PSIX-37 Evaluation of reducing dietary crude protein concentrations coupled with increasing essential amino acids on growth performance in fattening pigs

A body of evidence suggests that low-protein diets in swine have benefits in view of environmental stewardship and economic returns. The present study was performed to evaluate essential amino acid (EAA) supplementation in the diets with reducing crude protein (CP) concentrations on growth performance in fattening pigs. We hypothesized that a low-CP diet with elevated EAA concentrations would result in similar growth performance in fattening pigs compared with a normal CP diet. Eighty finishing pigs with initial body weight (BW) of 72.0 ± 5.34 kg were assigned in a randomized complete block design with 5 replicates to test 4 dietary treatments: 1) 15.5% CP with EAA concentration at 109% of NRC requirement (control); 2) 14.0% CP with EAA concentration at 111% of NRC requirement (EAA111); 3) 14.0% CP with EAA concentration at 113% of NRC requirement (EAA113); and 14.0% CP with EAA concentration at 115% of NRC requirement (EAA115). The diets were isocaloric, whereas crystalline amino acids, L-Lys, L-Met, L-Thr, L-Trp, and L-Val were added to the diets to achieve the varying levels of EAA in the treatments. The Lys-to-net energy ratio in the diets was maintained at 3.06, 3.12, 3.18, and 3.24 to the control, EAA111, EAA113, and EAA115, respectively. Dietary treatments did not affect final BW. Additionally, average daily gain, average daily feed intake, and feed conversion ratio (FCR) were similar across the treatments. On average, pigs fed the control and EAA111 numerically decreased FCR compared to those fed EAA113 and 115 (3.21 vs. 3.35, respectively; P = 0.46). Total feed cost throughout the experiment was $9.0/head lessen in EAA111 relative to the control; however, total feed costs to EAA113 and EAA115 were greater than the control. In summary, a low-CP diet with increased EAA supplementations did not have any negative impact on growth performance of fattening pigs.

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Collagenous Ultrastructure of the Torn Medial Meniscus Posterior Root: A Transmission Electron Microscopy Study

BACKGROUND

The collagen ultrastructure of torn medial meniscus posterior roots (MMPRs) has not been precisely defined.

PURPOSE

To investigate the ultrastructure of torn MMPRs, focusing on their collagen fibers, and to compare the collagen net architecture between intact and torn MMPRs using the Collagen Meniscal Architecture (CMA) scoring system.

STUDY DESIGN

Descriptive laboratory study.

METHODS

Forty-three human meniscal specimens were obtained from 32 patients with osteoarthritis during total knee arthroplasty between January 2018 and November 2018. There were 23 specimens taken from patients with an MMPR tear and 20 taken from patients without an MMPR tear served as a control group. The presence of an MMPR tear was defined as a complete radial tear within 9 mm of the posterior root attachment. The collagen ultrastructure of the meniscal specimens was assessed with transmission electron microscopy using the CMA scoring system. Patient demographics included sex, age, and body mass index, and radiographic assessments included the Kellgren-Lawrence (K-L) grading system and the mechanical axis angle.

RESULTS

The median CMA score was significantly higher in torn MMPRs (5.5 [interquartile range, 3.5-6.0]) than in intact MMPRs (2.0 [interquartile range, 1.5-3.8]) (P < .001). When the CMA scores were converted to CMA grading, 23 torn MMPRs had 1 grade I, 9 grade II, and 13 grade III menisci. In 20 intact MMPRs, there were 12 grade I, 7 grade II, and 1 grade III menisci. No significant differences in sex, age, body mass index, K-L grade, or mechanical axis angle were found between groups.

CONCLUSION

This study showed that torn MMPRs had decreased numbers and disorganized courses of collagen fibers. The structural problem of torn MMPRs can negatively affect meniscal healing, function, and long-term survival after root repair.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

These results might provide a histopathological reason for the low healing rate after MMPR repair.

