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We have studied the prevalence and the serological profile of HBV, HCV, HDV and HIV infections in 137 Italian subjects addicted to the intravenous use of heroine and correlated the virological findings with sexual behaviour. HBV and HCV viremia were also measured in 114 patients. Anti-HCV was detected in 81% of the addicts, and one or more markers of HBV infection were detected in 62.8% (4.4% were carriers of HBsAg, 58.4% had evidence of past HBV infection and 13.1% of the latter also had HDV markers). Anti-HIV was positive in 23.4%; 26% of those positive for anti-HCV and 4.6% of those positive for HBV markers had no other viral marker: none had only anti-HIV. HBV-DNA was negative in the carriers of HBsAg, and HCV-RNA was not detected in any of the HBsAg carriers who also had circulating anti-HCV Overall, 34% of the anti-HCV positive addicts had HCV-RNA in their blood. The prevalence of the virus infection correlated with the duration of drug addiction but not with sexual behaviour, and sexual behaviour did not influence the acquisition of any virus. HCV infection was most frequent and probably the first infection to occur, but exposure to HBV was also common despite a low rate of HBsAg carriage. The prevalence of HDV infection was high (50%) in the HBsAg carriers, while the overall prevalence of HIV was lower (23%) than expected. Lack of HBV-DNA and HCV-RNA in carriers of HBV with anti-HCV in serum may indicate that HBV and HCV mutually inhibit their own replication.

To investigate the risk of sexual and intrafamilial transmission of HCV, 220 family members of 76 patients (index cases) with chronic type C viral liver disease were tested for serological markers of HCV Of the family members, 129 were offspring, 64 sexual partners, 15 parents and 12 siblings of the index cases. Anti-HCV was tested in all the household contacts; HCV-RNA was tested in antibody positive samples. The serologic markers of HCV were tested in a control group of 168 family members of 81 patients with chronic hepatitis unrelated to HCV. The overall prevalence of anti-HCV was 8.2% compared to 0.6% in the control group (p < 0.001). Sexual partners were anti-HCV positive more frequently than the other contacts (20% vs 2.2%; p < 0.001), without any difference in males or females. No correlation was observed between the occurrence of HCV infection in contacts and age, severity of liver disease or risk factor for the acquisition of HCV in the index cases. Seven of the 18 (39%) anti-HCV positive family contacts had biochemical evidence of chronic liver disease, histologically confirmed in the 6 patients who underwent a liver biopsy. Liver chemistry was normal in all the HCV-negative contacts. Ten of the 18 anti-HCV positive contacts (55%) were HCV-RNA positive. Genotypes were the same (lb) in 4 of the 7 viremic couples of subjects: in 3 of the 6 couples of sexual partners and in the only mother/son couple. These data suggest the occurrence of intraspousal transmission of HCV, while intrafamiliar acquisition of HCV in non-sexual contacts seems to be rare.

A thorough investigation on the denuder method for ambient NO2 determination, based on the reaction with phenoxide ions has been made. A thermostatted sampling unit comprising an annular denuder coated with alkaline eugenol and a nylon pre-filter has been found to be suitable for ensuring quantitative sample collection and preventing interferences from nitrous acid as well as from gaseous and paniculate nitrate. Results of laboratory and field tests concerning the effect of humidity on collection efficiency, the oxidation of nitrite on the wall by O3/oxidants and the reliability of the method are reported and discussed.

The quality of social relationships is a strong predictor of later adjustment. Thus, it is crucial to identify those environmental factors that lead to appropriate versus deficient childhood social relations. Parent‐child interaction is one important context to examine due to the crucial role that the family environment plays in children's social development. This article reviews the parental factors associated with social anxiety, integrating the literature from various fields within psychology. Methodological limitations of this research are discussed, pointing to ambiguous constructs, limited assessment procedures, lack of research integration, and reliance on cognitive interpretations. Finally, suggestions are made for future investigations to clarify the definition of constructs and allow for more precise specification of the parental behaviors associated with social anxiety.

