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Résumé Objectifs La chirurgie des tumeurs cutanées est courante et bien codifiée. Il existe une discordance entre des recommandations sur les marges macroscopiques à appliquer et les décisions thérapeutiques prises sur des marges histologiques. Cette étude a pour vocation d'étudier la rétraction cutanée qui survient lors de l'exérèse puis dans le formol, pour comprendre la discordance anatomoclinique souvent retrouvée. Patients et méthodes Il s'agissait d'une étude prospective, d'un mois, incluant les patients bénéficiant d'une chirurgie cutanée. Pour chaque tumeur, le chirurgien effectuait 4 mesures de marges avant puis après l'exérèse ; marges mesurées à nouveau en histologie. Le critère de jugement était la différence de mesure de marges en préopératoire, postopératoire et histologie. Ces données étaient pondérées en fonction de facteurs liés au patient et à la tumeur. Résultats Soixante-dix-neuf tumeurs pour 61 patients ont été étudiées. L'étude a montré une rétraction significative entre les mesures préopératoires et postopératoires, de 0,4 à 0,6 mm. Elle n'est corrélée à aucun des autres facteurs testés. Une rétraction significative entre 0,4 et 0,5 mm a également été montrée entre les mesures préopératoires et histologiques. En revanche, il existe une augmentation significative entre les mesures postopératoires et histologiques. Conclusion Ce dernier résultat pourrait être lié à la zone péri-lésionnelle inflammatoire que le chirurgien considère comme étant tumoral donc exclut de sa marge alors que l'histologie peut montrer une zone saine. Devant ces résultats, un comité d'expert menant une étude plus importante pourrait inclure des recommandations sur les marges histologiques aux recommandations cliniques actuelles. Summary Background Skin tumors surgery is common and well established. There is discrepancy between recommendations on macroscopic margins to apply and therapeutic decisions taken on histological margins. The purpose of this study is to examine skin shrinkage upon exeresis, then in formalin, to understand the anatomo-clinical discrepancy, which is often found. Material and methods It was a prospective study, lasting a month, including patients receiving skin surgery. For each tumor, the surgeon carried out 4 margins measurements before and after exeresis ; margins measured again in histology. The evaluation criterion was the difference between preoperative, postoperative and histological margins measurement. These data was weighting according to factors linked to the patient and the tumor. Results Seventy-nine tumors for 61 patients had been studied. The study showed a significant shrinkage between preoperative measurements and postoperative, from 0.4 to 0.6 mm. It is correlated with no one tested factors. Significant shrinkage between 0.4 and 0.5 mm was also established between preoperative and histological measurements. However, there is a significant augmentation between postoperative and histological measurements. Conclusion This last result could be linked to the inflammatory peri-wound skin that surgeon consider as tumoral process so exclude of his margin, while histology could show a healthy area. In front of these results, an expert committee leading a more important study could include histological margins recommendations to the actual clinical recommendations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents the results obtained on cobalt layers after rapid thermal annealing in N2 ambient at temperatures between 525 and 800 °C. The cobalt layers were deposited by chemical vapor deposition from Co(CO)3NO on to oxidized-Si substrates at 450 °C. As the anneal temperature increases from 525 to 800 °C the percentage layer resistivity decrease goes from 35% to 55%. The lowest resistivity achieved was ∼11 μΩ cm for 300-nm-thick layers and ∼14 μΩ cm for 180 -nm layer annealed in the range of 650-800 °C. XRD analysis shows that a mixture of fcc and hcp cobalt grains is present in the as-deposited material. As the annealing temperature increases the fcc Co peaks increase due to crystallization of the material. This was confirmed by surface and microstructure analysis using SEM and AFM. The grain size had significantly increased to 200-300 nm ranges for both 180- and 300-nm layers. From the hysteresis loops it was found that the coercivity values are significantly reduced to 25 Oe from 350 and 140 Oe due to high-temperature annealing to give soft magnetic property. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the past 50 years, selection starting initially at the breed level and then using quantitative genetics coupled with a sophisticated breeding pyramid, has resulted in a very productive hybrid for a variety of traits associated with egg production.One major trait currently being developed further is persistency of lay and the concept of the “long life” layer. Persistency in lay however cannot be achieved without due consideration of how to sustain egg quality and the health and welfare of the birds in longer laying cycles. These multiple goals require knowledge and consideration of the bird’s physiology, nutritional requirements, which vary depending on age and management system, reproductive status and choice of the selection criteria applied.The recent advent of molecular genetics offers considerable hope that these multiple elements can be balanced for the good of all in the industry including the hens.The “long life” layer, which will be capable of producing 500 eggs in a laying cycle of 100 weeks, is therefore on the horizon, bringing with it the benefits of a more efficient utilisation of diminishing resources, including land, water, raw materials for feed as well as a reduction in waste, and an overall reduced carbon footprint. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The cuticle is a proteinaceous layer covering the avian egg and is believed to form a defence to microorganism ingress. In birds that lay eggs in challenging environments, the cuticle is thicker, suggesting evolutionary pressure; however, in poultry, selection pressure for this trait has been removed because of artificial incubation. This study aimed to quantify cuticle deposition and to estimate its genetic parameters and its role on trans-shell penetration of bacteria. Additionally, cuticle proteins were characterised to establish whether alleles for these genes explained variation in deposition. A novel and reliable quantification was achieved using the difference in reflectance of the egg at 650 nm before and after staining with a specific dye. The heritability of this novel measurement was moderate (0.27), and bacteria penetration was dependent on the natural variation in cuticle deposition. Eggs with the best cuticle were never penetrated by bacteria ( P < 0.001). The cuticle proteome consisted of six major proteins. A significant association was found between alleles of one of these protein genes, ovocleidin-116 ( MEPE), and cuticle deposition ( P = 0.015) and also between alleles of estrogen receptor 1 ( ESR1) gene and cuticle deposition ( P = 0.008). With the heritability observed, genetic selection should be possible to increase cuticle deposition in commercial poultry, so reducing trans-generational transmission of microorganisms and reversing the lack of selection pressure for this trait during recent domestication. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examined the potential biochemical and mechanical structures that may contribute to egg adhesion in European whitefish Coregonus lavaretus. Experiments showed that eggs from a population of C. lavaretus from Loch Eck remained non-adhesive in a solution chemically similar to ovarian fluid but became adhesive seconds after contact with water. Examination of the ultrastructure of the chorion showed that the morphology changed significantly after contact with water, with nodule-like protuberances attached to connective filaments on the surface present in water-hardened but not non-water hardened eggs. Biochemical analysis showed the presence of Chain A, RNase ZF-3e proteins in the chorion of water-hardened but not non-water hardened eggs. Histochemical staining of the chorion of C. lavaretus eggs showed that the externa, but not the interna, stained positively for the presence of glycoproteins. From these results, it was concluded that C. lavaretus from Loch Eck possess both anatomical and biochemical adhesive mechanisms that have been undocumented in this species so far. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary Large fish species are at high risk of extinction because of life cycle characteristics and migratory fishes are often vulnerable to river modifications and overexploitation. The freshwater fish family Cyprinidae has the highest diversity in species, varied morphological and behavioral properties, and a wide range of habitat requirements. This study included an analysis of the conservation attention on large, migratory cyprinid species, a summary of threats jeopardizing the endangered species in this group, and a case study on little known species from northwest China. About 1% of all cyprinid species exceed 1 m in total length, and most of these fishes have migratory behaviors. Most of these species (79%) have not been evaluated for conservation attention, and a minor portion that have been evaluated were considered endangered. The threats to large migratory cyprinids include all the common threats to freshwater biodiversity: overexploitation, habitat alteration, water pollution, flow modification, and species invasion. The first two threats explain most of the decline in abundance and range of large, migratory cyprinids, and the others are sometimes important. The case of the Xinjiang datou fish ( Aspiorhynchus laticeps) illustrates how an impressive species can be lost without much scientific or public attention. The analysis of conservation attention, threats, and the case study support the conclusion that large, migratory cyprinids are not receiving conservation efforts that should be focused on fish species that are especially vulnerable to human impacts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary A set of methods are developed and demonstrated for setting clear and measurable fish community targets for environmental restoration in contemporary waterways. Two case studies illustrate the application and value of these methods: a small northeast United States river and the Hudson River estuary in New York City. A target fish community can be used to diagnose impediments to a desired fish fauna, define needed restoration activities, and identify precisely the fish community for restoration. A target fish community defines species composition and community proportions by species. In the small river case, observed fish community had underrepresented species that were mostly fluvial fishes and overly abundant species that were mostly habitat generalists or lentic oriented species. Results indicated flowing water habitat improvement was the highest priority. The estuary case defined species composition and community proportions for shorelines in New York City. While this estuarine ecosystem had a high diversity of fishes and few missing species, the shoreline community was determined to be highly biased toward fishes using open pelagic waters. Departures from target conditions were used to define clear and practical restoration needs in this intensely urbanized waterway: shallow shoreline waters with cover. Integrating restoration policy, objective zoogeography analyses, and theory-based parameters of community structure yields restoration specifications that are future oriented, meaningful to the public, and scientifically justified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary Objective: To describe how changes in legislation to control sales and thus restrict the general availability of paracetamol have affected deprivation-related inequalities in deliberate self-harm associated with the drug in Scotland. Design and setting: A descriptive analysis of routine death and hospital discharge data for the entire Scottish population between 1995 and 2002. Participants: Patients in Scotland admitted to hospital with a diagnosis of poisoning and deaths in Scotland due to poisoning 1995-2002. Outcome measures: Changes in mortality and overdose rates by deprivation quintile, and case fatality rates due to poisoning involving paracetamol. Results: Rates of overdose involving paracetamol, while much higher in disadvantaged quintiles, felt in each deprivation quintile following the 1998 legislation. They then returned to levels similar, or above those in the mid 1990s. All quintiles were affected to a similar extent with the relationship between them remaining constant over time. Case fatality rates were significantly higher in more disadvantaged quintiles. Conclusions: Marked inequalities exist in paracetamol related harm in Scotland. The most disadvantaged groups (both male and female) have higher overdose and death rates, as well as higher case fatality rates. Following the restrictions all social groups saw similar reductions in paracetamol related harm. This effect has been short-lived and rates have returned to pre-legislation levels. Legislation has not permanently affected overall use of paracetamol in overdose in Scotland or reduced the proportion of patients taking paracetamol as a component of the overdose in the longer term. An important public health policy has failed to achieve its objective and it is not clear why. We need a better understanding of why this measure had only short-term benefits if its full potential is to be achieved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An experimental program of mechanical testing has shown that microcracks initiate in hens' eggs at loads less than that necessary to cause total structural failure. In contact loading, computational modeling and numerical analysis show that very high stress levels develop on the inner surface of the eggshell as it conforms to a hard contact surface. This causes a series of microcracks to initiate at the inner surface of the shell and radiate out from the load site. A series of concentric circumferential microcracks also develop beneath the cuticle from the edge of the contact zone. Calculations relating to the eggshells' dynamic response indicate that microcracks have a little effect on the structural stiffness and resonant frequencies of the egg. As a result, microcracks are unlikely to be detected by online crack detection systems, which rely on mechanical excitation. Eggs in retail outlets are likely to contain microcracks as a result of insults experienced during the collection, grading, and packing processes. Because the eggshell forms the first line of defense against potentially pathogenic microorganisms entering the egg contents, microcracks could potentially compromise egg safety. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

1. Cracked eggshells result in economic loss and provide a route for pathogenic organisms to enter the egg. Genetic factors that contribute to shell strength are likely to decrease the risk that an egg will crack when subject to insult. 2. A novel measurement, the dynamic stiffness of the eggshell ( K dyn) was examined to determine if it might be used in the genetic selection of hens with improved eggshell characteristics. The measurement is determined from acoustic resonance frequency analysis. 3. The estimates of heritability for the novel measurement of K dyn were moderately high and ranged from 0·33 to 0·53 depending on the model used for the estimation. 4. The estimates of genetic correlation of K dyn with eggshell breaking strength (0·49) and static stiffness (0·57) were positive and relatively large as expected. There was a small negative genetic correlation between K dyn and egg production from 26 to 50 weeks of age (-0·19) and a moderate one from 58 to 74 weeks of age (-0·36). 5. The moderate heritability and relative independence of K dyn indicates that this measurement could be used successfully in a breeding programme to improve shell quality and to reduce the incidence of cracks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A technology is described for fabricating SiGe heterojunction bipolar transistors (HBTs) on wafer-bonded silicon-on- insulator (SOI) substrates that incorporate buried tungsten suicide layers for collector resistance reduction or buried groundplanes for crosstalk suppression. The physical structure of the devices is characterized using cross section transmission electron microscopy, and the electrical properties of the buried tungsten silicide layer are characterized using. sheet resistance measurements as a function of bond temperature. Possible contamination issues associated with the buried tungsten silicide layer are investigated by measuring the collector/base reverse diode tics. A resistivity of 50 μΩcm is obtained for the buried suicide layer for a bond anneal of 120 mm at 1000 °C. Collector/base reverse diode tics show a voltage dependence of approximately V½, indicating that the leakage current is due to Shockley-Read-Hall generation in the depletion region. Fitting of the current-voltage tics gives a generation lifetime of 90 ns, which is as expected for the collector doping of 7 × 1017 cm-3. These results indicate that the buried tungsten silicide layer does not have a serious impact on junction leakage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Focuses on genetic variation for egg production, egg quality and bone strength in selected and traditional breeds of laying fowl. Reason for bone breakage in laying hens; Characteristic differences between commercial lines and traditional breeds of laying fowl.

