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The transition from secondary to tertiary education is important for educational identity development, as adolescents make choices regarding their academic track and vocational profile. The present study used Latent Transition Analysis to examine stability and change in identity statuses around the school transition, using questionnaire data from the Educational Identity Processes Scale in the Dutch educational context. Additionally, this study examined the extent to which the social context, characterized by positive relationship quality with parents and friends and school belonging, affects adolescents' identity status and the probability of making a progressive shift toward identity coherence. These questions were examined in late adolescence (N = 204, 75.0% female, M age T1 = 17.7 years) across two time points 1 year apart. Findings indicated that most adolescents were in an identity coherence status, while a sizable minority was in an identity crisis status. Patterns of stability and change between statuses indicated that most adolescents remained in the same status, but when change did occur it was more often progressive from crisis into coherence than from coherence into crisis. Finally, a positive social context seemed to be an important factor to promote more optimal educational identity development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article explores public and tourist perceptions regarding the development of marine tourism in the Anambas Islands Regency, highlighting its potential to enhance regional income, economy, and community welfare. Topics discussed include key tourist attractions, the role of local community involvement, and strategies for sustainable tourism development.

Classical swine fever virus (CSFV) identification has witnessed significant advancements with the development of rapid reverse‐transcription loop‐mediated isothermal amplification (RT‐LAMP) assays. However, conventional RT‐LAMP assays for CSFV diagnosis are hindered by a laborious RNA extraction step. Moreover, the need for thermal incubators and expensive micropipettes has limited their application in field settings. Addressing these challenges, our study presents a groundbreaking solution—an electro‐free and point‐of‐care (POC) tool known as the field‐LAMP assay—for the rapid clinical detection of CSFV. By eliminating the RNA extraction requirement, advancing the colorimetric read‐out and lyophilized reaction reagents, our field‐LAMP assay streamlines the diagnostic process, saving valuable time and effort. This novel approach also overcomes the dependency on electric‐dependent thermal incubators and expensive micropipettes, making it practical and accessible for use in the field. The successful development of the field‐LAMP assay marks a significant milestone in CSFV detection. This electro‐free and POC tool offers several advantages, including its ability to deliver rapid results without compromising accuracy, facilitating prompt response and containment measures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Barriers to sustain breastfeeding could be time and place specific. Here, we summarise new and old challenges to breastfeeding during COVID‐19 pandemic in Hong Kong, some of which were obtained from qualitative in‐depth interviews with health‐care professionals. We document how unnecessary massive mother–baby separations in hospitals and doubts in COVID‐19 vaccine safety seriously harm breastfeeding. We also discuss how the trends and increase in acceptance of receiving post‐natal care from family doctors, online‐antenatal class, work‐from‐home policy and telemedicine implicate new strategies to protect, promote and support breastfeeding during and after the pandemic. The challenges from the COVID‐19 pandemic on breastfeeding have revealed new opportunities to support breastfeeding in Hong Kong and similar settings where exclusive breastfeeding for 6 months is still not the norm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study presents a Discrete Element Method (DEM) for a meshfree progressive failure analysis of IM7/8552 carbon fibre reinforced polymer laminates at the macroscale. By implementing a cohesive contact model to describe progressive damage, experimental results from over-height compact tension (OCT) tests are used to calibrate the required input parameters in the DEM contact model. The simulation of various open-hole tension (OHT) test specimens validates the presented DEM model with minimal errors in strength predictions of up to 4%. Discrete Element Method results are directly compared to those obtained from finite element (FE) models. It is demonstrated that DEM is able to seemingly incorporate damage evolution leading to realistic macroscopic damage patterns, however the computational cost is increased by a factor of 100 compared to FE simulations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Post-traumatic stress disorder $PTSD) is a kind of mental disorder caused by severe traumatic events. It has a high incidence, a serious of impacts on the physical and mental health of patients. Especially in the current situation of COVID-19, the researches on PTSD are particularly important, but the choice of drug available for PTSD is limited and it is often accompanied by adverse reactions. In the field of acupuncture, there are many clinical research evidences suggested that PTSD is a predominant disease of acupuncture. However, its action mechanisms have not been fully elucidated, so the possible mechanisms of acupuncture in treating PTSD were discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The poorly known northeastern water skink Tropidophorus assamensis is only known from the type locality (Harigaj Range, Sylhet District) in Bangladesh, and few localities in Assam and Mizoram States, north-eastern India. Little is known about the biology including the systematics of the species. In this study, we present for the first time, genetic data (16s rRNA) and inferred its phylogenetic position. In addition to this, we provide updated morphological data along with new distributional records of the species from Mizoram State of north-east India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to evaluate the changes that occurred during processing white breads enriched with 5, 7.5, and 10% of medium-polymerized inulin (MPI). Farinographic analysis revealed that enrichment caused the development time and dough stability to increase by up to 69.9% and 62.8%, respectively, when 7.5% of MPI was incorporated into wheat flour. This indicated that the added MPI strengthened the doughs. Conversely, alveographic analysis demonstrated that MPI was harmful to the gluten network. The specific volume and humidity of breads with up to 7.5% MPI were similar to those of the control (MPI-free) bread. During bread storage for 10 days, we noticed that the retrogradation rate increased only for the bread sample with 10% MPI. However, MPI enrichment, regardless of concentration, promoted an increase in the Avrami exponent and affected bread firmness. Bread staling analysis indicated that the moisture difference between crumb and crust was higher for the MPI-enriched breads than for the control. Moreover, we prepared more consistent doughs and fresh breads with MPI contents of up to 7.5%, which presented good quality and were good fiber sources; however, we determined that inulin did not present an anti-staling effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We determined the occurrence and association of cortical cerebral microinfarcts (CMIs) at 7 T MRI with risk factors, neuroimaging markers of small and large vessel disease, and cognitive functioning. Within the Medea-7T study, a diverse cohort of older persons with normal cognition, patients with vascular disease, and memory clinic patients, we included 386 participants (68 ± 9 years) with available 7 T and 1.5 T/3T brain MRI, and risk factor and neuropsychological data. CMIs were found in 10% of participants and were associated with older age (RR = 1.79 per +10 years, 95%CI 1.28–2.50), history of stroke or TIA (RR = 4.03, 95%CI 2.18–7.43), cortical infarcts (RR = 5.28, 95%CI 