The Efficacy of Encapsulated Phytase Based on Recombinant Yarrowia lipolytica on Quails' Zootechnic Features and Phosphorus Assimilation.

In this study, we used the Manchurian golden breed of quails. We assessed the efficacy of the food additives of the phytase from Obesumbacterium proteus encapsulated in the recombinant Yarrowia lipolytica yeast, which was supplied at a concentration of 500 phytase activity units per kg of the feed. One hundred fifty one-day-old quails were distributed into six treatment groups. The results showed that adding the O. proteus encapsulated phytase to the quails' diets improved live weight, body weight gain, and feed conversion compared to those in the control groups and the groups using a commercial phytase from Aspergillus ficuum. The results obtained during the experiments indicate a high degree of assimilation of phytate-containing feeds if the encapsulated phytase was fed by the quails compared to that in the other groups. We can conclude that the class D encapsulated phytase is an expedient additive to the diets possessing better kinetic features compared to the PhyA and PhyC classes phytases when it acts inside the quail's chyme.

Fibroblasts and polymer composition are essential for bioengineering of airway epithelium on nonwoven scaffolds.

To make tissue engineering a truly effective tool, it is necessary to understand how the patterns of specific tissue development are modulated by and depend on the artificial environment. Even the most advanced approaches still do not fully meet the requirements of practical engineering of tracheobronchial epithelium. This study aimed to test the ability of the synthetic and natural nonwoven scaffolds to support the formation of morphological sound airway epithelium including the basement membrane (BM). We also sought to identify the potential role of fibroblasts in this process. Our results showed that nonwoven scaffolds are generally suitable for producing well-differentiated tracheobronchial epithelium (with cilia and goblet cells), while the structure and functionality of the equivalents appeared to be highly dependent on the composition of the scaffolds. Unlike natural scaffolds, synthetic ones supported the formation of the epithelium only when epithelial cells were cocultured with fibroblasts. Fibroblasts also appeared to be obligatory for basal lamina formation, regardless of the type of the nonwoven material used. However, even in the presence of fibroblasts, the synthetic scaffolds were unable to support the formation of the epithelium and of the BM (in particular, basal lamina) as effectively as the natural scaffolds did.

Implementation and evaluation of participatory advisory boards in mental health research: a research protocol of the 'PART-Beirat' project.

BACKGROUND: The use of participatory research approaches in the field of dementia and forensic mental health research has been on the rise. Advisory board structures, involving people with lived experience (PWLE), have frequently been used for guiding and leading research. Yet, there has been limited guidance on the establishment, retention and use of advisory boards in the field of dementia and forensic mental health research. OBJECTIVE: This project outlined in this research protocol will investigate the benefits and challenges of establishing three patient advisory boards, involving PWLE, practitioners and researchers with the purpose to guide research. Data will be used to develop guidelines for best practice in involving PWLE in dementia and forensic mental health research through advisory boards. METHODS: The research project will be divided into three phases: Phase I will involve two topic-specific systematic reviews on the use of participatory research with PWLE, followed by an initial study exploring PWLE's, practitioners' and researchers' expectations on research involvement. Phase II will consist of the establishment of three advisory boards, one focusing on dementia, one on forensic mental health and one overarching coordinating advisory board, which will involve PWLE from both fields. Phase III, will consist of interviews and focus groups with advisory board members, exploring any challenges and benefits of involving PWLE and practitioners in advisory boards for guiding research. To capture the impact of involving PWLE in different research phases and tasks, interviews and focus groups will be conducted at four different points of time (0, 6, 12, 18 months). Reflexive thematic analysis will be used for the analysis of data. DISCUSSION: The project aims to explore the involvement of PWLE and practitioners in guiding research and aims to develop guidelines for best practice in establishing and using patient advisory boards in dementia and forensic mental health research and involving PWLE and practitioners in research.

