Electrical transport and optical studies of ferromagnetic Cobalt doped ZnO nanoparticles exhibiting a metal-insulator transition

The observed correlation of oxygen vacancies and room temperature ferromagnetic ordering in Co doped ZnO1-o nanoparticles reported earlier (Naeem et al Nanotechnology 17, 2675-2680) has been further explored by transport and optical measurements. In these particles room temperature ferromagnetic ordering had been observed to occur only after annealing in forming gas. In the current work the optical properties have been studied by diffuse reflection spectroscopy in the UV-Vis region and the band gap of the Co doped compositions has been found to decrease with Co addition. Reflections minima are observed at the energies characteristic of Co+2 d-d (tethrahedral symmetry) crystal field transitions, further establishing the presence of Co in substitutional sites. Electrical transport measurements on palletized samples of the nanoparticles show that the effect of a forming gas is to strongly decrease the resistivity with increasing Co concentration. For the air annealed and non-ferromagnetic samples the variation in the resistivity as a function of Co content are opposite to those observed in the particles prepared in forming gas. The ferromagnetic samples exhibit an apparent change from insulator to metal with increasing temperatures for T>380K and this change becomes more pronounced with increasing Co content. The magnetic and resistive behaviors are correlated by considering the model by Calderon et al [M. J. Calderon and S. D. Sarma, Annals of Physics 2007 (Accepted doi: 10.1016/j.aop.2007.01.010] where the ferromagnetism changes from being mediated by polarons in the low temperature insulating region to being mediated by the carriers released from the weakly bound states in the higher temperature metallic region.Comment: 7 pages, 6 figure

Розширення асортименту плавлених сирів з використанням соняшнико-вого ізоляту

The paper presents an analysis of the literature on the expansion of the range of processed cheeses using sunflower isolate. Four samples of processed cheese with different percentage of sunflower isolate were selected for the study: control, 1st – 3 %, 2nd – 5 % and 3rd – 7 %. Analyzing the results of organoleptic evaluation, it should be noted that the organoleptic characteristics of the control and the first samples were evaluated in the same number of points. Samples two and three as a result of tasting evaluation for taste lost to the first two by 0.2 and 0.4 points, respectively. The odor of the third sample with a percentage of sunflower isolate of 5 % was not inferior to the first sample and was estimated at 0.1 and 0.2 points higher than the control and third samples, respectively. The increase in the percentage of sunflower isolate led to a deterioration in the taste of the developed samples. Therefore, the introduction into the recipe of processed cheese sunflower isolate in the amount of 3 % allowed to obtain, according to the results of organoleptic evaluation, higher results compared to other samples. The results of studies of structural and mechanical parameters of the developed samples of processed cheese with sunflower isolate suggest that the introduction of a herbal additive in the recipe increased the structural and mechanical properties. An increase in the penetration force indicates a thickening of the consistency. Compared to the control sample, this figure increased by 1.8 kN/m2. The elastic index, which characterizes the elasticity of the cheese mass of the control sample, was lower than the first by 0.6 kN/m2. The obtained results allow us to conclude that the introduction of sunflower isolate into the formulation leads to minor structural changes within the regulatory documentation. The study found that the control sample contained 11.36 % protein, and sample 1 – 11.55 %. It should be noted that the protein content has not changed significantly. Taking into account the results of the described studies, we note that the developed processed cheese with 3 % sunflower isolate meets the requirements of regulatory documentation for organoleptic and structural-mechanical parameters. The structural and mechanical characteristics of the first sample indicate that the introduction of a herbal additive into the formulation has a positive effect on penetration efforts and elasticity. However, the introduction of three percent sunflower isolate did not affect the protein content of the product.У роботі представлено аналіз літературних джерел щодо питання розширення асортименту плавлених сирів з використанням соняшникового ізоляту. Для дослідження обрано чотири зразки плавленого сиру з різним відсотком соняшникового ізоляту: контроль, 1-й – 3 %, 2-й – 5 % і 3-й – 7 %. Аналізуючи отримані результати органолептичної оцінки слід зазначити, що органолептичні показники контрольного та першого зразків були оцінені в однакову кількість балів. Зразки два та три в результаті дегустаційної оцінки за смаком поступилися першим двом на 0,2 та 0,4 бали відповідно. Запах третього зразка із відсотком соняшникового ізоляту 5 % не поступався першому зразку та був оцінений на 0,1 та 0,2 бали вище ніж у контрольного й третього зразків відповідно. Збільшення відсотку соняшникового ізоляту призвело до погіршення смаку розроблених зразків. Отже, введення у рецептуру плавленого сиру соняшникового ізоляту у кількості 3 % дозволило отримати, за результатами органолептичної оцінки, більш високі результати порівняно з іншими зразками. Результати досліджень структурно-механічних показників розроблених зразків плавленого сиру з соняшниковим ізолятом дозволяють стверджувати, що введення у рецептуру рослинної добавки підвищили структурно-механічні властивості. Збільшення показника зусилля пенетрації свідчить про ущільнення консистенції. Відносно контрольного зразка цей показник збільшився на 1,8 kN/m2. Показник пружності, який характеризує еластичність сирної маси контрольного зразка, був нижчий ніж першого на 0,6 kN/m2. Отримані результати дозволяють зробити висновок, що введення у рецептуру соняшникового ізоляту веде до незначних структурних змін в межах нормативної документації. В ході дослідження встановили, що контрольний зразок містить 11,36 % білку, а зразок 1 – 11,55 %. Слід зазначити, що суттєво вміст білку не змінився. Враховуючи результати описаних досліджень зауважимо, що розроблений плавлений сир з 3 % соняшникового ізоляту відповідає вимогам нормативної документації за органолептичними та структурно-механічними показниками. Структурно-механічні харатеритики першого зразку вказують на те, що введення у рецептуру рослинної добавки позитивно впливає на зусилля пенетрації та пружність. Однак, введення трьох відсотків соняшникового ізоляту не вплинули на вміст у продукті білку