Changes in transmembrane sodium fluxes have been reported in normotensive and in hypertensive subjects after ketanserin administration. In this study, the effects of the serotonergic system on transmembrane sodium transport mechanisms have been investigated in vitro. In erythrocytes drawn from ten healthy subjects, we studied the effects of serotonin (5HT) on the Na/K pump, Na/K cotransport, Na/Li countertransport, and passive permeability of Na. No significant changes were found. A direct, non-receptor-mediated action of ketanserin was then suspected, and the effects of two concentrations of ketanserin (5×10-8 and 5×10-7 M) were evaluated in erythrocytes from 12 normal volunteers. Both concentrations of ketanserin significantly decreased the activity of the Na/K pump and increased the activity of Na/Li countertransport. Na/K cotransport and passive permeability were not affected. Indirect evidence of the action of ketanserin on sodium transmembrane fluxes came from other experiments. In the red blood cells taken from five normal subjects and incubated for 2 hours in a plasma pool, we evaluated the changes in intracellular sodium concentration induced by the presence of 5HT or ketanserin. A significant decrease in intracellular sodium concentration occurred only with ketanserin. This study indicates that ketanserin has a direct influence on transmembrane sodium fluxes. If this action were also present in other cells, it might contribute to the actions of the drug at vascular, nervous, and renal tubular levels.

Vanadium uptake by whole cells and isolated cell walls of the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiaewas studied. When orthovanadate was added to wild-type S. cerevisiaecells growing in rich medium, growth was inhibited as a function of the VO43-concentration and the growth was completely arrested at a concentration of 20 mM of VO43-in YEPD. Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy was used to obtain structural and dynamic information about the cell-associated paramagnetic vanadyl ion. The presence of EPR signals indicated that vanadate was reduced by whole cells to the vanadyl ion. On the contrary, no EPR signals were detected after interaction of vanadate with isolated cell walls. A ‘mobile’ and an ‘immobile’ species associated in cells with small chelates and with macromolecular sites, respectively, were identified. The value of rotational correlation time τrindicated the relative motional freedom at the macromolecular site. A strongly ‘immobilized’ vanadyl species bound to polar sites mainly through coulombic attractions was detected after interaction of VO2+ions with isolated cell walls.

The yeast Hansenula polymorphais able to grow on vanadate concentrations that are toxic to other organisms. Transmission electron microscopy analysis showed that H. polymorphacells growing on a vanadate‐containing medium undergo a significant increase in cell vacuolation and a thickening of the cell wall; the presence of small cytoplasmic vesicles and an increase in cristae at the level of the plasma membrane were also observed. These ultrastructural modifications were accompanied by a change in the intracellular polyphosphate level, as shown by in vivo 31P‐NMR. The involvement of these observed changes in vanadium detoxification is discussed.

The toxicity of inorganic metal species towards Saccharomyces cerevisiaehas been shown to be markedly dependent on cellular fatty acid composition. In this investigation, the influence of fatty acid supplementation on the toxicity of the lipophilic organometal, tributyltin was investigated. Growth of S. cerevisiaewas increasingly inhibited when the tributyltin concentration was increased from 0 to 10 μM. However, the inhibitory effect was partly alleviated by supplementation of the medium with 1 mM linoleate (18:2), a treatment that leads to large‐scale incorporation of this polyunsaturated fatty acid (to >60% of total fatty acids) in yeast membrane lipids. Cells that were previously enriched with 18:2 also showed reduced loss of vitality compared to cells grown in the absence of a fatty acid supplement, when exposed to tributyltin. For example, addition of tributyltin to a concentration of 0.1 μM was associated with an approximate 10% reduction in the H+efflux activity of 18:2‐enriched cells, but a 70% reduction in that of fatty acid‐unsupplemented cells. Despite the increased tributyltin resistance of 18:2‐enriched S. cerevisiae,the level of cell‐associated tributyltin was found to be approximately two‐fold higher in these organisms than in fatty acid‐unsupplemented cells. These results demonstrate an increased resistance of 18:2‐enriched membranes to the direct toxic action(s) of tributyltin. This is in contrast to the previously reported effect of 18:2 enrichment on sensitivity of S. cerevisiaeto inorganic metal cations.

Hepatitis viruses and the acquired immunodeficiency viruses often infect intravenous drug addicts (IVDAs). Our study includes 255 IVDAs (26 females and 229 males, aged 20–35 years) from Cagliari. Of 255 subjects examined, 207 (81.1%) were positive for anti-HCV and 84 (32.9%) for anti-HIV. Nineteen (7.4%) subjects were HBsAg carriers, and 12 of these (63%) had an HDV super-infection. Markers of previous HBV infections were tested in 223 cases and 137 (61.4%) were found positive; of these 14 (10.2%) also had HDV infection. Of the 223 drug addicts examined for all infection markers, 18 (8%) were negative to all markers, 46 (20.6%) were positive to only one, 89(39.9%) were positive to two, 64 (28.7%) to three and 6 (2.6%) were positive to all. Subjects with a single infection were significantly fewer than those with multiple infections. The correlations studied among the various markers did not point out any statistically significant associations. Even so, a previous HBV infection was more common while active HBV/HDV infections were less common among subjects with anti-HCV; HDV infection was more common among HIV-positive subjects. In HBsAg carriers neither HBV-DNA nor HCV-RNA was detected; HCV-RNA was found more frequently in anti-HIV positive subjects than in subjects with the anti-HCV isolate.