There is an increasing involvement of people with mental health issues in research, especially in the form of advisory boards. So far People With Lived Experience [PWLE] of mental health issues acquired either from first person experience or through family members, and mental health practitioners' involvement in research has been found to benefit research and society. This is because it increases reach and quality of research, whilst raising the voice of people commonly excluded from decision making (e.g. research, care provision). This research protocol describes the design of a three-year research project. The project aims to establish and use patient advisory boards, involving PWLE, practitioners and researchers, to guide research. The project will consist of three phases: (1) a review of previous studies on the use of participatory research with PWLE of dementia and forensic mental health care, followed by an initial study exploring PWLE's, practitioners' and researchers' expectations in research involvement, (2) the establishment of three advisory boards, one focusing on dementia, one on forensic mental health and one overarching coordinating advisory board, and (3) an exploration of challenges, barriers and benefits of involving PWLE of dementia/forensic mental health care and practitioners in advisory boards for research through interviews and focus groups. Interviews with PWLE and practitioners involved in the advisory boards will be conducted at four different points of time (0, 6, 12, 18 month). At the end, we aim to develop guidelines for establishing advisory board structures, involving PWLE and practitioners in research.

Chitosan Sponges for Efficient Accumulation and Controlled Release of C-Phycocyanin.

The paper proposed a new porous material for wound healing based on chitosan and C-phycocyanin (C-PC). In this work, C-PC was extracted from the cyanobacteria Arthrospira platensis biomass and purified through ammonium sulfate precipitation. The obtained C-PC with a purity index (PI) of 3.36 ± 0.24 was loaded into a chitosan sponge from aqueous solutions of various concentrations (250, 500, and 1000 mg/L). According to the FTIR study, chitosan did not form new bonds with C-PC, but acted as a carrier. The encapsulation efficiency value exceeded 90%, and the maximum loading capacity was 172.67 ± 0.47 mg/g. The release of C-PC from the polymer matrix into the saline medium was estimated, and it was found 50% of C-PC was released in the first hour and the maximum concentration was reached in 5-7 h after the sponge immersion. The PI of the released C-PC was 3.79 and 4.43 depending on the concentration of the initial solution.

Assessment and Management of Cognitive and Psychosocial Difficulties for People with Multiple Sclerosis in Ireland: A National Survey of Clinical Practice.

Background: A recent survey of 109 healthcare professionals explored how UK healthcare professionals typically assess and treat multiple sclerosis (MS)-related cognitive impairment. Little is currently known about what constitutes usual care for cognitive impairment and psychosocial care for people with MS in Ireland. Aim: The aim of the current research was to survey healthcare professionals (HCPs) who work with people with MS, to understand current assessment and management of cognition and psychosocial care in people with MS in the Republic of Ireland. Methods: A cross-sectional survey design was used. Data were collected online through Microsoft forms and through postal responses. The original UK questionnaire was adapted, piloted, and distributed to Irish HCPs. Participants were qualified HCPs who work clinically with people with MS in the Republic of Ireland. Results: Ninety-eight HCPs completed the survey. Only 34% of those surveyed reported routine screening of cognition for people with MS within their services; approximately, 36% HCPs reported that they did not provide information or services in relation to cognition to people with MS and 39% reported not referring elsewhere when cognitive difficulties were suspected. Out of the 98 HCPs, 47% reported assessing mood difficulties as part of their services, with 14% unsure. In total, 70% of participants reported onward referral took place if mood difficulties were identified. The Montreal Cognitive Assessment was the most commonly administrated cognitive assessment. Cognitive intervention choices were found to be guided by clinical judgement in 75.5% of cases. Discussion. Despite the high importance placed on cognitive and psychosocial care, there is very little consistency in treatment and assessment across services for people with MS in Ireland.

The Lipid Profile of the Endomyces magnusii Yeast upon the Assimilation of the Substrates of Different Types and upon Calorie Restriction.

