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Tempers added to pottery have the potential to obscure geographical variation in the chemistry of exploited clay resources when analysed using bulk methods. A pilot study was conducted to assess the possibility of using LA- ICP- MS to analyse clay matrix in pottery with extremely subtle partitions between INAA chemical groups. LA- ICP- MS was used to analyse the clay matrix of 32 pottery samples from seven Middle and Late Woodland period ( c. ad 200-800) sites in north-east Florida and results were compared to data from INAA of the same samples. The results reveal many of the challenges in analysing highly heterogeneous materials with LA- ICP- MS. However, the study also generated data that are potentially useful in the determination of pottery provenance. In some respects, LA- ICP- MS of clay matrix replicated the chemical variation recorded by INAA, and in other respects the results are divergent. The similarities and differences between these results are explained by specific differences between the methods and the materials analysed (matrix versus bulk analysis). Suggestions for improving the method are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

. During viral assembly, viral proteins are released into plasma and can be used to infer viral load. The Architect hepatitis C virus (HCV) core antigen (Ag) assay is a potential alternative to HCV RNA quantification for measuring response to therapy and predicting an end of treatment viral response (EOTR). The HCVp22Ag assay was used to infer viral load in 68 window RNA-containing samples and in 284 samples from baseline to week 14 of ribavirin/interferon treatment in 23 patients with EOTR including three who relapsed, 20 not achieving EOTR and 11 controls. HCV Ag and RNA correlated well ( r = 0.86) with linear dose responses on dilution. In patients on therapy and control patients, plasma HCV antigen was detected in 51 of 54 with an interpolated LOD cut off between 103 and 104 RNA IU/mL. Plasma HCV antigenaemia and plasma RNA levels were significantly different in EOTR from non-EOTR patients at 3 days after treatment start and all times thereafter. Positive and negative EOTR predictive values for HCV RNA >2 log drop and HCV Ag loss at 12 weeks were 70% and 74%, 85% and 93% respectively. HCV Ag reactivity has a linear dose response independent of genotype and correlates well with HCV RNA. The failure to clear HCV Ag is as accurate as the failure to clear HCV RNA at twelve weeks into therapy in predicting the likelihood of failure to achieve EOTR. HCV Ag potentially offers a convenient alternative to RNA measurement for defining a futility flag in HCV therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A review is presented of genetic strategies deployed in a 3-yr project on drought tolerance in barley. Data were collected on genetic, physiological and agronomic traits in non-irrigated and irrigated field trials in Egypt, Morocco and Tunisia. A wide range of barley germplasm (developed from African and European cultivars, adapted landraces and wild barleys) was tested, and positive traits were found in each gene pool. The contrasting environments of the three North African countries had major effects on plant/genotype performance. Genetic effects were also detected, as were genotype x environment interactions. A range of strategies were deployed to investigate the physiology and genetics of quantitative traits associated with field performance. Quantitative trait locus (QTL) analysis was performed using backcross lines, recombinant inbred lines and doubled haploid mapping populations. A detailed genetic map was generated in the Tadmor x (ER/Apm) recombinant inbred lines, an important mapping population specifically developed by ICARDA (Centre for Agricultural Research in Dry Areas) and CIMMYT (International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center) to study drought. Quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for grain yield and other important morphological and physiological traits were also identified in a population of doubled haploids derived from F2BC1 plants from a cross between a cultivar and a wild barley accession. Significantly, the wild parental line was found to contribute a number of positive alleles for yield. Effects of major developmental genes could explain many of the responses observed. QTLs were found to cluster around major genes controlling flowering time (sgh1), plant stature (sdw1 and arie.GP) and ear type (vrs1 ), and it is highly likely that the associations represent pleiotropic effects. Some QTLs were associated with candidate genes such as dehydrins and rubisco activase. One of the most significant results was the identification... [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Research has shown that preventative intervention in individuals at ultra-high risk of psychosis (UHR) improves symptomatic and functional outcomes. The staged treatment in early psychosis (STEP) trial aims to determine the most effective type, timing and sequence of interventions in the UHR population by sequentially studying the effectiveness of (1) support and problem solving, (2) cognitive-behavioural case management and (3) antidepressant medication with an embedded fast-fail option of (4) omega-3 fatty acids or low-dose antipsychotic medication. This paper presents the recruitment flow and baseline clinical characteristics of the sample., Methods: STEP is a sequential multiple assignment randomized trial. We present the baseline demographics, clinical characteristics and acceptability and feasibility of this treatment approach as indicated by the flow of participants from first contact up until enrolment into the trial. Recruitment took place between April 2016 and January 2019., Results: Of 1343, help-seeking young people who were considered for participation, 402 participants were not eligible and 599 declined/disengaged, resulting in a total of 342 participants enrolled in the study. The most common reason for exclusion was an active prescription of antidepressant medication. Eighty-five percent of the enrolled sample had a non-psychotic DSM-5 diagnosis and symptomatic/functional measures showed a moderate level of clinical severity and functional impairment., Discussion: The present study demonstrates the acceptability and participant's general positive appraisal of sequential treatment. It also shows, in line with other trials in UHR individuals, a significant level of psychiatric morbidity and impairment, demonstrating the clear need for care in this group and that treatment is appropriate., (© 2022 John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd.)

