X-rays, electrons, and neutrons as probes of atomic matter

X-rays, electrons, and neutrons probe different properties of matter. X-rays feel electron density (ED). Electrons sense the electrostatic potential (ESP) of electrons and nuclei. Neutrons are sensitive to nuclear coherent scattering length (NCSL). While NCSL maps are widely understood to be different, ED and ESP maps are tacitly assumed to be similar. Here, I show that the belief in ED and ESP map equivalence is mistaken, but contains a grain of truth. Using density functional theory (DFT), the Bethe-Mott (BM) relation, and the Thomas-Fermi (TF) and Cromer-Mann (CM) atomic models, I show that ED and ESP maps are indeed more similar to each other than to NCSL maps. Nevertheless, peak and integrated map values depend differently on the atomic order number and on the contributions from electrons in the inner and outer CM shells. ED and ESP maps also differ in the sign and relative magnitude of excess charge effects.

A life cycle assessment of coal-fired thermal power plants with post-combustion control techniques: an India scenario

In recent years, there has been a focus on clean power generation, and it is critical to assess the environmental impact of novel technologies used in pollution control in power generation. The study uses life cycle assessment (LCA) to assess the environmental impacts of coal-fired thermal power plants with different emission control techniques in an Indian scenario. As there are no such studies available in the Indian context, this work might provide a holistic view of the impacts of energy generation. A supercritical coal-fired plant with a capacity of 660 MW is considered in this study. The system boundary included coal extraction, transportation, power plant operation, and transmission losses of electricity with a functional unit of 1 kWh. It was observed that there was an energy penalty due to the power consumed in emission control devices, but the maximum energy penalty was due to the power used in the carbon capture system. The LCA is done from "cradle to gate", with impact indicators at the mid-point evaluated using the RECIPE (H) 2016 LCIA method. LCA results showed that power plant operation is the most significant contributor to environmental impact. Initially, in cases 1 and 2, climate change (CC) potential was a major impact category, but CC potential was reduced with carbon capture and storage, 0.27 kg CO2 eq. in case 3 with ESP, FGD, SCR, and carbon capture and storage (CCS) and 0.263 kg CO2 eq. in case 4 with ESP and CCS. But there was a considerable increase in the majority of the impact categories in case 4. Freshwater consumption potential increased from 3.98 E-03 m3 in base case 1 to 4.98 E-03 m3 in case 3 due to the amount of water used in chemical production during CCS, as CC potential is a major concern in power generation, However, compared to case 1, the potential for climate change increased in case 2, whilst in case 4, the potential for climate change is lower but has resulted in an increase in the majority of impact categories. Case 3 shows an optimal approach to reducing CO2 emissions compared to other cases. The combination of ESP, FGD, SCR, and CCS is favourable for cleaner energy generation.

Utilization of Truncal Fascial Plane Nerve Blocks for Chronic Pain Management: A Narrative Review

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Nerve blocks constitute an integral portion in the management of chronic pain. The widespread use of ultrasound imaging opened the door to a flood of newer blocks especially truncal plane nerve blocks. We reviewed the current medical literature for studies and case reports utilizing the two most common truncal plane nerve blocks, transversus abdominis plane and erector spinae plane blocks, to manage chronic pain.

RECENT FINDINGS

We found some evidence, mostly in case reports and retrospective observational studies, that supports the use of transversus abdominis plane and erector spinae plane nerve blocks, usually with steroids, as a safe and valuable part of interdisciplinary management of chronic abdominal and chest walls pain. Ultrasound-guided truncal fascial plane nerve blocks are safe, easy to learn, and proven to help with post-operative acute pain management. Although limited, our current review provides evidence from the current medical literature regarding the utility of these blocks to manage some of the challenging chronic and cancer-related pain conditions of the trunk region.

pekinensis)

Glucosinolates are secondary plant metabolites that are part of the plant's defense system against pathogens and pests and are activated via enzymatic degradation by thioglucoside glucohydrolases (myrosinases). Epithiospecifier proteins (ESPs) and nitrile-specifier proteins (NSPs) divert the myrosinase-catalyzed hydrolysis of a given glucosinolate to form epithionitrile and nitrile rather than isothiocyanate. However, the associated gene families have not been explored in Chinese cabbage. We identified three ESP and fifteen NSP genes randomly distributed on six chromosomes in Chinese cabbage. Based on a phylogenetic tree, the ESP and NSP gene family members were divided into four clades and had similar gene structure and motif composition of Brassica rapa epithiospecifier proteins (BrESPs) and B. rapa nitrile-specifier proteins (BrNSPs) in the same clade. We identified seven tandem duplicated events and eight pairs of segmentally duplicated genes. Synteny analysis showed that Chinese cabbage and Arabidopsis thaliana are closely related. We detected the proportion of various glucosinolate hydrolysates in Chinese cabbage and verified the function of BrESPs and BrNSPs in glucosinolate hydrolysis. Furthermore, we used quantitative RT-PCR to analyze the expression of BrESPs and BrNSPs and demonstrated that these genes responded to insect attack. Our findings provide novel insights into BrESPs and BrNSPs that can help further promote the regulation of glucosinolate hydrolysates by ESP and NSP to resist insect attack in Chinese cabbage.

Integrating Landscape Ecological Risks and Ecosystem Service Values into the Ecological Security Pattern Identification of Wuhan Urban Agglomeration

Urban agglomerations are the main form of China's future promotion of new urbanization development. Nevertheless, their accelerated expansion and development are increasingly threatening the security of regional ecosystems. The identification and optimization of ecological safety patterns (ESPs) is the fundamental spatial way to guarantee the ecological safety of urban circles and realize the sustainable development of the socio-economic and ecological environment. Nevertheless, from the perspective of urban green, low-carbon, and ecological restoration, regional safety evaluation still lacks a complete framework integrating ecological elements and social and natural indicators. Moreover, the evaluation method of ESPs also has a lack of judgment on the long-term change dynamics of regional landscape ecological risks and ecosystem service values. Thus, we proposed a new regional ecological security evaluation system based on ecosystem service value (ESV) and landscape ecological risk (LER), using the Wuhan urban agglomeration (WUA) as the research object. This study analyzed LER and ESV's spatial and temporal changes over nearly 40 years from 1980 to 2020. LER and LSV were used as ecological elements combined with natural and human-social elements to jointly model the resistance surface of the landscape pattern. Applying the minimum cumulative resistance model (MCR), we identified green ecological corridors, constructed the ESPs of WUA, and proposed optimization measures. Our results show that: (1) The proportion of higher- and high-ecological-risk areas in WUA has decreased from 19.30% to 13.51% over the past 40 years. Over time, a "low-high-low" hierarchical distribution characteristic centered on Wuhan city was gradually formed in the east, south, and north; the total value of ecosystem services increased from CNY1110.998 billion to CNY1160.698 billion. The ESV was higher in the northeastern, southern, and central parts of the area. (2) This study selected 30 ecological source areas with a total area of about 14,374 km2 and constructed and identified 24 ecological corridors and 42 ecological nodes, forming a multi-level ecological network optimization pattern with intertwined points, lines, and surfaces, increasing the connectivity of the ecological network and improving the ecological security level of the study area to a large extent, which is of great significance to promote the ecological priority and green-rise strategy of WUA and the high-quality development path of the green ecological shelter.

Secretion of extracellular vesicles during ontogeny of the tapeworm Schistocephalus solidus

We provide the first ultrastructural evidence of the secretion of extracellular vesicles (EVs) across all parasitic stages of the tapeworm Schistocephalus solidus (Müller, 1776) (Cestoda: Diphyllobothriidea) using a laboratory life cycle model. We confirmed the presence of EV-like bodies in all stages examined, including the hexacanth, procercoids in the copepod, Macrocyclops albidus (Jurine, 1820), plerocercoids from the body cavity of the three-spined stickleback, Gasterosteus aculeatus Linnaeus, and adults cultivated in artificial medium. In addition, we provide description of novel tegumental structures potentially involved in EV biogenesis and the presence of unique elongated EVs similar to those previously described only in Fasciola hepatica Linnaeus, 1758 (Trematoda), Hymenolepis diminuta (Rudolphi, 1819) (Cestoda), and Trypanosoma brucei Plimmer et Bradford, 1899 (Kinetoplastida).

