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OFR-8 Figure 1ConclusionsInfliximab is associated with attenuated immunogenicity to a single-dose of the BNT162b2 and ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 SARS-CoV-2 vaccines. Vaccination after SARS-CoV-2 infection, or a second dose of vaccine, led to seroconversion in most patients. Delayed second dosing should be avoided in patients treated with infliximab.

This research consisted of developing a graphical user interface in Python language for the reconstruction of images based on the image-based propagation technique (PBI). The methodology used consisted of rewriting and ordering the existing code by reformulating it in the form of classes and methods to link them to the graphical user interface template using PyQt. The analysis requirements, design, and implementation of user graphic interface were explained. The graphical user interface permitted conducted two experiments using the image-based propagation technique (PBI) and analyzing their differences and similarities, and demonstrating that the algorithm for reconstruction was testing successfully.

Background and aim The need for permanent pacemaker implantation (PPMI) is a burdensome complication of transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). Calcium distribution in the aortic-valvular complex (AVC) and, more recently, membranous septum (MS) length seem to be surrogate markers for conduction abnormalities after specific last generation balloon and self-expandable expandable valves. We sough to evaluate whether such pre-procedural association remains across the entire device spectrum. Methods Single-centre prospective study of 239 consecutive patients (140 women, median age of 84) with severe symptomatic aortic stenosis patients who underwent ECG-gated contrast-enhanced multi-detector computed tomography (MSCT) before TAVR since Jun/2017. Exclusion criteria were those with previous PPMI, previous bioprothesis, congenital bicuspid valve, and poor imaging quality. The J-score with an 850-Hounsfield unit threshold was used to detect areas of calcium in the region of interest. AVC was characterized by leaflet sector and region, using 3mensio Valves software 7.0 TM. An independent team retrospectively measured MS length blindly by determining the thinnest part of the interventricular septum in the coronal view in the better-defined systolic phase (usually at 40% of the R-R interval, Figure). Device selection (75.8% self-expandable devices, 20.1% balloon expandable, 3.1% other) and positioning were performed according to the operator criteria. Final implant depth was assessed based on the pre-release angiogram or final aortography. Results Mortality at 30-days was 1.3% and PPMI occurred in 43 patients (18%). Median MS length was 9.59mm (IQR: 3.11mm). After multivariable logistic regression analysis, MS length emerged as the single significant protective predictor for PPMI (OR: 0.14; 95% 95% CI: 0.05–0.42; p Conclusion In our experience, a short membranous septum was strongly and independently associated with new permanent pacemaker implantation, regardless of the device type. Our findings suggest that this simple measure should be routinely made to help device selection and implantation technique. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: None

Introduction: Orthogeriatric care has led to improved outcomes in the management of patients admitted to hospital with hip fractures. Such an interprofessional multidisciplinary collaboration ensured that the complex needs of older people with hip fractures are met. This thesis considered the role of an orthogeriatric model of care for patients in hospital with vertebral fragility fractures. To support such a care model, certain conditions had to be met. The number of patients admitted to hospital warrant such a service, these patients have complex care needs, their outcomes poor and that hospital care had to be delivered by healthcare professionals with specific knowledge and skills. Method: A multi-method study was conducted which synthesised findings from a systematic review of characteristics and outcomes of patients admitted to hospital with vertebral fragility fractures, an observational study of patients requiring hospital treatment, and a modified-Delphi consensus study to determine how these patients should be managed in hospital. Results: The annual incidence of hospital admission for the UK was estimated at 6 per 10,000/year in patients over the age of 50 years. Those admitted were in severe pain, especially during mobilisation which restricted their daily living. These patients were older, mostly in their ninth decade of life, reported a high prevalence of frailty, multimorbidity and cognitive impairment. In addition to treating the acute fracture, their care in hospital involved managing their concomitant medical diagnosis, falls risk, bone health and rehabilitation requirements. This required input from healthcare professionals with medical, surgical, nursing and therapy background. After an average of 2 weeks in hospital, up to half did not return to their usual residence but required an increase in care, either temporary or permanent. One-third at 6 months after hospital discharge remained in pain. Many do not return to their pre-fracture level of function. One-year mortality can be as high as 27%. Worse outcomes were associated with increasing age and comorbidities. Clinicians with responsibility for managing patients with vertebral fragility fractures in hospital agreed that a coordinated multidisciplinary approach was required. Discussion: Those admitted to hospital with vertebral fragility fractures are vulnerable to the adverse effects of their fracture and hospitalisation. A systematic organised service, i.e. orthogeriatric care for these patients can address their care needs. Conclusion: There is a role for an orthogeriatric model of care for patients admitted to hospital with vertebral fragility fractures. The next phase is to evaluate the feasibility in delivering such a service and gauge the resources required for it.

