Search

Existing modelling tools, developed to aid the design of efficient molecular wires and to better understand their charge‐transport behaviour and mechanism, have limitations in accuracy and computational cost. Further research is required to develop faster and more precise methods that can yield information on how charge transport properties are impacted by changes in the chemical structure of a molecular wire. In this study, we report a clear semilogarithmic correlation between charge transport efficiency and nuclear magnetic resonance chemical shifts in multiple series of molecular wires, also accounting for the presence of chemical substituents. The NMR data was used to inform a simple tight‐binding model that accurately captures the experimental single‐molecule conductance values, especially useful in this case as more sophisticated density functional theory calculations fail due to inherent limitations. Our study demonstrates the potential of NMR spectroscopy as a valuable tool for characterising, rationalising, and gaining additional insights on the charge transport properties of single‐molecule junctions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sleep quality and sleep duration are important for children's physical and mental health. Mental health diagnoses and sleep disturbances may be interlinked. We sought to identify the methods used to assess sleep in paediatric community‐based mental health programmes. A systematic review was conducted using an a priori protocol to ascertain the sleep assessment methods used in paediatric community‐based mental health programmes. Children for this review were defined as any person under the age of 19. Cochrane Library, CINAHL, Web of Science, ProQuest, APA PsycInfo, and PubMed databases were searched from January 2021 to March 2022. Of the 320 records screened, 314 records were excluded. Six studies were included for analysis. A variety of validated and non‐validated sleep instruments were used to measure sleep quality and a range of sleep disturbances in community health programmes for children. There were a limited number of studies associated with sleep assessment in paediatric community‐based settings suggesting this is an area of research that may be understudied. Sleep questionnaires were predominately completed by parents or guardians. Further research is required to establish the most effective method for screening sleep behaviour in paediatric community mental health programmes to understand the impact of sleep in the recovery of children and adolescents with mental health disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The phase II objective is to determine if oral azacitidine + R-miniCHOP should be tested further against R-miniCHOP based on estimates of 1-year PFS. S1918 incorporates the FIL Tool for baseline frailty assessment and a serial comprehensive geriatric assessment to evaluate effects of therapy on quality of life and functional status. Patients receive prephase therapy with prednisone 60-100 mg × 4-7 days to improve performance status and decrease early treatment-related mortality (Owens CN et al., 2015; Pfreundschuh M et al., 2008). [Extracted from the article]

Funding: NIH/NCI/NCTN grants U10CA180888/U10CA180819. Following a safety run-in of 12 patients per each experimental arm, the randomized Phase II study will enroll 180 patients to Arm 1: tafa-len + tazemetostat; Arm 2: tafa-len (control); or Arm 3: tafa-len + zanubrutinib (Figure 1). S2207: RANDOMIZED PHASE II STUDY OF THE ADDITION OF TARGETED AGENTS TO TAFASITAMAB-LENALIDOMIDE IN TRANSPLANT INELIGIBLE PATIENTS WITH RELAPSED/REFRACTORY LBCL. [Extracted from the article]

A "FUNCTIONAL CURE" MAY BE ACHIEVABLE IN A SUBSET OF PATIENTS WITH FOLLICULAR LYMPHOMA TREATED WITH CHEMOIMMUNOTHERAPY: 15-YEAR FOLLOW-UP OF PHASE III SWOG-S0016 S0016 enrolled patients with untreated advanced FL (bulky stage II or III-IV) between 2001 and 2008 and randomized them to CHOP × 6 followed by (131) I-tositumomab radioimmunotherapy (CHOP-RIT) or CHOP-R × 6; no maintenance was included. B Background: b Follicular lymphoma (FL) is considered incurable with current therapies which include chemoimmunotherapy as the standard of care for first line. [Extracted from the article]

B Conclusions: b Immuno-architectural patterns of higher focal Ki-67 staining in grade 1-2 FL are significantly associated with POD24, and high Ki-67 staining in peripheral patterns is associated with inferior 5-yr OS. B Background: b Follicular lymphoma (FL) is the most prevalent indolent B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma (B-NHL). Ki-67 staining is a widely available biomarker without a defined role in FL, however has potential to better highlight the tumor microenvironment (TME) based on its known colocalization with subsets of T-cells. [Extracted from the article]

