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Objectives Methods Results Conclusions Klick is a clinic‐specific, digitally supported outpatient pathway of care for people living with HIV (PLWH). It involves a smartphone application (app) for PLWH to self‐manage their care, navigate access to the clinic and communicate with their healthcare provider. We present a patient evaluation of Klick.Patients use Klick to book/reschedule appointments, view laboratory results, request medication, access remote nurse‐delivered consultations and communicate with clinicians. In October 2022, Klick was evaluated by PLWH through a questionnaire and interviews.Between August 2020 and April 2024, 5859 patients had registered to use Klick; during April 2024 alone, 2509 (43%) used Klick. In October 2022, 1661 PLWH were invited to complete surveys, of whom 362 (22%) responded. These respondents were 95% (340/358) male and 84% (298/354) white, and 63% (227/359) were in the age range 41–60 years. Respondents felt Klick was easy to use (average score 4.3/5), and 92% thought having a clinic‐specific app was important/very important. Respondents valued the following app features as important/very important – online booking (93%); viewable results (94%); prescription requests (90%) – and rated their experience of using them highly – 91% for e‐booking and 91% for viewable results. A total of 93% said they would recommend Klick to friends and 82% rated Klick as above average/excellent.PLWH reported high levels of satisfaction using a clinic‐specific mHealth app to manage their HIV care and demonstrated sustained active use. Klick was rated easy to use, as helping to meet healthcare needs and as providing a superior experience for some aspects of care. Other HIV clinics or services managing chronic conditions could benefit from the adoption of personalized digital solutions to enhance patient care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Seed sorting by seed size has been increasingly given importance in Türkiye but little is known about the impacts of seed size of soybean on germination and seedling growth, in regions suffering from salinity problems. Methods: The seeds classified as small (6-7 mm for Ataem, 4-6 mm for Kocatürk, 4-7 mm for Batem Erensoy and 4-5 mm for Göksoy) and large (>8 mm for Ataem and Batem Erensoy, >7 mm for Kocatürk and >6 mm for Göksoy. Seeds were exposed to 0, 10 and 20 dS m-1 of NaCl. Germination percentage, mean germination time and seedling growth parameters were investigated and compared. Result: Investigations revealed that, regardless of variety small seeds had a high content of chlorophyll pigments and slow and late mean germination time under NaCl stress. Emergence percentage differentiated in relation to seed size large seeds with 90.67% and small seeds with 73.67%. In conclusion, the large seeds produced significantly vigorous germination and seedling growth related to their high nutrient reserves and containing less chlorophyll pigmentation in their seeds. Therefore, care should be taken to select larger seeds, under saline conditions (10 dS m-1). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Poppy (Papaver somniferum) L. is cultivated commercially in several countries legally to produce alkaloids (i.e. morphine, codeine, thebaine, narcotine, papaverine and oripavine) for pharmaceutical industries. The demand for these alkaloids is increasing and Global climate change is influencing poppy cultivated areas. Turkiye is responsible for poppy cultivation, breeding new cultivars and adaptation trials. Therefore, the present investigation was undertaken during two years to examine the most cultivated 16 cultivars and 3 new lines for capsule morphology properties, their alkaloid values and capsule yield in Ankara conditions which is not in the poppy cultivation area in Turkiye. The experiment was arranged in the randomized complete block design with four replications. The plot size of 2.4 m² (2 m × 1.2 m) and 4 rows with spacing 30 cm between rows and 10 cm within plants were applied. The capsule parameters and alkaloid content were measured in 10 dry capsules after harvesting. To measure the content of alkaloids (%) the capsules were ground into powder and HPLC-MS/MS analysis after the solvent extraction of poppy straw on dry matter was conducted. Genotypes showed variation in stigmatic rays and the number of stigmatic rays was higher in the first year. The maximum stigmatic ray value was seen in cv. Ofis-95 with 13.27 in the first year. The maximum value for capsule length and diameter was obtained from cv. Ofis-NP (51.75 mm) and cv. Ofis-95 (45.00 mm) in the mean of two years. The maximum capsule yield was obtained from cv. Ofis-95 for both years and the values were 155.90 and 160.30 kg da-1. The maximum morphine percentage was recorded in cv. Ofis-1 with 1.63 and 1.24% respectively. The percentage of noscapine, codeine, thebaine was noted as maximum values in Ofis-1 among genotypes. The results favoured the cultivation of these genotypes in Ankara which is not one of the poppy cultivation area and further agronomic studies should be undertaken to develop production technology of poppy in these environmental conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Provides information on a study which described the dilatometric and thermo-optic properties of alkaline earth and cadmium fluorides between 300 and 1300 K. Measurement of temperature variation of the coefficients of the linear thermal expansion and optical length; Activity undergone by the laser beam for the optical length variation; Calculation of the temperature variation of the coefficient of refractive index.

