Study on the Implications of Asynchronous GMO Approvals for EU Imports of Animal Feed Products

The aim of this study is to understand the implications of asynchronous approvals for genetically modified organisms (GMOs) that are imported to the European Union for use within animal feed products, specifically with regard to the EU livestock sector, as well as upon the upstream and downstream economic industries related to it. Asynchronous approval refers to the situation in which there is a delay in the moment when a genetically modified (GM) event – modifying a specific trait of a plant or animal – is allowed to be used in one country in comparison to another country. In the perspective of this study, the asynchronous GMO approvals concern the use of GM varieties of plants that are approved in the countries which supply them to the EU, in one form or another of feed material, before these are approved by the EU

Self-control in Sparsely Coded Networks

A complete self-control mechanism is proposed in the dynamics of neural networks through the introduction of a time-dependent threshold, determined in function of both the noise and the pattern activity in the network. Especially for sparsely coded models this mechanism is shown to considerably improve the storage capacity, the basins of attraction and the mutual information content of the network.Comment: 4 pages, 6 Postscript figure

Virtual reality exercise intradialysis to improve physical function: A feasibility randomized trial

[EN] Objective The main objective of this investigation was to assess feasibility of conducting a future RCT with an intradialysis non-immersive virtual reality exercise intervention. The secondary aim was to explore the impact of either conventional or VR exercise on physical function. Design Feasibility randomized trial. Participants Eighteen subjects who participated in a 16-week intradialysis combined exercise program. Interventions The program lasted four additional weeks of either combined exercise or virtual reality exercise. Main outcome measures Physical function was measured through several reliable tests (sit-to-stand-to-sit tests 10 and 60, gait speed, one-leg heel-rise tests, and 6-minute walk test) at baseline, after 16 weeks of intradialysis combined exercise and by the end of four additional weeks of exercise. Adherence to the exercise programs was registered. Results There was a significant time effect, so that physical function improved in both groups. By the end of the 20 weeks, function improved as measured through the sit-to-stand-to-sit tests 10 and 60, gait speed, one-leg heel-rise left leg, and the 6-minute walk test. Changes that did not occur due to error in the test were seen after 20 weeks were achieved in the sit-to-stand-to-sit test 60, gait speed, one-leg heel-rise test for the left leg, and 6-minute walking test. Conclusion Virtual reality was a feasible intervention. Both interventions improved physical function. Adherence was not significantly different between groups.Universidad Cardenal Herrera-CEU, CEU Universities, Valencia, Spain, Grant/Award Number: Consolidacion de Indicadores CEU-UCH 2016-2017/ISegura-Orti, E.; Perez-Dominguez, B.; Ortega-Pérez De Villar, L.; Melendez-Oliva, E.; Martínez-Gramaje, J.; García-Maset, R.; Gil-Gómez, J. (2019). Virtual reality exercise intradialysis to improve physical function: A feasibility randomized trial. Scandinavian Journal of Medicine and Science in Sports. 