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Iron has been one of the most critical technotraditions that had lasting impact on social formation throughout the Iron Age and historical period. Iron was used in warfare and subsistence economy. Our knowledge on ancient iron smelting and working have generally been derived from ethnography and ethnohistory, which is by all means, time, region, and raw material specific. Scientific analyses of ancient iron have contributed in understanding this heritage to a respectable extent, yet a comprehensive knowledge about the evolution of iron making through time and space in India eludes us. In this work, a comparative study of iron artefacts from two Iron Age/Megalithic‐Early Historic sites of Tamil Nadu, south India, that is, Mangadu (burial site) and Ambal (habitation‐cum‐burial site) is carried out to understand the iron thermal‐processing capabilities. The retrieved artefacts were examined using X‐ray fluorescence (XRF) for elemental composition. The imaging of the artefacts was done using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Electron Backscatter Diffraction (EBSD), and Optical Microscopy (OM). In addition, phase identification was performed using X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and Energy Dispersive X‐ray Spectroscopy (EDS). Combination of these analyses illustrates that inhabitants of Mangadu and Ambal were aware of the iron alloy manufacturing/processing techniques such as forging and hammering. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The airflow in earth‐air heat exchangers with different types of flow was examined at various inlet velocities. The results show that there is a significant variation in the mass flow rate of air through the holes for both induced and forced flow. The mass flow rate ranges from 0.013 to 0.119 kg s−1 for forced flow and from 0.018 to 0.128 kg s−1 for induced flow at a velocity of 4.1 m s−1. In contrast, the variation in the mass flow rate through the pipes is significant only for forced flow and almost negligible for induced flow. The mass flow rate ranges from 0.029 to 0.054 kg s−1 for forced flow and from 0.043 to 0.045 kg s−1 for induced flow at the same velocity, indicating that induced flow may be a valuable method for optimizing the earth‐air heat exchanger performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The United States is becoming increasingly diverse, but few molecular studies have assessed the progression of clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) in diverse patient populations. This study examined ccRCC molecular variations in non‐Hispanic White (NHW) and Hispanic patients and their effect on the association of gene expression with high‐grade (Grade 3 or 4) ccRCC and overall mortality. Methods: A total of 156 patients were included in VHL sequencing and/or TempO‐Seq analysis. DESeq2 was used to identify the genes associated with high‐grade ccRCC. Logistic regression analysis was performed to assess whether race and ethnicity was associated with high/moderate impact VHL somatic mutations and the ccA/ccB subtype. Cox regression analysis was performed to assess association of molecular subtype and gene expression with overall mortality. Results: NHWs had moderate or high impact mutations in the VHL gene at a higher frequency than Hispanics (40.2% vs. 27.4%), while Hispanics had a higher frequency of the ccA subtype than NHWs (61.9% vs. 45.8%). ccA was more common in patients with BMI≥35 (65.2%) than in those with BMI < 25 (45.0%). There were 11 differentially expressed genes between high‐ and low‐grade tumors. The Haptoglobin (HP) gene was most significantly overexpressed in high‐ compared to low‐grade ccRCC in all samples (p‐adj = 1.7 × 10−12). When stratified by subtype, the 11 genes were significantly differentially expressed in the ccB subtype, but none of them were significant after adjusting for multiple testing in ccA. Finally, patients with the ccB subtype had a significantly increased risk of overall mortality (HR 4.87; p = 0.01) compared to patients with ccA, and patients with high HP expression and ccB, had a significantly increased risk of mortality compared to those with low HP expression and ccA (HR 6.45, p = 0.04). Conclusion: This study reports ccRCC molecular variations in Hispanic patients who were previously underrepresented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This analysis assessed the putative causal association between genetically predicted percent body fat and areal bone mineral density (aBMD) and, more specifically, the association between genetically predicted metabolically "favorable adiposity" (MFA) and aBMD at clinically relevant bone sites. Methods: Mendelian randomization was used to assess the relationship of MFA and percent body fat with whole‐body, lumbar spine, femoral neck, and forearm aBMD. Sex‐stratified and age‐stratified exploratory analyses were conducted. Results: In all MR analyses, genetically predicted MFA was inversely associated with aBMD for the whole body (β = −0.053, p = 0.0002), lumbar spine (β = −0.075; p = 0.0001), femoral neck (β = −0.045; p = 0.008), and forearm (β = −0.115; p = 0.001). This negative relationship was strongest in older individuals and did not differ by sex. The relationship between genetically predicted percent body fat and aBMD was nonsignificant across all Mendelian randomization analyses. Several loci that were associated at a genome‐wide significance level (p < 5 × 10−8) in opposite directions with body fat and aBMD measures were also identified. Conclusions: This study did not support the hypothesis that MFA protects against low aBMD. Instead, it showed that MFA may result in lower aBMD. Further research is needed to understand how MFA affects aBMD and other components of bone health such as bone turnover, bone architecture, and osteoporotic fractures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: There has been limited evaluation of health‐related quality of life (HRQOL) in rectal cancer patients receiving neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy. HRQOL