Excretory/Secretory Proteome of Females and Males of the Hookworm Ancylostoma ceylanicum

The dynamic host-parasite mechanisms underlying hookworm infection establishment and maintenance in mammalian hosts remain poorly understood but are primarily mediated by hookworm's excretory/secretory products (ESPs), which have a wide spectrum of biological functions. We used ultra-high performance mass spectrometry to comprehensively profile and compare female and male ESPs from the zoonotic human hookworm Ancylostoma ceylanicum, which is a natural parasite of dogs, cats, and humans. We improved the genome annotation, decreasing the number of protein-coding genes by 49% while improving completeness from 92 to 96%. Compared to the previous genome annotation, we detected 11% and 10% more spectra in female and male ESPs, respectively, using this improved version, identifying a total of 795 ESPs (70% in both sexes, with the remaining sex-specific). Using functional databases (KEGG, GO and Interpro), common and sex-specific enriched functions were identified. Comparisons with the exclusively human-infective hookworm Necator americanus identified species-specific and conserved ESPs. This is the first study identifying ESPs from female and male A. ceylanicum. The findings provide a deeper understanding of hookworm protein functions that assure long-term host survival and facilitate future engineering of transgenic hookworms and analysis of regulatory elements mediating the high-level expression of ESPs. Furthermore, the findings expand the list of potential vaccine and diagnostic targets and identify biologics that can be explored for anti-inflammatory potential.

Reflections on extraordinary knowing: Insight into the nature of the mind

Scientists have spent considerable time and effort studying and mapping the geography of the brain, with the expectation that this understanding will lead to insights related to the nature of the mind. This article discusses evidence that, while the mind utilizes sensory information processed by the brain, awareness is not limited to these structures. Research studies give evidence supporting the mind's ability to expand awareness to include perception of objects and events not available to the five senses. This awareness also extends to moments in the future, including the mind's ability to access information seconds or even days in advance of the occurrence. A major brain filter that limits this capacity for expanded awareness is the Default Mode Network (DMN). We summarize research showing that when the DMN activity is reduced, e.g., through meditation, ingestion of neuromodulatory drugs, or NDEs, filtering within the brain is reduced, there is a concomitant development of new connectivity, and these neural changes are correlated with access to expanded awareness.

Eating Concerns Associated with Nutritional Information Obtained from Social Media among Saudi Young Females: A Cross-Sectional Study

Eating disorders have been highly prevalent in young females for decades for many reasons. Social media platforms have an enormous impact on users, especially young adults, who use them every day. In Saudi Arabia, social media is popular, with an estimated 72% of users being active in 2020. Therefore, the primary aim of this study was to assess the relationship between using social media to search for nutritional information and eating concerns. A nationwide study was conducted on 1092 young Saudi females aged 18-30 years from five administrative regions in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Data were collected using an online validated questionnaire, and symptoms of eating concerns were assessed using two brief instruments: SCOFF [Sick, Control, One Stone, Fat, Food] and Eating disorders Screen for Primary care [ESP]. The prevalence of eating concerns was 49.6% among Saudi females. Moderate eating concerns were more prevalent in the central region 24.8%, whereas high eating concerns were more prevalent in the southern region 27.6%. Personal accounts of dietitian/nutritionists (OR = 1.170; 95% CI 1.071-1.277; p ≤ 0.001), interaction with offered experiments about new meals/restaurants, and diets on social media that were mostly promoted by celebrities/influencers (OR = 1.554; 95% CI 1.402-1.723; p ≤ 0.000) were the most prominent risk factors associated with being more likely to suffer from eating concerns. The present study recommends opening clinics specializing in nutrition on social media platforms that target young females to provide nutritional counselling and encourage a healthy lifestyle. In addition, it is important to plan awareness campaigns intended to educate young females on how to deal with messages that circulate on social media without any evidence regarding their truthfulness.

Erector spinae plane block as perioperative analgesia for midline sternotomy in cardiac surgery: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Inadequate analgesia following cardiac surgery increases postoperative complications. Opioid-based analgesia is associated with side effects that may compromise postoperative recovery. Regional anesthetic techniques provide an alternative thereby reducing opioid requirements and potentially enhancing postoperative recovery. The erector spinae plane block has been used in multiple surgical procedures including sternotomy for cardiac surgery. We, therefore, aimed to characterize the impact of this block on post-sternotomy pain and recovery in cardiac surgery patients.

METHODS

We conducted an electronic search for studies reporting on the use of the erector spinae plane block in adult cardiac surgery via midline sternotomy. Randomized controlled trials, cohort studies, and case-control studies were considered for inclusion. Outcomes of interest included postoperative pain, time-to-extubation, and intensive care unit length of stay.

RESULTS

In total, 498 citations were identified and five were included in the meta-analysis. The erector spinae plane block did not significantly reduce self-reported postoperative pain scores at 4 h (-2.04; 95% confidence interval [CI] -8.15 to 4.07; p = .29) or 12 h (-0.27; 95% CI -2.48 to 1.94; p = .65) postextubation, intraoperative opioid requirements (-3.07; 95% CI -6.25 to 0.11; p = .05], time-to-extubation (-1.17; 95% CI -2.81 to 0.46; p = .12), or intensive care unit (ICU) length of stay (-4.51; 95% CI -14.23 to 5.22; p = .24).

CONCLUSIONS

Erector spinae plane block was not associated with significant reduction in postoperative pain, intraoperative opioid requirements, time-to-extubation, and ICU length of stay in patients undergoing cardiac surgery. The paucity of large randomized controlled trials and the high heterogeneity among studies suggest that further studies are required to assess its effectiveness in cardiac surgery patients.

Students' and teachers' perceptions of effective ESP teaching

Given the importance of ESP teaching, this study explores and compares students' and teachers' perceptions of effective ESP teaching. The researcher administered a 32-item Likert-scale questionnaire to 248 participants (216 students and 32 teachers) at five universities in Vietnam. The participants were then stratified to select 20 participants (fifteen students and five teachers) for interviews. Results showed that there were significant discrepancies between students and teachers' perceptions of four categories: task-based language teaching, corrective feedback and assessment, discipline specifications, and culture integration. However, students' and teachers' perceptions of three categories, namely language use, application of technologies, and grammar teaching, were aligned. Interview data generally confirmed the quantitative results and provided more insights into what the participants thought. It might be important for teachers to present their concerns about ESP teaching to students and understand students' needs and expectations to bridge the gaps.

NEW CONCEPT OF FUSION TECHNICS IN REGIONAL ANESTHESIA

The aim of this review article is to introduce a newer approach to multimodal anesthesia. In addition to the usual combination of epidural catheter and general anesthesia as standard techniques in surgical procedures accompanied by intense postoperative pain, we want to encourage reflection on the application of various regional techniques in equally complex surgical conditions. By simply modifying the standard neuraxial technique with a higher thoracic approach, excellent abdominal surgery can be performed to awake the patient. However, placement of an epidural catheter is not always possible due to technical difficulties or patient-related conditions that contraindicate its insertion. Trunk-level fascia blocks (PVB, ESPB, RLB) are simple, safe alternative to an epidural catheter because the transverse process, which is the target of ultrasound, is easily visualized and the injection site is away from neuroaxis, pleura, and large vascular structures. In addition, extensive craniocaudal diffusion of anesthetics allows wide coverage with a single injection. It has been confirmed that PVB, ESPB, RLB blocks act on visceral and somatic pain. Therefore, their ultrasound-guided use in laparoscopic and other abdominal surgeries may be useful. With a well-designed fusion of regional techniques in operations of the upper and lower abdomen, it is possible to achieve hemodynamically and respiratory stable anesthesia in an awake patient with reduced postoperative pain.

Continuous interscalene versus phrenic nerve-sparing high-thoracic erector spinae plane block for total shoulder arthroplasty: a randomized controlled trial

PURPOSE

The high-thoracic erector spinae plane block (HT-ESPB) has been reported as an effective analgesic modality for the shoulder region without phrenic nerve palsy. The goal of this study was to compare the HT-ESPB as a phrenic nerve-sparing alternative to an interscalene block for total shoulder arthroplasty.

METHODS

Thirty patients undergoing total shoulder arthroplasty at Stanford Health Care (Palo Alto, CA, USA) were enrolled in a double-blind randomized controlled trial. We randomized 28 patients to receive either an interscalene or HT-ESPB perineural catheter preoperatively; 26 patients were included in the final analysis. The study was powered for the primary outcome of incidence of hemidiaphragmatic paralysis in the postanesthesia care unit (PACU). Other outcome measures included incentive spirometry volume, brachial plexus motor and sensory exams, adverse events, pain scores, and opioid consumption.

