Trematode communities in cockles (Cerastoderma edule) of the Ria de Aveiro (Portugal): influence of inorganic contamination

This work aims to assess the trematode parasites infecting the edible cockle Cerastoderma edule, collected in the Ria de Aveiro lagoon, one of the most relevant biodiversity hotspots of the Western Iberia, and evaluate the relationship between the observed patterns and environmental descriptors. A total of 11 of the 16 trematode species known to infect C. edule were identified, including Himasthla continua and Psilostomum brevicolle as new occurrences in this lagoon. Parvatrema minutum was the most abundant and dominant species. Species richness and prevalence were high. The relationship between trematode species abundance, intensity and prevalence, and also environmental variables, showed that most parasites preferred muddy sand areas with euhaline conditions in opposition to areas with contamination and/or distant from the lagoon entrance. This study highlighted the good ecological status of the ecosystem and the transitional biogeographic characteristics of the western Portuguese coast where northern and subtropical faunas can coexist.

A low cost, safe, disposable, rapid and self-sustainable paper-based platform for diagnostic testing: lab-on-paper

There is a strong interest in the use of biopolymers in the electronic and biomedical industries, mainly towards low-cost applications. The possibility of developing entirely new kinds of products based on cellulose is of current interest, in order to enhance and to add new functionalities to conventional paper-based products. We present our results towards the development of paper-based microfluidics for molecular diagnostic testing. Paper properties were evaluated and compared to nitrocellulose, the most commonly used material in lateral flow and other rapid tests. Focusing on the use of paper as a substrate for microfluidic applications, through an eco-friendly wax-printing technology, we present three main and distinct colorimetric approaches: (i) enzymatic reactions (glucose detection); (ii) immunoassays (antibodies anti-Leishmania detection); (iii) nucleic acid sequence identification (Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex detection). Colorimetric glucose quantification was achieved through enzymatic reactions performed within specific zones of the paper-based device. The colouration achieved increased with growing glucose concentration and was highly homogeneous, covering all the surface of the paper reaction zones in a 3D sensor format. These devices showed a major advantage when compared to the 2D lateral flow glucose sensors, where some carryover of the coloured products usually occurs. The detection of anti-Leishmania antibodies in canine sera was conceptually achieved using a paper-based 96-well enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay format. However, optimization is still needed for this test, regarding the efficiency of the immobilization of antigens on the cellulose fibres. The detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis nucleic acids integrated with a non-cross-linking gold nanoprobe detection scheme was also achieved in a wax-printed 384-well paper-based microplate, by the hybridization with a species-specific probe. The obtained results with the above-mentioned proof-of-concept sensors are thus promising towards the future development of simple and cost-effective paper-based diagnostic devices.

Nanocrystalline cellulose applied simultaneously as the gate dielectric and the substrate in flexible field effect transistors

Cotton-based nanocrystalline cellulose (NCC), also known as nanopaper, one of the major sources of renewable materials, is a promising substrate and component for producing low cost fully recyclable flexible paper electronic devices and systems due to its properties (lightweight, stiffness, non-toxicity, transparency, low thermal expansion, gas impermeability and improved mechanical properties).Here, we have demonstrated for the first time a thin transparent nanopaper-based field effect transistor (FET) where NCC is simultaneously used as the substrate and as the gate dielectric layer in an 'interstrate' structure, since the device is built on both sides of the NCC films; while the active channel layer is based on oxide amorphous semiconductors, the gate electrode is based on a transparent conductive oxide.Such hybrid FETs present excellent operating characteristics such as high channel saturation mobility (>7 cm(2) V (-1) s(-1)), drain-source current on/off modulation ratio higher than 10(5), enhancement n-type operation and subthreshold gate voltage swing of 2.11 V/decade. The NCC film FET characteristics have been measured in air ambient conditions and present good stability, after two weeks of being processed, without any type of encapsulation or passivation layer. The results obtained are comparable to ones produced for conventional cellulose paper, marking this out as a promising approach for attaining high-performance disposable electronics such as paper displays, smart labels, smart packaging, RFID (radio-frequency identification) and point-of-care systems for self-analysis in bioscience applications, among others.