outcomes in the National Surgical Adjuvant Breast and Bowel Project R‐04 trial are examined in this article. Methods: Between 2004 and 2010, R‐04 patients were invited to enroll in the HRQOL substudy, with questionnaires administered before randomization, after completion of chemoradiotherapy, and 1‐year after surgery. HRQOL measures included: Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy for colorectal cancer (FACT‐C); Short Form‐36v.2 Vitality scale; a treatment‐specific symptom scale; and the FACT neurotoxicity scale. A 5‐year postsurgery assessment was added to the protocol in 2012. Mixed‐effects models examined neoadjuvant therapy treatment effects in the 1‐year sample and models that explored associations of host factors and treatment impact on 5‐year HRQOL. Results: A total of 1373 patients completed baseline HRQOL and at least one additional assessment. The average age was 58 years (range, 23–85 years), male (68%), and 59% Stage II. There were no statistically significant differences in HRQOL outcomes by treatment arm, but HRQOL worsened from baseline to postneoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy, with statistically significant effect sizes changes ranging from 0.6 (Vitality) to 0.9 (FACT‐C Trial Outcome Index). Neurotoxicity was greater in the oxaliplatin‐treated groups. Obese/overweight patients had statistically significantly worse FACT‐C Trial Outcome Index scores than did underweight/normal weight groups. At 5 years, younger patients and those with normal baseline weight had statistically significantly better physical function scores and older patients had better mental health outcomes. Conclusions: HRQOL did not differ across the four R‐04 treatment arms; however, host factors explained significant variation in posttreatment HRQOL. ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT00058474 (https://ClinicalTrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT00058474). Lay summary: This article reports on the health‐related quality of life (HRQOL) outcomes of patients treated with four different chemotherapy regimens combined with radiation in rectal cancer patients before definitive surgical treatment.There were no significant differences in HRQOL by treatment regimen, but all patients experienced decreased vitality (energy) and physical functioning. By 1 year after treatment, most patients had returned to pretreatment vitality and physical functioning, with the exception of increased neurotoxicity.In a subsample of patients assessed at 5 years after surgery, physical function was better in those who at pretreatment were younger, normal weight, and had better performance status. Mental function was better in those who at pretreatment were older and had better performance status. . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Metastatic uveal melanoma (UM) is a devastating disease with few treatment options. We evaluated the safety, tolerability and preliminary activity of arginine depletion using pegylated arginine deiminase (ADI‐PEG20; pegargiminase) combined with pemetrexed (Pem) and cisplatin (Cis) chemotherapy in a phase 1 dose‐expansion study of patients with argininosuccinate synthetase (ASS1)‐deficient metastatic UM. Eligible patients received up to six cycles of Pem (500 mg/m2) and Cis (75 mg/m2) every 3 weeks plus weekly intramuscular ADI (36 mg/m2), followed by maintenance ADI until progression (NCT02029690). Ten of fourteen ASS1‐deficient patients with UM liver metastases and a median of one line of prior immunotherapy received ADIPemCis. Only one ≥ grade 3 adverse event of febrile neutropenia was reported. Seven patients had stable disease with a median progression‐free survival of 3.0 months (range, 1.3–8.1) and a median overall survival of 11.5 months (range, 3.2–36.9). Despite anti‐ADI‐PEG20 antibody emergence, plasma arginine concentrations remained suppressed by 18 weeks with a reciprocal increase in plasma citrulline. Tumour rebiopsies at progression revealed ASS1 re‐expression as an escape mechanism. ADIPemCis was well tolerated with modest disease stabilisation in metastatic UM. Further investigation of arginine deprivation is indicated in UM including combinations with immune checkpoint blockade and additional anti‐metabolite strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: This study was conducted to compare the use of intraoral photographs with the unaided visual dental examination as a means of dental caries detection in children. Methods: Children aged 4‐ to 14‐year‐olds were visually examined at their schools. Following dental examinations, children had five photographs of their teeth taken using a smartphone camera. Four dental reviewers, who are different from those who visually examined the children, assessed intraoral photographs for dental caries. Sensitivity, specificity, and inter‐rater reliability agreement were estimated to assess the diagnostic performance of the photographic method relative to the benchmark visual dental assessments. Caries prevalence was measured using dft/DFT (decayed and filled teeth) index. Results: One hundred thirty‐eight children (67 male and 71 female) were enrolled and had a mean age of 7.8 ± 2.1 years. The caries prevalence (dft/DFT > 0) using photographic dental assessments ranged from 30 percent to 39 percent but was not significantly different from the prevalence (42 percent) estimated with the visual dental examination (P ≥ 0.07). The sensitivity and specificity of the photographic method for detection of dental caries compared to visual dental assessments were 58–80 percent and 99.7–99.9 percent, respectively. The sensitivity for the photographic assessments was high in the primary dentition (63–82 percent) and children ≤7‐year‐olds (67–78 percent). The inter‐rater reliability for the photographic assessment versus the benchmark ranged from substantial to almost perfect agreement (Kappa = 0.72–0.87). Conclusions: The photographic approach to dental screening, used within the framework of its limitations, yielded an acceptable diagnostic level of caries detection, particularly in