Hindlimb muscles of the Emperor Penguin Aptenodytes forsteri (Aves, Sphenisciformes) at different postnatal ontogenetic stages.

The Emperor Penguin Aptenodytes forsteri is the largest living species of penguin, found exclusively in Antarctica, and is unique in breeding during the winter. Consequently, fewer anatomical studies have been conducted on this species over time compared to others. This study aims to provide an updated and comprehensive description of the hindlimb musculature of Aptenodytes forsteri.

Mechanisms of Alpha-Synuclein Seeded Aggregation in Neurons Revealed by Fluorescence Lifetime Imaging.

1The brains of Parkinson's disease (PD) patients are characterized by the presence of Lewy body inclusions enriched with fibrillar forms of the presynaptic protein alpha-synuclein (aSyn). Despite related evidence that Lewy pathology spreads across different brain regions as the disease progresses, the underlying mechanism hence the fundamental cause of PD progression is unknown. The propagation of aSyn pathology is thought to potentially occur through the release of aSyn aggregates from diseased neurons, their uptake by neighboring healthy neurons via endocytosis, and subsequent seeding of native aSyn aggregation in the cytosol.

A FRET-Based FLIM Method to Probe Membrane-Induced Alpha-Synuclein Aggregation in Neurons.

1Parkinson's disease (PD) involves the aggregation of the protein alpha-synuclein, a process promoted by interactions with intracellular membranes. To study this phenomenon in neurons for the first time, we developed a fluorescence lifetime imaging (FLIM) method using Förster resonance energy transfer and self-quenching reporters, analyzed with a custom-built FLIM microscope. This method offers insights into aggregate formation in PD and can be broadly applied to probe protein-membrane interactions in neurons.

The Effect of Combining Femtosecond Laser and Electron Irradiation on Silica Glass.

This study investigates the structural and optical responses of silica glass to femtosecond (fs) laser irradiation followed by high-energy electron (2.5 MeV, 4.9 GGy) irradiation.

A water-responsive calix[4]resorcinarene system: self-assembly and fluorescence modulation.

This study explores how water content modulates the self-assembly and fluorescence behavior of two novel calix[4]resorcinarene macrocycles. These macrocycles transition from large, flattened structures in pure THF to large giant vesicles (500-5000 nm) coexisting with small micelles (3.4-3.

Commissioning and implementation of a pencil-beam algorithm with a Lorentz correction as a secondary dose calculation algorithm for an Elekta Unity 1.5T MR linear accelerator.

Purpose: To commission a beam model in ClearCalc (Radformation Inc.) for use as a secondary dose calculation algorithm and to implement its use into an adaptive workflow for an MR-linear accelerator.

Methods: A beam model was developed using commissioning data for an Elekta Unity MR-linear accelerator and entered into ClearCalc.

Translation and validation of the abbreviated Prefrontal Symptoms Inventory (PSI-20): A tool for assessing prefrontal symptoms in English-speaking populations.

This study introduces the translation and validation of the Prefrontal Symptoms Inventory (PSI) into English, aiming to provide an ecologically valid tool for assessing prefrontal symptoms in English-speaking populations in the United States. The prefrontal cortex (PFC) plays a crucial role in executive functions and other higher-order cognitive processes, with dysfunctions in this area associated with various cognitive, emotional and behavioural changes. Despite the existence of established tools like the Dysexecutive Questionnaire (DEX), the PSI addresses limitations found in the literature, presenting a novel ecologically valid tool for assessing prefrontal symptoms.

Water-Polymer Slide Electrification in Polyethylene Films Coated with Amphiphilic Compounds and Its Connection to Surface Properties Dependent on Water-Polymer Interactions.

Slide electrification experiments were performed on low-density polyethylene films () and sprayed with five amphiphilic compounds, including antistatic and slip additives. Drops of aqueous solutions were delivered on the films and after sliding spontaneously acquired a net electrical charge (), which is dependent on the pH and ionic strength. The slide electrification was detected in pristine films and those with five additives.

Capillary regression leads to sustained local hypoperfusion by inducing constriction of upstream transitional vessels.

In the brain, a microvascular sensory web coordinates oxygen delivery to regions of neuronal activity. This involves a dense network of capillaries that send conductive signals upstream to feeding arterioles to promote vasodilation and blood flow. Although this process is critical to the metabolic supply of healthy brain tissue, it may also be a point of vulnerability in disease.

Nectopsyche sp (Trichoptera: Leptoceridae) sublethal effects caused by different concentrations of arsenic (As): a biochemical markers approach.

Environmental impacts related to arsenic (As) contamination are a persistent issue of particular interest in Latin American countries with increasing mining activities. In Ecuador, the redefinition of public policies to promote the increase in mining since 2008 has led to a significant rise in the presence of this heavy metal in rivers and effluents, sometimes exceeding the 0.1 mg L, limit recommended by Ecuadorian Environmental Regulations.