The influence of fibril composition and dimension on the performance of paper gated oxide transistors

Paper electronics is a topic of great interest due the possibility of having low-cost, disposable and recyclable electronic devices. The final goal is to make paper itself an active part of such devices. In this work we present new approaches in the selection of tailored paper, aiming to use it simultaneously as substrate and dielectric in oxide based paper field effect transistors (FETs). From the work performed, it was observed that the gate leakage current in paper FETs can be reduced using a dense microfiber/nanofiber cellulose paper as the dielectric. Also, the stability of these devices against changes in relative humidity is improved. On other hand, if the pH of the microfiber/nanofiber cellulose pulp is modified by the addition of HCl, the saturation mobility of the devices increases up to 16 cm(2) V(-1) s(-1), with an ION/IOFF ratio close to 10(5).

Influence of the layer thickness in plasmonic gold nanoparticles produced by thermal evaporation

Metallic nanoparticles (NPs) have received recently considerable interest of photonic and photovoltaic communities. In this work, we report the optoelectronic properties of gold NPs (Au-NPs) obtained by depositing very thin gold layers on glass substrates through thermal evaporation electron-beam assisted process. The effect of mass thickness of the layer was evaluated. The polycrystalline Au-NPs, with grain sizes of 14 and 19 nm tend to be elongated in one direction as the mass thickness increase. A 2 nm layer deposited at 250°C led to the formation of Au-NPs with 10-20 nm average size, obtained by SEM images, while for a 5 nm layer the wide size elongates from 25 to 150 nm with a mean at 75 nm. In the near infrared region was observed an absorption enhancement of amorphous silicon films deposited onto the Au-NPs layers with a corresponding increase in the PL peak for the same wavelength region.

Oxide semiconductor thin-film transistors: a review of recent advances

Transparent electronics is today one of the most advanced topics for a wide range of device applications. The key components are wide bandgap semiconductors, where oxides of different origins play an important role, not only as passive component but also as active component, similar to what is observed in conventional semiconductors like silicon. Transparent electronics has gained special attention during the last few years and is today established as one of the most promising technologies for leading the next generation of flat panel display due to its excellent electronic performance. In this paper the recent progress in n- and p-type oxide based thin-film transistors (TFT) is reviewed, with special emphasis on solution-processed and p-type, and the major milestones already achieved with this emerging and very promising technology are summarizeed. After a short introduction where the main advantages of these semiconductors are presented, as well as the industry expectations, the beautiful history of TFTs is revisited, including the main landmarks in the last 80 years, finishing by referring to some papers that have played an important role in shaping transparent electronics. Then, an overview is presented of state of the art n-type TFTs processed by physical vapour deposition methods, and finally one of the most exciting, promising, and low cost but powerful technologies is discussed: solution-processed oxide TFTs. Moreover, a more detailed focus analysis will be given concerning p-type oxide TFTs, mainly centred on two of the most promising semiconductor candidates: copper oxide and tin oxide. The most recent data related to the production of complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) devices based on n- and p-type oxide TFT is also be presented. The last topic of this review is devoted to some emerging applications, finalizing with the main conclusions. Related work that originated at CENIMAT|I3N during the last six years is included in more detail, which has led to the fabrication of high performance n- and p-type oxide transistors as well as the fabrication of CMOS devices with and on paper.

Effects of strength and aerobic-based training on functional fitness, mood and the relationship between fatness and mood in older adults

AIM

Physical independence and positive mood states contribute to successful aging. The aim of this study was to analyze the effects of aerobic and strength-based training programs on functional fitness and mood in older adults, and to assess the relationship between adiposity and mood states.

METHODS

Seventy eight participants (age 65 to 95 year old) were randomly assigned to a control group, aerobic training (AT), or strength training group (ST). Functional fitness was assessed using dimensions of the Senior Fitness Test battery relating to lower and upper body strength and flexibility, velocity, agility and dynamic balance, and aerobic endurance. Mood states (depression, tension, fatigue, vigour, anger, and confusion) were determined using the POMS-SF questionnaire. Participants were evaluated at the baseline and at the end of a 16-week exercise programme.

