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Camellia is a large genus in the tea family of Theaceae. In this genus, several species serve different purposes, such as, medicinal and ornamental plants and beverage production. Thus, country-wide cultivation of various species of Camellia genus sought to alleviate poverty and promote economic development in many regions. However, studies on evaluating its genetic resources as a foundation for the conservation and development of this plant are yet to start. Currently, using DNA barcoding often serves as a highly reliable approach to identifying and characterizing numerous plants. In the presented study, a total of 10 Camellia accessions collected from Dong Bua village, Tam Quan commune, District Tam Dao, and Vinh Phuc province, Vietnam, underwent study during 2020-2022 at Ho Chi Minh City University of Food Industry, Vietnam. Evaluation of two DNA barcoding regions, namely, rbcL and trnH-psbA, transpired for their ability to distinguish the Camellia accessions belonging to different species in Vietnam. The results revealed a significant difference in the DNA sequences of the rbcL and trnH-psbA regions among the Camellia species. In addition, the trnH-psbA barcode region also showed higher effectiveness versus the rbcL region in recognizing various species of Camellia. The results authenticated the potential of DNA barcoding in the management, conservation, and development of the genetic resources of Camellia in Vietnam. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Curculigo orchioides is most commonly used as an imperative medicinal plant in Vietnam. The plant roots are mainly used to treat sexual dysfunction, back pain, arthritis, nephritis, jaundice, and infertility. Given the high market demand in the herbal market, C. orchioides traders commonly adulterate with other similar plants for illegitimate benefits. Maturase K (matK) and ribulose 1,5-biphosphate carboxylase (rbcL) DNA barcode loci are presently used to identify the blends and counterfeit the medicinal herbs, as well as, identify the propagating conservation material. Nevertheless, the identification accuracy is highly dependent on NCBI Genbank or Barcode of Life Database (BOLD). In the recent study, the efficiency of DNA barcode loci, matK and rbcL for the classification of C. orchioides populations, was investigated during 2020-2021. After examining 11 accessions of C. orchioides collected from different locations in Vietnam, the obtained results revealed that using NCBI database is more effective for classifying C. orchioides. In addition, the matK locus also showed higher identification power than rbcL. The obtained findings could be helpful in the trading management, conservation, and development of C. orchioides in Vietnam. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Passion fruit (Passiflora edulis) is becoming an increasingly important fruit crop in Vietnam; however, its genetic diversity has not been properly investigated. In this study, two set of molecular markers consisted of 10 RAPD and 10 ISSR markers were used to characterize the genetic relatedness of 20 passion fruit accessions, collected from different provinces in southern Vietnam. High levels of polymorphismwere found in both RAPD (97.9%) and ISSR (100%) markers; in which a total of 130 and 118 amplified-bands were generated, respectively. Both markers revealed high polymorphism information content (PIC) (0.85 for RAPD and 0.88 for ISSR). Cluster analysis and Principal Coordinate Analysis (PCA) of both markers generated similar grouping patterns. The Mantel test also showed a high correlation between these two marker methods. However, the relation among genetic data and geographical location of samples was not detected. Our results could provide molecular information for classification, plant identification, breeding, and conservation of passion fruit in Vietnam. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Topical nasal decongestants are frequently used as part of the medical management of symptoms related to Eustachian tube dysfunction. Objective: This study aimed to assess the effect of topical xylometazoline hydrochloride sprayed in the anterior part of the nose on Eustachian tube active and passive opening in healthy ears. Methods: Active and passive Eustachian tube function was assessed in healthy subjects before and after intranasal administration of xylometazoline spray, using tympanometry, video otoscopy, sonotubometry, tubo-tympano-aerodynamic-graphy and tubomanometry. Results: Resting middle-ear pressures were not significantly different following decongestant application. Eustachian tube opening rate was not significantly different following the intervention, as measured by all function tests used. Sonotubometry data showed a significant increase in the duration of Eustachian tube opening following decongestant application. Conclusion: There remains little or no evidence that topical nasal decongestants improve Eustachian tube function. Sonotubometry findings do suggest that further investigation with an obstructive Eustachian tube dysfunction patient cohort is warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Public concern about the impact of endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) on both humans and the environment is growing steadily. Epidemiologic research provides key information towards our understanding of the relationship between environmental exposures like EDCs and human health outcomes. Intended for researchers in disciplines complementary to epidemiology, this paper highlights the importance and challenges of epidemiologic research in order to present the key elements pertaining to the design and interpretation of an epidemiologic study on EDCs. The conduct of observational studies on EDCs derives from a thoughtful research question, which will help determine the subsequent methodological choices surrounding the careful selection of the study population (including the comparison group), the adequate ascertainment of exposure(s) and outcome(s) of interest, and the application of