Coinfection between SARS-CoV-2 and HIV with a low CD4+ T-cells count.

Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an acute respiratory infectious disease caused by the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection that started in Wuhan, China in December 2019 and has spread rapidly worldwide. It's critical to take extra precautions if a person has chronic illnesses (comorbidities), such as human immunodeficiency (HIV) infection. Concerns about people living with HIV (PLHIV) having a higher risk of serious COVID-19 disease may be based on the assumption that PLHIV are more likely to be immunocompromised. On the other hand, limited information is available in such people about the characteristics of co-infection between SARS-CoV-2 and Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) who are at greater risk than the general population. Our findings, is of a 32 year old patient who came to Emergency Unit of Wangaya Hospital, Medical Faculty, Udayana University in Denpasar, Bali with complaint of fever, dry cough, and shortness of breath since prior 3 days and had also the past history prolonged fever, weight loss more than 10% 4 weeks. Diagnosis of COVID-19 was confirmed by nasopharyngeal swab sample was used for RT-PCR assay and PITC to confirm HIV infection. He had prolonged hospitalized and discharge after 18 days.

Intensive nutrition counseling as part of a multi-component weight loss intervention improves diet quality and anthropometrics in older adults with obesity.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Obesity significantly impacts older adults. Intensive nutrition counseling can aid in weight reduction and improve diet quality, but data are sparse in this population. The objective of this intervention is to determine how intensive nutrition counseling affects diet quality and anthropometric measures during a multi-component weight loss intervention in rural older adults with obesity. METHODS: A series of 12-week, single-arm feasibility pilots were conducted in fall 2017 and winter/spring 2018 in a community aging center in rural Northern New England. Adults were eligible if ≥ 65 years old with a Body Mass Index (BMI) ≥30 kg/m2. Exclusion criteria included dementia/cognitive impairment, uncontrolled psychiatric illness, weight-loss surgery, weight loss >5% in previous 6-months, life-threatening illness, palliative/hospice services, current participation in another weight-loss study/program, obesogenic medications, or presence of major chronic conditions. Participants received once-weekly nutrition counseling by a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN), and twice-weekly exercise sessions by a physical therapist (PT). Primary outcomes were diet quality changes measured by total Rapid Eating and Activity Assessment for Patients-Short Version (REAP-S) and Automated Self-Administered 24-h dietary recall (ASA-24). Secondary outcome measures were changes in weight (kilograms) and waist circumference (centimeters). McNemar test was conducted for all paired categorical data while paired t-tests were conducted for all paired continuous data. All analyses were conducted in R; p-value<0.05 was significant. RESULTS: Total n = 23. Mean age was 72.2 (5.8) years (73.9% female); mean BMI was 35.9 ± 5.0 kg/m2. At 12 weeks, diet quality significantly improved. REAP-S scores increased by 3.53 ± 3.13 points (p < 0.001). Kilocalories, grams fat, grams saturated fat, milligrams sodium, grams added sugar, and grams alcohol via ASA-24 significantly decreased (all p < 0.05). Significant reductions in weight (-5.22 ± 3.13 kg) and waist circumference (-6.88 ± 5.67 cm) were observed (both p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Intensive nutrition counseling significantly enhances diet quality and reduces weight and waist circumference in rural older adults with obesity.

Desordens hematológicas em onças-pardas (Puma concolor; Linnaeus, 1771) infectadas por Citauxzoon felis / [Hematological disorders in Brown jaguars (Puma concolor; Linnaeus 1771) infected by Citauxzoon felis]