The complexity and heterogeneity of patients with multimorbidity and polypharmacy renders traditional disease-oriented guidelines often inadequate and complicates clinical decision making. To address this challenge, guidelines have been developed on multimorbidity or polypharmacy. To systematically analyse their recommendations, we conducted a systematic guideline review using the Ariadne principles for managing multimorbidity as analytical framework. The information synthesis included a multistep consensus process involving 18 multidisciplinary experts from seven countries. We included eight guidelines (four each on multimorbidity and polypharmacy) and extracted about 250 recommendations. The guideline addressed (i) the identification of the target population (risk factors); (ii) the assessment of interacting conditions and treatments: medical history, clinical and psychosocial assessment including physiological status and frailty, reviews of medication and encounters with healthcare providers highlighting informational continuity; (iii) the need to incorporate patient preferences and goal setting: eliciting preferences and expectations, the process of shared decision making in relation to treatment options and the level of involvement of patients and carers; (iv) individualized management: guiding principles on optimization of treatment benefits over possible harms, treatment communication and the information content of medication/care plans; (v) monitoring and follow-up: strategies in care planning, self-management and medication-related aspects, communication with patients including safety instructions and adherence, coordination of care regarding referral and discharge management, medication appropriateness and safety concerns. The spectrum of clinical and self-management issues varied from guiding principles to specific recommendations and tools providing actionable support. The limited availability of reliable risk prediction models, feasible interventions of proven effectiveness and decision aids, and limited consensus on appropriate outcomes of care highlight major research deficits. An integrated approach to both multimorbidity and polypharmacy should be considered in future guidelines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: Attendance at structured diabetes education has been recommended internationally for all people with Type 2 diabetes. However, attendance rates are consistently low. This qualitative study aimed to explore experiences of attending and delivering Type 2 diabetes structured education programmes in Ireland and barriers and facilitators to attendance. Methods: People with Type 2 diabetes who had attended one of the three programmes delivered in Ireland and educators from the three programmes took part in semi‐structured telephone interviews. Interviews were audio‐taped, transcribed and analysed using inductive thematic analysis. Results: Twelve attendees and 14 educators were interviewed. Two themes were identified in relation to experiences of programme attendance and delivery: 'Structured education: addressing an unmet need' and 'The problem of non‐attendance'. The third theme 'Barriers to attendance: can't go, won't go, don't know and poor system flow' outlined how practicalities of attending, lack of knowledge of the existence and benefits, and limited resources and support for education within the diabetes care pathway impacts on attendance. The final theme 'Supporting attendance: healthcare professionals and the diabetes care pathway' describes facilitators to participants' attendance and the strategies educators perceived to be important in increasing attendance. Conclusions: Healthcare professionals have an important role in improving attendance at structured diabetes education programmes. Improving attendance may require promotion by healthcare professionals and for education to be better embedded and supported within the diabetes care pathway. What's new?: This is the first time that experiences, and barriers and facilitators to attendance at Type 2 diabetes structured education programmes have been explored among educators and attendees.Similar to a previous review, we identified 'Can't go' and 'Won't go' reasons for non‐attendance.We also identified two new categories: 'Don't know' – lack of knowledge of the existence and benefits of programmes and 'Poor system flow' – issues with healthcare system resources and lack of importance placed on education.Healthcare professionals have an important role in promoting attendance.Improving attendance may require education to be better embedded and supported within the diabetes care pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The author focuses on prospective clinical trial registration, a process in which clinical researchers publicize trial methodology details and conduct before participants are enrolled. Topics discussed include the purpose of prospectively registering a trial, such as increased transparency and decreased selective reporting about results; the role of journals in publication of clinical trial data; and the need for improving the consistency between trial registration and resulting articles.

Aims To systematically review the evidence on the costs and cost-effectiveness of self-management support interventions for people with diabetes. Background Self-management support is the provision of education and supportive interventions to increase patients' skills and confidence in managing their health problems, potentially leading to improvements in HbA1c levels in people with diabetes. Methods Randomized controlled trials, observational studies or economic modelling studies were eligible for inclusion in the review. The target population was adults with diabetes. Interventions had to have a substantial component of self-management support and be compared with routine care. Study quality was evaluated using the Consensus on Health Economic Criteria and International Society of Pharmacoeconomic Outcomes Research questionnaires. A narrative review approach was used. Results A total of 16 costing and 21 cost-effectiveness studies of a range of self-management support interventions were identified. There was reasonably consistent evidence across 22 studies evaluating education self-management support programmes suggesting these interventions are cost-effective or superior to usual care. Telemedicine-type interventions were more expensive than usual care and potentially not cost-effective. There was insufficient evidence regarding the other types of self-management interventions, including pharmacist-led and behavioural interventions. The identified studies were predominantly of poor quality, with outcomes based on short-term follow-up data and study designs at high risk of bias. Conclusions Self-management support education programmes may be cost-effective. There was limited evidence regarding other formats of self-management support interventions. The poor quality of many of the studies undermines the evidence base regarding the economic efficiency of self-management support interventions for people with diabetes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

What is known and objective Paritaprevir/ritonavir/ombitasvir+dasabuvir (Pr OD) is a direct-acting antiviral ( DAA) approved for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C virus. We report on a probable interaction between Pr OD with ribavirin and warfarin. Case description Two weeks after the start of Pr OD with ribavirin, the patient's international normalized ratio ( INR) became subtherapeutic. Eleven weeks into therapy and following a 125% total increase in the weekly warfarin dose, therapeutic INR was achieved. Thirteen days after DAA therapy was completed and discontinued, the patient's INR became critically supratherapeutic. What is new and conclusion Patients on Pr OD plus ribavirin with warfarin should have INR followed closely upon initiation and discontinuation of therapy due to a probable drug interaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

What is known and objective Although non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs ( NSAIDs) have been studied in randomized, controlled trials and meta-analyses in an effort to determine their cardiovascular ( CV) risks, no consensus has been reached. These studies continue to raise questions, including whether cyclooxygenase-2 ( COX-2) selectivity plays a role in conferring CV risk. We performed a meta-analysis of current literature to determine whether COX-2 selectivity leads to an increased CV risk. Methods We utilized randomized, controlled trials and prospective cohort studies. We selected eight NSAIDs based on popularity and COX selectivity and conducted a search of the MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane databases. Primary endpoints included any myocardial infarction (MI), any stroke, CV death, and a combination of all three (composite CV outcomes). Twenty-six studies were found that met inclusion and exclusion criteria. Comparisons were made between all included drugs, against placebo, and against non-selective NSAIDs (nsNSAIDs). Drugs were also compared against COX-2 selective inhibitors (COXIBs) with and without inclusion of rofecoxib. Results and discussion Incidence of MI was increased by rofecoxib in all comparison categories [all NSAIDs ( OR: 1·811, 95% CI: 1·379-2·378), placebo ( OR: 1·655: 95% CI: 1·029-2·661), ns NSAIDs ( OR: 2·155, 95% CI: 1·146-4·053), and COXIBs ( OR: 1·800, 95% CI: 1·217-2·662)], but was decreased by celecoxib and naproxen in the COXIB comparison [(OR: 0·583, 95% CI: 0·396-0·857) and (OR: 0·609, 95% CI: 0·375-0·989, respectively]. Incidence of stroke was increased by rofecoxib in comparisons with all NSAIDs and other COXIBs [( OR: 1·488, 95% CI: 1·027-2·155) and ( OR: 1·933, 95% CI: 1·052-3·549), respectively]. Incidence of stroke was decreased by celecoxib when compared with all NSAIDs, nsNSAIDs, and COXIBs [( OR: 0·603, 95% CI: 0·410-0·887), ( OR: 0·517, 95% CI: 0·287-0·929), and ( OR: 0·509, 95% CI: 0·280-0·925), respectively]. No NSAID reached statistical significance in regard to CV death. Incidence of the composite endpoint was increased by rofecoxib when compared against all NSAIDs, placebo, and other COXIBs [( OR: 1·612, 95% CI: 1·313-1·981), ( OR: 1·572, 95% CI: 1·123-2·201) and ( OR: 1·838, 95% CI: 1·323-2·554), respectively]. Incidence of composite endpoint was decreased by celecoxib in the all NSAIDs and COXIBs comparisons [( OR: 0·805, 95% CI: 0·658-0·986) and ( OR: 0·557, 95% CI: 0.404-0.767), respectively]. When rofecoxib was removed from the COXIBs