methodological and statistical concepts more specific to epidemiology. The interpretation of epidemiologic results may be arduous due to the latency occurring between EDC exposure and certain outcome(s), the complexity in capturing EDC exposure(s), and traditional methodological and statistical issues that also deserve consideration (e.g., confounding, effect modification, non-monotonic responses). Moving forward, we strongly advocate for an integrative approach of expertise in the fields of epidemiology, exposure science, risk assessment and toxicology to adequately study the health risks associated with EDCs while tackling their challenges. • Evidence on adverse effects of endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) is accumulating. • Human studies obviate the need for inter-species extrapolations, but are arduous. • We present key elements of epidemiologic studies on EDCs, for non-epidemiologists. • Epidemiologic research can study realistic exposure routes, mixtures and durations. • Let's integrate epidemiology, exposure science, risk assessment and toxicology!. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vitamin D, a hormone involved in bone and calcium homeostasis, has been shown to have potent immunomodulatory effects. We performed a retrospective cohort analysis to evaluate whether monohydroxyvitamin D levels before allogeneic hematopoietic SCT (HSCT) correlate with the risk of GVHD. Fifty-three patients who underwent myeloablative HSCT were studied. Vitamin D levels were measured in serum samples obtained before HSCT. The median 25-hydroxyvitamin vitamin D level was 21.9 ng/mL (7.8-45.7). The cumulative incidence (CI) of grades II-IV acute GVHD at 100 days was 53.1% in patients with vitamin D<25, versus 33.3% in patients with vitamin D25 ng/mL (P=0.13). The CI of chronic GVHD (cGVHD) at 2 years in patients with vitamin D<25 was 63.8%, compared with 23.8% in patients with vitamin D25 ng/mL (P=0.009). Similarly, the 2 year CI of extensive cGVHD was significantly greater in patients with vitamin D<25 compared with those with vitamin D25 ng/mL (54.5% versus 14.3%, P=0.005). In a multivariable competing risk model, low pre-transplant vitamin D levels remained a significant factor associated with cGVHD (hazard ratio=5.26, P=0.02). Our results demonstrate that vitamin D deficiency before HSCT is associated with an increased risk of cGVHD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Ustekinumab is a monoclonal antibody that targets interleukin (IL)-12/23 p40 to treat psoriasis. The IL-12 pathway is also important in regulating immunity to Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Objectives To evaluate the safety of isoniazid (INH) prophylaxis for newly identified latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) in ustekinumab-treated patients with psoriasis. Methods Safety data from 3177 psoriasis patients evaluated across five phase III trials of ustekinumab (45 or 90 mg) conducted in North America, Europe and Asia were analysed. LTBI was diagnosed based on positive tuberculin skin test or QuantiFERON®-TB test (Cellestis, Carnegie, Vic., Australia) without evidence of active tuberculosis. Results At baseline, 101/2898 (3·5%) non-Asian and 66/279 (23·7%) Asian patients were newly identified with LTBI, and all were treated with INH. Through week 12, among patients who received INH, rates of adverse events (AEs) representative of INH toxicity were generally comparable between control and ustekinumab-treated patients, as well as between ustekinumab dose groups. Markedly abnormal alanine transaminase values occurred with comparable incidences between control and ustekinumab-treated patients. The rate of study agent discontinuation due to INH toxicity was low (5/167, 3·0%) and comparable between control and ustekinumab groups through week 12. The rate of INH-related AEs did not increase disproportionately through week 28. No cases of active tuberculosis were reported in patients who received concomitant INH starting at baseline. Conclusions Across five trials of ustekinumab-treated patients with psoriasis, no cases of LTBI reactivation were observed in patients receiving concomitant INH prophylaxis for LTBI. INH prophylaxis was generally well tolerated by these patients with psoriasis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Adalimumab is an effective treatment for chronic plaque psoriasis. Objective To evaluate the safety and efficacy of adalimumab for psoriasis patients who did not adequately respond to prior psoriasis therapy. Methods PRIDE (an Open-Label Access PRogram to Evaluate the Safety and Effectiveness of Adalimumab When Added to Ina DEquate Therapy for the Treatment of Psoriasis) was a multicentre, Phase IIIb study in Canada. Patients with active moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis who failed to respond to, or were intolerant of, prior therapies received adalimumab 80 mg at Week 0 followed by adalimumab 40 mg every other week Weeks 1 through 23. The primary efficacy measure was PASI (Psoriasis Area Severity Index) 75 response at Week 16. Secondary efficacy measures included PASI 90/100 and percentage change from baseline PASI score. Adverse events (AEs) and serious AEs were recorded. Results A total of 203 patients were enrolled at 26 sites. Baseline characteristics were: male, 61.1%; mean age, 45.5 years; mean PASI score, 20.0; previous exposure to biologics, 38.4%. At Week 16, PASI 75/90/100 responses were achieved by 70.9%/49.3%/24.1% of patients, respectively. Mean percentage PASI score decrease from baseline to Week 16 was 79.5%. Mean percentage PASI improvement and response rates were maintained through Week 24. Nasopharyngitis and upper respiratory tract infection were the only AEs to occur in ≥5% of patients. Nine patients experienced serious AEs; four were considered possibly or probably related to adalimumab. Conclusion Adalimumab was safe, well-tolerated and effective for treatment of active plaque psoriasis in patients who had not adequately responded to prior therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is a common