Expected and unexpected behavior of the orientational order and dynamics induced by azobenzene solutes in a nematic

We have explored the changes in the phase stability, orientational order, and dynamics of the nematic 4-cyano-4¢-n-pentylbiphenyl (5CB) doped with either the trans or the cis form of different p-azobenzene derivatives using the ESR spin-probe technique. In particular, we have studied the effects induced by each of the seven nonmesogenic 4-R-phenylazobenzenes (R = H, F, Br, CH3, CF3, On-Bu, Ot-Bu) at 1% and 7% mole fraction on the order parameter and on the shift of the nematic-isotropic transition temperature (TNI), as reported by a nitroxide spin probe, and we have tried to relate them to the solute shape and charge distribution. In all the cases the presence of the azo-derivative causes a depression of TNI, more pronounced for the cis isomers. The dependence of on the reduced temperature T*=T/TNI remains the same as that of pure 5CB in all trans-doped samples at 1% and 7% and decreases only slightly in the cis at 1%. However, we observe different and in some cases large variations (up to 25%) in for the cis at 7%, showing solute effects that go beyond the shift in TNI. Surprisingly enough, even at the highest concentration, the probe dynamics appears to be essentially independent of the nature, the configuration, and the concentration of the different solutes and very similar to that observed in the pure 5CB

Secukinumab for Psoriasis in Obese Patients: Minireview and Clinical Experience

Psoriasis (PsO) has been associated with obesity, and its severity increases in obese subjects. The link between psoriatic condition and obesity is based on shared pathophysiological pathways where local and systemic inflammation promote each other; PsO is an inflammatory, immune-mediated disease, and the adipose tissue is the source of proinflammatory adipokines. Moreover, psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is an important comorbidity of PsO that reduces quality of life and makes difficult the patient's management. Treatment of obese subjects with moderate to severe PsO, even more if PsA is present, is challenging because of reduced efficacy of several systemic drugs and increased risk of adverse events. Secukinumab, a monoclonal antibody that selectively binds to and neutralizes interleukin 17A, shows efficacy on PsO in all body weight groups, even in the highest, whose response has a slight downward trend. Clinical features of two obese subjects, affected by PsO and PsA, successfully treated with secukinumab, are described

Antiquities trafficking in conflict countries: A crime-mapping approach

Studies on antiquities trafficking have often been overshadowed by research looking at the trafficking of human beings, drugs, and weapons, a fact partly motivated by the arguably higher relevance and greater security implications involved in these other forms of illicit trade. However, the past decade of conflicts in the Middle East has revived an interest in the study of antiquities trafficking networks. 1 The association between the growing size of the illicit antiquities market and conflicts in the region did not go unnoticed by crime scientists and criminologists looking deeper at the relation between the trafficking of antiquities and transnational organized crime

Impact of monopolar and bipolar endometrial resection on abnormal uterine bleeding

Study Objective. To compare two procedures for endometrial resection: resectoscopy with monopolar knife versus resectoscopy with bipolar knife. Patients and methods. 76 perimenopausal patients affected by DUB (Dysfunctional Uterine Bleeding), no longer wishing to remain pregnant and having failed to respond to pharmacological treatment, underwent endometrial ablation with monopolar loop (group A: 38 women) or bipolar loop (group B: 38 women). Operative parameters, complication rate, menstrual outcome were considered. Results. Operative time was no different between groups. The amount of distention fluid adsorbed was significantly higher in group A than in group B, and late cumulative complication rate was 44% in group A and 24% in group B. Menstrual cycle was, overall, controlled in both groups. Conclusions. Bipolar electrode is as effective as monopolar electrode for endometrial resection, but was safer than monopolar knif

Antithrombotic treatment in elderly patients with atrial fibrillation: A practical approach

Background: Atrial fibrillation (AF) in the elderly is a complex condition. It has a direct impact on the underuse of antithrombotic therapy reported in this population. Discussion: All patients aged =75years with AF have an individual yearly risk of stroke >4%. However, the risk of hemorrhage is also increased. Moreover, in this population it is common the presence of other comorbidities, cognitive disorders, risk of falls and polymedication. This may lead to an underuse of anticoagulant therapy. Direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) are at least as effective as conventional therapy, but with lesser risk of intracranial hemorrhage. The simplification of treatment with these drugs may be an advantage in patients with cognitive impairment. The great majority of elderly patients with AF should receive anticoagulant therapy, unless an unequivocal contraindication. DOACs may be the drugs of choice in many elderly patients with AF. Summary: In this manuscript, the available evidence about the management of anticoagulation in elderly patients with AF is reviewed. In addition, specific practical recommendations about different controversial issues (i.e. patients with anemia, thrombocytopenia, risk of gastrointestinal bleeding, renal dysfunction, cognitive impairment, risk of falls, polymedication, frailty, etc.) are provided

p75 neurotrophin receptor mediates apoptosis in transit-amplifying cells and its overexpression restores cell death in psoriatic keratinocytes.

p75 neurotrophin receptor (p75NTR) belongs to the TNF-receptor superfamily and signals apoptosis in many cell settings. In human epidermis, p75NTR is mostly confined to the transit-amplifying (TA) sub-population of basal keratinocytes. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) or neurotrophin-4 (NT-4), which signals through p75NTR, induces keratinocyte apoptosis, whereas β-amyloid, a ligand for p75NTR, triggers caspase-3 activation to a greater extent in p75NTR transfected cells. Moreover, p75NTR co-immunoprecipitates with NRAGE, induces the phosphorylation of c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) and reduces nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) DNA-binding activity. p75NTR also mediates pro-NGF-induced keratinocyte apoptosis through its co-receptor sortilin. Furthermore, BDNF or β-amyloid cause cell death in TA, but not in keratinocyte stem cells (KSCs) or in p75NTR silenced TA cells. p75NTR is absent in lesional psoriatic skin and p75NTR levels are significantly lower in psoriatic than in normal TA keratinocytes. The rate of apoptosis in psoriatic TA cells is significantly lower than in normal TA cells. BDNF or β-amyloid fail to induce apoptosis in psoriatic TA cells, and p75NTR retroviral infection restores BDNF- or β-amyloid-induced apoptosis in psoriatic keratinocytes. These results demonstrate that p75NTR has a pro-apoptotic role in keratinocytes and is involved in the maintenance of epidermal homeostasis

Patent foramen ovale closure with vena cava thrombus: You need an arm and a neck!

In patients with challenging femoral vein anatomy, transcatheter patent foramen ovale (PFO) closure can be safely and effectively be done through the jugular veins guided by ICE from the arm. This novel technique can potentially save resources (anesthesia and TEE) and provide an option for patients without a femoral option

Emergency Alcohol Septal Ablation for Shock After TAVR: One More Option in the Toolbox

We hereby report a case of severe shock from left ventricular outflow tract obstruction following transcatheter aortic valve replacement that did not respond to medical therapy and had to be treated with emergent alcohol septal ablation (ASA). Emergent ASA should be considered for bail-out treatment for these refractory cases. (Level of Difficulty: Advanced.