group, no difference was found with any comparison, suggesting rofecoxib skewed the data. What is new and conclusion This instead of the meta-analysis suggests that COX-2 selectivity may not play a role in the CV risk of NSAIDs. Rofecoxib was the only drug to demonstrate harm and skewed the data of the COX-2 selective group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Assessment and reporting of adverse events (AEs) in studies of perioperative interventions is critical given the potential for unintended and preventable iatrogenic morbidity and mortality. This focused review evaluated the quality of AE assessment and reporting in acute post-operative pain treatment trials. Since older analgesics (e.g., opioids, NSAIDs) already have a well-characterized safety profile, we concentrated on trials of pregabalin and gabapentin as a representative sample of studies where the perioperative safety profile was relatively unknown.Methods: We reviewed primary reports of trials of pregabalin and gabapentin for treatment of acute post-operative pain for: (1) adherence to the 10 recommendations from the 'CONSORT Extension for Harms,' (2) AE assessment method, (3) timing of AE assessment and reporting, and (4) assessment and reporting of AE severity.Results: We identified 31 trials of pregabalin and 59 of gabapentin. The median number of CONSORT harms recommendations that were satisfied was 7 of 10. The most common (41%) method of AE assessment was direct questioning about specific AEs by investigators. However, AE assessment method was not described in 18% of trials. AE assessments were reported for specified perioperative time points in only 24% of trials. Of greatest concern, no AE data were reported whatsoever in 8 of the included publications.Conclusions: Considerable widespread improvements are needed in AE reporting for post-operative pain treatment trials. In addition to heightened awareness among clinical investigators, mandatory journal editorial policies may further facilitate improvements in safety assessment and reporting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Structured Abstract Objectives To determine minimal dose levels required for local inhibition of orthodontic relapse by recombinant OPG protein ( OPG-Fc), while also determining effects of injected OPG-Fc on alveolar bone and long bone. Setting and Sample Population The Department of Orthodontics and Pediatric Dentistry at the University of Michigan. Eighteen male Sprague Dawley rats. Materials & Methods Maxillary molars were moved with nickel-titanium springs and then allowed to relapse in Sprague Dawley rats. Upon appliance removal, animals were injected with a single dose of 1.0 mg/kg OPG-Fc, 0.1 mg/kg OPG-Fc, or phosphate-buffered saline (vehicle) just distal to the molar teeth. Tooth movement measurements were made from stone casts, which were scanned and digitally measured. Alveolar tissues were examined by histology. Micro-computed tomography was used to quantify changes in alveolar and femur bone. Results Local injection of OPG-Fc inhibited molar but not incisor relapse, when compared to vehicle-injected animals. No significant differences in alveolar or femur bone were seen between the three treatment groups after 24 days of relapse. Conclusions Our results demonstrate that a single local injection of OPG-Fc effectively inhibits orthodontic relapse, with minimal systemic bone metabolic effects. Our results also show that a single injection of OPG-Fc will influence tooth movement only in teeth close to the injection site. These findings indicate that OPG-Fc has potential as a safe and effective pharmacological means to locally control osteoclasts, for uses such as maintaining anchorage during orthodontic tooth movement and preventing orthodontic relapse in humans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

What is known and objective Fibromyalgia is a painful disease affecting 1-2% of the United States population. Serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), such as duloxetine and milnacipran, are well studied and frequently used for treating this disorder. However, efficacy data are limited for the SNRI venlafaxine despite its use in nearly a quarter of patients with fibromyalgia. Accordingly, we systematically reviewed the efficacy of venlafaxine for treatment of fibromyalgia. Methods PubMed, Web of Science and the Cochrane Database were searched using the terms 'venlafaxine' and 'fibromyalgia'. Results were classified as primary studies or review articles based on abstract review. References of review articles were evaluated to ensure no primary studies evaluating venlafaxine were overlooked. All clinical studies that investigated venlafaxine for the treatment of fibromyalgia were included and graded on strength of evidence. Results and discussion Five studies met the inclusion criteria, including 4 open-label cohort studies and 1 randomized, controlled trial. Study durations ranged from 6 weeks to 6 months, and study sizes ranged from 11 to 102 participants. Four of the five published studies reported improvement in at least one outcome. Generally consistent improvements were observed in pain-related outcome measures, including the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (range, 26-29% reduction; n = 2 studies), Visual Analog Scale (range, 36-45% reduction; n = 2 studies), McGill Pain Questionnaire (48% reduction; n = 1 study) and Clinical Global Impression scale (51% had significant score change; n = 1 study). However, the few studies identified were limited by small sample size, inconsistent use of outcomes and methodological concerns. What is new and conclusion Studies assessing the efficacy of venlafaxine in the treatment of fibromyalgia to date have been limited by small sample size, inconsistent venlafaxine dosing, lack of placebo control and lack of blinding. In the context of these limitations, venlafaxine appears to be at least modestly effective in treating fibromyalgia. Larger randomized controlled trials are needed to further elucidate the full benefit of venlafaxine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