Galactose and its Metabolites Deteriorate Metaphase II Mouse Oocyte Quality and Subsequent Embryo Development by Disrupting the Spindle Structure

Premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) is a frequent long-term complication of classic galactosemia. The majority of women with this disorder develop POI, however rare spontaneous pregnancies have been reported. Here, we evaluate the effect of D-galactose and its metabolites, galactitol and galactose 1-phosphate, on oocyte quality as well as embryo development to elucidate the mechanism through which these compounds mediate oocyte deterioration. Metaphase II mouse oocytes (n=240), with and without cumulus cells (CCs), were exposed for 4hours to D-galactose (2μM), galactitol (11μM) and galactose 1-phosphate (0.1mM), (corresponding to plasma concentrations in patients on galactoserestricted diet) and compared to controls. The treated oocytes showed decreased quality as a function of significant enhancement in production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) when compared to controls. The presence of CCs offered no protection, as elevated ROS was accompanied by increased apoptosis of CCs. Our results suggested that D-galactose and its metabolites disturbed the spindle structure and chromosomal alignment, which was associated with significant decline in oocyte cleavage and blastocyst development after in-vitro fertilization. The results provide insight into prevention and treatment strategies that may be used to extend the window of fertility in these patients

A translational research experience in Argentina.

Background: The Argentinean programwas initiatedmore than a decade ago as the first experience of systematic translational research focused on NCL in Latin America. The aim was to overcome misdiagnoses and underdiagnoses in the region. Subjects: 216 NCL suspected individuals from 8 different countries and their direct family members. Methods: Clinical assessment, enzyme testing, electron microscopy, and DNA screening. Results and discussion: 1) The study confirmed NCL disease in 122 subjects. Phenotypic studies comprised epileptic seizures and movement disorders, ophthalmology, neurophysiology, image analysis, rating scales, enzyme testing, and electron microscopy, carried out under a consensus algorithm; 2) DNA screening and validation of mutations in genes PPT1 (CLN1), TPP1 (CLN2), CLN3, CLN5, CLN6, MFSD8 (CLN7), and CLN8: characterization of variant types, novel/knownmutations and polymorphisms; 3) Progress of the epidemiological picture in Latin America; and 4) NCL-like pathology studies in progress. The Translational Research Program was highly efficient in addressing the misdiagnosis/underdiagnosis in the NCL disorders. The study of “orphan diseases” in a public administrated hospital should be adopted by the health systems, as it positively impacts upon the family's quality of life, the collection of epidemiological data, and triggers research advances. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: “Current Research on the Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinoses (Batten Disease)”publishedVersio

