Effect-based methods including cell-based bioassays, reporter gene assays and whole-organism assays have been applied for decades in water quality monitoring and testing of enriched solid-phase extracts. There is no common EU-wide agreement on what level of bioassay response in water extracts is acceptable. At present, bioassay results are only benchmarked against each other but not against a consented measure of chemical water quality. The EU environmental quality standards (EQS) differentiate between acceptable and unacceptable surface water concentrations for individual chemicals but cannot capture the thousands of chemicals in water and their biological action as mixtures. We developed a method that reads across from existing EQS and includes additional mixture considerations with the goal that the derived effect-based trigger values (EBT) indicate acceptable risk for complex mixtures as they occur in surface water. Advantages and limitations of various approaches to read across from EQS are discussed and distilled to an algorithm that translates EQS into their corresponding bioanalytical equivalent concentrations (BEQ). The proposed EBT derivation method was applied to 48 in vitro bioassays with 32 of them having sufficient information to yield preliminary EBTs. To assess the practicability and robustness of the proposed approach, we compared the tentative EBTs with observed environmental effects. The proposed method only gives guidance on how to derive EBTs but does not propose final EBTs for implementation. The EBTs for some bioassays such as those for estrogenicity are already mature and could be implemented into regulation in the near future, while for others it will still take a few iterations until we can be confident of the power of the proposed EBTs to differentiate good from poor water quality with respect to chemical contamination.

• Keywords
• Bioassay, Effect-based methods, Effect-based trigger value, Environmental quality standard, Mixture toxicity, Reporter gene assay, Water quality monitoring,
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH

OBJECTIVES: This study sought to evaluate the effect of catheter-based patent foramen ovale (PFO) closure on the occurrence of arterial bubbles after simulated dives. BACKGROUND: PFO is a risk factor of decompression sickness in divers due to paradoxical embolization of bubbles. To date, the effectiveness of catheter-based PFO closure in the reduction of arterial bubbles has not been demonstrated. METHODS: A total of 47 divers (age 35.4 ± 8.6 years, 81% men) with a PFO (PFO group) or treated with a catheter-based PFO closure (closure group) were enrolled in this case-controlled observational trial. All divers were examined after a simulated dive in a hyperbaric chamber: 34 divers (19 in the PFO group, 15 in the closure group) performed a dive to 18 m for 80 min, and 13 divers (8 in the PFO group, 5 in the closure group) performed a dive to 50 m for 20 min. Within 60 min after surfacing, the presence of venous and arterial bubbles was assessed by transthoracic echocardiography and transcranial color-coded sonography, respectively. RESULTS: After the 18-m dive, venous bubbles were detected in 74% of divers in the PFO group versus 80% in the closure group (p = 1.0), and arterial bubbles were detected in 32% versus 0%, respectively (p = 0.02). After the 50-m dive, venous bubbles were detected in 88% versus 100%, respectively (p = 1.0), and arterial bubbles were detected in 88% versus 0%, respectively (p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: No difference was observed in the occurrence of venous bubbles between the PFO and closure groups, but the catheter-based PFO closure led to complete elimination of arterial bubbles after simulated dives. (Nitrogen Bubble Detection After Simulated Dives in Divers With PFO and After PFO Closure; NCT01854281).

• Keywords
• catheter-based closure, decompression sickness, paradoxical embolization, patent foramen ovale,
• MeSH
• Time Factors MeSH
• Decompression Sickness diagnostic imaging   etiology   prevention & control   MeSH
• Adult MeSH
• Echocardiography, Transesophageal MeSH
• Foramen Ovale, Patent diagnostic imaging   therapy   MeSH
• Middle Aged MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Diving adverse effects   MeSH
• Predictive Value of Tests MeSH
• Risk Factors MeSH
• Septal Occluder Device MeSH
• Cardiac Catheterization * instrumentation   MeSH
• Case-Control Studies MeSH
• Ultrasonography, Doppler, Transcranial MeSH
• Treatment Outcome MeSH
• Embolism, Air diagnostic imaging   etiology   prevention & control   MeSH
• Check Tag
• Adult MeSH
• Middle Aged MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Male MeSH
• Female MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH
• Observational Study MeSH
• Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't MeSH