Two-generation exposure to 2-ethylhexyl 4-methoxycinnamate (EHMC) in Japanese medaka (Oryzias latipes) and its reproduction and endocrine related effects

2-Ethylhexyl 4-methoxycinnamate (EHMC) is one of the most widely used UV-filters, and hence has been frequently detected in water environment. EHMC has been reported to induce short-term reproductive toxicity in fish, and thyroid disrupting effects in other animal studies. However, limited information is available for its long-term effects on fecundity, and thyroid disrupting effects in fish. In the present study, effects of EHMC on fecundity, measured as number of eggs, were evaluated in Japanese medaka (Oryzias latipes), and its underlying mechanisms on sex and thyroid hormone disruption were explored. For this purpose, a five-month long (154 d) exposure to F0 generation was conducted on fertilized eggs (<24 h post-fertilization (hpf)), with nominal concentration of 0, 0.05, 0.158, 0.5, 1.58, or 5 mg/L EHMC, followed by a 3-8-d exposure of F1 generation. After >3 months exposure, significant decreases in reproductive performances were observed at all test concentrations as low as 0.05 mg/L. Reproduction effects were not accompanied with sex hormone changes, but up-regulation of vitellogenin gene was observed. Thyroid hormones were decreased by EHMC exposure in F1 fish at -38 day post-fertilization (dpf). In addition, down-regulation of type II iodothyronine deiodinase (dio2) and up-regulation of thyrotropin releasing hormone (trh) were observed in both F0 and F1 juvenile fish, suggesting thyroid disruption potential of EHMC. Our observation suggests that EHMC at the levels one to two orders of magnitude higher than those detected in ambient water may affect reproduction and thyroid hormonal balance of fish.

Association Between Diethylhexyl Phthalate Exposure and Thyroid Function: A Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND

Diethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP) is widely used in industrial products, particularly as plasticizers and softeners. Because it is used extensively, DEHP has been detected in humans worldwide. Although epidemiological studies suggest that DEHP can disrupt the function of the hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid (HPT) axis, evidence on the association between DEHP exposure and thyroid function remains inconclusive. Therefore, a comprehensive meta-analysis was performed to investigate the association between DEHP exposure and the HPT axis in humans.

METHODS

A literature search of the MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Web of Science databases was conducted to search for studies in which the correlation coefficient values or regression coefficient values between three major DEHP metabolites (i.e., monoethylhexyl phthalate [MEHP], mono [2-ethyl-5-hydroxyhexyl] phthalate [MEHHP], and mono [2-ethyl-5-oxohexyl] phthalate) and thyrotropin, free thyroxine (T4), or total T4 were determined. The association between DEHPs and thyroid hormone levels were evaluated using Pearson's correlation coefficients.

RESULTS

Thirteen eligible articles were included. Urinary MEHP and MEHHP concentration was negatively correlated with total T4. Pooled correlation coefficients between MEHP/MEHHP and total T4 were -0.02 [confidence interval (CI) -0.05 to 0.00] and -0.03 [CI -0.05 to -0.01], respectively. Urinary mono (2-ethyl-5-oxohexyl) phthalate concentration was positively correlated with thyrotropin, and the pooled correlation coefficient was 0.02 [CI 0.00-0.04].

CONCLUSIONS

The findings of this meta-analysis suggest a significant association between the exposure of DEHP metabolites and the function of the HPT axis.

Surface Functionalization of Liquid-Phase Exfoliated, Two-Dimensional MoS₂ and WS₂ Nanosheets with 2-Mercaptoethanol

In this work, the UV-Vis-NIR absorption spectrum of liquid-phase exfoliated two-dimensional (2D) MoS2 nanosheets, revealed two prominent peaks at 608 nm (2.04 eV) and 668 nm (1.86 eV). These peaks were blue-shifted compared to the reported literature values and are attributed to the quantum confinement effect. Interestingly, the WS2 nanosheets exhibited the same characteristic absorption peak at ~624 nm (1.99 eV). Raman spectroscopy analysis revealed that both nanosheets displayed distinctive peaks [377.8 cm-1 and 405.6 cm-1 for MoS2, 348.3 cm-1 and 417.9 cm-1 for WS2] that originate from optical phonon modes (E12g and A1g). These peaks are shifted toward higher wavenumbers (i.e., blue-shift or phonon-stiffening) compared to bulk MoS2 and WS2, probably due to enhanced Stokes Raman scattering. Subsequently, surface functionalization of the nanosheets with 2-Mercaptoethanol was successfully performed and confirmed using optical characterization techniques, including FT-IR spectroscopy. In addition, we determined the spectral broadening after functionalization, which would be attributed to photon confinement of the nano-sized layer structure, or to inhomogeneous broadening.