RESULTS

Both the ST and AT groups improved their functional fitness following the 16 week training. Body Mass Index (BMI) was positively associated with tension (r=0.30; P<0.01), fatigue (r=0.31; P<0.01) and confusion (r=0.24; P<0.05). At 16-week evaluation, control group reported increased levels of confusion, and the ST group reported increases in vigour (P<0.05).

CONCLUSION

Results support the idea that strength-based training can be as effective as aerobic-based training in improving physical skills that contribute to functional mobility in later years. Positive associations between increased BMI and mood disturbance were also found. Physical training also contributed to some improvements in mood.

Next Generation of Thin Film Transistors Based on Zinc Oxide

We report high performance ZnO thin film transistor (ZnO-TFT) fabricated by rf magnetron sputtering at room temperature with a bottom gate configuration. The ZnO-TFT operates in the enhancement mode with a threshold voltage of 19 V, a field effect mobility of 28 cm2/Vs, a gate voltage swing of 1.39 V/decade and an on/off ratio of 3×105. The ZnO-TFT present an average optical transmission (including the glass substrate) of 80 % in the visible part of the spectrum. The combination of transparency, high field-effect mobility and room temperature processing makes the ZnO-TFT a very promising low cost optoelectronic device for the next generation of invisible and flexible electronics.

Nanostructured silicon films produced by PECVD

This paper presents the process conditions that lead to the production of nanostructured silicon films grown by plasma enhanced chemical vapour deposition close to the so-called gamma regime (powder formation), highly dense and with low density of bulk states. Thus, the powder management is one important issue to be addressed in this paper. As a general rule we observed that high quality films (low density of states and high μτ products) are obtained when films are grown under low ion bombardment at high hydrogen dilution and deposition pressure conditions, to allow the proper surface passivation and surface activation.

Nd-YAG Laser Induced Crystallization on a-Si:H Thin Films

In this paper we present results concerning the influence of laser energy and shot density on the electrical resistance, X-ray diffraction pattern, and structure obtained by SEM, on recrystallized a-Si:H thin films produced by using a Nd-YAG laser, working in a wavelength of 532 nm. The base material (undoped and doped a-Si:H) was obtained by Plasma Enhanced Chemical Vapour Deposition (PECVD). The structure and electrical characteristics of the recrystallized thin films are dependent on the laser beam energy density, beam spot size and the number of shots applied to the base a-Si:H thin film used. Overall, the data show recrystallized material with grain sizes larger than lµm, where the electrical resistance of both, undoped and doped materials, can be varied up to 5 orders of magnitude, by the proper choice of the recrystallization conditions.

Hydrogenated Amorphous Silicon Speed Sensor Based on the Flying Spot Technique

In the past we have developed a transient technique, called the Flying Spot Technique (FST). FST allows, not only to infer the ambipolar diffusion length but also the effective lifetime of the photogenerated carriers once the light spot velocity and geometry of the structure were known.

In this paper, we propose to apply this technique backwards in order to detect the path and velocity of an object that is moving in the direction of a light source. The light reflected back from the object is analyzed through a p.i.n structure being the transient transverse photovoltage dependent on the movement of the object (position and velocity). Assuming that the transport properties of the material and the geometry of the device are known and using a triangulation method we show that it is possible to map the movement of the object. Details concerning material characterization, simulation and device geometry are presented.

High Sensitivity Photochemical Sensors Based on Amorphous Silicon

Hydrogenated amoiphous silicon photochemical sensors based on Pd-MIS structures were produced by Plasma Enhanced Chemical Vapor Deposition with two different oxidized surfaces (thermal and chemical oxidation). The behaviour of dark and illuminated current-voltage characteristics in air and in the presence of a hydrogen atmosphere is explained by the changes induced by the gases in the work function of the metal, modifying the electrical properties of the interface. The photochemical sensors produced present more than 2 orders of magnitude variation on the reverse dark current when in presence of 400 ppm hydrogen to which it corresponds a decrease of 45% on the open circuit voltage.

