Search

Background In developed countries, hepatitis E is a porcine zoonosis caused by hepatitis E virus ( HEV) genotype 3. In developing countries, hepatitis E is mainly caused by genotype 1, and causes increased mortality in patients with pre-existing chronic liver disease ( CLD). Aim To determine the role of HEV in patients with decompensated CLD. Methods Prospective HEV testing of 343 patients with decompensated CLD at three UK centres and Toulouse France, with follow-up for 6 months or death. IgG seroprevalence was compared with 911 controls. Results 11/343 patients (3.2%) had acute hepatitis E infection, and three died. There were no differences in mortality (27% vs. 26%, OR 1.1, 95% CI 0.28-4.1), age ( P = 0.9), bilirubin ( P = 0.5), alanine aminotransferase ( P = 0.06) albumin ( P = 0.5) or international normalised ratio ( P = 0.6) in patients with and without hepatitis E infection. Five cases were polymerase chain reaction ( PCR) positive (genotype 3). Hepatitis E was more common in Toulouse (7.9%) compared to the UK cohort (1.2%, P = 0.003). HEV IgG seroprevalence was higher in Toulouse ( OR 17, 95% CI 9.2-30) and Truro ( OR 2.5, 95% CI 1.4-4.6) than in Glasgow, but lower in cases, compared to controls ( OR 0.59, 95% CI 0.41-0.86). Conclusions Hepatitis E occurs in a minority of patients with decompensated chronic liver disease. The mortality is no different to the mortality in patients without hepatitis E infection. The diagnosis can only be established by a combination of serology and PCR, the yield and utility of which vary by geographical location. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Studies of the late time diode gap formation in two- and four-wire tungsten x-pinches using an 80 kA, 50 ns current pulse are presented. Quantitative measurements of the coronal plasma density are recovered using interferometry simultaneously with laser shadowgraphy. Axial expansion of the gap occurs at ∼106 cm/s for both two- and four-wire systems and is likely to be driven by an axial J×B force resulting from radial current flow in the plasma minidiode “electrodes.” Radial density profiles suggest repinching of the low density plasma occurs after the main pinch resulting in secondary x-ray emission peak >10 ns after the first, which is recorded with a pair of pin diodes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: To compare the genotypes of Campylobacter coli obtained from the rectal and ileal samples of pigs at the time of slaughter. Methods and Results: Five animals were sampled following slaughter with ileal contents and anal swabs being taken post-evisceration. Swabs were directly plated onto charcoal cefoperazone desoxycholate agar (CCDA) while ileal contents were enriched in CCDA broth. Twenty isolates were picked from each site sampled and all 200 isolates were Camp. coli. Isolates were genotyped using random amplified polymorphic DNA (22 discrete types) and flaA (11 discrete types). Both methods found that 55% of the genotypes were unique to rectal samples. Only one animal yielded the same flaA type from ileal and rectal samples. Conclusions: Rectal sampling of pigs yielded a more diverse subset of Camp. coli genotypes than ileal contents, but failed to yield all of the genotypes carried by an individual animal. Significance and Impact of the Study: A small sample of pigs carried a very diverse population of Camp. coli genotypes; and sampling of a single site in the gut will recover only part of this population. Hence, any genotyping studies of Camp. coli in pigs must be interpreted with caution, and epidemiological studies could be confounded by the number of Camp. coli genotypes available. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective:To identify risk factors for life-threatening maternal outcomes.Study design:Hospital charts were reviewed for cases of maternal mortality or near-miss and for controls overmatched 1:3. Significant risk factors were identified through simple and best subsets multiple logistic regression.Result:Eight cases of mortality and 69 near-miss cases were found. Significant risk factors with their odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals are: age 35 to 39 years (2.3, 1.2 to 4.4) and >39 years (5.1, 1.8 to 14.4); African-American race (7.4, 2.5 to 22.0) and Hispanic ethnicity (4.2, 1.3 to 13.2); chronic medical condition (2.7, 1.5 to 4.8); obesity (3.0, 1.7 to 5.3); prior cesarean (5.2, 2.8 to 9.8) and gravidity (1.2, 1.1 to 1.5 per pregnancy). In multivariable logistic regression, race remained significant while controlling for other significant factors and markers of socioeconomic status.Conclusion:Some risk factors can be modified through medical care, education or social support systems. Racial disparity in outcome is confirmed and is unexplained by traditional risk factors.Journal of Perinatology (2007) 27, 597–601; doi:10.1038/sj.jp.7211810; published online 16 August 2007 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: To determine the prevalence of four bacterial zoonotic pathogens in beef cattle at time of slaughter in Northern Ireland (NI), in order to assess their potential for reducing beef safety. Methods and Results: Faeces were collected postmortem from beef cattle ( n =220) at seven EU registered abattoirs. Standard enrichment culturing methods were employed, plus immunomagnetic enrichment in the case of Escherichia coli O157:H7. Campylobacter spp. were found in 52 samples (24·8%), Listeria monocytogenes in 10 (4·8%), E. coli O157:H7 in 2 (0·9%) whilst Salmonella spp. were isolated from six out of 200 samples (3·0%). Five salmonellas were Salmonella Chandans and one was Salmonella Liverpool. Conclusions: Campylobacter spp. were the most frequently isolated pathogen, despite being relatively rare in beef. Genotyping showed the campylobacters to be very diverse, indicating cattle encounter campylobacters from many sources. The remaining three pathogens, which are associated with meats, occurred at relatively low frequencies, especially E. coli O157:H7. The Salmonella serovars found rarely infect humans. Significance and Impact of the Study: The low prevalence of E. coli O157:H7 in NI beef cattle was confirmed and the reasons for this merit further study. The four pathogens should have little impact on beef quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article looks at public health conditions of the incapacitated population and the social factors which affect the health of individuals in Great Britain. Hindrances caused by health inequities issues such as the disability-specific discrimination (disablism) are mentioned. Improvement of health care services among the disabled ones and addressing their particular needs in terms of employment and education are highlighted.