RESULTS

The incidence of hemidiaphragmatic paralysis in the HT-ESPB catheter group was significantly lower than in the interscalene catheter group (0/12, 0% vs 14/14, 100%; P < 0.001). No statistically significant differences were found in pain scores and opioid consumption (in oral morphine equivalents) between the interscalene and HT-ESPB groups through postoperative day (POD) 2. Nevertheless, the mean (standard deviation) point estimates for opioid consumption for the HT-ESPB group were higher than for the interscalene group in the PACU (HT-ESPB: 24.8 [26.7] mg; interscalene: 10.7 [21.7] mg) and for POD 0 (HT-ESPB: 20.5 [25.0] mg; interscalene: 6.7 [12.0] mg). In addition, cumulative postoperative opioid consumption was significantly higher at POD 0 (PACU through POD 0) in the HT-ESPB group (45.3 [39.9] mg) than in the interscalene group (16.6 [21.9] mg; P = 0.04).

CONCLUSIONS

This study suggests that continuous HT-ESPB can be a phrenic nerve-sparing alternative to continuous interscalene brachial plexus blockade, although the latter provided superior opioid-sparing in the immediate postoperative period. This was a small sample size study, and further investigations powered to detect differences in analgesic and quality of recovery score endpoints are needed.

STUDY REGISTRATION

www.

CLINICALTRIALS

gov (NCT03807505); registered 17 January 2019.

Adsorption properties of dacarbazine with graphene/fullerene/metal nanocages - Reactivity, spectroscopic and SERS analysis

Drug delivery devices are an effective way to minimize anticancer drug toxicity and nanostructures are used in the targeted drug delivery. In the present work, adsorption and interaction behavior of 4-(dimethylaminodiazenyl)-1H-imidazole-5-carboxamide (DAIC) with nano complexes (graphene, fullerene and fullerene like metal cages) are reported theoretically. From the reactivity studies, the electrophilicity index of DAIC-nanoclusters are increasing and this gives the bioactivity of the nanocluster systems. Adsorption energy is highest in the case of AlP and lowest in the case of BP clusters. Mulliken charge distribution of all systems is an evidence for chemical enhancement. DAIC adsorption over nanocages causes changes in electronic properties resulting in chemical enhancement and variation in Raman spectra which suggests that nanocages could be a good candidate for DAIC detection.

Building synapses: Using a synthetic approach to bridge synaptic membranes

Synapses are specialized cellular junctions essential for communication between neurons. Synapse loss occurs in many neurodegenerative diseases. Harnessing our molecular knowledge of the development and maintenance of synapses, Suzuki et al. present the first comprehensive attempt to use a synthetic protein to bridge the pre- and postsynaptic membranes¹. They show that this powerful approach can stimulate the formation of pre- and postsynaptic specializations in vitro, rescue synaptic deficits of mutant mice in vivo, and ameliorate synapse loss and behavioral abnormalities in both Alzheimer's disease and spinal cord injury mouse models.

Ultrasound-guided erector spinae interfascial plane block for spinal surgery in three cats

Case series summary

The erector spinae plane (ESP) block consists of an interfascial injection of local anaesthetic between the erector spinae muscle group and the transverse processes of the thoracic vertebrae. This block targets the dorsal rami of the thoracic spinal nerves to desensitise the cutaneous area near the dorsal midline, the paraspinal muscles, the dorsal vertebral laminae and the facet joints. The purpose of this case series is to describe the perioperative analgesic effect and complications of ultrasound-guided ESP block with bupivacaine in three cats undergoing spinal surgery. Only one cardiovascular response was recorded in this case series. Just one cat received intraoperative rescue analgesia. Cats 1 and 2 recorded just one high pain score in the first 24 h postoperatively, and cat 3 recorded three high pain scores. The total amount of methadone given in the 24 h postoperatively was 0.6 mg/kg in cat 1, 0.9 mg/kg in cat 2 and 0.8 mg/kg in cat 3. All three cats suffered mild and transient intraoperative complications, which were easily addressed. There were no postoperative complications.

Relevance and novel information

This case series documents a novel locoregional anaesthesia technique as an alternative to traditional systemic analgesia. The technique is part of a multimodal analgesia approach for spinal surgery in cats. Perioperative analgesic effect and complications presented in this case series are evaluated and discussed.

The Integrated Amendment of Sodic-Saline Soils Using Biochar and Plant Growth-Promoting Rhizobacteria Enhances Maize (Zea mays L.) Resilience to Water Salinity

The utilization of low-quality water or slightly saline water in sodic-saline soil is a major global conundrum that severely impacts agricultural productivity and sustainability, particularly in arid and semiarid regions with limited freshwater resources. Herein, we proposed an integrated amendment strategy for sodic-saline soil using biochar and/or plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR; Azotobacter chroococcum SARS 10 and Pseudomonas koreensis MG209738) to alleviate the adverse impacts of saline water on the growth, physiology, and productivity of maize (Zea mays L.), as well as the soil properties and nutrient uptake during two successive seasons (2018 and 2019). Our field experiments revealed that the combined application of PGPR and biochar (PGPR + biochar) significantly improved the soil ecosystem and physicochemical properties and K+, Ca2+, and Mg2+ contents but reduced the soil exchangeable sodium percentage and Na+ content. Likewise, it significantly increased the activity of soil urease (158.14 ± 2.37 and 165.51 ± 3.05 mg NH4+ g-1 dry soil d-1) and dehydrogenase (117.89 ± 1.86 and 121.44 ± 1.00 mg TPF g-1 dry soil d-1) in 2018 and 2019, respectively, upon irrigation with saline water compared with non-treated control. PGPR + biochar supplementation mitigated the hazardous impacts of saline water on maize plants grown in sodic-saline soil better than biochar or PGPR individually (PGPR + biochar > biochar > PGPR). The highest values of leaf area index, total chlorophyll, carotenoids, total soluble sugar (TSS), relative water content, K+ and K+/Na+ of maize plants corresponded to PGPR + biochar treatment. These findings could be guidelines for cultivating not only maize but other cereal crops particularly in salt-affected soil and sodic-saline soil.

An integrated outsourcing practice of nonclinical LC-MS bioanalysis and toxicokinetics at Novartis small molecule drug development

With decommissioning of internal regulated bioanalytical (BA) and toxicokinetic (TK) capabilities, Novartis has relied on external service providers (ESPs) for all nonclinical LC-MS BA and majority of the associated TK work since 2017. This paper outlines an integrated outsourcing practice of the Novartis nonclinical LC-MS BA/TK group, which covers the roles and responsibilities of Novartis nonclinical LC-MS BA/TK expert scientific monitors, selection of ESPs for Novartis nonclinical LC-MS BA/TK studies, qualification of BA/TK ESPs, study conduct and completion, ESP oversight and evaluation, issue mitigation, and future perspectives.

Foliar-Applied Potassium Silicate Coupled with Plant Growth-Promoting Rhizobacteria Improves Growth, Physiology, Nutrient Uptake and Productivity of Faba Bean (Vicia faba L.) Irrigated with Saline Water in Salt-Affected Soil

The continuity of traditional planting systems in the last few decades has encountered its most significant challenge in the harsh changes in the global climate, leading to frustration in the plant growth and productivity, especially in the arid and semi-arid regions cultivated with moderate or sensitive crops to abiotic stresses. Faba bean, like most legume crops, is considered a moderately sensitive crop to saline soil and/or saline water. In this connection, a field experiment was conducted during the successive winter seasons 2018/2019 and 2019/2020 in a salt-affected soil to explore the combined effects of plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) and potassium (K) silicate on maintaining the soil quality, performance, and productivity of faba bean plants irrigated with either fresh water or saline water. Our findings indicated that the coupled use of PGPR and K silicate under the saline water irrigation treatment had the capability to reduce the levels of exchangeable sodium percentage (ESP) in the soil and to promote the activity of some soil enzymes (urease and dehydrogenase), which recorded nearly non-significant differences compared with fresh water (control) treatment, leading to reinstating the soil quality. Consequently, under salinity stress, the combined application motivated the faba bean vegetative growth, e.g., root length and nodulation, which reinstated the K⁺/Na⁺ ions homeostasis, leading to the lessening or equalizing of the activity level of enzymatic antioxidants (CAT, POD, and SOD) compared with the controls of both saline water and fresh water treatments, respectively. Although the irrigation with saline water significantly increased the osmolytes concentration (free amino acids and proline) in faba bean plants compared with fresh water treatment, application of PGPR or K-silicate notably reduced the osmolyte levels below the control treatment, either under stress or non-stress conditions. On the contrary, the concentrations of soluble assimilates (total soluble proteins and total soluble sugars) recorded pronounced increases under tested treatments, which enriched the plant growth, the nutrients (N, P, and K) uptake and translocation to the sink organs, which lastly improved the yield attributes (number of pods plant⁻¹, number of seeds pod⁻¹, 100-seed weight). It was concluded that the combined application of PGPR and K-silicate is considered a profitable strategy that is able to alleviate the harmful impact of salt stress alongside increasing plant growth and productivity.

