central venous-arterial pCO2 gradient/ arterial-venous O2 content diference ratio; and lactate/pyruvate ratio. There was no diference between CRT-T vs. LAC-T in 6 h-fuid boluses (875 [375–2625] vs. 1500 [1000–2000], p=0.3), or balances (982[249–2833] vs. 15,800 [740–6587, p=0.2]). CRT-T was associated with a higher achievement of the predefned perfusion target (62 vs. 24, p=0.03). No signifcant diferences in perfusion-related variables or hypoxia surrogates were observed. Conclusions: CRT-targeted fuid resuscitation was not superior to a lactate-targeted one on fuid administration or balances. However, it was associated with comparable efects on regional and microcirculatory fow parameters and hypoxia surrogates, and a faster achievement of the predefned resuscitation target. Our data suggest that stopping fuids in patients with CRT≤3 s appears as safe in terms of tissue perfusion

The new MMT

ABSTRACT Originally commissioned in 1979, the Multiple Mirror Telescope was a highly innovative and successful facility that pioneered many of the technologies that are used in the new generation of 8 to 10 m class telescopes. After 19 years of operations the MMT was decommissioned in March of 1998: the enclosure was modified, the optics support structure was replaced, and a single 6.5-meter primary mirror was installed and aluminized in-situ. First light for the new MMT was celebrated on May 13, 2000. Operations began with an f/9 optical configuration compatible with existing instruments. Work has continued commissioning two new optical configurations that will serve a suite of new instruments: an f/15 deformable secondary mirror and adaptive optics facility that has obtained diffraction-limited images; and an f/5.4 secondary mirror and refractive corrector that provides a one-degree diameter field of view. The wide-field instrument suite includes two fiber-fed bench spectrographs, a robotic fiber positioner, and a wide-field imaging camera

Exploring recruitment, willingness to participate, and retention of low-SES women in stress and depression prevention

Contains fulltext : 90907.pdf (publisher's version ) (Open Access)Background Recruitment, willingness to participate, and retention in interventions are indispensable for successful prevention. This study investigated the effectiveness of different strategies for recruiting and retaining low-SES women in depression prevention, and explored which sociodemographic characteristics and risk status factors within this specific target group are associated with successful recruitment and retention. Methods The process of recruitment, willingness to participate, and retention was structurally mapped and explored. Differences between women who dropped out and those who adhered to the subsequent stages of the recruitment and retention process were investigated. The potential of several referral strategies was also studied, with specific attention paid to the use of GP databases. Results As part of the recruitment process, 12.1% of the target population completed a telephone screening. The most successful referral strategy was the use of patient databases from GPs working in disadvantaged neighborhoods. Older age and more severe complaints were particularly associated with greater willingness to participate and with retention. Conclusions Low-SES women can be recruited and retained in public health interventions through tailored strategies. The integration of mental health screening within primary care might help to embed preventive interventions in low-SES communities.8 p

Examining Alternative Measures of Social Disadvantage Among Asian Americans: The Relevance of Economic Opportunity, Subjective Social Status, and Financial Strain for Health

Socioeconomic position is often operationalized as education, occupation, and income. However, these measures may not fully capture the process of socioeconomic disadvantage that may be related to morbidity. Economic opportunity, subjective social status, and financial strain may also place individuals at risk for poor health outcomes. Data come from the Asian subsample of the 2003 National Latino and Asian American Study (n = 2095). Regression models were used to examine the associations between economic opportunity, subjective social status, and financial strain and the outcomes of self-rated health, body mass index, and smoking status. Education, occupation, and income were also investigated as correlates of these outcomes. Low correlations were observed between all measures of socioeconomic status. Economic opportunity was robustly negatively associated with poor self-rated health, higher body mass index, and smoking, followed by financial strain, then subjective social status. Findings show that markers of socioeconomic position beyond education, occupation, and income are related to morbidity among Asian Americans. This suggests that potential contributions of social disadvantage to poor health may be understated if only conventional measures are considered among immigrant and minority populations