Summary. Polyethylene glycol-conjugated adenosine deaminase (pegademase) is used for enzyme replacement therapy for patients with severe combined immunodeficiency caused by adenosine deaminase deficiency. The entrapment of pegademase within human energy-replete carrier erythrocytes using a hypo-osmotic dialysis procedure was investigated with the objective of prolonging the in vivo circulatory half-life of the enzyme and maintaining therapeutic blood levels. Native unmodified adenosine deaminase (ADA) was similarly studied. The efficiency of pegademase entrapment was low (9%) whereas the entrapment of native unmodified ADA was substantial (50%), suggesting that the polyethylene glycol side-chains were impeding intracellular entrapment. The biochemical characteristics and the osmotic fragility of these carrier erythrocytes were not adversely affected by the entrapment of either pegademase or native ADA. In vivo survival studies of pegademase-loaded [sup 51]Cr-labelled carrier erythrocytes in an ADA-deficient adult patient showed a mean cell half-life of 16 d. Carrier erythrocyte-entrapped pegademase and native ADA had in vivo half-lives of 20 and 12.5 d, respectively, demonstrating that entrapment prolongs the half-life over that of plasma pegademase, which has a circulating half-life of 3-6 d. These results provide the basis for a more extensive clinical evaluation of carrier erythrocyte-entrapped native adenosine deaminase therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Migration of blood-borne lymphocytes into lymphoid tissues is initiated by the Lselectin and alpha4beta7 integrin adhesion molecules. Previous studies have shown that L-selectin adhesion is dynamically regulated by febrile temperatures. It is now reported that fever-range hyperthermia also acts directly on lymphocytes to enhance selected adhesive functions of alpha4beta7 integrin. Fever-range hyperthermia treatment in vitro (40[sup o]C, 12h) of murine TK1 lymphoma cells and human peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL) stimulates alpha4beta7 integrin-dependent adhesion to high endothelial venules (HEV) in Peyer's patch and mesenteric lymph node frozen sections. TK1 cells are alpha4beta7[sup hi] L-selectin[sup lo], allowing for the analysis of alpha4beta7 integrin without contributions from L-selectin. Adhesion was further shown to involve alpha4beta7 integrin and its endothelial counter-receptor, mucosal addressin cell adhesion molecule-1 (MAdCAM-1) using function-blocking antibodies (i.e. DATK32, HP2/1, MECA-367). Fever-range hyperthermia also promotes alpha4beta7 integrin-mediated aggregation of TK1 cells. In sharp contrast, hyperthermia fails to increase alpha4beta7 integrin adhesion to fibronectin by TK1 cells. Expression of the alpha4beta7 heterodimer on TK1 cells or human PBL is not altered by hyperthermia, suggesting that hyperthermia stimulates adhesion by enhancing alpha4beta7 integrin avidity rather than its cell surface density. These results provide a mechanism whereby febrile temperatures during infection or clinical hyperthermia potentially amplify the immune response by stimulating L-selectin and alpha4beta7 integrin-dependent homing of immune effector cells to lymphoid tissues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

1. Eggshell pieces (1 cm[sup 2]) were decalcified using a solution of EDTA (200 g/litre, pH 6.9 to 7.0) in paraformaldehyde (2 g/litre) and glutaraldehyde (0.5 g/litre) in phosphate buffer. 2. They were prepared for transmission electron microscopy (TEM). 3. TEM identified a vertically aligned matrix associated with the vertical crystal layer (VCL). It is hypothesised that the vertical orientation of calcite crystals in the VCL is closely linked to this vertical matrix. 4. TEM also revealed the presence of a 2-layered cuticle, the inner layer containing vesicles which were absent in the outer. 5. Cuticular vesicles contain hydroxyapatite and are thought to play a role in the termination of shell formation. The current paper presents data relating to microbial apatitic systems that strengthen this hypothesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract 1. The avian eggshell is a biomineralised composite ceramic consisting of calcium carbonate embedded in an organic matrix. Matrix components are supposed to be involved in the control of mineralisation, crystallographic texture and biomechanical properties of eggshell. 2. The structure and eggshell matrix composition of various domesticated bird species were compared to gain insight into the universality of the eggshell mineralisation process. 3. The SDS-PAGE profiles of soluble eggshell matrix were specific within groups of birds (a: laying hen, breeder hen, quail, pheasant and possibly turkey; b: guinea fowl; c: duck and goose) but some of the protein bands were common to all groups. 4. Analogies between species were confirmed by Western blotting using hen protein antibodies. Ovocleidin-17 (OC-17) and ovalbumin were revealed in all species (except quail for OC-17). Lysozyme was present only in hen eggshell. Another egg white protein: ovotransferrin showed a positive signal in hens, turkey and quail. Osteopontin was observed in laying and breeder hens and quail. 5. Different proteoglycans were localised to discrete regions within the eggshell. Dermatan sulphate was observed within the matrix of the calcified shell of all species except quail which contained chondroitin-6- sulfate. Keratan sulphate was observed in mammillary bodies of breeder and laying hen, quail, pheasant and turkey while chondroitin sulphate was also present in guinea fowl and duck. 6. The general structural organisation of the different avian eggshells was similar but specific differences were observed in the ultrastructure of the mammillary layer. Species of the same taxonomic family could be grouped according to their structural analogies: breeder hen, turkey and pheasant resembled that of the domestic fowl. Guinea fowl was unique. Goose and duck were quite similar with large and confluent mammillary bodies. 7. Some matrix components are therefore common to eggshells of various species but more information is needed to relate differences in matrix composition between taxonomic groups with differences in ultrastructure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