Although significant progress has been made into better understanding interactions between biodiversity and wind farms, providing accurate and reliable assessment methods that allow studying the real effects of these projects is of major importance. Focusing on the Portuguese wind energy development current status and by referring to other international guidelines, the currently applied general procedures were compiled in a step-by-step process, from pre-project development to the operation phases. Today, legislation stipulates that impact assessment is mandatory for most of the energy development projects in Portugal, including wind energy. Wind farm impact assessment starts—in most cases—with baseline studies to allow prediction of the main impacts expected on wildlife, as well as the presence of endangered species and/or landscape features. This may lead to the need for layout adjustment or the definition of mitigation measures on site. When a project is approved, even if it is assumed that the major impacts have been identified and mitigated, that does not mean that it is free of negative effects. It is of major importance that the real impacts are evaluated during construction and operation phases based on the methods applied during pre-construction. In addition, the establishment of a reference area to compare with the wind farm situation is fundamental. These temporal and spatial features should be assessed by a before-after-control-impact design. A basis of the sampling and data collection methods is also addressed in this chapter according to most commonly targeted biodiversity (fauna and flora). Techniques vary from standard field surveys by one or more observers to the use of less common and more recent technologies.

Exponential growth of the wind energy industry in Portugal entails a non-negligible pressure on wildlife, especially on bird and bat communities that must be studied. In this chapter, a general characterisation of the wind energy industry in mainland Portugal is provided, in association with a quantitative analysis of the direct impacts identified over the past 10 years. Aiming to identify the species most affected by wind turbine-caused fatalities, we analysed the reports of 44 monitoring programmes pertaining to wind farms in their operational phase conducted between 2005 and 2015. The information gathered from these reports, combined with the general characteristics of the territory and the timeframe when fatalities happened, highlighted both spatial and temporal fatality hotspots for the bird and bat communities. Our analysis revealed a higher fatality concentration in northern Portugal and, although several of the affected species are widespread and of least conservation concern, they are migratory and have known fatalities in neighbouring countries. Such findings emphasise the importance of studying the impacts at a regional scale, using a single framework, since the cumulative effects on the populations’ viability are currently unknown and require further investigation.

The impact of the operation of wind farms on birds and bats in terms of true fatality is still unknown. However, fatality numbers can be estimated using statistical methods that have improved over recent years, aiming to provide a closer representation of the real ecological conditions. To assess which statistical methods have been used to estimate bird and bat fatality in the Portuguese context, we analysed 225 wind farm fatality monitoring reports, published between 2005 and 2015, and concluded that the methodology is not standardised. Importantly, the estimators used to calculate fatality differ amongst the environmental specialists and over time. These findings can hamper an integrated analysis of the impacts caused by wind farms at a national scale and bias the importance of cumulative impacts. We also reviewed the most recently published fatality estimators in order to better understand their applicability to the Portuguese private environmental consultancy context. Our analysis identified the criteria that most influences the implementation of a valuable fatality estimation methodology and assembled a list of considerations that a best practice guidelines protocol can be based upon for application at both the regional and national scale.

A elevada incidência da pobreza e os grandes desequilíbrios nas condições socioeconômicas dos indivíduos residentes no meio rural dos estados da região Nordeste, são objeto de estudo quando se busca entender as diferentes dinâmicas geográficas do desenvolvimento econômico brasileiro. A partir dos anos 90, mesmo com a evolução positiva no desempenho econômico do país e com as grandes transformações econômicas ocorridas nas duas últimas décadas, observou-se que os progressos na redução dos problemas sociais no Nordeste rural foram bastante inferiores aos das demais regiões. O objetivo do trabalho é mostrar os efeitos das rendas Não-Agrícolas sobre os indicadores de pobreza Foster-Greer-Thorbecke (FGT) para as famílias rurais do estado de Pernambuco utilizando a metodologia Propensity Score Matching (PSM). De acordo com os resultados observados, o impacto médio das rendas não agrícolas sobre as exclusivamente agrícolas é de R$ 177,93 e R$ 180,40 pelos dois métodos de pareamento utilizados; a proporção de pobres cai mais de 24 pontos percentuais; o hiato da pobreza é reduzido em média 27 pontos percentuais e a severidade da pobreza diminui mais de 22 pontos percentuais., Revista de Ciências Agrárias, vol. 40 n.º 1 (2017)

Background: The incidence rates of breast cancer in developed countries increased between 1980 and 1990 due to use of breast cancer screening and lifestyle changes. Since 2000, however, breast cancer incidence has decreased in these areas, which is possibly attributed to less exposure to hormone replacement therapy. Since 1990, the United States, United Kingdom, and France have reported a reduction in breast cancer related deaths, mainly due to improved early detection and more effective therapies. Data considering the trend of incidence and mortality rates in Brazil are scarce. Herein, we have evaluated these trends in a population-based cancer registry. Methods: We have collected the data from annual rates of breast cancer incidence (BCI) and mortality from breast cancer (MBC) in a population-based cancer registry in Jau (Sao Paulo State, Brazil) and joinpoint regression analysis was used to evaluate the incidence and mortality trends. Annual average percentage change (AAPC) was estimated and increase or decrease in rates was considered when AAPC was statistically significant (p value less than 0.05), otherwise it was considerable stable. Results: BCI and MBC rates are exposed in Table 1 and 2, respectively. Table 1. BCI in Jau-SP, from 2000 to 2009.YearNumber of casesBCI (/100,000 women)20003160.9720012944.6520024367.4520033857.6520043143.8820053957.2320062739.2020073744.0320083946.6220093839.33 AAPC for BCI was -3.02% (p = 0.1226) and for MBC was -9,77% (p = 0.0082). Conclusion: This data from a population-based cancer registry demonstrates that in Jau (Sao Paulo, Brazil), from 2000 to 2009, BCI was stable and MBC has decreased. Table 2. MBC in Jau-SP, from 2000 to 2009.YearBreast Cancer Related DeathsMBC (/100,000 women)20001320.3620010915.4720021219.8620031216.5620040813.652005067.9520061318.6220070911.312008078.382009076.96 Citation Information: Cancer Res 2013;73(24 Suppl): Abstract nr P3-06-24.

