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Background: Chronic diseases are associated with an inflammatory response. We determined the association of two inflammatory markers, GlycA and high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein (hsCRP), with overall and cause‐specific mortality in a cohort of men and women. Methods: Cox regression analyses were used to examine associations of GlycA and hsCRP with all‐cause, cancer and cardiovascular mortality in 5526 subjects (PREVEND cohort; average follow‐up 12.6 years). Results: GlycA was associated with all‐cause mortality (n = 838), independent of clinical risk factors and hsCRP (hazard ratio 1.43 [95% confidence interval (CI): 1.09–1.87] for top versus bottom quartiles). For hsCRP, the association with all‐cause mortality was nonsignificant after adjustment for GlycA. GlycA and hsCRP were associated with cancer mortality in men (n = 248), but not in women (n = 132). Neither GlycA nor hsCRP was independently associated with cardiovascular mortality (n = 201). In a meta‐analysis of seven population‐based studies, including 8153 deaths, the pooled multivariable‐adjusted relative risk of GlycA for all‐cause mortality was 1.74 (95% CI: 1.40–2.17) for top versus bottom quartiles. The association of GlycA with all‐cause mortality was somewhat stronger than that of hsCRP. GlycA and hsCRP were not independently associated with cardiovascular mortality. The associations of GlycA and hsCRP with cancer mortality were present in men, but not in women. Conclusions: GlycA is significantly associated with all‐cause mortality. GlycA and hsCRP were each not independently associated with cardiovascular mortality. The association of GlycA and hsCRP with cancer mortality appears to be driven by men. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The relationship between microbe populations that are active on engineered-product surfaces and their relationship to surface corrosion or human health is increasingly being recognized by the materials engineering community as a critically important study-direction. Microbial contamination from biofilms and germ colonies leads to costs that are reported to be extremely high every year in infection control, epidemics, corrosion loss and energy/infrastructure materials loss throughout the world. Nanostructured surfaces, particularly those that are hard-surface nanoporous (pore radii between 2 and 1000 nm), are an emerging class of surfaces that have recently been recognized as important for the prevention of microbial colony growth and biofilm formation. Such nanostructured/nanoporous surfaces, whether made with deposited nanoparticles (welded nanoparticles), or formed by ion-assisted growth on a surface have been found to display biocidal activity with varying efficacy that depends on both the microbe and the nanosurface features. The rate of mortality from common pathogens that are resident in ubiquitous bio-films when attached to common engineering surfaces made of steels, titanium and zirconium appears to be increasing. In this short review, we look at methods of manufacture of durable (i.e., highly scratch resistant) nanostructuring on commonly used engineering surfaces. The microstructures, energy dispersive X-ray analysis, X-ray photo-electron spectroscopy and other types of characterization of a few such surfaces are presented. Simple tests are required by the surface engineering community for understanding the efficacy of a surface for antimicrobial action. These are reviewed. The surface drying rate and the dynamics of the droplet spread have been proposed in the literature as quick methods that correlate well with the residual antimicrobial activity efficacy even after some surface abrasion of the nanostructured surface. A categorization of a surface against short-term antimicrobial action and long-term action is proposed in this review article. Test periods that span time-frames greater than 5 years have demonstrated a high efficacy of the nanoporous nanostructures for preventing bio-film formation. New comparative results for diamond- and graphite-containing surfaces are presented. A brief discussion on a recently developed plasma application technique for creating durable nanoporous surfaces is presented. Although considerable information is now available regarding tunable surface nanofeatures for antimicroabial efficacy, there is a need for more research activity, particularly directed toward the low cost manufacture and rapid characterization of durable (wear and chemical resistant) surfaces that display permanent antimicrobial behavior. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background GlycA is a novel marker of systemic inflammation detected by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. In the general population, GlycA is correlated with inflammatory markers such as C-reactive protein (CRP) and associated with coronary heart disease and diabetes. The utility of GlycA in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) has not been defined. Therefore, we tested the hypothesis that GlycA concentrations are elevated in patients with SLE and associated with other markers of inflammation and coronary atherosclerosis. Methods We compared concentrations of GlycA, detected by NMR, in 116 patients with SLE and 84 control subjects frequency-matched for age, sex, and race. SLE disease activity index (SLEDAI) and the SLE Collaborating Clinics damage index (SLICC) were calculated. Acute phase reactants, a panel of cytokines, and a lipid panel were measured. Electron beam computer tomography (EBCT) was used to quantify coronary artery calcification, a measure of coronary artery atherosclerosis. Results Patients with SLE had higher concentrations of GlycA (398 (350–445)) than control subjects (339 (299–391)) µmol/L, p < 0.001. In patients with SLE, concentrations of GlycA were significantly associated with sedimentation rate (rho = 0.43), C-reactive protein (rho = 0.59), e-selectin (rho = 0.28), intracellular adhesion molecule-1 (rho = 0.30), triglycerides (rho = 0.45), all p < 0.0023 to account for multiple comparisons, but not with creatinine, SLEDAI, SLICC, or coronary calcium scores. Conclusions Concentrations of GlycA are higher in patients with SLE than control subjects and associated with markers of inflammation but not with SLE disease activity or chronicity scores or coronary artery calcification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Guidelines recommend screening for osteoporosis with bone mineral density (BMD) testing in menopausal women, particularly those with additional risk factors for fracture. Many eligible women remain unscreened. This randomized study demonstrates that a single outreach interactive voice response phone call improves rates of BMD screening among high-risk women age 50-64. Introduction: Osteoporotic fractures are a major cause of disability and mortality. Guidelines recommend screening with BMD for menopausal women, particularly those with additional risk factors for fracture. However, many women remain unscreened. We examined whether telephonic interactive voice response (IVR) or patient mailing could increase rates of BMD testing in high risk, menopausal women. Methods: We studied 4,685 women age 50-64 years within a not-for-profit health plan in the United States. All women had risk factors for developing osteoporosis and no prior BMD testing or treatment for osteoporosis. Patients were randomly allocated to usual care, usual care plus IVR, or usual care plus mailed educational materials. To avoid contamination, patients within a single primary care physician practice were randomized to receive the same intervention. The primary endpoint was BMD testing at 12 months. Secondary outcomes included BMD testing at 6 months and medication use at 12 months. Results: Mean age was 57 years. Baseline demographic and clinical characteristics were similar across the three study groups. In adjusted analyses, the incidence of BMD screening was 24.6 % in the IVR group compared with 18.6 % in the usual care group ( P < 0.001). There was no difference between the patient mailing group and the usual care group ( P = 0.3). Conclusions: In this large community-based randomized trial of high risk, menopausal women age 50-64, IVR, but not patient mailing, improved rates of BMD screening. IVR remains a viable strategy to incorporate in population screening interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we analyse the picosecond wavelength conversion using semiconductor optical amplifier (SOA) with a novel technique. For an accurate and precise modelling, all the nonlinear effects that are relevant to picosecond and subpicosecond pulse regime, such as, self-phase modulation, nonlinear Kerr effect, spectral hole burning, carrier heating, carrier depletion, two-photon absorption and group velocity dispersion are taken into account in the SOA model. We integrate the structure with a microring resonator notch filter to eliminate the unwanted pump and probe signals at the output of the system. It shows that with the three coupled microring resonators, output four-wave mixing (FWM) signal generated by the SOA can be filtered accurately. Moreover, our results demonstrate that the microring resonator can be used for modifying the shape and spectrum of the output FWM signal. Simulation results show that this new technique enhances the output time bandwidth product. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article explores the connection between the army, the press and the Unionist party during the so-called ‘Curragh incident’ of March 1914 in which certain army officers expressed their unwillingness to impose Home Rule on Ireland. Although there is much scholarship on this aspect of Irish history, there has been no study of the crucial role played by the press and the army’s attempts to use it for political purposes. This article centres upon a thorough examination of a broad range of newspapers and other supporting material in order to provide a fresh perspective on the crisis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reviews the motion pictures "Made in India," by Patricia Plattner and "Performing the Border," by Ursula Biemann in VHS format.

