Result on speech perception after conversion from Spectra (R) to Freedom (R)

New technology in the Freedom (R) speech processor for cochlear implants was developed to improve how incoming acoustic sound is processed; this applies not only for new users, but also for previous generations of cochlear implants. Aim: To identify the contribution of this technology - the Nucleus 22 (R) - on speech perception tests in silence and in noise, and on audiometric thresholds. Methods: A cross-sectional cohort study was undertaken. Seventeen patients were selected. The last map based on the Spectra (R) was revised and optimized before starting the tests. Troubleshooting was used to identify malfunction. To identify the contribution of the Freedom (R) technology for the Nucleus22 (R), auditory thresholds and speech perception tests were performed in free field in soundproof booths. Recorded monosyllables and sentences in silence and in noise (SNR = 0dB) were presented at 60 dBSPL. The nonparametric Wilcoxon test for paired data was used to compare groups. Results: Freedom (R) applied for the Nucleus22 (R) showed a statistically significant difference in all speech perception tests and audiometric thresholds. Conclusion: The reedom (R) technology improved the performance of speech perception and audiometric thresholds of patients with Nucleus 22 (R).

MULTI-BUMP SOLUTIONS FOR A CLASS OF QUASILINEAR EQUATIONS ON R

This paper is concerned with the existence of multi-bump solutions to a class of quasilinear Schrodinger equations in R. The proof relies on variational methods and combines some arguments given by del Pino and Felmer, Ding and Tanaka, and Sere.

Bioremediation of Herbicide Velpar K (R) In Vitro in Aqueous Solution with Application of EM-4 (Effective Microorganisms)

This work assessed the bioremediation of herbicide Velpar K (R), in vitro in aqueous solution, used against weeds in sugar cane in Sao Paulo state. The herbicide contained Hexazinone and Diuron. It was used the microbial inoculant denominated Effective Microorganisms (EM-4), pool of microorganisms from soil that contained lactic and photosynthetic bacteria, fungi, yeasts and actinomycetes for bioremediation. Results for the depth of cultivation on agar-agar inoculated with EM-4 showed the microorganisms growth in the concentrations between 0.2% and 1.0% of the Velpar K (R) in the gel. The analysis of high performance liquid chromatography ( HPLC) showed that the EM-4 was effective for the bioremediation of the herbicide, which reached the values of 80% for diuron and 70% for hexazinone after 21 days in solution of 2:1 of Velpar K (R)/EM-4 ratio. These results could be useful for planning the bioremediation of contaminated areas with Velpar K (R).

The r-matrix of the Alday-Arutyunov-Frolov model

We investigate the classical integrability of the Alday-Arutyunov-Frolov model, and show that the Lax connection can be reduced to a simpler 2 x 2 representation. Based on this result, we calculate the algebra between the L-operators and find that it has a highly non-ultralocal form. We then employ and make a suitable generalization of the regularization technique proposed by Mail let for a simpler class of non-ultralocal models, and find the corresponding r- and s-matrices. We also make a connection between the operator-regularization method proposed earlier for the quantum case, and the Mail let's symmetric limit regularization prescription used for non-ultralocal algebras in the classical theory.

Applying the National Institute for Clinical Excellence criteria to patients treated with the Genous (TM) Bio-engineered R stent (TM): a sub-study of the e-HEALING (Healthy Endothelial Accelerated Lining Inhibits Neointimal Growth) worldwide registry

