Multifaceted superoxide dismutase 1 expression in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis patients:a rare occurrence?

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis(ALS)is a neuromuscular condition resulting from the progressive degeneration of motor neurons in the cortex,brainstem,and spinal cord.While the typical clinical phenotype of ALS involves both upper and lower motor neurons,human and animal studies over the years have highlighted the potential spread to other motor and non-motor regions,expanding the phenotype of ALS.Although superoxide dismutase 1(SOD1)mutations represent a minority of ALS cases,the SOD1 gene remains a milestone in ALS research as it represents the first genetic target for personalized therapies.Despite numerous single case reports or case series exhibiting extramotor symptoms in patients with ALS mutations in SOD1(SOD1-ALS),no studies have comprehensively explored the full spectrum of extramotor neurological manifestations in this subpopulation.In this narrative review,we analyze and discuss the available literature on extrapyramidal and non-motor features during SOD1-ALS.The multifaceted expression of SOD1 could deepen our understanding of the pathogenic mechanisms,pointing towards a multidisciplinary approach for affected patients in light of new therapeutic strategies for SOD1-ALS.

Epidemiology and Clinical Features of Mycobacterium avium Complex Pulmonary Disease in a Brazilian Amazon Cohort

The incidence of Mycobacterium avium complex pulmonary disease (MACPD) has been globally increasing. The present study aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of clinical characteristics and treatment response among patients in the Amazon region of Brazil and conduct a retrospective cohort study at a prominent referral hospital in the State of Par, Brazil, from 2012 to 2020. The M. avium group represented 58.9% of cases, followed by M. intracellulare (35.7%), M. colombiense (3.6%), and M. chimaera (1.8%). The majority of patients (73.2%) were female and with an average age of 63 years. Primary clinical manifestations included persistent cough and sputum production. The Charlson comorbidity index (CCI) averaged 2.47, with 36.3% of patients having a CCI score equal to higher than 3. Notably, over 70% of patients had received treatment for pulmonary tuberculosis before initiating treatment for MAC infection. The fibrocavitary radiologic form was the most prevalent (55.4%), frequently exhibiting a bilateral distribution (53.6%). Antimicrobial susceptibility revealed a significant prevalence of MAC resistance to drugs in the therapeutic regimen. Despite this, most of the patients experienced clinical improvement (50%). In conclusion, this study highlights a higher prevalence of MAC infections among middle-aged women, with a history of pulmonary tuberculosis treatment and presenting the fibrocavitary radiological form was predominant.

Dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction,an effective tool for the determination of synthetic cannabinoids in oral fluid by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry

In the present work,dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction(DLLME)was used to extract six synthetic cannabinoids(JWH-018,JWH-019,JWH-073,JWH-200,or WIN 55,225,JWH-250,and AM-694)from oral fluids.A rapid baseline separation of the analytes was achieved on a bidentate octadecyl silica hydride phase(Cogent Bidentate C18;4.6 mm×250 mm,4μm)maintained at 37℃,by eluting in isocratic conditions(water:acetonitrile(25:75,V/V)).Detection was performed using positive electrospray ionization-tandem mass spectrometry.The parameters affecting DLLME(pH and ionic strength of the aqueous phase,type and volume of the extractant and dispersive solvent,vortex and centrifugation time)were optimized for maximizing yields.In particular,using 0.5 mL of oral fluid,acetonitrile(1 mL),was identified as the best option,both as a solvent to precipitate proteins and as a dispersing solvent in the DLLME procedure.To select an extraction solvent,a low transition temperature mixture(LTTM;composed of sesamol and chlorine chloride with a molar ratio of 1:3)and dichloromethane were compared;the latter(100μL)was proved to be a better extractant,with recoveries ranging from 73%to 101%by vortexing for 2 min.The method was validated according to the guidelines of Food and Drug Administration bioanalytical methods:intra-day and inter-day precisions ranged between 4%and 18%depending on the spike level and analyte;limits of detection spanned from 2 to 18 ng/mL;matrixmatched calibration curves were characterized by determination coefficients greater than 0.9914.Finally,the extraction procedure was compared with previous methods and with innovative techniques,presenting superior reliability,rapidity,simplicity,inexpensiveness,and efficiency.

