Microencapsulation of antimicrobial ceftiofur drugs.
Polymeric microparticles containing two ceftiofur salts as antimicrobial agents for intramammary application in dry cows were prepared by modified o/w-solvent evaporation methods (dispersion or cosolvent method) or by a w/o/w-multiple emulsion solvent evaporation method. The microspheres were characterized with respect to drug loading, drug release, and morphological properties. The three methods resulted in high encapsulation efficiencies. The choice of organic solvent/solvent mixture strongly affected the structure of the microparticles; both matrix and reservoir-type structures with different porosities were obtained. Scaling up to larger batch sizes resulted in microspheres with a faster drug release. The addition of water-miscible cosolvents to the water-immiscible polymer solution allowed the preparation of microparticles from a drug solution rather than a drug dispersion. Microparticles prepared by the cosolvent method could be separated after shorter time intervals from the aqueous phase; the microspheres had a denser matrix with finely dispersed drug crystals and a slower drug release when compared with microspheres prepared by the dispersion method, which had a more porous structure with larger embedded drug crystals. The cosolvent and dispersion methods present a simple alternative to the w/o/w-solvent evaporation method for the encapsulation of water-soluble drugs with an external water phase.


Electrokinetics at high ionic strength and hypothesis of the double layer with zero surface charge.
A growing number of publications in the last two decades have suggested that the structure and other properties of the interfacial water layer can significantly affect the double layer (DL) because of changes in ion solvatation energy. Most interesting is the possibility that a double layer might in fact exist, even when there is no electric surface charge at all, solely because of the difference in cation and anion concentrations within this interfacial water layer. Dukhin, Derjaguin, and Yaroschuk suggested this possibility 20 years ago and developed a phenomenological theory. Recently, Mancui and Ruckenstein created more sophisticated microscopic model. In this article, we present our first experimental result regarding the verification of this "zero surface charge" DL model. The electroacoustic technique allows testing at high ionic strength (up to 2 M). As a first step, we confirm the surprising result of Johnson, Scales, and Healy regarding large zeta potential of alumina (8 +/- 1 mV) in 1 M KCl. As a second step, we suggest using nonionic surfactant Tween 80 for probing and modifying the structure of the interfacial layer at high ionic strength. The application of surfactant at moderate ionic strength (i.e., <0.1 mol/dm3), as might be expected, reduces the zeta potential simply by shifting the slipping plane. However, there is no influence of surfactant on the zeta potential observed at high ionic strength. It turns out that a high concentration of KCl simply eliminates surfactant adsorption. We develop a new technique for characterizing the adsorption of nonionic surfactant using an acoustic attenuation measurement. We hope that these methods in combination with a proper surfactant and electrolyte selection would allow us to gain more detailed information on the interface structure at high ionic strength.


Relaxation rate of mouth pressure with sniffs at rest and with inspiratory muscle fatigue.
The relaxation rate of transdiaphragmatic pressure (Pdi) after voluntary contractions of the diaphragm slows with fatigue. We determined a range of values for the relaxation rate of mouth pressure (Pm) after voluntary contractions of the inspiratory muscles in 27 normal men and women at various lung volumes at rest. Values were similar for both sexes. The relaxation rates were similar at functional residual capacity (FRC) and below FRC, but were greater above FRC (p less than 0.05). In addition, we studied the effect of diaphragmatic fatigue induced by inspiratory resistive loading on the relaxation rates of Pdi and Pm with voluntary contractions of the inspiratory muscles in 6 subjects. With fatigue, the relaxation rates of Pdi and Pm both decreased by similar amounts, indicating that a decrease in the relaxation rate of Pm is as useful a predictor of inspiratory muscle fatigue as a decrease in the relaxation rate of Pdi has been shown to be for the diaphragm. The relaxation rate of Pm varies widely in normal subjects at rest, so isolated values do not indicate whether fatigue is present or developing. However, this may be predicted if relaxation rate decreases with serial measurements.


Physical, Mechanical, and Microstructure Characteristics of Ultra-High-Performance Concrete Containing Lightweight Aggregates.
This study explores and enhances the resistance of an ultra-high-performance concrete (UHPC) to explosive spalling under elevated temperatures. This study investigates the impact of lightweight aggregates (LWAs) on the mechanical and microstructural properties of the UHPC. Various UHPC specimens were created by replacing silica sand with LWAs in percentages ranging from 0% to 30%. The evaluation of these specimens involved assessing their compressive and flexural strengths, density, mass loss, shrinkage, porosity, and microstructural characteristics using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). This study provides valuable insights by analyzing the influence of lightweight aggregates on the strength, durability, and microstructure of UHPC. The results reveal that incorporating LWAs in the UHPC improved its flowability while decreasing its density, as the percentage of LWAs increased from 5% to 30%. Including 30% LWA resulted in a mass loss of 4.8% at 300 °C, which reduced the compressive and flexural strengths across all curing durations. However, the UHPC samples subjected to higher temperatures displayed higher strength than those exposed to ambient conditions. The microstructure analysis demonstrated that the UHPC specimens with 30% LWA exhibited increased density due to continuous hydration from the water in the lightweight aggregate. The pore size distribution graph indicated that incorporating more of the LWA increased porosity, although the returns diminished beyond a certain point. Overall, these findings offer valuable insights into the influence of lightweight aggregates on the physical and strength characteristics of UHPC. This research holds significant implications for developing high-performance, lightweight concrete materials.


Cnidoscolus mosaic leaf deformation virus: a novel begomovirus infecting euphorbiaceous plants in Brazil.
Begomoviruses have been detected infecting the weed Cnidoscolus urens (family Euphorbiaceae) since 2004, but the viral species to which these viruses belonged was not known. Here, we report for the first time the complete genome sequence of a bipartite begomovirus obtained from C. urens collected in the state of Alagoas, Brazil. This isolate met the criteria to be classified as a member of a new begomovirus species, and the tentative name cnidoscolus mosaic leaf deformation virus (CnMLDV) is proposed. Pairwise sequence comparisons and phylogenetic analysis showed that the DNA-A genomic component of CnMLDV is most closely related to that of passionfruit severe leaf distortion virus, with 86.3 % nucleotide sequence identity.


Information needs assessment of medical equipment offices based on Critical Success Factors (CSF) and Business System Planning (BSP) methods.
Introduction: Given the ever-increasing importance and value of information, providing the management with a reliable information system, which can facilitate decision-making regarding planning, organization and control, is vitally important. This study aimed to analyze and evaluate the information needs of medical equipment offices. Methods: This descriptive applied cross-sectional study was carried out in 2010. The population of the study included the managers of statistic and medical records at the offices of vice-chancellor for treatment in 39 medical universities in Iran. Data were collected by using structured questioners. With regard to different kinds of designing information systems, sampling was done by two methods, BSP (based on processes of job description) and CSF method (based on critical success factors). The data were analyzed by SPSS-16. Results: Our study showed that 41% of information needs were found to be critical success factors of managers of office. The first priority of managers was "the number of bed and bed occupancy in hospitals". Of 29 identified information needs, 62% were initial information needs of managers (from the viewpoints of managers). Of all, 4% of the information needs were obtained through the form, 14% through both the form and database, 11% through the web site, and 71% had no sources (forms, databases, web site). Conclusion: Since 71% of the information needs of medical equipment offices managers had no information sources, the development of information system in these offices seems to be necessary. Despite the important role of users in designing the information systems (identifying 62% of information needs), other scientific methods is also needed to be utilized in designing the information systems.


Evolution of Polyphenolic Compounds and Sensory Properties of Wines Obtained from Grenache Grapes Treated by Pulsed Electric Fields during Aging in Bottles and in Oak Barrels.
The evolution of polyphenolic compounds and sensory properties of wines obtained from Grenache grapes, either untreated or treated with pulsed electric fields (PEF), in the course of bottle aging, as well as during oak aging followed by bottle aging, were compared. Immediately prior to aging in bottles or in barrels, enological parameters that depend on phenolic extraction during skin maceration were higher when grapes had been treated with PEF. In terms of color intensity, phenolic families, and individual phenols, the wine obtained with grapes treated by PEF followed an evolution similar to untreated control wine in the course of aging. Sensory analysis revealed that the application of a PEF treatment resulted in wines that are sensorially different: panelists preferred wines obtained from grapes treated with PEF. Physicochemical and sensory analyses showed that grapes treated with PEF are suitable for obtaining wines that require aging in bottles or in oak barrels.


Pattern Distribution of Connexins in the Ortho- and Parakeratinized Epithelium of the Lingual Mucosa in Birds.
Connexins are important proteins involved in cell-to-cell communication and cytodifferentiation during renewal and cornification of the multilayered epithelia. So far, there is a lack of reports on this subject in birds' structurally different ortho- and parakeratinized epithelium of the tongue. The study aims to describe the distribution and expression profiles of the α-connexins (Cx40 and 43) and β-connexins (Cx26, 30, and 31) in those epithelia in duck, goose, and domestic turkey. Research revealed the presence of the mentioned connexins and the occurrence of interspecies differences. Connexins form gap junctions in the cell membrane or are in the cytoplasm of keratinocytes. Differences in connexin expression were noted between the basal and intermediate layers, which may determine the proliferation of keratinocytes. Cx40, 43, and Cx30 in the gap junction of the keratinocytes of the intermediate layer are related to the synchronization of the cornification process. Because of the exfoliation of cornified plaques, a lack of connexins was observed in the cornified layer of orthokeratinized epithelium. However, in parakeratinized epithelium, connexins were present in the cell membrane of keratinocytes and thus maintained cellular integrity in gradually desquamating cells. The current studies will be useful in further comparative analyses of normal and pathological epithelia of the oral cavity in birds.