cardiovascular disorder that is frequently underdiagnosed, which can lead to poorer outcomes due to lower rates of medical optimization. We aimed to develop an automated tool to identify undiagnosed PAD and evaluate physician acceptance of a dashboard representation of risk assessment. Data were derived from electronic health records (EHR). We developed and compared traditional risk score models to novel machine learning models. For usability testing, primary and specialty care physicians were recruited and interviewed until thematic saturation. Data from 3168 patients with PAD and 16,863 controls were utilized. Results showed a deep learning model that utilized time engineered features outperformed random forest and traditional logistic regression models (average AUCs 0.96, 0.91 and 0.81, respectively), P < 0.0001. Of interviewed physicians, 75% were receptive to an EHR-based automated PAD model. Feedback emphasized workflow optimization, including integrating risk assessments directly into the EHR, using dashboard designs that minimize clicks, and providing risk assessments for clinically complex patients. In conclusion, we demonstrate that EHR-based machine learning models can accurately detect risk of PAD and that physicians are receptive to automated risk detection for PAD. Future research aims to prospectively validate model performance and impact on patient outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electrical transmission lines in Canada and elsewhere widely utilize wood structures to support electrical conductors. The Gulfport structure is one of the largest wooden structures used in Canada’s electricity transmission networks. Continuous exposure of crossarms to wide-ranging temperature, moisture, and load conditions makes them vulnerable to internal decay and failure under adverse weather conditions, such as windstorms and snowstorms. These failures can result in forced outages and customer disruptions with significant economic losses, and therefore the electrical utility industry has taken a keen interest in developing condition-assessment methods to support cost-effective replacement of aged wood crossarms. At present, there is no dataset available regarding the remaining strength of wood pole crossarms exposed to the aboveground environment for 30-40 years of service life in Canada. This paper presents a comprehensive experimental study focussed on evaluating the remaining strength distribution in a sample of crossarms removed from service. The experimental data presented in the paper are essential to assess remaining life and develop guidelines for condition assessment of crossarms. Les lignes de transport d’électricité au Canada et ailleurs utilisent beaucoup les structures de bois pour soutenir les conducteurs électriques. La structure Gulf Port est l’une des plus grandes structures de bois utilisées dans les réseaux de transport d’électricité au Canada. L’exposition perpétuelle des traverses de poteaux à une large gamme de température, d’humidité et de charge, les rendant vulnérables à la pourriture interne et à la défaillance sous diverses conditions climatiques, tels que des tempêtes de vent et de neige. Ces défaillances peuvent engendrer des indisponibilités fortuites et des pannes de courant chez les usagers, impliquant de fortes pertes financières. L’industrie des services électriques a donc montré un intérêt à développer des méthodes d’évaluation des conditions afin de soutenir le remplacement rentable des vielles traverses de poteaux en bois. Présentement, aucun ensemble de données n’est disponible concernant la résistance résiduelle des traverses en bois des poteaux exposés aux conditions environnementales au-dessus du sol pendant 30 à 40 ans au Canada. Le présent article porte sur une étude expérimentale complète portant sur l’évaluation de la distribution de la résistance résiduelle dans un échantillon de traverses de poteaux retirées du service. Les données expérimentales présentées dans cet article sont primordiales pour évaluer la durée de vie restante et mettre sur pied des directives pour l’évaluation de l’état des traverses de poteaux. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mutations of the retinoblastoma tumor suppressor gene RB are frequently observed in human cancers, but rarely in non-small cell lung carcinomas (NSCLCs). Emerging evidence also suggests that the RB-related gene p130 is inactivated in a subset of human NSCLCs. To directly test the specific tumor suppressor roles of RB and p130 in NSCLC, we crossed Rb and p130 conditional mutant mice to mice carrying a conditional oncogenic K-Ras allele. In this model, controlled oncogenic K-Ras activation leads to the development of adenocarcinoma, a major subtype of NSCLC. We found that loss of p130 accelerated the death of mice, providing direct evidence in vivo that p130 is a tumor suppressor gene, albeit a weak one in this context. Loss of Rb increased the efficiency of lung cancer initiation and resulted in the development of high-grade adenocarcinomas and rapid death. Thus, despite the low frequency of RB mutations in human NSCLCs and reports that K-Ras activation and loss of RB function are rarely found in the same human tumors, loss of Rb clearly cooperates with activation of oncogenic K-Ras in lung adenocarcinoma development in mice.Oncogene (2009) 28, 1393–1399; doi:10.1038/onc.2008.491; published online 19 January 2009 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective This study was performed to investigate the efficacy and safety of a prevention-of-flare-progression strategy with pimecrolimus cream 1% in children and adolescents with atopic dermatitis (AD). Methods A 26-week multi-centre, randomized, double-blind, vehicle-controlled study was conducted in 521 patients aged 2–17 years, with a history of mild or moderate AD, who were clear/almost clear of disease before randomization to pimecrolimus cream 1% ( n = 256) or vehicle cream ( n = 265). Twice-daily treatment with study medication was started at the first signs and/or symptoms of recurring AD. If, despite the application of study medication for at