Drought-Induced Changes in Xylem Sap pH, ABA and Stomatal Conductance

Upstream signals potentially regulating evaporation and stomatal conductance wereinvestigated using 6-8-leaf-old maize (Zea may L.) seedlings which were grown in agreenhouse. Pressure chamber was used to measure leaf water potential and to collectxylem sap. The pH of xylem sap in stems was higher than that in root, and the abscisicacid (ABA) concentration in stems was the highest in well-watered seedlings. The ABAconcentration and pH of xylem sap in roots, stems and leaves increased, and the ABAconcentration in leaves reached the maximum during drought stress. The treatment ofroots with exogenous ABA solution (100molL-1) increased xylem sap ABA concentration inall organs measured, and induced stomatal closure, but did not change ABA distributionamong organs of maize seedlings. The combined effects of external pH buffer on pH, ABAof xylem sap and stomatal behavior indicated that pH, as a root-source signal to leavesunder drought stress, regulated stomatal closure through accumulating ABA in leaves orguard cells.

Colour Metallography of Cast Iron Chapter 3 Spheroidal Graphite Cast Iron (I)

Spheroidal Graphite Cast Iron, SG iron in short, refers to the cast iron in which graphite precipitates as spheroidal shape during solidification of liquid iron. The graphite in common commercial cast iron can only be changed from flake to spheroidal shape by spheroidising treatment. Since spheroidal graphite reduces the cutting effect of stress concentration, the metal matrix strength of SG iron can be applied around 70% - 90%, thus the mechanical property of SG iron is significantly superior to other cast irons; even the tensile strength of SG iron is higher than that carbon steel.

Novel electrospun poly(ε-caprolactone)/type Ⅰ collagen nanofiber conduits for repair of peripheral nerve injury

Recent studies have shown the potential of artificially synthesized conduits in the repair of peripheral nerve injury. Natural biopolymers have received much attention because of their biocompatibility. To investigate the effects of novel electrospun absorbable poly(ε-caprolactone)/type Ⅰ collagen nanofiber conduits(biopolymer nanofiber conduits) on the repair of peripheral nerve injury, we bridged 10-mm-long sciatic nerve defects with electrospun absorbable biopolymer nanofiber conduits, poly(ε-caprolactone) or silicone conduits in Sprague-Dawley rats. Rat neurologica1 function was weekly evaluated using sciatic function index within8 weeks after repair. Eight weeks after repair, sciatic nerve myelin sheaths and axon morphology were observed by osmium tetroxide staining, hematoxylin-eosin staining, and transmission electron microscopy.S-100(Schwann cell marker) and CD4(inflammatory marker) immunoreactivities in sciatic nerve were detected by immunohistochemistry. In rats subjected to repair with electrospun absorbable biopolymer nanofiber conduits, no serious inflammatory reactions were observed in rat hind limbs, the morphology of myelin sheaths in the injured sciatic nerve was close to normal. CD4 immunoreactivity was obviously weaker in rats subjected to repair with electrospun absorbable biopolymer nanofiber conduits than in those subjected to repair with poly(ε-caprolactone) or silicone. Rats subjected to repair with electrospun absorbable biopolymer nanofiber conduits tended to have greater sciatic nerve function recovery than those receiving poly(ε-caprolactone) or silicone repair. These results suggest that electrospun absorbable poly(ε-caprolactone)/type Ⅰ collagen nanofiber conduits have the potential of repairing sciatic nerve defects and exhibit good biocompatibility. All experimental procedures were approved by Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee of Taichung Veteran General Hospital, Taiwan, China(La-1031218) on October 2, 2014.

Colour Metallography of Cast Iron Chapter 3 Spheroidal Graphite Cast Iron (Ⅱ)

Note: This book consists of five sections: Chapter 1 Introduction, Chapter 2 Grey Iron, Chapter 3 Spheroidal Graphite Cast Iron, Chapter 4 Vermicular Cast Iron, and Chapter 5 White Cast Iron. CHINA FOUNDRY publishes this book in several parts serially, starting from the first issue of 2009.