[Genetic variation analysis of wild populations of grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella) using microsatellite markers].
Twelve microsatellites were used to analyze the genetic diversity and genetic structure of eight wild populations of grass carp, among which six populations from Yangtze River (Hanjiang, Wujian, Jiujiang, Shishou, Mudong, and Wanzhou), one population from Pearl River and Heilongjiang River for each, Zhaoqing, and Nenjiang, respectively. Twelve markers showed highly polymorphic and all the eight populations contained high genetic variations. The variations of six populations of Yangtze River and Zhaoqing population of Pearl River were higher than Nenjiang population of Heilongjiang River. Bottleneck analysis revealed that four populations (Zhaoqing, Nenjiang, Mudong, and Wangzhou) had experienced a recent genetic bottleneck, and the effective population size was reduced. Pairwise FST and AMOVA analysis detected significant genetic difference among populations. The pairwise population genetic distances and the UPGMA tree demonstrated that the genetic distances between six populations of Yangtze River and Zhaoqing population were closer and clustered together earlier, as compared to those populations with Nenjiang population. The genetic structure simulation analysis suggested that there were five logic populations of all individuals. The genetic structures of Zhaoqing and Nenjiang populations were shown with independent separation, but the genetic structures of populations from Yangtze River were shown with fuzzy distribution. The high diversity was found in the wild grass carp from three major watersheds in China, which would supply a basis for future genetic improvement. However, the bottleneck effect of some populations should be taken into account in the practical breeding programs.


The alkaloid sanguinarine is effective against multidrug resistance in human cervical cells via bimodal cell death.
Sanguinarine, a benzophenanthrine alkaloid, is potentially antineoplastic through induction of cell death pathways. The development of multidrug resistance (MDR) is a major obstacle to the success of chemotherapeutic agents. The aim of this study was to investigate whether sanguinarine is effective against uterine cervical MDR and, if so, by which mechanism. The effects of treatment with sanguinarine on human papillomavirus (HPV) type 16-immortalized endocervical cells and their MDR counterpart cells were compared. Trypan blue exclusion assays and clonogenic survival assays demonstrated that MDR human cervical cells are as sensitive as their drug-sensitive parental cells to death induced by sanguinarine. Upon treatment of both types of cells with sanguinarine, two distinct concentration-dependent modes of cell death were observed. Treatment with 2.12 or 4.24 microM sanguinarine induced death in most cells that was characterized as apoptosis using the criteria of cell surface blebbing, as determined by light and scanning electron microscopy, and proteolytic activation of caspase-3 and cleavage of the caspase-3 substrate poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP), as detected by Western blot analysis. However, 8.48 and 16.96 microM sanguinarine caused a second mode of cell death, oncosis, distinguished by cell surface blistering, and neither caspase-3 activation nor PARP cleavage. This study provides the first evidence that sanguinarine is effective against MDR in cervical cells via bimodal cell death, which displays alternative mechanisms involving different morphologies and caspase-3 activation status.


Uptake of HIV testing in Burkina Faso: an assessment of individual and community-level determinants.
Previous studies have highlighted a range of individual determinants associated with HIV testing but few have assessed the role of contextual factors. The objective of this paper is to examine the influence of both individual and community-level determinants of HIV testing uptake in Burkina Faso. Using nationally representative cross-sectional data from the 2010 Demographic and Health Survey, the determinants of lifetime HIV testing were examined for sexually active women (n = 14,656) and men (n = 5680) using modified Poisson regression models. One third of women (36%; 95% Confidence Interval (CI): 33-37%) reported having ever been tested for HIV compared to a quarter of men (26%; 95% CI: 24-27%). For both genders, age, education, religious affiliation, household wealth, employment, media exposure, sexual behaviors, and HIV knowledge were associated with HIV testing. After adjustment, women living in communities where the following characteristics were higher than the median were more likely to report uptake of HIV testing: knowledge of where to access testing (Prevalence Ratio [PR] = 1.41; 95% CI: 1.34-1.48), willing to buy food from an infected vendor (PR = 2.06; 95% CI: 1.31-3.24), highest wealth quintiles (PR = 1.18; 95% CI: 1.10-1.27), not working year-round (PR = 0.90; 95% CI: 0.84-0.96), and high media exposure (PR = 1.11; 95% CI: 1.03-1.19). Men living in communities where the proportion of respondents were more educated (PR = 1.23; 95% CI: 1.07-1.41) than the median were more likely to be tested. This study shed light on potential mechanisms through which HIV testing could be increased in Burkina Faso. Both individual and contextual factors should be considered to design effective strategies for scaling-up HIV testing.


The Impact of Incarceration on Health and Health Care Utilization: a System Perspective.
Previously incarcerated individuals report high rates of chronic disease and reduced health care access. We characterized the impact of recent incarceration in jail or prison on chronic disease burden and health care utilization. Incarceration data over 10 years were matched to health system data and patients were classified by recent incarceration status. Each cohort was stratified by gender and neighborhood socioeconomic status for utilization analysis. Main outcomes were chronic disease incidence and health care utilization. Incarceration had a significant but small effect on chronic disease incidence. Incarceration had a moderate to large effect on emergency department and behavioral health utilization, with additional differences seen by gender and socioeconomic status. Incarceration's impact on quantity and type of health care utilization varies with socioeconomic status and gender. Future work should evaluate the impact of length or number of cycles of incarceration on health or health care utilization.


Detection and seroprevalence of foot and mouth disease in sheep and goats in Punjab, Pakistan.
Foot and mouth disease (FMD) is a highly contagious disease of ruminants that causes huge economic losses around the globe. However, the prevalence of FMDV in small ruminants has been overlooked in Pakistan. A seroepidemiological study was conducted in Chakwal, Faisalabad and Khanewal districts of Punjab, Pakistan to determine the prevalence of FMD in sheep and goats. A total 1200 serum samples were collected from sheep (n = 180) and goats (n = 920) and were subjected to 3ABC non-structural protein enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for detection of antibodies against non-structural proteins of FMD virus. Samples collected from clinical cases were also confirmed for FMDV using RT-PCR. The overall seroprevalence of FMD in sheep and goats was 21% (n = 252) while 19.44% (n = 35) in sheep and 21.27% (n = 217) prevalence was recorded in goats. Highest seroprevalence (32.5%) was observed in southern Punjab (Khanewal), followed by (25.75%) central Punjab (Faisalabad) and the lowest seroprevalence (4.75%) was detected in northern Punjab (Chakwal). There was no statistically significant difference in seroprevalence between sheep and goats. Among different risk factors tested, age and sex were found to be significantly associated with the prevalence of disease while pregnancy and herd type had no association with the prevalence of the disease. This study illustrate that FMD is highly prevalent in sheep and goats in Punjab. Therefore, a broader study is needed to ascertain the countrywide prevalence of FMD in small ruminants.


Dentists' qualifications affect the accuracy of radiographic identification.
This study assessed the effects of forensic odontologists' training and experience upon the accuracy of their dental radiographic identifications. Forty participating odontologists with various levels of training and experience completed a Web-based survey of their qualifications and then completed nine Web-based radiographic identification cases. They made their identifications using the American Board of Forensic Odontology Categories and Terminology for Body Identification. The results indicate that odontologists with high levels of training and experience performed significantly more accurately than those with lower levels. We conclude that high levels of training and experience in forensic odontology should be developed, maintained, and required of dentists who participate in a forensic team dealing with challenging identification cases.


Antigenic structure of DNA: relatively high inhibitory activity of di- and trideoxyribonucleotide derived from DNase digest on the interaction of thermally denatured DNA with systemic lupus erythematosus sera.
The antigenic determinant of thermally denatured DNA reactive with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) sera was examined by hapten inhibition assay. We used oligonucleotides with different chain lengths (2-8) derived from DNase I digests of salmon sperm DNA in Farr's radioimmunoassay with thermally denatured mouse embryo 3H-DNA as antigen, and the effect of dextran sulphate addition to the assay mixture on the inhibitory activity of oligonucleotides was examined. A characteristic oligonucleotide inhibition pattern on DNA binding by SLE sera was observed in the assay system without dextran sulphate. Di-and/or trinucleotide inhibited the binding more effectively than tetra-and/or pentanucleotide. These patterns were also observed in DNA-normal serum interaction. When dextran sulphate was added to the mixture, the inhibition pattern changed; the inhibitory activity of oligonucleotides increased with chain length in both serum groups. The inhibitory potency of di- and trinucleotide was higher on DNA-SLE sera than on DNA-normal sera interaction. The high potency of short-chain oligomers in SLE sera is obviously different from that in experimentally elicited anti-DNA sera suggesting that different mechanism(s) are involved in antibody production in normal individuals and SLE patients.


Induction and characterization of a lysogenic bacteriophage of Lactococcus garvieae isolated from marine fish species.
This study investigated the presence of prophages in Lactococcus garvieae isolated from several marine fish species in Japan. Representative strains of 16 bacterial genotypes (S1-S16) selected from more than 400 L. garvieae isolates were used to induce lysogenic bacteriophages. These strains were treated with 500 ng mL(-1) freshly prepared mitomycin C. A cross-spotting assay was performed to validate the lysogenic and indicator strains. The lysogenic strains were selected for isolation and concentration of the phages. Phage DNA was digested with EcoRI for biased sinusoidal field gel electrophoresis analysis. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to detect integrated prophage DNA. Of the 16 representative bacterial genotypes, 12 strains integrated prophages as indicated by the PCR assay, and 10 phages were detected and isolated using two indicator bacterial strains. Analysis of genomic DNA showed that these phages were homologous and named as PLgT-1. Transmission electron microscopy revealed that the morphology of PLgT-1 was consistent with the virus family Siphoviridae. PCR analysis of the prophage DNA revealed that all of the S1 genotype strains were lysogenic (30/30), but none of the S16 genotype strains were lysogenic (0/30). This is the first study to investigate lysogenic bacteriophages from L. garvieae.