Multiple imaging modalities are available for investigating patients with a suspected periampullary neoplasm. The relative utility of each imaging modality is discussed regarding its role in diagnosis and staging. A general imaging approach to patients with a distal biliary obstruction also is presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recurrent pediatric headache is an increasingly common chronic pain syndrome in children and adolescents that is associated with impairments in functioning and quality of life; the condition thus warrants continued clinical and research attention. This article provides a review of the major areas of and developments in pediatric headache research so as to equip pediatric psychologists with a comprehensive knowledge base for this condition. The epidemiology of pediatric headache is reviewed, followed by an overview of clinical features, diagnosis and assessment, etiology, and pharmacological and psychological treatments. Finally, the article concludes with an identification of current trends and areas for further research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Large population-based surveys have shown that approximately 30% of people over age 65 years have osteoporosis and that 17% of the population over 65 years will sustain a fracture during their lifetime. Many people with osteoporosis are never being evaluated even though effective treatments are available. We examined why primary care physicians order few bone mineral density scans. We conducted a cross-sectional survey of primary care physicians practicing in any of the six New England states. Target physician specialties included internal medicine, general practitioners/family physicians, and obstetrician-gynecologists who had a facsimile number listed with the American Medical Association. Demographics, practice characteristics, use of bone densitometry, and attitudes regarding osteoporosis, bone densitometry and health maintenance were assessed by questionnaire. Twelve percent (n=494) of the physicians responded to the questionnaire. Respondents were similar to non-respondents with respect to years of practice, training and geographical state, though they were more likely to be female (p≤0.05). Respondents had a mean age of 51 years, and 51% were trained in internal medicine, 25% in general practice/family practice and 24% in obstetrics-gynecology. The mean number of self-reported bone densitometry referrals per month was 10±11, and 25% of respondents reported that they referred fewer than 4 patients per month. In adjusted logistic models, factors significantly associated with referring fewer than 4 patients per month were: training in internal medicine (odds ratio (OR) 2.0, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.0–3.9) or general practice/family practice (OR 2.6, 95% CI 1.3–5.2) versus obstetrics-gynecology; practicing in an urban setting (OR 2.5, 95% CI 1.3–4.9) or rural/small town setting (OR 2.2, 95% CI 1.2–4.1) versus a suburban setting; spending less than 50% of professional time in patient care (OR 4.0, 95% CI 1.7–9.5); seeing the lowest proportion of postmenopausal women (OR 2.5., 95% CI 1.2–5.3); the belief that calcium and vitamin D are adequate to treat osteoporosis (OR 2.1, 95% CI 1.0–4.5); and the belief that osteoporosis treatment should not be based on bone density results (OR 3.2, 95% CI 1.7–6.1). Potentially modifiable physician beliefs and a number of practice characteristics are associated with low referral rates for bone densitometry. Educational strategies aimed at improving the use of bone density testing should consider these factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Focuses on the television program 'The Devil Is Coming' part of the British Broadcasting Corp. acclaimed documentary series 'The Great War'. Interest of the public to the coverage of Battle of the Somme; Encapsulation of the events of Great War in the television program; Issues during creation of the script for the program.