Central nervous system and peripheral cell labeling by vascular endothelial cadherin-driven lineage tracing in adult mice

Understanding the contribution of endothelial cells to the progenitor pools of adult tissues has the potential to inform therapies for human disease.To address whether endothelial cells transdifferentiate into non-vascular cell types,we performed cell lineage tracing analysis using transgenic mice engineered to express a fluorescent marker following activation by tamoxifen in vascular endothelial cadherin promoter-expressing cells(VEcad-CreERT2;B6 Cg-Gt(ROSA)26Sortm9(CAG-tdTomato)Hze).Activation of target-cell labeling following 1.5 months of ad libitum feeding with tamoxifen-laden chow in 4–5 month-old mice resulted in the tracing of central nervous system and peripheral cells that include:cerebellar granule neurons,ependymal cells,skeletal myocytes,pancreatic beta cells,pancreatic acinar cells,tubular cells in the renal cortex,duodenal crypt cells,ileal crypt cells,and hair follicle stem cells.As Nestin expression has been reported in a subset of endothelial cells,Nes-CreERT2 mice were also utilized in these conditions.The tracing of cells in adult Nes-CreERT2 mice revealed the labeling of canonical progeny cell types such as hippocampal and olfactory granule neurons as well as ependymal cells.Interestingly,Nestin tracing also labeled skeletal myocytes,ileal crypt cells,and sparsely marked cerebellar granule neurons.Our findings provide support for endothelial cells as active contributors to adult tissue progenitor pools.This information could be of particular significance for the intravenous delivery of therapeutics to downstream endothelial-derived cellular targets.The animal experiments were approved by the Boise State University Institute Animal Care and Use Committee(approval No.006-AC15-018)on October 31,2018.

Glucose detection in a highly scattering medium with diffuse photon-pair density wave

We propose a novel optical method for glucose measurement based on difuse photon-pair density wave(DPPDW)in a multiple scattering medium(MSM)where the light scattering of photon-pair is induced by refractive index mismatch between scatters and phantom solution.Experi-mentally,the DPPDW propagates in MSM via a two frequency laser(TFL)beam wherein highly correlated pairs of linear polarized photons are generated.The reduced scattering coefficientμ2s and absorption coefficientμ2a of DPPDW are measured simultaneously in terms of the amplitude and phase measurements of the detected heterodyne signal under arrangement at different dis-tances between the source and detection fibers in MSM.The results show that the sensitivity of glucose detection via glucose-induced change of reduced scattering coefficient(δμ′2)is 0.049%mM^(-1)in a 1%intralipid solution.In addition,the linear range ofδμ′2s vs glucose concentration implies that this DPPDW method can be used to monitor glucose concentration continuously and noninvasively subcutaneously.

Mitigation Strategies of Land Use for Zengwen Reservoir and Its Catchment: Post-Disaster of Typhoon Morakot

Mitigation and adaptation have become two main strategies that governments around the world are focusing on in response to the threat of global climate change. In August 2009, Typhoon Morakot heavily damaged the central and southern parts of Taiwan, causing irreversible damage to the environment, especially in the mountain areas. In this study, the goal is to attain sustainable reservoir management, thus comprehensive storm water management is used to develop mitigation strategies. Overlay-map methods of GIS, along with vulnerability analysis and land use sustainability analysis, are used to map out optimal land use patterns containing development potentials, growth limits, and suitability concerns that aim to reduce the impact of human development on the ecological environment. Finally, the mitigation strategies proposed by this study for the land use of Zengwen Reservoir and its catchment will be implement shortly.

Angiographic “misery collaterals”-grave findings!

Object With the broad application of endovascular aneurysm coiling on grade IV and V patients, the specific angiographic findings of grave prognosis could be detected. This unique finding will be considered as an indicator which would be the urgent treatment option between aggressive ICP control including EVD/decompressive craniectomy and continuing coiling. Methods Very interesting angiographic finding could be found in 7 cases of grave IV & V SAH patients and 3 cases of procedural rupture cases. Especially in the procedural rupture cases, these abnormal collaterals could be disappeared easily with the aggressive medical ICP control as early this finding was detected as possible. Conclusions The author names it “misery collaterals” and it has been defined as whole intracranial large vessels are seen on one vessel angiography.It has been caused by severe brain edema and pressurized contrast injection which has changed the flow hemodynamics through A-com & P-com aretries. When we faced this finding during the aneurysm coiling, urgent ICP control with or without surgical method should be initiated. Regardless of massive ICP control, there is no hemodynamic recover and still this finding remains, almost all patients will show grave course.

