309 research outputs found
Ultrastructural changes in potato (Solanum tuberosum) under NaCl mediated salinity stress in vitro
Histological analysis was employed to investigate the way potato plants (Solanum tuberosum cv. Draga and Spunta) face salinity stress. Different concentrations of NaCl (50, 100, 150, 200 and 250 mM) were used on potato plantlets growing in vitro to simulate salinity stress condition. Potato plants treated with 50 and 100 mM concentrations of NaCl went into the osmotic stage, and responded with changes: the flavone naringin was created and accumulated in the cells of the aerial parts, and a different type of trichome was observed, in addition to the original types, in potato plants treated with concentration 100 mM. This new type of trichome appeared similar to type B trichomes therefore they were called "type B-like trichomes". While no substance was exudated from these trichomes in cv. Draga, the trichomes, in cv. Spunta, green droplets were noted on the glandular vesicle. Furthermore, the non glandular trichomes had some swollen stem cells, and branched ones were also observed. Thanks to these new trichomes, the plants had increased leaf pubescence
A QCD Sum Rule Approach to the Contribution to the Radiative Decay
QCD sum rules are used to calculate the contribution of short-distance
single-quark transition , to the amplitudes of the
hyperon radiative decay, . We re-evaluate the
Wilson coefficient of the effective operator responsible for this transition.
We obtain a branching ratio which is comparable to the unitarity limit.Comment: 15 pages, Revtex, 13 figures available as a uuencoded, gz-compressed
ps fil
Comprehensive Characterization of Mesenchymal Stem Cells from Human Placenta and Fetal Membrane and Their Response to Osteoactivin Stimulation
Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are the most promising seed cells for cell therapy and can be isolated from various sources of human adult tissues such as bone marrow (BM-MSC) and adipose tissue. However, cells from these tissues must be obtained through invasive procedures. We, therefore, characterized MSCs isolated from fresh placenta (Pl-MSC) and fetal membrane (Mb-MSC) through morphological and fluorescent-activated cell sorting (FACS). MSC frequency is higher in membrane than placenta (2.14% ± 0.65 versus 15.67% ± 0.29%). Pl/Mb-MSCs in vitro expansion potential was significantly higher than BM-MSCs. We demonstrated that one of the MSC-specific marker is sufficient for MSC isolation and that culture in specific media is the optimal way for selecting very homogenous MSC population. These MSCs could be differentiated into mesodermal cells expressing cell markers and cytologic staining consistent with mature osteoblasts and adipocytes. Transcriptomic analysis and cytokine arrays demonstrated broad similarity between placenta- and membrane-derived MSCs and only discrete differences with BM-MSCs with enrichment of networks involved in bone differentiation. Pl/Mb-MSCs displayed higher osteogenic differentiation potential than BM-MSC when their response to osteoactivin was evaluated. Fetal-tissue-derived mesenchymal cells may, therefore, be considered as a major source of MSCs to reach clinical scale banking in particular for bone regeneration
The hypertension cascade of care in the midst of conflict: the case of the Gaza Strip
Although hypertension constitutes a substantial burden in conflict-affected areas, little is known about its prevalence, control, and management in Gaza. This study aims to estimate the prevalence and correlates of hypertension, its diagnosis and control among adults in Gaza. We conducted a representative, cross-sectional, anonymous, household survey of 4576 persons older than 40 years in Gaza in mid-2020. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews, anthropometric, and blood pressure measurements. Hypertension was defined in anyone with an average systolic blood pressure ≥140 mmHg or average diastolic blood pressure ≥90 mmHg from two consecutive readings or a hypertension diagnosis. The mean age of participants was 56.9 ± 10.5 years, 54.0% were female and 68.5% were Palestinian refugees. The prevalence of hypertension was 56.5%, of whom 71.5% had been diagnosed. Hypertension was significantly higher among older participants, refugees, ex-smokers, those who were overweight or obese, and had other co-morbidities including mental illnesses. Two-thirds (68.3%) of those with hypertension were on treatment with one in three (35.6%) having their hypertension controlled. Having controlled hypertension was significantly higher in females, those receiving all medications for high blood pressure and those who never or rarely added salt to food. Investing in comprehensive but cost-effective initiatives that strengthen the prevention, early detection and timely treatment of hypertension in conflict settings is critical. It is essential to better understand the underlying barriers behind the lack of control and develop multi-sectoral programs to address these barriers
Coadministration of Anti-Viral Monoclonal Antibodies With Routine Pediatric Vaccines and Implications for Nirsevimab Use: A White Paper
Routine childhood vaccinations are key for the protection of children from a variety of serious and potentially fatal diseases. Current pediatric vaccine schedules mainly cover active vaccines. Active vaccination in infants is a highly effective approach against several infectious diseases; however, thus far, for some important viral pathogens, including respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), vaccine development and license by healthcare authorities have not been accomplished. Nirsevimab is a human-derived, highly potent monoclonal antibody (mAb) with an extended half-life for RSV prophylaxis in all infants. In this manuscript, we consider the potential implications for the introduction of an anti-viral mAb, such as nirsevimab, into the routine pediatric vaccine schedule, as well as considerations for coadministration. Specifically, we present evidence on the general mechanism of action of anti-viral mAbs and experience with palivizumab, the only approved mAb for the prevention of RSV infection in preterm infants, infants with chronic lung disease of prematurity and certain infants with hemodynamically significant heart disease. Palivizumab has been used for over two decades in infants who also receive routine vaccinations without any alerts concerning the safety and efficacy of coadministration. Immunization guidelines (Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunization, National Advisory Committee on Immunization, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, American Academy of Pediatrics, The Association of the Scientific Medical Societies in Germany) support coadministration of palivizumab with routine pediatric vaccines, noting that immunobiologics, such as palivizumab, do not interfere with the immune response to licensed live or inactivated active vaccines. Based on the mechanism of action of the new generation of anti-viral mAbs, such as nirsevimab, which is highly specific targeting viral antigenic sites, it is unlikely that it could interfere with the immune response to other vaccines. Taken together, we anticipate that nirsevimab could be concomitantly administered to infants with routine pediatric vaccines during the same clinic visit
Conversion of Adjustable Gastric Banding to Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass in One or Two Steps: What Is the Best Approach? Analysis of a Multicenter Database Concerning 832 Patients
Background: Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) is often the preferred conversion procedure for laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) poor responders. However, there is controversy whether it is better to convert in one or two stages. This study aims to compare the outcomes of one and two-stage conversions of LAGB to RYGB.