Objectives: To test the hypothesis that endovascular stents used with dilation of coarctation of the aorta (CoA) improve late outcomes. Balloon dilation for CoA has been limited by concerns over the risk for acute dissection, late restenosis, or aneurysm formation.Design: All patients seen with CoA between November 1994 and September 1997 underwent attempted stent implantation. Follow up was obtained for all patients and a subgroup (n = 18) had repeat catheterisation at a mean (SD) of 1.3 (0.5) years to assess residual gradient and stent-CoA morphology.Results: Stents were placed in 27 patients (15 male and 12 female patients, mean age 30.1 (13.1) years), of whom seven had prior surgical coarctectomy and one had a prior balloon dilation. Hypertension was present in 26 patients (mean pressure 164 (26)/86 (13) mm Hg), of whom 16 were on antihypertension drugs. CoA gradients were 46 (20) mm Hg (range 18-106 mm Hg) at baseline and 3 (5) mm Hg after the procedure. One patient had a stroke following the procedure; another patient had incomplete dilation and underwent a second procedure. At 1.8 (1) years after the procedure the mean pressure was 130 (14)/74 (11) mm Hg with seven patients on antihypertension treatment. The clinical gradient was 4 (8) mm Hg (range 0-32 mm Hg). At follow up angiography, the mean gradient was 4(6) mm Hg, and two patients had a gradient over 10 mm Hg. Aneurysms formed in three patients at the dilation site; one patient was referred for surgery.Conclusion: In this age group stent management for CoA appears to be an effective technique and results in sustained reduction in CoA gradients at early term follow up, but aortic aneurysm was detected in 17% of patients who had repeat angiography. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To determine the prevalence and duration of postmenopausal hormone replacement therapy (HRT) use and identify correlates of adherence to therapy.Design: Population-based cohort study.Setting: Staff-model health maintenance organization.Participants: Female members, 40 years and older.Measurements and Main Results: Prevalence and duration of use were measured between 1990 and 1995. Duration was assessed by Kaplan-Meier and proportional hazards methods. Hormone replacement therapy use increased from 10.3% in 1990 to 20.7% in 1995. Greatest use (24%) occurred among menopausal women age 50 to 54 years. Less than 5% of women 75 and older used HRT. Among 1,680 first-time recipients of HRT, two thirds of initial prescriptions were written by internists. Thirty-eight percent discontinued HRT within 1 year. For the subset whose indication for therapy was ascertained, prevention of chronic disease was associated with a 33% 1-year discontinuation rate. Factors associated with longer duration of therapy included white race (relative risk [RR], 1.63; 95% confidence interval [95% CI], 1.32 to 2.02), younger age (RR, 1.02 per year; 95% CI 1.01 to 1.03), and changing the preparation or dose of estrogen (RR, 5.62; 95% CI, 4.33 to 7.25). The formulation (esterified estrogens 0.625 mg versus conjugated estrogens 0.625 mg) was also associated with greater duration of use; all other estrogens were, as a group, associated with shorter duration of use. Those who received their initial HRT prescription from an internist were more likely to continue therapy than those who received it from a gynecologist.Conclusions: Despite increased use of HRT, only a minority of women in this population used HRT, and many of those discontinued therapy within 1 year. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The article offers the author's insights on the gender aspects of the global adjustment in the Northern and Southern Hemisphere. The author says that due to policies imposed for structural adjustment, national governments and several institutions such as the World bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) have overlooked the issue on the well-being of the people, particularly women. She cites the significance of gender in economic restructuring. She suggests that policymakers should recognize the unequal treatment of women and men between informal, formal, household, and community sectors. She adds that women in both hemispheres have focused in developing political and social movements which aim to improve and identify women's priorities and needs.