1. 1 cm2 pieces of eggshells from a commercial battery flock were plasma etched to remove the outer shell membranes. 2. They were decalcified using EDTA (200 g/l, pH 6.9 to 7.0) in paraformaldehyde (20 g/l) and 25% gluteraldehyde (20 ml in 0.98 l) in phosphate buffer, then prepared for light and transmission electron microscopy. 3. Light microscopy revealed a differential distribution of matrix material within all 3 regions of the palisade layer at the beginning of lay. 4. Transmission electron microscopy revealed a more even distribution of matrix at the beginning of lay, although morphological differences were observed. At the end of lay all 3 regions showed an increase in % matrix and vesicles/10 cm2 of micrograph compared to the middle and beginning of lay periods. 5. It is hypothesised that matrix vesicles are involved in the regulation of the physiochemical environment within the forming eggshell and that the decline in shell quality associated with the end of lay is related to a concomitant change in matrix quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Carotid endarterectomy (CEA) is a proven method of stroke prevention in patients with symptomatic and asymptomatic high-grade internal carotid artery stenosis. This study examined whether site of residence affects access to CEA in Scotland. Methods Scottish Morbidity Record hospital discharge data were collected by the Information and Statistics Division of the National Health Service in Scotland and analysed for the interval 1 January 1989 to 31 December 1995. The number of CEAs performed in the hospitals of each of the 15 regional Health Boards, and CEA rate per 100 000 population resident in each Health Board region, were determined. Results In 1989, 65 CEAs were performed in the hospitals of five Health Boards and in 1995, 431 CEAs were performed in nine Health Boards. In 1989, the CEA rate per 100 000 resident population varied between 0 (four regions) and 4 (one region), with one region significantly different from Scotland as a whole (P<0·01). In 1995, the CEA rate varied between 0 (two regions) and 19 (one region), with two regions significantly different from Scotland as a whole (P<0·01). Conclusion Despite a sixfold increase in the number of CEAs being performed, and a rise in the number of centres performing CEA, there is increasing geographical inequality in the provision of CEA in Scotland. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND Subacute and chronic subdural hematomas are common and frequently recur after surgical evacuation. The effect of adjunctive middle meningeal artery embolization on the risk of reoperation remains unclear. METHODS In a prospective, multicenter, interventional, adaptive-design trial, we randomly assigned patients with symptomatic subacute or chronic subdural hematoma with an indication for surgical evacuation to undergo middle meningeal artery embolization plus surgery (treatment group) or surgery alone (control group). The priequallyto mary end point was hematoma recurrence or progression that led to repeat surgery within 90 days after the index treatment. The clinical secondary end point was deterioration of neurologic function at 90 days, which was assessed with the modified Rankin scale in a noninferiority analysis (margin for risk difference, 15 percentage points). RESULTS A total of 197 patients were randomly assigned to the treatment group and 203 to the control group. Surgery occurred before randomization in 136 of 400 patients (34.0°6). Hematoma recurrence or progression leading to repeat surgery occurred in 8 patients (4.196) in the treatment group, as compared with 23 patients (11.390) in the control group (relative risk, 0.36; 95% confidence interval ICI], 0.11 to 0.80; P=0.008). Functional deterioration occurred in 11.9% of the patients in the treatment group and in 9.8°/o of those in the control group (risk difference, 2.1 percentage points; 95% CI, -4.8 to 8.9). Mortality at 90 days was 5.190 in the treatment group and 3.0% in the control group. By 180 days, 4 patients (2.0°6) in the treatment group had had a serious adverse event related to the embolization procedure alone, including disabling ischemic stroke in 2 patients. CONCLUSIONS Among patients with symptomatic subacute or chronic subdural hematoma with an indication for surgical evacuation, middle meningeal artery embolization plus surgery was associated with a lower risk of hematoma recurrence or progression leading to reoperation than surgery alone. Further study is needed to evaluate the safety of middle meningeal artery embolization in the management of subdural hematoma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Trials of surgical evacuation of supratentorial intracerebral hemorrhages have generally shown no functional benefit. Whether early minimally invasive surgical removal would result in better outcomes than medical management is not known. METHODS: In this multicenter, randomized trial involving patients with an acute intracerebral hemorrhage, we assessed surgical removal of the hematoma as compared with medical management. Patients who had a lobar or anterior basal ganglia hemorrhage with a hematoma volume of 30 to 80 ml were assigned, in a 1:1 ratio, within 24 hours after the time that they were last known to be well, to minimally invasive surgical removal of the hematoma plus guideline-based medical management (surgery group) or to guideline-based medical management alone (control group). The primary efficacy end point was the mean score on the utility-weighted modified Rankin scale (range, 0 to 1, with higher scores indicating better outcomes, according to patients' assessment) at 180 days, with a prespecified threshold for posterior probability of superiority of 0.975 or higher. The trial included rules for adaptation of enrollment criteria on the basis of hemorrhage location. A primary safety end point was death within 30 days after enrollment. RESULTS: A total of 300 patients were enrolled, of whom 30.7% had anterior basal ganglia hemorrhages and 69.3% had lobar hemorrhages. After 175 patients had been enrolled, an adaptation rule was triggered, and only persons with lobar hemorrhages were enrolled. The mean score on the utility-weighted modified Rankin scale at 180 days was 0.458 in the surgery group and 0.374 in the control group (difference, 0.084; 95% Bayesian credible interval, 0.005 to 0.163; posterior probability of superiority of surgery, 0.981). The mean between-group difference was 0.127 (95% Bayesian credible interval, 0.035 to 0.219) among patients with lobar hemorrhages and -0.013 (95% Bayesian credible interval, -0.147 to 0.116) among those with anterior basal ganglia hemorrhages. The percentage of patients who had died by 30 days was 9.3% in the surgery group and 18.0% in the control group. Five patients (3.3%) in the surgery group had postoperative rebleeding and neurologic deterioration. CONCLUSIONS: Among patients in whom surgery could be performed within 24 hours after an acute intracerebral hemorrhage, minimally invasive hematoma evacuation resulted in better functional outcomes at 180 days than those with guideline-based medical management. The effect of surgery appeared to be attributable to intervention for lobar hemorrhages. (Funded by Nico; ENRICH ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT02880878.). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Assesses the quality of hatched and unhatched eggshells of captive Saker falcons. Radial arrangement of calcium carbonate around the mammillary caps; Porosity of palisade columns.