The molecular structure of 1-thia-closo-decaborane(9), 1-SB(9)H(9), has been determined by the concerted use of gas electron diffraction and quantum-chemical calculations. Assuming C(4v) symmetry, the cage structure was distorted from a symmetrically bicapped square antiprism (D(4d) symmetry) mainly through substantial expansion of the tetragonal belt of boron atoms adjacent to sulfur. The S-B and (B-B)(mean) distances are well determined with r(h1) = 193.86(14) and 182.14(8) pm, respectively. Geometrical parameters calculated using the MP2(full)/6-311++G** method and at levels reported earlier [MP2(full)/6-311G**, B3LYP/6-311G** and B3LYP/cc-pVQZ], as well as calculated vibrational amplitudes and (11)B NMR chemical shifts, are in good agreement with the experimental findings. In particular, the so-called antipodal chemical shift of apical B(10) (71.8 ppm) is reproduced well by the GIAO-MP2 calculations and its large magnitude is schematically accounted for, as is the analogous antipodal chemical shift of B(12) in the twelve-vertex closo-1-SB(11)H(11).

• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH

A method using cytochrome c as the substrate of proteinases trypsin, chymotrypsin and subtilisin based on peroxidase effect of the formed haem octapeptide, which is much higher than that of cytochrome c, is described. The octapeptide is degraded by excess hydrogen peroxide and the competition between oxidation of guaiacol catalyzed by the octapeptide and octapeptide degradation leads under experimental conditions to rapid production of a stable colour. Absorption at 476 nm is proportional to proteolytic activity. The method was standardized using the Anson test for proteolytic activity with haemoglobin as a substrate.

• MeSH
• Chymotrypsin metabolism   MeSH
• Cytochrome c Group metabolism   MeSH
• Endopeptidases metabolism   MeSH
• Kinetics MeSH
• Pancreas enzymology   MeSH
• Peptide Fragments metabolism   MeSH
• Peroxidases metabolism   MeSH
• Swine MeSH
• Cattle MeSH
• Substrate Specificity MeSH
• Subtilisins metabolism   MeSH
• Trypsin metabolism   MeSH
• Animals MeSH
• Check Tag
• Cattle MeSH
• Animals MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH
• Names of Substances
• Chymotrypsin MeSH
• Cytochrome c Group MeSH
• Endopeptidases MeSH
• Peptide Fragments MeSH
• Peroxidases MeSH
• Subtilisins MeSH
• Trypsin MeSH

The effect of particle size on bioavailability of 9 different formulations with cyclosporine A was studied. A common feature of all the formulations was the ability to form submicron dispersions under dilution. The composition of individual formulations was chosen in such a way that they were based on same or similar excipients. For each formulation, pharmacokinetic study was carried out in beagle dogs. On groups of 10 dogs, the average AUC was evaluated. Particle size of formulations under dilution in water was measured by laser scattering method. According to the results of particle size measurement, the formulations were sorted out into groups of similar particle size distribution by use of two methods of multivariate statistical analysis. The average AUC within groups and between-groups was compared, and the effect of particle size on bioavailability was evaluated.

• MeSH
• Biological Availability MeSH
• Cyclosporine administration & dosage   chemistry   pharmacokinetics   MeSH
• Immunosuppressive Agents administration & dosage   chemistry   pharmacokinetics   MeSH
• Drug Delivery Systems * MeSH
• Dogs MeSH
• Particle Size MeSH
• Animals MeSH
• Check Tag
• Male MeSH
• Dogs MeSH
• Animals MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH
• Names of Substances
• Cyclosporine MeSH
• Immunosuppressive Agents MeSH

OBJECTIVES: Comparisons of material hardness may be affected by the indentation size effect (ISE), which is characterized by increasing hardness values at decreasing loads. This study aimed to assess the influence of load, dwell time and measurement method on ISE in dental resin-based composites with different filler content. METHODS: Knoop (HK) and Vickers (HV) microindentation hardness of Filtek Ultimate Universal Restorative (FU) and Filtek Supreme Flowable Restorative (FF) was measured under different loads (0.098-2.96 N, i.e. 10-300 gf) and dwell times (5-30 s). Their effects on HK and HV were evaluated using repeated measures ANOVA, which was also used to compare the measurement methods. Coefficients of Meyer's equation, proportional specimen resistance (PSR) model and a modified PSR model were calculated using regression analyses. RESULTS: ISE was more pronounced for the highly-filled FU than for the less-filled FF, and HK was more susceptible to ISE than HV. The effect of dwell time was similar for both materials and measurement methods; hardness values decreased with dwell time, significantly between 5 s and 30 s. SIGNIFICANCE: The possible presence of ISE should be considered when determining measurement conditions for the microindentation hardness of dental resin-based composites. HV was found to be less sensitive to ISE and provided stable hardness values at lower loads than HK. Due to the high variability of composites, any hardness measurement should be preceded by mapping the effect of load to ensure that load-independent hardness is measured. If hardness values continue to decrease in the whole range of increasing loads, load-independent hardness can be calculated using the PSR model.