least 3 days, AD worsened (as confirmed by the investigator), treatment with a moderately potent topical corticosteroid (TCS) was allowed in both groups. The primary efficacy end point was the number of days on study without TCS use for a flare. Results The mean number of TCS-free days was significantly higher ( P < 0.0001) in the pimecrolimus cream 1% group (160.2 days) than in the control group (137.7 days). On average, patients on pimecrolimus cream 1% experienced 50% fewer flares requiring TCSs (0.84) than patients on vehicle cream (1.68) ( P < 0.0001). Patients on pimecrolimus cream 1% also had fewer unscheduled visits (87) than patients on vehicle cream (246). Conclusions In children and adolescents with a history of mild or moderate AD but free/almost free of signs or symptoms of the disease, early treatment of subsequent AD exacerbations with pimecrolimus cream 1% prevented progression to flares requiring TCS, leading to fewer unscheduled visits and reducing corticosteroid exposure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hepatic veno-occlusive disease (VOD), also known as sinusoidal obstruction syndrome (SOS), remains one of the most serious and common complications after myeloablative hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). Clinical diagnosis of hepatic VOD is based on the clinical triad of (1) painful hepatomegaly, (2) hyperbilirubinemia and (3) unexplained fluid retention. While milder cases usually resolve spontaneously, severe VOD is associated with a grim prognosis. Defibrotide (DF), a polydisperse mixture of single-stranded oligonucleotide with antithrombotic and fibrinolytic effects on microvascular endothelium, has emerged as an effective and safe therapy for patients with severe VOD. Multiple studies, including a recent large international multicenter phase II clinical trial, have demonstrated 30–60% complete remission rates with DF, even among patients with severe VOD and multiorgan failure. This article will review our current understanding of hepatic VOD, and update the clinical trial experience with DF and other potential therapies for this feared transplant complication.Bone Marrow Transplantation (2008) 41, 229–237; doi:10.1038/sj.bmt.1705899; published online 12 November 2007 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acute airway obstruction is a very rare presentation of achalasia. We report the case of a 78-year-old woman with previously undiagnosed achalasia who presented with acute respiratory distress and stridor due to tracheal compression by mega-oesophagus. Anaesthetists and physicians caring for patients with achalasia must be aware of the need for emergency oesophageal decompression in this rare and life-threatening condition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Detection of motor dysfunction in genetic mouse models of neurodegenerative disease requires reproducible, standardized and sensitive behavioral assays. We have utilized a center of pressure (CoP) assay in mice to quantify postural sway produced by genetic mutations that affect motor control centers of the brain. As a positive control for postural instability, wild type mice were injected with harmaline, a tremorigenic agent, and the average areas of the 95% confidence ellipse, which measures 95% of the CoP trajectory values recorded in a single trial, were measured. Ellipse area significantly increased in mice treated with increasing doses of harmaline and returned to control values after recovery. We also examined postural sway in mice expressing mutations that mimic frontotemporal dementia with Parkinsonism linked to chromosome 17 (FTDP-17) (T-279, P301L or P301L–nitric oxide synthase 2 (NOS2)−/− mice) and that demonstrate motor symptoms. These mice were then compared with a mouse model of Alzheimer’s disease (APPSwDI mice) that demonstrates cognitive, but not motor deficits. T-279 and P301L-NOS2−/− mice demonstrated a significant increase in CoP ellipse area compared with appropriate wild type control mice or to mice expressing the P301L mutation alone. In contrast, postural instability was significantly reduced in APPSwDI mice that have cognitive deficits but do not have associated motor deficits. The CoP assay provides a simple, sensitive and quantitative tool to detect motor deficits resulting from postural abnormalities in mice and may be useful in understanding the underlying mechanisms of disease. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

To investigate the expression of multiple therapeutic targets in tissue specimens from patients with orbital inflammatory syndromes, the clinical records of 16 patients treated for orbital inflammation between January 2003 and November 2005 for whom tissue blocks were available were reviewed retrospectively. Immunohistochemical staining was performed on archived specimens using commercially available monoclonal antibodies against CD3, CD20, CD22, CD23, CD25, and CD52 antigens. The histologic diagnoses were confirmed, and the immunohistochemical staining patterns were agreed upon by both collaborating pathologists (JLJ and PC-B). The study included 13 women and 3 men who ranged in age from 4 to 79 years (mean, 46 years). The histologic diagnoses were as follows: orbital pseudotumor in six patients; sarcoidosis, three; eosinophilic granuloma, one; necrobiotic xanthogranuloma, one; nonspecified granulomatous inflammation, one; Graves’ ophthalmopathy, one; Wegener’s granulomatosis, one; and reactive lymphoid hyperplasia, two. One orbital lymphoma specimen and one foreign body reaction specimen were used as controls. CD20 was strongly expressed in all specimens except three (Wegener’s granulomatosis, eosinophilic granuloma, and nonspecified granulomatous inflammation specimens), and CD25 was strongly expressed in all specimens except the Wegener’s granulomatosis specimen, in which this antigen was only moderately expressed. CD20 and CD25 were strongly or moderately expressed in most of the tested specimens of orbital inflammation. If our findings are confirmed in a larger study, rituximab, which targets CD20, and denileukin diftitox (ONTAK), which targets CD25, should be considered for future clinical trials for orbital inflammatory syndromes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