The study analyzes the dynamics in the lipid profile of the Endomyces magnusii yeast during the long-lasting cultivation using the substrates of "enzymatic" or "oxidative" type. Moreover, we studied its changes upon calorie restriction (CR) (0.5% glucose) and glucose depletion (0.2% glucose). Di-(DAGs), triacylglycerides (TAGs) and free fatty acids (FFAs) dominate in the storage lipid fractions. The TAG level was high in all the cultures tested and reached 80% of the total lipid amount. While being cultured on 2% substrates, the level of storage lipids decreased at the four-week stage, whereas upon CR their initially low amount doubled. Phosphatidylethanolamines (PE), sterols (St) (up to 62% of total lipids), phosphatidylcholines (PC), and phosphatidic acids (PA) (more than 40% of total lipids) were dominating in the membrane lipids of E magnusii. Upon CR at the late stationary growth stages (3-4 weeks), the total level of membrane lipid was two-fold higher than those on glycerol and 2% glucose. The palmitic acid C16:0 (from 10 to 23%), the palmitoleic acid C16:1 (from 4.3 to 15.9%), the oleic acid C18:1 (from 23.4 to 59.2%), and the linoleic acid C18:2 (from 10.8 to 49.2%) were the dominant fatty acids (FAs) of phospholipids. Upon glucose depletion (0.2% glucose), the total amount of storage and membrane lipids in the cells was comparable to that in the cells both on 2% and 0.5% glucose. High levels of PC and sphingolipids (SL) at the late stationary growth stages and an increased PA level throughout the whole experiment were typical for the membrane lipids composition upon the substrate depletion. There was shown a crucial role of St, PA, and a high share of the unsaturated FAs in the membrane phospholipids upon the adaptation of the E. magnusii yeast to the long-lasting cultivation upon the substrate restriction is shown. The autophagic processes in some fractions of the cell population provide the support of high level of lipid components at the late stages of cultivation upon substrate depletion under the CR conditions. CR is supposed to play the key role in regulating the lipid synthesis and risen resistance to oxidative stress, as well as its possible biotechnological application.

The Effect of Different Substrates on the Morphological Features and Polyols Production of Endomyces magnusii Yeast during Long-Lasting Cultivation.

The study on the influence of different glucose concentrations (2%, 0.5%, and 0.2%) and glycerol (1%) on the morphological and physiological features, as well as the composition of soluble carbohydrates, was performed using Endomyces magnusii yeast. Two-factor analysis of variance with repetitions to process the data of the cell size changes showed that the substrate type affected cell size the most. The cells with 2% glucose were 30-35% larger than those growing on glycerol. The decrease in the initial glucose concentration up to 0.5-0.2% slightly changed the cell length. However, even in the logarithmic growth phase pseudo-mycelium of two to four cells appeared in the cultures when using low glucose, unlike those using glycerol. Throughout the whole experiment, more than 90% of the populations remained viable on all of the substrates tested. The ability for colony formation decreased during aging. Nevertheless, at the three-week stage, upon substrate restriction (0.2% glucose), it was twice higher than those under the other conditions. The respiration rate also decreased and exceeded not more than 10% of that in the logarithmic phase. By the end of the experiment, the cyanide-sensitive respiration share decreased up to 40% for all types of substrates. The study of soluble cytosol carbohydrates showed that the cultures using 2% glucose and 1% glycerol contained mainly arabitol and mannitol, while at low glucose concentrations they were substituted for inositol. The formation of inositol is supposed to be related to pseudo-mycelium formation. The role of calorie restriction in the regulation of carbohydrate synthesis and the composition in the yeast and its biotechnological application is under consideration.

The impact of participatory dementia research on researchers: A systematic review.

Participatory approaches are increasingly required and used in research. In this review, we examined the impact (benefits and disadvantages) of participatory dementia research on researchers as potential key actors to sustainably implement the participatory approach. Our aim was to provide information on how the participatory process could be improved. We conducted a systematic literature review covering the Cochrane Library, PsycNet, PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar. The inclusion criteria for publications were as follows: research (1) involving people with dementia as co-researchers, (2) including a description or discussion of the impact of participatory research for researchers, (3) published between 2000 and 2020, and (4) in English. We performed a quality assessment of the included publications. Our final review included nine publications; three categorized as high quality, five as medium quality, and one as low quality. Four of the publications categorized as high or medium quality implemented participation at the level of partnership, and two publications implemented participation at the level of delegated power. The beneficial impact of participatory dementia research on researchers consisted of an increased understanding of people with dementia that widened researchers' theoretical knowledge and perspectives and increased their competence in working with people with dementia. Disadvantages comprised the required additional effort and time as well as the difficulty of establishing a balanced relationship between researchers and co-researchers. Disadvantages may result from the lack of a definition and structure of participatory research and a lack of training on both sides. More well-designed and transparent methods of evaluating participatory research projects are needed.