Este estudo objetivou descrever o aspecto hematológico de seis onças-pardas (Puma concolor) infectadas pelo Cytauxzoon felis. Os seis casos de infecção foram identificados durante o manejo sanitário de 11 animais de um centro de reabilitação de animais silvestres. Estruturas compatíveis com piroplasmídeos foram observadas durante a avaliação do esfregaço sanguíneo e confirmadas como Cytauxzoon felis pela técnica de PCR. A análise estatística demonstrou diferença significativa (P<0,05) no número absoluto dos linfócitos entre os grupos dos animais infectados e não infectados. Assim, expressivas alterações hematológicas e bioquímicas entre os grupos investigados alertam para a dificuldade de identificação de onças-pardas infectadas por C. felis, apoiada apenas em exames de rotina, bem como para o risco, sobretudo, da reintrodução desses animais na natureza.(AU)

This Cytauxzoon felis by the PCR technique. Statistical analysis showed a significant difference is study aimed to describe the hematological appearance of six puma (puma concolor) infected with cytauxzoon felis. The six cases of infection were identified during the sanitary management of 11 animals from a wild animal rehabilitation center. Piroplasmid compatible structures were observed during the blood smear evaluation and confirmed as (P<0.05) in the absolute number of lymphocytes between the groups of infected and uninfected animals. Thus expressive hematological and biochemical alterations between the groups investigated alert to the difficulty of identifying infected brown jaguars by C. felis, supported only by routine examinations, and the risk especially when aiming at the reintroduction of these animals in the wild.(AU)

A review of the NG17 recommendations for the use of basal insulin in type 1 diabetes.

AIMS: To revisit the data analysis used to inform National Institute of Health and Care Excellence (NICE) NG17 guidance for initiating basal insulin in adults with type 1 diabetes mellitus (diabetes). METHODS: We replicated the data, methodology and analysis used by NICE diabetes in the NG17 network meta-analysis (NMA). We expanded this data cohort to a more contemporary data set (extended 2017 NMA) and restricted the studies included to improve the robustness of the data set (restricted 2017 NMA) and in a post hoc analysis, changed the index comparator from neutral protamine Hagedorn (NPH) insulin twice daily to insulin detemir twice daily. RESULTS: The absolute changes in HbA1c were similar to those reported in the NG17. However, all 95% credible intervals for change in HbA1c point estimates crossed the line of null effect, except for detemir twice daily (in the NICE and extended 2017 NMAs) and NPH four times daily. In the detemir twice-daily centred post hoc analysis, the 95% credible intervals for change in HbA1c crossed the line of null effect for all basal therapies, except NPH. CONCLUSIONS: In NG17, comparisons of basal insulins were based solely on efficacy of glycaemic control. Many of the trials used in this analysis were treat-to-target, which minimize differences in HbA1c . In the NMAs, statistical significance was severely undermined by the wide credible intervals. Despite these limitations, point estimates of HbA1c were used to rank the insulins and formed the basis of NG17 guidance. This study queries whether such analyses should be used to make specific clinical recommendations.

Effect of Rolipram on in vitro maturation, gene expression and embryonic development in bovines / Efeito de rolipram na maturação in vitro, expressão gênica e desenvolvimento embrionário em bovinos

The aim of this work was to evaluate the effect of the Rolipram during the maturation of bovine oocytes and gene expression of embryos produced in vitro. Bovine ovaries were collected in slaughterhouse. The COCs were selected and divided into 5 groups: Control 0 time; Control: IVM for 24 hours; Rolipram treatments with IVM blocking for 24 hours in maturation medium containing (100, 150 and 200µM). After 24 hours all groups were reseated in IVM for another 24 hours. Subsequently COCs were subjected to the same IVM system and fertilized, being checked for cleavage post fertilization and for blastocyst. In addition, performed expression of the following genes: Mater, BMP15 and Bax. No difference was found in gene expression. Of oocytes evaluated shortly after follicular aspiration, 79.00% were in GV, GVBD, MI, while 13.40%, were in MII and 7.60%, D/NI. Significant difference was observed in different concentrations (T100, T200 and T150µM) in oocytes that have reached the MII phase compared to control treatments (P= 0.003). Differences were observed in cleavage rate (P< 0.05) between T150 and T200 when compared to the C/24 Group. A high difference was observed on blastocyst rate (P< 0.001) among treatments compared to the control group.(AU)