The National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) guidelines recommend the use of bare-metal stents (BMS) in non-complex lesions with a low risk of restenosis (diameter a parts per thousand yen3 mm and lesion length a parts per thousand currency sign15 mm) and the use of drug-eluting stents (DES) in more complex lesions with a high risk of restenosis (diameter < 3.0 mm or lesion length > 15 mm). However, the guidelines were created based on studies evaluating BMS and DES only. We performed an analysis of patients undergoing non-urgent percutaneous coronary intervention with the novel endothelial cell capturing stent (ECS). The ECS is coated with CD34(+) antibodies that attract circulating endothelial progenitor cells to the stent surface, thereby accelerating the endothelialization of the stented area. We analyzed all patients enrolled in the worldwide e-HEALING registry that met the NICE criteria for either low-risk or high-risk lesions and were treated with a parts per thousand yen1 ECS. The main study outcome was target vessel failure (TVF) at 12-month follow-up, defined as the composite of cardiac death or MI and target vessel revascularization (TVR). A total of 4,241 patients were assessed in the current analysis. At 12-month follow-up, TVF occurred in 7.0% of the patients with low-risk lesions and in 8.8% of the patients with high-risk lesions (p = 0.045). When evaluating the diabetic patients versus the non-diabetic patients per risk group, no significant differences were found in TVF, MI or TVR in either risk group. The ECS shows good clinical outcomes in lesions carrying either a high or a low risk of restenosis according to the NICE guidelines with comparable rates of cardiac death, myocardial infarction, and stent thrombosis. The TVF rate with ECS was slightly higher in patients with high-risk lesions, driven by higher clinically driven TLR. The risk of restenosis with ECS in patients carrying high-risk lesions needs to be carefully considered relative to other risks associated with DES. Furthermore, the presence of diabetes mellitus did not influence the incidence of TVF in either risk group.

Propolis Standardized Extract (EPP-AF (R)), an Innovative Chemically and Biologically Reproducible Pharmaceutical Compound for Treating Wounds

The aim of this study was to develop a formulation, containing the propolis standardized extract (EPP-AF (R)), which can assist in the healing of skin lesions. To achieve this objective the antimicrobial activity and chemical composition of the propolis extract was determined. The final product was subjected to in vitro and in vivo pre-clinical evaluation. The broth macrodi-lution method was used to determine the antimicrobial activity of the extracts and formulations against the microorganisms most commonly found in burns, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis. Wistar rats with puncture wounded skin were used to evaluate the wound healing properties of propolis. The results of chemical and biological characterization demonstrated the batch-to-batch reproducibility of the standardized extract which is an unprecedented result. The antimicrobial and wound healing activity of the pharmaceutical studied showed the best results when samples contain 3.6% propolis, suggesting that this is the most promising composition.

Probing neutralino properties in minimal supergravity with bilinear R-parity violation

Supersymmetric models with bilinear R-parity violation can account for the observed neutrino masses and mixing parameters indicated by neutrino oscillation data. We consider minimal supergravity versions of bilinear R-parity violation where the lightest supersymmetric particle is a neutralino. This is unstable, with a large enough decay length to be detected at the CERN Large Hadron Collider. We analyze the Large Hadron Collider potential to determine the lightest supersymmetric particle properties, such as mass, lifetime and branching ratios, and discuss their relation to neutrino properties.

Blood Pressure, Metabolic and Autonomic Responses to Insulin and Intralipid (R) Infusion in Chagasic Patients

Background: Intralipid (R) and heparin infusion results in increased blood pressure and autonomic abnormalities in normal and hypertensive individuals. Objective: To evaluate insulin sensitivity and the impact of Intralipid (R) and heparin (ILH) infusion on hemodynamic, metabolic, and autonomic response in patients with the indeterminate form of Chagas' disease. Methods: Twelve patients with the indeterminate form of Chagas' disease and 12 healthy volunteers were evaluated. Results: Baseline blood pressure and heart rate were similar in both groups. Plasma noradrenaline levels were slightly increased in the Chagas' group. After insulin tolerance testing (ITT), a significant decline was noted in glucose in both groups. ILH infusion resulted in increased blood pressure in both groups, but there was no significant change in plasma noradrenaline. The low-frequency component (LF) was similar and similarly increased in both groups. The high-frequency component (HF) was lower in the Chagas' group. Conclusion: Patients with the indeterminate form of Chagas' disease had increased sympathetic activity at baseline and impaired response to insulin. They also had a lower high-frequency component and impaired baroreflex sensitivity at baseline and during Intralipid (R) and heparin infusion. (Arq Bras Cardiol 2012;98(3):225-233)