INFORMAS (International Network for Food and Obesity/non-communicable diseases Research, Monitoring and Action Support) aims to monitor and benchmark the healthiness of food environments globally. In order to assess the impact of food environments on population diets, it is necessary to monitor population diet quality between countries and over time. This paper reviews existing data sources suitable for monitoring population diet quality, and assesses their strengths and limitations. A step-wise framework is then proposed for monitoring population diet quality. Food balance sheets ( FBa S), household budget and expenditure surveys ( HBES) and food intake surveys are all suitable methods for assessing population diet quality. In the proposed 'minimal' approach, national trends of food and energy availability can be explored using FBa S. In the 'expanded' and 'optimal' approaches, the dietary share of ultra-processed products is measured as an indicator of energy-dense, nutrient-poor diets using HBES and food intake surveys, respectively. In addition, it is proposed that pre-defined diet quality indices are used to score diets, and some of those have been designed for application within all three monitoring approaches. However, in order to enhance the value of global efforts to monitor diet quality, data collection methods and diet quality indicators need further development work. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Goldstein RB, Dawson DA, Smith SM, Grant BF. Antisocial behavioral syndromes and 3-year quality-of-life outcomes in United States adults. Objective: To examine 3-year quality-of-life (QOL) outcomes among United States adults with Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders - Fourth Edition (DSM-IV) antisocial personality disorder (ASPD), syndromal adult antisocial behavior without conduct disorder (CD) before age 15 [adulthood antisocial behavioral syndrome (AABS), not a DSM-IV diagnosis], or no antisocial behavioral syndrome at baseline. Method: Face-to-face interviews ( n = 34 653). Psychiatric disorders were assessed using the Alcohol Use Disorder and Associated Disabilities Interview Schedule - DSM-IV Version. Health-related QOL was assessed using the Short-Form 12-Item Health Survey, version 2 (SF-12 v2). Other outcomes included past-year Perceived Stress Scale-4 (PSS-4) scores, employment, receipt of Supplemental Security Income (SSI), welfare, and food stamps, and participation in social relationships. Results: Antisocial personality disorder and AABS predicted poorer employment, financial dependency, social relationship, and physical health outcomes. Relationships of antisociality to SSI and food stamp receipt and physical health scales were modified by baseline age. Both antisocial syndromes predicted higher PSS-4, AABS predicted lower SF-12 v2 Vitality, and ASPD predicted lower SF-12 v2 Social Functioning scores in women. Conclusion: Similar prediction of QOL by ASPD and AABS suggests limited utility of requiring CD before age 15 to diagnose ASPD. Findings underscore the need to improve prevention and treatment of antisocial syndromes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Infection with the intracellular protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii ( T. gondii) causes health problems to both humans and livestock and has a large economic impact worldwide. The immune response in sheep following infection with T. gondii was evaluated using six different combinations of plasmid DNA, recombinant antigen and adjuvant. Sheep were generally vaccinated twice by intramuscular injection with plasmid DNA containing gene sequences for either the surface antigen (SAG1) or the rhoptry protein (ROP1) of T. gondii. Two of the groups injected with plasmid DNA SAG1 were boosted with recombinant protein (SAG1). We investigated the efficacy of including oligodeoxynucleotides (ODN) that contain CG motifs (CpG) and the gene coding for ovine granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF) as potential adjuvants. Administration of the plasmid encoding the ROP1 gene significantly enhanced both IFN-γ production from peripheral blood cells when cultured in vitro with Toxoplasma antigen, and ROP1-specific IgG1 and IgG2 antibody levels present in serum. However, injection with SAG1 did not stimulate IFN-γ production. These results indicate the potential of ROP1, given as plasmid DNA, as a potential vaccine candidate to protect sheep against T. gondii infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Despite frequent clinical use, information about the pharmacokinetics and efficacy of pantoprazole in camelids is not available. Objectives: To examine the pharmacokinetics of both IV and SC pantoprazole and to determine whether pantoprazole