Academic and real-life task-based language needs of marine engineering students: interface between students' and subject teachers' perspectives

English for Specific Purposes (ESP) and Needs Analysis (NA) have been studied to a great extent, since a couple of decades ago. The review of the related studies also shows that needs analysis has been of much concern to the researchers interested in the ESP field. However, ESP for the students of marine engineering has not been investigated in terms of the task-based language needs. The researchers used a quantitative survey. To collect the data, a researcher developed questionnaire consisting of two components (academic & real-life) was employed. The data were analyzed through descriptive and inferential statistics (independent samples-t-tests). Both ME students and subject specialists believed that the academic and real-life task-based language needs are important to ME students. Results also showed that the differences between mean scores of the students and subject specialists were statistically significant. It can be concluded that maritime engineering students, to accomplish their study, need mastery in both receptive and productive language skills. Findings are both theoretically and pedagogically important to ESP educators, administrators of the universities as well the policymakers and administrators of marine engineering.

Anatomical basis of erector spinae plane block: a dissection and histotopographic pilot study

Purpose

Erector spinae plane (ESP) block is an interfascial blockade used in different clinical scenarios. This study investigated the ventral extent of dye diffusion in ESP block.

Methods

The ultrasound-guided ESP block was bilaterally performed with an injection at the T5 vertebral level (21-Gauge, 50 mm needle), using diluted black tissue marking dye (20 mL; 1:4 ratio with standard saline solution) instead of local anesthetic on two fresh-frozen corpses within the body donation program of the University of Padova. Subsequently, the gross anatomical dissection was performed by a combined posterior plus anterior approach, and the histotopographic examination completed.

Results

Macroscopically by gross anatomical dissection, the dye spreading ranged on the dorsal side of the chest from T2/3 to T10/11 with an extension up to 10 cm laterally, and on the ventral side of the chest from T2/3–T9/10. Microscopically by histotopographic examination, the dye diffused ventrally to the intercostal spaces (2–3 and 5–6 spaces on the right and left, respectively) by following the blood vessels coupled to the dorsal nerve passing through the costotransverse foramen.

Conclusions

The anterior pathway of dye diffusion from the site of injection within the erector spinae muscle group during an ESP block seems to follow the blood vessels and dorsal rami of spinal nerves, suggesting the passing through the costotransverse foramen to reach the anterior paravertebral space and the intercostal nerves. These findings display an anterior histotopographic diffusion of dye resembling a paravertebral block.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s00540-020-02881-w.

The effect of erector spinae plane block on perioperative analgesic consumption and complications in dogs undergoing hemilaminectomy surgery: a retrospective cohort study

OBJECTIVE

To compare the perioperative use of analgesics and complication rates in dogs administered an erector spinae plane (ESP) block or a traditional opioid-based (OP) treatment as part of analgesic management during hemilaminectomy.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study.

ANIMALS

Medical records of 114 client-owned dogs.

METHODS

General data included demographics, duration of procedure, number of laminae fenestrated, perioperative use of steroid and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Intra- and postoperative analgesics used in 48 hours and complications rates were compared between groups. Opioid use was expressed in morphine equivalents [ME (mg kg^-1)]. Continuous data were compared using the Mann-Whitney U test and incidence of events with a Fisher's exact tests. Multiple linear regression was used to evaluate association between perioperative ME consumption (dependent variable) with other independent variables. Data are presented as median (range). Differences were considered significant when p < 0.05.

RESULTS

Group ESP comprised 42 dogs and group OP 72 dogs. No differences were observed in the general data. Intraoperative ME was 0.65 (0.20-3.74) and 0.79 (0.19-5.60) mg kg^-1 in groups ESP and OP, respectively (p = 0.03). Intraoperative infusion of lidocaine was administered intravenously (IV) to 23.8% and 68% of groups ESP and OP, respectively (p < 0.0001). Intraoperative infusion of ketamine was administered IV to 21% and 40% of groups ESP and OP, respectively (p = 0.04). Regression analysis revealed the ESP block as the only independent variable affecting the perioperative ME consumption. Pharmacological intervention to treat cardiovascular complications was administered to 21.4% and 47.2% of dogs in groups ESP and OP, respectively (p = 0.008). There were no differences in postoperative complication rates.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE

ESP block was associated with reduced perioperative opioid consumption, intraoperative adjuvant analgesic use and incidence of pharmacological interventions to treat cardiovascular complications in dogs undergoing hemilaminectomy.

Metatranscriptomic Analysis of Oil-Exposed Seawater Bacterial Communities Archived by an Environmental Sample Processor (ESP)

The use of natural marine bacteria as "oil sensors" for the detection of pollution events can be suggested as a novel way of monitoring oil occurrence at sea. Nucleic acid-based devices generically called genosensors are emerging as potentially promising tools for in situ detection of specific microbial marker genes suited for that purpose. Functional marker genes are particularly interesting as targets for oil-related genosensing but their identification remains a challenge. Here, seawater samples, collected in tanks with oil addition mimicking a realistic oil spill scenario, were filtered and archived by the Environmental Sample Processor (ESP), a fully robotized genosensor, and the samples were then used for post-retrieval metatranscriptomic analysis. After extraction, RNA from ESP-archived samples at start, Day 4 and Day 7 of the experiment was used for sequencing. Metatranscriptomics revealed that several KEGG pathways were significantly enriched in samples exposed to oil. However, these pathways were highly expressed also in the non-oil-exposed water samples, most likely as a result of the release of natural organic matter from decaying phytoplankton. Temporary peaks of aliphatic alcohol and aldehyde dehydrogenases and monoaromatic ring-degrading enzymes (e.g., ben, box, and dmp clusters) were observed on Day 4 in both control and oil-exposed and non-exposed tanks. Few alkane 1-monooxygenase genes were upregulated on oil, mostly transcribed by families Porticoccaceae and Rhodobacteraceae, together with aromatic ring-hydroxylating dioxygenases, mostly transcribed by Rhodobacteraceae. Few transcripts from obligate hydrocarbonoclastic genera of Alcanivorax, Oleispira and Cycloclasticus were significantly enriched in the oil-treated exposed tank in comparison to control the non-exposed tank, and these were mostly transporters and genes involved in nitrogen and phosphorous acquisition. This study highlights the importance of seasonality, i.e., phytoplankton occurrence and senescence leading to organic compound release which can be used preferentially by bacteria over oil compounds, delaying the latter process. As a result, such seasonal effect can reduce the sensitivity of genosensing tools employing bacterial functional genes to sense oil. A better understanding of the use of natural organic matter by bacteria involved in oil-biodegradation is needed to develop an array of functional markers enabling the rapid and specific in situ detection of anthropogenic pollution.

Erector spinae plane block using clonidine as an adjuvant for excision of chest wall tumor in a pediatric patient

Erector spinae plane block has been described to manage post-thoracotomy pain. It is a simple block and shown to be provide effective analgesia. In single shot blocks opioid supplementation may be required to manage pain after the effect of local anesthetic wears off. In this case, we describe a case of chest wall tumor excision in a child who received clonidine in addition to local anesthetic for the erector spinae plane block. This provided long lasting and effective postoperative analgesia and may be considered to prolong the analgesia achieved with erector spinae plane block.

Qualitative and quantitative proteomic analyses of Schistosoma japonicum eggs and egg-derived secretory-excretory proteins

BACKGROUND

Schistosome parasites lay up to a thousand eggs per day inside the veins of their mammalian hosts. The immature eggs deposited by females against endothelia of venules will embryonate within days. Approximately 30% of the eggs will migrate to the lumen of the intestine to continue the parasite life-cycle. Many eggs, however, are trapped in the liver and intestine causing the main pathology associated with schistosomiasis mansoni and japonica, the liver granulomatous response. Excretory-secretory egg proteins drive much of egg-induced pathogenesis of schistosomiasis mansoni, and Schistosoma japonicum induce a markedly distinct granulomatous response to that of S. mansoni.