Arsenic Reduces Gene Expression Response to Changing Salinity in Killifish

Toxicogenomic approaches can detect and classify adverse interactions between environmental toxicants and other environmental stressors but require more complex experimental designs and analytical approaches. Here we use novel toxicogenomic techniques to analyze the effect of arsenic exposure in wild killifish populations acclimating to changing salinity. Fish from three populations were acclimated to full strength seawater and transferred to fresh water for 1 or 24 h. Linear models of gene expression in gill tissue identified 31 genes that responded to osmotic shock at 1 h and 178 genes that responded at 24 h. Arsenic exposure (100 μg/L) diminished the responses (reaction norms) of these genes by 22% at 1 h ( p = 1.0 × 10^-6) and by 10% at 24 h ( p = 3.0 × 10^-10). Arsenic also significantly reduced gene coregulation in gene regulatory networks ( p = 0.002, paired Levene's test), and interactions between arsenic and salinity acclimation were uniformly antagonistic at the biological pathway level ( p < 0.05, binomial test). Arsenic's systematic interference with gene expression reaction norms was validated in a mouse multistressor experiment, demonstrating the ability of these toxicogenomic approaches to identify biologically relevant adverse interactions between environmental toxicants and other environmental stressors.

Physical activity, quality of life and successful ageing among community-dwelling older adults

AIM

To identify the relationships between physical activity, quality of life and successful ageing among community-dwelling older adults in South Korea.

BACKGROUND

With increasing numbers of financially stable and active older adults, it has become imperative to understand successful ageing to promote well-being in this population.

METHODS

Questionnaire data were collected from senior welfare centres from August to November 2013. Participants were adults aged 65 years or older living in urban areas. Participants were asked to complete self-report questionnaires assessing physical activity, quality of life and successful ageing. Data from 212 participants were analysed using descriptive statistics, independent t-tests, ANOVAs with Scheffe tests and ordinary least square and quantile regression models using STATA 12.0.

FINDINGS

In the ordinary least square model, the association between physical activity and successful ageing was not statistically significant, whereas quantile regression revealed significant associations within the 75th and 90th percentiles of successful ageing scores. Quality of life was significantly associated with successful ageing in the ordinary least square model and with the median and 75th percentiles of successful ageing in quantile regressions.

CONCLUSION

Results suggested that physical activity and quality of life were both in part significantly associated with successful ageing among Korean older adults.

IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING AND HEALTH POLICIES

Physical activity and quality of life play an important role in enhancing successful ageing. The development of an effective exercise programme advertised towards community-dwelling older adults may be essential for maintaining their successful ageing.

Application of the filter plate microbial trap (FPMT), for cultivating thermophilic bacteria from thermal springs in Barguzin area, eastern Baikal, Russia

Hot springs are regarded as treasury of valuable thermophiles. Like other bacteria, thermophiles are not easily cultivated using conventional culture methods. We used an advanced cultivation method, the filter plate microbial trap (FPMT), to isolate bacteria from thermal springs. In total, 184 isolates were obtained from five thermal springs using the FPMT and standard agar plate method, and their 16S rRNA gene sequences were analyzed. FPMT allowed us to obtain a culture collection that was larger, richer, and more novel than that obtained by standard cultivation. Seven novel species were obtained using the FPMT technique, whereas only one was isolated using a standard cultivation. We also found clear differences in the patterns of phylogenetic diversity and physiological properties between isolates from two cultivation methods. The results have encouraged us to apply the FPMT method in other extreme environments and offer further support for fostering the development of new cultivation methods.

Association between perfluoroalkyl substances exposure and thyroid function in adults: A meta-analysis

Objective

Many people are exposed to perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) because these substances are widely used as industrial products. Although epidemiological studies suggest that PFASs can disrupt thyroid hormones, the association between PFAS exposure and thyroid function remains inconclusive. Therefore, we performed a comprehensive meta-analysis to investigate the association between PFASs exposure and thyroid hormones.