administration would increase 3rd compartment pH in alpacas. Animals: Six healthy adult alpacas. Methods: Alpacas were fitted with a 3rd compartment cannula for measuring gastric pH. After recovery, alpacas received 1 mg/kg pantoprazole IV, q24h for 3 days or 2 mg/kg SC q24h for 3 days. Alpacas received both IV and SC pantoprazole, with a minimum of 3 weeks between treatments. Third compartment pH was recorded and plasma samples were taken for pharmacokinetic analysis. Results: Pantoprazole induced a slow but sustained increase in 3rd compartment pH when given by both the IV and SC routes. Third compartment pH was significantly increased as compared with baseline values (1.81 ± 0.7; mean ± SD) at 24 (2.47 ± 0.8), 48 (3.53 ± 1.0) and 72 hours (4.03 ± 1.3) after daily IV administration of pantoprazole. Third compartment pH increased from 1.73 ± 0.6 at baseline to 3.05 ± 1.1, 4.02 ± 1.4, and 3.61 ± 1.6 at 24, 48, and 72 hours after SC administration, respectively. Pharmacokinetic analysis demonstrated that pantoprazole had a short elimination half-life (0.47 + 0.06 h) and a high clearance rate (12.2 ± 2.9 mL/kg/min) after both IV and SC administration. Conclusions and Clinical Relevance: Based on the results of this study, pantoprazole represents a safe and effective drug for increasing 3rd compartment pH in camelids. Either IV or SC administration is likely to be an effective treatment for gastric ulcers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To develop a simple and effective surgical technique for third-compartment cannulation in alpacas. Design Prospective study using six adult male alpacas. Methods General anaesthesia was induced and a polyurethane gastrostomy tube was surgically implanted into the distal portion of the third compartment. Results Three of the alpacas retained their cannulas for a 100-day period; however, three cannulas were dislodged during the study. Two of the three dislodged cannulas were replaced during a second surgical procedure. Cannulas were well tolerated by the alpacas and all animals remained clinically healthy during the study period. Third compartment contents did not leak from the cannulation site. The tubes were manually removed following the completion of the study and the small defect in the body wall quickly healed over in all animals. Conclusion Surgical placement of polyurethane tubes designed for percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy is a useful method of cannulating the third compartment in camelids. This technique can be used for experimental studies and possibly could be used for nutritional support and fluid therapy in sick camelids that might need long-term care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a study on the role of matrix metalloproteinase 13 (MMP-13) in osteoarthritis (OA). It is stated in the study that OA prognosis is determined by the erosion of articular cartilage and MMP-13 is responsible for collagen release. It notes that cartilage aggrecan loss and chondrocyte hypertrophy were analyzed in MMP-13-knockout mice and wild-type mice. It also mentions that the study found that cartialge erosion can be inhibited by MMP-13 deficiency with aggrecan depletion.

Maintaining an intact nutrient supply in the food system flown on spacecraft is a critical issue for mission success and crew health. Ground-based evidence indicates that some vitamins may be altered and fatty acids oxidized (and therefore rendered useless, or even dangerous) by long-term storage and by exposure to radiation, both of which will be issues for long-duration exploration missions in space. In this study, the stability of nutrients was investigated in food samples exposed to spaceflight on the Intl. Space Station (ISS). A total of 6 replicates of 5 different space food items, a multivitamin, and a vitamin D supplement were packaged into 4 identical kits and were launched in 2006 on the space shuttle. After 13, 353, 596, and 880 d of spaceflight aboard the ISS, the kits were returned to Earth. Nine replicates of each food item and vitamin, from the same lots as those sent into space, remained in an environmental chamber on Earth to serve as controls at each time point. Vitamins, hexanal, oxygen radical absorbance capacity, and amino acids were measured in identical-lot food samples at each time point. After 596 d of spaceflight, differences in intact vitamin concentrations due to duration of storage were observed for most foodstuffs, but generally, nutrients from flight samples did not degrade any faster than ground controls. This study provided the 1st set of spaceflight data for investigation of nutrient stability in the food system, and the results will help NASA design food systems for both ISS and space exploration missions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the use of event-related brain potentials (ERPs) as a neurophysiological measure of eyewitness identification accuracy during a lineup task (ERP-lineup). Time delay between viewing the crime and completing the ERP-lineup (no-delay, 1-h delay and 1-week delay conditions) and culprit presence or absence were also manipulated. Results demonstrated that a P300 provided a reliable index of recognition of the culprit relative to the other lineup members across all time delay conditions. Although participants' accuracy decreased at the 1-week time delay compared to no delay and the 1-h time delay, the P300 effect remained strong for participants that made correct identifications irrespective of the time delay. In addition, the P300 was attenuated or was not elicited when the culprit was absent from the lineup. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim To explore the beliefs, attitudes and perceptions of adults with Type 2 diabetes and their family members. Methods Focus groups were conducted with: (i) people with good diabetes control (HbA1c < 7.0%); (ii) their family members; (iii) people with poor diabetes control (HbA1c > 8.5%); and (iv) their family members. Results There were no discernible differences between those with good and poor diabetes control or between the family members of each group. Overall, family members perceived diabetes to be more serious and as having a greater impact on daily life than those with the illness. Those with diabetes were unaware of this heightened concern and had a more relaxed approach to living with diabetes. The lack of information and perceived knowledge about diabetes impacted upon participants’ causal attributions about the illness and its perceived severity. Conclusions Diabetes is an illness that affects both individuals and families. There is a need for further investigation into the impact that family members have on the management of diabetes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

1 It is widely known that many bark and wood-boring beetle species use nonresistant coarse woody debris (CWD) created by disturbances; however, the ability of these secondary species to cause mortality in healthy trees following a build-up of their populations remains unclear. We characterized the pattern of colonization by Ips pini (Say) following a major ice storm that created large amounts of CWD varying in resistance to colonization (i.e. ranging from snapped tops with no resistance to heavily damaged trees with intact root systems). A major question was how the beetles responded to the different types of storm-damaged material and whether healthy undamaged trees were colonized and killed following increases in beetle populations. 2 Six red pine, Pinus resinosa Ait., plantations in eastern Ontario were monitored from 1998 to 2001 inclusive: three with high storm damage (approximately 120 m3/ha CWD) and three with minimal damage (approximately 20 m3/ha CWD). Transects (200 × 2 m) were sampled yearly in each plantation to assess the type and amount of damaged pine brood material colonized by the pine engraver beetle, I. pini. 3 Beetles preferentially infested the most nonresistant material available each year (i.e. all snapped tops in year 1, all standing snags, up-rooted trees and many bent trees by year 2, but still less than 50% of trees blown over but with intact root systems by year 3). By years 3 and 4, the majority (approximately 75%) of severely damaged trees (with > 50% crown loss) died prior to beetle colonization. 4 The size of the beetle population tracked the abundance of available woody material from year-to-year within a plantation; populations were very large in the first 2 years, and declined significantly in the last 2 years. 5 Healthy standing red pines were apparently resistant to colonization by the beetles, despite the significant build-up in their populations. Hence, the results of the present study suggest that native bark beetle populations will not cause further tree mortality following such a disturbance in this region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is a paucity of research into rural health care services. In particular little is known about the provision of specialist cancer services for patients who live in remote rural areas of the UK. This study set out to investigate current models of medical and clinical oncology care in Scotland. A national survey with key health professionals was conducted to identify rural oncology schemes currently in operation. Detailed quantitative data about the schemes together with qualitative data on how health professionals view current models of care were collected by a computer-assisted telephone survey. Schemes that currently provide outpatient and chemotherapy oncology services for remote rural patients fell into three categories: central clinics (5); shared care outreach clinics with chemotherapy provision (11); and shared care outreach clinics without chemotherapy provision (7). All radiotherapy was conducted at central clinics (5). Widely varying practices in delivery of cancer care were found across the country. The main issues for professionals about current models of care involved expertise, traveling and accessibility (for patients), communication and expansion of the rural service. Nation-wide consistency in cancer care has still to be achieved. Traveling for treatment was seen to take its toll on all patients but particularly for the very remote, elderly and poor. Most professionals believe that an expansion of rural services would be of benefit to these patients. It is clear, however, that the proper infrastructure needs to be in place in terms of local expertise, ensured quality of care, and good communication links with cancer centres before this could happen. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Examines the association between symbols and their meanings in the context of analytical psychology. Evidence of collective unconscious memory; Relationship between morphic resonance and collective unconscious; Development of archetypal symbol inventory.