HLA-C matching is an important determinant of outcome after myeloablative unrelated donor (URD) hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. However, its importance in non-myeloablative stem cell transplantation (NST) is not known. We report a retrospective analysis of 111 patients who underwent URD NST, of whom 78 were 10/10 matched at HLA-A, B, C, DRB1, DQB1 and 33 were mismatched at one or more HLA-C antigen/allele (24 HLA-C only; nine HLA-C+other locus mismatch). Patients were conditioned with busulfan (0.8 mg/kg/day i.v. × 4 days) and fludarabine (30 mg/m2/day i.v. × 4 days). Graft-versus-host disease prophylaxis included cyclosporine/prednisone- or tacrolimus/mini-methotrexate-based regimens. HLA-C disparity did not impair engraftment. Median marrow donor chimerisms were 90% donor at day+30 and +100 in both groups. Overall survival at 2 years was 30% in HLA-C-mismatched and 51% in 10/10-matched patients (P=0.008). In Cox regression, HLA-C mismatch was an independent predictor of death (hazard ratio 1.85, P=0.04). Treatment-related mortality was higher in the HLA-C-mismatched group: 48 versus 16% (P=0.0001). Cumulative relapse incidence was 35% in the HLA-C-mismatched and 55% in the 10/10-matched cohort, P=0.09. HLA-C mismatch is associated with inferior survival after URD NST.Bone Marrow Transplantation (2006) 37, 845–850. doi:10.1038/sj.bmt.1705315; published online 13 March 2006 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wood transmission structures, such as H frames, have been extensively used to support electrical transmission lines throughout Canada. The transmission infrastructure is in general aging, and fungal decay of wood crossarms poses a significant risk of failure under adverse weather conditions. A crossarm failure in the transmission system can result in forced outages and customer disruptions that lead to significant economic losses. This paper presents a condition assessment model to prioritize the replacement of transmission crossarms that are near the end of their service life. The proposed standard involves a visual condition rating system, which is validated by results of full-scale testing of a sample of in-service crossarms. Aerial inspection of transmission lines using the proposed visual rating system is a simple, economical, fast, and effective method of assessment. The proposed approach would ensure a more consistent compliance with the condition-based replacement standard specified in the Canadian (Canadian Standards Association Standard CSA 22.3 No. 1-01) and North American (US National Electric Safety Code 2002 edition) standards. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary:Prior studies suggest that depletion of CD8+T cells from donor bone marrow or donor lymphocyte infusions can reduce graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) without compromising graft-versus-leukemia. We explored CD8 depletion in patients undergoing matched related donor (MRD, n=25) and unrelated donor (URD, n=16) peripheral blood stem cell transplantation following myeloablative conditioning with cyclophosphamide (60?mg/kg/day i.v.×2) and total body irradiation (200?cGy×7 fractions). Ex vivo incubation of mobilized donor peripheral blood cells with anti-CD8 antibody coated high-density microparticles removed 99%of CD8+cells. The median number of CD8+cells infused was 3.9×105 cells/kg (2.2×105 in MRD, and 8.1×105 in URD patients). Post transplant immune suppression included tacrolimus in the MRD cohort, and tacrolimus plus mini-methotrexate (5?mg/m2 days+1, 3, 6, 11) in the URD cohort. All 41 patients engrafted. Grade 2-4 acute GVHD incidence was 61%(44%MRD, 88%URD). Chronic GVHD incidence was 50%(48%MRD, 55%URD). Relapse incidence was 4.9%. Estimated event-free and overall survival rates were 65 and 63%, respectively, at 1 year and 56 and 57%, respectively, at 2 years. There was no correlation between CD8+number and GVHD or survival. A 2-log depletion of CD8+cells from PBSC is insufficient to prevent GVHD.Bone Marrow Transplantation (2004) 34, 987-994. doi:10.1038/sj.bmt.1704690 Published online 18 October 2004 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We have fabricated trilayer insulator metal–insulator–semiconductor (MIS) structures consisting of hafnium dioxide (HfO2) as the high-κ tunnel dielectric, a germanium (Ge) nanocrystal middle layer formed by sputtering and subsequent rapid thermal annealing, and a silicon dioxide cap layer. Capacitance–voltage (C–V) measurements of such structures show a clockwise hysteresis on n-type silicon substrates, demonstrating the charge storage capability of the device. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis shows no significant penetration of Ge into the silicon substrate. The data retention capability of the MIS structures was characterized using capacitance–time (C–t) measurements. The charge retention capability of the device with HfO2 as the tunnel dielectric was found to be two times better than that of a similar structure control device with silicon dioxide as the tunnel dielectric. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Summary:The effect of hematopoietic growth factors on neutrophil recovery after allogeneic transplantation is well-recognized. Recent laboratory studies demonstrated that these cytokines may also modify T-cell and dendritic cell function, but whether the effect is strong enough to alter the risk of GVHD is unclear. We performed a meta-analysis to determine the effect of G-CSF or GM-CSF on the risk of nonhematopoietic outcomes after allogeneic transplantation. A search of the literature from 1986 to present yielded 18 publications in which data were provided for cohorts receiving growth factor vs either placebo or no therapy. These included nine prospective randomized studies, eight retrospective cohort studies, and one case-control study comprising a total of 1198 patients. The publication types were heterogeneous with regard to demographic and treatment characteristics, although within publications, comparative groups were generally balanced. The pooled risk ratio estimates with use of growth factor was 1.08 (95% CI 0.87-1.33, P=0.48) for grades 2-4 acute GVHD, 1.22 (95% CI 0.80-1.86, P=0.99) for grades 3-4 acute GVHD, and 1.02 (95% CI 0.82-1.26, P=0.87) for chronic GVHD. This analysis did not detect a significant change in the risk of acute or chronic GVHD after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation when hematopoietic growth factors were used to shorten the initial period of neutropenia.Bone Marrow Transplantation (2003) 32, 771-775. doi:10.1038/sj.bmt.1704228 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects of advance care planning are poorly understood. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of an advance care planning intervention on the completion of advance directives (ADs) and patient satisfaction. A volunteer sample of persons with HIV/AIDS received advance directive documents, watched an educational video and received individual counselling on completing an advance directive during three face-to-face interviews over approximately six months. The advance care planning intervention was associated with an increase in advance directive completion rates from 16.4% to 40.7% (p = 0.001), but 23.1% of advance directives reported as completed were legally invalid. There was a trend towards decreased overall patient satisfaction with health care (p = 0.07). Advance are planning increases the rate of AD completion but many 'completed' advance directives are legally invalid. Advance care planning did not improve patient satisfaction with health care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pseuderanthemum palatiferum is a commonly used ornamental plant in Vietnam. It is getting more attention due to its medicinal values. In this study, the genetic composition of 16 P. palatiferum accessions and relatives collected from Vietnam were analyzed using 16 RAPD and ISSR molecular markers. The obtained results show that both RAPD and ISSR produced a high number of polymorphic bands. The similarity coefficient varies among RAPD and ISSR, from 0.53 - 0.95 and 0.32 - 0.91, respectively. Mantel test also shows poor correlation between RAPD and ISSR markers. Both data from RAPD markers or combination of RAPD and ISSR markers could differentiate P. palatiferum from its relatives. The obtained results reveal the large variation in genetic composition of P. palatiferum population in Vietnam. The findings could be beneficial in classification, identification, and conservation efforts of P. palatiferum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The cutaneous T-cell lymphomas (CTCL) are a group disease characterized by malignant proliferations of CD4 positive T-cells having monoclonally rearranged T-cell receptor (TCR) genes. A recent study using monoclonal antibodies to two TCR β-chain variable (V) region gene products showed preferential expression of the Vβ8 gene product in these tumors. The finding of predominant usage of a single Vβ8 would imply that selection by antigen is important in the etiology of these tumors. We have studied eight cases of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma and one cell line derived from a patient with mycosis fungoides/Sezary syndrome, using an extended panel of antibodies to V region gene products. Contrary to the previous report, in our study expression of the V&beta8; gene product by tumor cells was not observed in any of the cases of CTCL or in the tumor cell line studied; preferential use of many of the variable region genes recognized by the antibodies in the panel was not observed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: p53 mutation has been observed in many human malignancies, including skin cancers. However, the data in melanoma has been conflicting. Material and methods: We have examined, by immunohistochemistry, using the DO7 and CM1 antibodies, the frequency of p53 overexpression in 14 metastatic melanomas and 61 primary melanomas, of which 30 were from sun-protected sites and 31 from sun-exposed sites. Results: Ten of 14 metastatic melanomas showed p53 overexpression compared to only eight of 61 primary melanomas (P < 0.004). No significant difference in p53 expression was found between primary melanomas from sun-protected (2/30) and sun-exposed sites (6/31). We have also examined p53 mutation by single-strand conformation polymorphism (SSCP) analysis of four melanoma cell lines. One cell line established from a primary melanoma from a sun-protected site showed evidence of an altered migration pattern in exon 7. Sequencing analysis of this region confirmed a point mutation in codon 244, showing a G to C transversion. This mutation is unlikely to be due to ultraviolet (UV) radiation since mutations caused by UV radiation are predominantly CC → TT or C → T transitions. Conclusions: In summary, p53 mutation in primary melanoma is uncommon and does not appear to be related to UV radiation, p53 mutation is more common in metastatic melanomas suggesting that it may be involved as a late event in melanoma progression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of rapid thermal annealing temperature on the diffusion of silicon (Si) and germanium (Ge) and the formation of Ge nanocrystals in a silicon oxide matrix was investigated. The formation of Ge nanocrystals was attributed mainly to the reduction of Ge suboxides by Si diffused from the Si substrate. For samples annealed at 800 °C, the nanocrystals were uniform in size and distributed evenly in the bulk of the oxide but became denser nearer to the silicon–silicon oxide (Si–SiO2) interface. When the sample was annealed at 900 °C, two regions with different nanocrystal densities and size distributions separated by a region void of nanocrystals were observed. The region of denser nanocrystals was located near the Si–SiO2 interface. For annealing at 1000 °C, nanocrystals were only observed at the Si–SiO2 interface and these have significant size variation, with the rest of the oxide