In experiments conducted in Darwin, Australia, temperatures generated during November at 25 cm depth in nursery potting mix by solarisation reached maximum values of 51°C and 44.6°C under a double and single layer of clear plastic mulch, respectively. The lowest temperatures were 41.3° and 38.1°C in July under the double and single layer of clear plastic mulch, respectively. Acyclic pattern of temperatures occurs over a 12 month period, following closely the global radiation figures. Three soilborne plant pathogens, Pythium myriotylum, Phytophthora nicotianae var. nicotianae and Sclerotium rolfsii were eliminated under a double layer of plastic within 2-8 days during the spring, summer and autumn experiments while it took 4-20 days at the same time of the year to eliminate the same pathogens using a single layer of plastic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The feasibility of employing a Lyot filter to compensate for the pattern effect in a semiconductor optical amplifier (SOA) is experimentally demonstrated. The operation mechanism relies on the control of its comb-like transfer function by proper adjustment of the wavelength spacing and detuning to suppress the spectral components broadened owing to SOA gain saturation. The scheme is experimentally demonstrated on amplified 10 Gbit/s return to zero data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article provides information on what could be the earliest use of the term "zombie" as found in "The History of Okano: A Fragment of a Voyage to St. Domingo" travel narrative published in European magazines in 1788. It discusses how a reference to zombies in the narrative suggests that the mythology was already part of Haitian culture by the late 18th century.

Background: Chronic diseases are associated with an inflammatory response. We determined the association of two inflammatory markers, GlycA and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), with overall and cause-specific mortality in a cohort of men and women.Methods: Cox regression analyses were used to examine associations of GlycA and hsCRP with all-cause, cancer and cardiovascular mortality in 5526 subjects (PREVEND cohort; average follow-up 12.6 years).Results: GlycA was associated with all-cause mortality (n = 838), independent of clinical risk factors and hsCRP (hazard ratio 1.43 [95% confidence interval (CI): 1.09-1.87] for top versus bottom quartiles). For hsCRP, the association with all-cause mortality was nonsignificant after adjustment for GlycA. GlycA and hsCRP were associated with cancer mortality in men (n = 248), but not in women (n = 132). Neither GlycA nor hsCRP was independently associated with cardiovascular mortality (n = 201). In a meta-analysis of seven population-based studies, including 8153 deaths, the pooled multivariable-adjusted relative risk of GlycA for all-cause mortality was 1.74 (95% CI: 1.40-2.17) for top versus bottom quartiles. The association of GlycA with all-cause mortality was somewhat stronger than that of hsCRP. GlycA and hsCRP were not independently associated with cardiovascular mortality. The associations of GlycA and hsCRP with cancer mortality were present in men, but not in women.Conclusions: GlycA is significantly associated with all-cause mortality. GlycA and hsCRP were each not independently associated with cardiovascular mortality. The association of GlycA and hsCRP with cancer mortality appears to be driven by men. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a case study of a 34-year-old man who had transposition of great arteries. Topics discussed include use of cardiac computed tomography (CCT) and cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) in functioning of right ventricle, uncovering of pulmonary vein (PV) by CCT and CMR angiography and recommendation of correct surgery and cardiac catheterization because of presence of residual shunt.

The article presents a conference paper on the efficacy of adult observation chart and compliance with trust guidelines at City Hospital in Birmingham, England. Topics discussed include proposal of National Early Warning Score (NEWS) by the Royal College Of Physicians (RCP), the need for education programme to establish effective use of the chart, development of the EWS chart for observations, and patient audits in intensive care units.

An abstract of the article " A model of integrative care for low back pain," by D. Eisenberg, J. Buring, and A. Hrbek is presented.

Elsinoë mangiferae, the cause of mango scab, was identified for the first time in Australia in January 1997 as a result of intense investigation into severe scamng and distortion of mangoes in the Darwin rural area of the Northern Territory. Spotting and scarring of mango fruit had been observed in the Northern Territory since about 1990 and was commonly believed by growers to be due to a form of anthracnose caused by Colletotrichum gloeosporioides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]