Methods: Retrospective review of a multicenter prospectively collected database. Data on conversion in one and two stages was compared.
Results: Eight hundred thirty-two patients underwent LAGB conversion to RYGB in seven specialized bariatric centers. Six hundred seventy-three (81%) were converted in one-stage. Patients in the two-stage group were more likely to have experienced technical complications, such as slippage or erosions (86% vs. 37%, p = 0.0001) and to have had a higher body mass index (BMI) (41.6 vs. 39.9 Kg/m2, p = 0.005). There were no differences in postoperative complications and mortality rates between the one-stage and two-stage groups (13.5% vs. 10.8%, and 0.7% vs. 0.0% respectively, p = ns). Mean final BMI and %total weight loss (%TWL) for the one-stage and the two-stage groups were 31.6 vs. 32.4 Kg/m2 (p = ns) and 30.4 vs. 26.8 (p = 0.017) after a mean follow-up of 33 months. Follow-up at 1, 3, and 5 years was 98%, 75%, and 54%, respectively.
Conclusions: One-stage conversion of LAGB to RYGB is safe and effective. Two-stage conversion carries low morbidity and mortality in the case of band slippage, erosion, or higher BMI patients. These findings suggest the importance of patient selection when choosing the appropriate conversion approachinfo:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio
Adjustable Gastric Banding Conversion to One Anastomosis Gastric Bypass: Data Analysis of a Multicenter Database
Introduction: One anastomosis gastric bypass (OAGB) has been proposed as a rescue technique for laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) poor responders.
Aim: We sought to analyze, complications, mortality, and medium-term weight loss results after LAGB conversion to OAGB.
Methods: Data analysis of an international multicenter database.
Results: One hundred eighty-nine LAGB-to-OAGB operations were retrospectively analyzed. Eighty-seven (46.0%) were converted in one stage. Patients operated on in two stages had a higher preoperative body mass index (BMI) (37.9 vs. 41.3 kg/m2, p = 0.0007) and were more likely to have encountered technical complications, such as slippage or erosions (36% vs. 78%, p < 0.0001). Postoperative complications occurred in 4.8% of the patients (4.6% and 4.9% in the one-stage and the two-stage group, respectively). Leak rate, bleeding episodes, and mortality were 2.6%, 0.5%, and 0.5%, respectively. The final BMI was 30.2 at a mean follow-up of 31.4 months. Follow-up at 1, 3, and 5 years was 100%, 88%, and 70%, respectively.
Conclusion: Conversion from LAGB to OAGB is safe and effective. The one-stage approach appears to be the preferred option in non-complicate cases, while the two-step approach is mostly done for more complicated cases.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio
Resonant and nonresonant contributions to the weak decays
The Cabibbo suppressed decays (V is light vector meson)
present in principle the opportunity to observe the short distance FCNC
transition , which is sensitive to physics beyond the Standard
Model. We analyze these as well as the Cabibbo allowed decays
within the Standard Model, where in addition to the short distance dynamics
also the long distance dynamics is present. The long distance contribution is
induced by the effective nonleptonic weak Lagrangian accompanied by the
emission of a virtual photon, which occurs resonantly via conversion from a
vector meson or or nonresonantly as direct emission
from a meson. We calculate the branching ratios for all
decays using the model, which combines heavy quark symmetry and chiral
perturbation theory. The short distance contribution due to
transition, which is present only in the Cabibbo suppressed decays, is found to
be three orders of magnitude smaller than the long distance contribution. The
branching ratios well above for Cabibbo suppressed decays could
signal new physics. The most frequent decays are the Cabibbo allowed decays,
which are expected at the rates, that are not much lower than the present
experimental upper limit: is expected at the
branching ratio of approximately , while is expected at .Comment: 21 pages, latex, 6 figures; minor corrections in purpose of clear
presentation Published in Phys. Rev. D 58 09403
Hyperon weak radiative decays in chiral perturbation theory
We investigate the leading-order amplitudes for weak radiative decays of
hyperons in chiral perturbation theory. We consistently include contributions
from the next-to-leading order weak-interaction Lagrangian. It is shown that
due to these terms Hara's theorem is violated. The data for the decays of
charged hyperons can be easily accounted for. However, at this order in the
chiral expansion, the four amplitudes for the decays of neutral hyperons
satisfy relations which are in disagreement with the data. The asymmetry
parameters for all the decays can not be accounted for without higher-order
terms. We shortly comment on the effect of the 27-plet part of the weak
interaction.Comment: 8 pages of REVTeX and using macro-package "feynman.tex" (available at
http://xxx.lanl.gov/ftp/hep-ph/papers/macros) for the 2 figure
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