Brain levels of neuropeptide Y in experimental pneumococcal meningitis

Neuropeptide Y (NPY), which is found in high concentrations in several regions of the brain including nuclei of the brain stem and in nerve fibers surrounding cerebral vessels, has been proposed to play a role in regulating cerebral blood flow (CBF) and systemic vegetative functions. Since CBF is altered during meningitis, we examined whether NPY concentrations changed in various regions of the rabbit brain in response to experimental pneumococcal meningitis. Changes were most pronounced in the medulla, where NPY concentration increased threefold after 48 h of infection. Concomitantly, there was an increase in NPY immunoreactive fibers surrounding small vessels in the dorsolateral medulla, especially in the nucleus tractus solitarius. These results suggest that NPY may play a role in inducing some of the hemodynamic changes seen during pneumococcal meningitis

Thermodynamic Model of a Solar Receiver for Superheating of Sulfur Trioxide and Steam at Pilot Plant Scale

Within the European research project SOL2HY2, key components for a solar hybrid sulfur cycle are being developed and demonstrated at pilot scale in a real environment. Regarding the thermal portion, a plant for solar sulfuric acid decomposition is set up and initially operated at the research platform of the DLR Solar Tower in Jülich, Germany. One major component is the directly irradiated volumetric receiver, superheating steam and SO3 coming from a tube-type evaporator to above 1000 °C. At the design flow rate of sulfuric acid (50%-wt.) of 1 l/min, a nominal solar power of 57 kW is required at the receiver. With a flat ceramic absorber made from SiC and a flat quartz glass window, the design is based on lab scale reactors successfully demonstrated at the solar furnace of the German Aerospace Centre (DLR) in Cologne, Germany. A flexible lumped thermodynamic tool representing the receiver, compiled to assess different configurations, is presented in detail. An additional raytracing model has been established to provide the irradiation boundaries and support the design of a conical secondary concentrator with an aperture diameter of 0.6 m. A comparison with first experimental data (up to 65% nominal power), obtained during initial operation, indicates the models to be viable tools for design and operational forecast of such systems. With a provisional method to account for the efficiency of the secondary concentrator, measured fluid outlet temperatures (up to 1000 °C) are predicted with deviations of ±60 °C. Respective absorber front temperatures (up to 1200 °C) are under-predicted by 100-200 °C, with lower deviations at higher mass flows. The measured window temperature (up to 700 °C) mainly depends on the absorber front temperature level, which is well predicted by the model

Treatment with implants in patients with diabetes. A 7-year comparative study

Introducción. La implantología oral puede constituir una modalidad terapéutica en el tratamiento prostodóncico de los pacientes con compromiso médico. El estudio muestra la evaluación del tratamiento con implantes en pacientes con diabetes comparados con pacientes sin diabetes. Métodos. 48 pacientes edéntulos totales (24 pacientes diabéticos y 24 no diabéticos) fueron tratados con 96 implan- tes con superficie arenada y grabada Galimplant ® en la mandíbula para su rehabilitación prostodóncica con sobre- dentaduras mandibulares. 2 implantes fueron insertados en cada paciente. Los implantes fueron cargados funcional- mente tras un periodo de tiempo de 6 semanas con retenedores de fricción. Los hallazgos clínicos (implantológicos y prostodóncicos) se han seguido durante 7 años. Resultados. Los resultados indican una supervivencia de los implantes del 95,8%. Durante el periodo de seguimeinto clínico se perdieron 4 implantes (dos implantes en cada grupo). La pérdida de hueso marginal media fué de 0,7 mm en ambos grupos. El 100% de los pacientes fueron tratados mediante una sobredentadura implantorretenida con anclajes de fricción. En 14 pacientes se realizaron cambios en los componentes plásticos de los ataches. El seguimiento clínico medio fue de 82,5 meses (60-102 meses). Conclusiones. Los resultados del presente estudio indican que el tratamiento con implantes dentales en pacientes diabéticos es una terapéutica exitosa sin diferencias entre los pacientes diabéticos y no diabéticos. PALABRAS CLAVE: Implantes dentales, pacientes geriátricos, diabetes mellitus, sobredentaduras, oseo- integración, implantología oral.Introduction. Implant dentistry can to constitute a therapeutic modality in the prosthodontic treatment of medically compromised patients. This study reports the evaluation of treatment with implants in patients with diabetes compared with patients without diabetes. Methods. 48 edentulous patients (24 diabetic patients and 24 non-diabetic patients) were treated with 96 Galimplant ® sand-blasted and acid-etched surface implants for prosthodontic rehabilitation with mandibular overdentures. Two implants were inserted in each patient. Implants were loaded after a healing free-loading period between 6 weeks with locator attaches. Clinical findings (implant and prosthodontics) were followed during at 7 years. Results. Clinical results indicate a survival rate of implants of 95.8% in both groups. Four implant was lost during the follow-up period (two implants in each group). Media marginal bone loss was 0.7 mm in both groups. 100% of patients were treated with overdentures retained with 2 implants with locator attaches. Changes in plastic components of attaches were reported in 14 patients. The media follow-up was of 82.5 months (60-102 months). Conclusions. Clinical results of this study indicate that treatment with dental implants in diabetic patients is a successful implant treatment without differences with nondiabetic patients