A letter to the editor is presented in response to the article "Editorial: the burden of chronic liver disease-an ecological method sees the wood for the trees" in the 2016 issue.

Because of concerns regarding the prevalence of Campylobacter in chicken meat, member countries in the European Union (EU) undertook a surveillance program to determine Campylobacter levels on chicken carcasses. A sample mass of 25 g principally composed of neck skin was used, although breast skin could also be used if there were insufficient neck skin to meet the required sample mass. The aim was to establish a baseline for Campylobacter contamination of carcasses against which future interventions could be assessed. However, in the United Kingdom researchers wanted to explore whether different ratios of neck to breast skin in samples could affect the results obtained. A comparison of the Campylobacter levels on neck and breast skin samples obtained from the same chilled chicken carcasses was undertaken at four chicken slaughterhouses. The neck skins were significantly more heavily contaminated (P < 0.05) with Campylobacter than was breast skin. Statistical analyses revealed no relationship that would allow a conversion between levels obtained on the two skin types. Ongoing surveillance of Campylobacter for 6 years was funded by United Kingdom poultry processors using samples consisting solely of neck skin, and the results of this surveillance (2011 to 2016) are reported here. Given the higher Campylobacter levels on a sample exclusively consisting of neck skin, this protocol could yield results with which the poultry industry would find it more difficult to achieve the contamination reduction target. The contamination reduction target for the United Kingdom (≤10% of chicken carcasses exceeding neck skin Campylobacter levels of 1,000 CFU/g) was not met by the end of 2015, the date stipulated by the United Kingdom government. Campylobacter levels on chicken neck and breast skin were compared. Neck skin was significantly more contaminated (P < 0.05) than breast skin. No relationship between the two skin types was found for Campylobacter levels. A UK government reduction target for highly contaminated chicken was not achieved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This facility report describes the Synchrotron Ultraviolet Radiation Facility (SURF II) operated by the National institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, Maryland. SURF II is a 300-MeV electron storage ring which provides well characterized continuum radiation from the far infrared to the soft x-ray region with the critical wavelength at 17.4 nm. Brief descriptions are given of the user facilities, the characteristics of the synchrotron radiation, the main storage ring, the injector system and each of the operating beam lines, and associated instruments. Further description is given of expansion plans for additional beam lines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We determined the biomechanical responses of chondrocytes to indentation at specific locations within the superficial zone of cartilage (i.e. patellar, femoral groove, femoral condylar and tibial plateau sites) taken from female New Zealand white rabbits three days after a partial meniscectomy in the lateral compartment of a knee joint. Confocal laser scanning microscopy combined with a custom indentation system was utilized to image chondrocyte responses at sites taken from ten contralateral and experimental knee joints. Cell volume, height, width and depth changes, global, local axial and transverse strains and Young׳s moduli were determined. Histological assessment was performed and proteoglycan content from the superficial zone of each site was determined. Relative to contralateral group cells, patellar, femoral groove and lateral femoral condyle cells in the experimental group underwent greater volume decreases ( p < 0.05), due to smaller lateral expansions (with greater decreases in cell height only for the lateral femoral condyle cells; p < 0.05) whereas medial femoral and medial tibial plateau cells underwent smaller volume decreases ( p < 0.05), due to less deformation in cell height ( p < 0.05). Proteoglycan content was reduced in the patellar ( p > 0.05), femoral groove, medial femoral condyle and medial tibial plateau experimental sites ( p < 0.05). The findings suggest: (i) cell biomechanical responses to cartilage loading in the rabbit knee joint can become altered as early as 3 days after a partial meniscectomy, (ii) are site-specific, and (iii) occur before alterations in tissue mechanics or changes detectable with histology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As part of a program to reduce numbers of the human pathogen Campylobacter on retail chickens, 22 broiler processing lines, representing more than 90% of UK production, were characterized by enumerating Campylobacter on pooled neck skins after exsanguination, scalding, defeathering, evisceration, crop removal, inside-outside washing, and air-chilling stages of processing. Sixteen of the processing lines investigated showed significant (P < 0.05) reductions in Campylobacter numbers because of carcass scalding. However, in all of these lines, the following defeathering stage caused a significant increase in Campylobacter contamination that effectively negated the reductions caused by scalding. On four processing lines, primary chilling also caused a significant reduction in numbers of Campylobacter. On three lines, there was a significant microbiological benefit from inside-outside washing. The stages where Campylobacter numbers were reduced require further investigation to determine the specific mechanisms responsible so that the observed pathogen reductions can be optimized and then more widely implemented. The transfer of up to 4 log CFU Campylobacter per g of neck skin from a colonized flock to a following uncolonized flock was observed. Cross-contamination was substantial and still detectable after 5,000 carcasses from an uncolonized flock had been processed. Numbers of Campylobacter recovered from the uncolonized flocks were highest on the first of the uncolonized birds to pass along the line, and in general, the numbers declined as more uncolonized birds were processed. Air sampling recovered low numbers at the processing stages