Introduction: Although older individuals are more prone to hypoglycaemia, it is not known if they have sufficient understanding of the risks of hypoglycaemia or the factors that predispose to it. We evaluated the effectiveness of hypoglycaemia education and examined the factors that increased susceptibility to hypoglycaemia among older people with diabetes. Methods: Forty-five patients (male/female) aged >65 years and known to have diabetes were identified through outpatient clinics at a secondary care hospital. Information relating to education received, awareness of hypoglycaemia and associated risk factors was collected using a standard questionnaire. Additionally, data regarding demographics, treatment regimes, patient attitudes, hypoglycaemic awareness and risks and barriers to self-management of diabetes was collected. Patients were categorised as low, moderate and high risk based on their responses. Independent sample t-tests and Analysis of Variance were carried out to identify factors contributing to high hypoglycaemic risk. Results: Overall, 70% of the patients reported receiving education about hypoglycaemia from health professionals and 95% of them reported good understanding of hypoglycaemia and were able to self-test. Proportion of women receiving education was, however, lower than men (52% women versus 88% men). Compared with men, women were less likely to recognise (59 versus 73%), or act appropriately to a hypoglycaemic episode (59 versus 78%). The mean number of hypoglycaemic episodes per year (41 versus 12) and the duration of hypoglycaemia (9.9 versus 6.3 min) was also greater among women compared with men. The duration of diabetes (P = 0.018), female gender, type 1 diabetes (0.002) and lack awareness of medications causing hypos (P = 0.006) were strong predictors of hypoglycaemia risk. Conclusions: There are significant gaps in education around hypoglycaemia in older people with diabetes. Women, people with longer duration and type 1 diabetes in particular, need additional attention and future educational initiatives need to address these issues.

Summary Background : We performed an audit of methotrexate for ulcerative colitis, because efficacy is unclear. Aim : To investigate the role of methotrexate in the management of ulcerative colitis. Methods : Patients with ulcerative colitis treated with oral methotrexate at the inflammatory bowel disease clinics of Oxford and Wycombe General Hospital, UK, were evaluated. Efficacy was defined by remission (complete steroid withdrawal for >3 months) and response (good, partial or nil, proportionate reduction of steroids). Results : There were 50 patients (42 ulcerative colitis alone; eight had rheumatoid arthritis associated with ulcerative colitis and were analysed separately). Indications for methotrexate in ulcerative colitis alone were azathioprine intolerance (31 of 42) and lack of benefit from azathioprine (11 of 42). The mean dose of methotrexate in ulcerative colitis alone was 19.9 mg/week for a median of 30 weeks (range: 7–395). Remission occurred in 42%. The response was good in 54% and partial in 18%. Side-effects occurred in 23%; 10% stopped treatment because of side-effects. Of those treated with methotrexate because of treatment failure with azathioprine, three of 11 achieved remission, but four came to colectomy within 90 days of starting methotrexate. The colitis remained in remission in seven of eight of those with RA treated with methotrexate and ulcerative colitis (mean dose 15.0 mg/week). Conclusion : Oral methotrexate (approximately 20 mg/week) is well-tolerated and moderately effective in steroid-dependent or steroid-refractory patients with ulcerative colitis.

Biological control systems are integral to New Zealand’s success as a nation reliant on exporting quality agricultural, forestry and horticultural products. The likely impacts of climate change projections to 2090 on one weed and four invertebrate management systems in differing production sectors were investigated, and it was concluded that most natural enemies will track the changing distributions of their hosts. The key climate change challenges identified were: disparities in natural enemy capability to change distribution, lack of frosts leading to emergence of new pests and additional pest generations, non-target impacts from range and temperature changes, increased disruptions caused by extreme weather events, disruption of host-natural enemy synchrony, and insufficient genetic diversity to allow evolutionary adaptation. Five classical biological control systems based on the introduced species Longitarsus jacobaeae, Cotesia kazak, Aphelinus mali, Microctonus aethiopoides and Microctonus hyperodae are discussed in more detail.

The objective of this work was to compare the efficiency of four pathometric variables, i.e., grading scale, infection intensity index, global leaf disease index, and global incidence and severity index, in evaluations of the passion fruit/Cowpea aphid-borne mosaic virus (CABMV) pathosystem. In ‘yellow’ passion fruit plants, mechanically inoculated with CABMV isolates, the degree of association between leaf symptoms and the total fruit yield was determined, as well as the relative infectivity between viral isolates. Only infection intensity index and the global incidence and severity index presented significant regressions with yield (p = 0.007 and 0.006, respectively). These two pathometric variables could also distinguish groups of viral isolates inducing different severity levels (0.001 and 0.002, respectively). The results indicate that infection intensity index and global incidence and severity index are equally efficient in early identification of passion fruit populations with a higher resistance/susceptibility level to CABMV, and can be helpful in identifying more severe CABMV isolates, both useful aids in breeding programs.

