Improved binding of a bivalent single-chain immunotoxin results in increased efficacy for in vivo T-cell depletion

Anti-CD3 immunotoxins exhibit considerable promise for the inductionof transplantation tolerance in pre-clinical large animal models.Recently an anti-human anti-CD3     

EMG biofeedback with the upper extremity: A critical review of experimental foundations of clinical treatment with the disabled.

Presents a critical literature review of experimental investigations of electromyogram (EMG) biofeedback with the upper extremity with physically disabled individuals as Ss. Studies on increasing and decreasing muscle activity are examined as well as comparisons of EMG biofeedback with physical therapy and assessment. The majority of studies did not demonstrate that EMG biofeedback is a significantly valuable treatment in these cases, but the possibility of some clinical improvement is not ruled out. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Theory and practice for the implementation of ‘in-house’, continuous improvement participatory ergonomic programs

This paper presents a case study of an implementation of a participatory ergonomics program in a public service agency. The objective of the study was to develop a theoretical model and related design principles for the implementation of ‘in-house’, continuous improvement participatory programs. The proposed model is based on the behavioral cybernetic theory of learning (Smith and Smith, 1966, Cybernetic Principles of Learning and Educational Design held, Rhinehart and Winsten, New York) and emphasizes the concepts of action, feedback, feedback control, and individual learning as essential for a progression from external regulation (by outside experts) to internal regulation (by organizational members) of participatory programs. Results support the proposed model, but do suggest an expansion of the model to include macro-level organizational variables as additional factors necessary for developing internally regulated participatory programs. Results have led to the specification of several design principles for implementing ‘in-house’, continuous improvement participatory programs.     

Motivations in virtual health communities and their relationship to community,connectedness and stress

This study explores the relationships between motivations for joining virtual health communities, online behaviors, and psycho-social outcomes. A sample of 144 women from two virtual health communities focusing on infertility completed survey measures assessing motivations, posting and receiving support, connectedness, community, and stress. Our results indicate that socio-emotional support motivations for joining the community were associated with posting support within the virtual community, while informational motivations were related to receiving support. Further, receiving support was associated with greater sense of virtual community as well as more general feelings of connectedness, which was related to less stress. Implications for virtual health community research are discussed.     

Successful Colonization of Lodgepole Pine Trees by Mountain Pine Beetle Increased Monoterpene Production and Exhausted Carbohydrate Reserves

Lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta) forests have experienced severe mortality from mountain pine beetle (MPB) (Dendroctonus ponderosae Hopkins) in western North America for the last several years. Although the mechanisms by which beetles kill host trees are unclear, they are likely linked to pine defense monoterpenes that are synthesized from carbohydrate reserves. However, how carbohydrates and monoterpenes interact in response to MPB colonization is unknown. Understanding this relationship could help to elucidate how pines succumb to bark beetle attack. We compared concentrations of individual and total monoterpenes and carbohydrates in the phloem of healthy pine trees with those naturally colonized by MPB. Trees attacked by MPB had nearly 300% more monoterpenes and 40% less carbohydrates. Total monoterpene concentrations were most strongly associated with the concentration of sugars in the phloem. These results suggest that bark beetle colonization likely depletes carbohydrate reserves by increasing the production of carbon-rich monoterpenes, and other carbon-based secondary compounds. Bark beetle attacks also reduce water transport causing the disruption of carbon transport between tree foliage and roots, which restricts carbon assimilation. Reduction in carbohydrate reserves likely contributes to tree mortality.     

The influence of selenium on immune responses

Selenium (Se) is a potent nutritional antioxidant that carries out biological effects through its incorporation into selenoproteins. Given the crucial roles that selenoproteins play in regulating reactive oxygen species (ROS) and redox status in nearly all tissues, it is not surprising that dietary Se strongly influences inflammation and immune responses. The notion that Se "boosts" the immune system has been supported by studies involving aging immunity or protection against certain pathogens. However, studies examining the effects of Se status on other types of immunity such as antiparasitic responses or allergic asthma have suggested more Se may not always be beneficial. In this review, we summarize and compare the available data regarding how the levels of Se affect different types of immunity. Overall, determining how Se intake differentially affects various types of immune responses and dissecting the mechanisms by which this occurs will lead to a better utilization of Se-supplementation for human diseases involving the immune system.     

Polymeric hybrid films with photocatalytic activity under visible light

The immobilization of photocatalysts on several kinds of substrates has been widely studied over the past few years, focusing mainly on improving its industrial application. In this work, novel hybrid films were prepared, employing TiO₂ P25, commercial ZnO or BiOI, synthetized through hydrothermal method and immobilized on poly(vinylidene fluoride) by the non‐solvent‐induced phase inversion technique. Subsequently, the prepared composites were evaluated by photodegradation of methylene blue (MB) under ultraviolet or visible light. The samples were also characterized by scanning electron microscope, thermo‐gravimetric analysis, attenuated total reflection–Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and X‐ray diffractometer analysis to improve comprehension of the composites' photocatalytic behavior. The degradation reaction of the contaminants exhibited pseudo‐first order kinetics in all samples, and achieved better performance when compared to simple photolysis. The recyclability of the hybrid films was also evaluated and proved that polymeric matrix is a promising material for the preparation of composites for photocatalysis applications. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018 , 135, 46367.