The origin of human chromosome 2 analyzed by comparative chromosome mapping with a DNA microlibrary

Fluorescencein situ hybridization (FISH) of microlibraries established from distinct chromosome subregions can test the evolutionary conservation of chromosome bands as well as chromosomal rearrangements that occurred during primate evolution and will help to clarify phylogenetic relationships. We used a DNA library established by microdissection and microcloning from the entire long arm of human chromosome 2 for fluorescencein situ hybridization and comparative mapping of the chromosomes of human, great apes (Pan troglodytes, Pan paniscus, Gorilla gorilla, Pongo pygmaeus) and Old World monkeys (Macaca fuscata andCercopithecus aethiops). Inversions were found in the pericentric region of the primate chromosome 2p homologs in great apes, and the hybridization pattern demonstrates the known phylogenetically derived telomere fusion in the line that leads to human chromosome 2. The hybridization of the 2q microlibrary to chromosomes of Old World monkeys gave a different pattern from that in the gorilla and the orang-utan, but a pattern similar to that of chimpanzees. This suggests convergence of chromosomal rearrangements in different phylogenetic lines

Treatment with class a CpG oligodeoxynucleotides in cats with naturally occurring feline parvovirus infection: A prospective study

Feline parvovirus (FPV) causes severe gastroenteritis and leukopenia in cats; the outcome is poor. Information regarding specific treatments is lacking. Class A CpG oligodeoxynucleotides (CpG-A) are short single-stranded DNAs, stimulating type I interferon production. In cats, CpG-A induced an antiviral response in vivo and inhibited FPV replication in vitro. The aim was to prospectively investigate the effects of CpG-A on survival, clinical score, hematological findings, antiviral response (cytokines), viremia, and fecal shedding (real-time qPCR) in cats naturally infected with FPV. Forty-two FPV-infected cats were randomized to receive 100 g/kg of CpG-A (n = 22) or placebo (n = 20) subcutaneously, on admission and after 48 h. Blood and fecal samples were collected on admission, after 1, 3, and 7 days. All 22 cats showed short duration pain during CpG-A injections. The survival rate, clinical score, leukocyte and erythrocyte counts, viremia, and fecal shedding at any time-point did not differ between cats treated with CpG-A (50%) and placebo (40%). Antiviral myxovirus resistance (Mx) gene transcription increased in both groups from day 1 to 3 (p = 0.005). Antibodies against FPV on admission were associated with survival in cats (p = 0.002). In conclusion, CpG-A treatment did not improve the outcome in cats with FPV infection. FPV infection produced an antiviral response

Показатели хемилюминесценции лейкоцитов у детей больных бронхиальной астмой, получавших ингаляции гиперкапнической гипоксической газовой смеси

The CO2 effect on phagocytal generation of reactive oxygen species was studied in 40 bronchial asthma infants obtaining therapy with hypercapnic hypoxic gas mixture (HHGM) inhalations. It was found that chemiluminescence intensity parameters were greater in that patients during the postattack period than in healthy infants. During the intermedia period, the parameters decreased but were significantly higher than in controls. The satisfactory leucocyte sensitivity to CO2 was found in 37.5% of patients, that well correlates with positive clinical effect. The lower effect from HHGM was noted in 62.5% of infants with the decreased reaction to CO2. The role of leukocytes in bronchoconstriction was shown.Изучено влияние СО2 на генерацию активных форм кислорода фагоцитами у больных бронхиальной астмой 40 детях, в лечении которых использовали ингаляции гиперкапнической гипоксической газовой смеси (ГГС). Выявлено, что в послеприступном периоде показатели интенсивности хемилюминесценции были вы ш е по сравнению с контрольной группой (здоровые дети). В межприступном периоде они снижаются, но превышаю т контрольные значения. Выялена у 37,5% больных хорошая чувствительность лейкоцитов к СО2, что хорош о коррелировало с клиническим положительным эффектом . У 62,5% детей со сниженной реакцией к СО2 отмечен меньший эффект от ГГС. Показана роль лейкоцитов в развитии бронхоконстрикции при бронхиальной астме у детей

Prevalence of Abnormalities in Vestibular Function and Balance among HIV-Seropositive and HIV-Seronegative Women and Men

BACKGROUND: Most HIV-seropositive subjects in western countries receive highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). Although many aspects of their health have been studied, little is known about their vestibular and balance function. The goals of this study were to determine the prevalences of vestibular and balance impairments among HIV-seropositive and comparable seronegative men and women and to determine if those groups differed. METHODS: Standard screening tests of vestibular and balance function, including head thrusts, Dix-Hallpike maneuvers, and Romberg balance tests on compliant foam were performed during semiannual study visits of participants who were enrolled in the Baltimore and Washington, D. C. sites of the Multicenter AIDS Cohort Study and the Women's Interagency HIV Study. RESULTS: No significant differences by HIV status were found on most tests, but HIV-seropositive subjects who were using HAART had a lower frequency of abnormal Dix-Hallpike nystagmus than HIV-seronegative subjects. A significant number of nonclassical Dix-Hallpike responses were found. Age was associated with Romberg scores on foam with eyes closed. Sex was not associated with any of the test scores. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that HAART-treated HIV infection has no harmful association with vestibular function in community-dwelling, ambulatory men and women. The association with age was expected, but the lack of association with sex was unexpected. The presence of nonclassical Dix-Hallpike responses might be consistent with central nervous system lesions

Conceptualizing pathways linking women's empowerment and prematurity in developing countries.

BackgroundGlobally, prematurity is the leading cause of death in children under the age of 5. Many efforts have focused on clinical approaches to improve the survival of premature babies. There is a need, however, to explore psychosocial, sociocultural, economic, and other factors as potential mechanisms to reduce the burden of prematurity. Women's empowerment may be a catalyst for moving the needle in this direction. The goal of this paper is to examine links between women's empowerment and prematurity in developing settings. We propose a conceptual model that shows pathways by which women's empowerment can affect prematurity and review and summarize the literature supporting the relationships we posit. We also suggest future directions for research on women's empowerment and prematurity.MethodsThe key words we used for empowerment in the search were "empowerment," "women's status," "autonomy," and "decision-making," and for prematurity we used "preterm," "premature," and "prematurity." We did not use date, language, and regional restrictions. The search was done in PubMed, Population Information Online (POPLINE), and Web of Science. We selected intervening factors-factors that could potentially mediate the relationship between empowerment and prematurity-based on reviews of the risk factors and interventions to address prematurity and the determinants of those factors.ResultsThere is limited evidence supporting a direct link between women's empowerment and prematurity. However, there is evidence linking several dimensions of empowerment to factors known to be associated with prematurity and outcomes for premature babies. Our review of the literature shows that women's empowerment may reduce prematurity by (1) preventing early marriage and promoting family planning, which will delay age at first pregnancy and increase interpregnancy intervals; (2) improving women's nutritional status; (3) reducing domestic violence and other stressors to improve psychological health; and (4) improving access to and receipt of recommended health services during pregnancy and delivery to help prevent prematurity and improve survival of premature babies.ConclusionsWomen's empowerment is an important distal factor that affects prematurity through several intervening factors. Improving women's empowerment will help prevent prematurity and improve survival of preterm babies. Research to empirically show the links between women's empowerment and prematurity is however needed