The burden to be second twin: a population-based study of 2686 twins: (2124 dichorionic). Proposal of the concept of mobility.
Objectives: To identify if there is a specific neonatal morbidity/mortality among second twins relative to first twins.Study design: A 17-year (2001-2017) population-based observational cohort of all twin newborns born in the South of Reunion island after 21 weeks.Results: Among 1062 dichorionic (DTP) and 281 monochorionic twin pregnancies (2686 newborns), twin 2 have a doubled risk to be in breech presentation and a bad Apgar at 1 mn (≤6) in vaginal deliveries. Specific to dichorionic pregnancies, twin 2 were lighter by 50-60 g than twin 1, had higher rates of intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR), OR 1.33, p = .007, a doubled risk to have congenital abnormalities OR 2.1, p = .006.Conclusion: In dichorionic twin pregnancies, second twins having a doubled prevalence of severe congenital abnormalities are not completely elucidated and deserves further research. (1) We propose that twin 2 presenting higher risks of being IUGR and much higher risks of severe malformations suggest that during pregnancy, the less mobile of the two twins is "relegated" to the back of the uterus. (2) For interventions in the delivery room, systematically the most experimented neonatologist should plan to manage the second twin because significantly twin 2 presents higher problems than twin 1.


Phylogeography of Chinese cherry (Prunus pseudocerasus Lindl.) inferred from chloroplast and nuclear DNA: insights into evolutionary patterns and demographic history.
Chinese cherry (Prunus pseudocerasus Lindl.) is a commercially valuable fruit crop in China. In order to obtain new insights into its evolutionary history and provide valuable recommendations for resource conservation, phylogeographic patterns of 26 natural populations (305 total individuals) from six geographic regions were analyzed using chloroplast and nuclear DNA fragments. Low levels of haplotype and nucleotide diversity were found in these populations, especially in landrace populations. It is likely that a combined effect of botanical characteristics impact the effective population size, such as inbreeding mating system, long life span, as well as vegetative reproduction. In addition, strong bottleneck effect caused by domestication, together with founder effect after dispersal and subsequent demographic expansion, might also accelerate the reduction of the genetic variation in landrace populations. Interestingly, populations from Longmen Mountain (LMM) and Daliangshan Mountain (DLSM) exhibited relatively higher levels of genetic diversity, inferring the two historical genetic diversity centers of the species. Moreover, moderate population subdivision was also detected by both chloroplast DNA (GST = 0.215; NST = 0.256) and nuclear DNA (GST = 0.146; NST = 0.342), respectively. We inferred that the episodes of efficient gene flow through seed dispersal, together with features of long generation cycle and inbreeding mating system, were likely the main contributors causing the observed phylogeographic patterns. Finally, factors that led to the present demographic patterns of populations from these regions and taxonomic varieties were also discussed.


Is sentinel node biopsy reliable in large breast tumors?
The value of sentinel lymph node biopsy (SNB) in patients with larger breast tumors (diameter > 3 cm) has been questioned due to high false-negative rates reported from initial studies. The aim of this study was to analyze the safety and prognostic reliability of SNB in this group of patients. During a 6-year period (2001-2007), 84 women with mean age 51.7 +/- 11.6 years diagnosed with a breast tumor larger than 3 cm in diameter on pathological analysis were retrospectively identified from the database of our institution. Sentinel node identification was performed after injection of blue dye subcutaneously at the subareolar area. The sentinel node specimen was sent for frozen section analysis. Regardless of the SNB results, all patients underwent completion axillary clearance. Breast surgery consisted of mastectomy in 62 patients (73.8%) and partial mastectomy in 22 patients (26.2%). There were 69 invasive ductal cancers (82.1%), 14 lobular cancers (16.6%) and one case of anaplastic carcinoma (1.3%). Nine tumors (10.7%) were identified to be multifocal after the histopathological report. The mean number of sentinel nodes removed was 1.5 +/- 0.7 (range 1-4) while SNB detection was not feasible in three patients (3.6%). Of 56 positive SNBs, seven (12.5%) were not identified by routine hematoxylin and eosin staining during frozen section analysis but were detected by subsequent immunohistochemistry on the final histopathological report. All patients with multifocal tumors presented nodal metastases on pathological analysis (100%), while the rate of nodal metastatic disease in patients with unifocal tumors was 16% (12 patients), although no statistical significance was documented. The overall false-negative rate, defined as the percentage of all node-positive tumors in which the SNB was negative, was 14.3%. The false-negative rate was significantly higher for the group of patients with multifocal tumors (55.5%) compared to the group with unifocal tumors (9.3%) (p < 0.001). The present study indicates that sentinel node biopsy is feasible in patients with larger breast tumors (max. diameter > 3 cm), with comparable false-negative and sentinel detection rates (14.3% and 96.4%, respectively). Larger tumor size seems to be associated with increased incidence of nodal metastases while multifocality appears to be related to increased false-negative rates; hence completion axillary clearance should be initially considered for these cases.


Tracheostomy decannulation.
The respiratory therapist plays an integral role in tracheostomy tube decannulation. Removal of the tracheostomy tube should be considered only if the original upper-airway obstruction is resolved, if airway secretions are controlled, and if mechanical ventilation is no longer needed. Predictors of success include ability to produce a vigorous cough and the absence of aspiration. Tracheostomy decannulation requires caution, particularly following a prolonged period of tracheostomy use. The tracheostomy tube decannulation process is well suited for therapist-implemented protocols.


[Positional hypoxaemia complicating a Bochdalek hernia in an adult].
Bochdalek hernias are the result of a congenital defect of the postero-lateral part of the diaphragm, usually discovered in the neonatal period. The diagnosis is rare in adult life and usually follows an acute gastro-intestinal complication. We report the case of a 63 year old man presenting with positional hypoxaemia that could have been related to a left sided Bochdalek hernia.


Platelet storage pool deficiency in pigs.
We report a new bleeding disease--storage pool deficiency (SPD) of platelets--in pigs from the Mayo swine colony of homozygous von Willebrand's disease (vWD) and of heterozygous carriers of vWD. Levels of factor VIII, von Willebrand factor antigen (vWF:Ag), and ristocetin cofactor (RCof) were similar in the vWD carriers and SPD pigs. The latter pigs, however, had bleeding times of 15 minutes or more and were severe bleeders, in contrast to clinically normal vWD carriers. Platelet aggregation in response to collagen was reduced in most SPD pigs. Total platelet content of ADP, ATP, and serotonin was less than that of normal pigs. While the initial uptake of 14C-labeled serotonin into platelets was similar in SPD and normal pigs, retention of serotonin was reduced in platelets of SPD pigs. Transmission electron microscopy showed a large decrease of dense bodies in the platelets of SPD pigs. These findings support a diagnosis of SPD. Genetic analyses suggest an autosomal recessive mode of inheritance. A breeding program is under way to produce pigs affected only at the SPD gene, thus allowing further characterization of SPD and SPD-carrier pigs.


Expression of SbGSTU (tau class glutathione S-transferase) gene isolated from Salicornia brachiata in tobacco for salt tolerance.
Tau class glutathione transferases (GSTU) genes are plant specific, induced by different abiotic stress, and important for protecting plants against oxidative damage. GST gene was isolated using 5' RACE from an extreme halophyte Salicornia brachiata, cloned, sequenced and its protein structure was predicted. Transcript profiling of SbGST gene expression was studied under different abiotic stress conditions and plant growth regulator treatments, viz. salt, cold, drought, ABA and salicylic acid, with time period point and concentration point. The expression of SbGST gene was up-regulated in all stress conditions, except SA treatment. Seed germination percentage, GST enzyme assay, fresh weight and other growth parameters (root length, shoot length and leaf area) were studied and results indicate that over-expression of SbGST gene in transgenic tobacco leads to enhanced seed germination and growth under salt stress. Transgenic lines were evaluated for their performance under salt stress and tobacco plants over-expressing SbGST showed higher seed germination and survival compared to wild type. These results confirm that expression of SbGST gene is up-regulated by different stresses and over-expression of tau class SbGST gene in transgenic tobacco plays a vital role in abiotic stress tolerance. SbGST gene expressed conspicuously under salt stress leading to enhance seed germination and better growth. Furthermore, GST is a potential candidate gene to be used in genetic engineering for enhancing abiotic stress tolerance.


Sports participation and quality of life in individuals with visual impairment.
The positive effects of sports participation on health can be an important issue for rehabilitation of visually impaired individuals. Our aim was to determine the relationship between sports participation and quality of life in individuals with visual impairment. The study included 100 athletes who participated in national games for people with visual impairment and 100 subjects who did not participate in sports as the control group. The two groups were matched according to age, gender, visual acuity and visual field. The Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36) was applied for assessment of quality of life. All subjects had best corrected visual acuity less than 6/60 and/or visual field less than central 10 degrees in radius in the better eye. The sociodemographic characteristics of the study and control groups were similar except the level of education being higher in the athlete group and level of income higher in the control group. All of the SF-36 scores were higher among athletes compared to controls. Duration of sports activities (years) was positively correlated with Physical Functioning score. There were no significant relations between SF-36 scores and weekly sports participation time (hours). Athletes who had visual loss at an earlier age had better scores in Physical Functioning and Role Limitations due to Physical Problems. Sports activities had positive relationships with all domains of the quality of life in individuals with visual impairment. Thus, appropriate sports activities would increase the success of rehabilitation programs and their quality of life.


Plastome variation and phylogeny of Taxillus (Loranthaceae).
Several molecular phylogenetic studies of the mistletoe family Loranthaceae have been published such that now the general pattern of relationships among the genera and their biogeographic histories are understood. Less is known about species relationships in the larger (> 10 species) genera. This study examines the taxonomically difficult genus Taxillus composed of 35-40 Asian species. The goal was to explore the genetic diversity present in Taxillus plastomes, locate genetically variable hotspots, and test these for their utility as potential DNA barcodes. Using genome skimming, complete plastomes, as well as nuclear and mitochondrial rDNA sequences, were newly generated for eight species. The plastome sequences were used in conjunction with seven publicly available Taxillus sequences and three sequences of Scurrula, a close generic relative. The Taxillus plastomes ranged from 121 to 123 kbp and encoded 90-93 plastid genes. In addition to all of the NADH dehydrogenase complex genes, four ribosomal genes, infA and four intron-containing tRNA genes were lost or pseudogenized in all of the Taxillus and Scurrula plastomes. The topologies of the plastome, mitochondrial rDNA and nuclear rDNA trees were generally congruent, though with discordance at the position of T. chinensis. Several variable regions in the plastomes were identified that have sufficient numbers of parsimony informative sites as to recover the major clades seen in the complete plastome tree. Instead of generating complete plastome sequences, our study showed that accD alone or the concatenation of accD and rbcL can be used in future studies to facilitate identification of Taxillus samples and to generate a molecular phylogeny with robust sampling within the genus.