Primera aproximación a las moscas blancas (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) sus plantas hospedantes y parasitoides asociados en Huánuco, Perú

Whiteflies are considered insects of great economic importance, because they cause direct and indirect damage that reduce the yields of various crops in some cases by 100%. Collections were made in the Huánuco valley (2013-2016), taking the leaves of various plants containing immature stages of the IV instar of whitefly, which were processed using the technique of Martin (1987) modified by Caballero (1996). For identification, the keys of Hodges and Evans (2005), Valencia (2000), Dooley (2006) and Nakahara (2002) were used; and for the identification of parasitoids, codes from Evans (2008) and Valencia (2000) were used. 10 species of whitefly distributed in the Huánuco valley were identified. The recovered parasitoids were Amitus sp., Encarsia sp., E. formosa and Cales sp. 30 host plants were recorded in 21 botanical families. Whitefly species, host plants, and associated parasitoids are recorded for the first time for Huánuco. Keywords: Aleyrodidae, whitefly, host plants, parasitoids, HuánucoLas moscas blancas son consideradas insectos de gran importancia económica, debido a que causan daños directos e indirectos que reducen los rendimientos de los diversos cultivos en algunos casos en un 100%. Se realizaron colectas en el valle de Huánuco (2013-2016), tomando las hojas de diversas plantas conteniendo estados inmaduros del IV instar de mosca blanca, los cuales fueron procesados mediante la técnica de Martin (1987) modificado por Caballero (1996). Para la identificación se emplearon las claves de Hodges y Evans (2005), Valencia (2000), Dooley (2006) y Nakahara (2002); y para la identificación de parasitoides se emplearon claves de Evans (2008) y Valencia (2000). Se identificaron 10 especies de mosca blanca distribuidos en el valle de Huánuco. Los parasitoides recuperados fueron Amitus sp., Encarsia sp., E. formosa y Cales sp. Se registraron 30 plantas hospedantes en 21 familias botánicas. Las especies de mosca blanca, las plantas hospedantes y los parasitoides asociados se registran por primera vez para Huánuco

Improving EEG-Based Motor Imagery Classification for Real-Time Applications Using the QSA Method

We present an improvement to the quaternion-based signal analysis (QSA) technique to extract electroencephalography (EEG) signal features with a view to developing real-time applications, particularly in motor imagery (IM) cognitive processes. The proposed methodology (iQSA, improved QSA) extracts features such as the average, variance, homogeneity, and contrast of EEG signals related to motor imagery in a more efficient manner (i.e., by reducing the number of samples needed to classify the signal and improving the classification percentage) compared to the original QSA technique. Specifically, we can sample the signal in variable time periods (from 0.5 s to 3 s, in half-a-second intervals) to determine the relationship between the number of samples and their effectiveness in classifying signals. In addition, to strengthen the classification process a number of boosting-technique-based decision trees were implemented. The results show an 82.30% accuracy rate for 0.5 s samples and 73.16% for 3 s samples. This is a significant improvement compared to the original QSA technique that offered results from 33.31% to 40.82% without sampling window and from 33.44% to 41.07% with sampling window, respectively. We can thus conclude that iQSA is better suited to develop real-time applications

Efecto de un suplemento alimenticio a base de insumos naturales y componentes bioactivos de siete raíces sobre el comportamiento sexual en ratas

