Online colour training system for dental students: a comprehensive assessment of different training protocols.
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the training effect and to determine the optimal training protocol for a recently developed online colour training system. Seventy students participated in the evaluation. They first completed a baseline test with shade guides (SGT) and the training system (TST), and then trained with one of the three system training methods (Basic colour training for group E1, Vitapan Classical for E2, and Vitapan 3D-Master for E3) or shade guides (group C1) for 4 days. The control group (C2) received no training. The same test was performed after training and they finally completed a questionnaire. The correct matches after training increased in three experimental groups and group C1. Among experimental groups, the greatest improvement of correct matching number was achieved by group E3 (4·00 ± 1·88 in SGT, 4·29 ± 2·73 in TST), followed by E2 (2·29 ± 2·73 in SGT, 3·50 ± 3·03 in TST) and E1 (2·00 ± 2·60 in SGT, 1·93 ± 2·96 in TST). The difference between E3 and E1 was statistically significant (P = 0·036 in SGT, 0·026 in TST). The total average training time was shorter in group E2 (15·39 ± 4·22 min) and E3 (17·63 ± 5·22 min), with no significant difference between them. Subjective evaluations revealed that self-confidence in colour matching were improved greater in group C1 and E3. In conclusion, all tested sections of the system effectively improved students' colour-matching ability. Among system training methods, Vitapan 3D-Master showed the best performance; it enabled greater shade-matching improvement, it saved time and was superior in subjective evaluations.


Abortive infection of L cells by influenza B virus: defect in bud formation.
Host-dependent restriction of influenza B virus replication in L cells was analysed in comparison with productive infection in MDCK or 1-5C-4 cells. The synthesis and intracellular distribution of virus-specific proteins and the production of cytoplasmic ribonucleoproteins in nonpermissive L cells were similar to those in permissive MDCK cells. However, an electron microscopic study of infected L cells showed neither extracellular virions nor budding virus particles on the cell surface, in contrast to MDCK cells which produced numerous virus particles. PAGE analysis of the plasma membrane isolated from the cells demonstrated no significant difference in the composition of viral polypeptides between permissive 1-5C-4 and nonpermissive L cells. It was noted that the abortiveness of influenza B virus infection in L cells may be due to a defect in host cell function involved in the initiation of virus budding.


How Acts of Infidelity Promote DNA Break Repair: Collision and Collusion Between DNA Repair and Transcription.
Transcription is a fundamental cellular process and the first step in gene regulation. Although RNA polymerase (RNAP) is highly processive, in growing cells the progression of transcription can be hindered by obstacles on the DNA template, such as damaged DNA. The authors recent findings highlight a trade-off between transcription fidelity and DNA break repair. While a lot of work has focused on the interaction between transcription and nucleotide excision repair, less is known about how transcription influences the repair of DNA breaks. The authors suggest that when the cell experiences stress from DNA breaks, the control of RNAP processivity affects the balance between preserving transcription integrity and DNA repair. Here, how the conflict between transcription and DNA double-strand break (DSB) repair threatens the integrity of both RNA and DNA are discussed. In reviewing this field, the authors speculate on cellular paradigms where this equilibrium is well sustained, and instances where the maintenance of transcription fidelity is favored over genome stability.


Machine learning approach to evaluate TdP risk of drugs using cardiac electrophysiological model including inter-individual variability.
Introduction: Predicting ventricular arrhythmia Torsade de Pointes (TdP) caused by drug-induced cardiotoxicity is essential in drug development. Several studies used single biomarkers such as qNet and Repolarization Abnormality (RA) in a single cardiac cell model to evaluate TdP risk. However, a single biomarker may not encompass the full range of factors contributing to TdP risk, leading to divergent TdP risk prediction outcomes, mainly when evaluated using unseen data. We addressed this issue by utilizing multi-in silico features from a population of human ventricular cell models that could capture a representation of the underlying mechanisms contributing to TdP risk to provide a more reliable assessment of drug-induced cardiotoxicity. Method: We generated a virtual population of human ventricular cell models using a modified O'Hara-Rudy model, allowing inter-individual variation. IC50 and Hill coefficients from 67 drugs were used as input to simulate drug effects on cardiac cells. Fourteen features (dVmdtrepol, dVmdtmax, Vmpeak, Vmresting, APDtri, APD90, APD50, Capeak, Cadiastole, Catri, CaD90, CaD50, qNet, qInward) could be generated from the simulation and used as input to several machine learning models, including k-nearest neighbor (KNN), Random Forest (RF), XGBoost, and Artificial Neural Networks (ANN). Optimization of the machine learning model was performed using a grid search to select the best parameter of the proposed model. We applied five-fold cross-validation while training the model with 42 drugs and evaluated the model's performance with test data from 25 drugs. Result: The proposed ANN model showed the highest performance in predicting the TdP risk of drugs by providing an accuracy of 0.923 (0.908-0.937), sensitivity of 0.926 (0.909-0.942), specificity of 0.921 (0.906-0.935), and AUC score of 0.964 (0.954-0.975). Discussion and conclusion: According to the performance results, combining the electrophysiological model including inter-individual variation and optimization of machine learning showed good generalization ability when evaluated using the unseen dataset and produced a reliable drug-induced TdP risk prediction system.


Application of Sensory Evaluation, HS-SPME GC-MS, E-Nose, and E-Tongue for Quality Detection in Citrus Fruits.
In this study, electronic tongue (E-tongue), headspace solid-phase microextraction gas chromatography-mass spectrometer (GC-MS), electronic nose (E-nose), and quantitative describe analysis (QDA) were applied to describe the 2 types of citrus fruits (Satsuma mandarins [Citrus unshiu Marc.] and sweet oranges [Citrus sinensis {L.} Osbeck]) and their mixing juices systematically and comprehensively. As some aroma components or some flavor molecules interacted with the whole juice matrix, the changes of most components in the fruit juice were not in proportion to the mixing ratio of the 2 citrus fruits. The potential correlations among the signals of E-tongue and E-nose, volatile components, and sensory attributes were analyzed by using analysis of variance partial least squares regression. The result showed that the variables from the sensor signals (E-tongue system and E-nose system) had significant and positive (or negative) correlations to the most variables of volatile components (GC-MS) and sensory attributes (QDA). The simultaneous utilization of E-tongue and E-nose obtained a perfect classification result with 100% accuracy rate based on linear discriminant analysis and also attained a satisfying prediction with high coefficient association for the sensory attributes (R(2) > 0.994 for training sets and R(2) > 0.983 for testing sets) and for the volatile components (R(2) > 0.992 for training sets and R(2) > 0.990 for testing sets) based on random forest. Being easy-to-use, cost-effective, robust, and capable of providing a fast analysis procedure, E-nose and E-tongue could be used as an alternative detection system to traditional analysis methods, such as GC-MS and sensory evaluation by human panel in the fruit industry. Being easy-to-use, cost-effective, robust, and capable of providing a fast analysis procedure, E-nose and E-tongue could be used as an alternative detection system to traditional analysis methods for characterizing food flavors. Based on those results, one can draw a conclusion that the fusion system composed of E-tongue and E-nose could guarantee a satisfying result in the prediction of sensory attributes and volatile components for fruit quality profile.


Neuromodulation with single-element transcranial focused ultrasound in human thalamus.
Transcranial focused ultrasound (tFUS) has proven capable of stimulating cortical tissue in humans. tFUS confers high spatial resolutions with deep focal lengths and as such, has the potential to noninvasively modulate neural targets deep to the cortex in humans. We test the ability of single-element tFUS to noninvasively modulate unilateral thalamus in humans. Participants (N = 40) underwent either tFUS or sham neuromodulation targeted at the unilateral sensory thalamus that contains the ventro-posterior lateral (VPL) nucleus of thalamus. Somatosensory evoked potentials (SEPs) were recorded from scalp electrodes contralateral to median nerve stimulation. Activity of the unilateral sensory thalamus was indexed by the P14 SEP generated in the VPL nucleus and cortical somatosensory activity by subsequent inflexions of the SEP and through time/frequency analysis. Participants also under went tactile behavioral assessment during either the tFUS or sham condition in a separate experiment. A detailed acoustic model using computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is also presented to assess the effect of individual skull morphology for single-element deep brain neuromodulation in humans. tFUS targeted at unilateral sensory thalamus inhibited the amplitude of the P14 SEP as compared to sham. There is evidence of translation of this effect to time windows of the EEG commensurate with SI and SII activities. These results were accompanied by alpha and beta power attenuation as well as time-locked gamma power inhibition. Furthermore, participants performed significantly worse than chance on a discrimination task during tFUS stimulation.


Blood glucose concentrations of arm and finger during dynamic glucose conditions.
We set out to determine the physiological difference between the capillary blood of the arm and finger with the greatest possible accuracy using the HemoCue B-glucose analyzer on subjects undergoing a meal tolerance test (MTT) or oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). MTT study was performed on 50 subjects who drank a liquid meal (Ensure, 40 g of carbohydrates) and who were tested on the arm and finger every 30 min for up to 4 h. OGTT study was performed on 12 subjects who drank a 100-g glucose solution (Glucola) and were tested on the arm and finger every 15 min during the first hour and thereafter every 30 min for up to 3 h. Average percent glucose difference between arm and finger reached a maximal value about 1 h following glucose load, with arm glucose being about 5% lower than that of finger. At other times, average differences were less than this. At the greatest rate of glucose change (>2 mg/dL-min), mean percent bias was found to be about 6%. Despite these measurable differences, when arm results were plotted on the Clarke error grid against finger values, >97% of the data were within zone A (rest in zone B). Thus, physiological differences between arm and finger were clinically insignificant. Our studies with HemoCue confirmed the existence of measurable physiological glucose differences between arm and finger following a glucose challenge, but these differences were found to be clinically insignificant even in those subjects in whom they were measurable.