The impact of fetal, maternal and external factors on prediction of the day of delivery by the use of ultrasound.
In a non-selected population comprising 15,241 women, an evaluation was performed of the impact of fetal, maternal and external factors on the ultrasonic measurement of the biparietal diameter (BPD) and the day of delivery. The 7824 women who constituted the study population had singleton pregnancies and reliable menstrual histories, and they delivered spontaneously after 37 weeks. Multiple linear regression analysis was used. There was a difference in the size of the BPD at the ultrasound scan related to the gender, parity, maternal age, gestational age according to the last menstrual period and the experience of the operators. There was a total difference of +/- 1 day in the day of delivery as determined by ultrasound and the factors above. The effect on the day of delivery is explained by the differences in the BPD. An effect of gender on gestational length was present as well, which partly compensated for the difference in the BPD. In conclusion the accuracy of prediction of the day of delivery by ultrasound is influenced by the gender, parity, maternal age and the experience of the operator, but these differences are small and of no clinical importance.


Constructing gene network for type 1 narcolepsy based on genome-wide association study and differential gene expression analysis (STROBE).
Although many genes that affect narcolepsy risk have been identified, the interactions among these genes are still unclear. Moreover, there is a lack of research on the construction of the genetic network of narcolepsy. To screen candidate genes related to the onset of narcolepsy type 1, the function and distribution of important genes related to narcolepsy type 1 were studied and a gene network was constructed to study the pathogenesis of narcolepsy type 1.A case-control study (observational study) of 1075 Chinese narcoleptic patients and 1997 controls was conducted. The gene-sequencing data was analyzed using genome-wide association analysis. The candidate genes related to narcolepsy were identified by differential gene expression analysis and literature research. Then, the 28 candidate genes were input into the KEGG database and 32 pathway data related to candidate genes were obtained. A gene network, with the pathways as links and the genes as nodes, was constructed. According to our results, TNF, MHC II, NFATC2, and CXCL8 were the top genes in the gene network.TNF, MHC II, NFATC2, and CXCL8 are closely related to narcolepsy type I and require further study. By analyzing the pathways of disease-related genes and the network of gene interaction, we can provide an outlinefor the study of specific mechanisms of and treatments for narcolepsy.


Strikingly higher interleukin (IL)-1alpha, IL-1beta and soluble interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (sIL-1RA) but similar IL-2, sIL-2R, IL-3, IL-4, IL-6, sIL-6R, IL-10, tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha, transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta and interferon IFN-gamma urine levels in healthy females compared to healthy males: protection against urinary tract injury?
The aim of this prospective study was to examine gender-related differences of cytokines in the plasma and urine of healthy individuals that might provide a clue concerning the lower rate of chronic renal diseases in females. Soluble interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (sIL-1RA), interleukin (IL)-1alpha, IL-1beta, IL-2, sIL-2R, IL-3, IL-4, IL-6, sIL-6R, IL-10, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha, transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta(2) and interferon (IFN)-gamma were determined using standard enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Cytokine levels were determined in simultaneously obtained plasma and urine samples of 18 male and 28 female healthy members of our laboratory staff. Urine cytokine levels were studied three times at 1-month intervals. All individuals had a negative urine nitrite test and showed no symptoms of urinary tract infection (UTI). Plasma levels of all studied cytokines were similar in males and females (P = n.s.). However, females had significantly higher urine IL-1alpha (P < 0.0001; P < 0.0001; P < 0.0001) and sIL-1RA (P = 0.0001; P = 0.0003; P = 0.0002) than males at three and higher IL-1beta at one of the three investigations (P = 0.098; P = 0.003; P = 0.073). Urine levels of the other cytokines were similar in males and females. Higher urine levels of IL-1alpha, IL-1beta and sIL-1RA in females may result from stimulation of cells in the urinary tract. Increased sIL-1RA might block T lymphocyte activation. The elevated cytokines may play a role in the protection of the female urinary tract from certain renal diseases, such as pyelonephritis and other inflammatory and sclerotic kidney diseases.


High sensitivity of Aeolus UV surface returns to surface reflectivity.
Global ultraviolet (UV) surface reflectivity climatologies are all composed from daylight passive remote sensing observations of reflected UV light, generally integrated over a distribution of attainable reflection directions. We discovered the sensitivity of Aeolus lidar surface returns (LSR) to surface characteristics, providing the first evidence that active remote sensing can be effectively used for retrieving unidirectional UV surface reflectivity on global scales. LSR reproduces surface reflectivity monthly changes in Sahara, which are visible in the Lambertian Equivalent Reflectivity (LER) climatologies from TROPOMI and GOME-2. Very high correlations (r > 0.90) between gridded LSR and the LER climatologies are reported at global and regional scales for 36 different regions. Three clear land cover gradients are discerned from Aeolus LSR signal: (1) water/land, (2) vegetation/arid areas and (3) no snow/snow. The strongest LSR signal was retrieved over snow, while over vegetation, we found moderate negative agreement (r < - 0.60) between LSR and vegetation index proxy. Overall, the success of the first active remote sensing method for retrieving unidirectional UV surface reflectivity using Aeolus is demonstrated. Our approach can be effectively used to detect unresolved land and, especially, snow cover changes in high latitudes because, unlike passive instruments, Aeolus also provided nighttime observations.


Physical activity level and associated factors among pregnant women: a population-based epidemiological study.
This research aimed to assess the level of physical activity and identify the associated factors in pregnant women assisted in primary health care in the city of Montes Claros, Minas Gerais (Brazil). This was an epidemiological, cross-sectional, analytical study, carried out with 1,279 pregnant women. Socioeconomic, occupational, obstetric, behavioral, social, health, and emotional variables were assessed using a questionnaire. The Physical Activity Questionnaire for Pregnant Women was also applied. Descriptive statistical analysis and multinominal logistic regression with a hierarchical model were performed. The prevalence of physical inactivity in the physical activity and leisure time dimensions was verified. A mild level of physical activity was associated with the variables such as age from 21 to 30 years and up to 20 years old, income above two minimum wages, salaried work, and maternal-fetal attachment at a medium/high level. Income from one to two minimum wages and above two wages, paid work and self-employment, anxiety and stress symptoms, and medium/high maternal-fetal attachment were associated with the moderate/vigorous level. Multifactorial aspects must be considered in health promotion strategies directed to the practice of physical activity by pregnant women.


Immunisation attitudes, knowledge and practices of health professionals in regional NSW.
This study investigated the immunisation knowledge, attitudes and practices among health professionals in two regional Area Health Services of NSW with low and high immunisation rates. It also compared these factors between the areas and between the health professional groups. A self-administered questionnaire was posted in 2006 to health professionals, located within the North Coast and Hunter New England Area Health Services, whose practice could include immunisation. This included general practitioners (GPs), practice nurses, community nurses, hospital nurses and midwives. Out of 926 surveys sent, 434 were returned (47%). The great majority of the health professionals (97%) believed that vaccines were safe, effective and necessary. However, in approximately one-third of respondents, there were specific concerns about additives, immune system overload and the number of vaccines. Significantly more health professionals in the North Coast area believed that additives in vaccines may be harmful and that adding more vaccines to the schedule would make immunisation too complex. Among GPs, over half felt uncomfortable about giving more than two injections at the one visit. Health professionals in this study had overall confidence in vaccines but had specific concerns about the number of vaccines given to children and vaccine content. These unfounded concerns may reduce parental confidence in immunisation. There is value in governments and immunisation support workers continuing their efforts to maintain up-to-date knowledge among health professionals and support the delivery of appropriate and targeted information to address concerns about vaccines.


Mitochondrial carbonic anhydrase (isozyme V) in mouse and rat: cDNA cloning, expression, subcellular localization, processing, and tissue distribution.
When the human cDNA, isolated on the basis of homology to the murine carbonic anhydrase (CA) "Y" was expressed in COS cells, the human CA was targeted to and processed in mitochondria, as expected for CA-V. However, tissue distribution reported for the corresponding mouse CA Y mRNA was much more limited than that reported for the distribution of CA-V immunostaining in rat tissues. To determine whether the murine cDNA actually encodes a mitochondrial CA activity and to compare the tissue distribution of the homologous murine and rat gene products, we used reverse transcription-PCR to reisolate the murine CA-V candidate cDNA and used the murine cDNA probe to isolate the homologous rat cDNA. We compared the two cDNA sequences, the activities they expressed after transfection of COS cells, and the sites of N-terminal processing of expressed products. In addition, we used antibodies to the C-terminal peptides predicted from each cDNA to compare distribution of CA-V in mouse and rat tissues and to identify CA-Vs in mitochondria isolated from mouse and rat liver. From these studies, we conclude that both mouse and rat CA-V candidate cDNAs encode active CAs that are targeted to and processed in mitochondria and that there are real differences in tissue distribution of CA-V between mouse and rat. However, the findings that are M(r) of CA-V in rat tissues is smaller than that previously reported and that the tissue distribution also differs lead us to conclude that the antibody used in prior reports most likely misidentified another antigen in rat tissues as CA-V.


Disparities in oral health-related quality of life in a population of Canadian children.
To assess socioeconomic disparities in the oral health-related quality of life in a group of Canadian children. Data were obtained as part of a study designed to assess the functional and psychosocial impact of traumatic dental injury. Clinical data were collected on a random sample of children during a school-based dental screening program that included measures of dental decay experience, treatment needs, dental trauma, fluorosis, and malocclusion. Children with dental trauma and a comparison group of trauma-free children were selected for follow-up. Their parents were mailed a questionnaire concerning the child's personal and family characteristics. Also enclosed was a questionnaire for the child that contained a short form of the Child Perceptions Questionnaire (CPQ) 11-14. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were undertaken to determine whether there were disparities in oral health-related quality of life according to household income. Complete data were collected from 370 children. Mean CPQ11-14 scores showed a gradient across income categories with children from low income households having poorer oral health-related quality of life. Children from households containing only one adult also had higher scores than children living with two or more adults. In both linear and logistic regression analyses household income and family structure remained significant predictors of CPQ11-14 scores after controlling for oral disease variables. Further analyses suggested that oral disorders had little impact on the health-related quality of life of higher income children but a marked impact on lower income children. The highest mean CPQ11-14 scores were observed among low income children with the more severe levels of oral disease. The data indicate that in this group of children there were socioeconomic disparities in oral health-related quality of life. A potential explanation may be differences in psychological assets and psychosocial resources.