Stakeholder involvement in dementia research: A qualitative approach with healthy senior citizens and providers of dementia care in Germany.

Engaging stakeholders in health-related research is becoming commonplace internationally and is increasingly considered best research practice to improve care management services. Many different groups have a stake in dementia care, but the evidence base for stakeholder involvement in dementia research is still small. The aim of this study was to explore views of two major stakeholder groups of dementia care in research priority setting and how they would want to be involved in dementia research. Group discussions were carried out with 47 participants divided into two groups: (a) healthy senior citizens and (b) providers of dementia care. Ensuing responses were analysed using descriptive content analysis. The main research interest of both groups was similar, but senior citizens and providers of dementia care varied in how they perceived the roles of researchers and stakeholders involved. Groups also differed with respect to the amount of time they would be willing to invest into research. The results contribute to our knowledge of group-specific stakeholder priorities and attitudes regarding participatory involvement in dementia research.

A Systematic Study of the Antioxidant Capacity of Humic Substances against Peroxyl Radicals: Relation to Structure.

Humic substances (HS) are natural supramolecular systems of high- and low-molecular-weight compounds with distinct immunomodulatory and protective properties. The key beneficial biological activity of HS is their antioxidant activity. However, systematic studies of the antioxidant activity of HS against biologically relevant peroxyl radicals are still scarce. The main objective of this work was to estimate the antioxidant capacity (AOC) of a broad set of HS widely differing in structure using an oxygen radical absorption capacity (ORAC) assay. For this purpose, 25 samples of soil, peat, coal, and aquatic HS and humic-like substances were characterized using elemental analysis and quantitative 13C solution-state NMR. The Folin-Ciocalteu method was used to quantify total phenol (TP) content in HS. The determined AOC values varied in the range of 0.31-2.56 µmol Trolox eqv. mg-1, which is close to the values for ascorbic acid and vitamin E. Forward stepwise regression was used to reveal the four main factors contributing to the AOC value of HS: atomic C/N ratio, content of O-substituted methine and methoxyl groups, and TP. The results obtained clearly demonstrate the dependence of the AOC of HS on both phenolic and non-phenolic moieties in their structure, including carbohydrate fragments.

Effectiveness of a digitally supported care management programme to reduce unmet needs of family caregivers of people with dementia: study protocol for a cluster randomised controlled trial (GAIN).

BACKGROUND: Up to two-thirds of dementia care is provided by family caregivers who often experience high burden, little support and adverse health outcomes. Enabling and supporting family caregivers to provide care at home prevents early institutionalisation of the person with dementia and alleviates the economic burden of dementia in the long term. General practitioners (GPs), as the first point of contact, have a key role in identifying and managing burden and care needs of family caregivers. However, in routine care, this opportunity is often limited by time constraints and even if caregiver needs are recognised, detailed information about regionally available support and advice on healthcare services is often lacking. METHODS: This is a cluster randomised, controlled trial investigating the clinical use and cost-effectiveness of a digitally supported care management programme for caregivers of people with dementia (PwD). Five hundred family caregivers will be randomised at GP offices, specialist practices and memory clinics, with about n=250 participants per arm. Participants are eligible if they are the primary family caregiver of a PwD, are at least 18 years of age and provide informed consent. Participants in the intervention group will receive an individualised care management plan, which will be carried out by qualified study nurses in collaboration with the treating GP. All participants will receive a baseline assessment and a 6-months follow-up assessment. Participants in the wait-list control group will receive usual care. Starting at the 6 months' follow-up, the former controls will also receive an individualised management plan. Primary outcomes are the number of unmet needs (incl. the Camberwell Assessment of Need for the Elderly, CANE) and health-related quality of life (EQ-5D-5L) at 6 months. Secondary outcomes include caregiver burden (Zarit Burden Interview, ZBI), social support (Lubben Social Network Scale, LSNS), the use of medical and non-medical services (Questionnaire for the Use of Medical and Non-Medical Services, FIMA) and resource utilisation (Resource Utilisation in Dementia, RUD). The primary analysis will be based on intention-to-treat. Between- and within-group analyses and a cost-effectiveness analysis will be conducted to estimate the effect of the tablet PC-based care management programme. This trial is funded by the German Federal Joint Committee (G-BA) Innovation Fund. DISCUSSION: The findings of this trial will be useful in informing and improving current healthcare system structures and processes to support family dementia caregivers within routine care practices. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04037501 . Registered on 30 July 2019.