Aim Anal pain may occur in the absence of demonstrable anal pathology. Spasm of the sphincter muscles has been suggested as a cause in some patients. We aimed to assess the effectiveness of injection of botulinum toxin in treating this condition. Method Patients who had injection of botulinum toxin over a 3-year period were identified retrospectively. Patients were excluded if anal fissure or other organic pathology was found to account for their symptoms on examination under anaesthetic. Long-term outcome was assessed at a minimum 3-year post-procedure telephone follow up. Results Fourteen (eight male) patients were identified, of median age 50 years. Botulinum toxin (20–200 u) was injected into the internal sphincter. Seven of the 14 patients reported significant improvement in symptoms at 3 months. Seven were available for a structured telephone review at a median of 59 (42–68) months. The four patients who had benefited from the injection had remained asymptomatic. Conclusion Injection of botulinum toxin into the internal anal sphincter has a role in alleviating symptoms in a small proportion of patients with functional anal pain.

Haemorrhoids present often to primary and secondary care, and haemorrhoidal procedures are among the most common carried out. They may co-exist with more serious pathology, and correct evaluation is important. In most cases a one-off colonoscopy in patients aged 50 or above with flexible sigmoidoscopy in younger patients is reasonable. Many people with haemorrhoids do not require treatment. Topical remedies provide no more than symptomatic relief—and even evidence for this is poor. Bulk laxatives alone may improve symptoms of both bleeding and prolapse and seem as effective as injection sclerotherapy. Rubber band ligation is effective in 75% of patients in the short term, but does not treat prolapsed haemorrhoids or those with a significant external component. Conventional haemorrhoidectomy remains the most effective treatment in the long term, the main limitation being post-operative pain. Metronidazole, topical sphincter relaxants and operative technique have all been shown to reduce pain. Stapled haemorrhoidectomy and haemorrhoidal artery ligation techniques are probably less effective but less painful. Long-term data are poor for all procedures, with many studies reporting only 1–3 years of follow-up data. Haemorrhoids are common in pregnancy, occurring in 40% of women. They can usually be treated conservatively during pregnancy, with any treatment delayed until after delivery. Acutely strangulated haemorrhoids may be treated either conservatively or operatively. There is an increased risk of anal stenosis after acute surgery, but the risks of sepsis and sphincter damage are less significant than previously thought. The majority of patients who are treated conservatively will still require definitive treatment at a later date.

Production risks are an important factor in agricultural land use decision making due to the relative uncertainty associated with climatic variability, enterprise performance, and market returns. Profitability and risks of wheat production on the Canterbury Plains are related to variability in climatic, production, and economic factors. A spreadsheet-based risk analysis program (@RISK) was used to integrate data sets within a risk framework -for wheat production. This is shown to be an eflective tool for evaluating alternative management practices in relation to projtability and risk. Autumn sowing and irrigation were found to improve predicted economic returns whilst reducing risk when compared to commonly practised spring sowing of wheat under dryland conditions. Spring sowing is reliant on irrigation to reduce risk. Predictions that autumn-sown wheat under dryland conditions will achieve similar yields to irrigated spring-sown wheat indicate that increasing the proportion of autumn-sown wheat would promote more eficient use of scarce water resources. A geographic information System was used to identtfy and represent visually the spatial distribution of variability in wheat yields and the risk to economic returns. The authors foresee future application of these techniques to sustainable resource management issues because the integration of climate, soils, water balance, and land use performance data sets within a quantitative framework that accounts for social, economic, and environmental eflects through time and space is central to resource management decision making. 0 1997 Published by Elsevier Science Ltd

Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is an autoimmune disease in which the insulin-producing beta-cells are destroyed. Islet or pancreas transplantation can restore insulin secretion and are established therapies for subgroups of T1D patients. Long-term insulin-independence is, however, hampered by recurrent autoimmunity and rejection. Accurate monitoring of these immune events is therefore of critical relevance for the timely detection of deleterious immune responses. The identification of relevant immune biomarkers of allo- and autoreactivity has allowed a more accurate monitoring of disease progression and responses to therapy at early stages, allowing proper therapeutic intervention, and possibly improvements in the success rate of islet and pancreas transplantation. This review describes the tools established and validated to monitor immune correlates of auto- and alloreactivity that associate with clinical outcome and identifies challenges that current immunosuppression strategies trying to preserve islet graft function face.

Mode shape measurement of rectangular plates, one of a classical issue in structural vibrations, has been widely investigated for a long time. In principle, multiexcitation must be applied in order to obtain a single normal mode among many while shaking the structure at a single frequency. Yet this is not always the case in engineering practice. The reason is that computer-based multiexcitation usually involves expensive equipment and massive test work. Consequently, monoexcitation is being extensively employed as an inexpensive alternative. However, it only gives approximation of mode shapes with varying accuracy, depending largely on the test condition, such as available spatial resolution, excitation frequency, and location. With sparse spatial resolution of the conventional measurement scheme, such as piezoelectric accelerometer array, the consequential results are usually thought acceptable as one can hardly detect any minor differences between a normal mode and a contaminated mode shape.