A seizure induced by concurrent lidocaine-tocainide therapy--is it just a case of additive toxicity?
A 79-year-old white male was admitted to the hospital for treatment of a right-lower-lobe pneumonia. His past medical history included: mild congestive heart failure, asymptomatic ventricular tachycardia, and ethanol abuse. He was initially treated with furosemide for his heart failure, lidocaine for his arrhythmias, and Bactrim for his pneumonia. On day 13 of hospitalization he experienced a tonic-clonic seizure during the time he was being converted from lidocaine to tocainide. At the time of the seizure both tocainide and lidocaine were well within their respective therapeutic ranges. Since the seizure, the patient has tolerated treatment with each drug separately, and at serum concentrations similar to those preceding the seizure, without neurological complications, indicating the possibility of a tocainide-lidocaine induced seizure.


Computer-aided generation and lung deposition modeling of nano-scale particle aggregates.
The study sets its main focus on the introduction of a random-walk-based model for the generation of variably shaped particle aggregates consisting of a predefined number of spherical components. With the help of a well-defined algorithm, the user is enabled to select between isodimensional, chain-like and platelet-like aggregates, for which related aerodynamic parameters (dynamic shape factors, volume-equivalent diameters, aerodynamic diameters) are determined automatically. The theoretical approach for random aggregate construction is directly connected with the previously developed stochastic particle transport and deposition model. Thereby, individually shaped aggregates may be provided for each random-walk scenario taking place in the almost realistic lung structure. Preliminary application of the aggregate generation model was carried out by assuming single components with a constant diameter of 1 nm and unit-density (1 g cm-3) and variably shaped aggregates consisting of 10, 100 and 1000 components. Inhalation of the aggregate-loaded aerosol into lungs of average size (FRC = 3300 mL) was supposed to take place under sitting, light-exercise and heavy-exercise conditions. Results obtained from deposition modeling clearly show that, independent of aggregate geometry, total deposition declines with increasing number of components included in the particulate construct, but experiences a continuous enhancement with rising inhalation flow rate. Among the predefined geometric categories, platelet-like aggregates are distinguished by lowest deposition and isodimensional clusters by highest. While isodimensional aggregates preferentially deposit in the extrathoracic and bronchial airways, chain-like and platelet-like aggregates exhibit a significantly increased tendency to hit the alveolar walls.


The relationship between bone mineral density and the number of remaining teeth in community-dwelling older adults.
Tooth loss and osteoporosis may share common aetiologic agents which influence the process of both diseases. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relationship between bone mineral density (BMD) of the os calcis and the number of remaining teeth, controlling the known confounding factors. Among all 70-year-old inhabitants in Niigata City, Japan, 600 people were selected randomly in order to have approximately the same number of each gender. We analysed 460 subjects. We evaluated the BMD of the os calcis using an ultrasound bone densitometer, then we counted the number of remaining teeth excluding the third molars. Stiffness is a clinical index which is calculated by the spread speed of supersonic waves. To monitor the general health condition of the subjects, serum levels of disease markers and smoking habits were also investigated. The mean number of remaining teeth for the osteopenia group (OG) and the no-osteopenia group (NOG) was 15.97+/- 9.98 and 18.31+/- 8.06, respectively in females, and 16.32+/- 9.93 and 18.12+/- 9.33, respectively in males (OG versus NOG, P=0.047 by two-way anova). In addition, stiffness was significantly associated with the number of remaining teeth (CV=-0.157, P=0.005) using linear multiple regression analysis adjusted by four other variables. In this study, there was a significant relationship between the number of remaining teeth and BMD of the os calcis.


Fractal properties of trivelpiece-gould waves in periodic plasma-filled waveguides.
It is shown that dispersion curves describing a spectrum of Trivelpiece-Gould (TG) waves in periodic plasma-filled waveguides have a fractal nature. They are not solid lines as for other types of waves in periodic waveguides but suffer from discontinuities of the first kind at any k(z) = (P/Q) (2m+1)pi/d, where P and Q are integers, d is the period of the corrugation, and m is the transverse index of a mode. The gaps correspond to forbidden bands. The evaluation of the Hausdorf dimension of the dispersion curves is presented. Finally, qualitative consequences of the fractal nature of TG waves for plasma microwave electronics are discussed.


Central inhibition of milk ejection in the rabbit: involvement of hippocampus and subiculum.
Removal of discrete parts of the forebrain of the anaesthetized lactating rabbit by suction caused repeated milk-ejection responses. These were associated with transection or removal of the subiculum, which represents the major efferent pathway from the hippocampal formation to the diencephalon. It is suggested that the hippocampus may exert a tonic, inhibitory influence over oxytocin release, that this inhibition may represent a cascade of events which originates in the brainstem and culminates in the subiculum and that removal of this inhibition may lead to release of oxytocin.


A method for the high-level expression of a parathyroid hormone analog in Escherichia coli.
A recombinant parathyroid hormone analog, rPTH(1-34*), was obtained from Escherichia coli using a gene polymerization strategy. The PTH gene polymer contains up to 8 copies of the gene, each separated by a cleavable linker. The polymer was expressed at very high levels and formed inclusion bodies which could be easily isolated by low-speed centrifugation. A polyhistidine leader peptide allows rapid purification via nickel chelation chromatography of the PTH polymer solubilized from the inclusion bodies. Yields of greater than 500 mg/liter have been obtained. After isolating the polymer, monomeric rPTH(1-34*) is released from the polymer by chemical cleavage with cyanogen bromide. Following cyanogen bromide cleavage and high-performance liquid chromatography purification, highly purified, biologically active rPTH(1-34*) is obtained at a yield of approximately 300 mg/liter. This is a general strategy for the high-level production of a variety of peptides and small proteins.


Molecular assays in detecting EGFR gene aberrations: an updated HER2-dependent algorithm for interpreting gene signals; a short technical report.
Purpose: Among oncogenes that have already been identified and cloned, Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) remains one of the most significant. Understanding its deregulation mechanisms improves critically patients' selection for personalized therapies based on modern molecular biology and oncology guidelines. Anti-EGFR targeted therapeutic strategies have been developed based on specific genetic profiles and applied in subgroups of patients suffering by solid cancers of different histogenetic origin. Detection of specific EGFR somatic mutations leads to tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) application in subsets of them. Concerning EGFR gene numerical imbalances, identification of pure gene amplification is critical for targeting the molecule via monoclonal antibodies (mAbs). In the current technical paper we demonstrate the main molecular methods applied in EGFR analyses focused also on new data in interpreting numerical imbalances based on ASCO/ACAP guidelines for HER2 in situ hybridization (ISH) clarifications.


TRPA1-dependent and -independent activation by commonly used preservatives.
Background and purpose: Addition of preservatives ensures microbial stability, especially in multidose containers of parenterally administered pharmaceuticals. These compounds can cause side effects, and particularly at the site of application, might elicit or facilitate pain. TRPA1 is a cation channel expressed in peripheral neurons which contributes to pain and inflammation and is sensitive to many irritants. The most commonly used preservatives, in particular with a focus on parenteral formulations, were investigated for their potential to activate TRPA1. Experimental approach: Sixteen preservatives were screened for mediating calcium influx in human TRPA1-transfected HEK293t cells. Untransfected cells served as control, results were further validated in mouse sensory neurons. In addition, proinflammatory mediators serotonin, histamine and prostaglandin E2 were co-administered to probe a potential sensitisation of preservative-induced TRPA1 activation. Key results: Butylparaben, propylparaben, ethylparaben, bronopol, methylparaben, phenylethyl alcohol and phenol induced a TRPA1-dependent calcium influx in transfected HEK293t cells at concentrations used for preservation. Other preservatives increased calcium within the used concentration ranges, but to a similar degree in untransfected controls. Serotonin, histamine, and prostaglandin enhanced TRPA1 activation of phenylethyl alcohol, bronopol, ethylparaben, propylparaben and butylparaben. Conclusion and implications: Systematic screening of common preservatives applied for parenterally administered drugs resulted in identifying several preservatives with substantial TRPA1 channel activation. This activation was enhanced by the addition of proinflammatory meditators. This allows selecting a preservative without TRPA1 activation, particularly in case of pharmaceuticals that could act proinflammatory.


Evaluation of Currently Available CAD/CAM Denture Systems.
The introduction of computer-aided design/computer-assisted manufacture (CAD/CAM) technology into removable denture prosthodontics enables denture adaptation in fewer patient visits, an advantage that appeals to dentists and patients. Since manufacturers follow very different approaches, an evaluation of the different clinical CAD/CAM complete denture fabrication protocols is desirable. The aim of this article is to assess and evaluate the different clinical fabrication protocols of currently available CAD/CAM denture systems to provide decision support for dental practitioners. The information for the present article was gathered by questionnaires from (in alphabetical order) Global Dental Science, Merz Dental, Wieland Dental + Technik, Ivoclar Vivadent, VITA Zahnfabrik, and Whole You, and complemented with results from the authors' clinical experience. Wieland Digital Denture involves four patient visits. Both AvaDent digital dentures and Whole You Nexteeth enable denture fabrication in three (including a try-in session) or two (without try-in) visits. Baltic Denture System stipulates complete denture fabrication in two visits, and VITA VIONIC material system is an open system enabling choice between different treatment protocols. It can be combined with several open scanners, CAD software options, and milling machines. The available CAD/CAM denture fabrication systems provide a variety of advantages, and the decision on a system should depend on the dentist's prosthodontic expertise, patient throughput rate, and requirements regarding denture individualization.