Improvement of the ITO-P Interface in a-Si:H Solar Cells Using a Thin SiO Intermediate Layer

The use of ITO thin films on glass/ITO/p-i-n/metal amorphous silicon solar cells is reviewed. It is suggested a new application for silicon monoxide thin films on the ITO-p interface, as an intermediate layer, to minimize the ITO thin film deterioration process, during the early stage of exposure to a silane plasma rich in hydrogen. The thickness of the silicon monoxide thin films is chosen not to worsen the optical and electrical properties of the ITO thin films. The ITO-p interface is optimized (due to impurities diffusion decrease), leading to an overall improvement of the device performance

Spray-Deposited Metal Oxide Films with Various Properties for Micro- and Optoelectronic Applications: Growth and Characterization

This work reports the structure and electro-optical characteristics of different metal oxide films obtained by spray pyrolysis on heated glass substrates, aiming their application in optoelectronic devices. The results show that this technique leads to thin films with properties ranging from dielectric to degenerate semiconductors, offering the following advantages: simplicity, low cost, high productivity and the possibility of covering large areas, highly important for large area device applications.

High Spatial Resolution Strain Measurements Within Bulk Materials by Slit-Imaging

High energy synchrotron radiation is employed for residual strain measurements from local gauge volumes within the bulk of polycrystalline materials. The longitudinal spatial resolution is defined by placing a narrow imaging slit behind the sample and recording the intensity distribution on a position sensitive detector. It is shown that the sample to slit distance can be increased without sacrificing longitudinal resolution by applying a reconstruction technique. Hence, space is provided for large samples and sample environments. The reconstruction technique is described and validated by measuring the residual strain profile of a shot-peened Al sample. A longitudinal gauge length of 95 üm is achieved at 52 keV with a sample to slit distance of 10 cm.

Some studies on Molybdenum doped Indium oxide thin films rf sputtered at room temperature

Thin films of molybdenum doped indium oxide (IMO) were rf sputtered onto glass substrates at room temperature. The films were studied as a function of oxygen volume percentage (OVP) ranging 1.4 - 10.0 % in the sputtering chamber. The thickness of the films found varying between 180 and 260 nm. The X-ray diffraction pattern showed the films are polycrystalline with the peaks corresponding to (222) and (400) planes and one among them showing as a preferential orientation. It is observed that the preferred orientation changes from (222) plane to (400) as the OVP increases from 1.4 to 10.0 %. The transmittance spectra were found to be in the range of 77 to 89 %. The optical band gap calculated from the absorption coefficient of transmittance spectra was around 3.9 eV. The negative sign of Hall coefficient confirmed the films were n-type conducting. The bulk resistivity increased from 2.26 × 10−3 to 4.08 × 10−1 Ω−cm for the increase in OVP from 1.4 to 4.1 %, and thereafter increased dramatically so as the Hall coefficients were not detectable. From the AFM morphologies it is evaluated that the RMS roughness of the films ranges from 0.9 to 3.2 nm.

In vitro antimicrobial resistance of Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolated from canine otitis externa in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Isolates of Pseudomonas aeruginosa (167) were obtained from 528 samples of canine otitis externa, identified by biochemical reactions and tested for susceptibility to 10 antimicrobials. The most effective drug was ciprofloxacin. The study reports alarming resistance among P. aeruginosa isolated from canine otitis externa samples in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Vitamins B(12), B(6), and folic acid for cognition in older men

OBJECTIVE

To investigate whether supplementing older men with vitamins B(12), B(6), and folic acid improves cognitive function.

METHODS

The investigators recruited 299 community-representative hypertensive men 75 years and older to a randomized, double-blind controlled clinical trial of folic acid, vitamin B(6), and B(12) supplementation vs placebo over 2 years. The primary outcome of interest was the change in the cognitive subscale of the Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale (ADAS-cog). A secondary aim of the study was to determine if supplementation with vitamins decreased the risk of cognitive impairment and dementia over 8 years.

RESULTS

The groups were well-balanced for demographic and biochemical parameters. There was no difference in the ADAS-cog change from baseline to 24 months between the placebo (0.8, SD 4.0) and vitamins group (0.7, SD 3.4). The adjusted scores in the treatment groups did not differ over time (placebo 0.2 lower, z = 0.71, p = 0.478). There was a nonsignificant 28% decrease in the risk of cognitive impairment (odds ratio 0.72, 95% confidence interval 0.25-2.09) and dementia (hazard ratio 0.72, 95% confidence interval 0.29-1.78) over 8 years of follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

The daily supplementation of vitamins B(12), B(6), and folic acid does not benefit cognitive function in older men, nor does it reduce the risk of cognitive impairment or dementia.