Sodium alginate-based composites as a collagen substitute for skin bioengineering.

The skin is a combination of two different types of tissue-epithelial and connective (mesenchymal). The outer protective layer of the skin, the epidermis, consists of multiple layers of keratinocytes residing on the basement membrane that separates them from the underlying dermis, which consists of a well-vascularized fibrous extracellular matrix seeded mainly by fibroblasts and mesenchymal stromal cells. These skin features suggest that the development of a fibroblast-friendly porous scaffold covered with a flat dense sheath mimicking the basement membrane, and sufficient to support keratinocyte attachment, would be a reasonable approach in the generation of clinically-relevant skin substitutes useful for reconstructive dermatology and burn treatment. Therefore, we developed a procedure to obtain biocompatible composite bilayer scaffolds comprising a spongy dermis-like body (supporting vascularization and appropriate fibroblast and multipotent stromal cell activity) fused with a film-like cover (supporting keratinocyte attachment, growth and differentiation). The sodium alginate (SA), an algae-derived biopolymer, has been used as a base component for these scaffolds while collagen (CL) and fibrinogen (FG) were used as minor additives in variable concentrations. The slow rates of composite SA-based scaffold biodegradation were achieved by using Ba2+ as cross-linking cations. By manipulating the SA/CL/FG ratio we managed to obtain sponge scaffolds with highly interconnected porous structures, with an average pore size ranging from 60 to 300 µm, and sufficient tensile strength (3.12-5.26 MPa). The scaffolds biocompatibility with the major human skin cell types was confirmed by seeding the scaffold sponge compartment with primary skin fibroblasts and subcutaneous adipose-derived stromal cells while the film side biocompatibility was tested using primary human keratinocytes. The obtained results have shown that bilayer alginate-based scaffolds have biological and mechanical properties comparable with CL scaffolds but surpass them in cost efficiency and vascularization ability in the subcutaneous implantation model in laboratory mice.

Metabolic Remodeling during Long-Lasting Cultivation of the Endomyces magnusii Yeast on Oxidative and Fermentative Substrates.

In this study, we evaluated the metabolic profile of the aerobic microorganism of Endomyces magnusii with a complete respiration chain and well-developed mitochondria system during long-lasting cultivation. The yeast was grown in batches using glycerol and glucose as the sole carbon source for a week. The profile included the cellular biological and chemical parameters, which determined the redox status of the yeast cells. We studied the activities of the antioxidant systems (catalases and superoxide dismutases), glutathione system enzymes (glutathione peroxidase and reductase), aconitase, as well as the main enzymes maintaining NADPH levels in the cells (glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase and NADP+-isocitrate dehydrogenase) during aging of Endomyces magnusii on two kinds of substrates. We also investigated the dynamics of change in oxidized and reduced glutathione, conjugated dienes, and reactive oxidative species in the cells at different growth stages, including the deep stationary stages. Our results revealed a similar trend in the changes in the activity of all the enzymes tested, which increased 2-4-fold upon aging. The yeast cytosol had a very high reduced glutathione content, 22 times than that of Saccharomyces cerevisiae, and remained unchanged during growth, whereas there was a 7.5-fold increase in the reduced glutathione-to-oxidized glutathione ratio. The much higher level of reactive oxidative species was observed in the cells in the late and deep stationary phases, especially in the cells using glycerol. Cell aging of the culture grown on glycerol, which promotes active oxidative phosphorylation in the mitochondria, facilitated the functioning of powerful antioxidant systems (catalases, superoxide dismutases, and glutathione system enzymes) induced by reactive oxidative species. Moreover, it stimulated NADPH synthesis, regulating the cytosolic reduced glutathione level, which in turn determines the redox potential of the yeast cell during the early aging process.

Non-woven bilayered biodegradable chitosan-gelatin-polylactide scaffold for bioengineering of tracheal epithelium.