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o efeito do rolipram durante a maturação de oócitos bovinos, expressão gênica e embriões produzidos in vitro. Os ovários bovinos foram coletados no matadouro. Os COCs foram selecionados e divididos em cinco grupos: controle 0 tempo; controle: MIV por 24 horas; tratamentos rolipram com bloqueio MIV por 24 horas em meio de maturação contendo 100, 150 e 200µM. Após 24 horas, todos os grupos foram recolocados em MIV por mais 24 horas. Subsequentemente COCs foram submetidos ao mesmo sistema MIV e fertilizados, sendo avaliada a taxa de clivagem e de blastocisto, além da expressão dos seguintes genes: Mater, BMP15 e Bax. Nenhuma diferença foi observada na expressão gênica. Dos oócitos avaliados logo após a aspiração folicular, 79,0% estavam em GV, GVBD, MI, enquanto 13,40% estavam em MII, e 7,60% em D/NI. A diferença significativa foi observada em diferentes concentrações (T100, T200 e T150µM) em oócitos que atingiram a fase MII em comparação aos tratamentos de controle (P=0,3). Diferenças foram observadas nas taxas de clivagem (P<0,5) entre T150 e T200 quando comparadas com as taxas do grupo C/24. Uma grande diferença foi observada na taxa de blastocisto (P<0,1) entre os tratamentos em relação ao grupo controle.(AU)

Application of Acid and Cold Stresses to Enhance the Production of Clavulanic Acid by Streptomyces clavuligerus.

Clavulanic acid (CA) is frequently prescribed for treatment of bacterial infections. Despite the large number of studies concerning CA production, there is still a need to search for more effective and productive processes because it is mainly produced by biochemical route and is chemically unstable. This paper evaluates the influence of acid and cold stresses on CA production by Streptomyces clavuligerus in bench scale stirred tank bioreactor. Four batch cultures were conducted at constant pH (6.8 or 6.3) and temperature (30, 25, or 20 °C) and five batch cultures were performed with application of acid stress (pH reduction from 6.8 to 6.3), cold stress (reduction from 30 to 20 °C), or both. The highest maximum CA concentration (684.4 mg L-1) was obtained in the culture conducted at constant temperature of 20 °C. However, the culture under acid stress, in which the pH was reduced from 6.8 to 6.3 at a rate of 0.1 pH unit every 6 h, provided the most promising result, exhibiting a global yield coefficient of CA relative to cell formation (YCA/X) of 851.1 mgCA gX-1. High YCA/X values indicate that a small number of cells are able to produce a large amount of antibiotic with formation of smaller amounts of side byproducts. This could be especially attractive for decreasing the complexity and cost of the downstream processing, enhancing CA production.

Evaluation of fouling mechanisms in nanofiltration as a polishing step of yeast MBR-treated landfill leachate.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the nanofiltration process as a polishing step of a membrane bioreactor inoculated with commercial baker yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) used to treat sanitary landfill leachate. The contaminants retention and influence of concentration polarization and fouling phenomena on the permeate flux decline (FD) at different operating pressures were analysed. The greatest total flux reductions of 63.57% and 70.83% were observed for the lowest and the highest pressures, respectively, being this reduction attributed mainly to the concentration polarization. Membrane itself and concentration polarization phenomena were the main resistances to the nanofiltration process. Hermia model adjustment to the experimental data revealed that cake formation was the main mechanism that explained the FD at pressures of 8, 10 and 12 bar. At recovery rates above 40%, there was a significant decrease in permeate quality, so this value was chosen as the viable value for the proposed system. Integrated MBR-nanofiltration system led to the high removal of pollutants and made the treated effluent feasible for reuse in the landfill itself.

A multicentre, UK, retrospective, observational study to assess the effectiveness of insulin glargine 300 units/ml in treating people with Type 1 diabetes mellitus in routine clinical practice (SPARTA).