monitored, indicating that airborne transmission was unlikely to be the primary transfer mechanism operating for cross-contamination between flocks. Campylobacter spp. were enumerated at seven key stages on 22 chicken processing lines. Scalding, inside-outside washing, and chilling reduced Campylobacter numbers on some lines. Defeathering negated Campylobacter reductions caused by scalding. Campylobacter-positive birds cross-contaminated immediately following birds. Airborne transmission was unlikely to be the primary mechanism of between-flock transfer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Estimates of climate noise are made from temperature records of 20 New Zealand stations. The climate noise is variability of finite time averages, which is due to day-to-day fluctuations in weather, and it is unpredictable at long range (exceeding deterministic predictability limits of about 2 weeks). This unpredictable part of seasonal or monthly averages is compared with the actual variance of these averages. The amount by which the actual variance exceeds the noise variance is taken to be a measure of the potential long-range predictability. We find that about 50 per cent of the variance of seasonally averagedtemperatures is potentially predictable except for winter (June-July-August), when it is less. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For gas puff Z-pinches, the K-shell x-ray yield is maximized with the use of a multi-shell nozzle. Optimization of the yield, verification of hydrodynamic models of the nozzle flows, and plausible MHD code modeling of the implosions require data on the radial and axial (R,Z) distribution of mass in the nozzle's flow field. Interferometry is a well-established technique for acquiring such data. We describe the development and use of a two-dimensional interferometer with emphasis on the required data reduction methods. We also show that the instrument can derive the flow from each individual nozzle in a multi-shell system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: This study sought to determine the most effective protocol for the detection of Campylobacter spp. in retail packs of fresh, raw chicken based on ISO 10272-1:2006. Methods and Results: Three sample preparation protocols were studied; two based on excision and one combining excision with a rinse of the remaining sample. Enrichment cultures were incubated both in closed bottles and microaerobically, and sub-cultured at 24 and 48 h. Packs of chicken (110) were analysed and only two yielded no Campylobacter spp. Subculturing enrichment broths at 24 h gave the same prevalence as at 48 h, P > 0·4 but microaerobic incubation yielded approximately 50% more positive samples than did incubation in closed bottles. Sampling based on excision plus rinsing gave the highest Campylobacter prevalence (92·7%). Conclusions: To isolate Campylobacter spp. from retail packs of chicken, enrichment cultures must be incubated in a microaerobic atmosphere and sub-cultured at 24 h and, possibly, 48 h. Sampling packs by excision plus rinsing maximized recoveries. Significance and Impact of the Study: ISO 10272-1:2006 permits the use of inefficient protocols which markedly underestimate the true prevalence of Campylobacter spp. in retail, fresh chicken. Equivalent results could be obtained 24 h earlier, with consequent savings. Its revision is essential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: To compare conventional plate counting and indirect conductimetry as techniques for ranking the resistance of Salmonella spp. to processing stressors. Methods and Results: Forty Salmonella isolates were subjected to three separate stressors used in food processing; irradiation, heat and high hydrostatic pressure (HHP). Total viable counts (TVC) using conventional plate counts and time to detection (TTD) using indirect conductimetry were determined. A significant negative correlation between TVC and TTD was seen with irradiation ( P < 0·01) and heat ( P < 0·05) but not HHP. Conclusions: For a group of salmonellas, indirect conductimetry can rapidly determine a ranking of isolate sensitivity to irradiation and heat. However, for HHP, the results indicated that conventional plate counting alone cannot be used to determine sensitivity. Significance and Impact of the Study: The resistance of micro-organisms to processing systems must be ranked to allow the selection of appropriate isolates for process validation. TTD measurements allow rapid screening of salmonellas to rank isolates for resistance to irradiation and heat stress. However, following HHP, the TVC of survivors is independent of the time required for growth to a set cell density and therefore it cannot be used as the sole measure of relative stress resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: To investigate the suitability of Hugh and Leifson’s medium (HLM) as the basis of a simple screening test to differentiate between contaminants and Arcobacter spp. during their isolation from foodstuffs. Methods and Results: Characterized Arcobacter spp. were obtained from recognized culture collections. Wild-type isolates of Arcobacter spp. and contaminants were obtained using published isolation protocols. Retail packs of red meats were used as the source of the isolates. Eighteen defined Arcobacter spp. gave no reaction on HLM, as did 10 local wild-type isolates. Overall 163 contaminants were studied for oxidative reactions on HLM and 86% of isolates demonstrated this property. Conclusions: HLM can usefully serve as a simple and effective screening test to differentiate between Arcobacter spp. and contaminants. Significance and Impact of the Study: Arcobacter isolation procedures are still being developed, and no effective diagnostic media currently exist. Rapidly excluding most contaminants can markedly increase the efficiency of isolation procedures by removing the need for extensive biotyping or the requirement to isolate DNA and conduct PCR tests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A cross-sectional survey of pigs at slaughter in Northern Ireland was undertaken to determine the overall prevalence of Salmonella infection. In total 513 pigs were sampled across four abattoirs, with Salmonella spp. isolated from the caecal contents of 31.4% (95% confidence interval [CI] 27.4%–35.4%) and from 