Uncoupling of the transactivation and transrepression functions of PARP1 protein.
Poly(ADP ribose) polymerase 1 (PARP1) is a nuclear protein that regulates chromatin remodeling and transcription as well as DNA repair and genome stability pathways. Recent studies have revealed a paradoxical dual role of PARP1 protein in transcription. Specifically, although PARP1 controls transcriptional activation of a subset of genes that are heat shock- or hormone-dependent, it also directly inactivates transcription, establishes heterochromatin domains, and silences retrotransposable elements. However, the domains required for these disparate functions are currently unknown. In this paper, we report the discovery of a previously undescribed mutation in the Drosophila Parp locus. We show that the mutants express a deletion mutant of PARP1 protein with an altered DNA binding domain that carries only the second Zn-finger. We demonstrate that this alteration specifically excludes PARP1 protein from heterochromatin and makes PARP1 unable to maintain repression of retrotransposable elements. By characterizing the biological activity of this unique PARP1 mutant protein isoform, we have uncoupled the transactivation and transrepression functions of this protein.


The potential of honey to promote oral wellness.
Honey has been used as a medicine throughout the ages and in more recent times has been "rediscovered" by the medical profession for treatment of burns, infected wounds, and skin ulcers. The large volume of literature reporting its effectiveness indicates that honey has potential for the treatment of periodontal disease, mouth ulcers, and other problems of oral health.


Nature of the enhancement of the protective qualities of gastric mucus by sucralfate.
The effects of intragastric administration of an antiulcer drug, sucralfate, on the content, composition and physical properties of the mucus component of gastric mucosal barrier were investigated. The experiments were conducted with two groups of rats in which one group received twice daily for five consecutive days a dose of 100 mg sucralfate, while the control group received daily doses of saline. The animals were sacrificed 16 h after the last dose, their stomachs dissected and the mucosa subjected to measurements of the adherent mucus gel dimension and mucin content, evaluation of its viscosity, H+ retardation capacity and hydrophobicity, and analysis of its components and molecular form distribution of elaborated mucin. The results revealed that sucralfate elicited only a minor (8%) increase in mucus gel dimension, while sulfo- and sialomucin contents of the gel increased by 63 and 81%, respectively. The changes in mucus gel mucin content with sucralfate were accompanied by a slight (9.5%) increase in mucus H+ retardation capacity, 1.9-fold increase in viscosity, and a 60% increase in the gel hydrophobicity. Chemical analyses indicated that the mucus elaborated in the presence of sucralfate exhibited 14% lower protein content and 62% higher content of carbohydrate than that of control, displayed similar levels of total lipids and covalently bound fatty acids, but its neutral lipid content was significantly higher. Furthermore, the gastric mucus of the sucralfate group showed a marked increase in the proportion of the high-molecular-weight form of mucin, while the low-molecular-weight form predominated in the control group. The results indicate that the protective qualities of sucralfate lie mainly in its ability to enhance the gastric mucus gel viscosity, hydrophobicity, content of mucin and its proportion in the high-molecular-weight form.


[Relationship between occlusion and myoarthropathy. Introduction of an integrating neurobiological model].
For many decades, the relationship between occlusal factors and temporomandibular disorders has been discussed controversially in the dental literature. After a brief description of current points of view about this topic, a recently published clinical trial by Le Bell et al. (2002) is summarized. The results of this study are discussed on the basis of a novel neurobiologic model, which is based on the heterogeneous activation of the masticatory musculature. This model appears to be suitable to explain the pathogenic and therapeutic effects due to occlusal management of patients with myofascial facial pain.


The valuation of satisfaction from the conjugal life of patients with neurosis.
The experience of emotional bonds created by spouses through mutual relationship is significant for reaching the state of satisfaction and fulfilling personal needs. Neurosis disorders of one spouse have a significant influence on conjugal situation in many aspects, such as: the level of satisfaction from marriage and social contacts of a family.


Angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor potentiates the hypoglycaemic effect of NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) in rats.
The inhibition of renin angiotensin system pathway has been largely documented to be effective in the control of cardiovascular events. The present study investigated the effect of angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor on fasting blood glucose level in hypertension induced by the inhibition of nitric oxide synthase (NOS) in male Wistar rats. Hypertension was induced by the inhibition of NOS using a non-selective NOS inhibitor, NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME). The blockade of NOS resulted in an increase in blood pressure, ACE, angiotensin II and endothelin-1 levels, and a decrease in fasting blood glucose and nitric oxide (NO) levels. The hypertensive rats treated with ACE inhibitor (ramipril) recorded a decrease in blood pressure, ACE, angiotensin II, endothelin-1, NO and fasting blood glucose levels, and an increase in prostacyclin level. In conclusion, ACE inhibitor potentiated the hypoglycaemic effect of NOS inhibitor and this effect is independent of NO and pancreatic insulin release.


Credibility assessment of patient-specific biomechanical models to investigate proximal junctional failure in clinical cases with adult spine deformity using ASME V&V40 standard.
Computational models are increasingly used to assess spine biomechanics and support surgical planning. However, varying levels of model verification and validation, along with characterization of uncertainty effects limit the level of confidence in their predictive potential. The objective was to assess the credibility of an adult spine deformity instrumentation model for proximal junction failure (PJF) analysis using the ASME V&V40:2018 framework. To assess model applicability, the surgery, erected posture, and flexion movement of actual clinical cases were simulated. The loads corresponding to PJF indicators for a group of asymptomatic patients and a group of PJF patients were compared. Model consistency was demonstrated by finding PJF indicators significantly higher for the simulated PJF vs. asymptomatic patients. A detailed sensitivity analysis and uncertainty quantification were performed to further establish the model credibility.


Hypertension, obesity, and inflammation: the complex designs of a deadly trio.
Hypertension is a powerful risk factor for cardiovascular disease and frequently occurs in conjunction with obesity and the metabolic syndrome. Recent research into the underlying pathophysiologic processes common to these entities has uncovered the role of a heightened inflammatory state signified by a host of circulating biocytokines. Systemic and local hormonal effectors, such as angiotensin II and aldosterone, interact with inflammatory and oxidative stress to augment endothelial damage in a complex manner. The kidneys play a prominent role in the renin-angiotensin cascade and the abnormal pressor response that ensues. Insulin resistance underlies the pathogenesis of obesity and the metabolic syndrome. The interplay of hypertension, insulin resistance, and obesity vastly enhances the noxious influence of inflammation on the vasculature, promoting deleterious immune adaptations and ultimately increasing atherosclerotic risk. Although certain classes of available pharmacologic agents already address the altered endovascular and humoral dynamics in hypertension, a better understanding of the proinflammatory picture holds promise of targeted treatment modalities in future.


Diet and dental caries.
Dental caries prevalence is on the increase in transitional societies in the same way as chronic non-communicable diseases, having been largely controlled in developed societies. The lessons of dietary cariogenicity and preventive strategies, through dental hygiene and fluoride are still to be incorporated into the health policies and practices of many countries, and applied to at-risk populations, like immigrants, in developed nations. Preferred fluoride delivery systems are under active discussion. There is particular concern about nursing practices in early life, and, in later life, adequacy of dentition and of the problems of gingival disease need to be addressed.


Coping in parents of children who are chronically ill: strategies for assessment and intervention.
Estimates indicate that approximately 31% of children are affected by one or more chronic illnesses. Furthermore, caring for a chronically ill child imposes a host of long-term stressors for parents that need to be addressed by sensitive, evidence-based interventions. This article will: (a) review stressors of childhood chronic illness for parents over time; (b) provide a summary of tools that can be used to assess parental coping, (c) delineate important nursing assessments, (d) review interventions that have resulted in improved parental coping outcomes, and (e) describe a theoretical framework that can be used to assess and intervene with parents of chronically ill children.


Petrous bone lesions: surgical implementation and outcomes of extradural subtemporal approach.
Petrous bone lesions (PBLs) are rare with few reports in the neurosurgical literature. In this study, the authors describe our current technique of extradural subtemporal approach (ESTA). The objective of this study was to evaluate the role and efficacy of ESTA for treatment of the PBLs. To our knowledge, this is the largest reported clinical series of using an ESTA-treated PBLs in which the clinical outcomes were evaluated. Between 1994 and 2019, 67 patients with PBLs treated by ESTA were retrospectively reviewed. Extent of resection, neurological outcomes, recurrence rate, and surgical complications were evaluated and compared with previous studies. The indications, advantages, limitations, and outcomes of ESTA were analyzed according to pathology. This series included 7 facial nerve schwannomas (10.4%), 16 cholesterol granulomas (23.9%), 16 chordomas (23.9%), 6 chondrosarcomas (9%), 5 trigeminal schwannomas (7.5%), 9 epidermoids/dermoids (13.4%), and 8 other pathologies (11.9%). The most common location of PBLs operated with ESTA was at the petrous apex and rhomboid areas (68.7%). Gross total resection was achieved in 35 (55.6%). Symptomatic improvement occurred in 56 patients (83.6%). Complications occurred in 7 (10.4%) of cases including one mortality. Nine patients (17%) had recurrence within the mean follow-up 71 months. Compared to previous literature, our results demonstrated comparable outcomes but with higher rates of hearing and facial nerve preservation as well as minimal morbidity. From our results, ESTA is an effective therapeutic option for lesions located at the rhomboid and petrous apex, particularly when patients presented with intact facial and hearing function. Our series demonstrated that ESTA provided satisfactory outcomes with excellent benefits of hearing and facial function preservation for patients with petrous bone lesions. ESTA should be considered as a safe and effective therapeutic option for selected patients with PBLs.


[Atemporality, history, and semiophysics].
The atemporality of the unconscious was a temporary term, used by Freud between 1911 and 1920. His definition was the result of consideration of energy, upon which it is intrinsically dependent. This is one of the contradictions that the term bears; other contradictioins depend upon its correlation to the elaboration of the concept of transfer, of its relationship with the existence of the principle of pleasure and with that of the dynamic point of view. But, atemporality is one of the terms with which Freud designated the tension between the reference to classical science and the morphological and morphogenetical point of view to which he, little by little, gave precedence, while he was forming metapsychology. The term disappeared after the introduction of the life and death urges, which would subsume the meanings introduced by atemporality. It is qualitative dynamics and semiophysics, to the extent that they reconsider the limits that classical science had placed on the concept of time, that allow for a new reading of the Freudian elaboration. They provide the possibility of stylizing the notion of time that Freud requires and they show the accuracy of his intuitions, beyond the manifest contradictions. The history of psychoanalysis could find herein some methodological elements.