Submitted by Vitor Silverio Rodrigues (vitorsrodrigues@reitoria.unesp.br) on 2014-05-20T13:14:08Z No. of bitstreams: 2 S0102-09352009000500005.pdf: 327878 bytes, checksum: 26eae606fe2ef4150bf2cfb5b80f68e7 (MD5) S0102-09352009000500005.pdf.txt: 14480 bytes, checksum: 25c09eee3fb694067a868fedda4c5288 (MD5) Made available in DSpace on 2014-05-20T13:14:08Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 2 S0102-09352009000500005.pdf: 327878 bytes, checksum: 26eae606fe2ef4150bf2cfb5b80f68e7 (MD5) S0102-09352009000500005.pdf.txt: 14480 bytes, checksum: 25c09eee3fb694067a868fedda4c5288 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2009-10-01 Fundação para o Desenvolvimento da UNESP (FUNDUNESP) Foram avaliadas amostras de soro sanguíneo de 10 cães sadios e de 12 com linfoma, utilizando-se a eletroforese em gel de poliacrilamida contendo dodecil sulfato de sódio. Houve diferença entre as médias dos teores de proteína total de cães sadios, 7,68g/dL±0,46 e de cães com linfoma, 7,93g/dL±2,49. As concentrações de IgA e IgG não foram diferentes entre os grupos. Os teores das proteínas de pesos moleculares 142000, 110000, 52000, 49000, 24000 e 18000 dáltons foram mais elevados em cães com linfoma. Os cães com linfoma apresentaram concentrações mais elevadas de ceruloplasmina, 43,95mg/dL±18,19, e haptoglobina, 554mg/dL±449,51, e menores de albumina, 2908mg/dL±476,67, em comparação aos cães sadios (ceruloplasmina: 3,42mg/dL±7,44; haptoglobina: 94,54mg/dL±59,50 e albumina: 4207mg/dL±206,18). Conclui-se que concentrações séricas mais elevadas de ceruloplasmina e haptoglobina e menores de albumina podem estar associadas ao linfoma em cães. Blood serum samples of ten healthy dogs and 12 dogs with lymphoma were evaluated by means of sodium dodecil sulphate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. There was difference in total protein concentrations among healthy dogs, 7.68g/dL±0.46 and dogs with lymphoma, 7.93g/dL±2.49 values of immunoglobulins A and G presented no difference between groups. Serum proteins with molecular weights 142,000; 110,000; 52,000; 49,000; 24,000; and 18,000 Daltons presented increased concentrations in dogs with lymphoma. Dogs with lymphoma presented increased ceruloplasmin (43.95mg/dL±18.19) and haptoglobin (554mg/dL±449.51) values and lesser albumin concentration (2,908mg/dL±476.67) when compared to healthy dogs (ceruloplasmin: 3.42mg/dL±7.44; haptoglobin: 94.54mg/dL±59.50, and albumin: 4,207mg/dL±206.18). In conclusion, increased ceruloplasmin and haptoglobin and lesser albumin serum concentrations are possibly related to lymphoma in dogs. UNESP, Aluno Posgrad FCAV, Jaboticabal, SP, Brazil UNESP, Fac Ciencias Agr & Vet, Jaboticabal, SP, Brazil Universidade de Marília Universidade de Franca UNESP, Aluno Posgrad FCAV, Jaboticabal, SP, Brazil UNESP, Fac Ciencias Agr & Vet, Jaboticabal, SP, Brazil

Background Severe obstetric injury can result in a defect similar to a congenital cloacal deformity, with associated faecal incontinence and sexual dysfunction. The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of surgical repair of such injuries. Methods Patients were identified retrospectively from hospital records. Long-term follow-up data were collected by telephone interview. Results Outcomes in 31 consecutive patients seen over a 14-year period were reviewed. An overlapping external sphincter repair, with repair of the anorectum and vagina, was performed in 29 patients. Detailed long-term follow-up data were available for 20 patients at a median of 5 years after surgery. Three patients had a stoma at presentation. Surgical repair reduced incontinence to solid stool from seven of 17 to none of 20 patients, to liquid stool from 14 of 17 to ten of 20, and to flatus from 17 of 17 to 12 of 20. Nine patients reported improvement in sexual function. Conclusion Surgical repair of a cloacal injury is associated with significant improvements in faecal incontinence and sexual function. Outcomes are similar to those seen with repair of less severe injuries, and may be maintained in the long term.

University College London (UCL) has developed a new flexible boundary plane strain shear apparatus for investigating stress-strain-strength anisotropy in sands. Called the Directional Shear Cell (DSC), it has the unique capability of controlling the major principal stress direction by varying the normal stress and shear stress acting on four faces of a cubical sample constrained between two rigid end plattens. The paper describes the device and its use, and presents results from a Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) test program run on dense and loose Leighton Buzzard Sand to independently evaluate the device and for comparison with data obtained at UCL to investigate the effects of induced anisotropy due to prestraining. The DSC has now been used to measure inherent anisotropy in loose sand. These data are presented and MIT's progress in modifying the DSC to enable K 0 consolidated-undrained testing of soft clays is described.