The present study aimed to determine the effect of a food supplement based on natural inputs and bioactive components of plant species on sexual behavior. It is an experimental, prospective and longitudinal investigation. For the test, 150 albino rats were used: 75 females and 75 males of the Holtzmann breed of 12 weeks of age, with an average weight of 200 to 250 g. (males) and 150 - 200 g. (females). Two products were evaluated: One that contained the extract of the roots of seven plant species at doses of 200 and 400mg / kg and Two that contained the product one plus chestnut flour and Sacha inchi at a dose of 830mg / kg. The trial was carried out for 10 weeks and the evaluations were carried out at the eighth, ninth and tenth weeks (days 1, 7 and 14 respectively). Likewise, the evaluation of the biochemical, hematological, testosterone and prostate-specific antigen (PSA) parameters was carried out. Products One at a dose of 400mg / kg and Two at a dose of 830mg / kg showed a significant effect on sexual behavior compared with the control and standard groups (sildenafil 5mg / kg). There were no changes at the biochemical or hematological level. It is concluded that the tested products had an effect on sexual behavior by increasing libido in male rats, without side effects on biochemical and hematological parameters.El presente estudio tuvo como objetivo determinar el efecto de un suplemento alimenticio a base de insumos naturales y componentes bioactivos de especies vegetales sobre el comportamiento sexual. Es una investigación experimental, prospectiva y longitudinal. Para el ensayo se utilizó 150 ratas albinas: 75 hembras y 75 machos de raza Holtzmann de 12 semanas de edad, con un peso promedio de 200 a 250 g. (machos) y de 150 – 200 g. (hembras). Se evaluaron dos productos: Uno que contenía el extracto de las raíces de siete especies vegetales a dosis de 200 y 400mg/kg y Dos que contenía el producto uno más harina de castaña y Sacha inchi a dosis de 830mg/kg. El ensayo se realizó por 10 semanas y las evaluaciones se ejecutaron a la octava, novena y décima semanas (días 1, 7 y 14 respectivamente). Asimismo, se realizó la evaluación de los parámetros bioquímicos, hematológicos, testosterona y antígeno prostático-específico (PSA). Los productos Uno a dosis de 400mg/kg y Dos a dosis de 830mg/kg presentaron efecto significativo sobre el comportamiento sexual comparados con los grupos control y el estándar (sildenafilo 5mg/kg). No se presentaron cambios a nivel bioquímico ni hematológico. Se concluye que los productos ensayados presentaron efecto sobre el comportamiento sexual aumentando la líbido en las ratas machos, sin efectos secundarios sobre los parámetros bioquímicos y hematológicos

Rucaparib maintenance treatment for recurrent ovarian carcinoma after response to platinum therapy (ARIEL3): a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase 3 trial

Background: Rucaparib, a poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase inhibitor, has anticancer activity in recurrent ovarian carcinoma harbouring a BRCA mutation or high percentage of genome-wide loss of heterozygosity. In this trial we assessed rucaparib versus placebo after response to second-line or later platinum-based chemotherapy in patients with high-grade, recurrent, platinum-sensitive ovarian carcinoma. Methods: In this randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase 3 trial, we recruited patients from 87 hospitals and cancer centres across 11 countries. Eligible patients were aged 18 years or older, had a platinum-sensitive, high-grade serous or endometrioid ovarian, primary peritoneal, or fallopian tube carcinoma, had received at least two previous platinum-based chemotherapy regimens, had achieved complete or partial response to their last platinum-based regimen, had a cancer antigen 125 concentration of less than the upper limit of normal, had a performance status of 0–1, and had adequate organ function. Patients were ineligible if they had symptomatic or untreated central nervous system metastases, had received anticancer therapy 14 days or fewer before starting the study, or had received previous treatment with a poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase inhibitor. We randomly allocated patients 2:1 to receive oral rucaparib 600 mg twice daily or placebo in 28 day cycles using a computer-generated sequence (block size of six, stratified by homologous recombination repair gene mutation status, progression-free interval after the penultimate platinum-based regimen, and best response to the most recent platinum-based regimen). Patients, investigators, site staff, assessors, and the funder were masked to assignments. The primary outcome was investigator-assessed progression-free survival evaluated with use of an ordered step-down procedure for three nested cohorts: patients with BRCA mutations (carcinoma associated with deleterious germline or somatic BRCA mutations), patients with homologous recombination deficiencies (BRCA mutant or BRCA wild-type and high loss of heterozygosity), and the intention-to-treat population, assessed at screening and every 12 weeks thereafter. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT01968213; enrolment is complete. Findings: Between April 7, 2014, and July 19, 2016, we randomly allocated 564 patients: 375 (66%) to rucaparib and 189 (34%) to placebo. Median progression-free survival in patients with a BRCA-mutant carcinoma was 16·6 months (95% CI 13·4–22·9; 130 [35%] patients) in the rucaparib group versus 5·4 months (3·4–6·7; 66 [35%] patients) in the placebo group (hazard ratio 0·23 [95% CI 0·16–0·34]; p<0·0001). In patients with a homologous recombination deficient carcinoma (236 [63%] vs 118 [62%]), it was 13·6 months (10·9–16·2) versus 5·4 months (5·1–5·6; 0·32 [0·24–0·42]; p<0·0001). In the intention-to-treat population, it was 10·8 months (8·3–11·4) versus 5·4 months (5·3–5·5; 0·36 [0·30–0·45]; p<0·0001). Treatment-emergent adverse events of grade 3 or higher in the safety population (372 [99%] patients in the rucaparib group vs 189 [100%] in the placebo group) were reported in 209 (56%) patients in the rucaparib group versus 28 (15%) in the placebo group, the most common of which were anaemia or decreased haemoglobin concentration (70 [19%] vs one [1%]) and increased alanine or aspartate aminotransferase concentration (39 [10%] vs none). Interpretation: Across all primary analysis groups, rucaparib significantly improved progression-free survival in patients with platinum-sensitive ovarian cancer who had achieved a response to platinum-based chemotherapy. ARIEL3 provides further evidence that use of a poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase inhibitor in the maintenance treatment setting versus placebo could be considered a new standard of care for women with platinum-sensitive ovarian cancer following a complete or partial response to second-line or later platinum-based chemotherapy. Funding: Clovis Oncology