[Induced termination of second and third trimester pregnancy in women with scarred uterus].
To investigate the suitable mode of induced termination of pregnancy at second and third trimester for women with scarred uterus. A retrospective study was performed in 90 cases of second and third trimester pregnant women with scarred uterus, who requested termination of pregnancy due to medical indications in Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital from September 2002 to June 2009. The indications of termination of pregnancy were fetal anomaly, serious pregnant complication and intrauterine fetal deaths. 72 second trimester pregnant women and 18 third trimester pregnant women were included in this study. The interval time of previous operation to this pregnancy were recorded. And it was < 2 years in 20 cases and ≥ 2 years in 70 cases. The patients with normal Hepatic function began to take mifepristone and had an allergic test of Ethacridine Lactate. The method of mifepristone combined with Ethacridine Lactate were adopted when the allergic test was negative (group A, 54 cases). The method of mifepristone combined with carboprost methylate suppositories were used in the patients who had a positive reaction to the allergic test of Ethacridine Lactate, or who failed to amniotomy to inject Ethacridine Lactate because of oligohydramnios or small gestational age (group B, 36 cases). Record the detail information of every patient. (1) Age, gestational weeks, gravidity and parity. (2) The mode of previous operation (inducing the scar of uterus), previous operation time and indication. (3) The mode of induced labor in this pregnancy, the interval time from administration to uterine contraction, delivery or not and the interval time from induction to delivery. (4) Postpartum hemorrhage, the successful rate of induce labor, placental retention ratio and rupture of uterus or not. (1) It had no significant difference between group A and group B in age, gravidity, parity and the interval time of previous operation to this pregnancy (P > 0.05). But there was significant difference between two groups in gestational weeks of induction (16 weeks vs. 25 weeks, P < 0.01). (2) It had no significant difference between two groups in successful rate of induction and postpartum hemorrhage (P > 0.05), but the time from induction to regular uterine contraction and delivery in group B was significant shorter than that of group A (P < 0.01). The rate of delivery with 24 hours in group B was 94%. It was significant higher than that of group A (13%, P < 0.01). (3) The rate of retained placenta in group B (31%, 11/35) was significant higher than group A (10%, 5/52), but the ratio of residual of placenta and membranes in group A was significant higher than that of group B (54% vs. 34%). It was no significant difference in total rate of postpartum complication between two groups. Further analysis was done in relationship of complication and the time of previous operation. It was no significant difference between the over 2 years group and the less 2 years group in the incidence rate of complications including placental retention, residual of placenta and membranes, rupture of uterus, placental abruption and postpartum hemorrhage. (4) There was 1 case of uterine rupture in group B and 1 case of placental abruption in group A. Both of methods of mifepristone combined with carboprost methylate suppositories and the mifepristone combined with Ethacridine Lactate are feasible to induced second trimester and late trimester termination of pregnancy for women with scarred uterus. But sufficient preoperation preparation and the course of induction and labor careful monitoring must be done to prevent the uterine rupture.


Adolescents With Autism Spectrum Disorder and Anorexia Nervosa Comorbidity: Common Features and Treatment Possibilities With Cognitive Remediation Therapy and Oxytocin.
Autistic traits or autism spectrum disorder (ASD) can be found in 4% to 52% of anorexic patients, which makes the treatment of these patients very challenging. In this review, possible ways to treat ASD and anorexia nervosa (AN) comorbidity in children and adolescents are summarized. Over recent years, the focus has shifted from searching for the evidence of connections between these two disorders, which have started with Gillberg's study in 1983, to searching for more effective and holistic treatment of this comorbidity. The latter is known to contribute to more severe courses and worse prognosis, which is probably related to the obstacles in both diagnosing and treating. Since AN usually starts in early adolescence and high-functioning ASD children seem to begin struggling with increased pressure in adolescence, while various comorbidities can occur, it is important to improve the treatment of this comorbidity in young patients and to tailor it specifically in terms of diagnosing. In this paper, a literature review is conducted on common features and promising treatment possibilities. We describe cognitive remediation therapy and the promising pharmacotherapeutic candidate oxytocin with a special focus on adolescents.


Inhibition of cross-bridge binding to actin by caldesmon fragments in skinned skeletal muscle fibers.
Several regions within the 35-kDa COOH-terminal portion of caldesmon have been implicated in the ability of caldesmon to inhibit actin-activated myosin ATPase activity. To further define the functional regions of caldesmon, we have studied the effects of three chymotryptic fragments, one fragment produced by CNBr digestion and two fragments produced by digestion with submaxillaris arginase C protease, on the relaxed stiffness and active force of rabbit psoas fibers. Each of the regions of caldesmon studied had either direct or indirect effects on single-fiber mechanics. The 35-kDa and 20-kDa fragments of caldesmon, like intact caldesmon, were effective inhibitors of fiber stiffness, a measure of cross-bridge attachment. The 7.3-kDa and 10-kDa fragments, which constitute the NH2 and COOH halves of the 20-kDa fragment, inhibited both relaxed fiber stiffness and active force production, but with a reduced efficacy compared to the 20-kDa fragment. These results suggest that several regions within the 35-kDa COOH-terminal region of caldesmon are required for optimum function of caldesmon and that function includes inhibition of weak cross-bridge attachment and force production.


Generation of 167 W infrared and 124 W green power from a 1.3-GHz, 1-ps rod fiber amplifier.
We report on the direct amplification of 1-ps pulses at 1.3 GHz repetition rate by using a large mode area rod fiber amplifier. An average power of 167 W at 1040 nm with nearly transform-limited duration is generated and converted into 124 W average green power through second harmonic generation. Both infrared and green pulses exhibit diffraction-limited beam quality. A frequency doubling efficiency of 75% and a pump-to-green efficiency of 45% have been achieved, which are to our knowledge the highest reported for fiber laser systems.


Treatment decision-making capacity in non-consensual psychiatric treatment: a multicentre study.
To evaluate treatment decision-making capacity (DMC) to consent to psychiatric treatment in involuntarily committed patients and to further investigate possible associations with clinical and socio-demographic characteristics of patients. 131 involuntarily hospitalised patients were recruited in three university hospitals. Mental capacity to consent to treatment was measured with the MacArthur Competence Assessment Tool for Treatment (MacCAT-T); psychiatric symptoms severity (Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale, BPRS-E) and cognitive functioning (Mini Mental State Examination, MMSE) were also assessed. Mental capacity ratings for the 131 involuntarily hospitalised patients showed that patients affected by bipolar disorders (BD) scored generally better than those affected by schizophrenia spectrum disorders (SSD) in MacCAT-T appreciation (p < 0.05) and reasoning (p < 0.01). Positive symptoms were associated with poorer capacity to appreciate (r = -0.24; p < 0.01) and reason (r = -0.27; p < 0.01) about one's own treatment. Negative symptoms were associated with poorer understanding of treatment (r = -0.23; p < 0.01). Poorer cognitive functioning, as measured by MMSE, negatively affected MacCAT-T understanding in patients affected by SSD, but not in those affected by BD (SSD r = 0.37; p < 0.01; BD r = -0.01; p = 0.9). Poorer MacCAT-T reasoning was associated with more manic symptoms in the BD group of patients but not in the SSD group (BD r = -0.32; p < 0.05; SSD r = 0.03; p = 0.8). Twenty-two per cent (n = 29) of the 131 recruited patients showed high treatment DMC as defined by having scored higher than 75% of understanding, appreciating and reasoning MacCAT-T subscales maximum sores and 2 at expressing a choice. The remaining involuntarily hospitalised patients where considered to have low treatment DMC. Chi-squared disclosed that 32% of BD patients had high treatment DMC compared with 9% of SSD patients (p < 0.001). Treatment DMC can be routinely assessed in non-consensual psychiatric settings by the MacCAT-T, as is the case of other clinical variables. Such approach can lead to the identification of patients with high treatment DMC, thus drawing attention to possible dichotomy between legal and clinical status.


[Clinical factors relating to the presence of serum anti-GM1 and GD1b antibodies in demyelinating neuropathy--study using a multivariate analysis].
We studied clinical factors relating to the presence of serum anti-GM1 and GD1b antibodies in patients with demyelinating neuropathy using a multivariate analysis. Sera were obtained from 46 patients with chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP) and 33 with Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) and kept frozen at -20 degrees C until use. Anti-GM1 and GD1b IgM and IgG antibodies were measured by ELISA at serum dilution of 1:100 and considered to be positive when those values were more than the cut off values determined by means and standard deviations in 35 normal controls. Age, sex, duration, prodromal disease, neurological findings, concentration of CSF protein, nerve conduction, treatment, and outcome were investigated in all patients retrospectively. Multivariate logistic models using all those characteristics were used to clarify the clinical factors relating to the presence of anti-GM1 and GD1b antibodies. In CIDP, anti-GM1 antibodies associated with or without anti-GD1b antibodies were frequently seen in patients with motor dominant neuropathy than those with sensory dominant neuropathy (P = 0.007, odds ratio = 11.6). There was significant difference in anti-GM1 IgM antibodies (P = 0.003, odds ratio = 22.2), but no difference in IgG antibodies. Anti-GM1 antibodies were observed 5 (IgM, 5; IgG, 2) of 7 patients with pure motor neuropathy, 9 (IgM, 8; IgG, 4) of 17 with motor dominant neuropathy, 5 (IgM, 2; IgG, 3) of 16 with sensori-motor neuropathy, and none of 6 with sensory dominant neuropathy.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)


[The concept of postconcussional syndrome (author's transl)].
The author shows that postconcussional syndromes develop along three lines: somatic functional troubles, character and affective troubles, efficiency troubles. Most patients present such symptoms within six months after the trauma. In some patients, the syndrome remains for several reasons. The presence of objective sensory troubles, the weakness of socio-economic status and the lack of professional qualification, a psychiatric history and a history of emotional shock constitute precipitating factors. The necessity to determine, along these criteria, a high risk population to be followed psychologically after the hospitalisation is underlined.