2.91–9.55), lacunes (RR = 5.66, 95%CI 2.85–11.27), cerebellar infarcts (RR = 2.73, 95%CI 1.27–5.84) and decreased cerebral blood flow (RR = 1.35 per −100 ml/min, 95%CI 1.00–1.83), after adjustment for age and sex. Furthermore, participants with >2 CMIs had 0.5 SD (95%CI 0.05–0.91) lower global cognitive performance, compared to participants without CMIs. Our results indicate that CMIs on 7 T MRI are observed in vascular and memory clinic patients with similar frequency, and are associated with older age, history of stroke or TIA, other brain infarcts, and poorer global cognitive functioning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The traditional practice of shifting cultivation in Mizoram, India is linked to the ecological, socio-economic and cultural lives of the over 86% of its population. Negative impacts are devastating and degrade the environment and ecology, a major concern in conservation biology such as large-scale deforestation, soil erosion, invasion by weeds and exotic species. Studies provide information on the nature and extent due to anthropogenic pressures on species diversity. Active participation of locals is pivotal. Workshops and awareness programmes were conducted with alternative livelihoods to reduce forest dependency. Efforts are on by educating people on preserving tropical forests at the Dampa Tiger Reserve, Mizoram. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The etiology of cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD) is the subject of ongoing research. Although intracranial atherosclerosis (ICAS) has been proposed as a possible cause, studies on their relationship remain sparse. We used 7 T vessel wall magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to study the association between intracranial vessel wall lesions—a neuroimaging marker of ICAS—and MRI features of CSVD. Within the SMART-MR study, cross-sectional analyses were performed in 130 patients (68 ± 9 years; 88% male). ICAS burden—defined as the number of vessel wall lesions—was determined on 7 T vessel wall MRI. CSVD features were determined on 1.5 T and 7 T MRI. Associations between ICAS burden and CSVD features were estimated with linear or modified Poisson regression, adjusted for age, sex, vascular risk factors, and medication use. In 125 patients, ≥1 vessel wall lesions were found (mean 8.5 ± 5.7 lesions). ICAS burden (per + 1 SD) was associated with presence of large subcortical and/or cortical infarcts (RR = 1.65; 95%CI: 1.12–2.43), lacunes (RR = 1.45; 95% CI: 1.14–1.86), cortical microinfarcts (RR = 1.48; 95%CI: 1.13–1.94), and total white matter hyperintensity volume (b = 0.24; 95%CI: 0.02–0.46). Concluding, patients with a higher ICAS burden had more CSVD features, although no evidence of co-location was observed. Further longitudinal studies are required to determine if ICAS precedes development of CSVD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Global cerebral hypoperfusion may be involved in the aetiology of brain atrophy; however, long-term longitudinal studies on this relationship are lacking. We examined whether reduced cerebral blood flow was associated with greater progression of brain atrophy. Data of 1165 patients (61 ± 10 years) from the SMART-MR study, a prospective cohort study of patients with arterial disease, were used of whom 689 participated after 4 years and 297 again after 12 years. Attrition was substantial. Total brain volume and total cerebral blood flow were obtained from magnetic resonance imaging scans and expressed as brain parenchymal fraction (BPF) and parenchymal cerebral blood flow (pCBF). Mean decrease in BPF per year was 0.22% total intracranial volume (95% CI: –0.23 to –0.21). Mean decrease in pCBF per year was 0.24 ml/min per 100 ml brain volume (95% CI: –0.29 to –0.20). Using linear mixed models, lower pCBF at baseline was associated with a greater decrease in BPF over time (p = 0.01). Lower baseline BPF, however, was not associated with a greater decrease in pCBF (p = 0.43). These findings indicate that reduced cerebral blood flow is associated with greater progression of brain atrophy and provide further support for a role of cerebral blood flow in the process of neurodegeneration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Deep brain stimulation (DBS) of the subcallosal cingulate gyrus (SCG) is a promising therapy for treatment-resistant depression. Pre-clinical models have been widely used to investigate the neural mechanisms underlying its antidepressant benefit. The ventral division of the medial prefrontal cortex (vmPFC), particularly the infralimbic cortex (IL), is the homologous region in rat and DBS applied to vmPFC shows antidepressant-like effects in the forced swim test. Therefore we investigated the cellular mechanisms of simulated DBS (sDBS) in layer 5 IL neurons, using in vitro whole-cell patch clamp recordings. sDBS in IL layer 5 induced a prolonged after-depolarization (ADP) in both pyramidal and fast spiking neurons, which was dependent on current amplitude and pulse width. In contrast, sDBS applied in the forebrain white matter fibers, although delivered at a higher intensity, failed to induce any persistent depolarization in layer 5 IL pyramidal neurons. Cholinergic blockade (atropine, 2.0 µM) decreased both the ADP amplitude and duration in pyramidal neurons, but left those in fast spiking neurons unchanged. These data suggest that: (i) sDBS in IL gray and white matter produced different cellular effects on pyramidal neurons; (ii) sDBS-induced ADP in pyramidal, but not fast spiking neurons, was mediated by acetylcholine; and (iii) different neuromodulators may contribute to sDBS-induced ADP in IL. In summary, cholinergic mediated ADP in pyramidal neurons may contribute to the antidepressant effects of DBS in IL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background  Central venous access devices (CVAD) are an essential part of safe practices in critical care, which enable effective venous access and help in avoiding repeated venipuncture. Discard method is widely practiced for blood sampling. A single occasion of blood sampling may cause minimal blood loss; however, the cumulative volume sequential sampling may become clinically significant. The study aims to reduce diagnostic blood loss, ensuring that the subsequent blood sample is not diluted or contaminated by residual intraluminal fluid. Patients and Methods  Within-subjects comparative design was adopted for 64 adult patients in the medical intensive care unit of a tertiary hospital. Two blood samples, using 3 mL and 5 mL discarded volume methods, were collected from each patient. Six serum parameters were measured on each of the paired samples and compared. Statistical Analysis Used  Paired t -test and Wilcoxon signed rank test were used for comparing the two methods. Bland–Altman plot analysis and intraclass correlation were used for clinically meaningful analysis. Results  When tested for fixed bias, there is no statistically significant difference between the methods. Potassium and creatinine levels showed significant proportional bias. The agreement limits of sodium, potassium, creatinine, and direct bilirubin were outside the clinically accepted interval, but the proportion of samples outside these intervals was less than 10%. All serum parameters showed excellent reliability, except for sodium which demonstrated good reliability. Conclusions  The practice of discarding 3 mL of blood for discard method is suggested, instead of the standard 5 mL to reduce iatrogenic blood loss. Thus, nurses in critical care are uniquely positioned to limit the diagnostic blood loss while obtaining blood samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To study the effect of antenatal magnesium sulphate (MgSO4) on cerebral palsy (CP) in a manner that also provides adequate power for a linked trial sequential analysis. Design: Double‐blind, randomised, placebo‐controlled, multi‐centre trial. Setting: Fourteen Danish obstetric departments. Population: In total, 560 pregnant women at risk for preterm delivery before 32 weeks of gestation were randomised from December 2011 to January 2018. Those women gave birth to 680 children. Methods: Women were randomised to