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Presents a study which examined numerically the hyperbolic heat conduction in a semi-infinite slab with temperature dependent thermal conductivity. Formulation; Numerical analysis; Results and discussion.

Unresolved gas and dust observations show a surprising diversity in the amount of interstellar matter in early-type galaxies. Using Atacama Large Millimetre/submillimeter Array (ALMA) observations we resolve the ISM in z  ∼ 0.05 early-type galaxies. From a large sample of early-type galaxies detected in the Herschel Astrophysical Terahertz Large Area Survey (H-ATLAS), we selected five of the dustiest cases, with dust masses M d ∼several × 107 M⊙, with the aim of mapping their submillimetre continuum and 12CO(2–1) line emission distributions. These observations reveal molecular gas discs. There is a lack of associated, extended continuum emission in these ALMA observations, most likely because it is resolved out or surface brightness limited, if the dust distribution is as extended as the CO gas. However, two galaxies have central continuum ALMA detections. An additional, slightly offset, continuum source is revealed in one case, which may have contributed to confusion in the Herschel fluxes. Serendipitous continuum detections further away in the ALMA field are found in another case. Large and massive rotating molecular gas discs are mapped in three of our targets, reaching a few ×109 M⊙. One of these shows evidence of kinematic deviations from a pure rotating disc. The fields of our two remaining targets contain only smaller, weak CO sources, slightly offset from the optical galaxy centres. These may be companion galaxies seen in ALMA observations or background objects. These heterogeneous findings in a small sample of dusty early-type galaxies reveal the need for more such high spatial resolution studies to understand statistically how dust and gas are related in early-type galaxies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cases of lymphohematopoietic cancer from three petroleum industry cohorts, matched to controls from the respective cohort, were pooled into single study. Average benzene exposure was quantitatively estimated in ppm for each job based on measured data from the relevant country, adjusted for the specific time period, site and job exposure characteristics and the certainty of the exposure estimate scored. The probability of dermal exposure and of peak exposure was also assessed. Before risk was examined, an exposure estimate comparison and rationalisation exercise was performed across the studies to ensure accuracy and consistency of approach. This article evaluates the final exposure estimates and their use in the risk assessments. Overall benzene exposure estimates were low: 90% of participants accumulated less than 20 ppm-years. Mean cumulative exposure was estimated as 5.15 ppm-years, mean duration was 22 years, and mean exposure intensity was 0.2 ppm. 46% of participants were allocated a peak exposure (>3 ppm at least weekly). 40% of participants had a high probability of dermal exposure (based on the relative probability of at least weekly exposure). There were differences in mean intensity of exposure, probability of peak, and/or dermal exposure associated with job category, job site, and decade of exposure. Terminal Operators handling benzene-containing products were the most highly exposed group, followed by Tanker Drivers carrying gasoline. Exposures were higher around 1940–1950 and lower in more recent decades. Overall confidence in the exposure estimates was highest for recently held jobs and for white-collar jobs. We used sensitivity analyses, which included and excluded case-sets on the basis of exposure certainty scores, to inform the risk assessment. The above analyses demonstrated that the different patterns of exposure across the three studies are largely attributable to differences in jobs, site types, and time frames rather than study. This provides reassurance that the previous rationalisation of exposures achieved inter-study consistency and that the data could be confidently pooled. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: An investigation into concerns about possible health effects of fire training practices at an Australian training facility recommended a study to investigate the risk of cancer and mortality of those with risk of chronic occupational exposure to several chemicals. Aims: To investigate mortality and cancer incidence in firefighters at the Country Fire Authority (CFA) Fiskville training facility, Victoria, Australia, between 1971 and 1999. Methods: CFA supplied human resources records, supplemented by self-reported information for a retrospective cohort, and allocated firefighters to low, medium or high groups based on probability of exposure. We linked the cohort to state and national cancer and mortality data. We calculated standardized mortality ratios and standardized cancer incidence ratios (SIRs). Results: The high group (n = 95) had a clearly increased risk of overall cancers SIR = 1.85 (95% CI 1.20- 2.73), testicular cancer SIR = 11.9 (1.44-42.9) and melanoma SIR = 4.59 (1.68-9.99) relative to the population of Victoria. Brain cancer was significantly increased for the medium group (n = 256): SIR = 5.74 (1.56-14.7). Mortality was significantly reduced for all groups. Conclusions: Dealing with supplied records can be problematic but despite the small numbers, we identified an increased risk of cancer for the high group. The mortality data suggested that there