Temperature-programed time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry study of 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium trifluoromethanesulfonate during glass-liquid transition, crystallization, melting, and solvation.
For this study, time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry was used to analyze the molecular orientation of 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium trifluoromethanesulfonate ([bmim][OTf]) and its interaction with the adsorbed Na and LiI species at temperatures of 150-300 K. A glassy [bmim][OTf] film crystallizes at around 230 K, as observed from the increase in the [bmim](+) yield. LiI and Na adsorbed on the glassy film are solvated, whereas they tend to form islands on a crystalline film. The crystalline surface inertness is ascribable to the termination with the CF(3) and C(4)H(9) groups, whereas the exposure of polar SO(3) and imidazole groups at the glassy film results in the solvation. Surface layering occurs during solvation of LiI on the glassy film in such a way that the [bmim](+) ([OTf](-)) moiety is exposed to the vacuum (oriented to the bulk). The LiI adsorbed on the glassy film is incorporated into the bulk at temperatures higher than 200 K because of the glass-liquid transition. No further uptake of LiI is observed during crystallization, providing a contrast to the results of normal molecular solids such as water and ethanol. The surface layers of the crystal melt at temperatures below the bulk melting point, as confirmed from the dissolution of adsorbed LiI, but the melting layer retains a short-range order similar to the crystal. The [bmim][OTf] can be regarded as a strongly correlated liquid with the combined liquid property and crystal-type local structure. The origin of this behavior is discussed.


Induction of mitophagy via ROS-dependent pathway protects copper-induced hypothalamic nerve cell injury.
Copper (Cu) is one of the essential trace elements in the body, but excessive amounts of Cu harm multiple organs and tissues such as liver, kidneys, testis, ovaries, and brain. However, the mechanism of hypothalamic neurotoxicity induced by Cu is still unknown. This study examined the relationship between reactive oxygen species (ROS) and mitophagy in mouse hypothalamus treated with high Cu. The results demonstrated that high levels of copper sulfate (CuSO4) could cause histopathological and neuronal changes in the mouse hypothalamus, produce a large amount of ROS, induce mitophagy, and lead to an imbalance of mitochondrial fusion/fission. The main manifestations are an increase in the expression levels of LC3-II/LC3-I, p62, DRP1, and FIS1, and a decrease in the expression levels of MFN1 and MFN2. Cu can induce mitophagy also was confirmed by LC3 co-localization with TOMM20 (mitochondrial marker). Next, the effect of oxidative stress on CuSO4-induced mitophagy was demonstrated. The results showed that ROS inhibitor N-acetylcysteine (NAC) diminished CuSO4-induced mitophagy and reversed the disturbance of mitochondrial dynamics. Additionally, a study was carried out to evaluate the role of mitophagy in CuSO4-induced hypothalamic injury. The inhibition of mitophagy using mitophagy inhibitor (Mdivi-1) decreased cell viability and promoted CuSO4-inhibited mitochondrial fusion. The aforementioned results suggested that CuSO4 induced mitophagy via oxidative stress in N38 cells and mouse hypothalamus, and that the activation of mitophagy might generate protective mechanisms by alleviating Cu-induced mitochondrial dynamics disorder. This study provided a novel approach and theoretical basis for studying and preventing Cu neurotoxicity.


Effect of oligosaccharide chain length, exposed terminal group, and hapten loading on the antibody response of human adults and infants to vaccines consisting of Haemophilus influenzae type b capsular antigen unterminally coupled to the diphtheria protein CRM197.
Vaccines consisting of oligosaccharide (OS) derived from Haemophilus influenzae type b capsular polysaccharide and conjugated to carrier proteins had been shown capable of eliciting memory-type capsular polysaccharide of H. influenza type b antibody responses in human infants, but the structural variables governing immunogenicity were not defined. Here a series of conjugates were made with the diphtheria protein CRM197 and with uniterminally coupled OS haptens that varied in chain length, exposed terminal residue, or multiplicity of loading as defined by ribose/protein ratio. Adults were given a single injection, 1-yr-old infants were given a two-injection sequence, and capsular polysaccharide of H. influenzae type b antibody responses were assessed by radioantigen binding. Vaccines C-4r, C-6r, and C-12r, in which ribitol-ended OS of mean length 4, 6, or 12 repeat units were coupled at low hapten loading, were about equally immunogenic (geometric means 2 to 5 micrograms/ml in infants, 5 to 9 micrograms/ml in adults). Vaccine C7p was made with a higher loading of OS having mean length 7 repeat units and having mainly phosphate monoester at the exposed termini Vaccine C-7R was made from a portion of C-7p by enzymatic removal of most of the terminal phosphates. Compared to the C-4r, C-6r, and C-12r series, vaccines C-7p and C-7R induced geometric means about 10-fold higher in adults and 20-fold higher in infants. Thus OS chain length (in the range studied) and exposed terminus are less critical variables in this system than the extent of hapten loading.


Coprological study on helminth fauna in Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx) from the Białowieza Primeval Forest in eastern Poland.
One hundred fecal samples were collected during research on Eurasian lynx ecology and food habits in the Polish part of the Białowieza Primeval Forest (BPF) from 2001 to 2006. Seventy-three percent of samples contained eggs or larvae of helminths. A total of 10 species of helminths was identified, including 3 Cestoda (Diphyllobothrium latum, Spirometra janickii, and unidentified species of Taeniidae), 1 Trematoda (Alaria alata), and 6 Nematoda (Aelurostrongylus abstrusus, Ancylostoma tubaeforme, Eucoleus aerophilus, Metastrongylus sp., Nematodirus sp., and Toxocara cati). Alaria alata has not been reported previously in lynx. A statistical comparison of the 2 techniques used to isolate eggs, i.e., flotation and sedimentation, indicates that sedimentation was more effective.


Feline bronchial cytology: histologic/cytologic correlation in 22 cats.
Trichrome-stained bronchial washings were obtained from 22 cats at necropsy and compared to lung tissue sections obtained at the same time. In three of the 22 cats, antemortem bronchial washings also were obtained. Sixteen of the cats were clinically ill and six were clinically normal and served as controls. On the basis of comparison of histologic sections and bronchial washings, patterns were detected in the washings indicative of general processes such as alveolar edema, chronic passive congestion, mucous metaplasia, and inflammation. Two specific etiologic agents, Histoplasma capsulatum and Toxoplasma gondii, each were seen in one washing.


Mode resolved bend-loss analysis in few-mode fibers using spatially and spectrally resolved imaging.
The increasing use of few-mode fibers for high-speed optical communication systems in space division multiplexing has created a need for mode resolved characterization of few-mode fibers. In this Letter, we present a new method to characterize the bend loss of the individual modes in a few-mode fiber. This procedure uses a simple setup for spatially and spectrally resolved imaging and allows the measurement of the bend loss of each and every guided mode at once. It does not require the use of mode converters in contrast to other methods. Results for graded-index two- and four-mode fibers are presented, together with comparisons against direct bend-loss measurements for the four-mode and standard single-mode fibers.


Badger Heart Program: health screenings targeted to increase cardiovascular awareness in women at four northern sites in Wisconsin.
This study reports the results of initial statewide health screenings of the Badger Heart Program (BHP), which aims to increase the cardiovascular health awareness and health status of women living in Wisconsin. In May 2004, the BHP provided cardiovascular disease risk screenings to women in 4 geographic areas throughout Wisconsin. Screening participants were informed of their results and counseled on issues concerning diet, exercise, smoking cessation, medications, and/or visiting their primary health care professional. Data collected included total cholesterol, high-density lipoproteins, low-density lipoproteins (LDL), triglycerides, blood pressure (BP), blood glucose measurements, height and weight, along with a brief survey of medical history, family history, smoking status, and current medication use. After the screening, participants were asked to volunteer for an opt-in 6-month educational program. A total of 318 women participated. The majority screened were Caucasian (95.9%) with an average age of 58 years (standard deviation [SD] = 13.2). Participants' blood pressure and LDL goals were determined from the risk profile assessment. According to national guidelines, an optimal blood pressure goal of < 140/90 was recommended for the majority of the participants (294 [92.5%]), while an optimal blood pressure goal of < 120/80 was recommended for only 24 (7.5%) participants. An optimal LDL value <100 was recommended for 48 (15.4%) participants, an LDL goal of <130 was recommended for 106 (33.3%), and an LDL goal of less than <160 was recommended for 157 (50.5%) participants. Of screened participants, 35% were not at BP goal, 32.4% were not at LDL goal, and 53.5% were not at both goals. While the number of participants who were at BP and/or LDL goal is higher than what is generally reported in the literature, there is still opportunity for significant improvement. A follow-up analysis including re-screening of individuals aimed at measuring the improvements in CVD profile post educational interventions will occur in November.


Emodin protects against high-fat diet-induced obesity via regulation of AMP-activated protein kinase pathways in white adipose tissue.
Emodin is an active herbal component traditionally used in China for treating a variety of diseases. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of emodin on the reducing lipid accumulation in white adipose tissue of high-fat diet-fed rats, and on the regulation of the expression of the genes involved in lipid metabolism to elucidate the mechanisms. After being fed a high-fat diet for two weeks, rats were dosed orally with emodin (20, 40, 80 mg/kg/day) or pioglitazone (20 mg/kg/day), once daily for eight weeks. Changes in body weight, feeding pattern, serum lipids, coronary artery risk index, and atherogenic index were investigated. Subcutaneous white adipose tissues were isolated for pathology histology and Western blot analyses. Changes of triglyceride accumulation in differentiated 3 T3-L1 adipocytes were also investigated. Emodin exhibited a significant concentration-dependent decrease in the intracellular accumulation of triglyceride in 3 T3-L1 adipocytes. Emodin (80 mg/kg/day) displayed similar characteristics to pioglitazone (20 mg/kg/day) in reducing body weight gain and plasma lipid levels as well as the coronary artery risk and atherogenic indices of high-fat diet-fed rats. Emodin also caused dose related reductions in epididymal white adipose tissue sizes in high-fat diet-fed rats. Emodin and pioglitazone enhanced the phosphorylation of AMP-activated protein kinase and its primary downstream targeting enzyme, acetyl-CoA carboxylase, upregulated gene expression of carnitine palmitoyl transferase 1, and downregulated sterol regulatory element binding protein 1 and fatty acid synthase protein levels in the epididymal white adipose tissue of high-fat diet-fed rats. Our findings suggest that emodin could attenuate lipid accumulation in white adipose tissue through AMP-activated protein kinase activation.