AIM: To conduct an open-label study to provide UK real-world evidence regarding the use of insulin glargine 300 units/ml (U300) in people with Type 1 diabetes mellitus. METHODS: People with Type 1 diabetes who had been prescribed U300 ≥6 months before data collection and had HbA1c levels recorded within 3 months prior to U300 (baseline) were included. The primary endpoint was change in HbA1c from baseline to month 6 after U300 initiation. Other endpoints included number of documented hypoglycaemic and diabetic ketoacidosis episodes, and change in daily basal insulin dose. RESULTS: A total of 298 people with Type 1 diabetes were included [mean age 42.1 years, mean HbA1c 79 mmol/mol (9.4%)]. After U300 initiation, the mean reduction in HbA1c from baseline to month 6 was -4 mmol/mol (-0.4%; P<0.001; n=188). The total daily basal insulin dose at 6 months was 1.3 units higher than at the time of U300 initiation (P<0.001; n=275) but was not significantly different from the prior basal insulin dose. There was no clinically significant difference in weight between baseline and month 6 [mean difference +0.7 kg, 95% CI -0.1, 1.5; P=0.084; n=115). During the 6 months before and after U300 initiation, severe hypoglycaemic episodes were documented for 6/298 and 4/298 participants. Diabetic ketoacidosis episodes requiring Accident and Emergency department visits or hospitalization were documented for 4/298 and 6/298 participants, before and after U300 initiation, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: In people with Type 1 diabetes, a change in basal insulin to U300 was associated with clinically and statistically significant HbA1c improvements, without significant changes in basal insulin dose and weight. Documented severe hypoglycaemia episodes and diabetic ketoacidosis requiring Accident and Emergency department visits or hospitalization were low and similar before and after U300 initiation.

EXPERIMENTAL AND COMPUTATIONAL EVALUATION OF EFFECTIVE CENTRE FROM A LONG COUNTER AT NEUTRON METROLOGY LABORATORY IN BRAZIL.

A long counter detector was manufactured by the Institute of Advanced Studies (IEAV) and was characterised in the neutron low scattering room at Brazilian National Ionising Radiation Metrology Laboratory (LNMRI/IRD) to deploy a secondary Standard for neutron fluence. The effective centre was measured experimentally with 252Cf+D2O, 252Cf, 241AmBe and 238PuBe neutron sources, having average energies from 0.55 to 4.16 MeV. The experimental arrangement and detector construction were carefully reproduced in Monte Carlo simulations, and the computational results were found to be in good agreement with those from experiment.

IRRADIATOR SYSTEM FOR MANGANESE SULFATE BATH EFFICIENCY MEASUREMENTS USING A PLUTONIUM-BERYLLIUM NEUTRON SOURCE.

This study describes the use of a neutron irradiator system based on a plutonium-beryllium neutron source for MnSO4 solution activation for use to determine the MSB system efficiency. Computational simulations using Monte Carlo code were performed to establish the main characteristics of the irradiator system. Among the simulated geometries and volumes, semi-cylindrical shape with 84.5 cm3 of MnSO4 solution yielded the best option to be built. Activity measurements were performed with a high-pure germanium detector to validate the new irradiation system. Results showed an average efficiency and uncertainty of the experimental standard deviation of the mean: 5.742 × 10-4 ± 0.036 × 10-4 (coverage factor k = 1), for MSB system. Efficiency value obtained shows good correlation to other published methods (i.e. a relative difference of 0.07%). This alternative metrological method demonstrated the utility of neutron sources for the irradiation of solutions in metrology laboratories providing a cost-efficient alternative to nuclear reactors or particle accelerators.

IMPROVEMENTS IN THE THERMAL NEUTRON CALIBRATION UNIT, TNF2, AT LNMRI/IRD.