was under-ascertainment for the medium and low groups which underestimated risk and a possible reporting bias for brain cancer. Small cohorts can still provide statistically significant findings when investigating locations for cancer risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In recent years, reduced participation has been encountered across all epidemiological study designs, both in terms of non-response as well as refusal. A low response rate may reduce the statistical power but, more importantly, results may not be generalizable to the wider community.Methods: In a telephone survey of 1413 randomly selected members of the Australian general population and of 690 participants sourced from previous studies, we examined factors affecting people's stated willingness to participate in health research.Results: The majority of participants (61 %) expressed willingness to participate in health research in general but the percentage increased when provided with more specific information about the research. People were more willing if they have personal experience of the disease under study, and if the study was funded by government or charity rather than pharmaceutical companies. Participants from previous studies, older people and women were the groups most willing to participate. Younger men preferred online surveys, older people a written questionnaire, and few participants in any age and sex groups preferred a telephone questionnaire.Conclusion: Despite a trend toward reduced participation rates, most participants expressed their willingness to participate in health research. However, when seeking participants, researchers should be concrete and specific about the nature of the research they want to carry out. The preferred method of recommended contact varies with the demographic characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background:Parental occupational exposures have been associated with childhood brain tumours (CBT), but results are inconsistent. Few studies have studied CBT risk and parental solvent exposure, suggesting a possible association. We examined the association between CBT and parental occupational exposure to solvents in a case-control study.Methods:Parents of 306 cases and 950 controls completed detailed occupational histories. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated for both maternal and paternal exposure to benzene, other aromatics, aliphatics and chlorinated solvents in key time periods relative to the birth of their child. Adjustments were made for matching variables (child's age, sex and state of residence), best parental education and occupational exposure to diesel exhaust.Results:An increased risk of CBT was observed with maternal occupational exposures to chlorinated solvents (OR=8.59, 95% CI 0.94-78.9) any time before birth. Paternal exposure to solvents in the year before conception was associated with an increased CBT risk: OR=1.55 (95% CI 0.99-2.43). This increased risk appeared to be mainly attributable to exposure to aromatic solvents: OR=2.72 (95% CI 0.94-7.86) for benzene and OR=1.76 (95% CI 1.10-2.82) for other aromatics.Conclusions:Our results indicate that parental occupational exposures to solvents may be related to an increased risk of CBT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Earlier studies have reported moderate increases in the risk of acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) among children whose mothers have been occupationally exposed to extremely low frequency (ELF) electromagnetic fields. Other studies examining parental occupational exposure to ELF and ALL have reported mixed results.Methods: In an Australian case-control study of ALL in children aged < 15 years, parents were asked about tasks they undertook in each job. Exposure variables were created for any occupational exposure before the birth of the child, in jobs 2 years before birth, in jobs 1 year before birth and up to 1 year after birth.Results: In all, 379 case and 854 control mothers and 328 case and 748 control fathers completed an occupational history. Exposure to ELF in all time periods was similar in case and control mothers. There was no difference in exposure between case and control fathers. There was no association between maternal (odds ratio (OR)=0.96; 95% CI=0.74-1.25) or paternal (OR=0.78; 95% CI=0.56-1.09) exposure to ELF any time before the birth and risk of childhood ALL.Conclusion: We did not find an increased risk of ALL in offspring of parents with occupational exposure to ELF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Re-examination of data distributions from several forested sites in the eastern Sierra Nevada Mountains shows consistent, positive outliers and skew for NH, NO, and mineral N in resin lysimeters and resin capsules, indicating that most values were low but hotspots of high N flux were present in most cases. Exact causes of these N flux hotspots is not known, but could include water flux hotspots (e.g., preferential flowpaths), microbial hotspots, and possibly the entry of N-enriched O horizon interflow. Soil and resin stake (PRS probe) data from one site (North Lake Tahoe) also showed consistent, positive outliers and skew for NH, NO, and mineral N, suggesting the presence of microbially produced hotspots. Bicarbonate-P data from soils and ortho-P data from PRS probes also showed highly positive skew and extreme outliers, but Bray (HCl/NHF-extractable) P in soils did not. Other measured nutrients (extractable Mg, K, SO, and Ca) also showed positive skew and outliers, but less so than NH, NO, and mineral N. Calcium stood out among measured nutrients as the most abundant nutrient with the least outliers and the lowest (sometimes negative) skew. The differences in distributions of NH, NO, and mineral N and those of Ca may reflect relative abundance: the most abundant ion, Ca, shows little evidence of hotspots whereas the much less abundant ions, NH, NO consistently show evidence of hotspots. We hypothesize that the differing distributions of N and Ca reflect the relative biological competition for these nutrients and that positively-skewed distributions and hotspots will be characteristic of any other nutrient when it is in limited supply relative to biological demand. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract. A reliable method for measuring lymph flow in physiological units would be valuable, especially in conditions in which it is uncertain whether lymph flow is increased or decreased. The requirements of a radiopharmaceutical for such measurement include stable radionuclide labelling and rapid access to lymphatic vessels following tissue injection but no access to blood vessels. A soluble macromolecule is likely to come closest to meeting these requirements. Technetium-99m-labelled human polyclonal immunoglobulin (HIG) was therefore investigated firstly in comparison with [sup 99m]Tc-labelled human serum albumin (HSA) in patients undergoing routine lymphoscintigraphy and secondly with respect to injection site in a group of volunteers with postmastectomy oedema (PMO). Subcutaneous injection of [sup 99m]Tc-HIG into the web space of a distal extremity gave images in which lymphatic vessels were more clearly defined compared with images obtained after injection of [sup 99m]Tc-HSA. Lymph nodes were also more clearly defined, suggesting specific retention of HIG, possibly through Fc-mediated binding. Peripheral blood sampling showed a delayed arrival in blood of radioactivity after [sup 99m]Tc-HIG compared with [sup 99m]Tc-HSA, although ultimately, the blood recovery of [sup 99m]Tc-HIG was significantly higher (P <0.05) than that of [sup 99m]Tc-HSA. Clearance rates of radioactivity from the injection site were not sinificantly different, however, between the two agents. In patients with PMO, web space injection of [sup 99m]Tc-HIG gave excellent images of normal lymphatic vessels, of lymph nodes and of abnormal lymph drainage such as dermal backflow in swollen arms. In... [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lymphocyte transformation to 1-24ACTH, as assessed by the incorporation of tritiated thymidine, has been demonstrated to be associated with severe adverse reactions occurring in patients receiving a Zn-linked 1-24ACTH preparation (Tetra cosactrin depot, 'Synacthen'). Antibodies measured with an isotope-binding assay occurred commonly in all patients receiving therapy and did not correlate with adverse reactions. Lymphocyte transformation with the 1-24ACTH polypeptide, a part of the naturally occurring ACTH molecule, has not been previously recorded. The significance of antibodies and cell-mediated immunity to this polypeptide hormone is discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thirty patients fulfilling conventional criteria for systemic lupus erythematosus and who presented with extensive pleural and pulmonary involvement were studied retrospectively. Four overlapping patterns of respiratory disease were identified and observations were made on their clinical presentation, radiographic abnormalities and response to treatment. A low incidence of severe renal disease was found in this series of patients and this was in keeping with the general finding of low serum binding using native DNA in a globulin Parrbinding technique (greater than 20% binding iii only 4-21 (19%) of the series) and normal or elevated serum complement (C3) levels. Precipitating antibody detected by double diffusion and counter-current immunoelectrophoresis and probably reacting in most cases with single-stranded DNA was, however, detected in 66% of pretreatment serum samples tested. This evidence supports the idea that different types of anti-nuclear antibody may he associated with different clinical manifestations seen within a group of patients who broadly fulfil the criteria for SLE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the current study, we report a G to A single nucleotide polymorphism at base pair 396 of the TCRBV5S5P gene. This polymorphism has a frequency of 0.20 in a cohort of Caucasian controls. In addition, we provide evidence for linkage disequilibrium between TCRBV5S5P and the TCRBV6S1 gene. Genes and Immunity (2001) 2, 290–291. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background:Research on the possible association between shiftwork and breast cancer is complicated because there are many different shiftwork factors, which might be involved including: light at night, phase shift, sleep disruption and changes in lifestyle factors while on shiftwork (diet, physical activity, alcohol intake and low sun exposure).Methods:We conducted a population-based case-control study in Western Australia from 2009 to 2011 with 1205 incident breast cancer cases and 1789 frequency age-matched controls. A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect demographic, reproductive, and lifestyle factors and lifetime occupational history and a telephone interview was used to obtain further details about the shiftwork factors listed above.Results:A small increase in risk was suggested for those ever doing the graveyard shift (work between midnight and 0500 hours) and breast cancer (odds ratio (OR)=1.16, 95% confidence interval (CI)=0.97-1.39). For phase shift, we found a 22% increase in breast cancer risk (OR=1.22, 95% CI=1.01-1.47) with a statistically significant dose-response relationship (P=0.04). For the other shiftwork factors, risks were marginally elevated and not statistically significant.Conclusion:We found some evidence that some of the factors involved in shiftwork may be associated with breast cancer but the ORs were low and there were inconsistencies in duration and dose-response relationships. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background In adults, dosages of some anaesthetic agents are based on lean body mass (LBM) rather than body weight. Our aim was to derive an equation for estimating LBM in children. Methods Patients comprised three groups: prospective kidney transplant donors from two separate centres (centres 1 and 3) and children referred to a further centre (centre 2) for the routine clinical measurement of glomerular filtration rate (GFR). GFR and extracellular fluid volume (ECV) were measured using Cr-51-EDTA. LBM was directly estimated (eLBM) in adults using an equation based on height and weight. ECV in children was estimated (eECV) from another equation based on height and weight, converted to eLBM using the relationship between eLBM and ECV determined in the adults from centre 1 and then compared with adult data from centre 3. Results In children, the ratio of eECV to ECV was 1.04 (sd 0.18). In centre 1, eLBM (kg) was 3.81 (sd 0.55) times greater than ECV (litres) in men (n=50) and 3.77 (0.77) times greater in women (n=51). eLBM in children was therefore derived by multiplying eECV by 3.8. In children, eLBM showed a close linear correlation with measured ECV (eLBM=3.50ECV+2.0; R2=0.857), similar to adults (eLBM=2.82ECV+14.5; R2=0.582). In all groups, eLBM/weight correlated inversely with weight. Conclusions In terms of the relationships between eLBM, ECV, and weight, children are similar to adults. Therefore, drug dosage in children should also be based on eLBM rather than weight. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Granular temperature underpins the kinetic theory of granular flows as well as models for heat transfer, segregation, erosion, attrition, and aggregation in various granular systems. It is generally thought that granular temperature in vibrated granular systems scales with the square of the peak vibrational velocity. However, careful diffusing wave spectroscopy experiments and statistical analysis of data obtained from these for a three-dimensional vibrated bed of monodisperse glass particles reveals that the granular temperature is also significantly correlated with other vibrational parameters. Reexamination of previously published data obtained by others using alternative methods further supports our thus far unremarked upon observation reported here. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: We report granular temperature and solid fraction fields for a thin rectangular bed (20×200mm cross-section and 500mm high) of glass particles (mean diameter of 165μm and density of 2500kg/m3) fluidized by water for superficial velocities ranging from 0.05Ut , which is approximately double the minimum fluidization velocity, to 0.49Ut , where Ut is the particle terminal velocity estimated by fitting the Richardson–Zaki correlation to the bed expansion data. At superficial velocities below 0.336Ut , the solid fraction and granular temperature are uniform throughout the bed. At higher superficial velocities, the solid fraction tends to decrease with height above the distributor, whilst the granular temperature first increases to a maximum before decaying towards the top of the bed. Correlation of the mean granular temperature with the mean solid fraction and the local granular temperature with the local solid fraction both suggest that the granular temperature in the liquid fluidized bed can be described solely in terms of the solid fraction. The granular temperature increases monotonically with solid fraction to a maximum at φ≈0.18 where it then decreases monotonically as φ approaches the close-packed limit. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA), also known as juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), includes the most common chronic autoimmune arthropathies of childhood. These two nomenclatures for classification include components representing the major subclasses of disease. The chromosomal regions and the genes involved in these complex genetic traits are being elucidated, with findings often specific for a particular disease subtype. With the advent of new SNP technologies, progress is being made at an ever-increasing pace. This review discusses the difficulties of deciphering the genetic components in complex disorders, while demonstrating the similarities that JRA shares with other autoimmune disorders. Particular emphasis has been placed on positive findings either for candidate genes that have been replicated independently in JRA/JIA, or findings in JRA for which consistent results have been reported in other forms of autoimmunity.Genes and Immunity (2006) 7, 1–10. doi:10.1038/sj.gene.6364273 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Management of melanoma during pregnancy can be extremely challenging. The reported incidence of melanoma in pregnancy ranges from 2.8 to 5.0 per 100 000 pregnancies. There are no guidelines for the management of melanoma during pregnancy. Methods The survey was