Peanut (Arachis hypogeae) is an important legume used as green manure and cover crop also. In this study, preconditioned plumular apex explants with 20 mg L-1 BAP or unconditioned explants were cultured for 8 weeks on MS medium having 0.25-2.0 mg/l BAP with or without 0.25 mg L-1 NAA. 100 % shoot regeneration was recorded from both conditioned and unconditioned explants. However, conditioning of explants resulted in 1.5-2.0 fold more number of shoots per explants with relatively shorter shoots compared to unconditioned explants. Shoots per explant from unconditioned explants ranged 1.33-3.93 with 1.86-5.03 cm shoot length. Whereas, shoots per explant and shoot length of preconditioned explants ranged 2.73-5.87 and 0.77-1.75 cm respectively. In second experiment, 10, 15 and 20 μS/cm of KCl in combination with BA-NAA concentrations also resulted in 100 % shoot regeneration. Higher concentration of KCl imposed necrosis on the explants and generated shoots with low leaf area. Increased KCl concentration inhibited the shoots per explant but also enhanced the shoot length. In vitro regenerated shoots from both experiments were rooted successfully using IBA and acclimatized in the pots. Results revealed the superiority of preconditioning on shoot regeneration and KCl for shoot elongation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Disturbing soils in arid regions can mix subsurface materials with surface soils salvaged for reclamation. Pre-disturbance assessment of soils can minimize impacts of disturbance, and better understanding of drastic disturbance in arid soils will improve reclamation success. Reclaimed well pads have undergone stockpiled soil respreading, tillage, and seeding after drilling is complete. Soil texture and chemical properties were analyzed at 0–15 cm depth in saline and sodic soils from eight paired undisturbed and recently reclaimed sites in the Great Divide Basin of Wyoming. Soil organic matter and structural properties were analyzed in additional samples from two of the paired sites (one sodic, one saline-sodic). Paired difference analysis across the eight well pads indicated that disturbed/reclaimed soils had higher electrical conductivity (EC) than undisturbed soils (12.2 and 3.0 dS m−1, respectively) and higher sodium adsorption ratios (SAR) (26.1 and 1.3, respectively). Analysis of variance of soil organic C (SOC), total N, and soil structural properties indicate that disturbed soils had nearly one-third less total N and two-thirds less SOC than undisturbed soils, and over 65 times more >9.5 mm dry aggregates by weight, representing predominance of large clods in disturbed soils on both sites. Disturbed soils contained significantly smaller proportions of smaller dry aggregate fractions (<53 µm, 53–250 µm, and 250 µm–1 mm) than undisturbed soils, and saturated hydraulic conductivity (Ksat) was about 25% of that in undisturbed soils. Disturbed soils exhibited lower organic materials, higher salt contents, altered soil structure, and low potential for eventually supporting successful native plant communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sudden transitions from effusive or mildly explosive eruptions to violent phreatomagmatic explosive activity can occur at high-elevation vents on oceanic island volcanoes. Here, we describe near-vent deposits around the large Cova de Paul crater on Santo Antao, Cape Verde Islands, which provide insights into the transition from Strombolian magmatic to violently explosive phreatomagmatic activity during one such eruption. The Strombolian deposits change from welded spatter to bedded clinkery scoria to angular blocky scoria, and contain a distinct population of strongly banded, low-vesicularity angular sub-glassy clasts with strongly prolate vesicles. These sub-glassy clasts also form a discrete layer of larger blocks at the transition to the overlying phreatomagmatic deposits. They are compositionally identical to the Strombolian scoria and are interpreted to be fragments of flow-banded chilled margins from the walls of the eruptive conduit. The layer of large sub-glassy blocks records disintegration and expulsion of the chilled margins at the transition to phreatomagmatic activity. We interpret the sequence from spatter through clinkery scoria to blocky scoria as recording an increase in groundwater inflow into the conduit from pressurised aquifers, but at coolant input ratios below those required for explosions. The shattering of the chilled margins to produce the bed of large sub-glassy blocks appears to have allowed a much greater water flow into the conduit, leading to the phreatomagmatic explosive phase of the eruption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We have produced synthetic analogues of cosmic silicates using the Sol Gel method, producing amorphous silicates of composition Mg(x)Ca(1-x)SiO3. Using synchrotron X-ray powder diffraction on Beamline 111 at the Diamond Light Source, together with a newly-commissioned gas cell, real-time powder diffraction scans have been taken of a range of silicates exposed to CO2 under non-ambient conditions. The SXPD is complemented by other techniques including Raman and Infrared Spectroscopy and SEM imaging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To assess changes in Medicare payments for neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD) since introduction of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) therapies.Design: Retrospective, longitudinal cohort study.Methods: Using the Medicare 5% sample, beneficiaries with new diagnoses of neovascular AMD in 1994 (N = 2497), 2000 (N = 3927), and 2006 (N = 6041) were identified using International Classification of Diseases (ICD-9-CM). The