younger children with primary dentition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: When patients with advanced dementia lose capacity to make medical decisions for themselves, a 'best interests' determination is usually made on their behalf by the responsible clinician. Where possible, this should be made in consultation with members of the multiprofessional team and the family, consistent with ethical and legal norms. This paper is about multidisciplinary approaches to education and practice in dementia care, using a framework. Approach: At a UK multiprofessional workshop in 2020, delegates discussed ethical and legal issues that arise when making decisions for patients with advanced dementia. After an initial presentation, providing context and background, delegates broke into small groups. They were tasked with responding to questions arising from anonymised cases based on real‐life scenarios. During plenary discussion afterwards, feedback was shared, and points of best practice were discussed. The authors took notes, and following positive evaluations after the event, they did further work on the framework with the intention of making it available for other health care professionals and clinical educators. Evaluation: Based on contemporaneous notes summarising the feedback, plus further reflections, the framework was developed into a 12‐point plan to assist health care teams and educators address difficulties in making 'best interests' determinations. Implications: Promoting understanding of ethics and law pertaining to 'best interests' should benefit patients and families, with the potential to reduce the need for cases to be decided in court. To help promote good clinical practice, educators may want to consider running case‐based workshops at their institution, using the framework as a scaffold for learners. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: There is a close association between the use of broad‐spectrum antibiotics, gut microbiome alteration, multidrug resistant (MDR) gram‐negative bacilli (GNB) bacteremia, graft versus host disease (GVHD), and mortality post‐allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (allo‐HCT). This study reports the impact of the high use of carbapenems and colistin and MDR bacteremia pre‐ and post‐HCT on HCT outcomes. Methods: This was a single‐center, partial retrospective, and prospective study from 2016 to 2020. Both pre‐ and post‐HCT antibiotic exposures and blood culture/sensitivity were recorded. MDR GNB was defined as either non‐susceptibility to third‐generation cephalosporin or carbapenems. In the absence of positive cultures, the treating physician escalated antibiotics from third‐generation cephalosporins to carbapenem and/or colistin as per clinical discretion. De‐escalation policy was not strictly enforced. Results: MDR GNB bacteremia was seen in 29 of 76 (38%) of patients peri‐HCT. The utilization rates for carbapenems and colistin was significantly higher in the cohort with MDR GNB bacteremia pre‐HCT (70% vs. 32%, p = 0.002 and 31% vs. 6.4%, p = 0.007, respectively) and post‐HCT (100% vs. 74.5%, p = 0.002, and 55.2% vs. 8.5%, p < 0.0001, respectively). The cohort with MDR GNB bacteremia had significantly more severe acute GVHD at day+100 (45% vs. 17.5%, p = 0.009). The median survival was 204 days compared to not reached in the cohort without any MDR GNB bacteremia (p = 0.005). Conclusion: This study shows pre‐ and post‐HCT MDR GNB bacteremia is associated with an increased risk of severe acute GVHD and mortality. Patients with MDR GNB bacteremia had higher exposure to pre‐ and post‐HCT carbapenems and colistin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High feedstock cost and low oil yields per unit of land from temperate oilseed crops limit the growth of commercial‐scale biodiesel production. Recently, highly productive crops, such as sugarcane and energycane, have been engineered to accumulate triacylglycerides (TAGs) that allow the production of far more industrial vegetable oil than previously possible. A proof‐of‐concept suggests that biodiesel production from engineered energycane will be possible. However, before making efforts for scale‐up, it is critical to understand the commercial feasibility and economic competitiveness of this process. This study performs techno‐economic analysis of a unique biorefinery processing energycane to co‐produce biodiesel and ethanol. Comprehensive process simulation models were developed for two scenarios: (i) biodiesel from TAGs and ethanol from fermentation of sugars in juice and (ii) biodiesel from TAGs and ethanol from fermentation of sugars in juice and hydrolysis of carbohydrates in bagasse. Based on the target levels, the analysis was performed for energycane containing 0%, 5%, and 7.7% TAGs (d.b.). The biodiesel from engineered energycane was found economically viable and competitive to soybean biodiesel. Although the capital investment is higher compared to the soybean biodiesel plant, the biodiesel production costs ($0.66–$0.9/L) were lower than soybean biodiesel ($0.91/L). Biorefinery‐scenario‐1 processing energycane containing 7.7% TAG produces biodiesel with profitability (IRR 7.84) slightly lower than soybean biodiesel (IRR 8.3), but yields five times of biodiesel per unit land and is self‐sustainable for energy requirements. The surplus electricity can displace fossil electricity and provide environmental benefits. Monte Carlo simulation indicated that biorefinery is profitable with a 29%–65% probability (NPV > 0) which is largely controlled by feedstock composition and biodiesel market price. It is important to note that energycane can be grown on the marginal rainfed lands in S.E. USA, where soybean would not be viable. Biodiesel from engineered energycane would therefore be complementary to soydiesel in the United States. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microalgae have garnered significant interest among researchers and industries as a potential source of valuable products that can find applications in the food, feed, biofuels, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and nutraceuticals industries. Microalgae can remediate various waste streams. This review discusses the current trends in the valorization of algal biomass and proposes integrated biorefinery approaches to produce high‐value products by sustainable routes. In such processes, the waste streams can be used as a source of nutrients for the production of microalgal biomass, rich in high‐quality lipids, digestible proteins and bioactive compounds. The integrated approaches presented in this study offer cost‐effective and environment‐friendly processing techniques while expanding the bioproducts portfolio in the food and therapeutics sector. The simultaneous or sequential extraction of valuable compounds from microalgae makes the biorefinery proposition appealing for waste minimization, revenue diversification, and complete feedstock utilization. The systematic exploration of microalgae on a large scale is required to evaluate its future as a favorable resource for biorefinery products. This would also necessitate detailed techno‐economic, environmental, and lifecycle assessment for the biorefinery processes. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: In this work, wheat gluten was hydrolysed with pineapple crude extract, obtained from pineapple core which is a waste from the pineapple processing industry. The efficacy of crude pineapple extract was at par with the commercial bromelain in terms of hydrolysing wheat gluten. The hydrolysis proceeded at a rapid rate during the first 60 min, then slowed down till 120 min, followed by a further steep rise until 180 min and a very slow reaction up to the 24‐h incubation period. The resulting hydrolysates had a fair solubility (>40%) over a pH range of 2–10. The molecular masses of the identified mixture of peptides ranged between 500 and 5000 Da, with 16% and 79% of the identified peptides in the range 0.5–1.0 and 1.0–2.0 kDa, respectively. The functional properties of the hydrolysates were remarkably better than the original gluten. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Xylooligosaccharide (XOS) liquor, enzymatically obtained from almond‐shell hemicellulose and consisting primarily of xylobiose and xylotriose, was refined and concentrated using a combination of membranes and ion‐exchange resin. The concentrated liquor was used for an in vitro fermentation study utilizing different strains of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium. Upon ultrafiltration with a 10 kDa membrane, high molecular‐weight components, including enzymes and color‐imparting impurities, could be removed from the liquor. Upon nanofiltration with a 150 Da membrane, at a volume:concentration ratio of 8.9, a retentate containing 79% xylobiose and 41.3% xylotriose was obtained. At the end of filtration, 69.6 ± 3.8% of the initial XOS was recovered, with concentrated xylobiose and xylotriose in the retentate. The resin treatment further improved the purity of the XOS concentrate via decoloration and deacidification. Among the evaluated strains of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, L. acidophilus, B. adolescentis, and B. brevis could ferment XOS to a varying extent, as indicated by their difference in growth, to produce acetate as a predominant short‐chain fatty acid. For Lactobacillus, a 10–12‐fold increase in the bacterial population was observed at the end of 48 h. On the other hand, Bifidobacterium grew slowly to show about a 1.2 to fourfold increase in the bacterial population at the end of 72 h. A bacterial preference for fermenting xylobiose rather than xylotriose or xylotetrose was also observed, justifying the production of XOS with a low degree of polymerization. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, a comprehensive review of technologies employing radiation sources such as microwave, ultrasonic, and radio frequency (RF) on gas hydrates is presented. The characterizing parameters of radiation, such as frequency, wavelength, and power are highlighted for the compiled studies. In addition, characterizing parameters like hydrate dissociation rate, irradiated microwave power, complete dissociation time, reaction paths and mechanisms, differential pressure and temperature of gas hydrates during the experiments are also reported. Moreover, the work also describes the basic concept behind the working of the different wave forms such as microwaves, ultrasonic, RF wave and plasma for hydrate dissociation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introducing appropriate complementary feeding at 6 months of age is crucial for the optimal growth and development of an infant. In Ethiopia, however, no previous national‐level studies have examined the trends and associated factors of complementary feeding practices. The aim of this study is to investigate the trends and determinants of complementary feeding practices in Ethiopia from 2005 to 2016. The study was conducted using the Ethiopia Demographic and Health Survey (EDHS) data for 2005 (N = 2,520), 2011 (N = 2,850), and 2016 (N = 2,864). Percentage point changes in complementary feeding indicators were estimated to examine the trends over the EDHS years. Multivariate logistic regression was used to examine the association between socioeconomic, demographic, health service, and community‐level factors and (a) the introduction of complementary foods, (b) minimum dietary diversity (MDD), (c) minimum meal frequency (MMF), and (d) minimum acceptable diet (MAD). The proportion of mothers who met MDD increased from 6.3% to 13.5% (p <.001), and MAD increased from 4.1% to 7.1% (p =.003) from 2005 to 2016. Improvements in the introduction of complementary foods (from 50.3% to 59.5%, p =.051) and MMF (from 41.3% to 43.6%, p =.288) were not statistically significant. Maternal education and occupation were associated with the introduction of complementary foods, MDD, MMF, and MAD. Higher partner education and frequent antenatal visits were associated with MDD and MAD. Children whose mothers listened to the radio had higher odds of MDD, MMF, and MAD. Our analysis of the EDHS