Study on micronucleus frequency in peripheral lymphocytes in workers of match factories.
This paper reports the results of the study of micronucleus frequency in peripheral lymphocytes in workers exposed to soft wood dust (poplar and linden wood) in match factories. 298 workers exposed to soft wood dust in three match factories were defined as exposure group and 45 waiters in a restaurant as control group. The frequency of micronucleus in peripheral lymphocytes was examined and the control's 95% confidential upper limit >, 4/1000 was defined as the standard to determine the positivity. The positive rate in the exposure group was 36.2% while that in the control group was only 4.4%; the difference is significant (P < 0.01). As the coefficient of correlation between length of work and positive rate was 0.86 (P < 0.01), a dose/time-response is in existence. Meanwhile, the analysis of relation between quantity of smoking and positive rate eliminated the effect of smoking on variation of positive rates. In this paper, we also discussed the relation between positive rates and wood dust concentrations in different worksites and we think that the volatile and unsteady substances in soft wood dust are micronucleus-inducing matters.


Effects of synthetic hydroxy isothiocyanates on microbial systems.
Hydroxy isothiocyanates (ITCs), including some new derivatives of naturally occurring compounds, were synthesized and their minimum inhibitory, minimum fungicidal, and minimum bactericidal concentrations for Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus fumigatus, Staphylococcus aureus, and Escherichia coli were estimated. These compounds were strongly antimicrobial; for example, 2-(4-hydroxyphenyl) ethyl ITC inhibited growth of all strains examined at concentrations of 7.8 to 15.6 micrograms/ml. The ATP concentration in E. coli was markedly reduced when cells were treated with 2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)ethyl ITC. Inhibition of the growth of E. coli by 2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)ethyl ITC was decreased in the presence of cysteine. Streptolysin S production in washed cells of Streptococcus equisimilis was extremely sensitive to this ITC derivative and this inhibition also was counteracted by cysteine. The results showed that the ITC compounds had antimicrobial effects by blocking sulfhydryl groups.


What women want: convenient appointment times for cervical screening tests.
Little is known about women's preferred appointment times for cervical screening tests. Data from a postal questionnaire survey were used to compare preferred appointment times with those given. Although 33.4%[95% confidence intervals (CI) 31.8%-35.0%] of respondents received appointments between 10h00 and 11h55, only 17.0% (95% CI 15.3%-18.7%) wanted an appointment at that time. Nineteen per cent (95% CI 17.4%-21.0%) of respondents wanted appointments between 18h00 and 20h00, but only 4.4% (95% CI 3.7%-5.1%) received them. Saturday appointments for cervical screening are not given; however, overall approximately 13% of those surveyed would have preferred a Saturday appointment. Preferred times also varied significantly with age and deprivation category. Further research is required to determine whether appointment times for cervical screening can be tailored to meet these expressed needs, and the impact this has on service provision and uptake.


Indigenous men's groups and social and emotional well-being: an indigenous doctor's perspective.
Traditional indigenous society promoted the social and emotional well-being of indigenous men through the meeting of men in daily life and during ceremonial times. There is an increasing recognition that men's groups use similar mechanisms to enhance the social and emotional well-being of participants and their communities. This paper seeks to increase understanding of the processes and impacts of contemporary indigenous men's groups from an indigenous doctor's perspective. Review of published and unpublished literature and reflections on the primary author's experiences within several indigenous men's groups using a participatory action research model were used to examine how participation within these groups can improve social and emotional well-being. There is a scarcity of published data on the distribution, activities and outcomes of indigenous men's groups. Published qualitative and experiential observations suggest that they contribute to improved social and emotional well-being for participants, their families and communities. Men's groups may be a good adjunct to the outpatient care of indigenous patients. As the published literature is entirely qualitative, mixed methods evaluation using appropriate and sensitive measures would assist in systematically capturing the impacts and outcomes of men's groups. Such evaluations could enhance programme longevity and encourage the referral of patients by mainstream mental health practitioners.


Photo-activated DNA binding and antimicrobial activities of alkaloids from Glycosmis pentaphylla.
In our screening for photosensitizers from natural resources, four alkaloids were isolated from Glycosmis pentaphylla by various chromatography techniques. Their structures were identified as glycoborinine (1), glybomine B (2), carbalexin A (3) and N-p-coumaroyltyramine (4) by spectral analysis. Their photoactivated antimicrobial activities were evaluated by thin-layer chromatography (TLC) agar overlay assay against Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus subtilis. It was found that compounds 1 and 4 showed photo-activated antimicrobial activities. Meantime, photo-activated DNA binding activities of these compounds were also assessed by using a specially prepared 1.8 kb DNA fragment and restriction enzymes. Under UVA irradiation, compound 1 showed moderate inhibition on Nde I, Xba I, Nco I and Bcl I which have either 5'-TpA or 5'-ApT and trace or no inhibition on other restriction enzymes. It showed a similar inhibition pattern with the reference 8-methoxypsoralen. However, compounds 2-4 showed no inhibition against any of the restriction enzymes.


Curing or causing? HIV/AIDS in health care system of Punjab, Pakistan.
Pakistan's National AIDS Control Program has registered 44,000 HIV/AIDS patients to date, but the actual number of cases have been estimated to be as high as 150,000-170,000. The health care system has a very important role to play in this equation and must be reformed to improve the health care services in Pakistan, with regards to HIV/AIDS. It was a qualitative research employing a phenomenological approach. The principal researcher visited nine public and private health care facilities and conducted 19 key informant interviews with people working for providing preventive and curative services, in addition to the observations made on the site. Pakistan's health system has a limited capacity to address the HIV spread in the country, with its current resources. There is an obvious scarcity of resources at the preventive, diagnostic and curative level. However, menace can be curtailed through measures taken at the service delivery level by checking the unsafe needles practices, unclean surgical procedures and an unregulated and untrained private health workforce which are dangerous potentials routes of transmission of the virus to the general population. Healthcare establishments carry the chances of nosocomial infections including HIV/AIDS. Poverty, illiteracy and stigma associated with the disease is compounding the overall situation. Improved accessibility to service delivery with a greater focus on prevention would be imperative to address the threat of HIV/AIDS in Pakistan. A health systems approach would help in identifying gaps at both strategic and operational levels, and concurrently find and implement solutions.


Dextran Utilization During Its Synthesis by Weissella cibaria RBA12 Can Be Overcome by Fed-Batch Fermentation in a Bioreactor.
Weissella cibaria RBA12 produced a maximum of 9 mg/ml dextran (with 90% efficiency) using shake flask culture under the optimized concentration of medium components viz. 2% (w/v) of each sucrose, yeast extract, and K2HPO4 after incubation at optimized conditions of 20 °C and 180 rpm for 24 h. The optimized medium and conditions were used for scale-up of dextran production from Weissella cibaria RBA12 in 2.5-l working volume under batch fermentation in a bioreactor that yielded a maximum of 9.3 mg/ml dextran (with 93% efficiency) at 14 h. After 14 h, dextran produced was utilized by the bacterium till 18 h in its stationary phase under sucrose depleted conditions. Dextran utilization was further studied by fed-batch fermentation using sucrose feed. Dextran on production under fed-batch fermentation in bioreactor gave 35.8 mg/ml after 32 h. In fed-batch mode, there was no decrease in dextran concentration as observed in the batch mode. This showed that the utilization of dextran by Weissella cibaria RBA12 is initiated when there is sucrose depletion and therefore the presence of sucrose can possibly overcome the dextran hydrolysis. This is the first report of utilization of dextran, post-sucrose depletion by Weissella sp. studied in bioreactor.


Comparative analysis of the expression profile of Wnk1 and Wnk1/Hsn2 splice variants in developing and adult mouse tissues.
The With No lysine (K) family of serine/threonine kinase (WNK) defines a small family of kinases with significant roles in ion homeostasis. WNK1 has been shown to have different isoforms due to what seems to be largely tissue specific splicing. Here, we used two distinct in situ hybridization riboprobes on developing and adult mouse tissues to make a comparative analysis of Wnk1 and its sensory associated splice isoform, Wnk1/Hsn2. The hybridization signals in developing mouse tissues, which were prepared at embryonic day e10.5 and e12.5, revealed a homogenous expression profile with both probes. At e15.5 and in the newborn mouse, the two probes revealed different expression profiles with prominent signals in nervous system tissues and also other tissues such as kidney, thymus and testis. In adult mouse tissues, the two expression profiles appeared even more restricted to the nervous tissues, kidney, thymus and testis, with no detectable signal in the other tissues. Throughout the nervous system, sensory tissues, as well as in Cornu Ammonis 1 (CA1), CA2 and CA3 areas of the hippocampus, were strongly labeled with both probes. Hybridization signals were also strongly detected in Schwann and supporting satellite cells. Our results show that the expression profiles of Wnk1 isoforms change during the development, and that the expression of the Wnk1 splice variant containing the Hsn2 exon is prominent during developing and in adult mouse tissues, suggesting its important role in the development and maintenance of the nervous system.


Service and Support Needs of Non-Offending Parents in Cases of Intrafamilial Sexual Abuse.
This article describes the helpfulness and availability of formal and informal services and supports available to 104 non-offending parents in cases of intrafamilial sexual abuse. Though findings include high overall satisfaction with the services that were provided, parents report a gap between their needs and the availability of services. Two measures were used to collect the data: the Maternal Sense of Social Support (MSSI) (Pascoe, Loda, Jeffries, & Earp, 1981), and the Helpfulness Index, adapted from a questionnaire used by Runyan et al. (1992). These data are from the first wave of data collection in a four-year study of non-offending parents and their sexually abused children.