METHODS

To explore the basis of variations in this responsiveness, we investigated the proteome of eggs of S. japonicum. Using mass spectrometry qualitative and quantitative (SWATH) analyses, we describe the protein composition of S. japonicum eggs secretory proteins (ESP), and the differential expression of proteins by fully mature and immature eggs, isolated from faeces and ex vivo adults.

RESULTS

Of 957 egg-related proteins identified, 95 were exclusively found in S. japonicum ESP which imply that they are accessible to host immune system effector elements. An in-silico analysis implies that ESP are able of stimulating the innate and adaptive immune system through several different pathways. While quantitative SWATH analysis revealed 124 proteins that are differentially expressed by mature and immature S. japonicum eggs, illuminating some important aspects of eggs biology and infection, we also show that mature eggs are more likely than immature eggs to stimulate host immune responses.

CONCLUSIONS

Here we present a list of potential targets that can be used to develop better strategies to avoid severe morbidity during S. japonicum infection, as well as improving diagnosis, treatment and control of schistosomiasis japonica.

Effects of coal blending in electrostatic precipitation efficiency-Inner Mongolia, China

Based on this study, the Al₂O₃ content of Jungar coal ash is over 45%, and the resistivity of high-Al₂O₃ ash in Jungar reaches up to 10¹² Ω​·cm. These results seriously influenced the electric characteristics of fly ash, and the collection efficiency of electrostatic precipitators (ESPs) evidently decreased. To facilitate the effective collection of fine particle in the flue gas generated before and after coal blending via ESP, the fly ash obtained from a power plant electrostatic precipitation was analyzed in terms of resistivity, size distribution, and cohesive force through a portable dust electrical resistivity test instrument, Bahco centrifuge, and a cohesive force test apparatus invented by the researchers. The mixed ratio of else coal is higher than 50%, the resistivity of the fly ash in the flue gas was lowered to approximately two orders of magnitude, and the size distribution showed an evident decrease in the PM2.5 and PM10 content in fly ash. In addition, the adhesive force and efficiency increase from 95.9 to 99.5% in the electrostatic precipitation. Therefore, the combustion of blending coal is an effective approach to improve the efficiency of ESP used to collect high-Al₂O₃ fly ash.

Exome data clouds the pathogenicity of genetic variants in Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension

BACKGROUND

We aimed to provide a set of previously reported PAH-associated missense and nonsense variants, and evaluate the pathogenicity of those variants.

METHODS

The Human Gene Mutation Database, PubMed, and Google Scholar were searched for previously reported PAH-associated genes and variants. Thereafter, both exome sequencing project and exome aggregation consortium as background population searched for previously reported PAH-associated missense and nonsense variants. The pathogenicity of previously reported PAH-associated missense variants evaluated by using four in silico prediction tools.

RESULTS

In total, 14 PAH-associated genes and 180 missense and nonsense variants were gathered. The BMPR2, the most frequent reported gene, encompasses 135 of 180 missense and nonsense variants. The exome sequencing project comprised 9, and the exome aggregation consortium counted 25 of 180 PAH-associated missense and nonsense variants. The TOPBP1 and ENG genes are unlikely to be the monogenic cause of PAH pathogenesis based on allele frequency in background population and prediction analysis.

CONCLUSION

This is the first evaluation of previously reported PAH-associated missense and nonsense variants. The BMPR2 identified as the major gene out of 14 PAH-associated genes. Based on findings, the ENG and TOPBP1 gene are not likely to be the monogenic cause of PAH.

The role of diet in the management of irritable bowel syndrome: a focus on FODMAPs

Irritable bowel syndrome is a common condition that negatively impacts quality of life and results in significant health care expenditures. The vast majority of IBS patients associate their symptoms with eating. Numerous randomized, controlled trials suggest that restriction of dietary FODMAPs improves overall symptoms, abdominal pain, bloating and quality of life in more than half of IBS sufferers. There is emerging data which suggests that other diets (gluten free, guided elimination diets) might also be of benefit to IBS patients. Areas covered: Comprehensive literature review on dietary therapies available for IBS to date and exploration into individualized dietary therapy development based on diagnostic testing. Expert commentary: FODMAP elimination identifies IBS patients who are sensitive to FODMAPs. Responders should undergo a structured reintroduction of foods containing FODMAPs to determine a patient's sensitivities. This information can then be used to create a personalized, less restrictive low FODMAP diet. Future research should focus on the identification of other effective diet therapies focusing on supplementation of functional foods in addition to elimination and the development of biomarker-based diet treatment plans which identify the right treatment for the right patient.

Recombinant Haemonchus contortus 24 kDa excretory/secretory protein (rHcES-24) modulate the immune functions of goat PBMCs in vitro

A 24 kDa protein is one of the important components in Haemonchus contortus (barber pole worm) excretory/secretory products (HcESPs), which was shown to have important antigenic function. However, little is known about the immunomodulatory effects of this proteinon host cell. In the present study gene encoding 24kDa excretory/secretory protein (HcES-24) was cloned. The recombinant protein of HcES-24 (rHcES-24) was expressed in a histidine-tagged fusion protein soluble form in Escherichia coli. Binding activity of rHcES-24 to goat PBMCs was confirmed by immunofluorescence assay (IFA) and its immunomudulatory effect on cytokine secretion, cell proliferation, cell migration and nitric oxide production were observed by co-incubation of rHcES-24. IFA results revealed that rHcES-24 could bind to the PBMCs. The interaction of rHcES-24 increased the production of IL4, IL10, IL17 and cell migration in dose dependent manner. However, rHcES-24 treatment significantly suppressed the production of IFNγ, proliferation of the PBMC and Nitric oxide (NO) production. Our findings showed that the rHcES-24 played important regulatory effects on the goat PBMCs.

Haemonchus contortus excretory and secretory proteins (HcESPs) suppress functions of goat PBMCs in vitro

Excretory and secretory products (ESPs) of nematode contain various proteins which are capable of inducing the instigation or depression of the host immune response and are involved in the pathogenesis of the worms. In the present study, Haemonchus contortus excretory and secretory products (HcESPs) were collected from the adult worms. Binding of HcESPs to goat peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) was confirmed by immune-fluorescence assay. Effects of the HcESPs on cytokine production, cell proliferation, cell migration and nitric oxide (NO) production of PBMCs were checked by co-incubation of HcESPs with goat PBMCs. The results indicated that the production of IL-4 and IFN-γ were significantly decreased by HcESPs in dose dependent manner. On the contrary, the production of IL-10 and IL-17 were increased. Cell migration was significantly enhanced by HcESPs, whereas, HcESPs treatment significantly suppressed the cell proliferation and NO production. These results indicated that the HcESPs played important suppressive regulatory roles on PBMCs and provided highlights to the understanding of the host-parasite interactions.

Sonochemical synthesis, in vitro evaluation and DFT study of novel phenothiazine base Schiff bases and their nano copper complexes as the precursors for new shaped CuO-NPs

The current work reports the ultrasound-assisted synthesis of two nano binuclear copper complexes derived from novel tetradentate (N₂O₂) phenothiazine based Schiff bases. The synthesized compounds were characterized using the physicochemical methods, including ¹H NMR, ¹³C NMR, FE-SEM, Mass, FT-IR, UV-Vis, elemental analysis, magnetic moment and molar conductance measurements. It is found that the geometrical structure of Cu^II₂LⁿCl₄ is distorted tetrahedral around the copper atoms using the results of ¹H NMR, UV-Vis and magnetic moment studies. In addition, CuO nano particles were produced in the nano range (14.3-12.1nm) by the thermal decomposition of the copper complexes CuO NPs were characterized using FT-IR, FE-SEM, XRD, UV-Vis and photoluminescence methods and indicated a close accordance with the standard pattern. Also, the antioxidant studies revealed that the copper complexes exhibit comparable scavenging effects (against O₂ and OH) with the standard antioxidants, such as vitamin C, while, they show more antioxidant activity than ligands. Similarly, the complexes show more antibacterial activity against four gram positive and gram negative bacteria in comparison to their Schiff base ligands. furthermore, The optimized structure, Molecular orbital (M.O.), Mulliken population analysis (MPA), contour of Electrostatic Potential (ESP) and Molecular Electrostatic Potential (MEP) map of the titled compounds were calculated base on DFT calculations that were carried out at the B3LYP levels of theory with a double basis set LANL2DZ for copper, and 6-311+G(d,p) basis set for the other atoms.

Experimental charge density from electron microscopic maps

The charge density (CD) distribution of an atom is the difference per unit volume between the positive charge of its nucleus and the distribution of the negative charges carried by the electrons that are associated with it. The CDs of the atoms in macromolecules are responsible for their electrostatic potential (ESP) distributions, which can now be visualized using cryo-electron microscopy at high resolution. CD maps can be recovered from experimental ESP density maps using the negative Laplacian operation. CD maps are easier to interpret than ESP maps because they are less sensitive to long-range electrostatic effects. An ESP-to-CD conversion involves multiplication of amplitudes of structure factors as Fourier transforms of these maps in reciprocal space by 1/d² , where d is the resolution of reflections. In principle, it should be possible to determine the charges carried by the individual atoms in macromolecules by comparing experimental CD maps with experimental ESP maps.

WES/WGS Reporting of Mutations from Cardiovascular "Actionable" Genes in Clinical Practice: A Key Role for UMD Knowledgebases in the Era of Big Databases

High-throughput next-generation sequencing such as whole-exome and whole-genome sequencing are being rapidly integrated into clinical practice. The use of these techniques leads to the identification of secondary variants for which decisions about the reporting or not to the patient need to be made. The American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics recently published recommendations for the reporting of these variants in clinical practice for 56 "actionable" genes. Among these, seven are involved in Marfan Syndrome And Related Disorders (MSARD) resulting from mutations of the FBN1, TGFBR1 and 2, ACTA2, SMAD3, MYH11 and MYLK genes. Here, we show that mutations collected in UMD databases for MSARD genes (UMD-MSARD) are rarely reported, including the most frequent ones, in global scale initiatives for variant annotation such as the NHLBI GO Exome Sequencing Project (ESP), the Exome Aggregation Consortium (ExAC), and ClinVar. The predicted pathogenic mutations reported in global scale initiatives but absent in locus-specific databases (LSDBs) mainly correspond to rare events. UMD-MSARD databases are therefore the only resources providing access to the full spectrum of known pathogenic mutations. They are the most comprehensive resources for clinicians and geneticists to interpret MSARD-related variations not only primary variants but also secondary variants.

Remediation of saline-sodic soil with flue gas desulfurization gypsum in a reclaimed tidal flat of southeast China

Salinization and sodicity are obstacles for vegetation reconstruction of coastal tidal flat soils. A study was conducted with flue gas desulfurization (FGD)-gypsum applied at rates of 0, 15, 30, 45 and 60Mg/ha to remediate tidal flat soils of the Yangtze River estuary. Exchangeable sodium percentage (ESP), exchangeable sodium (ExNa), pH, soluble salt concentration, and composition of soluble salts were measured in 10cm increments from the surface to 30cm depth after 6 and 18months. The results indicated that the effect of FGD-gypsum is greatest in the 0-10cm mixing soil layer and 60Mg/ha was the optimal rate that can reduce the ESP to below 6% and decrease soil pH to neutral (7.0). The improvement effect was reached after 6months, and remained after 18months. The composition of soluble salts was transformed from sodic salt ions mainly containing Na(+), HCO3(-)+CO3(2-) and Cl(-) to neutral salt ions mainly containing Ca(2+) and SO4(2-). Non-halophyte plants were survived at 90%. The study demonstrates that the use of FGD-gypsum for remediating tidal flat soils is promising.

A theoretical study of π-stacking interactions in C-substituted tetrazoles

The π-stacking effects of benzene ring (Ben) with 1H- and 2H-tetrazole derivatives (1H-TZ-X and 2H-TZ-X) substituted at C5 (where X is Cl, COH, NO, NO2, CN, NH2, OH, OCH3, SH and H) has been investigated by the quantum mechanical calculations at the M06-2X/6-311++G** level. The results indicate the 1H-TZ-X||Ben complexes (|| donates π-stacking interaction) are more stable than 2H-TZ-X||Ben while in unstacked forms, 1H-TZ-X is less stable than 2H-TZ-X. All substituents enhance the π-stacking interaction relative to the unsubstituted ones and enhancement is higher for the electron-withdrawing substituents (EWSs). Also, investigation of the local and direct effect of substituents in stacking interaction showed that all substituents regardless of whether are electron donating or electron withdrawing have an additive effect in π-stacking interaction. Excellent correlations were found between the binding energies of the complexes and combination of substituent constant terms. The results showed that the electrostatic interaction alone is not responsible for stacking stabilization but charge penetration is important. Furthermore, analysis of aromaticity, AIM, ESP and NPA were investigated to obtain aromaticity index, non-bonding interactions, chemical reactivity and polarity (dipole moment), respectively.

Acid/Base and H2PO4(-) Controllable High-Contrast Optical Molecular Switches with a Novel BODIPY Functionalized [2]Rotaxane

A novel multifunctional mechanically interlocked switchable [2]rotaxane R4 containing two molecular stations and rotaxane arms terminated with boron-dipyrromethene (BODIPY) fluorophores and its derivatives were synthesized for the first time by CuAAC click reaction. The shuttling motion of macrocycle between the dibenzylammonium and triazolium recognition sites and the distance dependent photoinduced electron transfer process of R4 is demonstrated by utilizing external chemical stimuli (acid/base). Interestingly, the reversible self-assembly process of R4 was recognized by the acid-base molecular switch strategy. Notably, two symmetrical triazolium groups acted as molecular stations, H2PO4(-) receptors, and H-bonded donors. Both [2]rotaxane R4 and thread R2 demonstrated excellent optical responses and high selectivity toward H2PO4(-) ion. The specific motion and guest-host interactions of mechanically interlocked machines (MIMs) were also further explored by quantum mechanical calculations. The thread R2 also demonstrated to enable the detection of H2PO4(-) in RAW 264.7 cells successfully.

Feeling the future: A meta-analysis of 90 experiments on the anomalous anticipation of random future events

In 2011, one of the authors (DJB) published a report of nine experiments in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology purporting to demonstrate that an individual's cognitive and affective responses can be influenced by randomly selected stimulus events that do not occur until after his or her responses have already been made and recorded, a generalized variant of the phenomenon traditionally denoted by the term precognition. To encourage replications, all materials needed to conduct them were made available on request. We here report a meta-analysis of 90 experiments from 33 laboratories in 14 countries which yielded an overall effect greater than 6 sigma, z = 6.40, p = 1.2 × 10 (-10 ) with an effect size (Hedges' g) of 0.09. A Bayesian analysis yielded a Bayes Factor of 1.4 × 10 (9), greatly exceeding the criterion value of 100 for "decisive evidence" in support of the experimental hypothesis. When DJB's original experiments are excluded, the combined effect size for replications by independent investigators is 0.06, z = 4.16, p = 1.1 × 10 (-5), and the BF value is 3,853, again exceeding the criterion for "decisive evidence." The number of potentially unretrieved experiments required to reduce the overall effect size of the complete database to a trivial value of 0.01 is 544, and seven of eight additional statistical tests support the conclusion that the database is not significantly compromised by either selection bias or by " p-hacking"-the selective suppression of findings or analyses that failed to yield statistical significance. P-curve analysis, a recently introduced statistical technique, estimates the true effect size of our database to be 0.20, virtually identical to the effect size of DJB's original experiments (0.22) and the closely related "presentiment" experiments (0.21). We discuss the controversial status of precognition and other anomalous effects collectively known as psi.

Feeling the future: A meta-analysis of 90 experiments on the anomalous anticipation of random future events

In 2011, one of the authors (DJB) published a report of nine experiments in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology purporting to demonstrate that an individual's cognitive and affective responses can be influenced by randomly selected stimulus events that do not occur until after his or her responses have already been made and recorded, a generalized variant of the phenomenon traditionally denoted by the term precognition. To encourage replications, all materials needed to conduct them were made available on request. We here report a meta-analysis of 90 experiments from 33 laboratories in 14 countries which yielded an overall effect greater than 6 sigma, z = 6.40, p = 1.2 × 10 (-10 ) with an effect size (Hedges' g) of 0.09. A Bayesian analysis yielded a Bayes Factor of 5.1 × 10 (9), greatly exceeding the criterion value of 100 for "decisive evidence" in support of the experimental hypothesis. When DJB's original experiments are excluded, the combined effect size for replications by independent investigators is 0.06, z = 4.16, p = 1.1 × 10 (-5), and the BF value is 3,853, again exceeding the criterion for "decisive evidence." The number of potentially unretrieved experiments required to reduce the overall effect size of the complete database to a trivial value of 0.01 is 544, and seven of eight additional statistical tests support the conclusion that the database is not significantly compromised by either selection bias or by intense " p-hacking"-the selective suppression of findings or analyses that failed to yield statistical significance. P-curve analysis, a recently introduced statistical technique, estimates the true effect size of the experiments to be 0.20 for the complete database and 0.24 for the independent replications, virtually identical to the effect size of DJB's original experiments (0.22) and the closely related "presentiment" experiments (0.21). We discuss the controversial status of precognition and other anomalous effects collectively known as psi.