• Keywords
• Dwell time, Load, Microhardness, Microindentation, PSR model, Resin composite,
• MeSH
• Composite Resins * chemistry   MeSH
• Materials Testing * MeSH
• Hardness Tests MeSH
• Hardness * MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH
• Names of Substances
• Composite Resins * MeSH

BACKGROUND: The first night effect (FNE) is a polysomnography (PSG) habituation effect in the first of several consecutive in-laboratory PSGs (I-PSGs). The FNE is caused by the discomfort provoked by electrodes and cables and the exposure to an unfamiliar environment. A reverse FNE (RFNE) with an improved sleep in the first night is characteristic of insomnia, presumably because the video PSG in the sleep laboratory leads to a decrease in the negatively toned cognitive activity. Therefore, two or more I-PSGs are required for an accurate diagnosis. Although the FNE is well documented in I-PSG, little is known about the FNE and the RFNE in home-based PSGs (H-PSGs). METHODS: This is a retrospective analysis of a recently published cross-sectional study using H-PSG. Sixty-three consecutive patients suffering from multiple sclerosis (MS) were investigated by two consecutive H-PSGs without video. The differences between the first and second H-PSGs were analyzed. The patients were classified into four subgroups: no sleep disorder, insomnia, sleep-related breathing disorders (SRBDs), and periodic limb movement disorder or restless legs syndrome (PLMD/RLS). RESULTS: MS patients suffering from insomnia showed no RFNE. MS patients with SRBD or PLMD/RLS showed no reduced sleep efficiency but significantly less slow wave sleep. Furthermore, SRBD patients showed significantly less non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep, and PLMD/RLS patients were significantly awake longer in the first night after sleep onset (increased wake-after-sleep-onset time) and showed a higher rapid eye movement (REM) latency. CONCLUSION: SRBD and PLMD/RLS patients showed a significant FNE. Two consecutive H-PSGs are required in these patients to obtain a precise hypnogram even in the ambulatory field. In MS patients suffering from insomnia, no RFNE was found, and in insomnia patients one H-PSG seems to be sufficient.

• Keywords
• insomnia, multiple sclerosis, outpatient sleep studies, polysomnography, sleep latency, wake after sleep onset,
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH

BACKGROUND: Mindfulness-based programs have shown a promising effect on several health factors associated with increased risk of dementia and the conversion from mild cognitive impairment (MCI) to dementia such as depression, stress, cognitive decline, immune system and brain structural and functional changes. Studies on mindfulness in MCI subjects are sparse and frequently lack control intervention groups. OBJECTIVE: To determine the feasibility and the effect of mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) practice on depression, cognition and immunity in MCI compared to cognitive training. METHODS: Twenty-eight MCI subjects were randomly assigned to two groups. MBSR group underwent 8-week MBSR program. Control group underwent 8-week cognitive training. Their cognitive and immunological profiles and level of depressive symptoms were examined at baseline, after each 8-week intervention (visit 2, V2) and six months after each intervention (visit 3, V3). MBSR participants completed feasibility questionnaire at V2. RESULTS: Twenty MCI patients completed the study (MBSR group n=12, control group n=8). MBSR group showed significant reduction in depressive symptoms at both V2 (p=0.03) and V3 (p=0.0461) compared to the baseline. There was a minimal effect on cognition - a group comparison analysis showed better psychomotor speed in the MBSR group compared to the control group at V2 (p=0.0493) but not at V3. There was a detectable change in immunological profiles in both groups, more pronounced in the MBSR group. Participants checked only positive/neutral answers concerning the attractivity/length of MBSR intervention. More severe cognitive decline (PVLT≤36) was associated with the lower adherence to home practice. CONCLUSION: MBSR is well-accepted potentially promising intervention with positive effect on cognition, depressive symptoms and immunological profile.