Impact of Beamforming on the Path Connectivity in Cognitive Radio Ad Hoc Networks.
This paper investigates the impact of using directional antennas and beamforming schemes on the connectivity of cognitive radio ad hoc networks (CRAHNs). Specifically, considering that secondary users use two kinds of directional antennas, i.e., uniform linear array (ULA) and uniform circular array (UCA) antennas, and two different beamforming schemes, i.e., randomized beamforming and center-directed to communicate with each other, we study the connectivity of all combination pairs of directional antennas and beamforming schemes and compare their performances to those of omnidirectional antennas. The results obtained in this paper show that, compared with omnidirectional transmission, beamforming transmission only benefits the connectivity when the density of secondary user is moderate. Moreover, the combination of UCA and randomized beamforming scheme gives the highest path connectivity in all evaluating scenarios. Finally, the number of antenna elements and degree of path loss greatly affect path connectivity in CRAHNs.


Epidemiology of antibiotic resistance in Haemophilus influenzae.
During the last 10 years, a continuous increase in the incidence of beta-lactamase-producing Haemophilus influenzae has been observed; in addition, beta-lactamase-negative ampicillin-resistant strains are better identified and more frequently isolated. During the same period, resistance to tetracyclines and chloramphenicol decreased to a very low level. The incidence of resistant bacteria is highly variable according to the site of infection, patient's age, type of Haemophilus, and country or region, according to local epidemiological factors. Follow-up multicenter studies are needed to monitor the evolution of resistance to these antibiotics and also emergence and spread of resistance to other antibiotics, such as new fluoroquinolones, new beta-lactams, and new macrolides.


Factors within the family environment such as parents' dietary habits and fruit and vegetable availability have the greatest influence on fruit and vegetable consumption by Polish children.
To identify determinants of fruit and vegetable (F&V) consumption among school-aged children. A survey study was conducted in October 2010. The questionnaire contained questions concerning social and demographic data, lifestyle and dietary habits, particularly the frequency of F&V consumption, availability of F&V and knowledge about recommended amounts of F&V intake. Polish primary schools. Children (n 1255) aged 9 years from randomly selected primary schools and their parents. The children's consumption of fruit and of vegetables was influenced by the fruit consumption and vegetable consumption of their parents (r=0·333 and r=0·273, respectively; P=0·001), parents encouraging their children to eat F&V (r=0·259 and r=0·271, respectively; P=0·001), giving children F&V to take to school (r=0·338 and r=0·321, respectively; P=0·001) and the availability of F&V at home (r=0·200 and r=0·296, respectively; P=0·001). Parental education influenced only the frequency of fruit consumption (r=0·074; P=0·01). A correlation between parents' knowledge of the recommended intakes and the frequency of vegetable and fruit consumption by children was noticed (r=0·258 and r=0·192, respectively, P=0·001). Factors within the family environment such as parents' dietary habits and F&V availability had the greatest influence on the F&V consumption by children. Educational activities aimed at parents are crucial to increase the consumption of F&V among children.


Retraction Note: Combination therapy with metformin and IL-12 to inhibit the growth of hepatic carcinoma by promoting apoptosis and autophagy in HepG2-bearing mice.
The article "Combination therapy with metformin and IL-12 to inhibit the growth of hepatic carcinoma by promoting apoptosis and autophagy in HepG2-bearing mice, by Z. Jin, B.-X. Jia, L.-D. Tan, Q.-M. Chen, Y.-H. Liu, published in Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci 2020; 24 (23): 12368-12379-DOI: 10.26355/eurrev_202012_24031-PMID: 33336757" has been retracted by the authors as they cannot ensure the reliability of the manuscript due to inaccuracies in the conclusions and in the experiment (the cell migration and invasion assay along with the cell cycle arrest assay are missing). The Publisher apologizes for any inconvenience this may cause https://www.europeanreview.org/article/24031.


Overturning in the subpolar North Atlantic: a review.
The Overturning in the Subpolar North Atlantic Program (OSNAP) was initiated in the spring of 2010 through a collaborative effort involving the USA, the UK, Germany, the Netherlands and Canada. A key feature of OSNAP is a trans-basin observing system deployed in the summer of 2014 for the continuous measure of volume, heat and freshwater fluxes in the subpolar North Atlantic. This review focuses on advancements made possible by the collective OSNAP observations. Chief among those advancements is the quantification of the dominant role of the eastern subpolar North Atlantic in the production of dense waters that reside in the lower limb of the overturning: the Irminger and Iceland basins contributed approximately three times as much dense water compared with the Labrador Sea over the observational period. Other advancements include elucidation of the relationship between convective activity in the basin interior and boundary current anomalies; the spread of overflow waters in the subpolar region; the seasonality of the meridional volume, heat and freshwater fluxes; and the challenges involved in designing a simpler, less costly observing system. Collectively, OSNAP measurements are laying a framework on which to assess the overturning circulation's vulnerability to continued warming and freshening as climate change continues apace. This article is part of a discussion meeting issue 'Atlantic overturning: new observations and challenges'.


Quantifying urban river-aquifer fluid exchange processes: a multi-scale problem.
Groundwater-river exchanges in an urban setting have been investigated through long term field monitoring and detailed modelling of a 7 km reach of the Tame river as it traverses the unconfined Triassic Sandstone aquifer that lies beneath the City of Birmingham, UK. Field investigations and numerical modelling have been completed at a range of spatial and temporal scales from the metre to the kilometre scale and from event (hourly) to multi-annual time scales. The objective has been to quantify the spatial and temporal flow distributions governing mixing processes at the aquifer-river interface that can affect the chemical activity in the hyporheic zone of this urbanised river. The hyporheic zone is defined to be the zone of physical mixing of river and aquifer water. The results highlight the multi-scale controls that govern the fluid exchange distributions that influence the thickness of the mixing zone between urban rivers and groundwater and the patterns of groundwater flow through the bed of the river. The morphologies of the urban river bed and the adjacent river bank sediments are found to be particularly influential in developing the mixing zone at the interface between river and groundwater. Pressure transients in the river are also found to exert an influence on velocity distribution in the bed material. Areas of significant mixing do not appear to be related to the areas of greatest groundwater discharge and therefore this relationship requires further investigation to quantify the actual remedial capacity of the physical hyporheic zone.


Characterization and Mechanism of Gel Deterioration of Egg Yolk Powder during Storage.
Egg yolk forms have several health and industrial applications, but their storage characteristics and gel mechanisms have not been thoroughly studied. In order to investigate the relationship between the changes in structure and properties of egg yolk gel and egg yolk powder during storage, in this paper, egg yolk powder was stored at 37 °C for 0, 1, 3, and 6 months in an accelerated storage experiment, and the influence of storage time on the gel properties of egg yolk powder was analyzed. The results showed that the contents of protein carbonylation and sulfhydryl in the yolk decreased gradually with the extension of storage time. Circular dichroism and fluorescence spectra showed that the ordered structure and structural stability of egg yolk proteins decreased gradually. Oxidation led to the formation of intermolecular crosslinking in the egg yolk proteins and oxidized aggregates, resulting in a decrease in surface hydrophobicity, which affected the gel properties of the egg yolk powder after rehydration, resulting in the phenomenon of lipid migration and gel degradation. The results provide a theoretical basis for improving egg yolk powder's overall quality and storage stability.


Model for development of outcome assessment surveys for allied health educational programs.
This article describes a model for survey development used by the Department of Physical Therapy at Saint Louis University to assess the extent to which the program prepares students for a career as physical therapists. From a review of departmental documents including mission and philosophy statements and curriculum goals, eight performance outcomes (e.g., competence as a general practitioner, leadership, ethics, attitude for service, etc.) and two program characteristics (curricuum and program atmosphere) were determined. External documents including accreditation criteria for graduate performance were also reviewed and found to be consistent with the identified characteristics. Based on these findings, items for three surveys were developed and assessed. A 1-year alumni survey solicited feedback on the graduates' perceptions of their educational preparedness for clinical practice. The graduates' employers then were surveyed for an assessment of the graduates' job performance. A 3-year alumni survey followed up to reassess the graduates' perceptions of their educational preparedness and to track the alumni's activities since graduation. Other programs in physical therapy and other health care disciplines can use this model to develop valid survey instruments to assess their program's effectiveness.


Concentration of RB protein in nucleus vs. cytoplasm is stable as phosphorylation of RB changes during the cell cycle and differentiation.
Unphosphorylated RB (retinoblastoma tumor suppressor) protein is known to bind isolated nuclear matrix in vitro, whereas phosphorylated RB has a lower affinity, suggesting a mechanism which might contribute to differential nuclear/cytoplasmic localization as part of its regulatory activity. This motivates interest in the in vivo localization of the endogenous RB protein as its phosphorylation state changes during the cell cycle and cell differentiation. It is known that in proliferating HL-60 cells all the RB protein is phosphorylated, but the extent of phosphorylation increases with progression from G1 to S to G2 + M. It has also been previously shown that retinoic acid and 1,25-dihydroxy vitamin D3 shift the RB protein to the unphosphorylated state with cell differentiation (Yen, A., S. Varvayanis, Exp. Cell Res. 214, 250-257 (1994)). The dependence of cell cycle progression and differentiation on RB nuclear versus cytoplasmic localization, as well as the dependence of RB localization on phosphorylation state can thus be tested. Confocal image analysis of the RB protein in vivo shows that the ratio of the concentration of the RB tumor suppressor gene protein in the nucleus versus the cytoplasm remains stable as the RB protein undergoes either phosphorylation during cell cycle progression or dephosphorylation during cell differentiation induced by retinoic acid or 1,25-dihydroxy vitamin D3. For the cell cycle analysis, HL-60 human promyelocytic leukemia cells were fluorescently stained for DNA and for the RB protein. G1, S, and G2 + M subpopulations were isolated by fluorescence-activated cell sorting. For each subpopulation, the relative concentration of RB protein in the nucleus and the cytoplasm was measured by laser confocal image analysis. To determine the effect of retinoic acid-induced myeloid differentiation or 1,25-dihydroxy vitamin D3-induced monocytic differentiation, the same cell sorting and image analysis was performed on cells treated with these inducers. In all cases the concentration of the RB protein in the nucleus was approximately 2 times that in the cytoplasm. Thus, the ratio of nuclear versus cytoplasmic RB protein concentration is stable and independent of phosphorylation or dephosphorylation of RB during both the cell cycle and cell differentiation.


