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Aim: To identify dominant microorganisms in root filled teeth with apical periodontitis by Pan‐PCRs in comparison with a culture‐dependent approach, focusing on fungal species profiling. Methodology: The root filling material (gutta‐percha) removed from 42 teeth with periapical radiolucencies undergoing root canal retreatments was analysed by molecular genetics techniques. Real‐Time Pan‐PCRs were conducted for the diagnosis of predominant bacteria (targeting 16S rDNA) and fungi (targeting ITS1‐2 region). Identification of microorganisms was performed by Sanger sequencing of the PCR products and BLAST analysis. Additionally, subgingival plaque samples were collected and cultured to review the composition of the microbial flora. The McNemar test and the repeated measures anova were used for statistical analyses (significance level was set at P < 0.05). Results: Overall, 42/42 plaque samples had bacterial growth, whereas 32/42 gutta‐percha samples had bacterial growth with a dominance of Streptococcus spp. (12/42) and Enterococcus faecalis (9/42). The mean number of bacterial taxa per gutta‐percha sample was 1.6 cultivatable taxa, significantly lower than in the plaque sample that had six taxa/sample (P < 0.001). Fungus‐specific cultures were negative for gutta‐percha samples, and only one plaque sample had growth of a fungus. In total, 36/42 plaque samples were positive in bacterial Pan‐PCRs. In bacterial Pan‐PCRs of 31/42 gutta‐percha samples, dominant microorganisms were identified including Streptococcus spp. (5/42) and E. faecalis (4/42). Moreover, in 7/42 gutta‐percha samples, DNA of bacteria which are difficult‐to‐cultivate in microbiology routine culture (Acinetobacter,Pyramidobacter,Bacteroidetes,Synergistes,Atopobium and Pseudoramibacter) was found. DNA of Candida spp. was detected in 5/42 root canals by fungal Pan‐PCR (1/5) and genus‐specific Candida‐PCR (5/5). Conclusions: Pan‐PCR assays remain appropriate as a broad‐range approach for the detection of a dominant pathogen in gutta‐percha samples which have less diverse microbial composition. The molecular genetic Pan‐PCR approach has the advantage of detecting microorganisms that are as‐yet‐uncultivable or difficult‐to‐cultivate and should be therefore complement conventional microbiological diagnostics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Poor compliance with traffic regulations is one of the main causes of RTIs in Iran. This study examined the factors influencing the intention of Iranian drivers to comply with traffic rules. Factors investigated were demographic variables (age, gender, education, driving history) and psychological variables (moral norm, affective reaction, prior behaviour and Theory of Planned Behaviour variables). This descriptive study was conducted on 699 individuals having a full driving licence. Participants completed a questionnaire comprising demographic items, Theory of Planned Behaviour items and 10 driving violations items. Regression analyses found that instrumental and affective attitude, descriptive norm, perceived ease, moral norm, affective reaction and prior behaviour predicted intentions. Traffic accidents and fines related to prior behaviour and all the TPB variables except for instrumental attitude. Women scored higher for descriptive norm, and lower for prior behaviour. Important social cognitive factors for predicting intention were components of instrumental and affective attitude, descriptive norm, perceived ease, moral norm, affective reaction and prior behaviour. Age, educational level and length of driving did not relate to the TPB variables. Gender differences were found in descriptive norm, prior behaviour and traffic fines. Potential aapplications of the results to future Iranian road safety educational policies and programs were highlighted in the conclusions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

CD8+ T-cell functions are critical for preventing chronic viral infections by eliminating infected cells. For healthy immune responses, beneficial destruction of infected cells must be balanced against immunopathology resulting from collateral damage to tissues. These processes are regulated by factors controlling CD8+ T-cell function, which are still incompletely understood. Here, we show that the interferon regulatory factor 4 (IRF4) and its cooperating binding partner B-cell-activating transcription factor (BATF) are necessary for sustained CD8+ T-cell effector function. Although Irf4-/- CD8+ T cells were initially capable of proliferation, IRF4 deficiency resulted in limited CD8+ T-cell responses after infection with the lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus. Consequently, Irf4-/- mice established chronic infections, but were protected from fatal immunopathology. Absence of BATF also resulted in reduced CD8+ T-cell function, limited immunopathology, and promotion of viral persistence. These data identify the transcription factors IRF4 and BATF as major regulators of antiviral cytotoxic T-cell immunity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) have a multilineage differentiation potential and provide immunosuppressive and antimicrobial functions. Murine as well as human MSCs restrict the proliferation of T cells. However, species-specific differences in the underlying molecular mechanisms have been described. Here, we analyzed the antiparasitic effector mechanisms active in murine MSCs. Murine MSCs, in contrast to human MSCs, could not restrict the growth of a highly virulent strain of Toxoplasma gondii (BK) after stimulation with IFN-γ. However, the growth of a type II strain of T. gondii (ME49) was strongly inhibited by IFN-γ-activated murine MSCs. Immunity-related GTPases (IRGs) as well as guanylate-binding proteins (GBPs) contributed to this antiparasitic effect. Further