OBJECTIVES: The conversion of tissue engineering into a routine clinical tool cannot be achieved without a deep understanding of the interaction between cells and scaffolds during the process of tissue formation in an artificial environment. Here, we have investigated the cultivation conditions and structural features of the biodegradable non-woven material in order to obtain a well-differentiated human airway epithelium. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The bilayered scaffold was fabricated by electrospinning technology. The efficiency of the scaffold has been evaluated using MTT cell proliferation assay, histology, immunofluorescence and electron microscopy. RESULTS: With the use of a copolymer of chitosan-gelatin-poly-l-lactide, a bilayered non-woven scaffold was generated and characterized. The optimal structural parameters of both layers for cell proliferation and differentiation were determined. The basal airway epithelial cells differentiated into ciliary and goblet cells and formed pseudostratified epithelial layer on the surface of the scaffold. In addition, keratinocytes formed a skin equivalent when seeded on the same scaffold. A comparative analysis of growth and differentiation for both types of epithelium was performed. CONCLUSIONS: The structural parameters of nanofibres should be selected experimentally depending on polymer composition. The major challenges on the way to obtain the well-differentiated equivalent of respiratory epithelium on non-woven scaffold include the following: the balance between scaffold permeability and thickness, proper combination of synthetic and natural components, and culture conditions sufficient for co-culturing of airway epithelial cells and fibroblasts. For generation of skin equivalent, the lack of diffusion is not so critical as for pseudostratified airway epithelium.

Effectiveness of cognitive rehabilitation for people with multiple sclerosis: a meta-synthesis of patient perspectives.

While previous randomised controlled trials and meta-analyses offer only limited evidence for the effectiveness of cognitive rehabilitation, qualitative studies examining patient perspectives report more positive outcomes. This meta-synthesis of qualitative studies examined patient perspectives of cognitive rehabilitation for memory, attention, and executive function problems in people with multiple sclerosis. Using set eligibility criteria, we screened electronic databases, reference lists, and academic networks for relevant papers. Seven papers (195 participants) were selected. Two independent researchers conducted quality appraisals of papers. Data analysis, guided by the thematic synthesis approach, yielded six main themes. These suggested that patients benefitted from the group environment in rehabilitation. Cognitive rehabilitation facilitated the participants' reflection and awareness of their cognitive deficits, and was associated with increased knowledge and understanding of their illness. Increased strategy use was reported and associated with improvements in cognitive functioning and greater confidence and perseverance. Participants reported emotional and social improvements, and felt more optimistic. Overall, these changes had a positive impact on participants' quality of life. This synthesis of qualitative studies indicates that people with multiple sclerosis who experience cognitive deficits benefit from cognitive rehabilitation programmes. This finding must, however, be viewed in light of the limitations of this meta-synthesis. The meta-synthesis was registered in the PROSPERO database under CRD42017040148.

Assessment and management of cognitive problems in people with multiple sclerosis: A National Survey of Clinical Practice.

BACKGROUND: People diagnosed with multiple sclerosis often have cognitive problems. However, it is unclear how cognitive impairment is currently assessed and managed in the UK. AIM: The aim of this study was to understand the current clinical practice of assessment and management of cognitive impairment in people with MS and to highlight any national variation. METHODS: A survey was posted to 150 MS centres and large hospitals and an online version was shared via email and on social media. RESULTS: Responses were analysed from 109 healthcare professionals. Approximately 59% (n = 64) reported that they used cognitive assessment tools: the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) was the most widely used. Assessments were usually done by occupational therapists (55%; n = 60) or clinical neuropsychologist and psychologists (38%; n = 41); 49% (n = 53) of respondents developed and implemented a cognitive rehabilitation plan when the assessment indicated that patients had cognitive problems; 16% (n = 17) indicated that they would refer patients to specialist cognitive rehabilitation for symptom management; 3% (n = 3) followed a manual when providing a cognitive rehabilitation programme. CONCLUSIONS: Clinical pathways for assessing and managing cognitive problems vary and are dependent on the individual expertise of health professionals, available resources, and access to specialist services. Although healthcare professionals highlight the importance of assessment and management, cognitive rehabilitation programmes are not routinely offered in the UK.