total first-year health care and eye care costs were calculated for each beneficiary. Propensity score matching was used to match individuals in the 2000 and 2006 cohorts with the 1994 cohort on age, sex, race, Charlson Comorbidity Index, and low vision/blindness.Results: The number of beneficiaries newly diagnosed with neovascular AMD more than doubled between the 1994 and 2006 cohorts. Overall yearly Part B payments per beneficiary increased significantly from $3567 for the 1994 to $5991 for the 2006 cohort (P < .01) in constant 2008 dollars. Payments for eye care alone doubled from $1504 for the 1994 cohort to $3263 for the 2006 cohort (P < .01). Most of the increase in payments for eye care in 2006 reflected payments for anti-VEGF injections, which were $1609 over 1 year. Mean annual numbers of visits and imaging studies also increased significantly between the 1994 and 2006 cohort. Results were similar in the matched sample.Conclusions: The introduction of anti-VEGF intravitreal injections has offered remarkable clinical benefits for patients with neovascular AMD, but these benefits have come at the cost of an increased financial burden of providing care for these patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To determine longitudinal rates of ocular complications after anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) treatment for neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD) in a nationally representative longitudinal sample.Design: Retrospective, longitudinal case-control study.Methods: Using the Medicare 5% claims database, diagnoses of neovascular AMD and anti-VEGF injections of ranibizumab, bevacizumab, or pegaptanib were identified from International Classification of Diseases and Current Procedural Terminology procedure codes. Six thousand one hundred fifty-four individuals undergoing anti-VEGF treatment for neovascular AMD (total of 40 903 injections) were compared with 6154 matched controls with neovascular AMD who did not undergo anti-VEGF treatment. Propensity score matching was used to match individuals receiving anti-VEGF injections with controls. Rates of postinjection adverse outcomes (endophthalmitis, rhegmatogenous retinal detachment, retinal tear, uveitis, and vitreous hemorrhage) were analyzed by cumulative incidence and Cox proportional hazards model to control for demographic factors and ocular comorbidities.Results: At the 2-year follow-up, the rates of endophthalmitis per injection (0.09%; P<.01), uveitis (0.11%; P<.01), and vitreous hemorrhage per injection (0.23%; P < .01) were significantly higher in the anti-VEGF treatment group. With Cox proportional hazards modeling, the anti-VEGF treatment group had a 102% higher risk of severe ocular complications overall and a 4% increased risk per injection, both of which were statistically significant (P<.01).Conclusions: Rates of endophthalmitis, uveitis, and vitreous hemorrhage were higher in the group treated with anti-VEGF injection than in the control group, although these nevertheless were rare in both groups. The overall risk of severe ocular complications was significantly higher in the anti-VEGF treatment group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/aims: To study the susceptibility of Fusarium and Aspergillus isolated from keratitis to amoxicillin, cefazolin, chloramphenicol, moxifloxacin, tobramycin and benzalkonium chloride (BAK). Methods: 10 isolates of Fusarium and 10 isolates of Aspergi/lus from cases of fungal keratitis at Aravind Eye Hospital in South India were tested using microbroth dilution for susceptibility to amoxicitlin, cefazolin, chloramphenicol, moxifloxacin, tobramycin and BAK. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) median and 90th percentile were determined. Results: BAK had the lowest MIC for both Fusarium and Aspergillus. Chioramphenicol had activity against both Fusarium and Aspergillus, while moxifloxacin and tobramycin had activity against Fusarium but not Aspergillus. Conclusions: The susceptibility of Fusarium to tobramycin, moxifloxacin, chloramphenicol and BAK and of Aspergillus to chloramphenicol and BAK may explain anecdotal reports of fungal ulcers that improved with antibiotic treatment alone. While some of the MICs of antibiotics and BAK are lower than the typically prescribed concentrations, they are not in the range of antifungal agents such as voriconazole, natamycin and amphotericin B. Antibiotics may, however, have a modest effect on Fusarium and Aspergillus when used as initial treatment prior to identification of the pathological organism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AIM: Our goal was to identify strategies that would reduce risks and improve patient safety during registration of trauma patients and subsequent electronic data linkage. Recently, the health care industry and the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations have supported failure mode effects analysis (FMEA) as a tool for proactively reducing risk to patients. METHODS: We utilized FEMA for a comprehensive evaluation of our trauma patient registration process for system weaknesses. RESULTS: We found several areas of our processes that placed patients at risk. On the basis of our findings, we implemented changes that included education of staff, role clarification, task reallocation, and established a list of personnel authorized to request the electronic data linkage process. Further recommendations were made for information system changes, which are under review. CONCLUSIONS: FMEA helped us to systematically identify and prioritize risks to patient safety. Our findings directed changes, which, in turn, reduced potential errors. We recommend this method of evaluation to other health care personnel interested in improving patient safety. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It has been argued that norms of occupational health have weakened with diversification in the sex industry. We explore this issue in walk-in flats in London, focusing on relationships between managers (maids) and sex workers. Today, most maids are local and most sex workers are ‘migrants’. We collected data on 117 maids and sex workers, and carried out intensive fieldwork with seven maids and 17 sex workers. Managers take prime responsibility for educating and inducting new workers. Authoritarian management has been considered bad for health both in these walk-in flats and in the ‘100 per cent condom use programme’ criticized by sex workers’ projects. Yet, we found that maids acted as friends and managers, which helped settle new sex workers. Over time, however, migrants were more affected by issues of isolation and exploitation than local workers. Alternative models of health promotion such as peer education must be seen in a wider legal context where the lack of rights makes it difficult to appeal against exploitation, or to become mobile. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/objectives: Sex work has been seen as both a health and a social problem. However, there is a paucity of evidence on the longer term impact on health. We explored the health and career paths over a period of 15 years among women who have worked in the sex industry.Design: A longitudinal study of sex workers recruited between 1986 and 1993 and followed for 15 years. Outcome data were obtained through interview, clinic records, or third parties.Setting: Clinic and community settings in London.Participants: We obtained outcome data on 130 (37%) of the original cohort of 354 women, with a combined follow up of 1247 years.Main Outcome Measures: Vital status, most recent occupation, duration of sex work, sexually transmitted infections (STI), major health problems.Results: The majority (73/124, 59%) were still in the sex industry and had sold sex for a mean of 13.6 years. There were six deaths, a mortality of 4.8 per 1000 person years. Surviving women had a high cumulative risk (110 of 118, 93%) of STI. Past gonorrhoea was associated with pelvic inflammatory disease (RR 2.28, 95% CI 1.12 to 4.66) and infertility (RR 10.9, 95% CI 1.5 to 77.3). Other outcomes included mental health problems (38 of 97, 40%) and addiction (46 of 72, 64%). There were no significant differences in health outcomes between women who were still in the sex industry and those who had stopped. There was a high level of occupational mobility, and 31 women (of 84, 37%) had completed vocational or higher education, including eight to postgraduate level.Conclusions: Sex work is associated with excess mortality and morbidity including the sequelae of STI, mental health problems, and substance misuse. The relation between these health problems and sex work is complex. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The novel allele, HLA-A*1115, was identified in an ‘Educational Scheme’ sample (ED03/03 – from a north-western European Caucasoid blood donor) distributed by the UK National External Quality Assessment Schemes for Histocompatibility and Immunogenetics. ED03/03 was typed by serology, the polymerase chain reaction using sequence-specific primers and sequence-based typing. A*1115 is most similar to A*110101 with a single mismatch (G to C) at constant position 565, leading to a conservative amino acid change from valine (GTG) to leucine (CTG) at codon 165 in the α2 domain. This substitution has not been reported for any other HLA class I allele so far. The HLA-A*1115-bearing haplotype was B*350101; Cw*040101; DRB1*140101; DRB3*020201; DQA1*010401; DQB1*0503; DPA1*0103/07; DPB1*030101. Extensive serological typing indicated that this allele essentially encodes a ‘normal’ HLA-A11 specificity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sequencing-based typing (SBT) human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class I and II genes should examine entire exon sequences where polymorphisms lie. Primers for the amplification of complete exons therefore anneal in introns and their design relies on accurate intron sequences being available. We decided to develop a SBT method for HLA-DQB1 using amplification primers which anneal in introns 1 and 2, yet the amount of intron sequence data previously available in databases was sparse. Therefore, we undertook a systematic sequencing of introns 1 and 2 using DNA from cell lines homozygous for DQB1. This study confirmed an earlier report that the non-coding regions of this gene are the most polymorphic seen in the human genome. Intron sequences within an allele group were largely identical, the exceptions being DQB1*0301 differing from other DQB1*03 allele groups and DQB1*0601 differing from all other DQB1*06 alleles. A retroviral Alu element, related to the AluYa5a2 subfamily, was identified uniquely inserted in intron 2 of DQB1*02 alleles. For the typing approach, six amplification primers were designed based on conserved allele group sequences covering all of the HLA DQB antigens, and two sequencing primers were also designed which anneal in intron 2. This method has proved to be very robust and has been used as part of a referral DNA sequencing service for a number of years. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) activity has been suggested as a determinant of some exercise phenotypes via some studies that have associated the ACE gene with exercise performance, although several studies provide conflicting evidence regarding the influence of the ACE gene. The relationships between ACE phenotype (ACE activity) and various exercise parameters should also be examined. An early step in this process is to determine whether common environmental stimuli such as exercise and diet have acute effects on ACE activity. In this study, the acute effects of aerobic exercise, resistance exercise and glucose ingestion on circulating ACE activity were examined. On three separate occasions, 20 healthy adult volunteers (9 female and 11 male) performed 20 min of submaximal cycle exercise at 70–80% of maximal heart rate, four sets of ten repetitions of unilateral leg extension resistance exercise at ten-repetition maximum load, or ingested 1 g kg-1 glucose. Circulating ACE activity was assessed for 1 h after each intervention using a modified fluorometric method. Pre-intervention ACE activity remained remarkably stable across test days (difference ≤1.8%). Furthermore, there was no significant change in circulating ACE activity following any of the interventions (difference from pre-intervention values ≤6.8% when unadjusted for plasma volume changes, ≤4.5% when adjusted for plasma volume changes). These results suggest that acute exercise and glucose ingestion interventions as used here do not affect circulating ACE activity. These findings are an early step in illuminating the relationships between ACE activity and various exercise parameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present a numerical method to prove certain statements about the global dynamics of infinite-dimensional maps. The method combines set-oriented numerical tools for the computation of invariant sets and isolating neighborhoods, the Conley index theory, and analytic considerations. It not only allows for the detection of a certain dynamical behavior, but also for a precise computation of the corresponding invariant sets in phase space. As an example computation we show the existence of period points, connecting orbits, and chaotic dynamics in the Kot—Schaffer growth-dispersal model for plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Continuing medical education (CME) is now one of the key areas of development in medical education. This paper describes the development of an intramural continuing medical education programme de novo in a newly opened cancer institute in Italy, which provided a unique opportunity to study attitudes towards the concepts and goals of continuing medical education as most of the individuals involved in this programme were exposed to continuing medical education for the first time. The continuing medical education programme was overseen by a CME committee for 1 year. Three 1-hour sessions were delivered each week and one credit point was awarded for each session. The sessions included grand rounds, clinical-based teaching and a 3-weekly rotating schedule of pathology, radiology and research. Participants were all the medical doctors attending the European Institute of Oncology. Attendance at greater than 50% of the total sessions available yearly qualified the individual for certification by the CME committee of the Institute. A questionnaire was circulated to all medical doctors at the Institute at the end of the academic year to assess attitudes to CME in general. Forty-six out of 84 questionnaires were returned. The majority of those involved in this CME intramural programme undertook self-directed CME activities and at least 50% had not previously attended either grand rounds or research seminars. Most felt that CME should not be mandatory but that its activities should be monitored. The greatest difficulty with CME was in its timing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Indirect markers of muscle damage and collagen breakdown were recorded for up to 9 days after a bout of concentric, followed by a bout of eccentric, muscle actions. Nine untrained participants performed two bouts of 50 maximum effort repetitions on an isokinetic dynamometer (angular velocity 1.05 rad.s-1, range of motion 1.75 rad). An initial concentric bout of muscle actions was followed by an eccentric bout 21 days later, using the same knee extensors. Concentric actions induced no changes in maximum voluntary isometric contraction force (MVC),nor induced any changes in the serum enzyme activities of creatine kinase, a lactate dehydrogenase isoenzyme (LDH-1), or alkaline phosphatase. Similarly, concentric actions induced no change in markers of collagen breakdown,namely plasma hydroxyproline and serum type 1 collagen concentration.In contrast,eccentric actions induced a 23.5 +/- 19.0% (mean +/- s) decrease in MVC immediately post-exercise (P< 0.05), and increased the serum enzyme activities of creatine kinase and LDH-1 to 486 +/- 792 and 90 +/- 11 IU.l-1 respectively on day 3 post-exercise, and to 189 +/- 159 and 96 +/- 13 IU.l-1 respectively on day 7 post-exercise (all P < 0.05). Eccentric actions induced no significant changes in plasma hydroxyproline, but increased collagen concentration on days 1 and 9 post-exercise (48.6% and 44.3% increases above pre-exercise on days 1 and 9 respectively; both P < 0.05). We conclude that eccentric but not concentric actions may result in temporary muscle damage, and that collagen breakdown may also be affected by eccentric actions. With caution, indices of collagen breakdown may be used to identify exercise-induced damage to connective tissue. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents methods for studying sexual networks which draw upon routine procedures in genitourinary medical clinics in Great Britain for tracing partners and identifying strains of infection. Microbiological data's assistance in the understanding of transmission; Social context's role in interpretation of microbiological data.