New insights into the pro-oxidant mechanism of dehydroleucodine on Trypanosoma cruzi.

Chagas disease, caused by Trypanosoma cruzi (T. cruzi), is one of the most important neglected diseases in Latin America. The limited use of the current nitro-derivative-based chemotherapy highlights the need for alternative drugs and the identification of their molecular targets.

Micro-to-Nanoscale Characterization of Femtosecond Laser Photo-Inscribed Microvoids.

Fiber Bragg gratings are key components for optical fiber sensing applications in harsh environments. This paper investigates the structural and chemical characteristics of femtosecond laser photo-inscribed microvoids. These voids are at the base of type III fs-gratings consisting of a periodic array of microvoids inscribed at the core of an optical fiber.

Transfer of Respiratory Syncytial Virus Prefusion F Protein Antibody in Low Birthweight Infants.

Background: Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)-associated lower respiratory tract infection contributes significantly to morbidity/mortality worldwide in low birthweight (LBW) infants (<2500 g). Studies have demonstrated decreased maternal immunoglobulin G (IgG) transfer of various antibodies to LBW infants. We aimed to evaluate naturally acquired RSV anti-prefusion F protein (anti-preF) antibody transfer in pregnancies with LBW versus normal birthweight (NBW) infants.

Acoustic Assessment of Microstructural Deformation Mechanisms on a Cold Rolled Cu30Zn Brass.

The relationship between acoustic parameters and the microstructure of a Cu30Zn brass plate subjected to plastic deformation was evaluated. The plate, previously annealed at 550 °C for 30 min, was cold rolled to reductions ranging from 10% to 70%. Linear ultrasonic measurements were performed on each of the nine specimens, corresponding to the nine different reductions, using the pulse-echo method to record the times of flight of longitudinal waves along the thickness axis.

Nonterpenoid Chemical Diversity of Cannabis Phenotypes Predicts Differentiated Aroma Characteristics.

The recent increase in legality of . has led to interest in developing new varieties with unique aromatic or effect-driven traits. Selectively breeding plants for the genetic stability and consistency of their secondary metabolite profiles is one application of phenotyping.

Expanding chemistry through in vitro and in vivo biocatalysis.

Living systems contain a vast network of metabolic reactions, providing a wealth of enzymes and cells as potential biocatalysts for chemical processes. The properties of protein and cell biocatalysts-high selectivity, the ability to control reaction sequence and operation in environmentally benign conditions-offer approaches to produce molecules at high efficiency while lowering the cost and environmental impact of industrial chemistry. Furthermore, biocatalysis offers the opportunity to generate chemical structures and functions that may be inaccessible to chemical synthesis.

A simulation study to improve calcium intake through wheat flour fortification.

Objective: To simulate the impact on calcium intake - effectiveness and safety - of fortifying wheat flour with 200, 400 and 500 mg of calcium per 100 g of flour.

Design: Secondary analysis of cross-sectional data collected through repeated 24 h dietary recalls using the Iowa State University Intake Modelling, Assessment and Planning Program.

Setting: Urban cities in the National Health and Nutrition Survey of Argentina (ENNyS 2018-2019).

A high-throughput response to the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic.

Four years after the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, it is important to reflect on the events that have occurred during that time and the knowledge that has been gained. The response to the pandemic was rapid and highly resourced; it was also built upon a foundation of decades of federally funded basic and applied research. Laboratories in government, pharmaceutical, academic, and non-profit institutions all played roles in advancing pre-2020 discoveries to produce clinical treatments.

A graduate medical education (GME) quality improvement curriculum leads to improved knowledge and participation in high quality improvement projects by trainees.

Background: There is increased awareness about the need for quality improvement (QI) education for trainees within clinical training programs. However, formal integration of a QI curriculum into graduate medical education (GME) remains a work-in-progress. We describe the creation and implementation of a novel, virtual QI curriculum complemented by virtual-based workshops.

Differing Approaches to Pain Management for Intrauterine Device Insertion and Maintenance: A Scoping Review.

Intrauterine devices (IUDs) are considered a reliable contraceptive option for women, but they can come with side effects. There is a disconnect in standard guidelines for IUD insertion within and without the U.S.

The effect of water in THF/water mixtures on CMC, aggregation sizes, and fluorescence quenching of a new calix[4]resorcinarene macrocycle.

This study explores how water content modulates the self-assembly and fluorescence behavior of a novel calixarene, C1. C1 forms large, flattened structures in pure THF, but water addition triggers a transition to smaller, unimodal clusters. A critical micellar concentration (CMC) is identified, decreasing with increasing water content.

How Surface and Substrate Chemistry Affect Slide Electrification.

When water droplets move over a hydrophobic surface, they and the surface become oppositely charged by what is known as slide electrification. This effect can be used to generate electricity, but the physical and especially the chemical processes that cause droplet charging are still poorly understood. The most likely process is that at the base of the droplet, an electric double layer forms, and the interfacial charge remains on the surface behind the three-phase contact line.