suggests that the proportion of MDD and MAD were unacceptably low. Interventions aiming to improve complementary feeding practices in Ethiopia should also target mothers with low education, antenatal service usage, and media exposure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Composites have played a key role in revolutionizing the automobile, marine, and aerospace industries. There is a constant attempt for the development of low‐density composite materials with superior mechanical and corrosion‐resistant properties for elevated temperature applications. Herein, an attempt is made to develop a nature‐inspired unique aluminum‐based composite with low‐density polymer (polyethylene terephthalate, i.e., soft material) reinforcement, which shows an enhancement in strength and toughness. The composite is processed using the easily scalable and simple friction stir processing technique. Mechanical properties of the uniformly reinforced aluminum composite show double ultimate strength and fivefold improvement in plasticity. The ultimate strength of the composite increases at elevated temperatures. The experimental observations are further supported by theoretical calculations and molecular dynamics simulations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a life‐threatening lung disorder with towering prevalence and risk for future has been gradually rising worldwide. Even, no specific medications are available for pulmonary hypertension; various classes of treatment based upon the origin and magnitude of hypertension are still used for the treatment of PH. Consideration of molecular or signaling modulation is the imperative approach that can offer a new notion for prevalent pharmacotherapeutic agents. Instead of concurrent targets, including endothelin receptor antagonists (ETA/ETB), phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitor (PDF‐5), calcium channel blockers, anticoagulants, diuretics, and long acting prostacyclin analog, recent scientific reports revealed the numerous potential alternative therapeutic approaches that can significantly target the pathological signaling alteration associated with PH. Understanding precise molecular cascade involved in PH can be useful for designing preclinical animal experiments and human clinical trials to evaluate target specific novel therapeutic interventions for the treatment of PH. In this review, we discussed the possible molecular signaling involved in the pathogenesis of PH and detailed account of the current status of medications employed for the treatment of PH. Moreover, the newly identified potential target sites and alternative approaches for treating the PH have been discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A 25-year-old male, with no known co-morbidities, presented to the emergency department with sudden diminution of vision in left eye associated with fever, myalgia, and fever for 2 days. (C) Fundus photo of left eye at 1 month post injection showing resolving submacular hemorrhage and complete resolution of intraretinal fluid. After stabilization of systemic parameters and RT-PCR became negative, he was managed with intravitreal injection of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) in form of ranibizumab in view of intraretinal fluid and submacular hemorrhage. [Extracted from the article]

Aim The present study is a proteomic approach to find differentially expressed proteins in sera of limited and systemic subsets of active disease versus their remitting state in patients with granulomatosis with polyangiitis ( GPA) and their correlation with disease activity. Methods Eighteen patients with GPA in active as well as in remitting state and four healthy controls ( HC) were included in the study. For proteomics analysis, two-dimensional gel electrophoresis along with matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry were performed. A total of 14 gels were run from pooled patients' sera from active GPA and remission as well as pooled HC serum. Results There was significant differential expression of proteins in limited versus systemic GPA and between active systemic versus remitting patients of systemic disease. We identified nine maximally differentially expressed and five proteins which were not detected in HC. Among nine proteins, one ( Prolow density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 1) was downregulated and four proteins (haptoglobin Hp, Hp2, vitamin D binding protein, killer cell lectin-like receptor subfamily F member 2), were up-regulated in both limited and systemic active disease, two proteins like Ig gamma-4 chain C region protein and serum albumin were up-regulated in limited active GPA and two proteins, that is, cysteine rich secretory protein LCCL domain-containing 2 precursor and serine-threonine-protein kinase A- Raf were up-regulated in systemic active disease. Levels of interleukin-17 and vitamin- D binding protein ( VDBP) by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay could distinctly demarcate active disease versus remission. Conclusion Our study provides potential protein markers of active disease versus remission in GPA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives The aim of this study was to record the views of Chinese mothers living in southwestern Sydney on the value of commonly used dental health education materials that gave behavioural advice on looking after the oral health of young children. Methods This qualitative study was nested within a large cohort study in south-western Sydney. Chinese-speaking mothers ( n = 27) with young children were approached for a face-to-face, semi-structured interview at their home. Two dental leaflets in English that gave behavioural advice on monitoring young children's oral health were sent to each mother prior to interview. On the day of the interview, mothers were also given translated versions of the leaflets for comparison. Interviews were recorded and subsequently transcribed verbatim. Transcripts were analysed by thematic coding. Results Mothers reported that the leaflets were not tailored to match the different levels of English literacy within the Chinese community, and participants favoured health information material written in their first language with the use of illustrations. However, translations had to take account of the Chinese culture, as some of the advice in the leaflets presented did not reflect Chinese family values. Mothers also felt that the information should be more specific to provide a better understanding of the rationale for changing or implementing a different behaviour. Conclusions Dental health information literature for Chinese people should not be translated directly from those intended for an English-speaking audience, but should reflect Chinese culture-specific advice such as examples of the type and amount of foods to be given during early years of life. Supportive illustrations were also preferred. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Issue addressed: Health literacy is an important determinant of oral health. We explored the Child and Family Health Nurses' reflections on the usefulness of leaflets giving dental advice for parents of preschool children in New South Wales, Australia. Methods: Child and Family Health Nurses (n=19) who recruited new mothers to an ongoing birth cohort study in South Western Sydney, Australia, were invited to take part in a qualitative study. A semi-structured, in-depth interview technique was used to explore their views on two leaflets designed by New South Wales Health, which gave dental advice to parents of preschool children. Interviews were audio- recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analysed using interview debriefing and a thematic coding. Results: The nurses reported that the leaflets did not have clear consistent messages and had medical/dental jargon which could be confusing for parents from disadvantaged backgrounds. The advice on using a "pea-sized amount of toothpaste" was considered to be culturally irrelevant. Some early childhood oral health issues were inadequately addressed and the use of pictures was strongly recommended. Conclusions: Producers of paediatric oral health education materials in New South Wales, should reach a consensus on the key health promotion messages. Health authorities should consider re-designing dental lealfets and tailor them to the needs of the parents from disadvantaged backgrounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The objective of this study was to explore Child and Family Health Nurses' work-related experiences of dental disease in young children. Methods: Child and Family Health Nurses ( n = 21) who recruited new mothers to an ongoing birth cohort study that began in South Western Sydney, Australia were invited to take part in a qualitative study. A semi-structured, in-depth interview technique was used to explore their experiences of preschool child oral health and how this affects their working lives. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed using a thematic analysis. Results: The nurses considered dental caries to be a significant health issue for young children and their families. They thought that the burden of dental disease in preschool children was underestimated in disadvantaged and multicultural populations. In addition, they reported that parents were often unaware of the disease process and were ignorant of the relationship between bottle feeding and dental caries. Once the parents were informed about their child's poor oral health, they had feelings of anger, despair, and guilt. Conclusions: This study highlights that oral health problems are a significant segment of the child health problems identified by nurses in their daily work. The nurses perceived the problem of dental caries to be one of a lack of parental knowledge, and families should be educated not only on 'what' but also on 'how' to feed their children. The primary healthcare team should work collaboratively to educate families in a culturally appropriate way. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Osteonecrosis of the jaws is an adverse effect of bone preservation treatment. There is a sufficient body of evidence to associate osteonecrosis of the jaws development with dental extractions and trauma caused from ill-fitting dentures. In this review, we critically appraise available evidence about the clinical efficacy of root canal therapy in patients receiving bisphosphonates. We review a series of theories to explain why endodontic treatment is a safe clinical intervention to prevent osteonecrosis of the jaws in patients receiving bisphosphonates. Root canal therapy could postpone or even eradicate the need for dental extractions of carious teeth in patients on bisphosphonates who may develop osteonecrosis of the jaws. Patients receiving bisphosphonates should be offered the full range of preventive care to reduce their risk to both dental caries and periodontal disease, so that the need for both endodontic therapy and dental extractions will be reduced. Implementing such a strategy would require both practitioner and patient education through the combined efforts of medical and dental societies. Such an approach is justified, as the risk of compromising the oral health of patients on bisphosphonates undertaking endodontic treatment is negligible compared with the benefit from avoiding dental extractions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Guanine-rich DNA sequences have the ability to fold into four-stranded structures called G-quadruplexes, and are considered as promising anticancer targets. Although the G-quadruplex structure is composed of quartets and interspersed loops, in the genome it is also flanked on each side by numerous bases. The effect of loop length and composition on quadruplex conformation and stability has been well investigated in the past, but the effect of flanking bases on quadruplex stability and Watson–Crick duplex competition has not been addressed. We have studied in detail the effect of flanking bases on quadruplex stability and on duplex formation by the G-quadruplex in the presence of complementary strands using the quadruplex-forming sequence located in the promoter region of the c- kit oncogene. The results obtained from CD, thermal difference spectrum and UV melting demonstrated the effect of flanking bases on quadruplex structure and stability. With the increase in flank length, the increase in the more favorable Δ HvH is accompanied by a striking increase in the unfavorable Δ SvH, which resulted in a decrease in the overall Δ GvH of quadruplex formation. Furthermore, CD, fluorescence and isothermal titration calorimetry studies demonstrated that the propensity to attain quadruplex structure decreases with increasing flank length. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bacillus subtilis has three active tyrosine kinases, PtkA, PtkB and McsB, which play an important role in the physiology of the bacterium. Genome sequence analysis and biochemical experiments indicated that the ortholog of McsB, BAS0080, is the only active tyrosine kinase present in Bacillus anthracis. The autophosphorylation of McsB of B. anthracis was enhanced in the presence of an activator protein McsA (BAS0079), a property similar to that reported for B. subtilis. However, the process of enhanced phosphorylation of McsB in the presence of McsA remains elusive. To understand the activation mechanism of McsB, we carried out spectroscopic and calorimetric experiments with McsB and McsA. The spectroscopic results suggest that the binding affinity of Mg-ATP for McsB increased by one order from 103 to 104 in the presence of McsA. The calorimetric experiments revealed that the interaction between McsB and McsA is endothermic in nature, with unfavourable positive enthalpy (Δ H) and favourable entropy (Δ S) changes leading to an overall favourable free energy change (Δ G). Kinetics of binding of both ATP and McsA with McsB showed low association rates ( ka) and fast dissociation rates ( kd). These results suggest that enhanced phosphorylation of McsB in the presence of McsA is due to increased affinity of ATP for McsB. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examines the characteristics of binding of berberine to the human telomeric d[AG3(T2AG3)3] quadruplex. By employing UV-visible spectroscopy, fluorescence spectroscopy and isothermal titration calorimetry, we found that the binding affinity of berberine to the human telomeric quadruplex is 106. The complete thermodynamic profile for berberine binding to the quadruplex, at 25 °C, shows a small negative enthalpy (Δ H) of −1.7 kcal·mol−1, an entropy change with TΔ S of +6.5 kcal·mol−1, and an overall favorable free energy (Δ G) of −8.2 kcal·mol−1 .Through the temperature dependence of Δ H, we obtained a heat capacity (Δ Cp) of −94 (± 5) cal·mol−1·K−1. The osmotic stress method revealed that there is an uptake of 13 water molecules in the complex relative to the free reactants. Furthermore, the molecular modeling studies on different quadruplex–berberine complexes show that berberine stacking at the external G-quartet is mainly aided by the π–π interaction and the stabilization of the high negative charge density of O6 of guanines by the positively charged N7 of berberine. The theoretical heat capacity (Δ Cp) values for quadruplex–berberine models are −89 and −156 cal·mol−1·K−1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spo0B is an important component of the phosphorelay signal transduction pathway, the pathway involved in the initiation of sporulation in Bacillus subtilis. Bioinformatic, phylogenetic and biochemical studies showed that Spo0B of Bacillus anthracis has evolved from citrate/malate kinases. During the course of evolution, Spo0B has retained the characteristic histidine kinase boxes H, N, F, G1 and G2, and has acquired nucleotide-binding domains, Walker A and Walker B, of ATPases. Owing to the presence of these domains, autophosphorylation and ATPase activity was observed in Spo0B of B. anthracis. Mutational studies showed that among the six histidine residues, His13 of the H-box is involved in the autophosphorylation activity of Spo0B, whereas Lys33 of the Walker A domain is associated with the ATPase activity of the protein. Thermodynamic and binding studies of the binding of Mg-ATP to Spo0B using isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) suggested that the binding is driven by favorable entropy changes and that the reaction is exothermic, with an apparent dissociation constant ( Kd) equal to 0.02 mm. The value of the dissociation constant ( Kd = 0.05 mm) determined by the intrinsic fluorescence of trytophan of Spo0B was similar to that obtained by ITC studies. The purified Spo0B of B. anthracis also showed nucleoside diphosphate kinase-like activity of phosphate transfer from nucleoside triphosphate to nucleoside diphosphate. This is the first evidence for Spo0B of B. anthracis as an enzyme with histidine kinase and ATPase activities, which may have important roles to play in sporulation and pathogenesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article provides a comprehensive review of aromatase inhibitors (AIs) for geriatricians, because it appears that more elderly women will be using these drugs in the near future. Computerized literature searches of Medline were conducted through May 2003. Key words/phrases included in the literature searches were aromatase inhibitors, estrogen, and breast cancer. Limits included English language, age 65 and older, and female sex. All relevant articles were selected and reviewed. AIs suppress intratumoral and plasma estrogen levels significantly. Third-generation AIs have excellent pharmacological profiles, with no significant drug interactions and better tolerability. These drugs have shown superiority compared with conventional therapies. The results of anastrozole, tamoxifen, and combination trials favors anastrozole over tamoxifen for adjuvant treatment, but further follow-up is required. AIs are approved for the treatment of advanced metastatic breast cancer (BC) in postmenopausal women whose disease has progressed during tamoxifen therapy. Recent trials have shown that the highly selective third-generation AIs are effective when used as first-line therapy in metastatic BC. Their possible use in preventive, adjuvant, and neoadjuvant settings is also being explored. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Obesity and dental caries in children are significant health problems. The aims of this review are to identify whether children aged 6 years and younger with overweight and/or obesity have higher dental caries experience compared with children with normal weight and, secondly, to identify the common risk factors associated with both conditions. Medline, Embase, and seven other databases were systematically searched followed by lateral searches from reference lists, grey literature, theses, conference proceedings, and contacting field experts. Longitudinal observational studies addressing overweight and/or obesity and dental caries in children aged 6 years and younger were included. A random effects model meta‐analyses were applied. Nine studies were included in this review. Children with overweight and obesity had a significantly higher dental caries experience compared with children with normal weight (n = 6). The pooled estimates showed that difference in caries experience between the two groups was statistically significant. Low levels of parental income and education were identified to be associated with both conditions in the sample population. Children with overweight and obesity are more vulnerable to dental caries. Low levels of parental income and education influence the relationship between the two conditions. However, the quality of evidence varied considerably; therefore, findings should be interpreted cautiously. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

PURPOSE: To investigate the efficacy and toxicity of fluorouracil-based adjuvant chemotherapy in patients aged 70 years and older with resected Stage II or III colon cancer who are at high risk for recurrence. BACKGROUND: Colorectal cancer accounts for 15% of all cancers in men and women and, after lung cancer, is the second-leading cause of cancer overall and the first in women aged 75 and older. 1 Older patients with cancer do not receive what is considered to be standard chemotherapy and are treated less often than younger patients regardless of the disease site or stage at diagnosis. 2,3 Adjuvant chemotherapy for colon cancer reduces the risk of death significantly, compared with surgery alone. 4,5 Currently, fluorouracil plus leucovorin for 6 to 8 months is standard adjuvant treatment for node-positive Stage III colon cancer. 6,7 The benefits of fluorouracil-based therapy for Stage II colon cancer are unclear. For all patients with colon carcinoma in the National Cancer Data Base, the use of surgery plus chemotherapy declined with age; 40% of patients younger than 50 received both treatments, compared with 20% of patients aged 70 to 79. There is now accumulating evidence suggesting that selected older patients can receive the same benefit as their younger counterparts, without a significant increase in toxic effects. A careful appraisal of the treatment of older patients with adjuvant chemotherapy for colon cancer is presented. DATA SOURCES: All reported studies (except three trials that have not yet completed follow-up and one trial unavailable because of computer malfunction) comparing postoperative fluorouracil plus leucovorin or fluorouracil plus levamisole with surgery alone were identified using a Medline search, a search of bibliographies, and discussion with the leaders of each identified trial. STUDY SELECTION CRITERIA: Seven studies that met the following criteria were included in this pooled analysis:... [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

International Journal of Paediatric Dentistry 2012; 22: 302-309 Background. Early Childhood Caries is a significant public health issue worldwide. Although much is known about the aetiology of dental caries, there is limited evidence on the understanding of caregivers on readily available early childhood oral health education materials. Aim. The purpose of this study was to record how parents cope with dental health education materials for preschool children commonly available in New South Wales, Australia. Design. This qualitative study was nested within a large cohort study in South Western Sydney. English-speaking mothers ( n = 24) with young children were approached for a face-to-face, semi-structured interview at their homes. Two dental leaflets designed by NSW Health to give advice on monitoring young children's oral health were sent to mothers prior to the interview. Interviews were recorded and subsequently transcribed verbatim. Transcripts were analysed by interview debriefing and a thematic coding. Results. Mothers generally reported that the leaflets were easy to read but noted that the information pertaining to bottle feeding was confusing. Furthermore, they were unable to understand terms such as 'fluoride' and 'fissure sealants'. Early childhood nutrition and infant teething were inadequately addressed, and mothers preferred pictorial presentations to improve their understanding of oral health. Conclusions. Producers of health education leaflets should keep the messages simple and straightforward, avoid the use of medical jargon, and use pictorial aids to improve communication with parents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over the past few decades, numerous small molecules have been designed to specifically and selectively target the unusual secondary structure in DNA called the G-quadruplex. Because these ligands have been shown to selectively inhibit the growth of cancer cells, they have become a central focus for the development of novel anticancer agents. However, there are many challenges which demand greater effort in order to devise strategies for rational drug design with utmost selectivity. This minireview aims to reflect recent developments in the design of G-quadruplex ligands and also discusses the future outlook for designing more effective G-quadruplex interacting ligands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]