Objective and importance Giant fusiform aneurysms of the basilar artery are associated with a high rate of morbidity and mortality. Treatment of these lesions can be difficult especially when there are poor anatomic collaterals such as posterior communicating arteries. Often times these lesions have no acceptable treatment. We present a case of a patient with a large, symptomatic, fusiform basilar artery aneurysm successfully treated with a side by side, telescoping stent construct and coiling of the giant basilar artery aneurysm. Clinical presentation A 56-year-old man presented with chief complaints of dysarthria and left-sided hemiparesis. MRI and conventional catheter based angiography revealed a dolichoectatic basilar artery with three large fusiform aneurysms throughout its length. Flow through the patient's aneurysm was successfully reduced with a side by side stent construct and coiling of the proximal aneurysm dilation. The patient experienced stabilization of his ischemic events and neurologic recovery. Intervention and technique A total of eight Neuroform-2 4.5×30 mm stents were navigated and positioned from the proximal posterior cerebral arteries to the distal vertebral arteries in a side by side, telescoping manner. These were deployed simultaneously by two operators to oppose the stent struts as well as the arterial wall. Next, the proximal aneurysmal dilation was coiled to near occlusion. Conclusion We present a novel, endovascular stenting technique for successfully treating symptomatic, giant basilar artery aneurysms. The above patient at 4 months was living independently with no further neurologic events or decline. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Objectives: To ensure that decisions on the future planning of the Scottish Home Oxygen Service reflect population needs by examining the epidemiology of the main conditions that require home oxygen therapy and trends in their management. Study design: Analysis of routinely available vital event and health service data supplemented by published literature. Use of linked data to provide person-based analyses. Methods: Consideration of trends in key risk factors, disease incidence, prevalence and mortality for chronic neonatal lung disease, cystic fibrosis, chronic interstitial lung disease in adults and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Examination of trends in management of these conditions including hospital admissions, length of stay and re-admissions. Results: The prevalence of all the conditions studied has increased in Scotland over recent years due to a combination of increased incidence, increased survival, more active case finding and demographic changes. There have been changes in management with trends towards shorter hospital stays. Conclusions: The clinical need for home oxygen therapy is likely to continue to increase over the next 10-20 years. It will encompass all age groups and a complex range of conditions. Public health needs to be proactive in providing relevant needs assessment information to ensure that planning within financial constraints is appropriately informed on population needs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To identify factors influencing hospital re-admission with self-poisoning. Study design: Retrospective cohort follow-up study using national linked hospital discharge data. Methods: All Scottish adult hospital episodes with self-poisoning admissions were captured using NHS Scotland Information Services Division data, and first-time 'index' admissions between 1996 and 2002 were identified. Re-admission rate was defined as the proportion of index admissions who went on to have one or more further self-poisoning admissions within 2 years. The effects of various potential risk factors for re-admission were examined using logistic regression. Results: In total, 50,891 index admissions were identified; of these, 8278 patients were re-admitted. The 1-year re-admission rate was 12.2%. Older patients (>65 years) were least likely to be re-admitted [odds ratio (DR) 0.40, P < 0.01, compared with patients aged 15-24 years]. No differences were found between males and females. Previous psychiatric hospital admission was associated with an increased readmission rate (DR 2.85, P < 0.01), with a diagnosis of personality disorder associated with the highest rate of re-admission (OR 4.59, P < 0.01 ). Other factors predicting re-admission were: increased deprivation (quintile 3: OR 1.16, P<0.01; quintile 5: DR 1.15, P<0.01, compared with quintile 1); taking medicines for chronic disease, drug dependency (OR 1.6 and 1.19, P < 0.02) or antidepressants (OR 1.11, P= 0.01 ) (compared with paracetamol); and co-ingestion of three or more agents (OR 1.37, P < 0.01 ). Conclusion: Younger age, higher deprivation, ingestion of certain drug groups or multiple drug types, and prior psychiatric hospital admission are all risk factors for re-admission with self-poisoning. Personality disorder carried the greatest risk of re-admission. These findings may provide a basis to develop policies to reduce re-admission rates in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Novel and traditional eggshell quality measurements were made from up to 2000 commercial pedigree hens for a candidate gene association analysis with organic eggshell matrix genes: ovocleidin-116, osteopontin ( SPP1), ovocalyxin-32 ( RARRES1), ovotransferrin ( LTF), ovalbumin and ovocalyxin-36, as well as key genes in the maintenance and function of the shell gland [ estrogen receptor ( ESR1) and carbonic anhydrase II ( CAII)]. Associations were found for (i) ovalbumin with breaking strength and shell thickness; (ii) ovocleidin-116 with elastic modulus, shell thickness and egg shape; (iii) RARRES1 with mammillary layer thickness; (iv) ESR1 with dynamic stiffness; (v) SPP1 with fracture toughness and (vi) CAII with egg shape. The marker effects are as large as 17% of trait standard deviations and could be used to improve eggshell quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This study evaluated the changing trends in glaucoma management in Scotland between 1994 and 2004.Methods: A retrospective analysis of national health statistics in Scotland from 1994 to 2004. The Scottish morbidity record was used to collect information on all episodes of trabeculectomy. Data on number of prescriptions were gathered for individual drugs and also for groups of active ingredient. The population likely to have glaucoma (PLG) was calculated from estimates of prevalence in individuals aged 40 years and older, based on published epidemiological studies. The outcome measures were trabeculectomy rates, corrected for population likely to be at risk of glaucoma (PLG), and prescribing volume and cost for glaucoma medications.Results: Trabeculectomy rates have fallen by 67% from 46 per 1,000 PLG in 1994 to 15.4 per 1,000 PLG in 2004. Over the same time period, the population likely to be at risk of glaucoma (PLG) increased by 16.6%. The cost of prescribing has increased by 122% over 11 years compared with an increase in number of items per 1,000 PLG by 27.5%. In 1994, beta-blockers accounted for 65.2% of prescribed drugs but by 2004 this had dropped to 33%. Since their introduction, the prescribing of prostaglandin analogues has increased rapidly and in 2004, they accounted for 39.4% of prescribed drugs.Conclusion: The increasing use of prostaglandin analogues has led to an increase in prescribing rates and a rapid increase in cost. At the same time, prescribing of beta-blockers has declined and trabeculectomy rates have fallen. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims To describe how changes in legislation to restrict paracetamol sales have affected overdose discharges and death associated with the drug in Scotland. Methods A descriptive analysis of routine death and hospital discharge data for the entire Scottish population between 1995 and 2004. Patients in Scotland participated who were discharged from hospital with a diagnosis of poisoning; deaths in Scotland from diagnosis of poisoning 1995–2003 were also analysed. Outcome measures were changes in mortality and overdose due to poisoning involving paracetamol. A comparison was made of in-hospital and out-of-hospital mortality in fatalities involving paracetamol. Results The majority of paracetamol-associated deaths were due to co-proxamol. Deaths associated with paracetamol alone or with ethanol occurred principally in hospital and were a minority of deaths overall. The proportion of in-hospital deaths attributed to paracetamol increased (post/pre ratio 1.347; 95% confidence interval 1.076, 1.639; P = 0.013). Overall numbers of cases discharged with poisoning fell. The proportion of these involving paracetamol in any form increased significantly in all groups except young men aged 10 to <20 years. Conclusions Legislation has not reduced mortality or proportional use of paracetamol in overdose, both of which appear to have increased in Scotland since pack-size limitations. Other approaches are necessary to reduce the death rate from overdoses involving paracetamol. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ICD-9 code 163 (malignant neoplasm of pleura) listed as underlying cause of death detected only 40% of Scottish mesothelioma cases (all body sites) from the cancer registry in 1981–1999. This is lower than both the previously published 55% figure, derived from UK mesothelioma register data 1986–1991, which is based on any mention of mesothelioma on death certificates, cross-referenced to cancer registry data, and the 44% figure derived from Scottish mortality data 1981–1999, which captured any mention of mesothelioma on the death certificate. Detection from cancer registry data increased to 75% under ICD-10 in Scotland, confirming earlier predictions of the benefit of ICD-10's more specific mesothelioma codes. Including the accidental poisoning codes E866.4 (ICD-9) and X49 (ICD-10), covering poisoning by ‘unspecified’ and ‘other’ causes, which appear to have been used as coding surrogates for mesothelioma when asbestos exposure was explicitly mentioned in deaths suggestive of a mesothelioma, and which are recorded as the underlying cause of death in 4–7% of mesotheliomas, may improve the mesothelioma detection rate in future epidemiological studies.British Journal of Cancer (2006) 95, 649–652. doi:10.1038/sj.bjc.6603293 www.bjcancer.com Published online 8 August 2006 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Direct copper deposition by electrochemical methods on diffusion barriers has been recently investigated. Structure and properties of copper films growing according to a three dimensional island growth mode are expected to be strongly affected by the mechanism and kinetics of nucleation. The electrodeposition of copper on PVD TiN from low acid sulfate electrolyte is studied. Nucleation and growth of copper films are evaluated to explore the feasibility of direct copper electrodeposition on TiN barriers as a reliable deposition method without the use of seed layers. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Migration of blood-borne lymphocytes into lymphoid tissues and sites of inflammation is initiated by vascular adhesion molecules and proinflammatory cytokines. Previous in vivo studies have shown that febrile temperatures dynamically stimulate adhesion in differentiated high endothelial venules (HEV), which are portals for lymphocyte extravasation. This report examines the direct effect of fever-range hyperthermia on the expression of adhesion molecules and cytokines by primary cultured endothelial cells. In both macrovascular (HUVEC) and microvascular (HMVEC) endothelial cells, fever-range hyperthermia (40°C for 6–12h) did not affect expression of adhesion molecules (ICAM-1, E-selectin, VCAM-1, P-selectin, PECAM-1, PNAd, MAdCAM-1), cytokine release (IL-1β, TNF-α, IFN-γ, IL-6, IL-11, IL-12, IL-13), or chemokine secretion (IL-8, RANTES, MCP-1, MIP-1β, MIG). This is in contrast to the stimulatory effects of TNF-α or 43°C heat shock. However, a novel role for fever-range hyperthermia was identified in augmenting actin polymerization in cultured endothelial cells and enhancing the ability of endothelial-derived factors to transactivate the α4β7 integrin lymphocyte homing receptor. These findings provide insight into the tightly regulated effects of fever-range hyperthermia that exclude induction of adhesion in non-activated endothelium of normal blood vessels. Through these mechanisms, it is proposed that febrile temperatures associated with infection or clinical hyperthermia avoid the unproductive exodus of lymphocytes to non-involved extralymphoid tissues while simultaneously promoting lymphocyte delivery to sites of immune activation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The birthweights of 450 schizophrenic patients born in 1971–1978 were compared with those of individually matched controls from the same birth cohort. Schizophrenics born in the second quarter of the year (April to June) had a significantly lower birthweight than their controls and this was not attributable to differences in the duration of gestation. Analogous proband/control differences were not found in 301 patients with affective psychoses, but there was a similar, much smaller, seasonal fluctuation in birthweight in the general population. These findings may be a clue both to the genesis of the “season of birth effect” and to the identity of the intrauterine influences contributing to the aetiology of schizophrenia. Folate deficiency may be implicated. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Summary: Compromised eggshell quality causes considerable economic losses for the egg industry. Breeding for improved eggshell quality has been very challenging. Eggshell quality is a trait that would greatly benefit from marker‐assisted selection, which would allow the selection of sires for their direct contribution to the trait and would also allow implementation of measurements integrating a number of shell parameters that are difficult to measure. In this study, we selected the most promising autosomal quantitative trait loci (QTL) affecting eggshell quality on chromosomes 2, 3, 6 and 14 from earlier experiments and we extended the F2 population to include 1599 F2 females. The study was repeated on two commercial populations: Lohmann Tierzucht Rhode Island Red line (n = 692 females) and a Hy‐Line White Plymouth Rock line (n = 290 progeny tested males). We analyzed the selected autosomal QTL regions on the three populations with SNP markers at 4–13 SNPs/Mb density. QTL for eggshell quality were replicated on all studied regions in the F2 population. New QTL were detected for eggshell color on chromosomes 3 and 6. Marker associations with eggshell quality traits were validated in the tested commercial lines on chromosomes 2, 3 and 6, thus paving the way for marker‐assisted selection for improved eggshell quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To provide a contemporary estimate of singleton neonatal mortality based on birthweight and gestational age at delivery from 2001 to 2010, and to compare this with a similar data set from 1985 to 1994. Study design: Record linkage of maternity data and neonatal mortality data. Population: All singleton preterm deliveries from 24 to 36 weeks inclusive between 2001 and 2010. Setting: Scotland, UK. Methods: NHS National Services Scotland uses a standardized maternity discharge record to collect details of maternities in Scotland. These delivery records were linked to the infant death files from the National Records of Scotland. Main outcome measure: Neonatal death. Results: Between 2001 and 2010 there