Longitudinal outcomes of obeticholic acid therapy in ursodiol-nonresponsive primary biliary cholangitis: Stratifying the impact of add-on fibrates in real-world practice

Background Suboptimal response to ursodeoxycholic acid occurs in 40% of primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) patients, affecting survival. Achieving a deep response (normalisation of alkaline phosphatase [ALP] and bilirubin ≤0.6 upper limit of normal) improves survival. Yet, the long-term effectiveness of second-line treatments remains uncertain. Aims To evaluate the long-term effectiveness of obeticholic acid (OCA) ± fibrates. Focusing on biochemical response (ALP ≤1.67 times the upper limit of normal, with a decrease of at least 15% from baseline and normal bilirubin levels), normalisation of ALP, deep response and biochemical remission (deep response plus aminotransferase normalisation). Methods We conducted a longitudinal, observational, multicentre study involving ursodeoxyccholic acid non-responsive PBC patients (Paris-II criteria) from Spain and Portugal who received OCA ± fibrates. Results Of 255 patients, median follow-up was 35.1 months (IQR: 20.2–53). The biochemical response in the whole cohort was 47.2%, 61.4% and 68.6% at 12, 24 and 36 months. GLOBE-PBC and 5-year UK-PBC scores improved (p < 0.001). Triple therapy (ursodeoxycholic acid plus OCA plus fibrates) had significantly higher response rates than dual therapy (p = 0.001), including ALP normalisation, deep response and biochemical remission (p < 0.001). In multivariate analysis, triple therapy remained independently associated with biochemical response (p = 0.024), alkaline phosphatase normalisation, deep response and biochemical remission (p < 0.001). Adverse effects occurred in 41.2% of cases, leading to 18.8% discontinuing OCA. Out of 55 patients with cirrhosis, 12 developed decompensation. All with baseline portal hypertension. Conclusion Triple therapy was superior in achieving therapeutic goals in UDCA-nonresponsive PBC. Decompensation was linked to pre-existing portal hypertension

<i>Gaia</i> Data Release 1. Summary of the astrometric, photometric, and survey properties

Context. At about 1000 days after the launch of Gaia we present the first Gaia data release, Gaia DR1, consisting of astrometry and photometry for over 1 billion sources brighter than magnitude 20.7. Aims. A summary of Gaia DR1 is presented along with illustrations of the scientific quality of the data, followed by a discussion of the limitations due to the preliminary nature of this release. Methods. The raw data collected by Gaia during the first 14 months of the mission have been processed by the Gaia Data Processing and Analysis Consortium (DPAC) and turned into an astrometric and photometric catalogue. Results. Gaia DR1 consists of three components: a primary astrometric data set which contains the positions, parallaxes, and mean proper motions for about 2 million of the brightest stars in common with the HIPPARCOS and Tycho-2 catalogues – a realisation of the Tycho-Gaia Astrometric Solution (TGAS) – and a secondary astrometric data set containing the positions for an additional 1.1 billion sources. The second component is the photometric data set, consisting of mean G-band magnitudes for all sources. The G-band light curves and the characteristics of ∼3000 Cepheid and RR-Lyrae stars, observed at high cadence around the south ecliptic pole, form the third component. For the primary astrometric data set the typical uncertainty is about 0.3 mas for the positions and parallaxes, and about 1 mas yr−1 for the proper motions. A systematic component of ∼0.3 mas should be added to the parallax uncertainties. For the subset of ∼94 000 HIPPARCOS stars in the primary data set, the proper motions are much more precise at about 0.06 mas yr−1. For the secondary astrometric data set, the typical uncertainty of the positions is ∼10 mas. The median uncertainties on the mean G-band magnitudes range from the mmag level to ∼0.03 mag over the magnitude range 5 to 20.7. Conclusions. Gaia DR1 is an important milestone ahead of the next Gaia data release, which will feature five-parameter astrometry for all sources. Extensive validation shows that Gaia DR1 represents a major advance in the mapping of the heavens and the availability of basic stellar data that underpin observational astrophysics. Nevertheless, the very preliminary nature of this first Gaia data release does lead to a number of important limitations to the data quality which should be carefully considered before drawing conclusions from the data