Background: Over a two-year period between 2015 and 2016, unprecedented numbers of people arrived in Greece fleeing conflict, persecution, and poverty. With new arrivals every day, there is a significant unmet need for health care provision, posing a challenge to the Greek Healthcare System. For pregnant refugees, a known vulnerable group, this has resulted in a complex partnership of shared maternity care between humanitarian organizations, the Greek national health care system, and European multi-state initiatives. Our aim was to understand the challenges to providing maternity care services in Greek refugee camps as perceived by health care providers., Methods: A qualitative study comprising observation and semi-structured interviews with health care providers working with pregnant refugees was conducted in five refugee camps in May 2017. Interviews were transcribed and analyzed with thematic coding., Results: Twenty-one health care providers were interviewed and field notes taken from observational study of services in five refugee camps. Health care providers describe difficult cross-cultural communication to be their biggest challenge to caring for pregnant refugee women. The limited availability of female only safe spaces is also identified as a barrier. Lastly, the overburdened Greek public health system limits their ability to provide care., Conclusions: Our research supports other literature describing difficult communication and the overburdened Greek health system as significant health care barriers for pregnant refugees in Greece. There is limited literature examining the role of "safe space," and further research is needed. Stakeholders providing maternity care to refugees should look to tackle these key issues as they seek to provide care to this population., (© 2020 Wiley Periodicals LLC.)

Aim: Previous research indicates that preventive intervention is likely to benefit patients "at risk" of psychosis, in terms of functional improvement, symptom reduction and delay or prevention of onset of threshold psychotic disorder. The primary aim of the current study is to test outcomes of ultra high risk (UHR) patients, primarily functional outcome, in response to a sequential intervention strategy consisting of support and problem solving (SPS), cognitive-behavioural case management and antidepressant medication. A secondary aim is to test biological and psychological variables that moderate and mediate response to this sequential treatment strategy., Methods: This is a sequential multiple assignment randomised trial (SMART) consisting of three steps: Step 1: SPS (1.5 months); Step 2: SPS vs Cognitive Behavioural Case Management (4.5 months); Step 3: Cognitive Behavioural Case Management + Antidepressant Medication vs Cognitive Behavioural Case Management + Placebo (6 months). The intervention is of 12 months duration in total and participants will be followed up at 18 months and 24 months post baseline., Conclusion: This paper reports on the rationale and protocol of the Staged Treatment in Early Psychosis (STEP) study. With a large sample of 500 UHR participants this study will investigate the most effective type and sequence of treatments for improving functioning and reducing the risk of developing psychotic disorder in this clinical population., (© 2017 John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd.)

Prolonged survival in patients with chronic myeloid leukemia treated with BCR-ABL1-targeted tyrosine kinase inhibitors allows consideration of parenthood for patients on chronic therapy, but there are limited data about the effects of dasatinib on pregnancy. Pregnancy-related outcomes in dasatinib-treated patients or their partners reported to Bristol-Myers Squibb from clinical trials or healthcare providers through December 2013 were reviewed. Outcomes were available in 46/78 dasatinib-treated women (59%) and 33/69 partners of dasatinib-treated men (48%). Fifteen women (33%) delivered a normal infant; 18 (39%) and 8 (17%) had an elective or spontaneous abortion; and 5 (11%) had an abnormal pregnancy. There were 7 reports of fetal/infant abnormalities (encephalocele, renal tract abnormalities, and hydrops fetalis). Thirty of 33 (91%) infants fathered by dasatinib-treated men were reported normal at birth. Also, animal studies evaluated the impact of dasatinib on fertility, embryo-fetal toxicity, and development, suggesting that dasatinib may be a selective developmental toxicant. The outcomes of most pregnancies conceived by men treated with dasatinib were normal, but due to the small number of cases, further monitoring is required. Significant effects on pregnancy outcomes in women treated with dasatinib were found, supporting current recommendations that women avoid becoming pregnant during dasatinib treatment and be informed of fetal risks., (© 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.)