Performance of fixed-pressure valve with antisiphon device SPHERA (R) in hydrocephalus treatment and overdrainage prevention

Patients with hydrocephalus and risk factors for overdrainage may be submitted to ventricular shunt (VS) implant with antisiphon device. The objective of this study was to prospectively evaluate for two years the clinical and tomographic results of the implant of fixed-pressure valves with antisiphon device SPHERA (R) in 35 adult patients, with hydrocephalus and risk factors for overdrainage. Of these, 3 had congenital hydrocephalus in adult patients with very dilated ventricles (Evans index >50%), 3 had symptomatic overdrainage after previous VS implant (subdural hematoma, hygroma or slit ventricle syndrome), 1 had previous chronic subdural hematoma, 15 had normal pressure hydrocephalus with final lumbar pressure <5 cm H2O after tap test (40 mL), 6 had pseudotumor cerebri, and 7 had hydrocephalus due to other causes. Clinical improvement was observed and sustained in 94.3% of the patients during the two-year period with no computed tomography (CT) evidence of hypo or overdrainage, and no immediate early or late significant complications.

Genotoxicity assessment of water soluble fractions of biodiesel and its diesel blends using the Salmonella assay and the in vitro MicroFlow (R) kit (Litron) assay

The designation of biodiesel as an environmental-friendly alternative to diesel oil has improved its commercialization and use. However, most biodiesel environmental safety studies refer to air pollution and so far there have been very few literature data about its impacts upon other biotic systems, e.g. water, and exposed organisms. Spill simulations in water were carried out with neat diesel and biodiesel and their blends aiming at assessing their genotoxic potentials should there be contaminations of water systems. The water soluble fractions (WSF) from the spill simulations were submitted to solid phase extraction with C-18 cartridge and the extracts obtained were evaluated carrying out genotoxic and mutagenic bioassays [the Salmonella assay and the in vitro MicroFlow (R) kit (Litron) assay]. Mutagenic and genotoxic effects were observed, respectively, in the Salmonella/microsome preincubation assay and the in vitro MN test carried out with the biodiesel WSF. This interesting result may be related to the presence of pollutants in biodiesel derived from the raw material source used in its production chain. The data showed that care while using biodiesel should be taken to avoid harmful effects on living organisms in cases of water pollution. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Platelet-activating factor receptor (PAF-R)-dependent pathways control tumour growth and tumour response to chemotherapy

Abstract Background Phagocytosis of apoptotic cells by macrophages induces a suppressor phenotype. Previous data from our group suggested that this occurs via Platelet-activating factor receptor (PAF-R)-mediated pathways. In the present study, we investigated the impact of apoptotic cell inoculation or induction by a chemotherapeutic agent (dacarbazine, DTIC) on tumour growth, microenvironmental parameters and survival, and the effect of treatment with a PAF-R antagonist (WEB2170). These studies were performed in murine tumours: Ehrlich Ascitis Tumour (EAT) and B16F10 melanoma. Methods Tumour growth was assessed by direct counting of EAT cells in the ascitis or by measuring the volume of the solid tumour. Parameters of the tumour microenvironment, such as the frequency of cells expressing cyclo-oxygenase-2 (COX-2), caspase-3 and galectin-3, and microvascular density, were determined by immunohistochemistry. Levels of vascular endothelium growth factor (VEGF) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) were determined by ELISA, and levels of nitric oxide (NO) by Griess reaction. PAF-R expression was analysed by immunohistochemistry and flow cytometry. Results Inoculation of apoptotic cells before EAT implantation stimulated tumour growth. This effect was reversed by in vivo pre-treatment with WEB2170. This treatment also reduced tumour growth and modified the microenvironment by reducing PGE2, VEGF and NO production. In B16F10 melanoma, WEB2170 alone or in association with DTIC significantly reduced tumour volume. Survival of the tumour-bearing mice was not affected by WEB2170 treatment but was significantly improved by the combination of DTIC with WEB2170. Tumour microenvironment elements were among the targets of the combination therapy since the relative frequency of COX-2 and galectin-3 positive cells and the microvascular density within the tumour mass were significantly reduced by treatment with WEB2170 or DTIC alone or in combination. Antibodies to PAF-R stained the cells from inside the tumour, but not the tumour cells grown in vitro. At the tissue level, a few cells (probably macrophages) stained positively with antibodies to PAF-R. Conclusions We suggest that PAF-R-dependent pathways are activated during experimental tumour growth, modifying the microenvironment and the phenotype of the tumour macrophages in such a way as to favour tumour growth. Combination therapy with a PAF-R antagonist and a chemotherapeutic drug may represent a new and promising strategy for the treatment of some tumours.

