Molecular dynamics simulation of a polysorbate 80 micelle in water

YesThe structure and dynamics of a single molecule of the nonionic surfactant polysorbate 80 (POE (20) sorbitan monooleate; Tween 80 ) as well as a micelle of polysorbate 80 in water have been investigated by molecular dynamics simulation. In its free state in water the polysorbate 80 molecule samples almost its entire conformational space. The micelle structure is compact and exhibits a prolate ellipsoid shape, with the surface being dominated by the polar terminal groups of the POE chains. The radius of gyration of the micelle was 26.2 A. The physical radius, determined from both the radius of gyration and atomic density, was about 35 A. The estimated diffusion constants for the free molecule (1.8 10 6 cm2 s 1) and the micelle (1.8 10 7 cm2 s 1) were found to be remarkably close to the respective experimental values. The lateral diffusion of the molecules on the micelle surface was estimated to be 1.7 10 7 cm2 s 1, which confirms the highly dynamic nature of the micelle structure.Tehran University of Medical Sciences & Health Service

Importance of permanent and temporary water bodies for aquatic beetles in the raised bog remnant Wierdense

Wierdense Veld is a heavily degraded bog area, in which still various peat cutting pits are present. Restoration measures are proposed in order to reduce water table fluctuations, aiming at bog regeneration. Earlier research in other Dutch bog remnants showed that old peat cutting pits still harbour many rare and characteristic species of aquatic macrofauna, while rewetting has until now been beneficial to only a limited part of the species spectrum. To define the proper restoration strategy for the Wierdense Veld, the present-day situation is examined and compared to other bog areas. Relatively many characteristic species were found in the area, but at the same time the number of species and individuals per site was low. This may well indicate small population sizes. A substantial number of characteristic species showed a preference for temporary water bodies. Regarding restoration management, especially small populations of characteristic species might be sensitive to sudden changes in water table fluctuations. Measures might, however, be necessary to improve the habitat quality to reduce the risk of extinction. Understanding of bottle-necks in the life-cycles of the species is necessary to define the proper management strategy

ProcSETE2005-11052005.qxd

Due to acidification and eutrophication, extensive areas of sandy, dry and lichen-rich dune grasslands (Violo-corynephoretum) are overgrown by the invasive moss species Campylopus introflexus. Species assemblages of spiders, carabid beetles, Sciaridae and Empidoidea differed between a Violo-corynephoretum reference site and moss-encroached sites. Sciaridae emerged in relatively high numbers from thick moss layers, Empidoidea showed a preference for moss-encroached sites. This suggests that moss-encroachment induces changes in soil fauna composition. Total activity of both carabid beetles and spiders was significantly lower in the moss-encroached sites, suggesting lower food density in moss-encroached dry dune grasslands. Night-active carabid and spider species showed equal or higher activity in the moss-encroached sites, whereas day-active species had a lower activity in moss-encroached sites. This indicates that moss-encroached sites have a more extreme microclimate, or that specific vegetation structures used by xerophylous species disappear by moss-encroachment

Translating Evidence to Advanced Parkinson's Disease Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

In the advanced stages of Parkinson's disease (PD), patients frequently experience disabling motor complications. Treatment options include deep brain stimulation (DBS), levodopa-carbidopa intestinal gel (LCIG), and continuous subcutaneous apomorphine infusion (CSAI). Choosing among these treatments is influenced by scientific evidence, clinical expertise, and patient preferences. To foster patient engagement in decision-making among the options, scientific evidence should be adjusted to their information needs. We conducted a systematic review from the patient perspective. First, patients selected outcomes for a treatment choice: quality of life, activities of daily living, ON and OFF time, and adverse events. Second, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis for each treatment versus best medical treatment using Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE). Finally, the evidence was transformed into comprehensible and comparable information. We converted the meta-analysis results into the number of patients (per 100) who benefit clinically from an advanced treatment per outcome, based on the minimal clinically important difference and the cumulative distribution function. Although this approach allows for a comparison of outcomes across the three device-aided therapies, they have never been compared directly. The interpretation is hindered by the relatively short follow-up time in the included studies, usually less than 12 months. These limitations should be clarified to patients during the decision-making process. This review can help patients integrate the evidence with their own preferences, and with their clinician's expertise, to reach an informed decision

Selecting deep brain stimulation or infusion therapies in advanced Parkinson's disease: an evidence-based review

Motor complications in Parkinson's disease (PD) result from the short half-life and irregular plasma fluctuations of oral levodopa. When strategies of providing more continuous dopaminergic stimulation by adjusting oral medication fail, patients may be candidates for one of three device-aided therapies: deep brain stimulation (DBS), continuous subcutaneous apomorphine infusion, or continuous duodenal/jejunal levodopa/carbidopa pump infusion (DLI). These therapies differ in their invasiveness, side-effect profile, and the need for nursing care. So far, very few comparative studies have evaluated the efficacy of the three device-aided therapies for specific motor problems in advanced PD. As a result, neurologists currently lack guidance as to which therapy could be most appropriate for a particular PD patient. A group of experts knowledgeable in all three therapies reviewed the currently available literature for each treatment and identified variables of clinical relevance for choosing one of the three options such as type of motor problems, age, and cognitive and psychiatric status. For each scenario, pragmatic and (if available) evidence-based recommendations are provided as to which patients could be candidates for either DBS, DLI, or subcutaneous apomorphine