Methods

We searched medical literature databases for articles on the association between PFASs–perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS), perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), and perfluorohexane sulfonic acid (PFHxS)–and thyroid hormone levels in adults. Twelve articles were included in the meta-analysis, and the pooled z values were calculated with correlation or regression coefficients.

Results

The blood PFOS concentration was positively correlated with free T4. The pooled z value was 0.05 (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.03, 0.08). PFOS was negatively correlated with total T4 and total T3 when excluding outlier studies. In a subgroup analysis stratified by mean PFOS concentration, PFOS was observed to be positively associated with free T4 and TSH and negatively associated with total T3 in the intermediate concentration group (8–16 ng/mL). PFOA concentration was negatively correlated with total T4 (z value, -0.06; 95% CI: -0.09, -0.03) after omitting one outlier study. PFHxS also showed a negative correlation with total T4 (z value, -0.04; 95% CI: -0.07, -0.01). A subgroup analysis of pregnant women showed that there was no association between PFASs and thyroid hormones.

Conclusions

Our meta-analysis suggests that PFASs are negatively associated with total T4, and their effect can be different depending on the PFAS concentration.

Backward sequential approach for dynamic parameter identification of robot manipulators

This article proposes a sequential optimization approach to efficiently identify non-minimal dynamic parameters of robot manipulators, possibly having large degrees of freedom. A back-substitution-based parameter identification from the last link to inward links is enabled due to the block upper triangular form of inherent regressor matrix. Starting with the dynamic model using the non-minimal parameters, we derive a generic compact formulation for the linear regression equation. We then establish a sequential optimization procedure taking into account physical feasibility of parameters. Numerical case examples demonstrate the validity of the proposed approach.

Characterization of endocrine disruption potentials of coastal sediments of Taean, Korea employing H295R and MVLN assays-Reconnaissance at 5years after Hebei Spirit oil spill

Endocrine disrupting potentials were assessed for sediment samples collected near Hebei Spirit oil spill (HSOS) site, between December 2007 and January 2012. For comparison, major crude oil (CO) of HSOS, or its weathered form were assessed. Both raw extracts (REs) and their fractionated samples were tested using H295R and MVLNluc bioassays. In H295R cells, REs of crude and weathered oil (WO), and nine of 14 sediments significantly increased E2 levels, which were correlated with the concentrations of PAHs. Steroidogenic disruption potentials of the sediments generally decreased over time. Among silica fractions of all REs, aromatic hydrocarbons (F2) and polar compounds (F3) caused greater E2 levels. While, in MVLN cell bioassay, only three of 14 sediment REs showed estrogen receptor binding potencies, and no temporal trend was observed. In conclusion, oil spill can cause endocrine disruption in the affected ecosystem through steroidogenic alteration for years, and such potencies attenuate over time.

Endocrine disrupting potential of PAHs and their alkylated analogues associated with oil spills

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and alkylated PAHs are known to be major toxic contaminants in spills of petroleum hydrocarbons (oil). Spilled oil undergoes weathering and over time, PAHs go through a series of compositional changes. PAHs can disrupt endocrine functions, and the type of functions affected and associated potencies vary with the type and alkylation status of PAH. In this study, the potential of five major PAHs of crude oil, i.e., naphthalene, fluorene, dibenzothiophene, phenanthrene, and chrysene, and their alkylated analogues (n = 25), to disrupt endocrine functions was evaluated by use of MVLN-luc and H295R cell lines. In the MVLN-luc bioassay, seven estrogen receptor (ER) agonists were detected among 30 tested PAHs. The greatest ER-mediated potency was observed for 1-methylchrysene (101.4%), followed by phenanthrene and its alkylated analogues (range of %-E2max from 1.6% to 47.3%). In the H295R bioassay, significantly greater syntheses of steroid hormones were observed for 20 PAHs. For major PAHs and their alkylated analogues, disruption of steroidogenesis appeared to be more significant than ER-mediated effects. The number and locations of alkyl-moieties alone could not explain differences in the types or the potencies of toxicities. This observation shows that disruption of endocrine functions by some constituents of oil spills could be underestimated if only parent compounds are considered in assessments of hazard and risk.