40.0% (95% CI 35.8%–44.3%) of swabs taken from the surface of carcasses post-evisceration. Two serovars, S. Typhimurium and S. Derby, were predominant and accounted for 52% and 35% respectively, of isolates from caecal contents. Antimicrobial resistance was most common amongst isolates of S. Typhimurium with 63.9% multiresistant compared to 10.8% of S. Derby isolates and 8.0% of other Salmonella spp. The proportion of pigs showing serological evidence of infection was significantly lower, with 11.5% (95% CI 8.9%–14.6%) and 10.1% (95% CI 7.7%–13.1%) of meat-juice samples giving positive and suspect reactions, respectively. The ratio of caecal positive to serologically positive animals is higher than in a number of other studies and may suggest recent infection, such as infection occurring during transport or lairage, in a proportion of animals. Statistical (logistic regression) modelling was used to investigate the association between the risk of Salmonella on carcasses and the isolation of Salmonella from caecal contents, and/or the serological status of the animal, while adjusting for other possible explanatory and confounding variables such as abattoir, season, day and time of sampling. The occurrence of Salmonella in caecal contents (odds ratio [OR] 2.39; 95% CI 1.52–3.77) or a suspect/positive serological reaction (OR 2.15; 95% CI 1.28–3.61) were both independently associated with the occurrence of Salmonella on carcasses in homebred, but interestingly not in imported animals. In most multivariable models there were also significant differences in carcass contamination between seasons with the highest odds of carcass contamination occurring in the April to June quarter and the lowest in the October to December quarter. Differences between sampling days were also evident with the highest odds of carcass contamination at the end of the week (Fridays) and the lowest at the start of the week (Mondays). These associations, after adjusting for the caecal or serological result, would suggest the occurrence of abattoir effects, such varying residual levels of abattoir contamination, which are independent of the individual pig status. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Data were gathered as part of a larger survey of 218 Head Start Programs in Region II (New York City, New York State (excluding New York City), New Jersey, Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin Islands) in 1993-94. The general purpose of the survey was to obtain information on child health, screening practices, training needs, family health and community problems, barriers to diagnosis and treatment and the extent of linkages between Head Start programs and health and nutrition providers at the local level. In this study barriers to the care of Head Start children and their families were examined as perceived by the Health Coordinators or other health related staff of the Health Services Component of these programs. The extent of linkages with health and nutrition service providers were also examined. The most frequently reported barriers were lack of parent participation (72%), private transportation not available (67%), parents' perception of quality of care (64%), distance to provider (63%), cost of transportation (63%), lack of funding (56%), limited/inconvenient hours (56%), and health services not available in the community (55%). On average, programs reported linkages to 14.5 providers (including an average of 4 nutrition programs). More than 90% of them reported linkages with public health services, child protective services, WIC and private physicians/dentists. Finally, the extent of barriers and linkages were compared across different geographic areas. Significant barriers were identified in this study, yet the survey confirmed and validated the extensive nature of formal linkages with health and nutrition service providers at the local levels. These findings may indicate that the current levels of service availability may not be sufficient to meet the severity and diversity of health needs of this population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Autochthonous (locally acquired) hepatitis E is increasingly recognised in developed countries, and is thought to be a porcine zoonosis. A range of extra-hepatic manifestations of hepatitis E infection have been described, but have never been systematically studied. Aim To report the extra-hepatic manifestations of hepatitis E virus. Methods Retrospective review of data of 106 cases of autochthonous hepatitis E (acute n = 105, chronic n = 1). Results Eight (7.5%) cases presented with neurological syndromes, which included brachial neuritis, Guillain-Barré syndrome, peripheral neuropathy, neuromyopathy and vestibular neuritis. Patients with neurological syndromes were younger (median age 40 years, range 34-92 years, P = 0.048) and had a more modest transaminitis (median ALT 471 IU/L, P = 0.015) compared to cases without neurological symptoms [median age 64 years (range 18-88 years), median ALT 1135 IU/L]. One patient presented with a cardiac arrhythmia,twelve patients (11.3%) presented with thrombocytopenia, fourteen (13.2%) with lymphocytosis and eight (7.5%) with a lymphopenia, none of which had any clinical consequence. Serum electrophoresis was performed in 65 patients at presentation, of whom 17 (26%) had a monoclonal gammopathy of uncertain significance. Two cases developed haematological malignancies, acute myeloid leukaemia and duodenal plasmacytoma, 18 and 36 months after presenting with acute hepatitis E infection. Conclusions A range of extra-hepatic manifestations can occur with hepatitis E. Neurological and haematological features of hepatitis E infection are relatively frequent in this UK cohort, and result in significant morbidity which warrants further study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The seasonal feeding pattern of sea-run brook trout Salvelinus fontinalis was studied from November to May 2010-2012 in Antigonish Harbour, Nova Scotia, Canada (45° 38′ N; 61° 55′ W). Sixty-three S. fontinalis (mean ± s.d. fork length = 330 ± 70 mm and mass = 536 ± 351 g) captured had fed predominantly on fishes (Fundulidae and Gasterosteidae). Percentage of empty stomachs was highest during autumn (18%) and winter (22%) and lowest in spring (7%). Stomach fullness increased from autumn to a maximum during winter, relating to near-zero body temperatures which may have effectively stopped gastric evacuation. Although feeding occurred during winter (December to March), consumption rates were calculated as negative values, and subsequently returned to positive values in spring (April to May). The over-winter life-history strategy of this sea-run S. fontinalis population appears to be a feeding marine migration in which fish continually increase body condition, representing an alternative to the more common overwintering strategy of starvation in fresh water until spring. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gestating Angus, nonlactating, spring calving cows were used to determine variation in maintenance energy requirements (MR); to evaluate the relationship among MR and cow and calf performance, plasma concentrations of IGF-I, T4, glucose, insulin, and ruminal temperature; and to describe the LM proteome and evaluate protein abundance in cows with different MR. Cows (4 to 7 yr of age) with a BCS of 5.0 ± 0.2 and BW of 582 ± 37 kg in the second to third trimester of gestation were studied in 3 trials (trial 1, n = 23; trial 2, n = 32; trial 3, n = 38). Cows were individually fed a complete diet in amounts to meet predicted MR (Level 1 Model of NRC), and feed intake was adjusted weekly until constant BW was achieved for at least 21 d (maintenance). Cows were classified on the basis of MR as low (>0.5 SD less than mean, LMR), moderate (±0.5 SD of mean, MMR), or high (>0.5 SD more than mean, HMR) MR. Blood samples were taken at maintenance and at 2 mo postpartum in trial 2. Muscle biopsies were taken from LMR and HMR after cows consumed actual MR for 28 d (trial 2) or 21 d (trial 3). Proteins from LM were separated by 2-dimensional difference gel electrophoresis and were identified, and abundance was quantified and compared. The greatest differences in MR between cows were 29%, 24%, and 25% in trials 1,2, and 3, respectively. Daily MR (NEm, kcalµBW-0.75µd-1) averaged 89.2 ± 6.3,93.0 ± 4.9, and 90.4 ± 4.6 in trials 1,2, and 3, respectively. Postpartum BW and BCS, calf birth and weaning weights, postpartum luteal activity, and ruminal temperature were not influenced by MR of the cows. Concentrations of IGF-I were greater (P = 0.001) in plasma of MMR compared with LMR cows consuming predicted MR diets, and MR was negatively correlated with concentrations of IGF-I in plasma (r = -0.38; P = 0.05) at 2 mo postpartum. A total of 103 proteins were isolated from LM; 52 gene products were identified. Abundance of specific proteins in the LM was not influenced (P > 0.11) by MR. Variation in MR of cows will make it possible to improve feed efficiency by selection. Identification of biomarkers for MR will allow selection of more efficient cows, which consume less feed and produce calves with similar weaning weights. Productive cows that require less feed for maintenance will improve efficiency of production and enhance sustainability of the environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Properties of radiatively cooled supersonic plasma jets formed by ablation of thin A1 foils driven by 1.4 MA, 250 ns current pulse are presented. The jets are highly collimated with half-opening angles of ~2°. Measurements of the flow velocity (~60 km/s) and plasma temperature (~15 eV) in the jet with Thomson scattering diagnostic give internal Mach number of M ~ 3, suggesting additional collimation of the jet by toroidal magnetic fields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The formation of supersonic, radiatively cooled plasma jets with applications to laboratory astrophysics has been an active area of research on the MAGPIE generator. One of the ways of producing astrophysically-relevant jets in the laboratory is by using the ablation of plasma from a radial foil Z-pinch. In this configuration a ~1.4 MA, 250 ns current pulse is introduced into an aluminium disk with a thickness of 15 µm. The ablated plasma from the foil converges on the axis, producing a steady and collimated jet with a typical axial velocity of ~100 km/s. The setup allows for the addition of argon above the foil for jet-ambient interaction studies. The interaction is characterised by the formation of several shock features, which are presented and discussed from experimental data and numerical simulations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ability to rapidly quantify and characterize the cuticular wax on agricultural crops in situ has utility in agricultural crop breeding, production, storage, and processing. Gas chromatography of solvent-extracted waxes is currently the most common method to quantify cuticular waxes. This article reports on a new measurement technique to rapidly quantify cuticular waxes in situ using Fourier transform infrared attenuated total reflectance (FTIR-ATR) spectroscopy. Principal component analysis (PCA) was first used to identify potentially important wavelengths from FTIR-ATR spectra collected from spinach leaves. Linear regression model building techniques using wavelengths identified by PCA, and wax quantified by gas chromatography, resulted in empirical predictive models with R2 > 0.86 using as few as four predictor wavelengths. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Abnormal liver blood tests are common in Epstein-Barr virus ( EBV) infection, but symptomatic hepatitis is rare. The demographics, clinical features and outcome of EBV hepatitis are incompletely understood, particularly in the elderly people. Aim To identify the demographics, presenting features and natural history of EBV hepatitis. Methods Retrospective review of 1995 consecutive patients attending the jaundice hotline clinic over a 13-year period. Data collected included demographic information, presenting features, clinical and laboratory parameters, radiology imaging and clinical outcome. Results Seventeen of 1995 (0.85%) had EBV hepatitis. The median age was 40 years (range 18-68 years). Ten of 17 (59%) patients were aged >30 years, and seven of 17 (41%) patients were aged ≥60 years. Fifteen of 17 (88%) patients presented with clinical/biochemical evidence of jaundice. Seventeen of 17 (100%) patients had a serum lymphocytosis at presentation. 