RESUMO - Os fatores de risco para mastite subclínica (CCS > 200.000 células/ml) foram estudados em 2.657 vacas, de 24 rebanhos de Minas Gerais. Cada rebanho foi visitado três vezes entre novembro de 2005 e junho de 2006. Amostras de leite (n=3.987) de vacas em lactação foram examinadas para contagem de células somáticas (CCS), e um questionário foi aplicado para obtenção de dados dos animais e do manejo do rebanho. Os valores para a média, mediana e desvio-padrão da CCS foram 608.000, 219.000 e 967.000 células/ml, respectivamente. Os fatores de risco para mastite subclínica foram: animais com a base do úbere junto ou abaixo do jarrete, rachaduras ou fissuras nas partes de borracha do equipamento de ordenha, inadequação das teteiras, deficiência de limpeza dos pulsadores, falta de treinamento dos ordenhadores, não-utilização de diagnóstico microbiológico para mastite, imersão do conjunto de teteiras em solução desinfetante entre a ordenha de animais distintos, e inserção total da cânula de antibiótico nos tetos na secagem da vaca. A alta variação da CCS (608.000± 967.000 células/ml) sugere que outros fatores, como o número de quartos mamários infectados e os patógenos envolvidos, podem ter influenciado os resultados. A metodologia utilizada não permitiu identificar todos os fatores que poderiam aumentar a CCS. Contudo, os resultados são úteis para aprimorar os programas de controle da mastite. ABSTRACT - This study was carried out to identify risk factors for subclinical mastitis (SCC > 200,000 cells/ml). A total of 2,657 lactating cows from 24 herds in the State of Minas Gerais, Brazil, were included in the study. Each farm was visited three times in an 8-month period from November 2005 to June 2006. At each visit, all milking cows were examined for clinical mastitis by a single observer. A total of 3,987 milk samples were examined for somatic cell counts (SCC). The mean, median, and standard deviation values for SCC were, respectively, 608,000, 219,000, and 967,000 cells/ml. Risk factors for subclinical mastitis were: udder positioned at the same height or below the hock, presence of cracks or fissures in the rubber parts of the milking machine, inadequacy of teat cups, infrequent and unsuitable scheme for cleaning the pulsators, milkers unable to operate the milking equipments, no information about the mastitis pathogens present in the herd, immersion of teat cups in disinfectant solution between milkings, and total insertion of cannula in teats during antibiotic treatment. The high variation of the SCC values (608,000±967,000 cells/ml) suggests that other factors such as number of infected mammary quarters and pathogens involved could have influenced the results. The used methodology did not allow to identify all risk factors that increase SCC. Therefore, the results can also be used to improve the currently mastitis control programs adopted by those herds. Made available in DSpace on 2022-08-12T13:19:22Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Fatores-de-risco-para-mastite-subclinica-em-vacas-leiteiras.pdf: 164967 bytes, checksum: 90805bd9ae44cf5b06cfca2c664c8c42 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2008

WATER quality has long been believed to be important in the successful management of livestock, and as early as the 19th century it was recognised that water should be ‘given in such a way as to be as little as possible contaminated with excrement or any other impurity’ ([Moubray 1834][1]). In

This paper describes an application of terrain analysis where a national dataset of landform elements derived from a 25 m resolution national digital terrain model has been used to underpin soil-landscape modelling in the complex steepland terrain of New Zealand. This research supports S-map, a new initiative to improve New Zealand’s soil databases. Landform elements are derived from a fuzzy classification based on local geometry (curvature and slope) and landscape context, and provide a primary foundation for mapping soil distribution in steepland land systems, which significantly improves knowledge of soil distribution on hillslopes in complex landscapes, and over a wide range of land systems. So far, land elements and soil-landscape models have been used to model soil distribution in more than 10 distinct land systems (covering over 10% of New Zealand’s total steeplands area).

Scope: Sedentary behaviour and bed rest in hospital are associated with multiple complications and worse health outcomes in older people. There is evidence that early mobilisation of those patients improves not only health outcomes but also general wellbeing and satisfaction with healthcare. This aspect of care is frequently compromised due to the time pressures experienced by clinical staff. We undertook a systematic literature review of studies that included volunteers helping mobilise older inpatients. Search methods: We searched Cochrane, Medline, Embase, CINNAHL, Amed and Google databases using MeSH headings and keywords within six key themes: inpatients, older, exercise, delirium, falls and volunteers. The abstracts were screened first independently then jointly by two reviewers. Full texts of relevant articles were retrieved. Reference lists were reviewed. Hospital based studies, projects or programmes in which volunteers (+/staff members) were used to assist mobilisation in medical inpatients aged over 65 were included. Multi – intervention trials were included if mobilisation was part of the protocol. We excluded studies limited to a single disease such as stroke or Parkinson’s disease. Results: 1677 papers were identified and the titles and abstracts were screened. Only four studies fulfilled the search criteria and were included in the final review. Multiple scientific abstracts related to one controlled study which included volunteer assisted mobilisation as part of the delirium prevention multi-intervention (HELP).Three observational studies were identified only on Google but were poorly evaluated or still on-going. The data available indicated a positive effect of volunteers on patient and staff satisfaction with care. Conclusions: There is a lack of randomised controlled trials of volunteer assisted mobilisation of older inpatients. When adopted as part of delirium prevention programme volunteers contributed to improved outcomes. There is insufficient evidence to provide guidance on the use of volunteers specifically to deliver mobility assistance to older inpatients.