were 525,997 liveborn singleton deliveries of which 31,280 were preterm (5.95%). In this preterm group the neonatal mortality rate was 18.2/ 1000, a significant reduction from 41.3/1000 in 1985-1994 (P < 0.001). The neonatal mortality rate fell with advancing gestation from 451/1000 at 24 weeks to 2.74/1000 at 36 weeks. Conclusions: This is the largest recent study to use both birthweight and gestational age at delivery to consider neonatal mortality. These data will aid the management and prognostic guidance of preterm delivery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Specific health warning placed on the tobacco product packages is considered as an effective and low-cost method for increasing the knowledge and awareness among the community. Thus, a study was conducted to assess the perception of pictorial health warnings (PHWs) against smoking among the adult rural population of Sarawak. Methods: Cross-sectional data were collected from 10 villages in Kota Samarahan and Kuching Division by face to face interview using modified Global Adult Tobacco Survey questionnaire. Nonprobability sampling method was adopted to select the villages. All the households of the selected villages were visited and an adult member was selected randomly from each house irrespective of the sex. After missing value imputation, 1000 data were analysed using statistical software IBM SPSS 20.0 version. Results: Analysis showed that 28.8% of the respondents were current smokers, 7.8% were past smokers and the rest were non-smokers. Six items of pictorial health warnings were evaluated with five point Likert's scales for attractiveness, fearfulness and adequacy of the information. Analysis revealed that the majority of the respondents had perceived awareness on PHWs, but the smokers believed that this was not adequate to make them quit smoking. Only one-fifth (19.7%) of them reported that current pictorial health warnings were sufficient to motivate people to quit smoking. Conclusion: Though the PHWs on cigarette packages are appealing, it is not sufficient as a reason to stop smoking. Thus, an approach using an integrated anti-tobacco public health programme should be focused into the specific targeted community. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A common perception is that online dating systems “match” people on the basis of profiles containing demographic and psychographic information and/or user interests. In contrast, product recommender systems are typically based on Collaborative Filtering, suggesting purchases not based on “content” but on the purchases of “similar” users. In this paper, we study Collaborative Filtering for people-to-people recommendation in online dating, comparing this approach to a baseline Profile Matching method. Initial data analysis highlights the problem of over-recommending popular users, a standard problem for Collaborative Filtering applied to product recommendation, but more acute in people-to-people recommendation. We address this problem with a two-stage recommender process that employs a Decision Tree derived from interactions data as a “critic” to re-rank candidates generated by Collaborative Filtering. Our baseline Profile Matching method dynamically chooses, for each user, attributes that contribute most significantly to successful interactions with candidates having the best matching attribute value. The key evaluation metric is success rate improvement , the increase in the chance of a user having a successful interaction when acting on recommendations. Our methods were first evaluated on historical data from a large online dating site and then trialled live over a 9 week period providing recommendations via e-mail to a large number of users. The trial confirmed the consistency of the analysis on historical data and the ability of our Collaborative Filtering method to generate suitable candidates over an extended period. Moreover, the Collaborative Filtering method gives a higher success rate improvement than Profile Matching. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Examines a possible ultrastructural basis for the observed poor hatching ability in unpigmented guinea fowl shells using scanning electron microscopy. Mamillary density and incidence of ultrastructural variants; evaluation of cuticular coverage.

An electronically tunable reflection polarizer which exploits the dielectric anisotropy of nematic liquid crystals (LC) has been designed, fabricated and measured in a frequency band centered at 130 GHz. The phase agile polarizing mirror converts an incident slant 45^\circ signal upon reflection to right hand circular (RHCP), orthogonal linear (-45 ^\circ) or left hand circular (LHCP) polarization depending on the value of the voltage biasing the LC mixture. In the experimental set-up this is achieved by applying a low frequency bias voltage of 0 V, 40 V and 89 V respectively, across the cavity containing the LC material. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The size and orientation of calcium carbonate crystals influence the structure and strength of the eggshells of chickens. In this study, estimates of heritability were found to be high (0.6) for crystal size and moderate (0.3) for crystal orientation. There was a strong positive correlation (0.65) for crystal size and orientation with the thickness of the shell and, in particular, with the thickness of the mammillary layer. Correlations with shell breaking strength were positive but with a high standard error. This was contrary to expectations, as in man-made materials smaller crystals would be stronger. We believe the results of this study support the hypothesis that the structural organization of shell, and in particular the mammillary layer, is influenced by crystal size and orientation, especially during the initial phase of calcification. Genetic associations for crystal measurements were observed between haplotype blocks or individual markers for a number of eggshell matrix proteins. Ovalbumin and ovotransferrin ( LTF) markers for example were associated with crystal size, while ovocleidin-116 and ovocalyxin-32 ( RARRES1) markers were associated with crystal orientation. The location of these proteins in the eggshell is consistent with different phases of the shell-formation process. In conclusion, the variability of crystal size, and to a lesser extent orientation, appears to have a large genetic component, and the formation of calcite crystals are intimately related to the ultrastructure of the eggshell. Moreover, this study also provides evidence that proteins in the shell influence the variability of crystal traits and, in turn, the shell's thickness profile. The crystal measurements and/or the associated genetic markers may therefore prove to be useful in selection programs to improve eggshell quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ObjectiveThis study evaluated the changing trends in glaucoma management in Scotland between 1994 and 2004.MethodsA retrospective analysis of national health statistics in Scotland from 1994 to 2004. The Scottish morbidity record was used to collect information on all episodes of trabeculectomy. Data on number of prescriptions were gathered for individual drugs and also for groups of active ingredient. The population likely to have glaucoma (PLG) was calculated from estimates of prevalence in individuals aged 40 years and older, based on published epidemiological studies. The outcome measures were trabeculectomy rates, corrected for population likely to be at risk of glaucoma (PLG), and prescribing volume and cost for glaucoma medications.ResultsTrabeculectomy rates have fallen by 67% from 46 per 1000 PLG in 1994 to 15.4 per 1000 PLG in 2004. Over the same time period, the population likely to be at risk of glaucoma (PLG) increased by 16.6%. The cost of prescribing has increased