AbstractRehabilitation of mangrove habitat has become common practice, but few studies have investigated the growth and survival of mangrove on artificial substrates. Managers attempting to plant mangrove in sites containing artificial substrates must remove substrates or risk poor performance of rehabilitation efforts. This study compared propagule retention, early survival, growth, flowering success, and nutrient concentrations of Avicennia marina (grey mangrove) grown on sand, naturally occurring substrate, and rock blast furnace slag over two growing seasons at an experimental site near Newcastle, Australia. Nutrient concentrations of experimental plants were also compared to those of naturally occurring plants. Experimental results showed significant differences (p < 0.05) in short-term survival, growth over the two growing seasons, and carbon and nitrogen concentrations between plants grown on different substrates. Comparison of plants grown in slag and plants from reference sites suggests, however, that slag does not lead to anomalies in nutrient concentrations of young mangroves. Although the results identified some differences between plants grown on river sand, naturally occurring substrate, and slag substrate, the absence of consistent differences suggests that mangroves planted in slag are under no greater risk of future failure than mangroves planted in naturally occurring substrate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The elects of altering exposure, angle at which the exposure was made, magnification, type of flash, and the method of viewing, on scoring gingivitis from colour transparencies were evaluated. The results of this study suggest that, by using a standardised photographic technique, the scoring of gingivitis from colour transparencies is a valid procedure. However, many practical drawbacks arose, indicating that this method is not entirely satisfactory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The results of pollen, sedimentological, magnetic susceptibility and charcoal particle analysis of two radiocarbon-dated sequences of organic deposits from the Oxford region are presented. The record from one of the sites, Cothill Fen, extends from c. 10000 to c. 6500 BP, while that from the other site, Sidlings Copse. covers the period from c. 9500 BP to the present. The post-glacial landscape was initially open, with some Betula and Pinus sylvestris woodland. At Cothill Fen Corylus avellana populations began to expand at c. 9400 BP, followed by Ulmus at c. 9100 BP, Quercus at c. 8800 BP, and Tilia cordata and Alnus glutinosa at c. 6800 BP. T. cordata probably became dominant on well-drained soils in the region. At Sidlings Copse, P. sylvestris declined as populations of Quercus and Ulmus expanded, but P. sylvestris persisted around Cothill Fen until c. 7700 BP, perhaps connected with human disturbance of the vegetation. The Ulmus decline at Sidlings Copse is suggested to have resulted from a combination of disease and exploitation of leaf-fodder, with no major clearance until c. 3800 BP. By c. 1700 BP no woodland remained around the site, but local regeneration began at c. 1000 BP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Investigates demographic, phenomenological, and possible effects on adaptive behavior of obsessive-compulsive behavior (OCD) in adults with Down's syndrome(DS). Finding that OCD is more common in the DS population; Most common form of OCD found; Recommendation for a collaborative study.

Presents a study on geology, examining the variations in nature and rigidity of the lithosphere to the different stages of evolution of the Canary Islands. Methodology used to conduct the study; Information on the age of the Canary Islands volcanism; Details on the evolution of magmas in the Canary Islands; Description of the contrasting structural features in the older and younger islands; Findings of the study.

Objectives: To describe major changes in the London sex industry between 1985 and 2002 and assess the implications for sexually transmitted infection (STI) risk. Method: A descriptive study comparing women who first attended a sex work clinic between 1996 and 2002 and those first attending from 1985 to 1992; a nested case-control study. 1050 female sex workers took part. The setting was a specialist clinical service for sex workers based in a London genitourinary medicine (GUM) clinic, and fieldwork in west London. The main outcome measures were reported condom use and prevalent STI. Results: Over the period of the study there was a significant increase in the proportion of sex workers not born in the United Kingdom (from 25% to 63%, p < 0.001), and women entered sex work at an older age (median 24 years compared with 20 years, p < 0.001). Condom use increased (with the exception of oral sex). There was a significant decline in the proportion of participants reporting a previous STI (32% compared with 80%, p < 0.001) and the prevalence of acute STI declined from 25% to 8% (p < 0.001). Acute STI was associated with younger age, younger age at first sex work, being new to sex work, and inconsistent condom use. In a multivariate analysis unprotected sex with clients was the only significant risk. Conclusion: Major restructuring of the sex industry, including the shift to a primarily migrant workforce, has been associated with a steep decline in acute STI, undermining popular assumptions that migrant sex workers are central to the ongoing STI epidemic. We attribute the decline in acute STI to an increase in safer sex. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We describe here a novel allele, HLA-Cw*1507, identified by polymerase chain reaction using sequence-specific primers (PCR-SSP) and sequence-based typing (SBT). Cw*1507 is similar to Cw*1502 with differences at nucleotide positions 302 (A to G) and 312 (A to C) in exon 2. The substitutions observed in Cw*1507, change codon 77 from AAC (asparagine) to AGC (serine) and codon 80 from AAA (lysine) to AAC (asparagine), compared to Cw*1502. Residues 77 and 80 of HLA-C alleles are located in the alpha 1 domain, where they can influence interaction between antigenic peptides and the T-cell receptor. Also, the dimorphism at these residues from asparagine and lysine to serine and asparagine, respectively, are known to modulate interaction with the natural killer (NK) cell killer inhibitory receptor (KIR). The new HLA-Cw*1507, together with Cw*1502, represents the fourth pair of HLA-C alleles differing only at the KIR-related dimorphic codons 77 and 80[sup Note]. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Kinematic source inversions of major ( M≥7) strike-slip earthquakes show that the slip at depth exceeds surface displacements measured in the field, and it has been suggested that this shallow slip deficit (SSD) is caused by distributed plastic deformation near the surface. We perform dynamic rupture simulations of M 7.2-7.4 earthquakes in elastoplastic media and analyze the sensitivity of SSD and off-fault deformation (OFD) to rock quality parameters. While linear simulations clearly underpredict observed SSD and OFDs, nonlinear simulations for a moderately fractured fault damage zone predict a SSD of 44-53% and OFDs of 39-48%, consistent with the 30-60% SSD and 46 ± 10% (1 σ) OFD reported for the 1992 M 7.3 Landers earthquake. Both SSD and OFDs are sensitive to the quality of the fractured rock mass inside the fault damage zone, and surface rupture is almost entirely suppressed in poor quality material. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The aim of the study was to investigate two single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) in PTK2 for associations with human muscle strength phenotypes in healthy men.Methods: Measurement of maximal isometric voluntary knee extension (MVCKE) torque, net MVCKE torque and vastus lateralis (VL) specific force, using established techniques, was completed on 120 Caucasian men (age = 20.6 ± 2.3 year; height = 1.79 ± 0.06 m; mass = 75.0 ± 10.0 kg; mean ± SD). All participants provided either a blood (n = 96) or buccal cell sample, from which DNA was isolated and genotyped for the PTK2 rs7843014 A/C and rs7460 A/T SNPs using real-time polymerase chain reaction.Results: Genotype frequencies for both SNPs were in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium (X 2 ≤ 1.661, P ≥ 0.436). VL specific force was 8.3% higher in rs7843014 AA homozygotes than C-allele carriers (P = 0.017) and 5.4% higher in rs7460 AA homozygotes than T-allele carriers (P = 0.029). No associations between either SNP and net MVCKE torque (P ≥ 0.094) or peak MVCKE torque (P ≥ 0.107) were observed.Conclusions: These findings identify a genetic contribution to the inter-individual variability within muscle specific force and provides the first independent replication, in a larger Caucasian cohort, of an association between these PTK2 SNPs and muscle specific force, thus extending our understanding of the influence of genetic variation on the intrinsic strength of muscle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An abstract of the article "Are post-treatment follow-up visits at 1 and 2 months necessary in patients treated for early syphilis?" by S. Day and K. Gedel is presented.

A letter to the editor is presented commenting on haemolytic disease of the foetus and newborn (HDFN) caused by auto anti-LW.

Objectives: To retrospectively audit the management of post-exposure HIV prophylaxis following sexual exposure (PEPSE) against the British Association for Sexual Health and HIV 2004 draft guidance. Methods: A retrospective review of case notes from January 2000 to November 2004. The draft guidelines were not adopted into clinical practice during the study period. Results: 76 patients received PEPSE. 79% (95% Cl 68.08 to 87.46) of PEPSE prescriptions were given for exposures that were in accordance with the guidelines' recommended indications (target 90%). 87% (95% Cl 77.13 to 93.51) of PEPSE was prescribed within 72 hours of risk exposure (target 90%). 91% (95% Cl 81.94 to 96.22) of recipients received a recommended antiretroviral combination. 53% (95% Cl 40.84 to 64.21) of recipients completed the PEPSE course (target 75%). 45% of patients attended for the 3 month follow up HIV test but only 12% (95% CI 5.56 to 21.29) attended for both the 3 month and 6 month HIV test (target 75%). Conclusion: PEPSE is predominantly being prescribed for recommended indications and is dispensed within 72 hours of risk exposure. PEPSE completion rates and attendance for 3 months and 6 months post-exposure HIV testing need improving, perhaps by introducing a PEPSE clinic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We have identified a new HLA-B*39 allele through polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using sequence-specific primers (SSP) and sequence-based typing of exons 2 and 3. This novel allele was identified in three HLA-identical siblings of Turkish origin. This allele only differs from HLA-B* 3903 at a unique single nucleotide substitution (T for C) at position 365 in exon 3 which results in an amino acid change in codon 98 of methionine (ATG) to threonine (ACG). The sequencing enabled the development of a monospecific PCR-SSP reaction which can be used to discriminate between HLA-B*3924 and other B*39 alleles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report here a new allele, B∗15012, identified by polymerase chain reaction using sequence-specific primers (PCR-SSP) and sequence-based typing (SBT). B∗15012 differs to B∗15011 (previously named B&lowast1501) by a single nucleotide, at position 435 of codon 120. B&lowast15011 encodes AAG and B∗15012 encodes AAA at codon 120, this difference does not result in an amino acid change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