Genome sequence of Xanthomonas fuscans subsp. fuscans strain 4834-R reveals that flagellar motility is not a general feature of xanthomonads

Abstract Background Xanthomonads are plant-associated bacteria responsible for diseases on economically important crops. Xanthomonas fuscans subsp. fuscans (Xff) is one of the causal agents of common bacterial blight of bean. In this study, the complete genome sequence of strain Xff 4834-R was determined and compared to other Xanthomonas genome sequences. Results Comparative genomics analyses revealed core characteristics shared between Xff 4834-R and other xanthomonads including chemotaxis elements, two-component systems, TonB-dependent transporters, secretion systems (from T1SS to T6SS) and multiple effectors. For instance a repertoire of 29 Type 3 Effectors (T3Es) with two Transcription Activator-Like Effectors was predicted. Mobile elements were associated with major modifications in the genome structure and gene content in comparison to other Xanthomonas genomes. Notably, a deletion of 33 kbp affects flagellum biosynthesis in Xff 4834-R. The presence of a complete flagellar cluster was assessed in a collection of more than 300 strains representing different species and pathovars of Xanthomonas. Five percent of the tested strains presented a deletion in the flagellar cluster and were non-motile. Moreover, half of the Xff strains isolated from the same epidemic than 4834-R was non-motile and this ratio was conserved in the strains colonizing the next bean seed generations. Conclusions This work describes the first genome of a Xanthomonas strain pathogenic on bean and reports the existence of non-motile xanthomonads belonging to different species and pathovars. Isolation of such Xff variants from a natural epidemic may suggest that flagellar motility is not a key function for in planta fitness.

Projections of hypersurfaces in 'R POT.4' with boundary to planes

We study orthogonal projections of generic embedded hypersurfaces in 'R POT.4' with boundary to 2-spaces. Therefore, we classify simple map germs from 'R POT.3' to the plane of codimension less than or equal to 4 with the source containing a distinguished plane which is preserved by coordinate changes. We also go into some detail on their geometrical properties in order to recognize the cases of codimension less than or equal to 1.

Mobbning i skolan. : Vad är det och hur kan det förebyggas?

Mobbning är ett stort problem på skolorna runt om i världen och även i Sverige. För elever är det en grundläggande rättighet att kunna känna sig trygga i skolan och inte bli utsatta för övergrepp eller förnedrande behandling. Detta är en litteraturstudie som sammanställer forskning kring mobbning, olika åtgärdsprogram samt vilka effekter olika åtgärdsprogram haft. Med mobbning menas att en eller flera individer tillfogar någon annan skada, antingen fysiskt eller psykiskt, vid upprepade tillfällen. Olika åtgärdsprogram har utvecklats som ett sätt att förebygga samt stoppa mobbning. Gemensamt för dessa är skapa ett bra skolklimat där eleverna visar respekt för varandra och utvecklar goda relationer. Olika studier har gjorts för att visa på effekterna av åtgärdsprogram och fått varierande resultat, men gemensamt är att det behövs insatser för att förebygga och stoppa mobbning och det måste finnas en kontinuitet i detta arbete. De vuxna på skolan bär ansvaret att på ett effektivt och bra sätt arbeta för att mobbning inte skall uppstå samt att tidigt stoppa mobbning som uppstår.