29(1):89-94. https://doi.org/10.1111/sms.13304S8994291Segura-Ortí, E., Gordon, P. L., Doyle, J. W., & Johansen, K. L. (2017). Correlates of Physical Functioning and Performance Across the Spectrum of Kidney Function. Clinical Nursing Research, 27(5), 579-596. doi:10.1177/1054773816689282Segura-Orti, E., & Johansen, K. L. (2010). Exercise in End-Stage Renal Disease. Seminars in Dialysis, 23(4), 422-430. doi:10.1111/j.1525-139x.2010.00766.xDelgado, C., & Johansen, K. L. (2011). Barriers to exercise participation among dialysis patients. Nephrology Dialysis Transplantation, 27(3), 1152-1157. doi:10.1093/ndt/gfr404Heiwe, S., & Tollin, H. (2012). Patients’ perspectives on the implementation of intra-dialytic cycling—a phenomenographic study. Implementation Science, 7(1). doi:10.1186/1748-5908-7-68Konstantinidou, E., Koukouvou, G., Kouidi, E., Deligiannis, A., & Tourkantonis, A. (2002). Exercise training in patients with end-stage renal disease on hemodialysis: Comparison of three rehabilitation programs. Journal of Rehabilitation Medicine, 34(1), 40-45. doi:10.1080/165019702317242695Corbetta, D., Imeri, F., & Gatti, R. (2015). Rehabilitation that incorporates virtual reality is more effective than standard rehabilitation for improving walking speed, balance and mobility after stroke: a systematic review. Journal of Physiotherapy, 61(3), 117-124. doi:10.1016/j.jphys.2015.05.017Peruzzi, A., Cereatti, A., Della Croce, U., & Mirelman, A. (2016). Effects of a virtual reality and treadmill training on gait of subjects with multiple sclerosis: a pilot study. Multiple Sclerosis and Related Disorders, 5, 91-96. doi:10.1016/j.msard.2015.11.002Brien, M., & Sveistrup, H. (2011). An Intensive Virtual Reality Program Improves Functional Balance and Mobility of Adolescents With Cerebral Palsy. Pediatric Physical Therapy, 23(3), 258-266. doi:10.1097/pep.0b013e318227ca0fOrtega‐Pérez de VillarL Pérez‐ DomínguezB Segura‐OrtíE et al.Use of virtual reality game as part of exercise program for chronic kidney disease patients undergoing haemodialysis.2015.Cho, H., & Sohng, K.-Y. (2014). The Effect of a Virtual Reality Exercise Program on Physical Fitness, Body Composition, and Fatigue in Hemodialysis Patients. Journal of Physical Therapy Science, 26(10), 1661-1665. doi:10.1589/jpts.26.1661OrtegaL.Comparison of two exercise programs for hemodialysis patients intradialysis vs home based program. absolute and relative reliability of physical performance[tesis doctoral]. Universidad CEU Cardenal Herrera. Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud;2017.Guralnik, J. M., Ferrucci, L., Simonsick, E. M., Salive, M. E., & Wallace, R. B. (1995). Lower-Extremity Function in Persons over the Age of 70 Years as a Predictor of Subsequent Disability. New England Journal of Medicine, 332(9), 556-562. doi:10.1056/nejm199503023320902Segura-Ortí, E., & Martínez-Olmos, F. J. (2011). Test-Retest Reliability and Minimal Detectable Change Scores for Sit-to-Stand-to-Sit Tests, the Six-Minute Walk Test, the One-Leg Heel-Rise Test, and Handgrip Strength in People Undergoing Hemodialysis. Physical Therapy, 91(8), 1244-1252. doi:10.2522/ptj.20100141Segura-Ortí, E. (2017). Fisioterapia sobre ejercicio en pacientes en hemodiálisis. Fisioterapia, 39(4), 137-139. doi:10.1016/j.ft.2017.05.003Bohm, C., Stewart, K., Onyskie-Marcus, J., Esliger, D., Kriellaars, D., & Rigatto, C. (2014). Effects of intradialytic cycling compared with pedometry on physical function in chronic outpatient hemodialysis: a prospective randomized trial. Nephrology Dialysis Transplantation, 29(10), 1947-1955. doi:10.1093/ndt/gfu248KOUFAKI, P., NASH, P. F., & MERCER, T. H. (2002). Assessing the efficacy of exercise training in patients with chronic disease. Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, 34(8), 1234-1241. doi:10.1097/00005768-200208000-00002Cappy, C. S., Jablonka, J., & Schroeder, E. T. (1999). The effects of exercise during hemodialysis on physical performance and nutrition assessment. Journal of Renal Nutrition, 9(2), 63-70. doi:10.1016/s1051-2276(99)90002-xHeadley, S., Germain, M., Mailloux, P., Mulhern, J., Ashworth, B., Burris, J., … Jones, M. (2002). Resistance training improves strength and functional measures in patients with end-stage renal disease. American Journal of Kidney Diseases, 40(2), 355-364. doi:10.1053/ajkd.2002.34520Painter, P., Carlson, L., Carey, S., Paul, S. M., & Myll, J. (2000). Low-functioning hemodialysis patients improve with exercise training. American Journal of Kidney Diseases, 36(3), 600-608. doi:10.1053/ajkd.2000.16200Segura-Ortí, E., Kouidi, E., & Lisón, J. F. (2009). Effect of resistance exercise during hemodialysis on physical function and quality of life: randomized controlled trial. Clinical Nephrology, 71(05), 527-537. doi:10.5414/cnp71527Esteve Simó, V., Junqué, A., Fulquet, M., Duarte, V., Saurina, A., Pou, M., … Ramírez de Arellano, M. (2014). Complete Low-Intensity Endurance Training Programme in Haemodialysis Patients: Improving the Care of Renal Patients. Nephron Clinical Practice, 128(3-4), 387-393. doi:10.1159/000369253Johansen, K. L., Painter, P. L., Sakkas, G. K., Gordon, P., Doyle, J., & Shubert, T. (2006). Effects of Resistance Exercise Training and Nandrolone Decanoate on Body Composition and Muscle Function among Patients Who Receive Hemodialysis: A Randomized, Controlled Trial. Journal of the American Society of Nephrology, 17(8), 2307-2314. doi:10.1681/asn.2006010034Tao, X., Chow, S. K. Y., & Wong, F. K. (2017). The effects of a nurse-supervised home exercise programme on improving patients’ perceptions of the benefits and barriers to exercise: A randomised controlled trial. Journal of Clinical Nursing, 26(17-18), 2765-2775. doi:10.1111/jocn.13798Rossi, A. P., Burris, D. D., Lucas, F. L., Crocker, G. A., & Wasserman, J. C. (2014). Effects of a Renal Rehabilitation Exercise Program in Patients with CKD: A Randomized, Controlled Trial. Clinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology, 9(12), 2052-2058. doi:10.2215/cjn.11791113Boone, A. E., Foreman, M. H., & Engsberg, J. R. (2017). Development of a novel virtual reality gait intervention. Gait & Posture, 52, 202-204. doi:10.1016/j.gaitpost.2016.11.025Orcy, R. B., Dias, P. S., Seus, T. L., Barcellos, F. C., & Bohlke, M. (2012). Combined Resistance and Aerobic Exercise is Better than Resistance Training Alone to Improve Functional Performance of Haemodialysis Patients - Results of a Randomized Controlled Trial. Physiotherapy Research International, 17(4), 235-243. doi:10.1002/pri.1526Oliveros R, M. S., Avendaño, M., Bunout, D., Hirsch, S., De La Maza, M. P., Pedreros, C., & Müller, H. (2011). Estudio piloto sobre entrenamiento físico durante hemodiálisis. Revista médica de Chile, 139(8), 1046-1053. doi:10.4067/s0034-98872011000800010Silva, S. F. da, Pereira, A. A., Silva, W. A. H. da, Simôes, R., & Barros Neto, J. de R. (2013). Physical therapy during hemodialyse in patients with chronic kidney disease. Jornal Brasileiro de Nefrologia, 35(3), 170-176. doi:10.5935/0101-2800.20130028Bulckaen, M., Capitanini, A., Lange, S., Caciula, A., Giuntoli, F., & Cupisti, A. (2011). Implementation of exercise training programs in a hemodialysis unit: effects on physical performance. Journal of Nephrology, 24(6), 790-797. doi:10.5301/jn.2011.6386Cook, S. A., MacLaughlin, H., & Macdougall, I. C. (2007). A structured weight management programme can achieve improved functional ability and significant weight loss in obese patients with chronic kidney disease. Nephrology Dialysis Transplantation, 23(1), 263-268. doi:10.1093/ndt/gfm511PérezDF.Comparación de los efectos de un programa de ejercicio intradiálisis frente a un programa de ejercicio domiciliario[tesis doctoral]. Universidad CEU Cardenal Herrera Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud;2017.Wilkinson, T. J., Shur, N. F., & Smith, A. C. (2016). «Exercise as medicine» in chronic kidney disease. Scandinavian Journal of Medicine & Science in Sports, 26(8), 985-988. doi:10.1111/sms.1271

The dust content of high-z submillimeter galaxies revealed by Herschel

We use deep observations taken with the Photodetector Array Camera and Spectrometer (PACS), on board the Herschel satellite as part of the PACS evolutionary probe (PEP) guaranteed project along with submm ground-based observations to measure the dust mass of a sample of high-z submillimeter galaxies (SMGs). We investigate their dust content relative to their stellar and gas masses, and compare them with local star-forming galaxies. High-z SMGs are dust rich, i.e. they have higher dust-to-stellar mass ratios compared to local spiral galaxies (by a factor of 30) and also compared to local ultraluminous infrared galaxies (ULIRGs, by a factor of 6). This indicates that the large masses of gas typically hosted in SMGs have already been highly enriched with metals and dust. Indeed, for those SMGs whose gas mass is measured, we infer dust-to-gas ratios similar or higher than local spirals and ULIRGs. However, similarly to other strongly star-forming galaxies in the local Universe and at high-z, SMGs are characterized by gas metalicities lower (by a factor of a few) than local spirals, as inferred from their optical nebular lines, which are generally ascribed to infall of metal-poor gas. This is in contrast with the large dust content inferred from the far-IR and submm data. In short, the metalicity inferred from the dust mass is much higher (by more than an order of magnitude) than that inferred from the optical nebular lines. We discuss the possible explanations of this discrepancy and the possible implications for the investigation of the metalicity evolution at high-z.Comment: Accepted for publication in Astronomy & Astrophysics Letters. One reference update

Interfacing Neurons with Nanostructured Electrodes Modulates Synaptic Circuit Features

Understanding neural physiopathology requires advances in nanotechnology-based interfaces, engineered to monitor the functional state of mammalian nervous cells. Such interfaces typically contain nanometer-size features for stimulation and recording as in cell-non-invasive extracellular microelectrode arrays. In such devices, it turns crucial to understand specific interactions of neural cells with physicochemical features of electrodes, which could be designed to optimize performance. Herein, versatile flexible nanostructured electrodes covered by arrays of metallic nanowires are fabricated and used to investigate the role of chemical composition and nanotopography on rat brain cells in vitro. By using Au and Ni as exemplary materials, nanostructure and chemical composition are demonstrated to play major roles in the interaction of neural cells with electrodes. Nanostructured devices are interfaced to rat embryonic cortical cells and postnatal hippocampal neurons forming synaptic circuits. It is shown that Au-based electrodes behave similarly to controls. Contrarily, Ni-based nanostructured electrodes increase cell survival, boost neuronal differentiation, and reduce glial cells with respect to flat counterparts. Nonetheless, Au-based electrodes perform superiorly compared to Ni-based ones. Under electrical stimulation, Au-based nanostructured substrates evoke intracellular calcium dynamics compatible with neural networks activation. These studies highlight the opportunity for these electrodes to excite a silent neural network by direct neuronal membranes depolarization

The role of statins on helicobacter pylori eradication: Results from the european registry on the management of h. pylori (hp-eureg)

Statins could increase the effectiveness of Helicobacter pylori eradication therapies due to their anti-inflammatory effect. The aim of this study was to analyze the impact of this therapeutic association in real life. This is a multicenter, prospective, non-interventional study aimed at evaluating the management of H. pylori by European gastroenterologists. Patients were registered in an e-CRF by AEG-REDCap from 2013 to 2020. The association between statin use and H. pylori eradication effectiveness was evaluated through multivariate analysis. Overall, 9988 and 705 patients received empirical and culture-guided treatment, respectively. Overall, statin use was associated with higher effectiveness in the empirical group (OR = 1.3; 95%CI = 1.1-1.5), but no association was found with first-line treatment effectiveness (N = 7738); as an exception, statin use was specifically associated with lower effectiveness of standard triple therapy (OR = 0.76; 95%CI = 0.59-0.99). In the rescue therapy empirical group (N = 2228), statins were associated with higher overall effectiveness (OR = 1.9; 95%CI = 1.4-2.6). However, sub-analyses by treatment schemes only confirmed this association for the single-capsule bismuth quadruple therapy (OR = 2.8; 95%CI = 1.3-5.7). No consistent association was found between statin use and H. pylori therapy effectiveness. Therefore, the addition of statins to the usual H. pylori treatment cannot be currently recommended to improve cure rates. © 2021 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland

Gain control network conditions in early sensory coding

Gain control is essential for the proper function of any sensory system. However, the precise mechanisms for achieving effective gain control in the brain are unknown. Based on our understanding of the existence and strength of connections in the insect olfactory system, we analyze the conditions that lead to controlled gain in a randomly connected network of excitatory and inhibitory neurons. We consider two scenarios for the variation of input into the system. In the first case, the intensity of the sensory input controls the input currents to a fixed proportion of neurons of the excitatory and inhibitory populations. In the second case, increasing intensity of the sensory stimulus will both, recruit an increasing number of neurons that receive input and change the input current that they receive. Using a mean field approximation for the network activity we derive relationships between the parameters of the network that ensure that the overall level of activity of the excitatory population remains unchanged for increasing intensity of the external stimulation. We find that, first, the main parameters that regulate network gain are the probabilities of connections from the inhibitory population to the excitatory population and of the connections within the inhibitory population. Second, we show that strict gain control is not achievable in a random network in the second case, when the input recruits an increasing number of neurons. Finally, we confirm that the gain control conditions derived from the mean field approximation are valid in simulations of firing rate models and Hodgkin-Huxley conductance based models

Evaluation of Hungarian Wines for Resveratrol by Overpressured Layer Chromatography

A method, including solid phase extraction sample preparation, overpressured layer chromatographic separation and subsequent densitometric evaluation, was developed for measurement of total resveratrol (cis- and trans-isomers) content of wine. The amount of resveratrol was determined in wine samples from different winemaking regions of Hungary. The total resveratrol was high in Hungarian red wines (3.6–11 mg/L), and much lower in white ones (0.04–1.5 mg/L)

The benefits of very low earth orbit for earth observation missions

Very low Earth orbits (VLEO), typically classified as orbits below approximately 450 km in altitude, have the potential to provide significant benefits to spacecraft over those that operate in higher altitude orbits. This paper provides a comprehensive review and analysis of these benefits to spacecraft operations in VLEO, with parametric investigation of those which apply specifically to Earth observation missions. The most significant benefit for optical imaging systems is that a reduction in orbital altitude improves spatial resolution for a similar payload specification. Alternatively mass and volume savings can be made whilst maintaining a given performance. Similarly, for radar and lidar systems, the signal-to-noise ratio can be improved. Additional benefits include improved geospatial position accuracy, improvements in communications link-budgets, and greater launch vehicle insertion capability. The collision risk with orbital debris and radiation environment can be shown to be improved in lower altitude orbits, whilst compliance with IADC guidelines for spacecraft post-mission lifetime and deorbit is also assisted. Finally, VLEO offers opportunities to exploit novel atmosphere-breathing electric propulsion systems and aerodynamic attitude and orbit control methods. However, key challenges associated with our understanding of the lower thermosphere, aerodynamic drag, the requirement to provide a meaningful orbital lifetime whilst minimising spacecraft mass and complexity, and atomic oxygen erosion still require further research. Given the scope for significant commercial, societal, and environmental impact which can be realised with higher performing Earth observation platforms, renewed research efforts to address the challenges associated with VLEO operations are required

On the exploitation of differential aerodynamic lift and drag as a means to control satellite formation flight

For a satellite formation to maintain its intended design despite present perturbations (formation keeping), to change the formation design (reconfiguration) or to perform a rendezvous maneuver, control forces need to be generated. To do so, chemical and/or electric thrusters are currently the methods of choice. However, their utilization has detrimental effects on small satellites’ limited mass, volume and power budgets. Since the mid-80s, the potential of using differential drag as a means of propellant-less source of control for satellite formation flight is actively researched. This method consists of varying the aerodynamic drag experienced by different spacecraft, thus generating differential accelerations between them. Its main disadvantage, that its controllability is mainly limited to the in-plain relative motion, can be overcome using differential lift as a means to control the out-of-plane motion. Due to its promising benefits, a variety of studies from researchers around the world have enhanced the state-of-the-art over the past decades which results in a multitude of available literature. In this paper, an extensive literature review of the efforts which led to the current state-of-the-art of different lift and drag-based satellite formation control is presented. Based on the insights gained during the review process, key knowledge gaps that need to be addressed in the field of differential lift to enhance the current state-of-the-art are revealed and discussed. In closer detail, the interdependence between the feasibility domain/the maneuver time and increased differential lift forces achieved using advanced satellite surface materials promoting quasi-specular or specular reflection, as currently being developed in the course of the DISCOVERER project, is discussed