2/17 (12%) patients with EBV hepatitis presented with the classical features of infectious mononucleosis (fever, sore throat and lymphadenopathy). Splenomegaly was present in 15/17 (88%) of patients. Symptoms lasted for a median 8 weeks (range 1-12 weeks). Three of 17 (18%) patients required a brief hospital admission. Conclusions In patients presenting with jaundice/hepatitis, EBV hepatitis is an uncommon diagnosis and causes a self-limiting hepatitis. The diagnosis is suggested by the presence of a lymphocytosis and/or splenomegaly. The majority of patients do not have infectious mononucleosis. Compared with infectious mononucleosis, EBV hepatitis affects an older age group, with nearly half of patients being aged more than 60 years. The diagnosis should be considered in all patients with unexplained hepatitis irrespective of their age. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report the results of experiments where a quantitative analysis of the behavior of ablation modulations in X-pinches (including wavelength and contrast between streams) was carried out as a function of distance from the cross-point, and consequently, as a function of the global to local magnetic field ratio. Experiments were performed using two tungsten wires of 10μm diameter in an X-pinch configuration on a pulsed power generator capable of producing an 80 kA current over a 50 ns rise time. We compare these findings directly to three-dimensional magneto-hydrodynamic (MHD) simulations using the MHD resistive code GORGON. Here, we demonstrate a dependence between the magnetic field ratio and ablation properties, suggesting a transition to a classical m = 0 instability far from the cross-point. Additionally, we examine the ablation properties of similar Z number nickel and copper wire X-pinches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thirty-three steer calves were used to determine the effect of sire breed (Angus or Charolais), time of weaning [normal weaned at approximately 210 d of age (NW) or late weaned at approximately 300 d of age (LW)], and muscle type [LM and semitendinosus muscle (STN)] on fatty acid composition. The whole plot consisted of a 2 (sire breed) x 2 (time of weaning) treatment arrangement, and the subplot treatment was muscle type. Body weights were recorded at 28-d intervals to determine animal performance: Muscle biopsies were collected on d 127 and 128 of finishing. All calves were slaughtered on d 138, and carcass data were collected. Angus-sired steers had lighter initial BW (271 vs. 298 kg; P = 0.02), and LW steers were heavier (351 vs. 323 kg; P = 0.03) on d 28, but no other differences in BW were noted. Charolais-sired steers had larger LM area (P = 0.03), reduced yield grades (P = 0.01), less 12th-rib fat (P < 0.01), and less marbling (P < 0.01) than Angus-sired steers. Carcass measures overall indicate Angus-sired steers were fatter. Hot carcass weight, was heavier (348 vs. 324 kg; P = 0.04) in LW steers than NW steers. No other differences (P > 0.05) were observed for feedlot performance or carcass characteristics. Total lipids were extracted from muscle biopsies, derivatized to their methyl esters, and analyzed using gas chromatography. The LM had greater SFA (43.94 vs. 35.76%; P < 0.01) and decreased unsaturated fatty acids (UFA; 56.90 vs. 66.19%; P < 0.01) compared with the STN. Percent total MUFA was greater in STN than LM (51.05 vs. 41.98%; P < 0.01). Total SFA, UFA, and MUFA did not differ due to sire breed or time of weaning. Total PUFA differed (P = 0.04) due to a sire breed x time of weaning interaction but did not differ due to muscle type, with greater PUFA in NW Charolais than any other sire breed x time of weaning combination. Observed changes in percent MUFA may be a result of greater Δ9-desaturase activity. The calculated desaturase index suggests STN has a greater Δ9-desaturase activity than LM, but no differences (P> 0.05) between sire breed or time of weaning were observed. These results indicate that sire breed, time of weaning, and muscle type all affect fatty acid composition in beef. This information provides insight into factors for manipulation of beef fatty acids. More research is needed to identify beef cuts based on fatty acid profile and healthfulness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An experimental investigation into the interaction of a supersonic, radiatively cooled plasma jet with argon gas is presented. The jet is formed by ablation of an aluminum foil driven by a 1.4 MA, 250 ns current pulse in a radial foil Z-pinch configuration. The outflow consists of a supersonic (Mach number ∼3-5), dense (ion density ni ∼ 1018 cm-3), highly collimated (half-opening angle ∼2°-5°) jet surrounded by a lower density halo plasma moving with the same axial velocity as the jet. The addition of argon above the foil leads to the formation of a shock driven by the ablation of halo plasma, together with a bow-shock driven by the dense jet. Experimental data with and without the presence of argon are compared with three-dimensional, magneto-hydrodynamic simulations using the GORGON code. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Observations of supersonic jet propagation in low-current x-pinches are reported. X-pinches comprising of four 7.5 μm diameter tungsten wires were driven by an 80 kA, 50 ns current pulse from a compact pulser. Coronal plasma surrounding the wire cores was accelerated perpendicular to their surface due to the global J× B force, and traveled toward the axis of the x-pinch to form an axially propagating jet. These jets moved towards the electrodes and, late in time (∼150 ns), were observed to propagate well above the anode with a velocity of 3.3±0.6×10 m/s. Tungsten jets remained collimated at distances of up to 16 mm from the cross point, and an estimate of the local sound speed gives a Mach number of ∼6. This is the first demonstration that supersonic plasma jets can be produced using x-pinches with such a small, low current pulser. Experimental data compares well to three-dimensional simulations using the GORGON resistive MHD code, and possible scaling to astrophysical jets is discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ticks continue to be a threat to animal and human health, and new and novel control strategies are needed for ticks and tick-borne pathogens. The characterization of the tick–pathogen interface and the tick immune response to microbial infections