analysis showed that IFN-γ-activated mMSCs also inhibit the growth of Neospora caninum, a parasite belonging to the apicomplexan group as well. Detailed studies with murine IFN-γ-activated MSC indicated an involvement in IRGs like Irga6, Irgb6 and Irgd in the inhibition of N. caninum. Additional data showed that, furthermore, GBPs like mGBP1 and mGBP2 could have played a role in the anti- N. caninum effect of murine MSCs. These data underline that MSCs, in addition to their regenerative and immunosuppressive activity, function as antiparasitic effector cells as well. However, IRGs are not present in the human genome, indicating a species-specific difference in anti- T. gondii and anti- N. caninum effect between human and murine MSCs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective:Adolescence is a high-risk period for pedestrian injury. It is also a time of heightened susceptibility to peer influence. The aim of this research was to examine the effects of peer influence on the pedestrian road-crossing decisions of adolescents. Methods:Using 10 videos of road-crossing sites, 80 16- to 18-year-olds were asked to make pedestrian road-crossing decisions. Participants were assigned to one of 4 experimental conditions: negative peer (influencing unsafe decisions), positive peer (influencing cautious decisions), silent peer (who observed but did not comment), and no peer (the participant completed the task alone). Peers from the adolescent's own friendship group were recruited to influence either an unsafe or a cautious decision. Results:Statistically significant differences were found between peer conditions. Participants least often identified safe road-crossing sites when accompanied by a negative peer and more frequently identified dangerous road-crossing sites when accompanied by a positive peer. Both cautious and unsafe comments from a peer influenced adolescent pedestrians’ decisions. Conclusions:These findings showed that road-crossing decisions of adolescents were influenced by both unsafe and cautious comments from their peers. The discussion highlighted the role that peers can play in both increasing and reducing adolescent risk-taking. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Autophagy is a lysosomal degradation pathway important for cellular homeostasis, mammalian development, cancer and immunity. Many molecular components of autophagy have been identified, but little is known about regulatory mechanisms controlling their effector functions. Here, we show that, in contrast to other p38 MAP kinase activators, the growth arrest and DNA damage 45 beta (Gadd45β)-MAPK/ERK kinase kinase 4 (MEKK4) pathway specifically directs p38 to autophagosomes. This process results in an accumulation of autophagosomes through p38-mediated inhibition of lysosome fusion. Conversely, autophagic flux is increased in p38-deficient fibroblasts and Gadd45β-deficient cells. We further identified the underlying mechanism and demonstrate that phosphorylation of the autophagy regulator autophagy-related (Atg)5 at threonine 75 through p38 is responsible for inhibition of starvation-induced autophagy. Thus, we show for the first time that Atg5 activity is controlled by phosphorylation and, moreover, that the spatial regulation of p38 by Gadd45β/MEKK4 negatively regulates the autophagic process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Taking European world music charts since 1991 as a surrogate measure of the salience of global economic and geographical linkages in world music production, our paper offers an in-depth analysis into the clustered and transnational dynamics therein. We substantiate the claim that the valorisation of commodified musical content has traditionally been removed from its place of origin and centred on metropolitan areas in Western Europe and the USA. However, the paper suggests a growing diversification in the geography of production, with the emergence of secondary centres with an international and national orientation. It also offers promising avenues for further research into the positionality of cultural mediation and the increasing prominence of hybrid musical output. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Pedestrian injuries are a major cause of morbidity and mortality to children, especially boys. Adults serve as pedestrian role models and provide learning opportunities for children when walking to school. The research objectives were to investigate adult pedestrian behavior when accompanying boys and girls. Methods: Behavioral observation of 140 adult pedestrians accompanying 4- to 9-year-old children was done in British residential locations. Observations took place at light-controlled crossings, speed-restricted school safety zones, and mid-block unmarked crossing sites. Behaviors observed included stopping at the curb, waiting at the curb, looking left and right before and during road crossing, holding hands, talking, and walking straight across. Results: In general, adults modeled safe road crossing behaviors. Adult safe behavior scores were higher when accompanying girls than when accompanying boys. No statistically significant differences were found by child age group. The fewest safe pedestrian behaviors were observed at light-controlled crossings. Conclusions: Adult pedestrians behave differently when with boys and girls and at different types of road crossing site. Interventions aimed at reducing pedestrian injuries to children may need to take these different everyday experiences into consideration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVES: To analyse the injury-related content of children's television programmes preferred by boys and by girls, and to determine whether there are more televised models of unsafe behaviour in programmes preferred by boys. METHODS: Parents of 4-11-year-old children identified their