Anti-steatotic and anti-fibrotic effects of the KCa3.1 channel inhibitor, Senicapoc, in non-alcoholic liver disease

AIM

To evaluate a calcium activated potassium channel (KCa3.1) inhibitor attenuates liver disease in models of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).

METHODS

We have performed a series of in vitro and in vivo studies using the KCa3.1 channel inhibitor, Senicapoc. Efficacy studies of Senicapoc were conducted in toxin-, thioacetamide (TAA) and high fat diet (HFD)-induced models of liver fibrosis in rats. Efficacy and pharmacodynamic effects of Senicapoc was determined through biomarkers of apoptosis, inflammation, steatosis and fibrosis.

RESULTS

Upregulation of KCa3.1 expression was recorded in TAA-induced and high fat diet-induced liver disease. Treatment with Senicapoc decreased palmitic acid-driven HepG2 cell death. (P < 0.05 vs control) supporting the finding that Senicapoc reduces lipid-driven apoptosis in HepG2 cell cultures. In animals fed a HFD for 6 wk, co-treatment with Senicapoc, (1) reduced non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) activity score (NAS) (0-8 scale), (2) decreased steatosis and (3) decreased hepatic lipid content (Oil Red O, P < 0.05 vs vehicle). Randomization of TAA animals and HFD fed animals to Senicapoc was associated with a decrease in liver fibrosis as evidenced by hydroxyproline and Masson’s trichrome staining (P < 0.05 vs vehicle). These results demonstrated that Senicapoc mitigates both steatosis and fibrosis in liver fibrosis models.

CONCLUSION

These data suggest that Senicapoc interrupts more than one node in progressive fatty liver disease by its anti-steatotic and anti-fibrotic activities, serving as a double-edged therapeutic sword.

Human health and ecological assessment programs for Hebei Spirit oil spill accident of 2007: Status, lessons, and future challenges

Hebei Spirit oil spill (HSOS) of December 2007 is one of the worst oil spill accidents that occurred in Yellow Sea. The affected coastline along the west coast of Korean Peninsula hosts one of the largest tidal flats worldwide, and is home to tens of thousands of human residents. Based on nation-wide concerns on ecosystem damages and adverse human health effects, two separate surveillance programs on ecosystem and human health were initiated: a 10-year follow-up program by Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries to assess ecological impacts of the oil spill, and an exposure and health effect assessment program by Ministry of Environment for the residents of Taean and its vicinity. For the past eight years, extensive monitoring and surveillance data on ecosystem and humans have been accumulated through these programs. But these studies have been conducted mostly independently, and collaborations were seldom made between two programs. The lack of communication resulted in gaps and overlaps between the programs which led to loss of critical information and efficiency. As oil spill can affect both humans and ecosystem through various pathways, collaboration and communication between human and ecosystem health surveillance programs are necessary, and will synergize the success of both programs. Such concerted efforts will provide better platform for understanding the status of impact, and for developing approaches to address human and ecosystem health challenges that may be faced following environmental disasters like HSOS.

Reconnaissance of dioxin-like and estrogen-like toxicities in sediments of Taean, Korea-seven years after the Hebei Spirit oil spill

Oil spills near the coastlines may damage marine and intertidal ecosystem. Constituents of the oil have been reported to cause toxic consequences mediated by aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR), and estrogen receptor (ER). In the present study, AhR- and ER-mediated toxicities of coastal sediments of Taean were investigated seven years after Hebei Spirit oil spill (HSOS). Sediment samples were collected on June and October 2014 from seven locations along the Taean coastline, where signs of oil spill were detected. Sediment samples were extracted in Soxhlet extractors and further processed through activated silica gels to separate into four fractions; F1 (saturate hydrocarbons), F2 (aromatic hydrocarbons), F3 (resins and polar compounds), and F4 (residues). ER-mediated and AhR-mediated potencies (% E2_max and % TCDD_max) of each fraction were determined using MVLN cells and H4IIE-luc cells, respectively. F2 and F3 fractions of Sinduri 1, Sinduri 2, and Sogeunri 1 samples showed greater AhR-mediated potencies (up to 107% TCDD_max). Chemical analysis revealed that PAH components are correlated with AhR-binding activities. The % E2_max results varied by sample: While there was no noticeable induction of ER-dependent responses (<45%), some aromatics fractions (F2) exhibited the highest ER-mediated responses. Compared with previous reports from the same sites, both AhR-mediated and ER-mediated potencies have decreased over time. Nevertheless, AhR-mediated potencies could be identified in the environmental samples even after 7 years of the incident. Therefore, possible ecosystem implications of these findings should be further investigated.