is fundamental toward the formulation of new control strategies for ticks and the pathogens they transmit. Our overall hypothesis for this research is that the tick immune system manages the maintenance of pathogens. Therefore, discovery of tick immune response genes may provide targets for novel control strategies directed toward reducing vector competency and pathogen transmission. In these studies, 454 pyrosequencing, a high-throughput genomic sequencing method was used to discover tick genes expressed in response to bacterial and fungal infections. Expressed sequence tags (ESTs) were analysed from Dermacentor variabilis ticks that had been injected with bacteria ( Escherichia coli, Bacillus subtilis, Micrococcus luteus) or fungi ( Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Candida albicans) and ticks that were naturally infected with the intracellular bacterium, Anaplasma marginale. By this approach, ESTs were assembled into 5995 contigs. Contigs fell into the five main functional categories of metabolism, genetic information processing, environmental information processing, cellular processes and human diseases. We identified more than 30 genes that are likely to encode for proteins involved in tick immune function. We further analysed by reverse transcriptase PCR (RT-PCR) the expression of 22 of these genes in each of our bacterial or fungal treatment groups and found that seven were up-regulated. Up-regulation of these seven genes was confirmed for bacterial, but not fungal treatment by quantitative PCR (qPCR). One of these products was novel, encoding a new tick defensin. Our results clearly demonstrate the complexities of the tick immune system and mark new directions for further study and characterization of proteins that modulate microbial infections in the American dog tick. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The killer cell Ig-like receptor (KIR) expression repertoire may offer valuable information for hematopoietic SCT (HSCT). We designed a quantitative KIR RNAtype assay and used it to determine KIR gene expression in healthy donors and patients before HSCT. The specificity of the assay was ensured by specific primers and by electrophoretic distinction of PCR products of unique length. In 87 healthy donors, the KIR repertoire was broadly distributed (32 categories of profiles). There was an overall trend toward inverse correlation of KIR expression level and donor age. Age affected mainly the activating KIR families. Leukemia patients showed lower KIR expression before transplantation than healthy donors. Stem cell mobilization caused a transient increase of KIR expression. We conclude that KIR expression differs quantitatively with age and primary disease and is transiently altered by stem cell recruitment and selection.Bone Marrow Transplantation (2009) 43, 525–532; doi:10.1038/bmt.2008.352; published online 24 November 2008 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We evaluated the efficacy and toxicity of adding 9 Gy of total body irradiation (TBI), in three single daily fractions of 3 Gy, to the reduced intensity regimen of fludarabine 30 mg/m2 i.v. × 4 days and melphalan 140 mg/m2 i.v. × 1 day in advanced pediatric hematologic malignancies. Twenty-two acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), six acute myeloid leukemia (AML), and one non-Hodgkin lymphoma patients were transplanted. Of these, 13 were beyond second remission, and five had prior hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT). Twenty-one donors were unrelated, of which 19 were from cord blood (CB) units. Three of the eight related donors were genotypically disparate. Oral mucositis and diarrhea were the most common toxicities. Twenty-seven patients achieved neutrophil engraftment (median 16 days), and 23 had platelet engraftment (median 42 days). One patient had primary graft failure. Seven patients died of non-relapse causes in the first 100 days. With a median follow-up of 52 months, seven of 22 ALL, five of six AML, and one of one lymphoma patients are alive and in remission. The regimen of TBI, fludarabine, and melphalan allows the engraftment of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cells (including mismatched CB). It was fairly well tolerated in pediatric patients, even for second transplants. Its efficacy requires further evaluation.Bone Marrow Transplantation (2006) 37, 463–467. doi:10.1038/sj.bmt.1705278; published online 23 January 2006 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

c.s. harrington, l. moran, a.m. ridley, d.g. newell and r.h. madden. 2003. To compare typeability, discriminatory ability, and inter-laboratory reproducibility of three flagellin PCR/RFLP ( fla typing) methods previously described for Campylobacter. The sample set ( n = 100) was diverse, including both C. jejuni ( n = 85) and C. coli ( n = 15). Two of the three flaA typing methods amplified flaA alone, whereas one, a multiplex assay, amplified flaB in addition to flaA. DdeI restriction enzyme was employed for all methods, but HinfI was also investigated. 98–100% typeability was obtained for flaA-based methods, but only 93% for the multiplex assay, due to inconsistent amplification of a non-specific product. In addition, there appeared to be selective amplification of flaA over flaB. More DdeI types were generated using a longer flaA PCR amplicon, whilst additional use of HinfI increased the number of types by ca 25%. Inter-laboratory reproducibility for both flaA-based methods was defined at 100%. Fla typing requires standardization with respect to PCR primers and restriction enzymes. This study identified an assay, employing the full flaA gene and DdeI digestion, as an appropriate method on which to standardize. 