receive either a loading dose of 5 g MgSO4 followed by 1 g/hour or a placebo in identical volumes. The children were followed up at a corrected age of 18 months or older with a review of their medical charts and with the Ages and Stages Questionnaire. Main outcome measure: The primary outcome measure was moderate to severe CP. Secondary outcomes included mortality, neonatal morbidity, blindness and mild CP. Results: The crude rates of moderate to severe CP in the MgSO4 group and the placebo group were 2.0% and 3.3%, respectively. The adjusted odds of moderate to severe CP were lower in the MgSO4 group than in the placebo group (odds ratio 0.61; 95% CI 0.23–1.65). Conclusions: Antenatal MgSO4 before 32 weeks of gestation decreases the likelihood of moderate to severe CP; these results are entirely consistent with other randomised evidence summarised in the linked trial sequential analysis. Antenatal magnesium sulphate may decrease the risk of moderate to severe cerebral palsy in children born before 32 weeks of gestation. Antenatal magnesium sulphate may decrease the risk of moderate to severe cerebral palsy in children born before 32 weeks of gestation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Ordinary meta-analyses indicate that magnesium sulphate (MgSO4 ) treatment in women at imminent risk for preterm delivery decreases the offspring's risk of cerebral palsy (CP). However, repetitive testing of cumulative data calls for statistical caution, e.g. by trial sequential analysis (TSA), for which there are previously insufficient samples to draw a firm conclusion. Recently, a randomised controlled trial (RCT) provided additional data that potentially increased the sample size such that a new TSA might detect a statistically significant effect.Objectives: To assess the possible fetal neuroprotective effect of MgSO4 for women at imminent risk for preterm delivery in an updated systematic review with meta-analysis and TSA.Search Strategy: We searched MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane and ClinicalTrials.gov on 8 October 2019. The search strategy clustered terms describing the MgSO4 intervention and preterm delivery.Selection Criteria: RCTs.Data Collection and Analysis: Two reviewers extracted the data. Summary relative risks (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using fixed-effects models. A TSA was applied to the primary outcome, CP. The quality of the evidence was assessed using GRADE. The protocol was registered in PROSPERO (registration: CRD42019151441).Main Results: We identified six eligible trials (5917 women). MgSO4 intervention in women at imminent risk for preterm birth decreased the offspring's CP risk (meta-analysis RR 0.68, 95% CI 0.54-0.85; TSA RR 0.69, 95% CI 0.48-0.97).Conclusions: This systematic review with meta-analysis and TSA shows conclusively that MgSO4 , when given to women at imminent risk for preterm delivery, decreases the offspring's CP risk.Tweetable Abstract: Antenatal magnesium sulphate decreases the risk of cerebral palsy in children born preterm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims/Introduction: Women with gestational diabetes mellitus are at increased risk for type 2 diabetes. We characterized the association between maternal glycemia during pregnancy with long‐term outcomes. Methods and Methods: In this prospective nested case–cohort study, participants were recalled for follow up with detailed evaluation including oral glucose tolerance test at 8, 15 and 22 years. Logistic regression was used to estimate the risk of developing impaired glucose tolerance/type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome at follow up. The association between maternal glycemia at pregnancy and follow up was evaluated by linear regression. We also charted trajectory of β‐cell function during follow up. Results: The analysis included 121 women with a mean follow‐up period of 22.5 years, and a mean age of 50.3 years. Gestational diabetes was associated with an adjusted odds ratio of 2.48 (95% confidence interval 1.03–5.99) for combined diabetes/impaired glucose tolerance at follow up (P = 0.04). Women with a pre‐pregnancy body mass index ≥23 had an odds ratio of 5.43 (95% confidence interval 1.87–15.72) for metabolic syndrome at follow up, compared with those with body mass index <23 (P = 0.002). Both fasting and 2‐h glucose during pregnancy were strongly associated with glycemic indices at follow up (P‐value <0.001–0.016). Gestational diabetes was associated with impaired β‐cell function that remained relatively stable after the index pregnancy. Conclusions: Chinese women with a history of gestational diabetes have a high prevalence of impaired glucose tolerance/type 2 diabetes at 22‐year follow up. Glucose levels during mid‐pregnancy are strongly associated with those of middle age. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Therapeutic hypothermia is now well established to partially reduce disability in term and near‐term infants with moderate‐severe hypoxic‐ischemic encephalopathy. Preclinical and clinical studies have confirmed that current protocols for therapeutic hypothermia are near optimal. The challenge is now to identify complementary therapies that can further improve outcomes, in combination with therapeutic hypothermia. Overall, anti‐excitatory and anti‐apoptotic agents have shown variable or even no benefit in combination with hypothermia, suggesting overlapping mechanisms of neuroprotection. Inflammation appears to play a critical role in the pathogenesis of injury in the neonatal brain, and thus, there is potential for drugs with immunomodulatory properties that target inflammation to be used as a therapy in neonates. In this review, we examine the evidence for neuroprotection with immunomodulation after hypoxia‐ischemia. For example, stem cell therapy can reduce inflammation, increase cell survival, and promote cell maturation and repair. There are also encouraging preclinical data from small animals suggesting that stem cell therapy can augment hypothermic neuroprotection. However, there is conflicting evidence, and rigorous testing in translational animal models is now needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Use of population pharmacokinetics (PopPK) to facilitate PK‐informed prophylaxis in clinical practice has gained momentum among haemophilia providers due to the accessibility of tools such as the Web Accessible Population Pharmacokinetic Service—Hemophilia (WAPPS‐Hemo) and availability of extended half‐life (EHL) factor concentrates. It is unknown how clinicians implement PopPK. Aim: To investigate the evolution of PopPK use in clinical practice by comparing blood sampling strategies, patient features, and factor group between initial and recent periods of WAPPS‐Hemo availability. Methods: PK data for haemophilia A and haemophilia B patients from two time periods were extracted from the WAPPS‐Hemo database: early availability (10/2015‐09/2016) and recent use (10/2017‐09/2018). We compared patient characteristics (age, body weight, haemophilia type), product type and dose, and blood sampling times between the time frames. Results: Over 1900 eligible infusions were submitted to WAPPS‐Hemo during the periods studied, with 85% representing FVIII concentrates. In the recent cohort, PK profiles were requested for younger patients (median age 18 vs 26 years), with increased proportional EHL FVIII use (29% vs 14% of infusions). High‐use centres generally submitted fewer blood samples per infusion than non‐high‐use centres, although the number of samples collected by non‐high‐use centres decreased significantly over time. During both periods, blood sample timing was generally consistent with ISTH recommended windows. Conclusion: The use of WAPPS‐Hemo by haemophilia providers grew by over threefold between the time periods investigated. While sampling times have included key time points proposed first by Björkman since early WAPPS‐Hemo usage, a trend towards minimizing sampling was observed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article reports the first documented instance of Sphenomorphus maculatus in the diet of Oligodon cf. cyclurus, an Asian snake species, found in Mizoram, India.