A series of ternary systems consisting of copper(II), oxidised glutathione (a S–S′ bonded hexapeptide) and five differently substituted 1,10-phenanthrolines has been studied in aqueous solvent in the range pH 3–8. The stability constants of the complexes formed, together with the relevant distributions as a function of pH, have been evaluated by elaboration of data from acid–base potentiometric titrations. Electron paramagnetic resonance and electronic spectroscopy have been used to identify the chromophore in the 1 : 1 : 1 complexes, i.e. the ternary species are in all cases the predominant ones at pH close to the physiological values. The data from the spectroscopic measurements, when considered together with the trend in stability constant values, allowed reasonable hypotheses about the effect of the substituents on the phenanthroline ring on the stability and configuration of the complexes.

Reports on extreme skiing, a specialized type of stunt work for movies in which professional skiers fall off cliffs and land on skis. Number of people in the United States that do this; When and where extreme skiing began; Rick Sylvester, first American to earn a reputation for extreme skiing. INSET: How do they do it?.

By detecting the transient four-wave mixing from gold nanoparticles in resonance with their surface plasmon, we demonstrate a multiphoton imaging modality suited for cell microscopy. Four-wave mixing is measured free from background using a three-beam excitation geometry and heterodyne detection. We achieve a spatial resolution of 140 nm in-plane and 470 nm in the axial direction, surpassing the one-photon diffraction limit. With this technique, high-contrast photostable imaging of Golgi structures is demonstrated in HepG2 cells labeled with gold nanoparticles of 10 nm and 5 nm diameter.

The article offers information on how to reduce carbon emissions at winter resorts for its sustainability. Among the steps mentioned include purchasing carbon offsets that would compensate for the greenhouse gases generated by the resort's used energy, creating an anti-carbon campaign that would encourage customer participation, and by cleaning all resort facilities to reduce carbon emission.

The article focuses on the uses of snowmobiles or all-terrain vehicles in the ski area industry and features some of the 2006 models. The sector usually prefers four-stroke engine which operates longer without maintenance, consume less energy, and the absence of air pollution. Some of these vehicles include the Arctic Cat, Bombardier Ski-Doo, and Yamaha.

Reports on the increase in the rentals of high performance ski gear in the U.S. Awareness of resort rental operators to the shift in customers' preferences; Need for ski school to upgrade its beginner fleet; Negative effect of the observed customer behavior on the resort rental business.

Urges mountain and ski resorts to conduct their own meter readings to avoid overpaying their electric bills. Power factor (PF) surcharges resorts pay over use of alternating current (AC) provided by the local power company; Case of the Taos Ski Valley line in which power consultant Bruce Lonie proved that the resort had been paying an unnecessary $20,000 PF penalty each year for five years.

Presents an update on the design and specifications of grooming vehicles used in the ski industry in the United States. Bombardier's sale of its industrial vehicle division to Camoplast; Zaugg's launch of its Pipe Monster; Pipe Dragon's modification of its device with hydraulic features; Addition of features to Pisten Bully's Park Bully operator; Sale of Ohara's Caliber Class I vehicles.

Describes computer rendering of ski mountains with resort applications. Digital mapping of Keystone; Potential for time saving in the use of digital technology in designing presentations for ski resorts; Use of geographical-information-system mapping to support expert witness testimony in both ski and non-ski related cases; Availability of digital maps and imagery from commercial firms like MapMart; Practical applications of a digitally-mapped resort.

Looks at the experiences of ski resorts in the United States. Improvement of the beginner experience; Problems facing ski resorts; Use of focus groups to identify the strengths and weaknesses of the resorts; Lessons learned.

Focuses on radio frequency (RF) access gates at ski resorts in the United States. Advantages of an RF chip system for a winter resort; Companies that offer RF lift access systems; Fitness clubs that use the smartcard system; Role of RF system in customer relations.