The early effect of lipid-lowering treatment on carotid and femoral intima media thickness (IMT).
an increased intima media thickness (IMT) is an early indicator of the atherosclerotic process. We investigated the early effect of atorvastatin on the common carotid artery (CCA) and common femoral artery (CFA) IMT. the IMT was measured in the CCA and the CFA of hyperlipidaemic patients referred with peripheral vascular disease. The measurements were performed using an automated radio frequency IMT technique pre-treatment and at 4 and 8 weeks post-treatment with 20 mg/day atorvastatin. patients (14 men; 11 women), median age 69 years (range: 48-81) had a CCA-IMT mean (SD) of 0.79 (0.21) mm pre-treatment, 0.75 (0.22) mm after 4 weeks, and 0.64 (0.15) mm after 8 weeks. The ANOVA test was significant (p=0.024) for the CCA-IMT trend. The corresponding CFA-IMT readings were 0.83 (0.13) mm, 0.80 (0.09) mm and 0.69 (0.14) mm (p=0.0003). After 8 weeks of treatment there was a significant reduction in total cholesterol 6.0 (0.3) to 4.3 (0.8) mmol/l, p=0.0004 and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol 3.7 (0.2) to 2.2 (0.5), p=0.0001. There was a significant decrease in median serum creatinine levels after 8 weeks treatment: 87 micromol/l (range 67-114) to 84 micromol/l (range: 64-112), p=0.007. cholesterol-lowering with atorvastatin 20 mg/day leads to a decrease in CCA-IMT and CFA-IMT. This difference achieved significance after 8 weeks of treatment, but a trend was visible at 4 weeks. These rapid changes in IMT may be attributable to an anti-inflammatory effect. IMT measurement may be a useful tool to rapidly assess the effect of drug treatment on the atherosclerotic process.


Visual Fixation and Scan Patterns of Dentists Viewing Dental Periapical Radiographs: An Eye Tracking Pilot Study.
The visual search patterns of dentists and the areas that attract their attention when interpreting dental periapical radiographs are currently unknown. This research identifies areas and patterns of visual fixation when observing dental periapical radiographs. In an observational study using eye tracking technology and a convenience sample of 44 observers, the interpretations of 4 dental periapical radiographs were recorded using Camtasia Software (TechSmith, Okemos, MI) with a gaze tracking "bubble" denoting where within the radiograph the observers' eyes gazed. The recorded observations included the scanning pattern, the area of first fixation, and revisits of areas. Also noted was whether the area of first fixation or revisit was radiopaque, radiolucent, or of normal radiodensity and whether it was a coronal or radicular area. The first fixation is more likely to be an area of high contrast that is either radiopaque or radiolucent compared with areas that were normal or of average gray scale. Significantly more revisits occurred on areas that were radiopaque and located in the radicular area. Of the 4 categorized scanning patterns, tooth by tooth scanning predominated. When interpreting dental periapical radiographs, significantly more observers initially fixated on areas of the radiograph that were of high contrast (ie, radiopaque or radiolucent) compared with "normal areas." A tooth by tooth scanning pattern was most commonly used.


Croton tiglium essential oil compounds have anti-proliferative and pro-apoptotic effects in A549 lung cancer cell lines.
As a traditional Chinese medicine, Croton tiglium has the characteristics of laxative, analgesic, antibacterial and swelling. This study aimed to analyze the chemical composition of C. tiglium essential oil (CTEO) extracted from the seeds of C. tiglium and its cytotoxicity and antitumor effect in vitro. Supercritical CO2 fluid extraction technology was used to extract CTEO and the chemical constituents of the essential oil were identified by comparing the retention indices and mass spectra data taken from the NIST library with those calculated based on the C7-C40 n-alkanes standard. In vitro cytotoxicity of the CTEO was assessed against cancer cell lines (A549) and the human normal bronchial epithelial cells (HBE) using the CCK-8 assay. Proliferation was detected by colony formation experiments. Wound scratch and cell invasion assays were used to detect cell migration and invasion. Levels of apoptotic markers, signaling molecules, and cell cycle regulators expression were characterized by Western blot analysis. As the results, twenty-eight compounds representing 92.39% of the total oil were identified in CTEO. The CTEO has significant antitumor activity on A549 cancer cells (IC50 48.38 μg/mL). In vitro antitumor experiments showed that CTEO treatment significantly inhibited the proliferation and migration of A549 cells, disrupted the cell cycle process, and reduced the expression levels of cyclin A, cyclin B and CDK1. CTEO can also reduce mitochondrial membrane potential, activate caspase-dependent apoptosis pathway, and finally induce apoptosis. CTEO may become an effective anti-cancer drug and will be further developed for cancer treatment.


Anaestethic problems in Sanfilippo syndrome. A rare case of adult patient.
The authors report the case of a female patient (41 years old) affected by mucopolysaccharidosis type III or Sanfilippo syndrome submitted to a gynecologic surgical procedure and describe the main anesthesiologic problems. A sub-arachnoid anesthesia with hyperbaric Bupivacain 0.5% was used. This technique proved to be safe and convenient without peri- and postoperative complications.


beta 2-Microglobulin and transplantation antigens.
The complete amino acid sequence of papain-solubilized HLA A, B and C antigens representing the cell surface-expressed portion of the transplantation antigens has been elucidated. The HLA antigen heavy chains seem to be composed of three domains, one of which binds beta 2-microglobulin. The HLA antigen heavy chain domain closest to the membrane displays striking amino acid homology with immunoglobulin light and heavy chains and with beta 2-microglobulin. The other two domains, which show no statistically significant homology with immunoglobulins, are related to each other. This suggest that the HLA antigen heavy chains have arisen by a series of gene duplication events.


Rupture of right hemidiaphragm after blunt abdominal trauma (report of six cases).
Six cases of ruptured right dome of the diaphragm were seen in a district hospital, and a large metropolitan teaching hospital in the last six years. Diaphragmatic rupture on the right side is rare, but is seen more frequently after blunt abdominal trauma, due to increasing numbers of automobile accidents. Emphasis has been placed on the need for a greater awareness of this condition, which will help in making an early diagnosis. A plea is made for careful initial examination, and simple aids to diagnosis are described. The general plan of management is outlined and a few modifications in operative technique have been suggested.


Effect of Ultraviolet Light on the Expression of icaD Gene in Staphylococcus aureus Local Isolates in Iraq.
The current study was designed to reveal the impact of ultraviolet (UV) light on polysaccharide intercellular adhesion of the icaD gene expression and its relation to biofilm as virulence markers in Staphylococcus aureus. In total, 37 isolates of S. aureus were gathered from various bacterial infection sources, and 26 S. aureus isolates were definite to icaD gene using the Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) technique. Prior to and after exposure to UV light, RNAs from the isolates were extracted which had strong biofilm formation by crystal violet staining assay, and they were then exposed to quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR). In vitro, the survival of isolates was evaluated after the exposition to several periods of the UV light power via counting the number of colonies. The results showed that the exposure to the UV light at 320 nm for 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 min had inhibitory effects on the bacterial growth. The sub-lethal exposure time was 8 min. The rapid reduction of bacterial survival rates was associated with the increment irradiation time of UV power from 5 to 1.24 log10 CFU/ml. In general, down regulation of the icaD gene expression was decreased upon exposure to the UV light which was used as a physical agent for controlling the bacterial infection and biofilm formation.


Co-occurrence of subchondral insufficiency fracture of the femoral head and contralateral femoral neck fracture in a rheumatic patient receiving steroid treatment.
We describe a 79-year-old woman with rheumatoid arthritis who suffered from subchondral insufficiency fracture of the femoral head (SIF) and contralateral femoral neck fracture. Radiographs obtained two months after the onset of thigh pain showed collapse of the right femoral head and contralateral femoral neck fracture. MRI revealed a subchondral serpiginous low-intensity band in the right femoral head on the T2-weighted image. This case report suggests that SIF should be considered in the differential diagnoses of rheumatic patients who suffer from thigh pain without antecedent trauma.


[Infection analysis in pyeloplasty with special reference to endoprosthesis].
An analysis of urinary infection in pyeloplasties with the inner splinting method as opposed to external drainage was done. Five main bacterial groups were found. Based on the author's studies there are better results with the "endoprothesis". Preferring this modification, the question of the then existing reflux is discussed.


The pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic interaction of clopidogrel and cilostazol in relation to CYP2C19 and CYP3A5 genotypes.
The primary objective of the present study was to evaluate the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic interactions between clopidogrel and cilostazol in relation to the CYP2C19 and CYP3A5 genotypes. In a randomized, three-way crossover study, 27 healthy subjects were administered clopidogrel (300 mg), cilostazol (100 mg) or clopidogrel + cilostazol orally. Plasma concentrations of clopidogrel, cilostazol and their active metabolites (clopidogrel thiol metabolite, 3,4-dehydrocilostazol and 4″-trans-hydroxycilostazol), and adenosine diphosphate-induced platelet aggregation were measured for pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic assessment. The area under the plasma concentration-time curve (AUC) of the active thiol metabolite of clopidogrel was highest in the CYP2C19 extensive metabolizers (EM) and lowest in the poor metabolizers (PM). Cilostazol decreased the thiol metabolite AUC by 29% in the CYP3A5*1/*3 genotype [geometric mean ratio (GMR) 0.71; 90% confidence interval (CI) 0.58, 0.86; P = 0.020] but not in the CYP3A5*3/*3 genotype (GMR 0.93; 90% CI 0.80, 1.10; P = 0.446). Known effects of the CYP2C19 and CYP3A5 genotypes on the exposure of cilostazol and its metabolites were observed but there was no significant difference in the AUC of cilostazol and 3,4-dehydrocilostazol between cilostazol and clopidogrel + cilostazol. The inhibition of platelet aggregation from 4 h to 24 h (IPA4-24 ) following the administration of clopidogrel alone was highest in the CYP2C19 EM genotype and lowest in the CYP2C19 PM genotype (59.05 ± 18.95 vs. 36.74 ± 13.26, P = 0.023). However, the IPA of the CYP2C19 PM following co-administration of clopidogrel and cilostazol was comparable with that of the CYP2C19 EM and intermediate metabolizers (IM) only in CYP3A5*3/*3 subjects. The additive antiplatelet effect of cilostazol plus clopidogrel is maximized in subjects with both the CYP2C19 PM and CYP3A5*3/*3 genotypes because of a lack of change of clopidogrel thiol metabolite exposure in CYP3A5*3/*3 as well as the highest cilostazol IPA in CYP2C19 PM and CYP3A5*3/*3 subjects.


