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This case study was the first of its kind, where neutron computed tomography (CT) was applied to a wrapped mummified animal. Conventional X‐ray CT was also used to allow for meaningful comparison, and complementary data for a comprehensive investigation. Previous applications of both techniques are limited to metallic objects, such as bronze Buddhas. The mummy used in this study (IA.2402) is dated between the Third Intermediate Period (1069–664 bce) to Late Period (664–332 bce) according to the wrapping style, and was originally believed to contain a complete skeleton of a feline. However, precise date and provenance were unknown. Our results prove the presence of only partial juvenile feline remains, and provide a date range for artefact creation (900–804 bce ± 30) and alteration (367–204 bce ± 30). Therefore, this study implements an established imaging technique (neutron CT) in a novel way, while preserving and conserving the intrinsic value of the artefact through non‐destructive investigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a case study of an 11-month-old baby boy was presented with rashes on the face and arms. Also discusses the diagnosis of variegated pigmentation, telangiectases and erosions on the skin after light microscopy, and identifying frameshift mutation in exons and introns through Sanger sequencing.

A tensonometer for stretching metal foils has been constructed for the study of strain broadening in X-ray diffraction line profiles. This device, which is designed for use on powder diffractometers and was tested on Station 2.3 at Daresbury Laboratory, allows in situ measurements to be performed on samples under stress. It can be used for data collection in either transmission or reflection modes using either symmetric or asymmetric diffraction geometries. As a test case, measurements were carried out on an 18 µm-thick copper foil experiencing strain levels of up to 5% using both symmetric reflection and symmetric transmission diffraction. All the diffraction profiles displayed peak broadening and asymmetry which increased with strain. The measured profiles were analysed by the fundamental-parameters approach using the TOPAS peak-fitting software. All the observed broadened profiles were modelled by convoluting a refineable diffraction profile, representing the dislocation and crystallite size broadening, with a fixed instrumental profile predetermined using high-quality LaB6 reference powder. The deconvolution process yielded `pure' sample integral breadths and asymmetry results which displayed a strong dependence on applied strain and increased almost linearly with applied strain. Assuming crystallite size broadening in combination with dislocation broadening arising from f.c.c. a/2〈110〉{111} dislocations, the variation of mechanical property with strain has been extracted. The observation of both peak asymmetry and broadening has been interpreted as a manifestation of a cellular structure with cell walls and cell interiors possessing high and low dislocation densities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background The hygiene hypothesis is often proposed to explain the high prevalence of atopy in the western world. Dysregulation of the immune system may result from inadequate exposure to micro-organisms such as mycobacteria. A small trial suggested that a killed extract of Mycobacterium vaccae ameliorates atopic dermatitis (AD). Objectives To confirm in a large clinical trial whether killed M. vaccae ameliorates AD in 5–16-year-old children. Methods This was a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, multi-centre study of the effect of intradermal injection of killed M. vaccae (0.1 or 1 mg) on patients, aged 5–16, with moderate-to-severe AD. Patients were followed up for 24 weeks. The primary end point was the change in severity of AD at 12 weeks, assessed using the six area, six-sign, atopic dermatitis (SASSAD) score. Secondary end points included changes in disease extent, patient's global assessment and children's dermatology life quality index. Results There were 166 patients randomized. The mean SASSAD score fell to a similar degree at week 12 in all treatment arms: from 33 to 24, (26%) in the high-dose group, from 30 to 23 (25%) in the low-dose group and from 36 to 27 (24%) in the placebo group ( P>0.05). Secondary end points followed the same trend. Adverse events were generally those expected to occur in this population. Injection site reactions occurred in 32 patients at week 4. Conclusions M. vaccae was no more effective than the placebo in ameliorating the severity of AD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Crisp expanded wafers were produced from extruded pellets containing specialty starches and flours derived from peas, lentils, corn and blends of lentils and corn. The density, hardness and consumer acceptability of the wafers varied with the different ingredients. The most acceptable products were produced from corn, lentils and blends of these two ingredients. The weight, density, stiffness and hardness of the wafers increased with the proportion of lentil flour used to make them. Sensory analysis suggested that consumer acceptability was optimal for blends containing between 40 and 80% of lentil flour. Stiffness and fracture force measured by texture profile analysis were correlated with the sensory attributes of hardness and toughness. The glycemic potential measured by in vitro digestion of the wafers was lower for the 100% lentil wafers compared with the 100% corn wafers because of the amount of starch in the grain. For combinations of corn and lentils, the carbohydrate digestion rate, and hence the glycemic potential, was lower than for either 100% corn or 100% lentil wafers. Blending of selected cereal flour ingredients should be a useful method for reducing the glycemic impact of cooked starchy snacks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The possibility of using X-ray diffraction to precisely monitor crystal structure at the extremes of pressure and temperature produced by shock-wave loading is explored. A summary of the advantages of using various X-ray sources for this work and an outline of the necessary experimental layout is given. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A letter to the editor is presented in response to the article related to a comparative study of the Children's Dermatology Life Quality Index in paediatric dermatology clinics in Great Britain and Bulgaria.

Discusses the case of a 10-year-old girl who developed phototoxic contact dermatitis from 5-methoxypsoralen in aromatherapy oil. Patch test results; Clinical signs and symptoms; Treatment.