by 122% over 11 years compared with an increase in number of items per 1000 PLG by 27.5%. In 1994, β-blockers accounted for 65.2% of prescribed drugs but by 2004 this had dropped to 33%. Since their introduction, the prescribing of prostaglandin analogues has increased rapidly and in 2004, they accounted for 39.4% of prescribed drugs.ConclusionThe increasing use of prostaglandin analogues has led to an increase in prescribing rates and a rapid increase in cost. At the same time, prescribing of β-blockers has declined and trabeculectomy rates have fallen.Eye (2008) 22, 251–255; doi:10.1038/sj.eye.6702593; published online 22 September 2006 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The risk of suicide in cancer patients has been reported as elevated in several countries. These patients are exposed to many medicines that may confuse or provide a means for harm, potentially also increasing their risk from accidents. Ratios of observed/expected numbers of hospital admission and death events relating to deliberate self-harm (DSH) and accidents were calculated in the 5 years from a cancer diagnosis in Scotland 1981–1995, compared to the matched general population. The relative risk (RR) of suicide was 1.51 (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.29–1.76). The RR of hospital admissions for DSH was not significantly increased, suggesting a strong suicidal intent in DSH acts in cancer patients. Accidental poisonings and all other accidents were both increased (RR death=3.69, 95% CI: 2.10–6.00; and 1.58, 95% CI: 1.48–1.69, respectively) (RR hospital admissions=1.32, 95% CI: 1.19–1.47; and 1.55, 95% CI: 1.53–1.57, respectively). The association of only certain tumour types (e.g. respiratory) with suicide and accidental poisoning, and a broad range of tumour types with an elevated risk of all other accidents, suggests accidental poisoning categories may be a common destination for code shifting of some DSH events. A previous history of DSH or accidents, significantly increased the RR of suicide or fatal accidents, respectively (RR suicide=14.86 (95% CI: 4.69–34.97) vs 1.16 (95% CI: 0.84–1.55)) (RR accidental death=3.37 (95% CI: 2.53–4.41) vs 1.29 (95% CI: 1.12–1.49)). Within 5 years of a cancer diagnosis, Scottish patients are at increased RR of suicide and fatal accidents, and increased RR of hospital admissions for accidents. Some of these accidents, particularly accidental poisonings, may contain hidden deliberate acts. Previous DSH or accidents are potential markers for those most at risk, in whom to target interventional techniques.British Journal of Cancer (2007) 96, 752–757. doi:10.1038/sj.bjc.6603617 www.bjcancer.com Published online 13 February 2007 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We first tried to monitor the critical points for eggshell breakage in different logistic chains. Second, we examined whether there was a difference in eggshell strength among eggs produced in different housing systems. Finally, we developed a model to investigate the relation between eggshell strength and the likelihood of an egg cracking during handling and grading. Four logistic chains with different housing systems (battery cages, furnished cages, aviary, and free-range), all housing Bovans Goldline chickens in their mid-lay (45 wk), were compared. In every chain, a randomized set of 1,500 eggs was sampled, and the strength was defined. At every critical point in every logistic chain, the eggs were reexamined for breakage. The classic and furnished cage systems showed the highest percentage of breakage directly at point of lay (6.73 and 10.72%), whereas the other systems showed lower breakage (1.94% in the aviary and 1.99% in the free-range system). Further, in the logistic chain, grading and packing of the eggs generated the second highest percentage of breakage (from 1.50 to 2.65%). Breakage due to transportation ranged from 0.16 to 2.65%. There was a significant difference among the eggshell strength (shell stiffness and damping ratio) of eggs from chickens in different housing systems, showing eggs from chickens in the aviary system to be stronger than cage eggs (classic and furnished) and free-range eggs to be weaker than the other eggs. A significant correlation was found between eggshell strength and the likelihood of breakage in the production chains. In conclusion, it was first shown that, besides the laying, packing of the eggs is a critical point in the logistic chain of consumption eggs; second, the strength of the eggs in the different housing systems differed, and, finally, the eggshell stiffness and damping ratio of consumption eggs are an acceptable measure for rapid eggshell quality assessment and could provide a good predictive value for eggshell breakage in all types of table egg production chains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigated the correlations between different eggshell and membrane strength parameters and their changes over time. Eggshell and membrane characteristics were measured for 2 different lines of laying hens, Hisex Brown and Bovans Brown, from wk 33 up to wk 78. Several parameters were investigated: 2 parameters concerning total eggshell strength (static and dynamic stiffness), 1 structural parameter (i.e., eggshell thickness), 2 parameters describing the material characteristics of the shell [dynamic Young's modulus (EM) and nitrogen content], and 3 parameters to measure the membrane characteristics (attachment force breaking strength and nitrogen content). This study shows that the correlations among parameters change during the laying period and among lines. The EM of the eggshell increased during the laying period for the Hisex line. No difference was observed in case of the Bovans line. In general, a negative correlation was obtained between eggshell thickness and the EM. The correlation between static and dynamic stiffness increased during lay. Finally, the attachment force and breaking strength of the membranes declined during the laying period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We have used a bioinformatics approach to evaluate the completeness and functionality of the reported human immunoglobulin heavy-chain IGHD gene repertoire. Using the hidden Markov-model-based iHMMune-align program, 1,080 relatively unmutated heavy-chain sequences were aligned against the reported repertoire. These alignments were compared with alignments to 1,639 more highly mutated sequences. Comparisons of the frequencies of gene utilization in the two databases, and analysis of features of aligned IGHD gene segments, including their length, the frequency with which they appear to mutate, and the frequency with which specific mutations were seen, were used to determine the reliability of alignments to the less commonly seen IGHD genes. Analysis demonstrates that IGHD4-23 and IGHD5-24, which have been reported to be open reading frames of uncertain functionality, are represented in the expressed gene repertoire; however, the functionality of IGHD6-25 must be questioned. Sequence similarities make the unequivocal identification of members of the IGHD1 gene family problematic, although all genes except IGHD1-14*01 appear to be functional. On the other hand, reported allelic variants of IGHD2-2 and of the IGHD3 gene family appear to be nonfunctional, very rare, or nonexistent. Analysis also suggests that the reported repertoire is relatively complete, although one new putative polymorphism (IGHD3-10*p03) was identified. This study therefore confirms a surprising lack of diversity in the available IGHD gene repertoire, and restriction of the germline sequence databases to the functional set described here will substantially improve the accuracy of IGHD gene alignments and therefore the accuracy of analysis of the V–D–J junction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]