designed to investigate the opinions of melanoma physicians on decision making in relation to pregnancy and melanoma. A clinical scenario-based survey on management of pregnancy in melanoma was distributed all over Europe via the membership of the EORTC and other European melanoma societies. Results A total of 290 questionnaires were returned with a larger participation from southern Europe. A large heterogeneity was found for the answers given in the different clinical scenarios with 50% of the answers showing discordance, especially regarding sentinel lymph node biopsy during pregnancy. Discordant answers were also found for the counselling of women about a potential delay in getting pregnant after a high-risk melanoma (35% for a 2 year wait minimum vs. 57% no waiting needed), while for thin melanomas, as expected, there was more concordance with 70% of the physicians recommending no delay. Fifteen per cent of physicians recommended an abortion in stage II melanoma during the third month of pregnancy. Twenty per cent of the responders advised against hormonal replacement therapy in melanoma patients. Conclusions The management of melanoma during pregnancy varies widely in Europe. At present, there is a lack of consensus in Europe, which may lead to very important decisions in women with melanoma, and guidelines are needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Despite recent discoveries of germline and somatic mutations in melanoma, naevus count remains the most important risk factor for melanoma. Counting naevi on the whole body is time consuming. In order to identify patients at risk for melanoma, many studies have used naevus count on selected body sites as a proxy for total body naevus count ( TBNC). Objectives The main aim of this study was to assess the predictive value of naevus count on 17 different body sites in estimating TBNC in a large cohort of healthy U.K. Caucasian female subjects. Once the site with the best predictive value for TBNC was determined, a second aim was to estimate the cut-off values of naevus counts at this anatomical site that best predict the presence of 50 or 100 naevi, respectively. Methods The most predictive body site for TBNC was assessed in a cohort of healthy female twins. This finding was replicated on a control group from a U.K. case-control study and a prediction model was performed afterwards. The area under the receiver operating characteristics curve was used to evaluate the best cut-off for the prediction of having a TBNC of more than 50 or 100. Results There were 3694 female twins included. The TBNC showed a steady decline after the age of 30 years ( P < 0·001). The most predictive sites for TBNC were the arms and legs: the adjusted correlation coefficients were 0·50 and 0·51 ( P < 0·001) for the right and left arm, respectively, and 0·49 and 0·48 for the right and left legs, respectively ( P < 0·001). The arm remained the most predictive site for TBNC when replicated in a control population including both sexes. In the twin study, women with more than 11 naevi on the right arm were approximately nine times more likely to have more than 100 naevi (odds ratio = 9·38, 95% confidence interval 6·71-13·11). Conclusions The ability to estimate TBNC quickly by counting naevi on one arm could be a very useful tool in assessing melanoma risk in primary care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Breast cancer-related lymphoedema ( BCRL) is a result of interaction between several pathophysiological processes, and is not simply a 'stopcock' effect resulting from removal of axillary lymph nodes. The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that there is a constitutional 'global' lymphatic dysfunction in patients who develop BCRL. Methods Lower-limb lymphoscintigraphy was performed in 30 women who had undergone axillary lymph node dissection at least 3 years previously, of whom 15 had BCRL and 15 did not. No patient had any clinical abnormality of the lower limb. The control group comprised 24 women with no history of cancer or lower-limb lymphoedema. 99mTc-Nanocoll was injected subcutaneously into the first webspace of each foot, followed by whole-body imaging. Scans were reported as abnormal if there was delay in lymph transport or rerouting through skin or deep system. Quantification was expressed as the percentage injected activity accumulating in ilioinguinal nodes. Results Mean(s.d.) ilioinguinal nodal accumulation at 150 min was significantly lower in women with BCRL than in those without (2·7(2·5) versus 5·9(4·8) per cent respectively; P = 0·006). Abnormal findings on lower-limb lymphoscintigraphy were observed in 17 of the 30 patients: ten of the 15 women who had BCRL and seven of the 15 who did not. None of the 24 control subjects had abnormal scan findings. Conclusion Women with BCRL had reduced lower-limb lymph drainage, supporting the hypothesis of a predisposition to BCRL. A surprisingly high proportion of patients with breast cancer also demonstrated lymphatic dysfunction, despite clinically normal lower limbs. Possible explanations could be a systemic effect of breast cancer or its treatment, or an unidentified association between breast cancer and lymphatic dysfunction. Registration number: ISRCTN84866416 ( ). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background:High benzene exposure causes acute myeloid leukaemia (AML). Three petroleum case-control studies identified 60 cases (241 matched controls) for AML and 80 cases (345 matched controls) for chronic lymphoid leukaemia (CLL).Methods:Cases were classified and scored regarding uncertainty by two haematologists using available diagnostic information. Blinded quantitative benzene exposure assessment used work histories and exposure measurements adjusted for era-specific circumstances. Statistical analyses included conditional logistic regression and penalised smoothing splines.Results:Benzene exposures were much lower than previous studies. Categorical analyses showed increased ORs for AML with several exposure metrics, although patterns were unclear; neither continuous exposure metrics nor spline analyses gave increased risks. ORs were highest in terminal workers, particularly for Tanker Drivers. No relationship was found between benzene exposure and risk of CLL, although the Australian study showed increased risks in refinery workers.Conclusion:Overall, this study does not persuasively demonstrate a risk between benzene and AML. A previously reported strong relationship between myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) (potentially previously reported as AML) at our study's low benzene levels suggests that MDS may be the more relevant health risk for lower exposure. Higher CLL risks in refinery workers may be due to more diverse exposures than benzene alone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thinning and prescribed fire are common management tools used to eliminate thick fuel loads that could otherwise facilitate and encourage a more severe catastrophic wildfire. The objective of this study was to quantify the lasting effects of prescribed fire on forest floor and soil nutrients approximately 9 yr after a burn occurred near Truckee, CA. The study site includes a prescribed fire following various harvest and understory removal treatments: whole-tree thinning, cut-to-length thinning, and no thinning. Data were collected before, immediately after, and 9 yr later following a prescribed burn. All forest floor and soil samples were analyzed for nutrients (O horizon: total N; mineral soil: total N, total C, mineral N). Fuel reductions were evident 9 yr after the fire in the burned plots. No significant changes in total C or total N in surface (0-20-cm) mineral soils occurred during the 9-yr period. Mineral N concentrations in surface soils were greater in unburned than in burned cut-to-length thinning treatments after 9 yr. These differences were attributed to N inputs from decomposing slash and to the reduction in the biomass of N2 fixers by burning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA) is mediated by Th1-immune responses. In children with JRA, synovial T cells express high levels of the Th1-chemokine receptor CC chemokine receptor 5 (CCR5), which has been implicated in susceptibility to rheumatoid arthritis. To test the hypothesis that genetic variation in CCR5 is associated with susceptibility to JRA, we analyzed patterns of variation in the 5′cis-regulatory region of CCR5 in 124 multiplex families from a JRA-affected sibpair registry. After sequencing the upstream region of CCR5, variants were tested for association with JRA by transmission disequilibrium testing. A single nucleotide polymorphism, C-1835T, was significantly undertransmitted to children with early-onset JRA (P<0.01). C-1835T was genotyped in 424 additional simplex and multiplex families. CCR5-1835T allele was undertransmitted in the cohort of all probands with JRA (P<0.02), as well as in those with early-onset (P<0.01) or pauciarticular JRA (P<0.05). Another variant, a 32-bp deletion in the open reading frame of CCR5 (CCR5-Δ32) was also tested in ∼700 simplex and multiplex families. CCR5-Δ32 was also significantly undertransmitted to probands with early-onset JRA (P<0.05). Both variants are in regions under natural selection, and result in functional consequences. Our results suggest these CCR5 variants are protective against early-onset JRA.Genes and Immunity (2006) 7, 468–475. doi:10.1038/sj.gene.6364317; published online 15 June 2006 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The polymorphic T-cell receptor Vβ ( TRBV) genes encode much of the variable region of the T-cell receptor β chain. Analysis of allele frequencies of three closely linked polymorphic TRBV genes, TRBV7-3, TRBV9 and TRBV6-4, was undertaken in several populations. The frequencies of these alleles are not significantly different in populations of Caucasians, African Americans and Western Africans. However, Chinese population is extremely homogenous at all three loci. The current study identifies the existence of haplotypic relationships between alleles of these genes in the Caucasian population. The ORF allele TRBV7-3* A3 is found exclusively on chromosomes bearing TRBV9* A2 and TRBV6-4* A2 in this cohort. In contrast, TRBV7-3* A1 and the null allele TRBV7-3* A2 are associated only with TRBV9* A1 and TRBV6-4* A1. This pattern of linkage disequilibrium (LD) is altered in the African American and Western African populations. In these cohorts, there is a marked reduction in LD between alleles of TRBV7-3 and TRBV9. This study is consistent with previous population genetic studies wherein African-derived samples have a greater level of genetic diversity compared to Caucasians. These data also demonstrate that patterns of LD are not consistent across the entire TRBV locus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Elevated rates of psychological morbidity and symptomatology have been widely reported in 1991 Gulf War veterans. The present study used brief self-report instruments to compare the psychological health of Australian Gulf War veterans with