The standard thermal neutron flux unit, TNF2, in the Brazilian National Ionizing Radiation Metrology Laboratory was rebuilt. Fluence is still achieved by moderating of four 241Am-Be sources with 0.6 TBq each. The facility was again simulated and redesigned with graphite core and paraffin added graphite blocks surrounding it. Simulations using the MCNPX code on different geometric arrangements of moderator materials and neutron sources were performed. The resulting neutron fluence quality in terms of intensity, spectrum and cadmium ratio was evaluated. After this step, the system was assembled based on the results obtained from the simulations and measurements were performed with equipment existing in LNMRI/IRD and by simulated equipment. This work focuses on the characterization of a central chamber point and external points around the TNF2 in terms of neutron spectrum, fluence and ambient dose equivalent, H*(10). This system was validated with spectra measurements, fluence and H*(10) to ensure traceability.

Integrating twisted wind profiles to Air Ventilation Assessment (AVA): The current status.

Twisted wind flows generated by the complex terrain of Hong Kong induce two types of complication to Air Ventilation Assessment (AVA), first, imposing a false boundary condition on the wind tunnel tests done for AVA and, second, creating an ambiguity in determining the approaching wind direction in calculating the probability of occurrence of winds. The latter issue is partially solved using correction methods in post-analysis of AVA but the accuracy of these methods is not yet accessed. This study employs two twisted wind profiles to test an urban area in a boundary layer wind tunnel to investigate the influence of twisted wind flows on the outcomes of AVA and to estimate the accuracy of three common correction methods: No-Shift, Threshold, and Proportional methods. The results reveal significant differences in wind speeds at the pedestrian level for twisted and conventional wind flows at locations with low building densities. The discrepancies in wind speeds are minimum at the locations where the density of buildings is high. The indicators calculated by the No-Shift method frequently deviate from those of the twisted wind flows, while the Threshold and Proportional methods routinely over-predict the indicators of AVA.

The reliability and stability of visual working memory capacity.

Because of the central role of working memory capacity in cognition, many studies have used short measures of working memory capacity to examine its relationship to other domains. Here, we measured the reliability and stability of visual working memory capacity, measured using a single-probe change detection task. In Experiment 1, the participants (N = 135) completed a large number of trials of a change detection task (540 in total, 180 each of set sizes 4, 6, and 8). With large numbers of both trials and participants, reliability estimates were high (α > .9). We then used an iterative down-sampling procedure to create a look-up table for expected reliability in experiments with small sample sizes. In Experiment 2, the participants (N = 79) completed 31 sessions of single-probe change detection. The first 30 sessions took place over 30 consecutive days, and the last session took place 30 days later. This unprecedented number of sessions allowed us to examine the effects of practice on stability and internal reliability. Even after much practice, individual differences were stable over time (average between-session r = .76).

241Am-Be(α,n) CHARACTERIZATION FOR A NEW LABORATORY FACILITY IN BRAZIL.

The Laboratório de Ciências Radiológicas is developing an irradiator for neutron survey meters calibration. Part of this work is related to the characterization of the neutron source that will be used in the irradiator. Therefore, a source of 241Am-Be(α,n) was characterized according to the following attributes: neutron energy distribution, anisotropy and emission rate. In order to make these values into high-level metrological references traceable by the Bureau International des Poids et Mesures, these measurements were taken at the Neutron Laboratory part of the Laboratório Nacional de Metrologia das Radiações Ionizantes. Results obtained for the source spectrum have strong adherence to the reference spectrum established by ISO 8529-1. The new laboratory for neutron calibration will allow calibration in an approximate ambient dose equivalent ranging 20-4500 µSv/h.