Philosophy of Science and Post-theoretical Life-World

Philosophy of science has arisen as alternative to epistemology, because scientific development wanted another kind of explanation than traditional epistemological one. The latter kind of explanation is theoretically loaded and based on latent ontological assumptions. Epistemology offers science a ＂road map＂ for researcher＇s thinking. Thus epistemology knows what science should be, and philosophy of science take science for granted--existing as an empirical fact. Philosophy of science had always been a reflective and critical discipline that didn＇t want any a-priory knowledge. The main distinction between these fields of knowledge is as follows： epistemology is theoretical and projective kind of knowledge whereas philosophy of science is a non-theoretical, or better, a ＂post-theoretical＂ discipline. All facts and statements arising from philosophy of science lie within the heterogeneous space, where there is continuous transit of pre-theoretical, theoretical and post-theoretical versions of knowledge. The inevitability of conservation and utilization of human thought products is recognized, which is supplemented by the need to study the impact of theoretical thinking upon social practices.

The Aesthetics of Nature in Deleuze＇s Philosophy

In Critique of Pure Reason （1996）, Immanuel Kant says that the term ＂aesthetic＂ means ＂the science of the laws of sensibility＂ and suggests giving up usage of it to indicate ＂the critique of taste＂ which executes the criticism of the beautiful. It is well known that Gilles Deleuze was inspired by all genres of the arts, namely movies, paintings, music, and so on. However, this paper argues that what is more essential for Deleuzian philosophy is aesthetics as a science of sensibility. What motivated Deleuze, especially from the 1950s to the 1960s, seems to have consisted in discovering the weaknesses of the Kantian aesthetic in order to take it apart. In fact, one of the main themes in Difference and Repetition （1994） was to free ＂sensibility＂ itself from Kant＇s philosophical system. This theme subsisted in his writing even after the 1970s, and led him to develop a ＂natural philosophy＂ of sorts. This is because the supposition that ＂the sensibility itself＂ is independent from any human faculties gave him an opportunity to carefully consider the multiplicity and productivity of Nature itself. Finally, Deleuze created his own ＂ethology＂ that would capture the increasingly interrelated movements within Nature produced by heterogeneous elements. This paper describes the process of Deleuzian thought as outlined above, surveying his view of Kantian philosophy and the development of his natural philosophy as ＂the aesthetics of Nature.＂

Drug Discovery Non-PAGE Complex Protein Expression Analysis Tutorial: A 2-D Liquid-Phase Technique for High-Throughput Analysis of Inteact Proteins

There appear to be three principle forces driving the future of new drug development:under-standing the genome-transcrip-tome-proteme correlations, under-standing and mapping protein posttrans-lational modification (PTM) pathways,and integration of mass spectrometry (MS) techniques into routine protein identification and characterization.

Physiological benefits of ambient far infrared energy within the 4-24 micron range

Far infrared(FIR)radiation(3-100µm)is an electromagnetic spectrum commonly studied for biological effects.This article aims to discuss using Far infrared radiation with sub-division(4-24µm)of this waveband to stimulate tissues and cells and is considered an effective therapeutic modality for specific medical disorders.The IR application as a medical therapy has advanced rapidly in recent years.For example,IR therapy like IR-emitting apparel and materials that can be run solely by body heat(does not need an external power supply)have been developed.New methods for providing FIR radiation to the human body have emerged due to technological advancements.Specialty saunas and lamps that emit pure FIR radiation have become effective,safe,and widely used therapeutic sources.Fibers infused with thermide,FIR emitting ceramic nanomaterials and knitted into fabrics are used as clothes and apparel to produce FIR radiation and benefit from its effects.A deeper understanding of FIR's significant innovations and biological implications could aid in improving therapeutic efficacy or developing new methods that use FIR wavelengths.

Main Melody Configuration and Chord Algorithm for Relaxing Music Generation

This study applies the diatonic chord in music theory,utilization rate,and the close relationship between the main chord system,the dominant chord system,and the subordinate chord system.From the perspective of music theory,the computer can automatically and quickly analyze the music,and establish a set of algorithms for configuring the chord accompaniment for the main melody,called the symmetrical circle offifths algorithm,SCFA(Symmetrical Circle of Fifths Algorithm).SCFA can immediately confirm the key,perform harmony analysis,configure chord accompaniment for the main melody,and effectively and correctly complete any given melody or interval.It can also quickly analyze and correctly configure the chord accompaniment for any MIDI(Musical Instrument Digital Interface)music,enriching the musicality of the music.It can also allow scorers or computer music creators to quickly deconstruct the harmony configuration of the melody.Through the measurement of bio-feedback sensor HRV(Heart Rate Variability),it can achieve a relaxing music healing effect.