that of a randomly sampled military comparison group. Method. The 12-item Short Form Health Survey (SF-12), 12-item General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12), Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Checklist-Specific (PCL-S) and Military Service Experience (MSE) questionnaire were administered to 1424 male Australian Gulf War veterans and 1548 male Australian Defence Force members who were operational at the time of the Gulf War conflict, but were not deployed there. Results. The Gulf War veterans exhibited poorer psychological health, as measured by the above three instruments, than the comparison group members. For Gulf War veterans, the number of stressful experiences, as measured by the MSE questionnaire, was correlated with scores on the three instruments. SF-12 mental health component summary scores and PCL-S caseness, but not GHQ-12 caseness, differed significantly between Gulf War veterans and comparison group members who had been on at least one active deployment. Conclusions. More than a decade after the 1991 Gulf War, Australian Gulf War veterans are exhibiting higher levels of current (past month) psychological ill-health, as measured using the GHQ-12 and PCL-S, as well as lower mental health status, as measured by the SF-12, than the comparison group. Although not a replacement for formal psychiatric diagnosis, instruments such as those above may aid in the assessment of veterans' psychological health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Since the 1991 Gulf War concerns have been raised about the effects on veterans' health of exposures to Kuwaiti oil fire smoke and to dust storms. Methods: A cross sectional study compared 1456 Australian Gull War veterans with a randomly sampled military comparison group (n =1588). A postal questionnaire asked about respiratory conditions, exposures, medications, tobacco use, demographic characteristics, and military service details. During a medical assessment, spirometric tests and a physical examination were performed and a respiratory questionnaire was administered. Results: The response rate for the Gulf War veteran group was 80.5% and for the comparison group 56.8%. Australian Gulf War veterans had a higher than expected prevalence of respiratory symptoms and respiratory conditions suggesting asthma (OR 1.4; 95% Cl 1.1 to 1.9) and bronchitis first diagnosed since the Gulf War (OR 1.9; 95% Cl 1.2 to 3.1) but did not have poorer lung function or more ventilatory abnormalities than the comparison group. Veterans who reported exposure to oil fire smoke had slightly poorer forced vital capacity (difference between means -0.10 1; 95% Cl -0.18 to +0.03) and those exposed to dust storms had a slightly better peak expiratory How rate (difference between means 12.0 1/ mm; 95% Cl 0.6 to 23.4) than veterans who did not report exposure. Veterans who were in the Gulf at or after the start of the oil fires had more respiratory conditions suggesting asthma (OR I 7; 95% Cl 1.0 to 2.9) than those who completed their deployment before this time. Conclusions: Increased self-reporting of respiratory symptoms, asthma, and bronchitis by veterans was not reflected in poorer lung function. The findings do not suggest major long term sequelae bi exposure to oil fire smoke or dust storms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVES: We aimed to provide evidence of thymic reconstitution after highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) in HIV-1 infected patients and to correlate this with the restoration of peripheral naïve T cells. METHODS: Positron emission tomography (PET) enables definitive evidence of thymic activity, indicating functional potential. In this case study, a single patient who initiated HAART demonstrated reconstitution of the naïve T-cell pool and underwent thymic PET scans at baseline and 2 and 6 months following initiation of therapy. Two patients who failed to demonstrate such reconstitution acted as controls. These patients (mean age 27 years) had chronic HIV infection with low CD4 T-cell counts (mean 82, range 9-160 cells/microL blood). Increased function of the thymus visualized by PET was correlated with phenotypic changes in CD4 and CD8 T cells in the periphery measured by flow cytometry, and with numbers of recent thymic emigrants measured by quantification of the numbers of T-cell receptor excision circles (TRECs) in peripheral cells. RESULTS: In one patient, clear correlations could be drawn between visible activity within the thymus, as measured by increased [F18]fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) uptake, and regeneration of naïve CD4 (CD45RA/CD62L) T cells, increased numbers of CD4 T cells, controlled viraemia and increased numbers of recent thymic emigrants. A second patient displayed no increase in peripheral CD4 count and no increase in thymic activity. The third patient elected to stop therapy following the 2-month time point. CONCLUSIONS: The use of PET suggests that thymic activity may increase after HAART, indicating that the thymus has the potential to be functional even in HIV-1 infected persons with low CD4 T-cell counts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We aimed to provide evidence of thymic reconstitution after highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) in HIV-1 infected patients and to correlate this with the restoration of peripheral naïve T cells. Positron emission tomography (PET) enables definitive evidence of thymic activity, indicating functional potential. In this case study, a single patient