CLASSIFICATION OF EVIDENCE

This study provides Class I evidence that vitamin supplementation with daily doses of 500 μg [DOSAGE ERROR CORRECTED] of B(12), 2 mg of folic acid, and 25 mg of B(6) over 2 years does not improve cognitive function in hypertensive men aged 75 and older.

Role of trimethylboron to silane ratio on the properties of p-type nanocrystalline silicon thin film deposited by radio frequency plasma enhanced chemical vapour deposition

Trimethylboron (TMB) has been receiving attention as a valid alternative to diborane and methane mixtures for the deposition of p-type silicon films for applications in optoelectronic devices such as solar cells. In this paper we report on p-type hydrogenated nanocrystalline silicon carbide (nc-Si:C:H) films produced by standard 13.56 MHz plasma enhanced chemical vapour deposition technique, using TMB as gas source, under high hydrogen dilution (98%) and using high deposition pressures (3 Torr). The films obtained were characterized by spectroscopic ellipsometry (SE), Raman spectroscopy (RS), and electrical measurements to determine their optical, structural and electrical properties. We achieved conductivities as high as 8.3 (omega cm)(-1), one of the highest values of conductivity published to date using TMB with standard rf-PECVD. Spectroscopic ellipsometry modeling revealed that the films growth mechanism proceeds through a sub-surface layer mechanism that leads to the formation of nanocrystalline silicon.

Nanostructured silicon based thin film transistors processed in the plasma dark region

Nanostructured silicon (na-Si:H) thin films were fabricated using plasma enhanced chemical vapour deposition (PECVD) technique under high silane hydrogen dilution and a discharge frequency of 27 MHz, where the substrate was located in the dark region of the plasma, protected by a grounded metal grid. By not exposing the growth surface directly to the plasma we avoid the silicon growth surface to sustain a high ion bombardment leading to a less defective surface and highly compact films. The intrinsic films grown under these conditions were used to produce the channel region of thin film transistors (TFTs) with a bottom gate staggered configuration, integrating different dielectric layers. The devices produced exhibit a field effect mobility close to 1.84 cm2 V(-1) s(-1), threshold voltage around 2 V, on/off ratio above 10(7) and sub-threshold slope below 0.5 V/decade, depending on the dielectric used.

Phase II trial of continuous dosing of sunitinib in advanced, FDG-PET avid, medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) and well-differentiated thyroid cancer (WDTC)

6056

Background: Due to the low efficacy of chemotherapy in progressive, WDTC and MTC, novel treatment approaches are needed. Thyroid cancers have elevated levels of vascular endothelial growth factor and higher microvessel density than normal thyroid tissue. Sunitinib inhibits several tyrosine kinase receptors involved in angiogenesis as well as the RET kinase frequently mutated in thyroid cancer. Here we report the results of a phase II trial investigating the use of continuous dosing sunitinib in patients with metastatic WDTC and MTC. Methods: Patients were eligible for enrollment if they had metastatic, iodine-refractory WDTC or MTC. To target those patients with more aggressive thyroid cancer, enrollment was limited to FDG-PET avid disease. Sunitinib was administered at 37.5 mg po qday on a continuous basis. Planned sample size is 35 patients. The primary end-point is response rate per RECIST criteria. Secondary end-points include FDG-PET response rate (defined as 20% reduction from baseline SUV) after 7 days of treatment, toxicity, overall survival, duration of response, and time to progression. Results: To date 33 patients have been enrolled (7 MTC:26 WDTC), and 29 patients have been evaluated for disease response. Median time on study is 7.5 months. Response rates to date: CR 7% (2/29), duration of response (9m+ and 14m+), PR 25% (8/29) (median 12 months), SD 48% (14/29) (median 6 months). Rate of disease control at 3 months (SD+PR+CR) 83% (24/29). 15 patients remain on study. Among those who have progressed the median time to progression is 6.5 months. FDG-PET was performed on 22 patients following 7 days of treatment, 36% (8/22) have a PET response. Of these patients 7 have disease control per RECIST criteria. Grade 3 toxicities seen in more than one patient include: anemia (2/33), fatigue (4/33), neutropenia (12/33), hand/foot syndrome (4/33), diarrhea (5/33), and leukopenia (11/33). One patient on lovenox therapy died of gastrointestinal bleeding. Conclusions: Continuous dosing of sunitinib is active (disease control rate 83%) in patients with high risk, metatstatic WDTC and MTC, as defined by FDG-PET avid disease.