• RCTs have failed to reach consensus on the optimal treatment of proximal humeral fractures. • An RCT is not an adequate design to determine which type of proximal humeral fracture should receive which type of treatment. • The study design to fill this gap of consensus is an international prospective cohort study. Most proximal humeral fractures can be treated nonoperatively, but there are specific indications to perform surgery for some of these fractures. Optimal treatment remains subject to debate, since no consensus has been reached for the best therapy for these fractures. This review provides an overview of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing treatment for proximal humeral fractures. Fourteen RCTs comparing different operative and nonoperative types of treatment for PHF are included. Different RCTs comparing the same interventions for PHF have drawn different conclusions. It also highlights reasons why consensus has not been reached based on these data, and how this could be addressed in future research. Previous RCTs have included different patient groups and fracture patterns, may have been prone to selection bias, often were underpowered for subgroup analysis, and showed inconsistency in the outcome measures used. Based on this, and appreciating that treatment may be tailored to specific fracture types and patient characteristic like age, a better way to move forward could be to use a (international) multicenter prospective cohort study. Such a registry-type study should use accurate patient selection and enrollment, well-defined fracture patterns, standardized surgical techniques performed according to the preferences of the surgeon, and with a standardized follow-up. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This study explored the increased quantity and frequency of alcohol use in the American Indian (AI) population during the COVID-19 pandemic. Objectives: The aims of this study were to explore possible associations between covariables and both binge drinking and alcohol consumption during COVID-19. Methods: This cross-sectional survey study analyzed data from a sample of AI individuals (63% female) residing in California (n = 411) and Oklahoma (n = 657) between October 2020-January 2021. Analysis included summary statistics and multivariable logistic regression, including a variety of socio-economic, COVID-19 concern, and tobacco and marijuana use variables. Results: One or more alcohol binge episodes were reported between October 2020-January 2021 in 19.3% of participants and elevated overall alcohol consumption was reported by 21.6% of participants. Higher odds of elevated alcohol consumption occurred in women and those following more social distancing measures. The odds of binge drinking or elevated alcohol consumption in those using both marijuana and tobacco (aOR/ adjusted odds ratio:18.9, 95% CI = 8.5, 42.2, and aOR:3.9, 95% CI = 1.7, 8.6, respectively) were higher compared to those using neither. Similarly, the odds of binge drinking or elevated alcohol consumption in those using tobacco only (aOR:4.7, 95% CI = 2.9, 7.7 and aOR: 2.0, 95% CI = 1.1, 3.5, respectively) were higher compared to those using neither. Conclusions: This study found high rates of alcohol use and bingeing during the COVID-19 pandemic. Offering collaborative, culturally sensitive, and affordable support services are important components of intervention and preparation for future stressful events on local, as well as global levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Babies born with a functional single ventricle heart and systemic outflow tract obstruction may require a Norwood (NW) procedure as the first of three staged procedures to obtain a Fontan circulation. This procedure and the following treatment pathway are associated with significant mortality. Risk factors for the Norwood procedure and the subsequent pathway are not necessarily the same. To identify these factors within New Zealand, the collective experience with the Norwood procedure was examined.Methods: Charts from 133 New Zealand children undergoing Norwood procedure from 1992 to 2014 were examined. Deaths were assigned as "early" (30-day or in-hospital) or "late" (based on timeframe from the Norwood procedure). Cardiac anatomic, patient demographic and surgery related variables were examined. Important risk factors were identified using univariate and multivariate analysis. Kaplan-Meier survival curves were calculated.Results: Survival following the Norwood procedure was 83%. Overall survival was 67% at six months, 65% at one year, and 63% at five years. Size of the ascending aorta appeared as an important risk factor with "early" death while New Zealand deprivation index and low birth weight appeared more important for "late" death. These factors each impacted overall survival.Conclusions: The Norwood procedure and subsequent medical treatment carries significant mortality in New Zealand. Cardiac anatomical factors affect survival of the immediate Norwood procedure whereas social factors weigh more significantly on longer term survival. Nevertheless, both anatomical and social factors carry real survival risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dermatofibrosarcoma Protuberans (DFSP) is a rare malignant soft-tissue neoplasm which is often misdiagnosed due to its indolent clinical course and non-specific radiological appearances. An observation case series was conducted with retrospective review of clinical and radiological data of DFSP patients presenting to a major tertiary hospital in Hong Kong for radiological assessment between November 2006 and February 2016. Seven patients with confirmed histological diagnosis of DFSP were included. Tumour sizes at presentation ranged from 1 to 5 cm, most commonly (n = 6) occurred over chest wall and abdominal wall. History of previous local trauma or surgery was identified in the majority of cases (n = 4). There was poor correlation between pre-imaging clinical diagnoses and pathological diagnoses. Local recurrence and tumour de-differentiation with sarcomatous changes occurred in the minority of cases (n = 2). A common radiological 'claw' sign at the lesion/skin interface formed by elongated appendages of the tumour superficially was appreciated in most cases (n = 6). A history of previous local trauma or surgery serves as a possible etiological factor for the development of DFSP. High clinical suspicion for the entity is essential in its detection and differentiation from simple wound complications and local recurrence of other benign lesions. The radiological 'claw' sign at the lesion/skin interface might serve as a tell-tale sign for cutaneous tumour involvement. A comprehensive analysis of imaging findings in conjunction with individual clinical presentations is the key to accurate diagnoses and proper management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Monocrotaline (MCT) is a hepatotoxic pyrrolizidine alkaloid that is derived from plants; exposure may occur by consumption of contaminated grains, herbal teas and medicines. MCT can cause liver damage. We investigated the antioxidant effects of selenium (Se) and vitamin E against the toxic effects of MCT. Female Wistar albino rats were divided into four groups: a control group, an MCT group, an MCT + Se group, and an MCT + vitamin E group. Liver tissues were harvested, fixed, processed to paraffin and sections were cut. Anti-von Willebrand factor (vWF) immunohistochemistry, terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end-labeling (TUNEL), and hematoxylin and eosin staining were performed. Serum and liver tissue glutathione (GSH), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) levels were measured. Histopathological and TUNEL data showed significantly increased liver damage in the MCT group compared to controls. Histopathological and TUNEL staining indicated significant improvements in the MCT + vitamin E and MCT + Se groups compared to the MCT group. MCT significantly reduced the serum GSH level and GPx activity, and liver GPx activity. Biochemical data indicated a significant improvement in serum GSH level in the MCT + vitamin E group compared to the MCT group. We suggest that vitamin E and Se afford limited protection against MCT hepatotoxicity. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The article describes the discovery of the first recorded instance of Lycodon zawi, a snake species, feeding on East Indian Brown Mabuya, Eutropis multifasciata, and acknowledges the funding agencies and permissions for the research.

OBJECTIVE: Early mortality after coronary artery bypass grafting is generally higher in women than in men. This study analyzes the effect of female gender on early mortality of coronary artery bypass grafting particularly for left main coronary artery disease. METHODS: Study population consisted of 144 consecutive patients (33 women, 111 men) undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting for left main coronary artery disease. Mean follow-up was 25.1 +/- 14.0 months. Data were collected retrospectively and presented as mean +/- standard deviation. Survival analysis was done using Kaplan-Meier actuarial curve method with the log rank univariate test, followed by Cox's proportional rate multivariate model. RESULTS: Overall mortality was 7% in the patient population. Cox regression analysis revealed that the independent predictors of increased total mortality were female gender (HR 8.34, 95% CI 1.79 - 38.76, p=0.007), advanced age (HR 1.12, 95% CI 1.02-1.23, p=0.014), degree of left main coronary artery stenosis (HR 1.068, 95%CI 1.005-1.135, p=0.03), and left ventricular ejection fraction (HR 0.93, 95% CI 0.87-0.99, p=0.03). Female gender was found to be the only independent predictor of increased early mortality (HR 13.18, 95%CI 1.444-120.343, p=0.02). After discharge from the hospital, female gender was no more a predictor of increased mortality. CONCLUSION: According to these data, we may assume that female gender is related with increased mortality in coronary artery surgery for left main disease in the pre-discharge period however after discharge from hospital, long-term benefit of female survivors of coronary artery bypass grafting operated on for left main coronary artery disease might be as good as in men. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigated the possible protective effects of ellagic acid on rat kidneys exposed to nicotine during the fetal period. Twenty pregnant female rats were divided randomly into four groups: control (C), nicotine (N), ellagic acid (EA) and nicotine + ellagic acid (N + EA). Nicotine and ellagic acid treatments were continued throughout the pregnancies and for 15 days after delivery. On day 15, all neonatal pups were sacrificed and their kidneys were removed for biochemical and histopathological examination. The nicotine treatment significantly decreased body weight, total glutathione (GSH), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities, and increased malondialdehyde (MDA) and nitric oxide (NO) levels in the N group compared to controls. EA treatment ameliorated decreased body weight, GSH, GSH-Px and SOD activities, and increased MDA and NO levels in group N + EA compared to group N (p< 0.05). Nicotine caused kidney damage as shown by incomplete development of glomeruli and Bowman's capsules. Nicotine also caused greater apoptosis in group N compared to group C. Ellagic acid treatment produced histological kidney structure that was closer to normal and it exerted an anti-apoptotic effect in the N + EA group compared to the N group. EA played a protective role against nicotine-induced nephrotoxicity and oxidative stress in rats owing to its antioxidant, radical scavenging and anti-apoptotic effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recently, a family of guanine nucleotide exchange factors have been identified in many cell types as important effectors of cyclic adenosine 3',5'-monophospahte (cAMP) signalling that is independent of protein kinase A (PKA). In the heart, investigation of exchange protein directly activated by cAMP (Epac) has yielded conflicting results. Since cAMP is an important regulator of cardiac contractility, this study aimed to examine whether Epac activation modulates excitation- contraction coupling in ventricular preparations from rat hearts. The study used 8-(4-chlorophenylthio)-2'-O-methyladenosine- 3', 5'-cyclic monophosphate (cpTOME), an analogue of cAMP that activates Epac, but not PKA. In isolated myocytes, cpTOME increased Ca2+ spark frequency from about 7 to 32/100 μm3/s (n = 10), P = 0.05 with a reduction in the peak amplitude of the sparks. Simultaneous measurements of intracellular Ca2+ and isometric force in multicellular trabeculae (n = 7, 1.5 mmol/L [Ca2+]o) revealed no effect of Epac activation on either the amplitude of Ca2+ transients (Control 0.7 ± 0.1 vs cpTOME 0.7 ± 0.1; 340/380 fura-2 ratio, P = 0.35) or on peak stress (Control 24 ± 5 mN/mm2 vs cpTOME 23 ± 5 mN/mm2, P = 0.20). However, an effect of Epac in trabeculae was unmasked by lowering extracellular [Ca2+]o. In these depotentiated trabeculae, activation of the Epac pathway increased myofilament Ca2+ sensitivity, an effect that was blocked by addition of KN-93, a Ca2+/calmodulin- dependent protein kinase II (CaMK-II) inhibitor. This study suggests that Epac activation may be a useful therapeutic target to increase the strength of contraction during low inotropic states. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper is a discussion of the nature of systematic failures in Safety Instrumented Systems and the way that they can be managed. It identifies the upper bound to the probability of failure due to systematic failures as a function of demand rate and a systematic test interval. It discusses how the functional safety standards address systematic failures through systematic capability defences and how these considerations may be addressed when identifying a ‘Prior-use’ case for assessing fitness-for-purpose of system elements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ObjectiveTo assess the relative validity and reproducibility of the quantitative FFQ used in the Tzu Chi Health Study (TCHS).DesignThe reproducibility was evaluated by comparing the baseline FFQ with the 2-year follow-up FFQ. The validity was evaluated by comparing the baseline FFQ with 3 d dietary records and biomarkers (serum folate and vitamin B12). Median comparison, cross-classification and Spearman correlation with and without energy adjustment and deattenuation for day-to-day variation were assessed.SettingTCHS is a prospective cohort containing a high proportion of true vegetarians and part-time vegetarians (regularly consuming a vegetarian diet without completely avoiding meat).SubjectSubsets of 103, seventy-eight and 1528 TCHS participants were included in the reproducibility, dietary record-validity and biomarker-validity studies, respectively.ResultsCorrelations assessing the reproducibility for repeat administrations of the FFQ were in the range of 0·46–0·65 for macronutrients and 0·35–0·67 for micronutrients; the average same quartile agreement was 40%. The correlation between FFQ and biomarkers was 0·41 for both vitamin B12 and folate. Moderate to good correlations between the baseline FFQ and dietary records were found for energy, protein, carbohydrate, saturated and monounsaturated fat, fibre, vitamin C, vitamin A, K, Ca, Mg, P, Fe and Zn (average crude correlation: 0·47 (range: 0·37–0·66); average energy-adjusted correlation: 0·43 (range: 0·38–0·55); average energy-adjusted deattenuated correlation: 0·50 (range: 0·44–0·66)) with same quartile agreement rate of 39% (range: 35–45%), while misclassification to the extreme quartile was rare (average: 4% (range: 0–6%)).ConclusionsThe FFQ is a reliable and valid tool to rank relative intake of major nutrients for TCHS participants. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Cell therapy, which involves the transplantation of stem cells, progenitor cells, primary cells and/or genetically modified, may facilitate the repair of damaged tissue and organs. In orthopedics, the use of chondrocytes to treat articular cartilage lesions is already present in clinical practice. However, there is a demand for the standardization of cells isolation, characterization and expansion. The aim of this study was to conduct an integrative literature review about the methods used, purposing at the development of a standardized research laboratory protocol. Bardin's method (2011) was used to characterize in electronic spreadsheets the findings referring to the descriptors "Chondrocyte", "Chondrocyte isolation", "Chondrocyte cultivation" and "Chondrocyte characterization" on the ClinicalTrials, PubMed and Scopus platforms. Based on the methodological parameters, the efficiency of the techniques found in the literature review, a new protocol was developed for the isolation, characterization and expansion of chondrocytes obtained from the knee cartilage. The Scopus platform presented more studies available (62.3%). The chi-squared test showed statistical significance for the descriptor "Chondrocyte" in the number of results retrieved (p= 0.004) and useful (p=0.04). A total of 78.9% of the surgeries were performed in the knee region, mainly for the treatment of articular cartilage injuries (57.4%). The review identified few studies about the objective, even so it was possible to establish the proposed protocol. The knee cartilage was the region with the highest cells for isolation (31.4%) which we standardized in our study to 3 mm² biopsy dissociated enzymatically with type I collagenase. Expansion time was detailed in 30.8% of the studies, with two weeks being standardized for confluence at passage three. Chondrocyte characterization was not very explained or performed in the researched articles, however we established a protocol by flow cytometry with the following markers: anti-CD14, anti-CD45, anti-CD19, anti-CD44, anti-CD73, anti-CD90, anti-CD151, anti-CD49C, anti-HLA-DR, anti-CD34, anti-CD105, anti-CD29. The integrative literature review was sufficient to demonstrate studies about the proposed aim, allowing the construction of a research protocol of isolation, expansion and characterization ready to be applied in laboratory research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Interstitial infiltrates, consisting of macrophages and other inflammatory cells, have been consistently reported in human and animal models of polycystic kidney diseases ( PKD). However, the mechanisms underlying this inflammation are not well defined. Evidence suggests that interstitial inflammation in PKD is driven by pro-inflammatory chemoattractants such as monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 ( MCP-1), and cytokines such as tumour necrosis factor ( TNF)-α. Putative upregulated inflammatory pathways include JAK-STAT and nuclear factor ( NF)-κ B signalling. In addition, the genetic mutations of PKD may further complicate the relationship between inflammation and cystic disease, by increasing the susceptibility to inflammatory injury, and facilitating interactions between the genetically determined cystoproteins and biological mediators of inflammation. Moreover, the roles of interstitial inflammation in promoting cyst growth and progression to kidney failure in PKD are not clearly understood. Although anti-inflammatory therapies have attenuated cystogenesis in animal models, inflammatory cells may also have reparative actions. Thus, in developing therapies for PKD, it is prudent to consider the potential negative outcomes of ablating inflammation, and whether it is more viable to target certain inflammatory pathways over others. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Many surgeons perform a varus femoral or Salter pelvic osteotomy in patients with Legg-Calvé-Perthes (LCP) disease. However, more severely deformed femoral heads show greater congruency in adduction rather than in abduction. Therefore, a valgus-(flexion) femoral osteotomy (VFO) seems preferable rather than a varus femoral or Salter pelvic osteotomy.Questions/purposes: We evaluated whether the VFO improves (1) femoral head roundness, (2) radiographic parameters reflecting hip subluxation, and (3) function.Methods: We treated 25 patients (25 hips; 18 lateral pillar C and seven B) in the late fragmentation stage by VFO. Seven patients had additional pelvic procedures. VFO was performed at a mean age of 9.8 years. Three hips were Stulberg Class II, 20 were Class III, and two were Class IV. The following components of femoral head roundness were calculated from preoperative MRI and final radiographs: lateral and medial head roundness (LHR and MHR); anterior and posterior head roundness (AHR and PHR); central head height; and the ratios MHR/LHR and PHR/AHR. Continuity of Shenton's line, medial gap ratio were evaluated. Function was determined with the Iowa hip score. Minimum followup was 3.1 years (mean, 6.3 years; range, 3.1-11.2 years).Results: All femoral head roundness measurements improved, with greatest improvement in the lateral and anterior head. Pillar C hips showed greater relative improvement than pillar B hips. The continuity of Shenton's line improved and the mean medial gap ratio decreased. Mean Iowa hip score improved from 71 before surgery to 90 at the last followup.Conclusions: VFO appears to help the deformed femoral head in the fragmentation stage to remodel to fit the acetabulum.Level Of Evidence: Level III, therapeutic study. See Guidelines for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: We investigated the aetiologic role of human papillomavirus (HPV) in 