Técnicas de citologia aspirativa, biópsia e citobloco de medula óssea para identificação e determinação de intensidade parasitária na leishmaniose visceral canina / Techniques of aspiration cytology, biopsy and cell block of the bone marrow for the identification and determination of parasite intensity in Canine Visceral Leishmaniasis

O objetivo com este estudo foi comparar as técnicas de citologia aspirativa, biópsia e citobloco para identificação e quantificação parasitológica de Leishmania (Leishmania) infantum chagasi em medula óssea de cães. Amostras de tecido medular de 26 animais, em diferentes estágios clínico-laboratoriais da doença, foram estudadas obedecendo-se os mesmos critérios de investigação nas técnicas de citologia aspirativa, biópsia e citobloco. O menor número de campos para a confirmação parasitológica foi constatado no esfregaço direto obtido por citologia aspirativa. O estágio clínico-laboratorial não influenciou no número de campos necessários para a primeira visualização do agente em nenhuma das técnicas (p>0,05), e menor intensidade parasitária foi observada nas lâminas de citobloco. As técnicas de citologia aspirativa e biópsia concordaram na estimativa do coeficiente de infectividade no tecido estudado (p<0,05). Apesar de a técnica de citobloco permitir a concentração de células e o melhor reaproveitamento de amostras, não demonstrou ser um método adequado para rápida identificação e quantificação parasitológica na leishmaniose visceral canina. Considerando-se suas vantagens, a citologia aspirativa foi o melhor método para detecção microscópica do parasito e determinação do nível de intensidade parasitária no tecido estudado.(AU)

The aim of the present study was to compare the aspiration cytology, biopsy and cell block techniques for identification and parasitological quantification of Leishmania (Leishmania) infantum chagasi in dog bone marrow. Bone marrow tissue samples from 26 animals, in different clinical-laboratory stages of the disease, were studied according to the same criteria of investigation in the aspiration cytology, biopsy and cell block techniques. The lowest number of fields for the parasitological confirmation was found in the direct smear obtained by aspiration cytology. The clinical-laboratory stage did not influence the number of fields required for the first visualization of the agent in any of the techniques (p> 0.05) and less parasitic intensity was observed in the cell block slides. The aspiration cytology and biopsy techniques agreed on the estimation of infectivity coefficient in the tissue studied (p< 0.05). Although the cell block technique allows the concentration of cells and better reutilization of samples, it has not been shown to be an adequate method for rapid identification and parasitological quantification in canine visceral leishmaniasis. Considering its advantages, aspiration cytology was the best method for microscopic detection of the parasite and determination of the level of parasite intensity in the tissue studied.(AU)

Female reproductive system morphology of crab-eating fox (Cerdocyon thous) and cryopreservation of genetic material for animal germplasm bank enrichment.

The sprawl of the urbanization and road network process without building ecological corridors contributes to the high mortality rates and a threat to the population decline of wild species such as the crab-eating fox. A strategy for the ex situ conservation is the study of the reproductive biology of the species and cryopreservation of their genetic heritage through the formation of an animal germplasm bank. This research is in accordance with the principles adopted by Brazilian College of Animal Experimentation. Reproductive systems of Cerdocyon thous females (n = 7) were examined macroscopically and microscopically by histological techniques and scanning electron microscopy. Gross features showed the shape of the ovaries was similar to a bean, and the elongated oviducts lengths were between 5 and 8 cm, with body of the uterus (3 cm) with long and narrow uterine horns (9-11 cm). The cervix was as a single annular conformation carrying out communication between the uterus and the vagina. The vagina has lengthened and circular muscle and the vulva with dense anatomical conformation with a quite pronounced clitoris. In addition, with regard to the establishment of a cell line (fibroblasts) for the gene bank enrichment, cells showed a low clonogenic capacity, especially when compared to domestic dogs, which can be explained by "in vitro" environment, age and diet of the animal. However, it was possible to create a bank of limited cell number. This study had morphological and preservationist character and aimed to help at long term in the conservation of wild animal's genetic resources.