Evaluation and Management of Patients with Diabetes and Hearing Loss.
Diabetes mellitus is a significant risk factor for acquired hearing loss and tinnitus. Persons with diabetes (PWD) may present with hearing loss symptoms earlier in life than those without diabetes. Furthermore, diabetes may exacerbate risk for hearing loss related to noise exposure and ototoxic drugs. The purpose of this article is to provide recommendations for the prevention, screening, evaluation, and management of hearing loss in PWD.


Efficacy and safety of an oral contraceptive containing ethinylestradiol 20 µg/drospirenone 3 mg (24/4 regimen) in three indications in the People's Republic of China: a comparison with international studies.
While combined oral contraceptives are a popular choice in developed Western countries, they are used by only 1% of women who are married or in a relationship in the People's Republic of China. The purpose of this review is to describe the efficacy and safety of the combined oral contraceptive containing ethinylestradiol (EE) 20 µg/drospirenone 3 mg taken in a 24/4 regimen (YAZ®; Bayer HealthCare Pharmaceuticals, Berlin, Germany) by Chinese women and to compare these results with those in women assessed in the international studies. Studies of EE 20 µg/drospirenone 3 mg in three different indications (contraception, acne, and premenstrual dysphoric disorder [PMDD]) have been conducted in Chinese women. The results of these three studies indicate that the EE 20 µg/drospirenone 3 mg combined oral contraceptive is a good long-term contraceptive option in Chinese women, providing 99% contraceptive protection over the observed 1-year treatment period, and additionally had a favorable effect on moderate acne vulgaris and relieved the symptoms of PMDD. The contraceptive efficacy, improvement in acne, and relief from PMDD symptoms observed in these studies did not differ from the effects observed in other international studies of EE 20 µg/drospirenone 3 mg, indicating that EE 20 µg/drospirenone 3 mg is as effective in Chinese women as in other ethnicities. Further, EE 20 µg/drospirenone 3 mg demonstrated a similar safety and tolerability profile in women enrolled in the Chinese and international trials, with no unexpected adverse events reported in any of the three Chinese trials. Overall, the efficacy, tolerability, and degree of non-contraceptive benefits with EE 20 µg/drospirenone 3 mg appear similar in Chinese women when compared with those reported in larger studies done at other international centers.


Ion-selective electrode for aluminum determination in pharmaceutical substances, tea leaves and water samples.
A novel ion-selective PVC membrane sensor for Al(III) ions based on 6-(4-nitrophenyl)-2-phenyl-4-(thiophen-2-yl)-3,5-diaza-bicyclo[3.1.0]hex-2-ene (NTDH) as a new ionophore has been prepared and studied. The electrode exhibit a good response for aluminum ion over concentration range of 1.0x10(-6) to 1.0x10(-1) mol L(-1) with a Nernstian slope of 19.6+/-0.4 mV per decade and low detection limit of 6.3x10(-7) mol L(-1). The best performance was obtained with membrane composition 30% poly(vinyl chloride), 62% acetophenone, 5% oleic acid, 3% ionophore and 2 ml tetrahydrofuran. NTDH-based electrode was suitable for aqueous solutions of pH 3. It has relatively fast response time (approximately 10 s) and can be used at least for 3 months without any considerable divergence in potentials. The proposed membrane electrode revealed good selectivity for Al(III) ions over a wide variety of other cations. The standard electrode potentials were determined at different temperatures and used to calculate the isothermal coefficient of the electrode. The formation constant and stoichiometry ratio of ionophore-Al(III) complex were calculated at 25 degrees C by using segmented sandwich membrane method. It was used in non-aqueous solvents and also as indicator electrode in potentiometric determination of Al(III) ions in some real samples.


Diffuse Optical Spectroscopy for the Quantitative Assessment of Acute Ionizing Radiation Induced Skin Toxicity Using a Mouse Model.
Acute skin toxicities from ionizing radiation (IR) are a common side effect from therapeutic courses of external beam radiation therapy (RT) and negatively impact patient quality of life and long term survival. Advances in the understanding of the biological pathways associated with normal tissue toxicities have allowed for the development of interventional drugs, however, current response studies are limited by a lack of quantitative metrics for assessing the severity of skin reactions. Here we present a diffuse optical spectroscopic (DOS) approach that provides quantitative optical biomarkers of skin response to radiation. We describe the instrumentation design of the DOS system as well as the inversion algorithm for extracting the optical parameters. Finally, to demonstrate clinical utility, we present representative data from a pre-clinical mouse model of radiation induced erythema and compare the results with a commonly employed visual scoring. The described DOS method offers an objective, high through-put evaluation of skin toxicity via functional response that is translatable to the clinical setting.


ATP-induced activation of the aminoacylation of tRNA by the isoleucyl-tRNA synthetase from Escherichia coli.
The rate of aminoacylation of tRNA catalyzed by the isoleucyl-tRNA synthetase form Escherichia coli has been measured. A steady-state kinetic analysis of the rate as a function of the concentration of ATP gave nonlinear Hanes plots. ATP behaves as an activator of the reaction. The activation is observed at a low magnesium ion concentration and in the presence of spermidine. The presence of inorganic pyrophosphate or AMP enhances the activation. The results are consistent with a mechanism in which the binding of a second molecule of ATP increases the rate of dissociation of Ile-tRNA from the enzyme.


The cervical cap: an alternative contraceptive.
The cervical cap is a convenient, inexpensive, nonhormonal and non-invasive contraceptive method. This method has potential for better effectiveness if custom-fit caps are manufactured. As more health care providers become knowledgeable in the use of the cap, more women will become aware of this contraceptive method as an alternative to oral contraceptives and intrauterine devices. Research is needed to document the most accurate method of cervical cap fitting and the effectiveness rate of the cervical cap. Nurse practitioners who counsel patients and fit them for caps are in the perfect position to start doing this research.


Motivations of Patients with Diabetes to Participate in Research.
Research on the motivations of research participants has focused primarily on vulnerable populations at risk of exploitation, and there is little research on the motivations and reasons of general medical patients participating in research. Given a significant increase in research studies recruiting participants with diabetes, we sought to better understand the motivations of patients with diabetes considering a general medical research protocol. The analyses presented here compare the reasoning and willingness to participate in a hypothetical research study of medically ill subjects (patients with diabetes, n=51) with non-ill (n=57) subjects. Responses on the MacArthur Competence Assessment Tool for Clinical Research (MacCAT-CR) were correlated with demographic variables and scores on the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and Short-Form-36 (SF-36). Overall, 44% of the group with diabetes and 56% of the comparison group indicated a willingness to participate in the research study. The reasons diabetic and comparison groups offered for willingness or unwillingness to participate in research did not differ significantly. 75% mentioned reasons related to treatment, 63% altruism; none mentioned money. Of those patients with diabetes who would not participate in research, 94% cited risk, and 89% expressed an aversion to research. The present study suggests that when research is not related to their diagnosis, persons with diabetes do not differ significantly from non-ill comparison subjects in their motivations to participate in research. Given the similarity of our subjects' motivations to those of other medically ill populations, it may be that investigators can now focus more closely on the decision-making characteristics of their patients involved in clinical research rather than their diagnoses.


[Partial rupture of biliary cyst of large dimensions. Clinical description and ultrasonic diagnosis].
The clinical case of an elderly patient hospitalised for acute abdomen type syndrome is reported. Investigation, particularly echography, pointed to a diagnosis of partially ruptured giant biliary cyst of the liver. The clinical pictures and the unusual features of this rare condition are discussed. Differential diagnosis with respect to echinococcosis and polycystic liver is examined.


Droplet-fused microreactors for room temperature synthesis of nanoscale needle-like hydroxyapatite.
A microfluidic device using droplet-fused microreactors is introduced for room temperature synthesis of nanoscale needle-shaped hydroxyapatite (HAp, Ca10(PO4)6(OH)2). The device is integrated with multifunctional units, e.g., T-junctions for droplet generation and fusion, winding channels for rapid mixing, and a delay line for simple visualization of the HAp formation process. The necessary conditions such as surfactant and fluid flow rate for an aqueous stream to merge with water-in-oil droplets are investigated. The nanoscale morphologies of the HAp produced by this method are also compared with HAp prepared by conventional bulk mixing. This paper shows that further reaction could be initiated by flowing additional reagent streams directly into the droplets of the initial reaction mixture, which is a novel approach for synthesizing a needle-like morphology of the HAp with a high aspect ratio under room temperature.


Use of the Generating Options for Active Risk Control (GO-ARC) Technique can lead to more robust risk control options.
Risk assessment is widely used to improve patient safety, but healthcare workers are not trained to design robust solutions to the risks they uncover. This leads to an overreliance on the weakest category of risk control recommendations: administrative controls. Increasing the proportion of non-administrative risk control options (NARCOs) generated would enable (though not ensure) the adoption of more robust solutions. Experimentally assess a method for generating stronger risk controls: The Generating Options for Active Risk Control (GO-ARC) Technique. Participants generated risk control options in response to two patient safety scenarios. Scenario 1 (baseline): All participants used current practice (unstructured brainstorming). Scenario 2: Control group used current practice; intervention group used the GO-ARC Technique. To control for individual differences between participants, analysis focused on the change in the proportion of NARCOs for each group. Proportion of NARCOs decreased from 0.18 at baseline to 0.12. Intervention group: Proportion increased from 0.10 at baseline to 0.29 using the GO-ARC Technique. Results were statistically significant. There was no decrease in the number of administrative controls generated by the intervention group. The Generating Options for Active Risk Control (GO-ARC) Technique appears to lead to more robust risk control options.