Introduction Crohn’s disease (CD) is a Th1/Th17 driven disease in which TNF-α and INF-γ play important roles. Anti-TNF-α drugs are used in moderate-severe CD to induce and maintain remission. Mucosal healing is an aim of therapy. MicroRNAs are non‐coding RNAs which control translation of mRNA. MiR-31, miR-146a and miR-155 are involved in the regulation of immune responses and are deregulated in CD. Aim of this study is to evaluate the impact of medical treatment on microRNA expression in CD and to investigate microRNAs as biomarkers in CD. Methods 37 patients with colonic CD undergoing colonoscopy were recruited. A partial Simple Endoscopic Score for CD (SES-CD) was assessed. Sigmoid biopsies were taken from 19 patients in remission (SES-CD=0) and 18 patients with active sigmoid CD (SES-CD ≥ 1). Remission (R) was defined as mucosal healing (SES-CD=0) and treatment failure (F) as an SES-CD ≥ 1 in the left colon. MicroRNA (miR-31, miR-146a and miR-155) and mRNA expression (TNF- α, INF-γ) were evaluated by qPCR. Sub-analysis compared treatment naive patients (6 inactive/8 active) to patients on thiopurines (TP) (R= 5/F= 5) and anti-TNF-α therapy (R=6/F=7). Results miR-31, miR-146a and miR-155 were significantly up-regulated as were TNF-α and INF-γ in active sigmoid CD compared to patients in remission. Patients on TP compared to treatment naive patients showed significant down-regulation of TNF-α and INF-γ in remission, compared to treatment naive patients with active CD. MicroRNA levels in TP failure were interstingly lower compared to patients in remission. In contrast, microRNA levels in the anti-TNF-α group in therapy failure were significantly elevated compared to active treatment naive patients, behaving opposite to patients on TP. MicroRNA expression in remission showed levels similar to treatment naive patients in remission. While TNF-α and INF-γ returned to base levels in remission on anti-TNF-α drugs, significantly lower compared to active treatment naive CD, in therapy failure TNF-α remained elevated and INF-γ was significantly raised. Conclusion Our data reveals a clear up-regulation of miR-31, miR-146 and miR-155 as well as of TNF- α and INF-γ in active colonic CD. TP and anti-TNF-α drugs significantly alter the expression of microRNAs miR-31, miR-146a and miR-155 compared to treatment naive patients behaving in an opposing manner. MicroRNAs remain significantly elevated in patients with sigmoid CD failing to respond to anti-TNF-α treatment. MicroRNAs expression profiles may have a role as biomarkers in predicting treatment failure in CD. Disclosure of Interest None Declared.

extract] It is well established that, provided that the trustee acts honestly and does not breach other duties (such as the duty to comply with the terms of the trust instrument and the duty to act with reasonable care), the determination of what serves the interests of the beneficiaries is very much, under general trust law, a matter for the subjective judgment of the trustee (though beneficiaries will be entitled to relief if what the trustee has done, or proposes to do, demonstrably cannot be justified as serving their interests.) In two important types of case, however, statute imposes what apparently is meant to be a higher, and presumably objective, standard.

Introduction MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are becoming increasingly recognised as key players in a multitude of inflammatory pathways through their ability to regulate gene expression. Numerous miRNAs have been shown to have an abnormal expression in Ulcerative Colitis (UC), although published results are inconsistent possibly due to the grouping of different phenotypes and concomitant medication. Understanding the miRNA profile in homogeneous groupings is a major advance to understanding the mechanisms that underpin the aetiology of UC. The aim is to identify a distinctive miRNA signature for active sigmoid UC in patients who are treatment naive. Methods Sigmoid biopsies were taken from patients with Baron Grade 3 active UC (n=21), patients with previous sigmoid UC who have no inflammation (n=15) and healthy controls (n=20). All patients were matched for age, sex, ethnicity and no medication for ≥6 months. Deregulated miRNA candidates were first identified in active UC (n=6) and compared against controls (n=6) using Taqman ® Array MicroRNA card A. Array cards were performed in pairs (active vs control). The differential expression of 377 miRNAs were calculated for each pair. The 20 miRNAs with the greatest increase and 20 with the greatest decrease in expression for each pair were then compared with the other array card pairs. MiRNAs that had a consistently increased or decreased expression in all array card pairs were validated using RT-qPCR. Differential expressions was calculated using the fold change compared with healthy controls. Statistical analysis was performed using Mann–Whitney test Results Seven miRNAs were consistently deregulated across all miRNA array pairs. RT-qPCR confirmed a significantly increased fold change in three miRNAs; miR-31 (10.97, p Conclusion (1) A distinct subset of miRNAs is deregulated in the mucosa of actively inflamed sigmoid UC in patients who are on no treatment. (2) miR-31 and -223 are constitutionally expressed in sigmoid UC and could offer a potential diagnostic tool for patients who have no active inflammation at the time of endoscopy. (3) Manipulating miRNA expression offers promise as a potential new therapeutic pathway in active disease. (4) When investigating miRNA profiles and function it is essential to use an accurately phenotyped and homogeneous patient group. (5) We are the first to show a miRNA profile for sigmoid UC in treatment naive patients. Competing interests None declared.