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A phase II trial of IPI-504 (retaspimycin hydrochloride), a novel Hsp90 inhibitor, in patients with relapsed and/or refractory stage IIIb or stage IV non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) stratified by EGFR mutation status

8073

Background: IPI-504 (retaspimycin hydrochloride) is a potent, water-soluble heat shock protein 90 (Hsp90) inhibitor. IPI-504 causes the degradation of mutated epidermal growth factor receptor (mtEGFR) kinase and cMET in NSCLC cell lines. IPI-504 also significantly reduces tumor growth in murine xenograft models, including tumors resistant to tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs). Methods: This phase II trial is investigating the safety and antitumor activity of intravenous (IV) 400 mg/m2 IPI-504 given twice weekly for 2 out of 3 weeks. Eligible patients (pts) had stage IIIb (w/ malignant effusion) or stage IV NSCLC that progressed after TKI treatment. EGFR mutation analysis was performed on all pts. Two cohorts (n=10 each) were initially enrolled and stratified by EGFR status (mtEGFR or wtEGFR). Planned cohort expansion to 29 pts occurred if ≥ 1 pt from that cohort had a best response of stable disease (SD) ≥12 wks or partial response (PR). Pts were evaluated for safety and RECIST response every 6 weeks. Central, independent radiology review was performed for all imaging studies. Results: 43 pts have been enrolled: 10 mtEGFR, 17 wtEGFR, 12 pending analysis, and 4 EGFR-failed samples. 19 pts are currently on study. Median age is 62 yrs (range 31–77). Median no. of prior therapies is 3. Common related adverse events are fatigue, nausea, and diarrhea. Anti-tumor activity has been observed, see table. Both cohorts have been expanded. Conclusions: IPI-504 monotherapy has been well tolerated, with evidence of anti-tumor activity, particularly and unexpectedly in the wtEGFR cohort. These data suggest that IPI-504 may have antitumor activity in heavily pretreated pts with advanced NSCLC. Further evaluation continues in the expansion phase of the trial.

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Clinical utility of routine proteinuria evaluation in the treatment decisions of patients receiving bevacizumab for metastatic solid tumors: A retrospective study

6599

Background: Bevacizumab is an anti-VEGF monoclonal antibody approved for use in metastatic breast, colorectal, and non-small cell lung cancer patients. In the pivotal Phase III clinical trials, Grade 3/4 proteinuria occurred in <5% of patients. The manufacturer recommends monitoring for the development of proteinuria but does not provide specific recommendations, except to discontinue treatment if the patient develops nephrotic syndrome. This retrospective analysis describes the incidence, severity, and cost of routine proteinuria monitoring in patients with metastatic solid tumors. Methods: A retrospective chart review was performed in our institution from June 1, 2005 to November 30, 2007. Patients treated with bevacizumab and seen in the breast, lung, and gastrointestinal cancer clinics were included. The primary endpoints are the incidence and severity of elevated proteinuria and the frequency of changes in bevacizumab due to elevated proteinuria. The secondary endpoints include analysis of the cost of routine proteinuria monitoring and to describe the correlation of proteinuria with bevacizumab-induced hypertension and other patient co-morbidities. Results: 243 patients were included in the analysis. Only 1.2% (3 of 243) of patients developed Grade 3/4 proteinuria. One of these patients had prior chronic renal insufficiency, while the other two patients had hepatitis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Seven patients developed Grade 3/4 bevacizumab-induced hypertension, however this did not correspond with the development of proteinuria. Over $130,000 was charged to patients for monitoring of proteinuria. Conclusions: These results demonstrate that clinically significant proteinuria is rare and routine proteinuria monitoring is associated with high cost.

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No significant financial relationships to disclose.