Reporting interventions in trials evaluating cognitive rehabilitation in people with multiple sclerosis: a systematic review.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the quantity and quality of description of cognitive rehabilitation for cognitive deficits in people with multiple sclerosis, using a variety of published checklists, and suggest ways of improving the reporting of these interventions. DATA SOURCES: A total of 10 electronic databases were searched, including MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL and PsycINFO, from inception to May 2017. Grey literature databases, trial registers, reference lists and author citations were also searched. REVIEW METHODS: Papers were included if participants were people with multiple sclerosis aged 18 years and over and if the effectiveness of cognitive rehabilitation in improving functional ability for memory, attention or executive dysfunction, with or without a control group, was being evaluated. RESULTS: A total of 54 studies were included in this review. The reporting of a number of key aspects of cognitive rehabilitation was poor. This was particularly in relation to content of interventions (reported completely in 26 of the 54 studies), intervention procedures (reported completely in 16 of the 54 studies), delivery mode (reported completely in 24 of the 54 studies) and intervention mechanism of action (reported completely in 21 of the 54 studies). CONCLUSION: The quality of reporting of cognitive rehabilitation for memory, attention and executive function for multiple sclerosis, across a range of study designs, is poor. Existing reporting checklists do not adequately cover aspects relevant to cognitive rehabilitation, such as the approaches used to address cognitive deficits. Future checklists could consider these aspects we have identified in this review.

Key Roles of Size and Crystallinity of Nanosized Iron Hydr(oxides) Stabilized by Humic Substances in Iron Bioavailability to Plants.

Availability of Fe in soil to plants is closely related to the presence of humic substances (HS). Still, the systematic data on applicability of iron-based nanomaterials stabilized with HS as a source for plant nutrition are missing. The goal of our study was to establish a connection between properties of iron-based materials stabilized by HS and their bioavailability to plants. We have prepared two samples of leonardite HS-stabilized iron-based materials with substantially different properties using the reported protocols and studied their physical chemical state in relation to iron uptake and other biological effects. We used Mössbauer spectroscopy, XRD, SAXS, and TEM to conclude on iron speciation, size, and crystallinity. One material (Fe-HA) consisted of polynuclear iron(III) (hydr)oxide complexes, so-called ferric polymers, distributed in HS matrix. These complexes are composed of predominantly amorphous small-size components (<5 nm) with inclusions of larger crystalline particles (the mean size of (11 ± 4) nm). The other material was composed of well-crystalline feroxyhyte (δ'-FeOOH) NPs with mean transverse sizes of (35 ± 20) nm stabilized by small amounts of HS. Bioavailability studies were conducted on wheat plants under conditions of iron deficiency. The uptake studies have shown that small and amorphous ferric polymers were readily translocated into the leaves on the level of Fe-EDTA, whereas relatively large and crystalline feroxyhyte NPs were mostly sorbed on the roots. The obtained data are consistent with the size exclusion limits of cell wall pores (5-20 nm). Both samples demonstrated distinct beneficial effects with respect to photosynthetic activity and lipid biosynthesis. The obtained results might be of use for production of iron-based nanomaterials stabilized by HS with the tailored iron availability to plants. They can be applied as the only source for iron nutrition as well as in combination with the other elements, for example, for industrial production of "nanofortified" macrofertilizers (NPK).

Label Distribution in Tissues of Wheat Seedlings Cultivated with Tritium-Labeled Leonardite Humic Acid.

Humic substances (HS) play important roles in the biotic-abiotic interactions of the root plant and soil contributing to plant adaptation to external environments. However, their mode of action on plants remains largely unknown. In this study the HS distribution in tissues of wheat seedlings was examined using tritium-labeled humic acid (HA) derived from leonardite (a variety of lignites) and microautoradiography (MAR). Preferential accumulation of labeled products from tritiated HA was found in the roots as compared to the shoots, and endodermis was shown to be the major control point for radial transport of label into vascular system of plant. Tritium was also found in the stele and xylem tissues indicating that labeled products from tritiated HA could be transported to shoot tissues via the transpiration stream. Treatment with HA lead to an increase in the content of polar lipids of photosynthetic membranes. The observed accumulation of labeled HA products in root endodermis and positive impact on lipid synthesis are consistent with prior reported observations on physiological effects of HS on plants such as enhanced growth and development of lateral roots and improvement/repairs of the photosynthetic status of plants under stress conditions.