Benefícios de acompanhante treinada durante o processo de parturição: revisão integrativa / The benefits of an attendant trained during the parturition process: integrative review

Objetivo: conhecer a produção científica acerca dos benefícios de acompanhante treinada durante o processo de parturição. Métodos: revisão integrativa. Na busca ativa online nas bases de dados, utilizou-se os descritores, parto humanizado, assistência ao paciente e trabalho de parto. Observou-se como critérios de inclusão, artigos publicados na língua portuguesa, disponíveis online, completos, publicados no período de 2001 a 2015. A coleta de dados foi realizada em janeiro de 2016. Resultados: foram capturados 11 artigos. Os dados evidenciaram que a participação da acompanhante treinada no processo de parturição traz como benefícios: a humanização do parto, a realização de medidas de alívio da dor, a redução de intervenções e o aumento de partos eutócicos, além de causar satisfação e vivência positiva das parturientes acompanhadas por doulas. Considerações finais: novos estudos devem ser realizados a fim de impulsionar a presença das doulas nas maternidades.

Objective: to know the scientific production about the accompanying benefits trained during theparturition process. Methods: integrative review. In online active search in databases, descriptorswere used: humanized delivery, patient care, and labor. It was observed as inclusion criteria articlespublished in Portuguese, available online, full-text, from 2001 to 2015. Data collection wasconducted in January 2016. Results: 11 articles were captured. The data showed that theparticipation of accompanying trained in the parturition process brings the following benefits: birthhumanization, the realization of pain relief measures, the reduction interventions and increasedeutocic births and cause positive satisfaction and experience of mothers accompanied by doulas.Final considerations: further studies should be conducted in order to boost the presence of doulasin maternity wards.

Generation of LIF-independent induced pluripotent stem cells from canine fetal fibroblasts.

Takahashi and Yamanaka established the first technique in which transcription factors related to pluripotency are incorporated into the genome of somatic cells to enable reprogramming of these cells. The expression of these transcription factors enables a differentiated somatic cell to reverse its phenotype to an embryonic state, generating induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). iPSCs from canine fetal fibroblasts were produced through lentiviral polycistronic human and mouse vectors (hOSKM/mOSKM), aiming to obtain pluripotent stem cells with similar features to embryonic stem cells (ESC) in this animal model. The cell lines obtained in this study were independent of LIF or any other supplemental inhibitors, resistant to enzymatic procedure (TrypLE Express Enzyme), and dependent on bFGF. Clonal lines were obtained from slightly different protocols with maximum reprogramming efficiency of 0.001%. All colonies were positive for alkaline phosphatase, embryoid body formation, and spontaneous differentiation and expressed high levels of endogenous OCT4 and SOX2. Canine iPSCs developed tumors at 120 days post-injection in vivo. Preliminary chromosomal evaluations were performed by FISH hybridization, revealing no chromosomal abnormality. To the best of our knowledge, this report is the first to describe the ability to reprogram canine somatic cells via lentiviral vectors without supplementation and with resistance to enzymatic action, thereby demonstrating the pluripotency of these cell lines.

Evaluation of pedestrian wind comfort near 'lift-up' buildings with different aspect ratios and central core modifications.

Owing to the void space at lower heights, lift-up buildings have high building permeability at ground level and subsequently improve the air circulation in congested urban areas. Despite this advantage, the lift-up design has been sparsely adopted for buildings in urban areas partly because of the lack of understanding of the combined effects of building dimensions and lift-up design on the surrounding pedestrian level wind (PLW) field. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the influence of lift-up buildings with different aspect ratios (height/width) on the surrounding PLW field and pedestrian wind comfort level. Five lift-up buildings with aspect ratios 4:1 to 0.5:1 were tested in a boundary layer wind tunnel and results were compared with those of five buildings with similar dimensions but without lift-up design. The results reveal a strong dependence of the maximum wind speed in lift-up areas with building height, which results subsequently a small area of acceptable wind conditions near tall and slender lift-up buildings. Lift-up designs adopted for short and wide buildings produce larger areas of pedestrian wind comfort. The central cores modified with corner modifications are effective in increasing the pedestrian wind comfort in the lift-up area of tall and slender buildings.