Searching for novel modes of toxic actions of oil spill using E. coli live cell array reporter system - A Hebei Spirit oil spill study

Oil is a complex mixture of numerous compounds. Therefore, oil spills near shore can cause various adverse effects on coastal ecosystems. However, most toxicological assessments conducted on oil spill sites have focused on limited modes of toxic actions. In the present study, we utilized the Escherichia coli (E. coli) live cell array system (LCA) to identify novel modes of toxicities of the oil spill-affected sediments. For this purpose, sediment samples were collected from an area heavily polluted by Hebei Spirit oil spill (HSOS) incident of 2007. A total of 93 E. coli reporter genes were used to study responses to the chemicals in the mixture. E. coli K12 strains were exposed to extracts of oil or the sediment, and changes in gene expression were measured. Exposure to extracts of crude and weathered oil resulted in decreased expression in ∼30% of tested genes. However, changes in expression observed after exposure to sediment extracts varied. Sediment extracts containing large concentrations of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) caused down-regulation of >70% of the genes, while extracts containing lesser total concentrations of PAHs exhibited different trends: genes involved in drug resistance were generally up-regulated, while genes responsive to DNA damage were up-regulated in only two extracts. Results suggest that oil pollution can modulate several toxic response pathways related to DNA repair and antibiotic responses. Results from LCA obtained from the sediment and oil samples were different from those observed in the H4IIE-luc assay. Toxicological implications of such observations deserve further examination. Overall, LCA is a promising tool for screening samples and identifying potential modes of toxicities of environmental samples associated with oil spills.

In Situ Cultivation Allows for Recovery of Bacterial Types Competitive in Their Natural Environment

Standard cultivation fails to grow most microorganisms, whereas in situ cultivation allows for the isolation of comparatively diverse and novel microorganisms. Information on similarities and differences in the physiological properties of isolates obtained from in situ cultivation and standard cultivation is limited. Therefore, we used the arctic sediment samples and compared two culture collections obtained using standard and novel cultivation techniques. Even though there was no temperature selection at the isolation step, isolates from each method showed different reactions to temperature. The results of the present study suggest that isolates from in situ cultivation are more competitive in their natural environment.

Long-term exposure to triphenylphosphate alters hormone balance and HPG, HPI, and HPT gene expression in zebrafish (Danio rerio)

With the global decline in the use of polybrominated diphenyl ethers, the demand for alternative flame retardants, such as triphenylphosphate (TPP), has increased substantially. Triphenylphosphate is now detected in various environments including aquatic ecosystems worldwide. However, studies on the toxicological consequences of chronic TPP exposure on aquatic organisms are scarce. The zebrafish model was used to investigate the effects of long-term TPP exposure on the endocrine system. Zebrafish embryos were exposed to 5 µg/L, 50 µg/L, or 500 µg/L TPP for 120 d, and hormonal and transcriptional responses were measured along the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonad (HPG) axis, the hypothalamic-pituitary-interrenal (HPI) axis, and the hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid (HPT) axis. Exposure to TPP significantly increased plasma 17β-estradiol, but decreased 11-ketotestosterone in both sexes. Gene expression data support these changes. In the HPI axis, plasma cortisol and proopiomelanocortin (pomc) and mineralocorticoid receptor transcripts increased in females, but in males cortisol decreased whereas pomc increased (p < 0.05). Thyroxine and triiodothyronine increased, and thyrotrophin-releasing hormone receptor 2 (trhr2) and trh expression were affected only in females (p < 0.05). In summary, long-term exposure to TPP enhanced estrogenicity in both males and females, potentially through influencing the HPG axis, but modulated the HPI, and HPT axes differently by sex, suggesting that both genomic and nongenomic responses might be involved. Environ Toxicol Chem 2016;35:2288-2296. © 2016 SETAC.