General practitioner Horley, Surrey, 1935-73 (b Rotorua, New Zealand 1910; q Guy's Hospital, London, 1934), d 15 September 2003. After hospital appointments he entered practice in Horley, where he remained until his retirement on health grounds in 1973. During the second world war he served in the Royal Army Medical Corps in India, Burma, and the Maldives, where he spent six months investigating an outbreak of mite typhus fever among the Indian troops stationed there. He left the army with the rank of major. Predeceased by his wife, Dorothy, he leaves two children and six grandchildren.

The authors discuss the effects of cyclic loading and suggest the such effects cause some of the most pressing uncertainties in geotechnical engineering today, reflecting the general concern about the consequences of earthquakes and the safety of offshore structures. Reference is made to the problems associated with the hollow cylinder apparatus used to resolve such uncertainties, and a new apparatus which completely controls the principal stress directions applied to a uniformly stressed soil sample sheared in plane strain. This technical note reports on the use of this new apparatus, known as a "directional shear cell" in which drained tests were made on dry dense leighton buzzard sand with the effective stress ratio held as nearly constant as possible throughout. The apparatus is described by reference to a cross-sectional drawing of the cell, and information provided on preparation and testing. A summary of the data obtained is presented and discussed, and stress variations obtained during a test cycle illustrated and described. The authors suggest that the data from this test series are unusual in yielding a single result of great potential significance: the large reduction in strength induced in a drained dense sand by cyclic continuous rotation of the major principal stress direction. It is suggested that there is a need for independent confirmation of such a result bearing in mind that it was obtained from tests made in a new apparatus. /TRRL/

PMM is a water-soluble alternative to HMM. PMM has been administered as an intravenous infusion to 17 patients in a Phase I clinical trial. The dose-limiting toxicities were nausea and vomiting which were observed in all patients at 500 mg m-2 and above. The dose was not escalated above 1300 mg m-2 where nausea and vomiting were severe, prolonged (greater than 24 h) and poorly controlled by anti-emetics. Haematological, hepatic and renal toxicities were not observed. Neurological toxicity was not observed at low doses (less than 500 mg/m2) but could not be determined at higher doses due to intensive anti-emetic therapy. Pharmacokinetic studies (100-500 mg m-2) indicated that PMM plasma levels are dose-dependent and that the PMM disposition-phase half-life is prolonged in patients with abnormal liver function. It is concluded that the severe toxicity of PMM will limit the clinical utility of this compound and hence Phase II trials are not recommended.

The Quaternary marine terraces discussed are formed predominantly from coral, but the soils overlying them are strongly influenced by subsequent volcanic deposits. Six “"land systems"” are defined and morphological, chemical, and physical properties of their main soils are detailed. The mineralogical properties of soils and parent materials indicate varied stages of weathering, and these are reflected in plant nutrient levels. Agronomically the most important feature common to all the soils is the extremely low level of subsoil potassium. Some of the soils also require sulphur, and possibly manganese, for coconuts. With shifting cultivation, incoi porating long fallows, food cropping can be sustained, but if cultivation is prolonged, potassium fertilising is essential for optimum growth.

SummaryFibrosarcoma induced in the pituitary by feeding 3-MC to a castrated male Sprague-Dawley rat, has been transplanted into the medullary cavity of the femur in female animals. Growth progress within the bone has been successfully demonstrated by X-rays. Parathyroidectomy prior to introduction of the tumor significantly prolongs the survival time of the animal.

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Measurements of particle packing by radiography have been analysed in terms of a general geometrical model.

This paper reviews the opinions, ideas and experience of developers of computer draughting systems for use by the building construction and design professions and the users of such systems, with a view to identifying those features which are necessary for their successful application in building design.

A suite of APL programs is described for characterization of bounded images for on-line process control or for artificial intelligence recognition functions. Beginning with an acquired threshold and edge enhanced image, the programs: detect the edges and close all bounded areas in the image produce arrays with the (x,y) locations of the boundaries of each object (bounded area) in the field, allowing for touching, segmented, perforated, embedded objects (all reported as separate arrays of sequenced coordinate pairs) compress the image using a quad tree procedure for archival or legal purposes fit parametric polynomial, conventional Fourier or inner product-outer product - matrix inversion Fourier equations to the object boundaries, to any desired number of coefficient terms or number of boundary pixel points. displays results and analyses of degree of fit in a windowed environment performs accept-reject-identify checks by comparison of the calculated Fourier coefficients from “perfect” objects or from a CAD system database. The system is written in 500 lines of IBM APL/PC Version 2 for a PC/AT with 80287 co-processor, and it is presently being interfaced to Data Translation image grabber hardware and software, with 512x512 acquisition resolution. Parameterization fitting accuracy is increased by considering not pixel center coordinates but intersection of boundary regression lines with pixel boundaries. The user interface makes the suite of programs manageable by a competent technical user without programming or APL knowledge.

A technique is described for the visual examination and biopsy sampling of the affected organ in canine liver and pancreatic dysfunction. Resume. On a decrit une technique pour l'examen visuel et la biopsie d'essais de l'organe affecte dans le foie du chien et le mauvais fonctionnement du pancreas. Zusammenfassung. Man hat eine Technik beschrieben, fur die Sichtprobe und die Biopsie-Probenahme des angegriffenen Organs in der Hundeleber und in der Bauchspeichelschlechtfunktion.