The electrophoretic patterns and biological characteristics were compared for seven strains of Trichogramma minutum Riley collected from different geographical regions in eastern North America. Patterns of 16 enzyme systems from group extracts were described using starch gel electrophoresis; of these, seven could be used to differentiate the strains. General protein patterns did not show obvious differences between the strains. The mean developmental threshold for all strains, over all rearing temperatures, was 10.5 (± 1.7)°C. One strain had a significantly higher (166.2 °D) thermal constant than the remaining strains (X = 137.8 °D). Biological characteristics including the proportion of female progeny, longevity, and fecundity differed significantly between the strains when they were reared at either 13, 15, 17, 20, 23, or 27°C and on either Ephestia kuehniella (Zeller) or Choristoneura fumiferana (Clemens). No one strain performed consistently better than the others under all rearing conditions examined. The identification of T. minutum strains has implications for future mass production and release in the field. Zusammenfassung Stämme des Eiparasitoiden Trichogramma minutum Ril. I. Biochemische und biologische Charakterisierung Biologische Merkmale und Elektrophorese-Profile von 7 Trichogramma minutum Ril.-Stämmen, die aus verschiedenen geographiscnen Regionen des östlichen Nordamerika stammen, wurden miteinander verglichen. Zuerst wurden 16 Enzymsysteme mit Hilfe der Stärkegelelektrophorese untersucht. Sieben der Enzymsysteme erwiesen sich als brauchbar, urn die Stämme zu unterschei-den. Proteinprofile zeigten keine auffälligen Unterschiede, urn die Stämme zu differenzieren. Der mittlere Schwellenwert für die Entwicklungstemperatur war 10.5 (± 1.7°C). Ein Stamm besaß eine signifikant höhere (166.2 °D) Thermal-Konstante als die übrigen Stamme (X = 137.8 °D). Biologische Merkmale, wie Anteil weiblicher Nachkommen, Lebensdauer und Fruchtbarkeit, differierten signifikant zwischen den Stämmen, wenn sie bei Temperaturen von 13, 15, 17, 20, 23 oder 27°C und auf Ephestia kuebniella oder Choristoneura fumiferana gezogen wurden. Die genaue Identifizierung der T. minutum-Stämme ist von großer Bedeutung für die zukünftige Massenproduktion und die Verwendung der Schlupfwespe im Freiland. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Inundative releases of Trichogramma minutum Riley for biological control of the spruce bud-worm, Choristoneura fumiferana (Clemens), were investigated in Canada's boreal forest during 1982 and 1983. The most significant factors affecting the level of egg mass parasitism were the time of release, the density of the parasitoids, and the local weather conditions. Food supply to the female parasitoids, vertical location of the host egg mass in the stand, intensity of solar radiation, and density of the host insect were less important. Parasitism was not affected by the tree species on which budworm egg masses were laid. Parasitoids reared at different temperatures and on different host eggs differed in biological characteristics and could influence the success of field releases. Geographical strains of T. minutum were not considered as important in subsequent releases as the rearing conditions because of the high degree of individual variation within each strain. Zusammenfassung Einflußfaktoren auf die Massenfreisetzung von Trichogramma minutum Riley gegen den Wickler Choristoneura fumiferana (Clemens) In den Wäldern der borealen Zone Kanadas wurden 1982 und 1983 Massenfreisetzungen von T. minutum zur biologischen Bekämpfung von Choristoneura fumiferana durchgeführt. Die wichtig-sten Einflußfaktoren auf die Eiparasitierungsrate waren der Zeitpunkt der Freisetzung, die Anzahl freigesetzter Parasitoide und die örtlichen Witterungsbedingungen. Weniger wichtig waren der Futtervorrat für die Parasitoiden-Weibchen, die vertikale Verteilung der Wirtseier im Bestand, Intensität der Sonneneinstrahlung und Wirtsdichte. Die Baumart, an der die Eier vom Wirt abgelegt wurden, war ohne Einfluß auf die Parasitierung. Parasitoide, die bei unterschiedlichen Temperaturen und in verschiedenen Wirtseiern gezüchtet wurden, unterschieden sich hinsichtlich biologischer Eigenschaften und beeinflußen dadurch den Erfolg der Freilandfreisetzungen. Die geographischen Herkünfte von T. minutum sind für die spätere Freisetzung von geringerer Bedeutung als die jeweiligen Aufzuchtsbedingungen, da innerhalb der Herkünfte große individu-elle Unterschiede bestehen. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent research on relationships between diatoms and pH suggests that the genus Cyclotella exhibits a strong relationship with lake acidity, being almost totally absent below pH 5.5. This decline has been used as an indicator of lake acidification in paleolimnological studies. In this study C. stelligera V.H. and C. kützingiana Thwaites were abundant in Precambrian Shield lakes with pH as low as 4.5. Cyclotella comta (Ehr.) Kütz. was found in lakes of pH < 5.5., but maximum abundance was observed in lakes of pH > 5.5. Cyclotella michiganiana Skv. was found in lakes of pH >6.0. These results indicate that the use of C. stelligera, C. kützingiana, and possibly C. comta, in paleolimnological investigations of lake acidification, should be approached with caution. These taxa may exhibit a decline in abundance with decreasing lake-water pH, but this is partially a morphometric effect not necessarily related to anthropogenic acidification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]