Interviews Daryl Hillyer, a private safety and systems consultant based in Grand Junction, Colorado. Reasons why a ski area needs a safety consultant; Job responsibilities; Type of confined spaces in a ski area. INSET: What You Can Do..

Reports on the increase in the usage of alternating current (AC)-powered motors in ski lifts. Advantages of AC-powered motors over the traditional direct current-powered motors; Pros and cons of AC motors.

Severe emotional outbursts (SEOs) during intracarotid amobarbital procedures (IAP) rarely jeopardize preoperative language and memory testing. Four of four patients (100) with outbursts had experienced significant emotional trauma (three were raped and one witnessed a decapitation), compared with 26 of 546 patients (4.8) without outbursts (269.8, p< 0.0001). Evocative injections were ipsilateral to seizure focus. IAP may disrupt emotional balance in some traumatized patients. Counseling may prevent SEOs.

The biocompatibility of dental implants is dependent on good interaction between implant-human body tissue and a good osseointegration. The surface roughness plays an important role enhancing bone healing and promoting biomechanical properties at the bone/implant interface. The increase in surface roughness can simultaneously improve cell migration and attachment of an implant, and enhance the osseointegration process. However surface roughness has shown to be detrimental to corrosion, raising the need to achieve a balance between good osseointegration and corrosion performance. This study characterised the corrosion performance of commercially pure titanium grade 4 with different surface conditionings. Implants in the form of 15 mm discs and implant screws were tested in basic Ringers lactate solution of pH 5.5 at 37degC and in modified Ringers of pH 2. Corrosion tests included open circuit potential (OCP), potentiodynamic polarization test (PDP) and mass loss corrosion tests. Metallurgical characterisation showed that titanium Grade 4 consisted of equiaxed alpha (a-Ti) grains. The OCP test showed that the machined implants were nobler than the roughened implants. The corrosion rates obtained were very low, below 0.13 mm/y which is an acceptable corrosion rate for biomaterial design and application. Mass-loss tests showed that the alloys passivated regardless of the surface conditioning. The machined surface had a corrosion resistance higher than that of the roughened surface finish in all conditions.

The article discusses the selection of anti-aliasing solutions in order to improve the final image quality of a game. It examines how to determine the pixels needed to use for the final blending of images. It cites that there are four values on which the pattern type and anti-aliasing to be performed depends on and offers the algorithm by Intel that uses texture structures. It describes edge detection as a first step in finalizing the quality of the final image.

BackgroundShort bowel syndrome (SBS) results from the physical loss of portions of the intestines. These patients develop intestinal failure and they require external intravenous support.Teduglutide promotes changes at an intestinal level, favouring the growth of the mucosa and increasing absorption. There is reduced experience in the management of this treatment so it is necessary for an interdisciplinary team to carry out a specific, individualised and consensual follow-up.PurposeOur objective is to analyse the results obtained by the interdisciplinary team in the follow-up of a patient with SBS, after the elaboration and implantation of a follow-up protocol with the active participation of the pharmacist.Material and methodsAn interdisciplinary team was established between the Pharmacy, Digestive and Home Hospitalisation Units (HHU) for the follow-up of a 38-year-old patient with SBS. We held joint meetings to review documentation, and developed and agreed a protocol. Duration of the follow-up was 6 months. The digestologist monitored the patient monthly, the HHU doctor twice-weekly and the pharmacist bi-weekly. Pharmaceutical activity focused on the adjustment of nutritional support and fluid therapy according to agreed parameters such as diuresis, ostomy losses, analytical nutritional parameters and the safety of teduglutide. We also adjusted dietary measures weekly.ResultsWith the establishment of the interdisciplinary team, after seven meetings, we were able to agree on a follow-up protocol for the patient. PN and fluid contributions decreased by 53% and 38%, respectively. The contribution time was reduced from 15 hours a day 7 days a week, to 7 hours a day for 6 days. The initial supply was 1640 ml (10 g lipid, 200 g glucose, 11.22 g N) and reduced to 840 ml (4.97 g lipids, 99 g glucose, 5.7 g N). We have managed to maintain the nutritional status required by the patient. In addition, with this intervention we were able to improve the patient’s quality of life, which we evaluated according to two scales: SF-36 and GiQLI. No adverse effects were detected.ConclusionThe role of the pharmacist in the interdisciplinary team, assuming an active and coordinating role at many times in the process, has contributed to achieving the therapeutic objectives and nutritional control of the patient.No conflict of interest