100% inter-laboratory reproducibility was demonstrated using that method. This work should facilitate progress towards inter-laboratory standardization of fla typing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A population of porcine isolates of Camplobacter jejuni (n = 11) and C. coli (n = 17) were examined for genotypic relatedness employing ribotyping, as well as polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCRRFLP) analysis of the flagellin (fla)A gene locus. PCR was employed to amplify a 533 bp fragment from the flaA gene, including the previously described short variable region (SVR), employing the novel primers, A2 and A1 and successfully generated this amplicon for all wild-type strains examined (n = 28) of both C. jejuni and C. coli, as well as with both type strains, i.e. C, jejuni NCTC 11351 and C. coli NCTC 11366. Individual genotypes were assigned to each isolate typed employing the four typing methods (flaARFLP[sub Hae III], flaA-RFLP[sub Pst I] ribotyping[sub Hae III] and ribotyping[sub Pst I],) and were assigned an arbitrary genotype code in ascending alphabetical order in comparison with a database of established genotypes for each of the methods employed. This study showed that several flaA-RFLP and ribopatterns existed within C. jejuni and C. coli, and demonstrated a heterogeneous diversity of strains occurring in the pigs examined. Ribotyping of strains with 16S and 23S rRNA with Pst I and Hae III digested chromosomal DNA allowed subdivision of strains into nine and eight groups, respectively. RFLP analyses with Pst I and Hae III digests probed with the flaA gene probe allowed subdivision of strains into eight and eleven subtypes, respectively. Employment of RFLP with the flaA nucleic acid probe and Hae III digests produced the greatest amount of variation of any genotyping scheme employed. Although there was a high degree of variability demonstrated by both typing methods, most isolates (> 60%) clustered into four main genotypes, i.e. genotypes A-D. FlaA-PCR-RFLP typing demonstrated that the majority of isolates, 67.9 and 60.7%, were included in these four main genotypes for Pst I and Hae III restriction digests,... [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In 1988, a new Constitution was adopted in Brazil in which guidelines for community participation in the development and implementation of the national health system were delineated. The health and welfare of women and children were given priority. Implementation of these guidelines presents a major challenge in a city such as São Paulo with a population of 15 million, of which an estimated 5.8 million are women of childbearing age. In order to determine the extent to which community organizations are actively participating in planning health services for women and children in São Paulo, a study was undertaken to examine the experience of community and professional organizations in public health advocacy. This paper describes a sample of these organizations, their constituents, membership, history, funding, advocacy objectives, and strategies used and results obtained. The information gathered indicates that the community organizations are involved in activities that include major efforts to improve access to health care by providing specialized courses in women's health, including the status of women's work, sexuality, discrimination, family planning, and the politics of health; publishing newsletters; producing radio programs; engaging in legal action; and using petitions, demonstrations, and public meetings to garner public support on specific issues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Preliminary results of the interaction of a supersonic, radiatively cooled plasma jet with an ambient gas are presented. The experimental setup consists of a radial foil, a mum-thick aluminium disc held between two concentric electrodes and subjected to a 1.4 MA, 250-ns current pulse from the MAGPIE generator. The plasma flow, with typical velocities of ~70-90 km/s, is produced by the J × B force acting on the plasma ablated from the foil. A jet is formed from the convergence of this ablated plasma on the axis of the system. A new setup allows the jet to interact with an argon ambient (particle density N ~10 cm) from a supersonic gas nozzle (Mach ~9). First results are characterised by the presence of several (previously unseen) shock structures, which are formed from the interaction of the jet with the argon ambient. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Intense lasers can accelerate protons in sufficient numbers and energy that the resulting beam can heat materials to exotic warm (10 s of eV temperature) states. Here we show with experimental data that a laser-driven proton beam focused onto a target heated it in a localized spot with size strongly dependent upon material and as small as 35 μm radius. Simulations indicate that cold stopping power values cannot model the intense proton beam transport in solid targets well enough to match the large differences observed. In the experiment a 74 J, 670 fs laser drove a focusing proton beam that transported through different thicknesses of solid Mylar, Al, Cu or Au, eventually heating a rear, thin, Au witness layer. The XUV emission seen from the rear of the Au indicated a clear dependence of proton beam transport upon atomic number, Z, of the transport layer: a larger and brighter emission spot was measured after proton transport through the lower Z foils even with equal mass density for supposed equivalent proton stopping range. Beam transport dynamics pertaining to the observed heated spot were investigated numerically with a particle-in-cell (PIC) code. In simulations protons moving through an Al transport layer result in higher Au temperature responsible for higher Au radiant emittance compared to a Cu transport case. The inferred finding that proton stopping varies with temperature in different materials, considerably changing the beam heating profile, can guide applications seeking to controllably heat targets with intense proton beams. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report on experiments examining the dynamics of low current (25 kA), long rise-time (400 ns) X-pinches. The experiments used two- and four-wire 5 μm tungsten X-pinches. We discuss coronal plasma dynamics, X-ray emission, cross-point evolution, and axial column dynamics. We show that the pinch dynamics are akin to those in X-pinches driven by 0.1-1 MA and at rise-rates from 0.25 to 10 kA/ns. We observe soft X-rays (∼1-2 keV range) emitted from the cross point in both two-wire and four-wire X-pinches at about peak current. These results show that compact current generators consisting of 2-4 small capacitors in a simple capacitive discharge circuit can produce good quality pinches for applications in Thomson X-ray scattering and backlighting among others. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]