Automated Tests for Telephone Telepathy Using Mobile Phones

OBJECTIVE

To carry out automated experiments on mobile phones to test for telepathy in connection with telephone calls.

STUDY METHOD

Subjects, aged from 10 to 83, registered online with the names and mobile telephone numbers of three or two senders. A computer selected a sender at random, and asked him to call the subject via the computer. The computer then asked the subject to guess the caller׳s name, and connected the caller and the subject after receiving the guess. A test consisted of six trials.

INTERACTIONS EVALUATED

The effects of subjects׳ sex and age and the effects of time delays on guesses.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE

The proportion of correct guesses of the caller׳s name, compared with the 33.3% or 50% mean chance expectations.

MAIN RESULTS

In 2080 trials with three callers there were 869 hits (41.8%), above the 33.3% chance level (P < 1 × 10(-15)). The hit rate in incomplete tests was 43.8% (P = .00003) showing that optional stopping could not explain the positive results. In 745 trials with two callers, there were 411 hits (55.2%), above the 50% chance level (P = .003). An analysis of the data made it very unlikely that cheating could explain the positive results. These experiments showed that automated tests for telephone telepathy can be carried out using mobile phones.

Molecular geometry, conformational, vibrational spectroscopic, molecular orbital and Mulliken charge analysis of 2-acetoxybenzoic acid

The Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) and FT-Raman spectra of 2-acetoxybenzoic acid (2ABA), a painkiller agent were recorded in the region 4000-450 cm(-1) and 5000-50 cm(-1) respectively. Hartree Fock (HF) and Density functional theory (DFT) methods have been used to determine its optimized geometrical parameter, atomic charges, and vibrational wavenumbers and intensity of the vibrational bands of the title molecule. The computed vibrational wave numbers were compared with the FT-IR and FT-Raman experimental data. The computational calculations were done at HF and DFT/B3LYP level with 6-311++G(d,p) basis set. The complete vibrational assignments were performed on the basis of the potential energy distribution (PED) analysis. The Mulliken charges, UV-Visible spectral analysis and HOMO-LUMO energy gap have been calculated and reported. The B3LYP method of calculated parameters is a good complement with the experimental findings. The thermodynamic properties like entropy, heat capacity and zero vibrational energy have been calculated and discussed. The electrostatic potential (ESP) contour surface and molecular electrostatic potential (MESP) of the molecule were constructed.

Molecular conformational analysis, vibrational spectra and normal coordinate analysis of trans-1,2-bis(3,5-dimethoxy phenyl)-ethene based on density functional theory calculations

The conformational behavior and structural stability of trans-1,2-bis(3,5-dimethoxy phenyl)-ethene (TDBE) were investigated by using density functional theory (DFT) method with the B3LYP/6-311++G(d,p) basis set combination. The vibrational wavenumbers of TDBE were computed at DFT level and complete vibrational assignments were made on the basis of normal coordinate analysis calculations (NCA). The DFT force field transformed to natural internal coordinates was corrected by a well-established set of scale factors that were found to be transferable to the title compound. The infrared and Raman spectra were also predicted from the calculated intensities. The observed Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and Fourier transform (FT) Raman vibrational wavenumbers were analyzed and compared with the theoretically predicted vibrational spectra. Comparison of the simulated spectra with the experimental spectra provides important information about the ability of the computational method to describe the vibrational modes. Information about the size, shape, charge density distribution and site of chemical reactivity of the molecules has been obtained by mapping electron density isosurface with electrostatic potential surfaces (ESP).

Expression and purification of mouse peptide ESP4 in Escherichia coli

Pheromones are species-specific chemical signals that regulate a wide range of social and sexual behaviors in many animals. In mice, the male-specific peptide ESP1 (exocrine gland-secreting peptide 1) is secreted into tear fluids and enhances female sexual receptive behavior. ESP1 belongs to the ESP family, a multigene family with 38 genes in mice. ESP1 shares the highest homology with ESP4. ESP1 is expressed in the extraorbital lacrimal gland, whereas ESP4 is expressed in some exocrine glands. Thus, ESP4 is expected to have a function that has not been elucidated yet. Large amounts of the purified ESP4 protein are required for structural and biochemical studies. Here we present an expression and purification scheme for the recombinant ESP4 protein. The N-terminally histidine-tagged ESP4 fusion protein was expressed in Escherichia coli as inclusion bodies, which were solubilized and purified by nickel affinity chromatography. The histidine tag was cleaved with thrombin and removed by a second nickel affinity chromatography step. The ESP4 protein was isolated with high purity by reversed-phase chromatography. For NMR analyses, we prepared a stable isotope-labeled ESP4 protein. Three repeated freeze-drying steps after the reversed-phase chromatography were required, to remove a volatile contaminating compound and to obtain an NMR spectrum with a homogeneous line shape. AMS-modification and far-UV CD spectroscopic analyses suggested that ESP4 has an intramolecular disulfide bridge and a helical structure, respectively. The present study provides a powerful tool for structural and biochemical studies of ESP4, leading toward the elucidation of the roles of the ESP family members.

AtObgC-AtRSH1 interaction may play a vital role in stress response signal transduction in Arabidopsis

The interaction of Obg (Spo0B-associated GTP-binding protein) GTPase and SpoT, which is a bifunctional ppGpp (guanosine 3',5'-bispyrophosphate) hydrolase/synthetase, is vital for the modulation of intracellular ppGpp levels during bacterial responses to environmental cues. It has been recently reported that the ppGpp level is also inducible by various stresses in the chloroplasts of plant cells. However, the function of the Obg-SpoT interaction in plants remains elusive. The results from the present and previous studies suggest that AtRSH1 is a putative bacterial SpoT homolog in Arabidopsis and that its transcription levels are responsive to wounding and salt stresses. In this study, we used a yeast two-hybrid analysis to map the regions required for the AtObgC-AtRSH1 interaction. Moreover, protein-protein docking simulations revealed reasonable geometric and electrostatic complementarity in the binding surfaces of the two proteins. The data support our experimental results, which suggest that the conserved domains in AtObgC and the N terminus of AtRSH1 containing the TGS domain contribute to their interaction. In addition, quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) analyses showed that the expression of AtObgC and AtRSH1 exhibit a similar inhibition pattern under wounding and salt-stress conditions, but the inhibition pattern was not greatly influenced by the presence or absence of light. Based on in vivo analyses, we further confirmed that the AtRSH1 and AtObgC proteins similarly localize in chloroplasts. Based on these results, we propose that the AtObgC-AtRSH1 interaction plays a vital role in ppGpp-mediated stress responses in chloroplasts.

The variant hERG/R148W associated with LQTS is a mutation that reduces current density on co-expression with the WT

BACKGROUND

A variant of the ether-à-go-go related channel (hERG), p.Arg148Trp (R148W) was found at heterozygous state in two infants who died from sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), one with documented prolonged QTc and Torsade de Pointes (TdP), and in an adult woman with QTc >500 ms, atrioventricular block and TdP. This variant was previously reported in cases of severe ventricular arrhythmia but very rarely in control subjects. Its classification as mutation or polymorphism awaited electrophysiological characterization.

METHODS

The properties of this N-terminal, proximal domain, hERG variant were explored in Xenopus oocytes injected with the same amount of RNA encoding for either hERG/WT or hERG/R148W or their equimolar mixture. The human ventricular cell (TNNP) model was used to test the effects of changes in hERG current.

RESULTS

R148W alone produced a current similar to the WT (369 ± 76 nA (mean ± SEM), n=13 versus 342 ± 55 nA in WT, n=13), while the co-expression of 1/2 WT+1/2 R148W lowered the current by 29% versus WT (243 ± 35 nA, n=13, p<0.05). The voltage dependencies of steady-state activation and inactivation were not changed in the variant alone or in co-expression with the WT. The time constants of fast recovery from inactivation and of fast and slow deactivation analyzed between -120 and +20 mV were not changed. The voltage-dependent distribution of the current amplitudes among fast-, slow- and non-deactivating fractions was unaltered. A 6.6% increase in APD90 from 323.5 ms to 345 ms was observed using the human cardiac ventricular myocyte model.

CONCLUSIONS

Such a decrease in hERG current as evidenced here when co-expressing the hERG/R148W variant with the WT may have predisposed to the observed long QT syndrome and associated TdP. Therefore, the heterozygous carriers of hERG/R148W may be at risk of cardiac sudden death.