120 penile squamous cell carcinomas (PSCCs) from Vietnam.Methods: Human papillomavirus DNA was detected by PCR using SPF10 primers and a primer set targeting HPV-16 E6. The INNO-LiPA HPV genotyping kit was used to determine genotype. Human papillomavirus-16 viral load and physical status were determined by real-time PCR. P16(INK4A) protein expression was investigated by immunohistochemistry.Results: Human papillomavirus DNA was detected in 27 of 120 (23%) PSCCs. The most frequently detected genotype was HPV-16 (24 of 27 cases, 89%). In 16 of 18 (89%) HPV-16-positive cases, the HPV DNA was considered to be integrated into the host genome. The geometric mean of the HPV-16 viral load was 0.4 copies per cell. P16(INK4A) overexpression was significantly related to PSCCs infected with high-risk HPV (P=0.018) and HPV-16 copy numbers (P<0.001).Conclusion: Human papillomavirus-16 DNA integration and p16(INK4A) overexpression in high-risk HPV detected PSCCs suggested an aetiologic role of high-risk HPV in the development of PSCCs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Study Question: Is there a contribution of the minor allele at the KRAS single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) rs61764370 in the let-7 microRNA-binding site to endometriosis risk?Summary Answer: We found no evidence for association between endometriosis risk and rs61764370 or any other SNPs in KRAS.What Is Known Already: The rs61764370 SNP in the 3' untranslated region of the KRAS gene is predicted to disrupt a complementary binding site (LCS6) for the let-7 microRNA, and was recently reported to be at a high frequency (31%) in 132 women of varying ancestry with endometriosis compared with frequencies in a database of population controls (up to 7.6% depending on ancestry), suggesting a strong effect of this KRAS SNP in the aetiology of endometriosis.Study Design, Size and Duration: This was a case-control study with a total of 11 206 subjects. The study was performed between February 2012 and July 2012. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTINGAND METHODS: We first investigated a possible association between common markers in KRAS and endometriosis risk from our genome-wide association (GWA) data in 3194 surgically confirmed endometriosis cases and 7060 controls of European ancestry. Although rs61764370 was not genotyped on the GWA arrays, five SNPs typed in the study were highly correlated with this variant. The rs61764370 and two SNPs highly correlated with rs61764370 were then genotyped in 933 endometriosis cases and 952 controls using the Sequenom MassARRAY platform.Main Results and the Role Of Chance: There was no evidence for an association between rs61764370 and endometriosis risk P = 0.411 and odds ratio = 1.10 (95% confidence intervals: 0.88-1.36). We also found no evidence for an association between the highly correlated SNP rs17387019 and endometriosis. Their minor allele frequencies in cases and controls were of 0.087-0.091 similar to the population frequency reported previously for this variant in controls. Analyses of endometriosis cases with revised American Fertility Society stage III/IV disease also showed no evidence for an association between these SNPs and endometriosis risk.Limitations and Reasons For Caution: The GWA and genotyped data sets were not independent since individuals and cases from some families overlap. Controls in our GWA study were not screened for endometriosis.Wider Implications Of the Findings: The key SNP, rs61764370, was genotyped in a subset of samples. Our results do not support the suggestion that carrying the minor allele at rs61764370 contributes to a significant number of endometriosis cases and rs61764370 is, therefore, unlikely to be a useful marker of endometriosis risk.Study Funding/competing Interest(s): The research was funded by grants from the Australian National Health and Medical Research Council and Wellcome Trust. None of the authors has competing interests for the study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Contents Previous in vitro studies demonstrated that bovine endometrium has the capacity to convert inactive cortisone to biologically active cortisol (Cr) and that Cr inhibits cytokine-stimulated prostaglandin F2α (PGF) production. This study was carried out to test the hypothesis that bovine reproductive tract has the capacity to convert cortisone to Cr in vivo and to evaluate the effects of intravaginal application of exogenous cortisone on uterine PGF secretion during the late luteal stage. The temporal relationships between PGF and Cr levels in uterine plasma were also determined. Catheters were inserted into jugular vein (JV), uterine vein (UV), vena cava caudalis (VCC) and aorta abdominalis (AA) of six cows on Day 15 of the oestrous cycle (ovulation = Day 0) for frequent blood collection. On Day 16, the cows were divided randomly into two groups and infused intravaginally with vaseline gel (10 ml; control; n = 3) or cortisone dissolved in vaseline gel (100 mg; n = 3). Blood samples were collected at −2, −1, −0.5, 0, 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 h after treatments (0 h). Intravaginal application of cortisone increased plasma concentrations of Cr between 0.5 and 1.5 h in UV, at 0.5 h in VCC, at 1 h in JV and at 1.5 h in AA. The plasma concentrations of PGF in UV and of PGF metabolite in JV were greater at 0.5 and 1 h in the cortisone-treated animals than in control animals. The levels of PGF in UV blood plasma decreased after Cr reached its highest levels. The overall findings suggest that the female reproductive tract has the capacity to convert cortisone to Cr in vivo. Based on the temporal changes of PGF and Cr levels in the uterine plasma, a biphasic response in PGF secretion was found to be associated to the Cr increase induced by the cortisone treatment at the late luteal stage in non-pregnant cows. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, the optical-thermal characteristics for single-power light-emitting diodes (LEDs) are firstly studied based on experiment and theory, with both results in good agreement. Based on the results of single-power LED, an optical system is proposed with thermal-optical LED array modules, which are assembled upon a spherical base plate with heat sink. By simulation, the optical system is proved to provide uniform illumination. The luminance uniformity of the illuminated target is up to 0.9. The thermal effects under different heat convection coefficient and power consumption on the LED array modules are discussed in detail. Based on the heat transfer characteristics for the LED system, the approximate allowable power consumption for modules can be found. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The article presets the authors' insights on the study regarding activities and presence of disaccharidase in a range of southern African frugivores. The authors say that the study investigates the presence of intestinal sucrase and maltase activity in four South African frugivorous bird species, including Speckled Mousebirds Colius striatus, Red-winged Starlings Onychognathus morio, and Bulbuls Pycnonotus tricolor. They discus the absence of sucraseisomaltase activity in Red-winged Starlings.

Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate increased coronary artery dimensions in patients with paediatric-onset systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in comparison with healthy controls, and to identify risk factors associated with increased coronary artery dimensions in the SLE patients. Methods: As part of a longitudinal cohort study of coronary artery disease (CAD) in paediatric-onset SLE, 83 children with SLE and 36 healthy controls were enrolled for a cross-sectional analysis. Their coronary artery diameters were measured by echocardiography while their body mass index (BMI), blood pressure, and other cardiovascular factors were recorded. The age at diagnosis, serum uric acid (UA) and creatinine levels, and other lupus-related factors were further evaluated in SLE patients. Data were analysed using linear regression. Results: Mean body surface area (BSA)-adjusted dimensions of the left coronary artery (LCA) and right coronary artery (RCA) were significantly larger in SLE patients than in controls (both p < 0.001). The age at diagnosis, BMI, and serum UA and creatinine levels were associated with LCA and RCA diameters. There were no correlations between the coronary artery diameters and blood pressure, SLE duration, SLE Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI), C-reactive protein (CRP), C3, C4, anti-double-stranded-DNA (anti-dsDNA), or lipid profile. In multivariate analysis, serum UA level, age at diagnosis, and BMI were consistently associated with coronary artery dimensions (p < 0.001, p = 0.008, and p = 0.006 for LCA; p = 0.020, 0.013, and 0.008 for RCA). Conclusions: Increased coronary artery diameters were found in children with SLE and were associated with higher serum UA levels. The pathogenic mechanisms warrant further investigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease is frequently associated with type 2 diabetes; however, this idea is challenged by recent studies because hepatic steatosis is not always associated with insulin resistance (IR). Oleic acid (OA) is known to induce hepatic steatosis with normal insulin sensitivity; however, the mechanism is still unknown. Previous studies depict that activation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor δ (PPARδ) improves hepatic steatosis and IR, whereas the role of PPARδ in the improvement of insulin sensitivity by OA is unknown. Here we induced steatosis in HepG2 cells by incubation with OA and OA significantly increased the expression of PPARδ through a calcium-dependent pathway. OA also induced the expression of G protein-coupled receptor 40 (GPR40), and deletion of GPR40 by small interfering ribonucleic acid transfection partially reversed the effect of OA on PPARδ. Inhibition of phospholipase C (PLC) by U73122 also reversed OA-induced PPARδ expression. Otherwise, deletion of PPARδ augmented the OA-induced steatosis in HepG2 cells. Furthermore, IR was developed in OA-treated HepG2 cells with PPARδ deletion, while insulin-related signals and insulin-stimulated glycogen synthesis were reduced through increase of phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) expression. In conclusion, OA activates GPR40-PLC-calcium pathway to increase the expression of PPARδ and PPARδ further decreased the expression of PTEN to regulate insulin sensitivity in hepatic steatosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Overview: Oxygen has been a generally accepted treatment method for cluster headache attacks ever since Kudrow (1981) conducted a controlled trial showing that oxygen was equally or even more effective than ergotamine injections.Purpose: The aim of the present study was to provide a historical perspective of oxygen treatment in cluster headache and to find the origin of this treatment. Oxygen for cluster headache was first described by Horton in 1952 and for migraine patients in 1940 by Alvarez. At the time, neither of the authors provided any reason why they chose for this treatment method. The vasoconstrictive effect of oxygen was not described by Horton until 1961.Conclusion: We suggest that these authors originally adhered to the vasoconstrictive theory of vascular headache that was prevalent in the early 20th century until Wolff demonstrated the contrary in the late 1930s. The early literature describes an analogy between angina pectoris and migraine, as both being due to vasoconstriction. As oxygen was described as a treatment for angina pectoris, this may be the reason why oxygen was tried for migraine and cluster headache at a time when they were not recognized as separate entities. Later it turned out to be more effective for cluster headache. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Ultrasound was used as adjunct to radiographic imaging in the assessment and management of metallic fragments in five cases encountered in forward-deployed military facilities. Although metallic fragments are usually seen well on radiographs, ultrasound can add details of the surrounding soft-tissue structures and clarify location. Portable handheld units are well suited for studies when probe selection and equipment adjustments are correct. In selected cases, ultrasound information can favorably influence case management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We undertook a community-level aggregate analysis in South Carolina, USA, to examine associations between mother-child conditions from a Medicaid cohort of pregnant women and their children using spatially interpolated arsenic (As) and lead (Pb) concentrations in three geographic case areas and a control area. Weeks of gestation at birth was significantly negatively correlated with higher estimated As (r(s) = -0.28, p = 0.01) and Pb (r(s) = -0.26, p = 0.02) concentrations in one case area. Higher estimated Pb concentrations were consistently positively associated with frequency of black mothers (all p < 0.02) and negatively associated with frequency of white mothers (all p < 0.01), suggesting a racial disparity with respect to Pb. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AIMS: This study explores the association between the ratio of triglyceride (TG) and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and insulin resistance according to waist circumference in the general Korean population. METHODS: 7623 participants were selected from the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES) conducted during 2007-2009 and included in this cross-sectional study. Insulin resistance was defined as the values equal to or greater than the 75th percentile of the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR). RESULTS: Positive correlation was found between the ratio of TG and HDL-C and other variables such as waist circumference, total cholesterol, and HOMA-IR for both men and women. The odds ratios (ORs) (95% confidence interval) for insulin resistance for the highest quartile of TG/HDL-C were 2.48 in men and 3.05 in women. The significant relationship between the TG/HDL-C ratio and insulin resistance was not only maintained across all quartiles of waist circumference but also seemed to be enhanced in the higher quartiles of waist circumference. CONCLUSION: In the general Korean population, there seems to be a linear association between TG/HDL-C ratio and insulin resistance, regardless of degrees of waist circumference. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]