Colonoscopic decompression for acute pseudoobstruction of the colon (Ogilvie's syndrome). Report of 22 cases and review of the literature.
This report has described a series of 22 patients who underwent colonoscopic decompression for acute pseudoobstruction of the colon and summarizes those cases previously reported in the literature. Twenty of the 22 patients (91 percent) were successfully treated by decompression initially. Fifteen patients (68 percent) were cured with the initial procedure, and 4 patients (18 percent) experienced recurrence. Overall, in 17 patients (77 percent), the pseudoobstruction resolved completely with colonoscopic decompression. Three patients (14 percent) underwent operation because of cecal dilatation refractory to colonoscopic decompression, and in one patient (4.5 percent), the colonic dilatation resolved spontaneously after a failed colonoscopy. Complications resulted in the death of one patient (4.5 percent). Our data are similar to those in the literature and indicate that colonoscopic decompression is a safe and efficacious first line of treatment for acute pseudoobstruction of the colon.


Evaluation of pharmacotherapy complexity in residents of long-term care facilities: a cross-sectional descriptive study.
Polypharmacy is a reality in long-term care facilities. However, number of medications used by the patient should not be the only predictor of a complex pharmacotherapy. Although the level of complexity of pharmacotherapy is considered an important factor that may lead to side effects, there are few studies in this field. The aim of this study was to evaluate the complexity of pharmacotherapy in residents of three long-term care facilities. A cross-sectional study was performed to evaluate the complexity of pharmacotherapy using the protocols laid out in the Medication Regimen Complexity Index instrument in three long-term care facilities in northeastern Brazil. As a secondary result, potential drug interactions, potentially inappropriate medications, medication duplication, and polypharmacy were evaluated. After the assessment, the association among these variables and the Medication Regimen Complexity Index was performed. In this study, there was a higher prevalence of women (64.4%) with a high mean age among the study population of 81.8 (±9.7) years. The complexity of pharmacotherapy obtained a mean of 15.1 points (±9.8), with a minimum of 2 and a maximum of 59. The highest levels of complexity were associated with dose frequency, with a mean of 5.5 (±3.6), followed by additional instructions of use averaging 4.9 (±3.7) and by the dosage forms averaging 4.6 (±3.0). The present study evaluated some factors that complicate the pharmacotherapy of geriatric patients. Although polypharmacy was implicated as a factor directly related to complexity, other indicators such as drug interactions, potentially inappropriate medications, and therapeutic duplication can also make the use of pharmacotherapy in such patients more difficult.


Granular coarsening: phase space and evolution analogies.
Various aspects of axial banding of size-varying bidisperse granular mixtures in cylindrical tumblers have been documented repeatedly over a decade or so, but the dependence of surface band formation on the relative concentration of particles and rotation rate has not been thoroughly examined. Coarsening patterns analogous to nucleation and spinodal decomposition occur as the relative concentration of small and large particles and the rotation rate of the tumbler are varied. A phase diagram with a portion analogous to a miscibility gap can be constructed from the space-time plots. A dynamic scaling approach similar to that for reacting lamellae can be applied to the coarsening patterns as a result of large bands growing at the expense of neighboring smaller bands.


Receptor-mediated endocytosis in Xenopus oocytes. II. Evidence for two novel mechanisms of hormonal regulation.
Xenopus oocytes exhibit enhanced rates of vitellogenin (VTG) endocytosis following exposure to insulin in vitro and human chorionic gonadotropin in vivo. We investigated this phenomenon using kinetic and steady state analyses and found that the stimulation of VTG uptake was not due to an increase in surface VTG receptors. Instead, both hormones acted by stimulating the specific internalization rate (ke) of the VTG receptor, although by apparently different mechanisms. The stimulation of ke by insulin was most obvious at low levels of receptor occupancy. Insulin also increased the affinity of the VTG receptor for its ligand. Both hormones increased the rate of fluid phase endocytosis, but the magnitude of stimulation was not sufficient to account for the observed increase in VTG uptake. The steady state binding of VTG was biphasic with respect to increasing ligand concentration, primarily due to a nonlinear receptor internalization rate as a function of occupancy. The nonlinear VTG binding was abolished by incubating the oocytes at 0 degree C. Our data are consistent with a model in which there is a cell surface regulatory component that facilitates the internalization of the occupied VTG receptor. Although both human chorionic gonadotropin and insulin stimulate VTG uptake by increasing the net rate of endocytosis, insulin also increases the association of the occupied VTG receptor with this regulatory component.


Recent insights into atherosclerotic plaque cell autophagy.
Cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, such as coronary heart disease and stroke, caused by atherosclerosis have become the "number one killer", seriously endangering human health in developing and developed countries. Atherosclerosis mainly occurs in large and medium-sized arteries and involves intimal thickening, accumulation of foam cells, and formation of atheromatous plaques. Autophagy is a cellular catabolic process that has evolved to defend cells from the turnover of intracellular molecules. Autophagy is thought to play an important role in the development of plaques. This review focuses on studies on autophagy in cells involved in the formation of atherosclerotic plaques, such as monocytes, macrophages, endothelial cells, dendritic cells, and vascular smooth muscle cells, indicating that autophagy plays an important role in plaque development. We mainly discuss the roles of autophagy in these cells in maintaining the stability of atherosclerotic plaques, providing a reference for the next steps to unravel the mechanisms of atherogenesis.


Case report: Sideroblastic anemia with B-cell immunodeficiency, periodic fevers, and developmental delay: Three cases and a literature review.
Sideroblastic anemia with B-cell immunodeficiency, periodic fevers, and developmental delay (SIFD) is a serious autosomal recessive syndrome caused by biallelic mutations in cytosine-cytosine-adenosine tRNA nucleotidyltransferase 1 (TRNT1). The main clinical features of SIFD are periodic fevers, developmental delay, sideroblastic or microcytic anemia, and immunodeficiency. Herein, we report three cases of SIFD with compound heterozygous variants of TRNT1. Patients 1 and 2 were siblings; they presented with periodic fevers, arthritis, low immunoglobulin A, bilateral cataracts, anemia, and neurodevelopmental and developmental delay. Patient 3 had severed clinical features with recurrent fever and infections. She was treated with infliximab and symptomatic treatments but without therapeutic effect. She received a stem cell transplantation of umbilical cord blood but died of posttransplant infection and posttransplant graft-vs.-host disease 17 days after transplantation. Finally, a literature review revealed that TRNT1 variants differed among SIFD patients. Our cases and literature review further expand existing knowledge on the phenotype and TRNT1 variations of SIFD and suggest that the early genomic diagnosis of TRNT1 is valuable to promptly assess bone marrow transplantation and tumor necrosis factor inhibitor treatments, which might be effective for the immunodeficiency and inflammation caused by SIFD.


Posology of insulins: A review of standard textbooks and product inserts.
The study is aimed to assess whether the information contained in standard pharmacology, endocrinology, and diabetology textbooks regarding timings of administration, frequency and dose of various insulins is adequate and also to see whether the information contained in these texts is concordant with product inserts. Four standard textbooks of pharmacology, two of diabetology and three of endocrinology were assessed for the published information regarding dose, timing, and frequency of insulin administration. The product inserts of commonly available insulins in India were also studied for the same. Various omissions and disparities could be seen in the coverage of insulins in standard textbooks. Posology information about premixed insulins and basal insulins have been omitted by the majority of the textbooks. Details about dose, frequency and timings of ultra-short acting insulins have also not been covered by all textbooks. Some discrepancies regarding prescribing information was also noted in product inserts, especially in case of newer insulins. Thus, this article stresses upon the need of a uniform source of information for providing adequate and standardized knowledge regarding timing, frequency, and dose of insulins.


The Future of Nanoparticle-Directed Venous Therapy.
Nanoparticles, structures of less than 200 nm capable of delivering pharmacotherapeutics to sites of disease, have shown great promise for the treatment of many disease states. While no nanoparticle therapies for deep vein thrombosis are currently approved by the Food and Drug Administration, many of the unique features of these therapies have the potential to treat both deep vein thrombosis and its most significant sequela, postthrombotic syndrome, while limiting the hemorrhagic complications of current antithrombotic therapies. Nanoparticles are complex structures with several important variables that must be considered to engineer effective therapies. This article will review the structure and engineering of nanoparticles, as well as promising molecular targets for future investigation.


Multispectral photoacoustic microscopy of lipids using a pulsed supercontinuum laser.
We demonstrate optical resolution photoacoustic microscopy (OR-PAM) of lipid-rich tissue between 1050-1714 nm using a pulsed supercontinuum laser based on a large-mode-area photonic crystal fiber. OR-PAM experiments of lipid-rich samples show the expected optical absorption peaks near 1210 and 1720 nm. These results show that pulsed supercontinuum lasers are promising for OR-PAM applications such as label-free histology of lipid-rich tissue and imaging small animal models of disease.