Predicting the HMA-LMA Status in Marine Sponges by Machine Learning.
The dichotomy between high microbial abundance (HMA) and low microbial abundance (LMA) sponges has been observed in sponge-microbe symbiosis, although the extent of this pattern remains poorly unknown. We characterized the differences between the microbiomes of HMA (n = 19) and LMA (n = 17) sponges (575 specimens) present in the Sponge Microbiome Project. HMA sponges were associated with richer and more diverse microbiomes than LMA sponges, as indicated by the comparison of alpha diversity metrics. Microbial community structures differed between HMA and LMA sponges considering Operational Taxonomic Units (OTU) abundances and across microbial taxonomic levels, from phylum to species. The largest proportion of microbiome variation was explained by the host identity. Several phyla, classes, and OTUs were found differentially abundant in either group, which were considered "HMA indicators" and "LMA indicators." Machine learning algorithms (classifiers) were trained to predict the HMA-LMA status of sponges. Among nine different classifiers, higher performances were achieved by Random Forest trained with phylum and class abundances. Random Forest with optimized parameters predicted the HMA-LMA status of additional 135 sponge species (1,232 specimens) without a priori knowledge. These sponges were grouped in four clusters, from which the largest two were composed of species consistently predicted as HMA (n = 44) and LMA (n = 74). In summary, our analyses shown distinct features of the microbial communities associated with HMA and LMA sponges. The prediction of the HMA-LMA status based on the microbiome profiles of sponges demonstrates the application of machine learning to explore patterns of host-associated microbial communities.


Eliciting probabilistic expectations: Collaborations between psychologists and economists.
We describe two collaborations in which psychologists and economists provided essential support on foundational projects in major research programs. One project involved eliciting adolescents' expectations regarding significant future life events affecting their psychological and economic development. The second project involved eliciting consumers' expectations regarding inflation, a potentially vital input to their investment, saving, and purchasing decisions. In each project, we sought questions with the precision needed for economic modeling and the simplicity needed for lay respondents. We identify four conditions that, we believe, promoted our ability to sustain these transdisciplinary collaborations and coproduce the research: (i) having a shared research goal, which neither discipline could achieve on its own; (ii) finding common ground in shared methodology, which met each discipline's essential evidentiary conditions, but without insisting on its culturally acquired tastes; (iii) sharing the effort throughout, with common language and sense of ownership; and (iv) gaining mutual benefit from both the research process and its products.


The Geologic Exploration of the Bagnold Dune Field at Gale Crater by the Curiosity Rover.
The Mars Science Laboratory rover Curiosity engaged in a monthlong campaign investigating the Bagnold dune field in Gale crater. What represents the first in situ investigation of a dune field on another planet has resulted in a number of discoveries. Collectively, the Curiosity rover team has compiled the most comprehensive survey of any extraterrestrial aeolian system visited to date with results that yield important insights into a number of processes, including sediment transport, bed form morphology and structure, chemical and physical composition of aeolian sand, and wind regime characteristics. These findings and more are provided in detail by the JGR-Planets Special Issue Curiosity's Bagnold Dunes Campaign, Phase I.


New species of Haplometroides (Digenea: Plagiorchiidae) from Phalotris nasutus (Gomes, 1915) (Serpentes, Colubridae).
A new species of Haplometroides (Digenea, Plagiorchiidae) is described from a specimen of Phalotris nasutus (Gomes, 1915) (Serpentes, Colubridae). The host snake was obtained in the municipality of Corumbd, Mato Grosso do Sul State, Brazil. Trematodes were recovered from esophagus, stomach, and small intestine of the host. The main characteristic of the new species is the vitellaria, which is intercecal, cecal, and extracecal in the preacetabular region. A key for identification of the species in Haplometroides is proposed.


iTRAQ-based proteomics analysis of autophagy-mediated immune responses against the vascular fungal pathogen Verticillium dahliae in Arabidopsis.
The mechanisms underlying the functional link between autophagy and plant innate immunity remain largely unknown. In this study, we investigated the autophagy-mediated plant defense responses against Verticillium dahliae (V. dahliae) infection by comparative proteomics and cellular analyses. An assessment of the autophagy activity and disease development showed that autophagic processes were tightly related to the tolerance of Arabidopsis plant to Verticillium wilt. An isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantification (iTRAQ)-based proteomics analysis was performed, and we identified a total of 780 differentially accumulated proteins (DAPs) between wild-type and mutant atg10-1 Arabidopsis plants upon V. dahliae infection, of which, 193 ATG8-family-interacting proteins were identified in silico and their associations with autophagy were verified for several selected proteins. Three important aspects of autophagy-mediated defense against V. dahliae infection were revealed: 1) autophagy is required for the activation of upstream defense responses; 2) autophagy-mediated mitochondrial degradation (mitophagy) occurs and is an important player in the defense process; and 3) autophagy promotes the transdifferentiation of perivascular cells and the formation of xylem hyperplasia, which are crucial for protection against this vascular disease. Together, our results provide several novel insights for understanding the functional association between autophagy and plant immune responses.


Long-term effects and psychological adjustment: study protocol of a large register-based study on quality of life among survivors of hematological malignancies.
Both incidence and survival rates of hematological cancers are increasing, leading to a growing number of survivors with specific late and long-term effects. However, relevant research in physical, psychological and social aspects of quality of life is scarce. Existing literature shows that a considerable number of cancer survivors report a relatively high quality of life despite a variety of adverse and persistent symptoms. To date, the reasons for this phenomenon as well as moderating and mediating factors are widely unknown. Given these research gaps, we aim to investigate the different domains of quality of life among long-term survivors of hematological cancers and to identify factors predicting high quality of life. This is a large cross-sectional study among hematological cancer survivors at a minimum of 3 years after diagnosis. We will collect 1000 survivors completing a set of self-report-questionnaires encompassing physical, psychological and social domains of quality of life. Participants are clustered in groups according to time since diagnosis and compared with each other. Furthermore, survivors will be compared with the general population. Factors predicting high quality of life will be identified via multiple regression analyses and structure equation modeling. Our study will help to inform health care providers about the specific long-term burden among survivors with hematological malignancies. Identification of factors predicting high quality of life will help to develop adequate intervention strategies to enhance well-being in hematological cancer survivors. Our methodological advantages including the large sample as well as the assessment of different domains of quality of life will ensure novel and robust results. A limitation of the study is the cross-sectional design.


Analysis of count data using poisson regression.
Nurses and other health researchers are often concerned with infrequently occurring, repeatable, health-related events such as number of hospitalizations, pregnancies, or visits to a health care provider. Reports on the occurrence of such discrete events take the form of non-negative integer or count data. Because the counts of infrequently occurring events tend to be non-normally distributed and highly positively skewed, the use of ordinary least squares (OLS) regression with non-transformed data has several shortcomings. Techniques such as Poisson regression and negative binomial regression may provide more appropriate alternatives for analyzing these data. The purpose of this article is to compare and contrast the use of these three methods for the analysis of infrequently occurring count data. The strengths, limitations, and special considerations of each approach are discussed. Data from the National Longitudinal Survey of Adolescent Health (AddHealth) are used for illustrative purposes.


Detection and treatment of emotionally disturbed children in public schools: problems and theoretical perspectives.
Examined the effect of selected socio-demographic, mental health resource, and school system variables on the identification and treatment of children as emotionally disturbed. An explanatory model is provided, and the Labeling and Social Movements perspectives are examined in terms of their explanatory power. The major finding is that emotionally disturbed children are significantly underdetected and underserved nationally in public school systems, and, specifically, in Maryland and Washington, D.C. Further, results indicate that the attitudes of school system officials and the community in general, as well as the availability of mental health professionals, determine whether school systems detect emotionally disturbed children. When such children are detected, more specialized and expensive services are provided in school districts with higher per capita income, school budget, and proportion of mental health professionals.


The Framework Convention on Tobacco Control: opportunities and issues.
The Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC), a World Health Organization sponsored global tobacco control treaty, constitutes the first major international tool with the potential to significantly reduce the global pandemic of tobacco-produced disease and death. After providing background on the prevalence of cigarette smoking and smoking attributable mortality, both at present and projected for the future, the paper then describes the FCTC and discusses its development, the barriers it has confronted, and the opportunities it offers for improving global health. Successful implementation of the provisions in the treaty could avoid literally tens of millions of premature tobacco-produced deaths over the next few decades.


[Patient safety, – a current and ongoing problem].
Patient safety is a current and ongoing problem of increasing importance in healthcare. The implementation of a safety culture leads to behavioral change in all processes and responsibility centers. It means a long, slow, arduous path and requires effort, persistence and commitment, but it is increasingly necessary and indispensable in hospital management.


Perceptions of Adolescents with Overweight and Obesity for the Development of User-Centered Design Self-Management Tools within the Context of the Chronic Care Model: A Qualitative Study.
The Chronic Care Model (CCM) is helpful to illustrate multiple levels of influence in the management of chronic disease, such as overweight and obesity in adolescents. Unfortunately, various constraints create gaps in the management process activities performed within the CCM. Consumer health technologies (CHT) may serve as a linkage between adolescents with overweight or obesity, their parents, and their pediatricians. To conduct formative research to qualitatively identify views of adolescents with overweight and obesity on use of consumer health technologies to manage weight loss across chronic care management settings. As part of a multi-perspective qualitative study, 10 focus groups were conducted with adolescents with overweight and obesity. Forty-eight adolescents (15 male, 33 female) aged 12 to 17 years who were current participants of an intensive lifestyle change camp in the summer of 2012 participated in focus groups. All adolescents were classified as overweight (21%) or obese (79%) according to body mass index (BMI) for age charts published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. All focus groups were recorded, transcribed verbatim, and checked for accuracy. Predefined and open coding were used to analyze transcripts for emerging themes. Adolescents perceive CHT, with its functional requirements of assistance with restaurant food selection, teaching cooking skills, and providing encouragement and motivation, to be helpful with overweight and obesity self-management. Desired features to carry out these functional requirements included avatars, self-monitoring capabilities, social networking, and rewards. Our findings largely agree with previously reported parental perceptions of the benefit of CHT for adolescent overweight and obesity self-management and strengthen support for the design and implementation of CHT within the CCM.