who initiatiated HAART demonstrated reconstitution of the naïve T-cell pool and underwent thymic PET scans at baseline and 2 and 6 months following initiation of therapy. Two patients who failed to demonstrate such reconstitution acted as controls. These patients (mean age 27 years) had chronic HIV infection with low CD4 T-cell counts (mean 82, range 9–160 cells/μL blood). Increased function of the thymus visualized by PET was correlated with phenotypic changes in CD4 and CD8 T cells in the periphery measured by flow cytometry, and with numbers of recent thymic emigrants measured by quantification of the numbers of T-cell receptor excision circles (TRECs) in peripheral cells. In one patient, clear correlations could be drawn between visible activity within the thymus, as measured by increased [F18]fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) uptake, and regeneration of naïve CD4 (CD45RA/CD62L) T cells, increased numbers of CD4 T cells, controlled viraemia and increased numbers of recent thymic emigrants. A second patient displayed no increase in peripheral CD4 count and no increase in thymic activity. The third patient elected to stop therapy following the 2-month time point. The use of PET suggests that thymic activity may increase after HAART, indicating that the thymus has the potential to be functional even in HIV-1 infected persons with low CD4 T-cell counts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

APOE4 homozygosity has been associated with an increased risk of sporadic Alzheimer''s disease through a mechanism, which has yet to be defined. Recent evidence has suggested that microvascular basement membrane injury may be a critical factor in the pathogenesis of AD-related dementia. In previous studies, we have shown that the synaptic organizing protein agrin can be found in neurons, and is a major component of the brain microvascular basement membrane. Here, we compare the basement membrane surface area of cortical microvasculature in AD brains by staining with an anti-agrin antibody. Quantitative morphometric analysis was used to determine the mean basement area (μ2) of prefrontal cortical microvessels. An average of 10 capillaries was measured in each of 35 cases of AD genotyped for APOE status. APOE4,4 homozygotes had smaller capillary basement membrane areas (17.4μ2±6.2) than APOE3,3 homozygotes (26.9μ2±6.5), p<0.001. The capillary basement membrane areas (CBMA) of heterozygotes APOE3,4 did not differ significantly from APOE3,3 or APOE4,4. Braak stage did not contribute significantly to CBMA. However, a preliminary analysis suggests an interaction between APOE4,4 and Braak V–VI producing smaller CBMA, a finding which needs to be confirmed with a larger sample. These data support the hypothesis that APOE4,4 is associated with thinning of the microvascular basement membrane in Alzheimer''s disease. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The article presents a study on the use of a global gene expression approach to distinguish expressed genes in nonbalding vs. balding scalp from men with androgenetic alopecia (AGA). The study showed increased levels of enzymatic product prostaglandin D2 (PGD2) and prostaglandin D2 synthase (PTGDS) in balding vs. nonbalding scalp. The study suggests an inhibitory impact of increased PTGDS and PGD2 on hair growth by premature catagen induction.

Obesity has been suggested as a risk factor for chronic kidney disease. However, it has also been suggested that the association between obesity and impaired glomerular filtration rate (GFR) arises from the invalid use of body surface area (BSA) for scaling. This study assesses the effect of obesity on GFR by comparing the age-dependent decline in obese (body mass index (BMI) >30 kg/m2; n=149) and non-obese patients (n=589), aged >30 years, referred for measurement of GFR (Cr-51-EDTA and three blood samples). GFR was scaled to a BSA of 1.73 m2 (GFR/BSA) and extracellular fluid volume of 13 l (GFR/ECV), both corrected for the one-compartment assumption. When non-obese patients were categorized into 10-year age brackets (from 31 to >70), GFR/BSA and GFR/ECV declined from 92 ml per min per 1.73 m2 and 95 ml per min per 13 l, respectively, at 31–40 years to 58 and 59 at >70. The declines in obese patients were similar with corresponding values of 88 ml per min per 1.73 m2 and 97 ml per min per 13 l at 31–40 and 57 and 59 at >70 years. Linear regression analysis of non-categorized data from age 40 years showed rates of decline slightly slower in the obese (0.82 vs 0.95 ml per min per 1.73 m2 per year and 0.87 vs 1.02 ml per min per 13 l per year). No effect of obesity on renal function was shown. Scaling to BSA did not distort the results.International Journal of Obesity (2009) 33, 379–381; doi:10.1038/ijo.2009.6; published online 3 February 2009 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article examines the effects of naevus body distribution and melanoma risk in two melanoma case-control studies in Great Britain and Australia. Topics discussed include a comparison of body-site mean naevus counts according to sex, logistic regression on melanoma risk based on numbers of naevi according to sex, and high incidence of naevi on the trunk in men.

An abstract of the conference paper "JIA affected sibling pairs present high correlation for ANA and ILAR category," by T. Herlin, and colleagues, is presented.

Presents a correction to the article "Absence of the lipid phosphates SHIP2 confers resistance to dietary obesity," published in the February 2005 issue of "Natural Medicine."