Bioactivation of phencyclidine in rat and human liver microsomes and recombinant P450 2B enzymes: evidence for the formation of a novel quinone methide intermediate.
The hypothesis that the psychological side effects associated with the anesthetic phencyclidine (PCP) may be caused by irreversible binding of PCP or its reactive metabolite(s) to critical macromolecules in the brain has resulted in numerous in vitro studies aimed at characterizing pathways of PCP bioactivation. The studies described herein extend the current knowledge of PCP metabolism and provide details on a previously unknown metabolic activation pathway of PCP. Following incubations with NADPH- and GSH-supplemented human and rat liver microsomes and recombinant P450 2B enzymes, two sulfhydryl conjugates with MH+ ions at 547 and 482 Da, respectively, were detected by LC/MS/MS. Shebley et al. [(2006) Drug Metab. Dispos. 34, 375-383] have also observed the GSH conjugate 1 with MH+ at 547 Da in PCP incubations with rat P450 2B1 and rabbit P450 2B4 isoforms fortified with NADPH and GSH. The molecular weight of 1 is consistent with a bioactivation pathway involving Michael addition of the sulfhydryl nucleophile to the putative 2,3-dihydropyridinium metabolite of PCP obtained via a four-electron oxidation of the piperidine ring in the parent compound. The mass spectrum of the novel GSH adduct 2 with an MH+ ion at 482 Da was suggestive of a unique PCP bioactivation pathway involving initial ortho- or para-hydroxylation of the phenyl ring in PCP followed by spontaneous decomposition to piperidine and an electrophilic quinone methide intermediate, which upon reaction with GSH yielded adduct 2. The LC retention times and mass spectral properties of enzymatically generated 2 were identical to those of a reference standard obtained via reaction of GSH with synthetic p-hydroxyPCP in phosphate buffer (pH 7.4, 37 degrees C). 1H NMR and 13C-distortionless enhancement by polarization transfer (DEPT) NMR spectral studies on synthetically generated 2 suggested that the structural integrity of the p-hydroxyphenyl and cyclohexyl rings likely was preserved and that the site of GSH addition was the benzylic carbon joining the two scaffolds. The formation of 2 in human microsomes was reduced upon addition of the dual P450 2C19/P450 2B6 inhibitor (+)- N-3-benzylnirvanol. Consistent with this finding, both recombinant P450 2B6 and P450 2C19 catalyzed PCP bioactivation to 2. In the absence of GSH, synthetic p-hydroxyPCP underwent rapid decomposition (t1/2 approximately 5.2 min) to afford p-hydroxyphenylcyclohexanol and p-hydroxyphenylcyclohexene, presumably via the quinone methide intermediate. Overall, our findings on the facile degradation of synthetic p-hydroxyPCP to yield an electrophilic quinone methide intermediate capable of reacting with nucleophiles, including GSH and water, suggest an inherent instability of the putative phenolic PCP metabolite. Thus, if formed enzymatically in vivo, p-hydroxyPCP may not require further metabolism to liberate the quinone methide, which can then react with macromolecules. To our knowledge, this is the first report of a quinone methide reactive intermediate obtained in human-liver microsomal metabolism of PCP.


Preventing Suicide and Self-Harm.
Telephone helplines are considered to play an important role in preventing suicide and self-harm among callers in distress. However, inconsistency in the methods of evaluating such services has limited the firm conclusions that can be drawn. To evaluate the efficacy of a UK-based helpline from a service user and helpline worker perspective. Callers were asked about their mental state at the beginning and end of the call with a short questionnaire. Helpline workers were surveyed about their experiences of using the questionnaire as part of routine service provision. The helpline was successful at reducing suicidal and self-harming ideation. The short questionnaire method was also successfully integrated into routine practice. Evaluating the efficacy of helplines can be successfully achieved using the short questionnaire method.


Cost-effectiveness of the treatment of traumatic thoracolumbar spine fractures: Nonsurgical or surgical therapy?
Spinal fractures can be an important cause for disabling back pain. Therefore, in judging the cost-effectiveness of nonsurgical or surgical therapy, not only direct costs but also the indirect costs should be calculated. In this prospective randomized study, the costs incurred by nonsurgically and surgically treated patients with a traumatic thoracolumbar spine fracture without neurological involvement were analysed. 32 patients with a traumatic thoracolumbar spine fracture were prospectively randomized for operative or nonsurgical treatment. Patients were sent a questionnaire every three months to inquire about work-status, additional health costs and doctor visits. The patients who have minimum followup of two years were included. Of thirty-two patients, 30 met the criterion of the followup period of at least two years. Fourteen patients received nonsurgical therapy, while 16 received surgical treatment. Direct costs of the treatment of nonsurgically treated patients were €10,608 ($12,730). For the operatively treated group, these costs were €18,769 ($22,523). Indirect costs resulted in a total of €219,187 ($263,025) per nonoperatively treated patient. In the operatively treated group, these costs were €66,004 ($79,206). In the treatment of traumatic thoracolumbar spine fractures, the indirect costs exceed the direct costs by far and make up 95.4% of the total costs for treatment in nonsurgically treated patients and 71.6% of the total costs in the operative group. In view of cost-effectiveness, the operative therapy of traumatic thoracolumbar spine fractures is to be preferred.


Short-term treatment outcome using parents as co-therapists for their own autistic children.
This study evaluates the effects of Schopler and Reichler's developmental treatment for autistic children, which uses parents as co-therapists. Fifteen children were followed during waiting and treatment periods. Direct behavioral observations, a blind rating of family stress based on interviews with mothers and two questionnaires were used to assess outcome. All data were collected during home visits. Significant treatment effects were found for appropriate child behavior and parental involvement. Treatment effects were not shown for inappropriate child behavior and the measure of family stress and adaptation. Data are presented which suggest a positive change with treatment in parent-child interaction patterns. A lack of change in independent play is noted. Questionnaire responses indicated that parents saw the treatment as helpful. The results are discussed in terms of their implications for treatment, prognosis and future outcome research.


Resilience in homeless adults: a review of literature.
Although the concept of resilience has been studied for the past three decades, a paucity of research has focused on this concept in homeless adults, particularly among homeless adults who are persons of color African-Americans have been characterized as being resilient and it has been reported that African-Americans are disproportionately represented among the homeless population nationwide. The purpose of this article is to review the scope of research previously done in the area of resilience in homeless adults and to highlight the importance of the concept of resilience in the lives and existence of this at-risk group. Homeless adults face enormous stressors on a daily basis as they navigate a minefield of mental, physical, and environmental risks. How they respond and how they adapt to these stressors can potentially affect their health outcomes as well as their quality of life. The seven articles retrieved for this article support the contention that further research is needed to increase the understanding of how the concept of resilience impacts the ability of homeless adults, and in particular persons of color to endure and survive despite their adverse conditions.


Perspective on the Ongoing Replacement of Artificial and Animal-Based Dyes with Alternative Natural Pigments in Foods and Beverages.
This perspective highlights current trends, advances, and challenges related to the replacement of artificial dyes and the insect-based carmine with alternative natural pigments. Briefly reviewing the history of food coloration, key publications and public events leading to diverse concerns about artificial dyes and carmine will be summarized. An overview about promising alternatives in the market and those under development is provided, including a separate section on coloring foodstuffs. The perspective aims at supporting readers to keep abreast with the enormous efforts undertaken by the food and beverage industry to replace certain food dyes.


[Treatment outcome of patients with pulmonary tuberculosis before and after the induction of directly observed therapy (DOT)].
To evaluate the treatment outcome of patients with pulmonary tuberculosis before and after the induction of DOT. A retrospective study of the outcome of 239 tuberculosis patients treated during January 1996 to June 2003. We reviewed clinical charts collected on all patients with positive cultures for Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The patients of non-DOT group had received a traditional unsupervised drug regimen, before we have undertaken DOT. The patients of DOT group received therapy under direct observation by nurses. We compared sputum smear conversion period, sputum culture conversion period, duration of admission and treatment, recurrence rate, treatment success (cure and completion of treatment) rate and incidence of adverse effects between DOT and non-DOT group. Sputum conversion period and incidence of adverse effects were not significantly different between both groups. The duration of admission and treatment of DOT group was significantly shorter than those of non-DOT group. Rate of relapse and treatment success was not different between two groups. Over-80-year-old patients treated by DOT revealed a higher culture conversion rate after 2-month treatment than those who were not treated with DOT. We could not prove the usefulness of DOT during hospitalization for tuberculosis patients from the points of treatment success rate and relapse rate.


Psychosocial benefits of the social support experienced at a community-based cancer wellness organization.
This study was designed to identify the sources of social support and the perceived psychosocial benefits people diagnosed with cancer experience at a community-based cancer wellness organization. Semi-structured, in-depth interviews were conducted with 31 people diagnosed with cancer who regularly used services at a community-based cancer wellness organization. Two themes were identified related to the sources of social support that participants experienced at the community-based cancer wellness organization: i) participants reported that individuals at the center (e.g., staff and volunteers) provided support, and ii) participants perceived the organization as a source of support. Further, four themes emerged related to participants' perceptions of the psychosocial benefits of social support experienced at the community-based cancer wellness organization including i) reduced feelings of social isolation; ii) acceptance at the center in contrast to stigmatizing experiences elsewhere; iii) validation of new identity; and iv) experiences of relaxation and stress relief. The study findings demonstrate that community-based cancer wellness organizations can be a source of connection, acceptance, validation, and stress relief to people diagnosed with cancer.


The visual system of male scale insects.
Animal eyes generally fall into two categories: (1) their photoreceptive array is convex, as is typical for camera eyes, including the human eye, or (2) their photoreceptive array is concave, as is typical for the compound eye of insects. There are a few rare examples of the latter eye type having secondarily evolved into the former one. When viewed in a phylogenetic framework, the head morphology of a variety of male scale insects suggests that this group could be one such example. In the Margarodidae (Hemiptera, Coccoidea), males have been described as having compound eyes, while males of some more derived groups only have two single-chamber eyes on each side of the head. Those eyes are situated in the place occupied by the compound eye of other insects. Since male scale insects tend to be rare, little is known about how their visual systems are organized, and what anatomical traits are associated with this evolutionary transition. In adult male Margarodidae, one single-chamber eye (stemmateran ocellus) is present in addition to a compound eye-like region. Our histological investigation reveals that the stemmateran ocellus has an extended retina which is formed by concrete clusters of receptor cells that connect to its own first-order neuropil. In addition, we find that the ommatidia of the compound eyes also share several anatomical characteristics with simple camera eyes. These include shallow units with extended retinas, each of which is connected by its own small nerve to the lamina. These anatomical changes suggest that the margarodid compound eye represents a transitional form to the giant unicornal eyes that have been described in more derived species.