children's favourite television programmes. Content analysis of 120 episodes of children's favourite programmes was used to quantify safe and risky behaviours, actual injuries and potential injuries. The gender of the characters portraying the behaviours was also analysed. RESULTS: More risky behaviour was portrayed in the boys' favourite programmes (mean per episode = 6.40) than in the girls' favourite programmes (mean = 2.57). There were almost twice as many potential injuries (n = 310) as actual injuries (n = 157). Potential injuries were portrayed more often by male characters (mean = 1.92) than female characters (mean = 0.98), mostly in the boys' favourite programmes. Actual injuries occurred more often to male characters (mean = 1.04) than to female characters (mean = 0.27) overall. CONCLUSIONS: Television programmes preferred by this sample of boys portrayed male role models engaging in risky behaviours and injuries more often than the programmes preferred by the sample of girls. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Negotiating traffic requires the ability to focus attention on the traffic environment and ignore distracting stimuli. The aims of this study were (1) to examine the effect of distractors on children's ability to identify safe and dangerous road-crossing sites and (2) to examine the relationship between identification of safe/dangerous sites and attention (selective attention, attention switching, sustained attention and divided attention). Participants were 88 children (aged between 6 and 11 years) and 29 adults. Ability to identify safe and dangerous road-crossing sites was assessed using computer presentations of sites with and without visual and auditory distractions. Measures of attention were examined using the Test of Everyday Attention (child and adult versions). The ability to identify safe and dangerous road-crossing sites and performance on the attention tests were found to improve with increasing age. Correct identification of safe/dangerous road-crossing sites was related to selective attention and divided attention for children but not for adults. Road safety training should take into account the development of these skills. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this research was to examine age differences in children's perceptions of dangerous substances. Children's responses to photographs of child models encountering alcohol, a syringe, medicine, glue, and household bleach were coded for recognition of substance, awareness of potential danger, and understanding of danger or harm. Responses from 59 children (28 girls and 31 boys, who were all children of the required age in an urban primary school) were compared across three age groups (6-7 years, 8-9 years, and 10-11 years). 15 to 18 of 20 children in each of three age groups recognised all the dangerous substances. Significant differences across age groups were found for awareness of the potential harm from alcohol, glue, and medicine, but not for the syringe or bleach. Children reported less serious consequences from ingesting alcohol than other substances, the consequences of sniffing glue tended to be confused with the sticking properties of glue, children's understanding of transmission of germs, disease, and AIDS through syringes was varied, and there was a tendency among the older children to underestimate the potential harm of self-administration of medicines. Findings were discussed in relation to children's concepts of danger and safety education. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Safe pedestrian behaviour relies on cognitive skills, including the ability to focus attention on the traffic environment and ignore irrelevant stimuli. An important pedestrian skill that young children find difficult is the ability to find a safe place to cross the road. The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between attention and children's ability to identify safe and dangerous road-crossing sites. Methods Participants were 95 children (aged 6.5 years, 8.6 years and 10.4 years) and 33 adults. Ability to identify safe and dangerous road-crossing sites was assessed using computer presentations of five safe and five dangerous sites. Attention was assessed using the Stroop test for resistance to interference. Correlations were calculated between Stroop test measures and pedestrian task measures (accuracy and speed of identifying safe and dangerous road-crossing sites) for each age group separately. Results The ability to identify safe and dangerous road-crossing sites and the ability to resist interference increased with age. Significant correlations were observed between identification of safe and dangerous road-crossing sites and performance on the Stroop test for children but not for adults. Discussion The results indicated that attention is required for identifying road-crossing sites quickly and accurately, especially for younger children. Road safety training programmes for children may need to take into account the development of children's attention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The remaining soil contamination after the removal of the sludge and the affected topsoil was studied in the northern part of the Guadiamar river valley affected by the Aznalcóllar toxic spill. The easily soluble (NH4NO3-extraction) and the oxidisable fraction (H2O2/HNO3-extraction) were analysed in samples of two calcareous and two non-calcareous soils. Correlations between soil properties and heavy metal concentrations were tested with special respect to depth distribution. The spatial distributions of the easily soluble and the oxidisable fraction were highly skewed in both examined depths (0–20 and 20–40 cm). Easily soluble heavy metal concentrations of a high percentage of samples exceeded thresholds that have been given in the German soil protection law particularly in the non-calcareous soils. Within the soil layers of the non-calcareous soils, the pH seems to control the easily soluble concentrations. However no relation between the pH and depth distribution of heavy metals within the profiles could be found. Physical properties, which determine partly penetration depth of the sludge and soil mixing caused by the removal may be the more important factors. Accordingly, high heavy metal concentrations are to be expected even in the subsoils of clayey sites. As heavy metal concentrations in the oxidisable fraction are still high, further oxidation accompanied by pH lowering has to be expected. Thus, the studied soils show a significant risk potential of available heavy metals even after the removal of the sludge. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This investigation examined the accuracy of judgements of traffic speed by comparing audio, visual and audio-visual perception in two experiments. In the first study 60 adults estimated the approach speed of a car on video. Five speeds (10,20, 30,40 and 50m.p.h.) were presented. In the second study 37 adults were presented with videos of an approaching car travelling at either 30, 40 or 50m.p.h. and chose the actual speed from five given alternatives. Results indicated a low level of accuracy overall. For the first study extent of error increased in the order audio-visual, visual and auditory. In the second study, no significant effect of perceptual mode was observed for extent of error. In both studies an interaction between speed and perceptual mode was observed for extent of error. Speed was over-estimated in the auditory mode and under-estimated in the visual and audio-visual modes. Findings were discussed in relation to witness capabilities. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Sequestration of neutrophils and release of histotoxic mediators are considered important for the development of pathologic alterations of the lung defined as adult respiratory distress syndrome. Mechanisms of inflammatory lung injury caused by abdominal sepsis were investigated using the colon ascendens stent peritonitis (CASP) model that closely mimics the human disease. In the CASP model, a continuous leakage of intraluminal bacteria into the peritoneal cavity is induced by implantation of a stent in the ascending colon, generating a septic focus. In contrast to the cecal ligation and puncture model of peritonitis, survival of mice following CASP surgery is dependent on IFN-γ, but independent of tumor necrosis factor (TNF). Here we show that the systemic inflammation induced by CASP surgery results in a rapid and profound increase of lung vascular permeability that was associated with the activation and recruitment of neutrophils to the lung. Activation of circulating granulocytes was characterized by increased production of serine proteinases and reactive oxygen metabolites, as well as elevated expression of cell surface Mac-1. Expression of MIP-2, KC, MIP-1α and E-selectin mRNA in lung was strongly increased within 3 h following CASP surgery, whereas up-regulation of IP-10, MCP-1 and P-selectin was delayed. In contrast, induction of RANTES, LIX, ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 mRNA was weak or not detectable after CASP surgery. Importantly, recruitment of leukocytes to the lung was normal in lipopolysaccharide-resistant mice, and was not affected by antibody neutralization of TNF or the chemokines MIP-2 and KC. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The article reports a study which examined children's auditory perception of traffic sounds, focusing on identification of vehicle movement. The auditory perception of movement was identified as a problem area for children, particularly younger children. Research on child pedestrian accident rates has found that perceiving the direction of movement of traffic is a problem for young children. Research suggests that auditory information is used differently by children and adults. The present investigation attempted to simulate the sound environment of actual road-crossing behavior by using dynamic vehicle sounds recorded in a real pedestrian environment.

The study analyzed the human figure drawings of 125 Yoruba children, approximately 8 years of age and from two social settings (61 middle income and 64 low income). A highly significant difference was found between middle- and low-income children's drawings for both male and female figures. Low-income children were found to draw significantly more Nigerian dress than were middle-income children. No significant difference was found in style of dress between the male and female figures in the middle-income group. A significant difference was found, however, in the low-income group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Copyright of Klinische Wochenschrift is the property of Springer Nature and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Klinische Wochenschrift is the property of Springer Nature and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Klinische Wochenschrift is the property of Springer Nature and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Klinische Wochenschrift is the property of Springer Nature and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Klinische Wochenschrift is the property of Springer Nature and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Klinische Wochenschrift is the property of Springer Nature and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Klinische Wochenschrift is the property of Springer Nature and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

An abstract of the article "Outbreak of carbapenem-resistent Acinetobacter baumannii (CRAB) in a surgical department of a university hospital," by S. Messler, K. Pfeffer and R. Schulze-Roebbecke, is presented.