All UK H&I laboratories and transplant units operate under a single national kidney offering policy, but there have been variations in approach regarding when to undertake the pre‐transplant crossmatch test. In order to minimize cold ischaemia times for deceased donor kidney transplantation we sought to find ways to be able to report a crossmatch result as early as possible in the donation process. A panel of experts in transplant surgery, nephrology, specialist nursing in organ donation and H&I (all relevant UK laboratories represented) assessed evidence and opinion concerning five factors that relate to the effectiveness of the crossmatch process, as follows: when the result should be ready for reporting; what level of donor HLA typing is needed; crossmatch sample type and availability; fairness and equity; risks and patient safety. Guidelines aimed at improving practice based on these issues are presented, and we expect that following these will allow H&I laboratories to contribute to reducing CIT in deceased donor kidney transplantation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Inter-individual variability in bone mineral density (BMD) exists within and between endurance runners and non-athletes, probably in part due to differing genetic profiles. Certainty is lacking, however, regarding which genetic variants may contribute to BMD in endurance runners and if specific genotypes are sensitive to environmental factors, such as mechanical loading via training. Method: Ten single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were identified from previous genome-wide and/or candidate gene association studies that have a functional effect on bone physiology. The aims of this study were to investigate (1) associations between genotype at those 10 SNPs and bone phenotypes in high-level endurance runners, and (2) interactions between genotype and athlete status on bone phenotypes. Results: Female runners with P2RX7 rs3751143 AA genotype had 4% higher total-body BMD and 5% higher leg BMD than AC + CC genotypes. Male runners with WNT16 rs3801387 AA genotype had 14% lower lumbar spine BMD than AA genotype non-athletes, whilst AG + GG genotype runners also had 5% higher leg BMD than AG + GG genotype non-athletes. Conclusion: We report novel associations between P2RX7 rs3751143 genotype and BMD in female runners, whilst differences in BMD between male runners and non-athletes with the same WNT16 rs3801387 genotype existed, highlighting a potential genetic interaction with factors common in endurance runners, such as high levels of mechanical loading. These findings contribute to our knowledge of the genetic associations with BMD and improve our understanding of why some runners have lower BMD than others. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Physical activity, particularly mechanical loading that results in high-peak force and is multi-directional in nature, increases bone mineral density (BMD). In athletes such as endurance runners, this association is more complex due to other factors such as low energy availability and menstrual dysfunction. Moreover, many studies of athletes have used small sample sizes and/or athletes of varying abilities, making it difficult to compare BMD phenotypes between studies. Method: The primary aim of this study was to compare dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) derived bone phenotypes of high-level endurance runners (58 women and 45 men) to non-athletes (60 women and 52 men). Our secondary aim was to examine the influence of menstrual irregularities and sporting activity completed during childhood on these bone phenotypes. Results: Female runners had higher leg (4%) but not total body or lumbar spine BMD than female non-athletes. Male runners had lower lumbar spine (9%) but similar total and leg BMD compared to male non-athletes, suggesting that high levels of site-specific mechanical loading was advantageous for BMD in females only and a potential presence of reduced energy availability in males. Menstrual status in females and the number of sports completed in childhood in males and females had no influence on bone phenotypes within the runners. Conclusion: Given the large variability in BMD in runners and non-athletes, other factors such as variation in genetic make-up alongside mechanical loading probably influence BMD across the adult lifespan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An abstract of the research paper "Role of novel type I interferon epsilon in mucosal immunity," by S. L. Day and colleagues is presented.

The article presents the author's views on the "Journal of Physiology." He comments that a series of articles on good practices being published by the journal for presenting and analyzing data from experimental studies. He remarks that with a variety of authors contributing their skills and experience, a series of articles is planned.

Facilities for studying gas-solid interactions on beamline 111 at the Diamond Light Source are described. Sample evolution in low and high gas pressure capillary cells (1x10-7 to 100 bar) with non-contact cooling and heating (80 to 1273 K) can be monitored structurally (X-rays) and spectroscopically (Raman). First results on the dehydration of MgSO4.7H2O, the formation of CO2 clathrate hydrate and the reaction of amorphous CaSiO3 grains with CO2 gas to form CaCO3 are presented to demonstrate the application of these cells to laboratory investigations involving the processing of cosmic dust simulants and planetary materials analogues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]