The prognosis of most leukemia patients treated with BCR-ABL tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) is favorable, and a more precise understanding of serious and potentially irreversible treatment-related toxicities is essential to properly inform treatment choice. Few cases of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) have been reported in patients with leukemia treated with dasatinib, a second-generation BCR-ABL TKI. To better understand characteristics and outcomes of dasatinib-treated patients with PAH, all clinical cases of PAH confirmed by right-heart catheterization in the Bristol-Myers Squibb pharmacovigilance database (N = 41), including 22 previously unpublished cases, were examined for previous treatments for leukemia, patient characteristics, time to PAH onset, and outcomes. Our analysis shows that compared with PAH due to other etiologies, dasatinib-related PAH is atypical, in that it is associated with partial to complete reversibility upon treatment discontinuation. The incidence of dasatinib-related PAH appears to be low. Most PAH cases were observed in patients who had received prior treatments for leukemia. No specific patient attributes appear to be associated with an increased risk of developing PAH while receiving dasatinib. Symptoms of PAH in dasatinib-treated leukemia patients should prompt a thorough workup, including consideration of confirmatory right-heart catheterization. In cases of confirmed PAH, dasatinib should be discontinued., (© 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.)

Aims: The aim of the study was to compare the effects of meloxicam and piroxicam on the gastroduodenal mucosa in healthy adults., Methods: Forty-four healthy volunteers were given a 28 day course of either meloxicam 15 mg, piroxicam 20 mg or placebo. Damage to the oesophageal, gastric and duodenal mucosa was assessed, mucosal blood flow (MBF) measured at endoscopy and biopsies taken for prostaglandin content and microscopic assessment of damage before NSAID administration and during days 1, 7 and 28 of continued intake., Results: Maximal macroscopic gastric mucosal damage (median grade+IQR) occurred within 24 h of piroxicam administration, the damage score increasing from 0 to 2.5 (0-3) (P=0.02) at day 1 before falling to 2.0 (0-2) at day 7 and 0 (0-1) at day 28 with resolution of damage observed in six out of the seven subjects who sustained acute injury. No significant macroscopic gastric damage occurred in either of the two other groups although some minor damage was observed in seven subjects taking placebo and five taking meloxicam. There was a trend towards piroxicam causing more acute gastric damage than meloxicam (P=0.06). Baseline antral, body and duodenal MBF were similar in all three groups. No significant changes occurred in any of the groups on any of the visits. There were also no changes in gastric mucosal prostaglandin content in any group., Conclusions: These observations suggest that meloxicam causes little acute damage to the upper gastrointestinal tract and piroxicam causes some acute gastric injury but such damage resolves in most subjects by 28 days.

Background: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) frequently cause damage to the gastroduodenal mucosa, principally by suppressing mucosal prostaglandin synthesis. However, such acute mucosal injury usually resolves, despite continued NSAID administration, by a process known as adaptation. Newer NSAIDs, such as etodolac, have been developed to minimize effects on prostaglandin synthesis., Aim: To determine whether etodolac causes less acute damage than naproxen, and whether the damage produced resolves with continued NSAID administration., Methods: Twenty-four healthy volunteers were given a 28-day course of either etodolac 300 mg b.d. or naproxen 500 mg b.d. Gastroduodenal damage was assessed using a modified Lanza scoring system and mucosal blood flow with laser doppler flowmetry at endoscopy before NSAID administration and during days 1, 7 and 28 of continued intake., Results: Maximum gastric damage (median grade and interquartile range, IQR) occurred during the first 24 h of administration, being greater with naproxen (2.0, IQR 1.0-3.0) than etodolac (1.0, IQR 1.0-1.5; P = 0.03). Such damage was associated with a fall in antral blood flow in the naproxen group (mean +/- S.E.M.) from 54.5 +/- 3.4 to 43.8 +/- 3.4 arbitrary units (P = 0.07) and a slight increase in mucosal blood flow in the etodolac group from 43.5 +/- 2.24 to 49.5 +/- 3.6 arbitrary units. With continued intake this damage resolved in all subjects taking etodolac and in eight of 14 subjects on naproxen. Resolution in the naproxen group was associated with a return to normal of antral blood flow., Conclusions: These observations suggest that etodolac causes less mucosal damage than naproxen and that adaptation occurs to both.