Simulating Transport Capacity, Delivery Speed, and Routing Efficiency to Predict Economic Growth

This study uses a simulation-based approach to investigate the impact of delivery delays due to constraints on transport capacity, transit speed, and routing efficiencies on an economy with various levels of interdependency among firms. The simulation uses object-oriented programming to create specialized production, consumption, and transportation classes. A set of objects from each class is distributed randomly on a 2D plane. A road network is then established between fixed objects using Prim’s MST (Minimum Spanning Tree) algorithm, followed by construction of an all-pair shortest path matrix using the Floyd Warshall algorithm. A genetic algorithm-based vehicle routing problem solver employs the all-pair shortest path matrix to best plan multiple pickup and delivery orders. Production units utilize economic order quantities (EOQ) and reorder points (ROP) to manage inventory levels. Hicksian and Marshallian demand functions are utilized by consumption units to maximize personal utility. The transport capacity, transit speed, routing efficiency, and level of interdependence serve as 4 factors in the simulation, each assigned 3 distinct levels. Federov’s exchange algorithm is used to generate an orthogonal array to reduce the number of combination replays from 34 to just 9. The simulation results of a 9-run orthogonal array on an economy with 6 mining facilities, 12 industries, 8 market centers, and 8 transport hubs show that the level of firm interdependence, followed by transit speed, has the most significant impact on economic productivity. The principal component analysis (PCA) indicates that interdependence and transit speed can explain 90.27% of the variance in the data. According to the findings of this research, a dependable and efficient regional transportation network among various types of industries is critical for regional economic development.

Assessment of Nutritional Status and Associated Factors in Infants Aged 6 to 23 Months in Rural Burundi

This study was carried out in the Health districts of Kayanza and Gahombo. Its aim was to assess the nutritional status and associated factors of infants aged between 6 and 23 months. This descriptive and cross-sectional study was carried out in the health centers of the action zone during medical consultations in community medicine from 13 to 22 February 2023. For this purpose, 53.0% of a sample of 398 mothers of infants aged 6 - 23 months were male, and the most represented age group was 12 - 23 months with 53.8%. Mothers were asked about the diet of their children. All the children involved in this study were vaccinated, whereas 99.2% were given vitamin A supplements. The most frequent illnesses in this age group were acute respiratory infection (ARI) (73.4%), fever (66.6%), diarrhea (53.8%), and vomiting (40.5%). Analysis of nutritional status showed that infants had severe (8.3%) and moderate (70.4%) acute malnutrition. Factors associated with infant nutritional status comprised the occupation of mother (P = 0.009), level of education of mother (P = 0.0625), and prolonged diarrhea (P = 0.004). To remedy this problem, concrete nutritional and educational interventions are needed to promote optimal infant nutrition during the first two years of life.

Applications of Floquet-Magnus and Fer Expansion Approaches during Cross Polarization Radiation in Solid State NMR

This paper investigates the concept of Cross Polarization (CP) experiment in addition to revisiting the two potential expansion schemes recently developed in the field of solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance (SSNMR): namely, the Floquet-Magnus expansion and the Fer expansion. We use the aforementioned expansion schemes for the calculation of effective Hamiltonians and propagators when the spin system undergoes Cross Polarization radiation. CP is the gateway experiment into SSNMR. An in-depth comprehension of the underlying mechanics of spin dynamics during the cross-polarization experiment is pivotal for further experimental developments and optimization of more complex solid-state NMR experiments. The main contribution of this work is a prospect related to spin physics;particularly regarding to generalization of the calculation. This work reports original yet interesting novel ideas and developments that include calculations performed on the CP experiment. In fact, the approach presented could play a major role in the interpretation of several fine NMR experiments in solids, which would in turn provide significant new insights in spin physics. The generality of the work points towards potential applications in problems related in solid-state NMR and theoretical developments of spectroscopy as well as interdisciplinary research areas as long as they include spin dynamics concepts.