Candidate gene approach to identifying rare genetic variants associated with lone atrial fibrillation

BACKGROUND

Rare variants in candidate atrial fibrillation (AF) genes have been associated with AF in small kindreds. The extent to which such polymorphisms contribute to AF is unknown.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to determine the spectrum and prevalence of rare amino acid coding (AAC) variants in candidate AF genes in a large cohort of unrelated lone AF probands.

METHODS

We resequenced 45 candidate genes in 303 European American (EA) lone AF probands (186 lone AF probands screened for each gene on average [range 89-303], 63 screened for all) identified in the Vanderbilt AF Registry (2002-2012). Variants detected were screened against 4300 EAs from the Exome Sequencing Project (ESP) to identify very rare (minor allele frequency ≤0.04%) AAC variants and these were tested for AF co-segregation in affected family members where possible.

RESULTS

Median age at AF onset was 46.0 years [interquartile range 33.0-54.0], and 35.6% had a family history of AF. Overall, 63 very rare AAC variants were identified in 60 of 303 lone AF probands, and 10 of 19 (52.6%) had evidence of co-segregation with AF. Among the 63 lone AF probands who had 45 genes screened, the very rare variant burden was 22%. Compared with the 4300 EA ESP, the proportion of lone AF probands with a very rare AAC variant in CASQ2 and NKX2-5 was increased 3-5-fold (P <.05).

CONCLUSION

No very rare AAC variants were identified in ~80% of lone AF probands. Potential reasons for the lack of very rare AAC variants include a complex pattern of inheritance, variants in as yet unidentified AF genes or in noncoding regions, and environmental factors.

FT-Raman, FT-IR and UV-visible spectral investigations and ab initio computations of anti-epileptic drug: vigabatrin

Vibrational analysis of anti-epileptic drug vigabatrin, a structural GABA analog was carried out using NIR FT-Raman and FTIR spectroscopic techniques. The equilibrium geometry, various bonding features and harmonic vibrational wavenumbers were studied using density functional theory method. The detailed interpretation of the vibrational spectra has been carried out with the aid of VEDA.4 program. Vibrational spectra, natural bond orbital analysis and optimized molecular structure show clear evidence for the effect of electron charge transfer on the activity of the molecule. Predicted electronic absorption spectrum from TD-DFT calculation has been compared with the UV-vis spectrum. The Mulliken population analysis on atomic charges and the HOMO-LUMO energy were also calculated. Good consistency is found between the calculated results and experimental data for the electronic absorption as well as IR and Raman spectra. The blue-shifting of the C-C stretching wavenumber reveals that the vinyl group is actively involved in the conjugation path. The NBO analysis confirms the occurrence of intramolecular hyperconjugative interactions resulting in ICT causing stabilization of the system.

Sample preparation methods for quantitative detection of DNA by molecular assays and marine biosensors

The need for quantitative molecular methods is growing in environmental, food, and medical fields but is hindered by low and variable DNA extraction and by co-extraction of PCR inhibitors. DNA extracts from Enterococcus faecium, seawater, and seawater spiked with E. faecium and Vibrio parahaemolyticus were tested by qPCR for target recovery and inhibition. Conventional and novel methods were tested, including Synchronous Coefficient of Drag Alteration (SCODA) and lysis and purification systems used on an automated genetic sensor (the Environmental Sample Processor, ESP). Variable qPCR target recovery and inhibition were measured, significantly affecting target quantification. An aggressive lysis method that utilized chemical, enzymatic, and mechanical disruption enhanced target recovery compared to commercial kit protocols. SCODA purification did not show marked improvement over commercial spin columns. Overall, data suggested a general need to improve sample preparation and to accurately assess and account for DNA recovery and inhibition in qPCR applications.

Functional iron deficiency and diastolic function in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction

BACKGROUND

Functional iron deficiency (FID) is an independent risk factor for poor outcome in advanced heart failure with reduced EF, but its role in heart failure with preserved EF (HFPEF) remains unclear. We aimed to investigate the impact of FID on cardiac performance determined by pressure-volume loop analysis in HFPEF.

METHODS

26 HFPEF patients who showed an increase in LV stiffness by pressure-volume (PV) loop analysis obtained by conductance-catheterization, performed exercise testing, echocardiographic examination including tissue Doppler and determination of iron metabolism: serum iron, ferritin and transferrin saturation. HFPEF patients who provided ferritin <100 μg/l or ferritin of 100-299 μg/l in combination with transferrin saturation <20% were defined as having FID. In 14 patients the expression of transferrin receptor was determined from available endomyocardial biopsies.

RESULTS

Fifteen out of 26 HFPEF patients showed FID without anemia. Compared to control subjects and HFPEF patients without FID, HFPEF patients with FID showed an up-regulation of the myocardial transferrin receptor expression (p<0.05). No differences between HFPEF patients with and without iron deficiency were found in heart dimensions, systolic and diastolic function obtained by PV-loop and echocardiography analysis. According to the linear regression analysis, LV stiffness was correlated with peak oxygen uptake (r=-0.636, p<0.001) but not with the ferritin level or transferrin saturation. No relation was found between FID and exercise capacity. The association of LV stiffness with exercise performance was independent from the level of iron deficiency.

CONCLUSION

In non-anemic HFPEF patients, cardiac dysfunction and impaired exercise capacity occur independently of FID.

Blind prediction of charged ligand binding affinities in a model binding site

Predicting absolute protein-ligand binding affinities remains a frontier challenge in ligand discovery and design. This becomes more difficult when ionic interactions are involved because of the large opposing solvation and electrostatic attraction energies. In a blind test, we examined whether alchemical free-energy calculations could predict binding affinities of 14 charged and 5 neutral compounds previously untested as ligands for a cavity binding site in cytochrome c peroxidase. In this simplified site, polar and cationic ligands compete with solvent to interact with a buried aspartate. Predictions were tested by calorimetry, spectroscopy, and crystallography. Of the 15 compounds predicted to bind, 13 were experimentally confirmed, while 4 compounds were false negative predictions. Predictions had a root-mean-square error of 1.95 kcal/mol to the experimental affinities, and predicted poses had an average RMSD of 1.7Å to the crystallographic poses. This test serves as a benchmark for these thermodynamically rigorous calculations at predicting binding affinities for charged compounds and gives insights into the existing sources of error, which are primarily electrostatic interactions inside proteins. Our experiments also provide a useful set of ionic binding affinities in a simplified system for testing new affinity prediction methods.

Ventricular-arterial coupling, remodeling, and prognosis in chronic heart failure

OBJECTIVES

The objective of this study was to compare the physiological determinants of ejection fraction (EF)-ventricular size, contractile function, and ventricular-arterial (VA) interaction-and their associations with clinical outcomes in chronic heart failure (HF).

BACKGROUND

EF is a potent predictor of HF outcomes, but represents a complex summary measure that integrates several components including left ventricular size, contractile function, and VA coupling. The relative importance of each of these parameters in determining prognosis is unknown.

METHODS

In 466 participants with chronic systolic HF, we derived quantitative echocardiographic measures of EF: cardiac size (end-diastolic volume [EDV]); contractile function (the end-systolic pressure volume relationship slope [Eessb] and intercept [V0]); and VA coupling (arterial elastance [Ea]/Eessb). We determined the association between these parameters and the following adverse outcomes: 1) the combined endpoint of death, cardiac transplantation, or ventricular assist device (VAD) placement; and 2) cardiac hospitalization.

RESULTS

Over a median follow-up of 3.4 years, there were 76 deaths, 52 transplantations, 14 VAD placements, and 684 cardiac hospitalizations. EF was independently associated with death, transplantation, and VAD placement (adjusted hazard ratio [HR]: 3.0; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.8 to 5.0 comparing third and first tertiles), as were EDV (HR: 2.6; 95% CI: 1.5 to 4.2); V0 (HR: 3.6; 95% CI: 2.1 to 6.1); and Ea/Eessb (HR: 2.1; 95% CI: 1.3 to 3.3). EDV, V0, and Ea/Eessb were also associated with risk of cardiac hospitalization. Eessb was not significantly associated with any adverse outcomes in adjusted analyses.

CONCLUSIONS

Left ventricular size, V0, and VA coupling are associated with prognosis in systolic HF, but end-systolic elastance (Eessb) is not. Assessment of VA coupling via Ea/Eessb is an additional noninvasively derived metric that can be used to gauge prognosis in human HF.