• Keywords
• MCI, anxiety, cognition, depression, monocyte activation, neurodegeneration,
• MeSH
• Depression psychology   therapy   MeSH
• Outcome Assessment, Health Care MeSH
• Cognitive Dysfunction psychology   therapy   MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Mind-Body Relations, Metaphysical * MeSH
• Pilot Projects MeSH
• Surveys and Questionnaires MeSH
• Stress, Psychological therapy   MeSH
• Feasibility Studies MeSH
• Anxiety psychology   MeSH
• Mindfulness methods   MeSH
• Check Tag
• Humans MeSH
• Male MeSH
• Female MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH
• Randomized Controlled Trial MeSH

PURPOSE: Exercise-based cancer rehabilitation via digital technologies can provide a promising alternative to centre-based exercise training, but data for cancer patients and survivors are limited. We conducted a meta-analysis examining the effect of telehealth exercise-based cancer rehabilitation in cancer survivors on cardiorespiratory fitness, physical activity, muscle strength, health-related quality of life, and self-reported symptoms. METHODS: PubMed, Web of Science, and reference lists of articles related to the aim were searched up to March 2023. Randomized controlled clinical trials were included comparing the effect of telehealth exercise-based cancer rehabilitation with guideline-based usual care in adult cancer survivors. The primary result was cardiorespiratory fitness expressed by peak oxygen consumption. RESULTS: A total of 1510 participants were identified, and ten randomized controlled trials (n = 855) were included in the meta-analysis. The study sample was 85% female, and the mean age was 52.7 years. Meta-analysis indicated that telehealth exercise-based cancer rehabilitation significantly improved cardiorespiratory fitness (SMD = 0.34, 95% CI 0.20, 0.49, I2 = 42%, p < 0.001) and physical activity (SMD = 0.34, 95% CI, 0.17, 0.51, I2 = 71%, p < 0.001). It was uncertain whether telehealth exercise-based cancer rehabilitation, compared with guideline-based usual care, improved the quality of life (SMD = 0.23, 95%CI, -0.07, 0.52, I2 = 67%, p = 0.14) body mass index (MD = 0.46, 95% CI, -1.19, 2.12, I2 = 60%, p = 0.58) and muscle strength (SMD = 0.07, 95% CI, -0.14, 0.28, I2 = 37%, p = 0.51). CONCLUSION: This meta-analysis showed that telehealth exercise cancer rehabilitation could significantly increase cardiorespiratory fitness and physical activity levels and decrease fatigue. It is uncertain whether these interventions improve quality of life and muscle strength. High-quality and robust studies are needed to investigate specific home-based exercise regimens in different cancer subgroups to increase the certainty of the evidence.

• Keywords
• Cancer rehabilitation, Exercise-based rehabilitation, Home-based exercise, Telehealth,
• MeSH
• Exercise MeSH
• Cardiorespiratory Fitness * MeSH
• Quality of Life * MeSH
• Middle Aged MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Neoplasms * rehabilitation   MeSH
• Cancer Survivors MeSH
• Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic MeSH
• Muscle Strength * MeSH
• Telemedicine MeSH
• Telerehabilitation MeSH
• Exercise Therapy * methods   MeSH
• Check Tag
• Middle Aged MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Male MeSH
• Female MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH
• Meta-Analysis MeSH
• Systematic Review MeSH

Metakaolinite-based geopolymer binder was prepared at room temperature by mixing calcined claystone and potassium alkaline activator. Various granular inorganic fillers were added, amounting to 65 vol % to form geopolymer composites. The effect of four types of fillers (sand quartz, chamotte, cordierite, and corundum) on the thermo-mechanical properties of metakaolinite-based geopolymer composites were investigated. The samples were also examined by an X-ray diffraction method to determine their phase composition. The pore size distributions were determined by a mercury intrusion porosimeter. The XRD revealed the crystallization of new phase (leucite) after thermal exposure at 1000 °C and higher. Geopolymer binders had low mechanical properties (flexural strength 2.5 MPa and compressive strength 45 MPa) and poor thermo-mechanical properties (especially high shrinkage-total shrinkage 9%) compared to geopolymer composites (flexural strength up to 13.8 MPa, compressive strength up to 95 MPa and total shrinkage up to 1%). The addition of fillers reduced the shrinkage of geopolymers and improved their mechanical properties. The results have shown that the compressive strength tested in situ and after exposure to high temperature are in conflict. Geopolymer composites with the addition of chamotte had the best mechanical properties before and after thermal exposure (compressive strength up to 95 MPa). The average pore size diameters increased with the increasing temperature (from 10 nm to approx. 700 nm). The fillers addition decreased the pore volume (from 250 mm3/g to approx. 100 mm3/g).

• Keywords
• claystone, geopolymer, mechanical properties, metakaolinite, thermal properties,
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH