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In addition, Asian American students experience racism in higher education differently, with Southeast Asian students reporting a lower sense of belonging on college campuses than East Asian students (Nguyen et al. 2018). In many sectors of United States society, Asians are viewed as a monolith and grouped into the broad category of Asian American Pacific Islander, or AAPI (Iftikar and Museus 2018). Highlighting Nuances in Asian American Experiences in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology However, it is important to acknowledge the history of the term Asian American and nuances between AAPI ethnic groups in the United States if we are interested in promoting racial justice in the field of ecology and evolutionary biology (EEB), other scientific fields, and society at large. [Extracted from the article]

Background: Recent evidence suggests melasma to be a photoaging disorder. Triple combination creams (TCC: fluocinolone acetonide 0.01%, hydroquinone 4% and tretinoin 0.05%) remain the gold standard treatment. Picosecond alexandrite laser treatment using a diffractive lens array (DLA) has been identified to be effective for improving photoaging conditions. Objective: We aimed to compare the efficacy and tolerance of the picosecond alexandrite laser with those of DLA and TCC in female Asian patients with melasma. Methods: Twenty‐nine patients were randomly assigned to group A1 (3 laser sessions at 4‐week intervals), A2 (5 laser sessions at 4‐week intervals) or B (TCC daily for at least 8 weeks and then tapered until the final evaluation). The Melasma Area, Severity Index (MASI) score and VISIA were assessed at baseline, week 12 and week 20. By week 20, the follow‐up periods for groups A1 and A2 were 3 months and 1 month, respectively. Results: Nine, 11 and 6 participants in groups A1, A2 and B completed the study, respectively. MASI scores were significantly improved in all 3 groups at weeks 12 and 20. In groups A1, A2 and B, the improvement rates at week 20 were 53%, 38% and 50%, respectively. VISIA® analysis additionally revealed a significant improvement in spots, porphyria, pores and brown spots after 3 laser sessions (P < 0.05). Group A2 showed greater improvements than group A1 in terms of spots, wrinkles and pores; however, only red areas were significantly different (P < 0.001). All side‐effects in the 3 groups were transient and gradually subsided after 1–3 months. Conclusion: Picosecond alexandrite laser treatment using DLA showed comparable efficacy with TCC for the treatment of melasma. Improvements in texture, spots, wrinkles and pores were observed in the laser groups. Patients with melasma lesions that exhibit telangiectasia may benefit from additional laser treatment sessions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Strongly coupled data assimilation (SCDA) views the Earth as one unified system. This allows observations to have an instantaneous impact across boundaries such as the air‐sea interface when estimating the state of each individual component. Operational prediction centers are moving toward Earth system modeling for all forecast timescales, ranging from days to months. However, there have been few studies that examine fundamental aspects of SCDA and the transition from traditional approaches that apply data assimilation only to a single component, whether forecasts were derived from a coupled model or an uncoupled forced model. The SCDA approach is examined here in detail using numerical experiments with a simple coupled atmosphere‐ocean quasi‐geostrophic model. The impact of coupling is explored with respect to its impact on the Lyapunov spectrum and on data assimilation system stability. Different data assimilation methods are compared within the context of SCDA, including the 3‐D and 4‐D Variational methods, the ensemble Kalman filter, and the hybrid gain method. The impact of observing system coverage is also investigated. We find that SCDA is generally superior to weakly coupled or uncoupled approaches. Dynamically defined background error covariance estimates are essential for SCDA to achieve an accurate coupled state estimate as the observing system becomes sparser. As a clarification of seemingly contradictory findings from previous studies, it is shown that ocean observations can adequately constrain atmospheric state estimates provided that the analysis‐observing frequency is sufficiently high and the ensemble size determining the background error covariance is sufficiently large. Plain Language Summary: To make accurate predictions of weather and climate, scientists develop complex computer models of the Earth that couple smaller models of the atmosphere, oceans, land, etc. Measurements from satellites, ground stations, and ocean buoys are limited, so these give an incomplete picture. Forecasters combine past predictions with new observations to make an informed guess about what the entire Earth looks like at any instant. This guess is used to initialize computer model forecasts. However, since the atmosphere is a chaotic system, small inaccuracies in this initial guess can lead to wildly diverging forecasts further out in time. This study investigates a new method for initializing the Earth models. In the past, physical inconsistencies between the atmosphere and ocean arose because each was initialized independently. We use atmospheric observations to improve our best guess of the ocean conditions, and vice versa, to improve this consistency. This may improve daily weather forecasts and seasonal guidance when adopted by operational weather prediction centers. Given the growing urgency to respond to near‐term climate change risks, improved methods to initialize Earth system models provide the potential to generate accurately initialized climate predictions that can better anticipate the coming changes over the next decade. Key Points: Strongly coupled data assimilation produces more accurate state estimates and forecasts than traditional approaches to data assimilationDynamic background error covariance estimates are essential for strongly coupled data assimilation, especially with limited observationsOcean observations can constrain the atmosphere, provided that the analysis‐observing frequency and the ensemble size are sufficiently high [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In animals, differentiation of germline from soma usually takes place during embryogenesis. Genes and their products that are preferentially expressed in the embryonic germ cells are regarded as candidates for maintaining germline fate or promoting germline identity. In Drosophila, for example, the protein encoded by the germline gene vasa is specifically restricted to the germ cells, while products of the gap gene hunchback (hb), a somatic gene, are preferentially expressed in the neuroblasts. In this study, we report the expression of both messenger RNA and protein encoded by Aphb, an hb orthologue in the asexual viviparous pea aphid Acyrthosiphon pisum, in germ cells as well as in neuroblasts. We infer that expression of Aphb messenger RNA in the germ cells during the formation of germaria is required for the anterior localization of Aphb in the protruding oocytes. Germarial expression and anterior localization of ApKrüppel was also identified but, unlike Aphb, its expression was not detected in the migrating germ cells. Very similar patterns of hb expression were also identified in the green peach aphid Myzus persicae, suggesting that germline expression of hb is conserved within the Aphididae. To date, this pattern of hb germline expression has not been reported in other insects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The G‐allele of the ‐1019C/G (rs6295) promoter polymorphism of the serotonin receptor 1A (HTR1A) gene has been implicated in anxiety; however, the underlying neurophysiological processes are still not fully understood. Recent evidence indicates that low parasympathetic (vagal) tone is predictive of anxiety. We thus conducted a structural equation model (SEM) to examine whether the HTR1A rs6295 variant can affect anxiety by altering parasympathetic nervous activity. Method: A sample of 1141 drug‐free healthy Han Chinese was recruited for HTR1A genotyping. Autonomic nervous function was assessed by short‐term spectral analysis of heart rate variability (HRV). Anxiety and stress levels were evaluated by the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) and the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) respectively. Results: The number of the HTR1A G allele was inversely correlated with high‐frequency power (HF), a parasympathetic index of HRV. The HF index was negatively associated with BAI scores. Furthermore, the good‐fitting SEM, adjusting for confounding variables (e.g., age and PSS levels), revealed a significant pathway linking rs6295 variant to BAI scores via HF index modulation. Conclusion: These results are the first to show that HTR1A ‐1019C/G polymorphism influences anxiety levels by modulating parasympathetic tone, providing a neurophysiological insight into the role of HTR1A in human anxiety. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Limited information is available on the risks of epilepsy after surgery in patients receiving general or neuraxial anaesthesia. Using Taiwan's National Health Insurance Research Database, we identified 1,478,977 patients aged ≥ 20 years who underwent surgery (required general or neuraxial anaesthesia with hospitalisation for more than one day) between 2004 and 2011. We selected 235,066 patients with general anaesthesia and 235,066 patients with neuraxial anaesthesia using a frequency-matching procedure for age and sex. We did not study those with co-existing epilepsy-related risk factors. The adjusted rate ratios (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of newly diagnosed epilepsy 1 year after surgery associated with general anaesthesia were analysed in the multivariate Poisson regression model. The one-year incidence of postoperative epilepsy for patients with general anaesthesia and neuraxial anaesthesia were 0.41 and 0.32 per 1000 persons, respectively, and the corresponding RR was 1.27 (95%CI 1.15-1.41). The association between general anaesthesia and postoperative epilepsy was significant in men (RR = 1.22; 95%CI 1.06-1.40), women (RR = 1.33; 95%CI 1.15-1.55) and 20-39-year-old patients. The risk of postoperative epilepsy increased in patients with general anaesthesia who had co-existing medical conditions and postoperative complications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and purpose Although parkinsonism after carbon monoxide ( CO) intoxication is well known, neurotransmitter deficient networks that are responsible for the severity of parkinsonism have rarely been systemically evaluated. Methods Eighteen patients with CO-related parkinsonism and nine age- and sex-matched controls were enrolled for detailed neurological examinations, three-dimensional T1-weighted images, diffusion tensor imaging and 18F-9-fluoropropyl-(+)-dihydrotetrabenzazine (18F- FP-(+)- DTBZ) positron emission tomography ( PET). The structural analysis included voxel-based morphometry to assess grey matter atrophy and tract-based spatial statistics related to white matter involvement. For presynaptic monoaminergic assessment, volume of interest analysis in six subcortical regions and non-parametric voxel-wise comparison were performed on PET images with estimation of registration parameters from magnetic resonance images. All the imaging modalities were compared between the patients and controls. For the patients, a regression model for correlation with cognitive behaviour and Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale ( UPDRS) score was used. Results In the patients, monoaminergic deficit networks were found in the caudate, anterior putamen, anterior insular, thalamus and anterior cingulate cortex. The UPDRS revealed significant correlations with the prefrontal white matter fractional anisotropy values and with the 18F- FP-(+)- DTBZ uptake values in the caudate nucleus, insular, medial prefrontal and dorsomedial thalamus. The neuropsychiatric inventory score correlated with the 18F- FP-(+)- DTBZ uptake values in the anterior cingulate cortex and dorsolateral prefrontal cortex. Conclusions Our study demonstrated monoaminergic deficits and white matter damage networks in CO-related parkinsonism that determined the severity of parkinsonism or behaviour changes. As the substantia nigra was spared, the monoaminergic topography of involvement suggests a different pathophysiology in CO-related parkinsonism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and purpose Earlier studies suggested an association between idiopathic restless legs syndrome ( RLS) and cardiovascular diseases. However, the risk of cardiovascular events in patients with secondary RLS due to end-stage renal disease ( ESRD) is unclear. Our aim was to examine whether ESRD patients with RLS had an increased risk of cardio/cerebrovascular events and mortality. Methods In all, 1093 ESRD patients were recruited between 2009 and 2010. The diagnosis and severity of RLS were assessed in a face-to-face interview. The occurrence of cardio/cerebrovascular events and death were confirmed by medical record review. The association between RLS and the outcomes of interest was examined using an adjusted multivariate Cox regression model. Results After a mean follow-up period of 3.7 ± 0.8 years, ESRD patients with RLS had a significantly higher risk of developing cardiovascular events and strokes [adjusted hazard ratio (a HR) 2.82, 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.02-4.11, and a HR 2.41, 95% CI 1.55-3.75, respectively] compared with patients without RLS. Increasing RLS severity was associated with an increasing likelihood of cardiovascular events [mild RLS severity, a HR 1.71 (95% CI 1.02-2.87); moderate, 2.79 (1.64-4.66); severe, 2.85 (1.99-4.46)] and strokes [mild, 1.89 (0.87-4.16); moderate, 2.42 (1.50-3.90); severe, 2.64 (1.49-4.91)] in a dose-dependent manner. RLS also increased the risk of total mortality in patients with ESRD [a HR 1.53 (95% CI 1.07-2.18), P = 0.02]; this association attenuated slightly after stratification by individual RLS severity category [mild RLS severity, a HR 1.44 (95% CI 0.78-2.67); moderate, 1.49 (0.98-2.55); severe, 2.03 (0.93-4.45)]. Conclusions ESRD patients with RLS demonstrated an increased likelihood of cardio/cerebrovascular events and mortality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Healthcare-associated fungal outbreaks impose a substantial economic burden on the health system and typically result in high patient morbidity and mortality, particularly in the immunocompromised host. As the population at risk of invasive fungal infection continues to grow due to the increased burden of cancer and related factors, the need for hospitals to employ preventative measures has become increasingly important. These guidelines outline the standard quality processes hospitals need to accommodate into everyday practice and at times of healthcare-associated outbreak, including the role of antifungal stewardship programmes and best practice environmental sampling. Specific recommendations are also provided to help guide the planning and implementation of quality processes and enhanced surveillance before, during and after high-risk activities, such as hospital building works. Areas in which information is still lacking and further research is required are also highlighted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article introduces the second revision of the A ustralian and N ew Z ealand consensus guidelines for the use of antifungal agents in the haematology/oncology setting. The current update occurs within the context of a growing population at risk of invasive fungal disease, improved understanding of risk factors, availability of new diagnostic tests, a much-expanded evidence base and changing clinical paradigms. Here, we provide an overview of the history and purpose of the guidelines, including changes in scope since the last clinical update was published in 2008. The process for development, and for enabling review of draft recommendations by end-users and other relevant stakeholders, is described. The approach to assigning levels of evidence and grades of recommendation is also provided, along with a comparison to international grading systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pathogenic yeast forms are commonly associated with invasive fungal disease in the immunocompromised host, including patients with haematological malignancies and patients of haemopoietic stem cell transplants. Yeasts include the C andida spp., C ryptococcus spp., P neumocystis jirovecii and some lesser-known pathogens. Candida species remain the most common cause of invasive yeast infections (and the most common human pathogenic fungi). These guidelines present evidence-based recommendations for the antifungal management of established, invasive yeast infections in adult and paediatric patients in the haematology/oncology setting. Consideration is also given to the critically ill patient in intensive care units, including the neonatal intensive care unit. Evidence for 'pre-emptive' or 'diagnostic-driven antifungal therapy' is also discussed. For the purposes of this paper, invasive yeast diseases are categorised under the headings of invasive candidiasis, cryptococcosis and uncommon yeast infections. Specific recommendations for the management of P neumocystis jirovecii are presented in an accompanying article (see consensus guidelines by Cooley et al. appearing elsewhere in this supplement). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The discovery of a novel phase-locked frequency comb generated from a monolithic laser with the concurrent processes of self-mode locking (SML) and stimulated Raman scattering (SRS) is reported. It is experimentally shown that the width of the Raman gain can be exploited to considerably expand the frequency comb of a monolithic SML crystal laser via the SRS process. At a pump power of 6.5 W, an output power of 140 mW in the Stokes wave with a pulse width as narrow as 2.9 ps at a pulse repetition rate of 6.615 GHz is obtained. The present finding not only provides useful insights into the monolithic intracavity SRS process but also paves the way for generating mode-locked pulses based on monolithic self-Raman crystals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and purpose Recent genome-wide association studies have shown associations between multiple genetic variants and primary restless legs syndrome ( RLS). Their roles in end stage renal disease ( ESRD) related secondary RLS are not clear and studies in Asian populations are scarce. The association between candidate genetic variants and uremic RLS was investigated in a large cohort of Taiwanese dialysis patients. Methods Sixteen RLS-related genetic variants at six loci, including MEIS1, BTBD9, MAP2K5/ SKOR1, PTPRD, TOX3/ BC034767 and the intergenic region of chromosome 2p14, in a total of 993 ESRD patients (259 subjects with and 734 subjects without RLS) were genotyped using TaqMan® genotyping assays. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to test for associations between the genotypes and RLS in ESRD. Power calculations were completed using the CATs Genetic Power Calculator with settings of a multiplicative genetic model. Results A modest association between the PTPRD variant rs4626664 and uremic RLS (odds ratio 1.52, 95% CI 1.03-2.23, P = 0.03) and a trend that TOX3/ BC034767 variant rs3104767 may associate with the occurrence of RLS were observed in our dialysis population (odds ratio 1.74, 95% CI 0.97-3.11, P = 0.06). No associations between other genetic variants and risk and severity of RLS were observed in our ESRD cohort. Conclusions The genetic variants of primary RLS candidate genes did not play a major role in our uremic RLS populations. The ethnic difference and heterogeneous etiologies underlying renal failure may partly explain the minor genetic contribution to uremic RLS in our populations. Further studies for other ethnicities will be of worth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previously we identified anterior localization of hunchback ( Aphb) m RNA in oocytes and early embryos of the parthenogenetic and viviparous pea aphid Acyrthosiphon pisum, suggesting that the breaking of anterior asymmetry in the oocytes leads to the formation of the anterior axis in embryos. In order to study posterior development in the asexual pea aphid, we cloned and analysed the developmental expression of caudal ( Apcad), a posterior gene highly conserved in many animal phyla. We found that transcripts of Apcad were not detected in germaria, oocytes and embryos prior to the formation of the blastoderm in the asexual (viviparous) pea aphid. This unusual expression pattern differs from that of the existing insect models, including long- and short-germ insects, where maternal cad m RNA is passed to the early embryos and forms a posterior-anterior gradient. The first detectable Apcad expression occurred in the newly formed primordial germ cells and their adjacent blastodermal cells during late blastulation. From gastrulation onward, and as in other insects, Apcad m RNA is restricted to the posteriormost region of the germ band. Similarly, in the sexual (oviparous) oocytes we were able to identify anterior localization of Aphb m RNA but posterior localization of Apcad was not detected. This suggests that cad-driven posterior development is not conserved during early embryogenesis in asexual and sexual pea aphids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and purpose Elevated plasma total homocysteine level (t Hcy) is associated with increased risk of dementia via increased white matter changes or reduction in cortical volume. Whether t Hcy has an independent impact on regional perfusion and if it can predict a more rapid cognitive decline in mild Alzheimer dementia (AD) warrants investigation. Methods Eighty AD patients with a clinical dementia rating of 1 were enrolled. Their Cognitive Ability Screening Instrument ( CASI) scores on enrolment and after 1 year of follow-up as well as their perfusion index ( PI) from single photon emission computed tomography upon enrolment were analyzed. Results In cross-sectional analysis, elevated t Hcy was associated with lower frontal PI independent of cerebrovascular risk factors ( β = −0.35, P = 0.009). The CASI scores correlated with temporo-parietal PI (Pearson r range 0.3-0.39, P < 0.01) but not with t Hcy or frontal PI. By longitudinal analysis, only t Hcy level was related to a more rapid cognitive decline (odds ratio for executive function score 1.82; odds ratio for total CASI score 1.74). Conclusions Cognitive performance in mild AD can be reflected by hypo-perfusion of the temporo-parietal region while frontal hypo-perfusion may be mediated by t Hcy. t Hcy level is an independent risk factor for rapid cognitive decline, especially in the executive function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and purpose Restless legs syndrome ( RLS) is an underestimated movement disorder in patients with end-stage renal disease ( ESRD). Several clinical and laboratory factors were inconsistently reported to associate with RLS. We aim to perform a large-scale multicenter study to investigate the possible associated risk factors of RLS in patients with ESRD in Taiwan, a country with the highest incidence of uremia in the world. Methods From October 2009 to October 2011, we constitutively recruited 1130 patients with ESRD from 17 hemodialysis centers. Demographic, laboratory data, presence and severity of RLS were collected. Odds ratios ( ORs) were estimated by logistic regression models. Results We found the prevalence of RLS to be 25.3% in patients with ESRD. Having type 2 diabetes [OR = 3.61 (2.27-5.77), P < 0.01], low serum transferrin saturation [OR = 1.42 (1.01-2.03), P < 0.05] and duration of dialysis [OR = 1.09 (1.03-1.14), P < 0.01] were associated with RLS. In contrast, high serum hemoglobin level was inversely associated with RLS [OR = 0.61 (0.40-0.89), P < 0.05]. RLS has a significant impact on sleep quality in dialysis patients. Among patients with RLS, history of type 2 diabetes [OR = 4.04 (1.65-10.79), P < 0.05], low serum hemoglobin level [OR = 5.41 (2.43-13.12), P < 0.01] and duration of dialysis [OR = 1.01 (1.01-1.02), P < 0.01] were associated with increased severity of RLS. Conclusions Our findings demonstrated that RLS is common in Taiwanese dialysis patients. Clinicians should have a high suspicion for the presence of RLS symptoms in patients with ESRD, especially those with type 2 diabetes, anemia, low serum iron status and long duration of dialysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background REACH-B [Risk Estimation for Hepatocellular Carcinoma ( HCC) in Chronic Hepatitis B] scoring system was developed to predict the risk of HCC in noncirrhotic chronic hepatitis B ( CHB) patients. Aim To evaluate the discriminatory performance of REACH-B scoring system in classifying anti-viral treatment eligibility of CHB patients according to the 2012 Asian Pacific Association for the Study of the Liver ( APASL) treatment guideline. Methods A total of 904 noncirrhotic CHB were enrolled. Patients' age, gender, liver biochemistry, HBeAg status and HBV DNA levels were recorded. Results The minimum REACH-B risk score for patients to be eligible for anti-viral treatment was 7 for HBeAg-positive and 6 for HBeAg-negative patients. Among them, increasing REACH-B score was not significantly associated with eligibility for treatment [adjusted odds ratio ( OR): 1.210, 95% confidence interval ( CI): 0.979-1.494, P = 0.078] in HBeAg-positive patients, as shown by logistic regression analysis after adjusting for gender. In HBeAg-negative patients, REACH-B score significantly predicted the treatment eligibility (adjusted OR: 1.783, 95% CI: 1.607-1.979, P < 0.001). Discriminatory ability of REACH-B score to classify eligibility was poor for HBeAg-positive patients ≥40 years [area under receiver operating characteristic ( AUC): 0.664, 95% CI: 0.533-0.795], but good/excellent for HBeAg-positive patients <40 years ( AUC: 0.903; 95% CI: 0.841-0.964), HBeAg-negative patients ≥45 years ( AUC: 0.883; 95% CI: 0.848-0.917) and HBeAg-negative patients <45 years ( AUC: 0.907; 95% CI: 0.874-0.940). Conclusion The discriminatory performance of the REACH-B scoring system in classifying anti-viral treatment eligibility based on the 2012 APASL guideline was good/excellent, except for ≥40 years old HBeAg-positive patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We examined the pre-emptive analgesic effect of a cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 inhibitor in a rat surgical pain model and characterised the changes in cutaneous COX-2 around a surgical site. Thermal hyperalgesia and mechanical allodynia were tested in the rats for three days after incision and skin tissues were collected for analysis of COX-2. There was decreased expression of cutaneous COX-2 one day after surgical incision. Pre-incision injection of the COX-2 inhibitor significantly inhibited expression of COX-2 and also reduced thermal hyperalgesia (but not mechanical allodynia) compared with the post-incision COX-2-inhibitor injection group, one day after incision. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background The clinical manifestations of acute kidney injury ( AKI) range from mild to fatal in cats; however, prognosis factors have been rarely studied. Hypothesis/Objectives To find the clinical factors significantly correlated with the outcome among cats with AKI and to develop a simple prognostic index. Animals Seventy cats with AKI were recruited. Methods Demographic and clinicopathological data obtained from 70 cats with AKI were retrospectively collected. Student's t-test or Mann- Whitney U-test and Pearson chi-square test or Fisher's exact were applied to determine the factors associated with survival in cats with AKI. Using logistic regression, the statistically significant factors associated with prognosis were identified and a new prediction model was generated. Results The overall case fatality rate was 64% (45/70). The results showed that nonsurviving cats had significantly lower levels of PCV, WBC, RBC, LDH and albumin, a lower albumin/globulin ratio, lower blood glucose, and a reduced body temperature, as well as being older. Serum urea and creatinine concentrations were not statistically significant as prognostic factors, but a decrease in these 2 variables in 3 days was significantly related to a reduction in death. A summary prognostic index including body temperature and LDH and albumin concentrations had area under the receiver-operating characteristic curve ( AUROC) for predicting death of 0.86 ( P < .05) and a cut-off value of 0.82, a sensitivity of 77% and a specificity of 90%. Conclusions The prognosis in cats with AKI is quite different from that found for human and dogs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The first case of Q fever in Taiwan was reported in 1993. The disease is considered to be emerging in Taiwan, but the route of transmission has remained unclear. The annual number of confirmed Q fever cases has been increasing up to more than 100 cases since 2005, comparing with less than 30 before 2003. The purpose of this study was to determine the seroprevalence and risk factors of Coxiella burnetii infection in veterinary-associated populations in southern Taiwan. A total of 228 serum samples of high risk individuals engaging in veterinary-related work or animal-farm work, were collected between March and June in 2007. The study individuals were interviewed by a structured questionnaire designed for Q fever investigation. Serum samples from different animal species were also obtained for Q fever analysis in the same study areas. Serological test was conducted by indirect immunofluorescence antibody assay (IFA). The result demonstrated the overall seroprevalence of Q fever was 26.3% in individuals engaging in veterinary and animal-related work in southern Taiwan. After multiple logistic regression analysis, goat exposure was significantly associated with seropositivity of Q fever in the study population in southern Taiwan (adjusted odds ratio: 2.62; 95% CI: 1.06-6.46). In addition, the highest seroprevalence (43.8%) of Q fever was identified in goats ( P < 0.05). Finally, this study documented that people with prior knowledge of Q fever were less likely to be seropositive for C. burnetii. It was concluded that goat exposure was the most important risk factor associated with C. burnetii infection and appropriate health education could be useful to prevent high risk individuals from the infection in southern Taiwan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During the period of August 2002 and November 2004, an epidemiological investigation for Bartonella infection was conducted in small mammals in Taiwan. Using whole blood culture on chocolate agar plates, Bartonella species were successfully isolated from 41.3% of the 310 animals tested. The isolation rate of Bartonella species varied among different animal species, including 52.7% of the 169 Rattus norvegicus, 28.6% of the 126 Sucus murinus, 10% of the 10 Rattus rattus and 66.7% of the three Rattus losea. Bacteremia prevalence also varied with the origin of the animals, as 56.2% of the animals captured on farms, 38.6% of the ones captured at harbour sites and 11.8% of the animals captured from urban areas were bacteremic. Through molecular analysis of the gltA gene and 16S/23S intergenic spacer region, genetic diversity of Bartonella organisms was identified, including strains closely related to Bartonella tribocorum, Bartonella grahamii, Bartonella elizabethae, Bartonella phoceensis and Bartonella rattimassiliensis. Moreover, this is the first report of zoonotic B. elizabethae and B. grahamii identified in R. losea, the lesser rice-field rat. Various Bartonella species were identified in R. norvegicus, compared to 97.2% of Suncus murinus with unique Bartonella species. By indirect immunofluorescence antibody test, using various rodent Bartonella species as antigens, consistently low percentage of seropositivity implied that small mammals may play a role as competent reservoirs of Bartonella species in Taiwan. Future studies need to be conducted to determine whether these Bartonella species would be responsible for human cases of unknown fever or febrile illness in Taiwan, especially zoonotic B. elizabethae and B. grahamii. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the dipteran Drosophila, the genes bicoid and hunchback work synergistically to pattern the anterior blastoderm during embryogenesis. bicoid, however, appears to be an innovation of the higher Diptera. Hence, in some non-dipteran insects, anterior specification instead relies on a synergistic interaction between maternally transcribed hunchback and orthodenticle. Here we describe how orthologues of hunchback and orthodenticle are expressed during oogenesis and embryogenesis in the parthenogenetic and viviparous form of the pea aphid, Acyrthosiphon pisum. A. pisum hunchback ( Aphb) mRNA is localized to the anterior pole in developing oocytes and early embryos prior to blastoderm formation – a pattern strongly reminiscent of bicoid localization in Drosophila. A. pisum orthodenticle ( Apotd), on the other hand, is not expressed prior to gastrulation, suggesting that it is the asymmetric localization of Aphb, rather than synergy between Aphb and Apotd, that regulates anterior specification in asexual pea aphids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aphids exhibit unique attributes, such as polyphenisms and specialized cells to house endosymbionts, that make them an interesting system for studies at the interface of ecology, evolution and development. Here we present a comprehensive characterization of the developmental genes in the pea aphid, Acyrthosiphon pisum, and compare our results to other sequenced insects. We investigated genes involved in fundamental developmental processes such as establishment of the body plan and organogenesis, focusing on transcription factors and components of signalling pathways. We found that most developmental genes were well conserved in the pea aphid, although many lineage-specific gene duplications and gene losses have occurred in several gene families. In particular, genetic components of transforming growth factor beta (TGFβ) Wnt, JAK/STAT (Janus kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription) and EGF (Epidermal Growth Factor) pathways appear to have been significantly modified in the pea aphid. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background As those with HIV infection live longer, ‘non-AIDS’ condition associated with immunodeficiency and chronic inflammation are more common. We ask whether ‘non-HIV’ biomarkers improve differentiation of mortality risk among individuals initiating combination antiretroviral therapy (cART). Methods Using Poisson models, we analysed data from the Veterans Aging Cohort Study (VACS) on HIV-infected veterans initiating cART between 1 January 1997 and 1 August 2002. Measurements included: HIV biomarkers (CD4 cell count, HIV RNA and AIDS-defining conditions); ‘non-HIV’ biomarkers (haemoglobin, transaminases, platelets, creatinine, and hepatitis B and C serology); substance abuse or dependence (alcohol or drug); and age. Outcome was all cause mortality. We tested the discrimination (C statistics) of each biomarker group alone and in combination in development and validation data sets, over a range of survival intervals, and adjusting for missing data. Results Of veterans initiating cART, 9784 (72%) had complete data. Of these, 2566 died. Subjects were middle-aged (median age 45 years), mainly male (98%) and predominantly black (51%). HIV and ‘non-HIV’ markers were associated with each other ( P<0.0001) and discriminated mortality (C statistics 0.68–0.73); when combined, discrimination improved ( P<0.0001). Discrimination for the VACS Index was greater for shorter survival intervals [30-day C statistic 0.86, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.80–0.91], but good for intervals of up to 8 years (C statistic 0.73, 95% CI 0.72–0.74). Results were robust to adjustment for missing data. Conclusions When added to HIV biomarkers, ‘non-HIV’ biomarkers improve differentiation of mortality. When evaluated over similar intervals, the VACS Index discriminates as well as other established indices. After further validation, the VACS Index may provide a useful, integrated risk assessment for management and research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The polarisation maintaining (PM) fibre constructed the spectral interferometry‐based surface plasmon resonance to detect the very small molecule micro ribonucleic acid (miRNA) with a big biological impact on cancer diagnosis. Other than the linear polariser and birefringence crystal in the input of the traditional spectral interferometry, the polarisation controller was simply placed on the injected light to control the transverse electric and transverse magnetic polarised magnitudes through the stable polarisation state of PM fibres for distinct dynamic‐range fringes on the optical spectrum analyser (OSA). Owing to the high precision and stability control of operating wavelengths in optical fibre communications, the low‐coherence telecommunication source was utilised to detect 21‐mer deoxyribonucleic acid which changed U to T according the miRNA‐21 sequence. The sensitivity with probing was showing 0.065 nm/(μg/ml), which implied the resolution as 0.3 μg/ml under the 0.02 nm wavelength accuracy on OSA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chromosome 6p is one of the most commonly implicated regions in the genome-wide linkage scans of schizophrenia, whereas further association studies for markers in this region were inconsistent likely due to heterogeneity. This study aimed to identify more homogeneous subgroups of families for fine mapping on regions around markers D6S296 and D6S309 (both in 6p24.3) as well as D6S274 (in 6p22.3) by means of similarity in neurocognitive functioning. A total of 160 families of patients with schizophrenia comprising at least two affected siblings who had data for eight neurocognitive test variables of the continuous performance test (CPT) and the Wisconsin card sorting test (WCST) were subjected to cluster analysis with data visualization using the test scores of both affected siblings. Family clusters derived were then used separately in family-based association tests for 64 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) covering the region of 6p24.3 and 6p22.3. Three clusters were derived from the family-based clustering, with deficit cluster 1 representing deficit on the CPT, deficit cluster 2 representing deficit on both the CPT and the WCST, and a third cluster of nondeficit. After adjustment using false discovery rate for multiple testing, SNP rs13873 and haplotype rs1225934-rs13873 on BMP6-TXNDC5 genes were significantly associated with schizophrenia for the deficit cluster 1 but not for the deficit cluster 2 or nondeficit cluster. Our results provide further evidence that the BMP6-TXNDC5 locus on 6p24.3 may play a role in the selective impairments on sustained attention of schizophrenia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and purpose: Dementia remains an exclusion criterion in diagnosing multiple system atrophy (MSA). This study aimed to determine the cognitive changes and brain atrophy patterns in the Parkinsonian (MSA-P) and cerebellar (MSA-C) variants of MSA. Methods: Voxel-based morphometry (VBM) of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and neuro-psychological tests were applied to 10 MSA-C and 13 MSA-P patients, and compared to 37 age-matched controls. Correlation analyses were performed between cognitive test results and morphometric data extracted from the VBM data. Results: In neuro-psychological testing, the 23 MSA patients scored lower in the Stroop interference test and took longer in the trail-making test as compared with the controls, whereas MSA-C performed worse than MSA-P in the memory scores, Stroop test, and time to complete the trail-making test. MSA, as a group, showed atrophy in the cerebellum, insular cortex, fusiform gyrus, inferior orbito-frontal gyrus, superior temporal gyrus, and caudate nucleus. Memory scores correlated well with pre-frontal lobe atrophy but not in the insular area. Conclusion: In conclusion, although dementia is not a typical presenting feature of MSA and is regarded as a sub-cortical movement disorder, frontal atrophy, cognitive changes, and dementia are identifiable as MSA progresses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In emergency tasks, cross-agency operations being carried out in disaster-hit areas require some supporting communication system for command and control. Mobile Ad hoc Network (MANET) is a very suitable way to meet such communication requirements since it can function without any pre-installed communication infrastructure. Owing to potential threats in the field environment and the unique features of MANET (e.g. the open nature of wireless links and the absence of security infrastructure), security of communications over MANET is a serious issue that is typically addressed by asymmetric cryptographic mechanisms. In this paper, we tackle issues critical to asymmetric key management in MANET, which almost invariably serves as a basis of security services in a network environment. To address the deficiencies of existing key management schemes, we propose the concept of mission-specific certificate to manage public keys in our scenario. For issuance and/or revocation of mission-specific certificate, a Mission-specific Certificate Authority (MCA), which consists of a collection of server nodes to operate the threshold cryptographic scheme, is proposed. Furthermore, to cater for the occurrence of network partitioning, which is common in highly dynamic MANET, we propose a partition-tolerant mechanism for MCA by introducing the notion of auxiliary server nodes. We discuss the security and performance of our scheme and show that our approach is a secure and partition-tolerant mechanism can effectively improve availability of the MCA. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim To evaluate the ex vivo effects of damping on stress concentration in root filled premolar teeth. Methodology Damping ratios of maxillary premolar teeth that had undergone root canal treatment were tested in a laboratory model. In addition, two-dimensional finite element (FE) models were established for dynamic analysis. Results The mean-damping ratio was significantly lower in premolar teeth that had undergone root canal preparation (8.50 ± 0.53%) than in unprepared teeth (14.42 ± 2.17%) ( P < 0.05). However, root filling had a significant positive effect on the damping ratio of the tooth (10.84 ± 1.70%) ( P < 0.05). When the damping ratio was taken into consideration, FE analysis revealed that peak stresses in the apical one-third of the root on the buccal side were reduced by 31.8% when mastication forces were applied on the palatal cusp and occlusal fossa. Conclusion Pulp tissue plays an important role in providing protective effects when teeth are subjected to a dynamic load. However, root filled teeth do not provide such protective effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I chain-related gene A ( MICA), a ligand for the activating immunoreceptor natural killer group 2D (NKG2D), is expressed on stressed cells such as tumor cells. Study of expression of this molecule on tumor cells and patients’ sera is useful to define patients’ stages leading to proper selection of therapy. In this study, mouse anti-MICA monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) were produced by DNA immunization using a gene gun. Screening of anti-MICA-producing mouse and hybridomas were performed by immunoblot and cell enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) against MICA-positive HeLa and -negative Me1386 cell lines. MAbs were characterized against MICA-positive and -negative cell lines by immunoblot, cell ELISA and flow cytometry. The mAbs were also characterized for locus and allele specificities of MICA and MHC class I chain-related gene B (MICB) as well as for their ability to stain formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissues by immunohistochemistry. Although all mouse immune sera were positive with MICA-positive cells by both immunoblot and cell ELISA methods, some hybridomas were positive only with one method. The mAbs had diverse specificities to detect MICA and MICB and different abilities to stain formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissues. Thus, DNA immunization by gene gun is an effective method to generate immune mice for the production of mAbs with a variety of specificities against native and denatured forms of MIC proteins. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ribosomal proteins are encoded by a gene family, members of which are overexpressed in human cancers. Many of them have been found, using oligonucleotide microarray hybridization, to be differentially expressed in the faeces of patients with various stages of colorectal cancer (CRC). The gene encoding ribosomal protein L19 (RPL19), a prognostic marker for human prostate cancer, is differentially expressed in CRC patients. Measurement of faecal RPL19 mRNA might improve prognostic prediction for CRC patients. Using quantitative real-time reverse transcription PCR, levels of RPL19 mRNA were detected in samples of colonic tissues from 44 CRC patients, in the faeces of 54 CRC patients and 15 controls, and in 11 colonic cell lines. Seven of 24 patients with late-stage CRC (Dukes' stages C and D) expressed over 2-fold more RPL19 in colonic tumour tissues than in corresponding normal tissues (P = 0.038). The mean faecal RPL19 mRNA levels of late-staged patients were higher than those of controls (P = 0.003) and early-staged patients (P = 0.008). Patients with both high serum levels of carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA; >5 ng/mL) and high-faecal RPL19 mRNA (⩾0.0069) had higher risk (odds ratio, 8.0; P = 0.015) and lower overall 48-month survival (33.8 ± 13.7 %, P = 0.013). Oligonucleotide microarray hybridization analysis of faecal molecules identified gene transcripts differentially present in faeces. In conclusion, faecal RPL19 expression is associated with advanced tumour stages and addictive to serum CEA in predicting prognosis of CRC patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hospital building works increase the risk of invasive fungal infections. Nosocomial outbreaks have been reported. A pre-emptive strategy for planned building works is paramount. The roles of HEPA filtration, air-sampling and modulation of ‘routine’ antifungal prophylaxis practice are discussed in the context of pre-emptive planning and outbreak management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We examined clinical presentations, neuropsychological findings, and perfusion patterns of 99mTc-ethyl cysteinate dimer (ECD) single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) in patients with early stage dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) ( n = 17) and Parkinson’s disease (PD) ( n = 16), with age-matched healthy controls ( n = 10). Seven paired regions of interest (ROIs) were drawn manually including inferior frontal, temporal, parietal, occipital, parieto-occipital junction, striatum and thalamus for semiquantitative measurement. Neuropsychological tests were applied for clinical correlation. The SPECT results showed significant hypoperfusion in DLB group in frontal, parietal, thalamus, temporal ROIs compared with controls ( P < 0.01) whilst signals in temporal areas was significantly reduced compared with PD group ( P < 0.05). Neuropsychological tests showed that DLB patients had deficits in mental manipulation, short-term memory, abstract thinking, drawing and semantic verbal fluencies ( P < 0.05, compared with control). In addition, DLB group had lower scores than those with PD in mental manipulation, drawing and semantic verbal fluency ( P < 0.05). Our study showed that even in early stages of DLB, neuropsychological and perfusion patterns were evident and may be different from PD group, despite they shared certain similarities both in neuropsychological and image findings compared with age-matched controls. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The impact of hepatitis C virus (HCV) and other comorbid conditions upon survival is not well quantified in patients on dialysis. We identified HCV-infected and uninfected persons in the USRDS using claims data in 1997–1998 and followed until September 22, 2002 or death. We used Gray's time-varying coefficients model to examine factors associated with survival. Subjects with a renal transplant were excluded. A total of 5737 HCV-infected and 11 228 HCV-uninfected persons were identified. HCV-infected subjects were younger (mean age 57.8 vs 65.3 years), more likely to be male (57.6% vs 49.6%) and black (54.0% vs 36.4%). They were more likely to have a diagnosis of drug (16.5% vs 4.6%) and alcohol use (14.0% vs 3.1%), and to be human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) co-infected (7.4% vs 1.8%) (all comparisons, P < 0.0005). In an adjusted Gray's time-varying coefficient model, HCV was associated with an increased risk of mortality ( P < 0.0005). The hazards were highest at the time of HCV diagnosis and decreased to a stable level 2 years after diagnosis. Other factors associated with increased risk of mortality were ( P < 0.0005 unless stated) HIV coinfection; diagnosis of drug use ( P = 0.001); coronary artery disease ( P = 0.006); stroke; diabetes as the primary cause for renal failure; peripheral vascular disease; depression and presence of anaemia. HCV was associated with higher risk of death in patients on dialysis, even after adjusting for concurrent comorbidities. The risk was highest at the time of HCV diagnosis and stabilized over time. Clinical trials of HCV screening and treatment to reduce mortality in this population are warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To evaluate the cerebral hemodynamics in cryptococcal meningitis (CM) patients using non-invasive studies. Serial trans-cranial color-coded sonography (TCCS) and magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) studies were performed to measure the cerebral vasculopathy of 12 HIV-negative CM patients. With TCCS, 8 of the 22 middle cerebral arteries (MCAs) showed stenotic velocities, whereas the time-mean velocity ( Vmean) of the 20 anterior cerebral arteries (ACAs), 22 posterior cerebral arteries (PCAs), and 12 basilar arteries (BAs) did not. In total, five patients had stenotic velocities, three of whom had bilateral M1 stenosis (<50%), whilst two had unilateral M1 stenosis (<50%). The Vmean of MCA increased from day 1 to day 35 and substantially decreased thereafter. The mean Pulsatility Index (PI) in the studied vessels was higher during the study period. A mismatch of the findings between TCCS and MRA studies were also demonstrated. There was a high incidence and a longer time-period of disturbed cerebral hemodynamics during the clinical course of CM. However, because of the limited case numbers for this study, further large-scale studies are needed to delineate the clinical characteristics and therapeutic influence of cerebrovascular insults in HIV-negative CM patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aim: Gliclazide-modified release (gliclazide MR) is a new formulation of the sulfonylurea gliclazide designed for once-daily administration. The hydrophilic matrix of hypromellose-based polymer in the new formulation induces a progressive drug release, which parallels the 24-h glycaemic profile in type 2 diabetic patients. The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy and safety of gliclazide MR (once-daily administration) versus gliclazide (twice-daily administration) in Chinese type 2 diabetic patients. Materials and Methods: Sixty-three type 2 diabetic Chinese patients who had been on diet control alone or on treatment with metformin or on low dose of sulfonylurea were randomized to either gliclazide MR taken once daily or gliclazide taken twice daily. Dosage of metformin was maintained throughout the study, and the sulfonylurea was stopped. The dose of gliclazide MR was increased at 1-month intervals from 30 mg to 120 mg, while that of gliclazide from 80 mg to 320 mg until metabolic control was achieved [fasting plasma glucose (FPG) ≤7.7 mmol/l] or the maximum dose reached. Efficacy was mainly evaluated by levels of haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) and FPG. Results: The mean baseline characteristics of the full analysis set 1 (FAS1) (HbA1c, n = 58) and the FAS2 (FPG, n = 61) were comparable in both groups. The levels of HbA1c decreased similarly in both groups over the treatment period: −1.6 ± 1.6% (p < 0.001) on gliclazide MR (n = 31) and −1.6 ± 1.4% (p < 0.001) on gliclazide (n = 27). Decrease in HbA1c was observed irrespective of pre-existing therapy for diabetes: −2.3 ± 1.5% for patients on diet alone; −0.6 ± 1.3% for patients switched from sulfonylurea to study drug and −1.4 ± 0.8% for patients on metformin in combination with study drug. FPG decreased significantly from 177.5 ± 63.5 to 136.7 ± 42.2 (p < 0.001, n = 32) on gliclazide MR and not significant from 188.2 ± 62.6 to 163.7 ± 67.9 (p = 0.059, n = 29) on gliclazide. Both treatments were very well tolerated with no major hypoglycaemic episodes requiring external assistance; only three patients experienced mild hypoglycaemic episodes. Conclusions: Once-daily gliclazide MR showed a better trend in improving blood glucose control in comparison with gliclazide in type 2 diabetic Chinese patients irrespective of the pre-existing anti-diabetic treatment. The safety profiles of gliclazide MR and gliclazide were similar with a small number of patients having reported hypoglycaemic episodes. Once-daily dosing with gliclazide MR should improve patient compliance, an important factor in long-term glycaemic control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective Proctocolectomy and ileal pouch anal anastomosis (IPAA) has become the standard surgery for patients with mucosal ulcerative colitis (MUC). Although there is no absolute age limitation, there are concerns as to its use in elderly patients due to the risks of potential complications and poor function. The aim of this study was to assess the complications and outcome of patients over the age of 70 years with MUC who underwent IPAA. Results in these patients were compared to the results in a group of patients aged less than 70 years who had IPAA. Methods After Institutional Review Board approval, a retrospective review of the medical records of patients with MUC who underwent IPAA was undertaken. These patients were divided into four age groups: < 30 years of age, 30–49 years, 50–69 years, ≥ 70 years. Results From 1989 to 2001, 330 patients underwent IPAA for preoperative clinical and histopathological and postoperative histopathologically confirmed MUC; 17 were aged ≥ 70 years. The mean hospital stay was 5.8 (SEM 0.7) days in the patients aged < 70 years and 6.0 (SEM 0.4) days in the patients aged ≥ 70 years ( P = 0.911). Postoperative complications occurred in 39% of patients ≥ 70 years and in 40% in the < 70 years group ( P = 0.08). Pouch failure occurred in two (11.8%) patients ≥ 70 years and in 6 (1.9%) < 70 ( P = 0.2). Conclusion IPAA is a safe and feasible option in MUC patients over the age of 70 with functional results similar to results seen in younger patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Gene and stem cell therapies hold promise for the treatment of ischaemic cardiovascular disease. However, combined stem cell and angiogenic growth factor gene therapy for acute ischaemic myocardium has not been previously reported. This study hypothesized that combined stem cell and gene therapy would not only augment new vessels formation but also improve myocardial function in acute ischaemic myocardium. Methods Human angiopoietin-1 (Ang1) cDNA and VEGF165 cDNA were ligated into AAV vector. The purified CD34+ cells were obtained from human umbilical cord blood samples. Cord blood CD34+ cells were transduced with AAV vector encoding either the human Ang1 (AAV-Ang1) or VEGF165 (AAV-VEGF) cDNA alone, or both (AAV-Ang1 plus VEGF). Immediately after ligation of the left anterior descending coronary artery in male SCID mice, culture-expanded CD34+ cells transduced with AAV-Ang1, AAV-VEGF or AAV-Ang1 plus VEGF were injected intramyocardially at the left anterior free wall. Results Western blot showed that Ang1 and VEGF protein expressions were enhanced in the CD34+cells transduced with AAV-Ang1 and AAV-VEGF, respectively. Infarct size significantly decreased and capillary density significantly increased after treatment with CD34+/AAV-Ang1 plus VEGF when compared with treatment by CD34+ only. Combined therapy with CD34+ and AAV-Ang1, CD34+ and AAV-VEGF, CD34+ and AAV-Ang1 plus VEGF, all showed significantly higher cardiac performance in echocardiography than the therapy with CD34+ alone 4 weeks after myocardial infarction. Conclusions Combined therapy with human umbilical cord blood CD34+ cells and both Ang1 and VEGF genes reduced infarct size, attenuated the progression of cardiac dysfunction and increased capillary density in acute myocardial infarction in mice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over a 5-year period (1997–2001) the population densities of Ixodes pacificus Cooley & Kohls (Acari: Ixodidae) nymphs infected with spirochaetes of Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato (s.l.) were evaluated in areas of 2000 ha at two localities (CHR, nine sites; HREC, seven sites) 25 km apart in Mendocino County, north-western California. The 5-year median density of infected nymphs was significantly higher at CHR than at HREC (0.51 vs. 0.09 per 100 m2) and site-specific yearly densities exceeding one infected nymph per 100 m2 were 10-fold more likely to occur at CHR than at HREC. The importance of long-term data in acarologic risk assessment was demonstrated by significantly higher median yearly densities of infected nymphs at CHR from 1997 to 1999, whereas both areas had similar densities during 2000–2001. Overall, the causative agent of Lyme borreliosis in North America, B. burgdorferi Johnson et al. sensu stricto (s.s.) accounted for 76% of 46 genetically characterized B. burgdorferi s.l. infections from I. pacificus nymphs. Tremendous variability in acarologic risk was recorded within both areas: yearly densities of infected nymphs varied 11–97-fold between sites at CHR and 8–30-fold at HREC. Part of this variation could be explained by environmental traits, most notably deer usage. However, correlations between environmental factors and density of infected nymphs (for CHR and HREC combined) did not necessarily apply when these areas were considered separately. Thus, a Lyme borreliosis ecology model developed in one of these areas needs testing in the other area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Objectives To assess vascular impedance at three different locations in the middle cerebral artery (MCA) in normal fetuses throughout gestation. Materials and methods Uncomplicated singleton pregnancies at 15–40 weeks’ gestation in which Doppler surveys of both MCAs could be obtained were recruited. The pulsatility index (PI) and resistance index (RI) of the proximal, mid and distal sites of both MCAs were measured. The five gestation periods at which the Doppler surveys were performed were (i) 15–19 completed weeks; (ii) 20–24 completed weeks; (iii) 25–29 completed weeks; (iv) 30–34 completed weeks; (v) 35–39 completed weeks. Results A total of 42 fetuses were recruited. The average PI/RI values of the proximal, mid and distal MCA were 1.61/0.82, 1.77/0.82, and 1.84/0.84, respectively. The PI value of the proximal MCA was lower than that of the mid and distal MCA. The PI values of the mid and distal MCA showed no difference. The RI value of the MCA from the three locations also showed no difference. The PI/RI values of MCA for each gestational phase were: (i) 1.81/0.87; (ii) 1.79/0.86; (iii) 1.78/0.86; (iv) 1.70/0.81; (v) 1.62/0.77, respectively. Decreased PI/RI values were observed after 30 weeks’ gestation. Conclusions The PI values of the proximal MCA are lower than those of the mid and distal MCA. A marked decrease in PI/RI values was observed after 30 weeks’ gestation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel fabrication method of buried‐heterostructure (BH) mid‐infrared quantum cascade lasers (QCLs) by using non‐selective regrowth of iron‐doped indium phosphide (InP) (Fe:InP), around deeply etched laser ridges, via metal‐organic chemical vapour deposition (MOCVD) and planarisation via chemical polishing is reported. Owing to better heat dissipation, the fabricated 4.75 μm emitting QCLs exhibit about three‐fold enhancement in maximum output power under continuous‐wave operation at room temperature (T = 20°C) compared with that from lasers without the regrown InP. The demonstrated fabrication method provides a more flexible route to realising BH QCLs by removing strict requirements on the etched‐ridge sidewall profile, as well as on the physical dimensions of the dielectric mask for the regrowth via MOCVD. The method can be further employed for making large‐emitting aperture, closely packed arrays of QCLs, with planarised geometry, for coherent‐power scaling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]