being void of nanocrystals. The nanocrystals formed at 900 and 1000 °C were generally found to be defective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of germanium concentration and the rapid thermal oxide (RTO) layer thickness on the nanocrystal formation and charge storage/retention capability of a trilayer metal–insulator–semiconductor device was studied. We found that the RTO and the capping oxide layers were not totally effective in confining the Ge nanocrystals in the middle layer when a pure Ge middle layer was used for the formation of nanocrystals. From the transmission electron microscopy and secondary ion mass spectroscopy results, a significant diffusion of Ge atoms through the RTO and into the silicon substrate was observed when the RTO layer thickness was reduced to 2.5 nm. This resulted in no (or very few) nanocrystals formed in the system. For devices with a Ge+SiO[sub 2] cosputtered middle layer (i.e., lower Ge concentration), even though a higher charge storage capability was obtained from devices with a thinner RTO layer, the charge retention capability was poorer as compared to devices with a thicker RTO layer. © 2003 American Institute of Physics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Postesophagectomy anastomotic leak is a common postsurgical complication. The current standard method of detecting leak is esophagram usually late in the postoperative period. Perianastomotic drain amylase level had shown promising results in early detection anastomosis leak. Previous studies have shown that postoperative day 4 amylase level is more specific and sensitive than esophagram. The purpose of this study is to determine if implementing a drain amylase-based screening method for anastomotic leak can reduce length of stay and hospital cost relative to a traditional esophagram-based pathway. The drain amylase protocol we propose uses postoperative day 4 drain amylase level to direct the initiation of PO intake and discharge. We designed a decision analysis tree using TreeAge Pro software to compare the drain amylase-based screening method to the standard of care, the esophagram. We performed a retrospective review of postesophagectomy patients from a tertiary academic medical center (University hospital Cleveland medical center) where amylase level was measured routinely postoperatively. The patients were separated into amylase-based pathway group and the standard of care group based on their postop management. The length of stay, costs, complications, and leak rate of these two groups were used to inform the decision analysis tree. In the base-case analysis, the decision analysis demonstrated that an amylase-based screening method can reduce the hospital stay by one day and reduced costs by ∼$3,000 compared to esophagram group. To take the variability of the data into consideration, we performed a Monte Carlo simulation. The result showed again a median saving of 0.71 days and ∼$2,500 per patient in hospital cost. A ballistic sensitivity analysis was performed to show that the sensitivity of postoperative day 4 amylase level in detecting a leak was the most important factor in the model. We conclude that implementing an amylase-based screening method for anastomotic leak in postesophagectomy patient can significantly reduce hospital cost and length of stay. This study demonstrates a novel protocol to improve postesophagectomy care. Based on this result, we believe a prospective multicenter study is appropriate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In vitro maturation (IVM) has some advantages over conventional in vitro fertilization (IVF), particularly in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) where the risk of ovarian hyperstimulation is high. We studied the live birth rate in a large series of PCOS women undergoing human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG)-priming IVM. Methods: This retrospective study included women with PCOS aged 18–42 years undergoing IVM with hCG priming. We reported live birth rate after the first embryo transfer and cumulative live birth rate from embryos obtained in the IVM cycle. We also performed logistic regression to assess which factors predicted number of oocytes and live birth. Results: We included 921 women (age 28.9±3.5 years, body mass index 21.8±3.1 kg/m2, infertility duration 3.7±2.6 years, 81% primary infertility, 88% first IVF attempt, 94% ovulation induction failure). Live birth rate after the first embryo transfer was 31.7%, with a cumulative live birth rate from the cycle of 33.7%. High anti-Müllerian hormone levels predicted a high number of oocytes and a high oocyte maturation rate while the opposite was the case when luteinizing hormone levels were high. Conclusions: In women with PCOS, hCG priming IVM was feasible and resulted in acceptable live birth rates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ge nanocrystals embedded in lanthanide-based high-k dielectric (amorphous Lu2O3 in this work) were formed using pulsed laser deposition followed by rapid thermal annealing in N2 ambient. The formation and evolution of the Ge nanocrystals have been studied using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) in conjunction with depth profiling, and secondary ion mass spectroscopy (SIMS) analysis. Plan-view TEM images indicated that the formation of nanocrystals was first initiated during the deposition process. The annealing treatment significantly enhanced the nucleation of Ge nanocrystals, resulting in a high areal density of 7×1011 cm-2 Ge nanocrystals with a mean size of about 6 nm in diameter in the amorphous Lu2O3 matrix. XPS depth profile analysis revealed that Ge nanocrystals were predominantly formed from the precipitation of Ge nuclei from the oxide phase. A low annealing temperature of 400 °C was sufficient to dissociate the GeO2 and GeOx leading to the formation of Ge nanocrystals. An accumulation of Ge species close to the upper Ge/Lu2O3 interface was observed from XPS and SIMS depth profile analysis. Different charge storage behaviors observed from the memory capacitor devices before and after annealing could be correlated to the changes in structure and composition of the film. The memory capacitor device fabricated from the annealed sample showed efficient charge storage effect under a low operation voltage without significant initial charge decay. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report the quantum efficiency of photoluminescence processes of Er optical centers as well as the thermal quenching mechanism in GaN epilayers prepared by metal-organic chemical vapor deposition. High resolution infrared spectroscopy and temperature dependence measurements of photoluminescence intensity from Er ions in GaN under resonant excitation excitations were performed. Data provide a picture of the thermal quenching processes and activation energy levels. By comparing the photoluminescence from Er ions in the epilayer with a reference sample of Er-doped SiO2, we find that the fraction of Er ions that emits photon at 1.54 μm upon a resonant optical excitation is approximately 68%. This result presents a significant step in the realization of GaN:Er epilayers as an optical gain medium at 1.54 μm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background There are few studies detailing the incidence, patient outcomes and prognostic factors for chondrosarcomas (CS). Those that do exist have small sample sizes and/or use older datasets. The purpose of this study was to determine the incidence, overall survival (OS) and prognostic factors for OS of CS patients, as well as investigate the efficacy of curettage. Methods We analyzed data of 2186 patients diagnosed with chondrosarcomas between '89-'13 from the Netherlands Cancer Registry. The effect of risk factors on OS was assessed with a multivariate Cox regression. Median Follow-up was determined with reversed Kaplan-Meier. OS was estimated using Kaplan-Meier method. Results The relative incidence of CS was 2.88 per million citizens between '89-'96, 4.15 between '96-'04 and 8.78 between '05-'13. Most of the increase in incidence came from atypical cartilaginous tumours/grade I chondrosarcoma (ACT/CS I). The 3-, 5- and 10-years survival were, respectively, 96%, 93% and 88% for ACT/CS I, 82%, 74% and 62% for grade II CS and 38%, 31% and 26% for grade III CS. Prognostics factors significantly associated with OS were age, histological grade, year of diagnosis, tumour location and size. Conclusion The incidence of CS, and especially ACT/CS I, has increased over time, which could be driven by both an ageing population and increased diagnostic imaging. With the increased number of diagnosed ACT/CS I, the number of preventative curettages of this tumour has also increased. Despite the supposed preventative character of this treatment, the incidence of high-grade CS did not decrease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article presents a letter to the editor regarding health care for children as reported in the February 19, 1998, issue.

This article discusses a medical case of a 53-year old butcher, who developed acute dermatitis on his feet and legs. While working, he used to wear hard-toe black rubber boots but 1 month before the onset of the dermatitis, he started to wear newly purchased black rubber boots obtained from France by his employer. Patch tests to the standard series of chemicals were carried out. Paraphenylenediamene (PPD) black rubber mix produced a + + reaction at D2. further patch tests to rubber from the patient's workboots and to IPPD 0.1% pet showed + + reactions at D2.

Background Clopidogrel is commonly prescribed to cats with perceived increased risk of thromboembolic events, but little information exists regarding its antiplatelet effects. Objective To determine effects of clopidogrel on platelet responsiveness in cats with or without the A31P mutation in the MYBPC3 gene. A secondary aim was to characterize variability in feline platelet responses to clopidogrel. Animals Fourteen healthy cats from a Maine Coon/outbred mixed Domestic cat colony: 8 cats homozygous for A31P mutation in the MYPBC3 gene and 6 wild-type cats without the A31P mutation. Methods Ex vivo study. All cats received clopidogrel (18.75 mg PO q24h) for 14 days. Before and after clopidogrel treatment, adenosine diphosphate ( ADP)-induced P-selectin expression was evaluated. ADP- and thrombin-induced platelet aggregation was measured by optical aggregometry ( OA). Platelet pVASP and ADP receptor response index ( ARRI) were measured by Western blot analysis. Results Platelet activation from cats with the A31P mutation was significantly ( P = .0095) increased [35.55% (18.58-48.55) to 58.90% (24.85-69.90)], in response to ADP. Clopidogrel treatment attenuated ADP-induced P-selectin expression and platelet aggregation. ADP- and PGE1-treated platelets had a similar level of pVASP as PGE1-treated platelets after clopidogrel treatment. Clopidogrel administration resulted in significantly lower ARRI [24.13% (12.46-35.50) to 11.30% (−7.383 to 23.27)] ( P = .017). Two of 13 cats were nonresponders based on OA and flow cytometry. Conclusion and Clinical Importance Clopidogrel is effective at attenuating platelet activation and aggregation in some cats. Cats with A31P mutation had increased platelet activation relative to the variable response seen in wild-type cats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Patients with locally advanced rectal cancer receive preoperative radiotherapy to reduce the probability of recurrence and to possibly improve overall survival. However, this appears dependent on the extent of histological tumour regression seen in the resected bowel, which can be highly variable between individuals. No predictive marker that can stratify patient management in this regard is currently available. Experimental data implicates a variety of factors that are involved in the DNA damage response following radiation injury, tumour tissue oxygenation, autoimmune antitumour response triggered by radiotherapy and in the pathogenesis of colorectal cancer, as potential indicators of radiation sensitivity. These details are presented in this review, which may serve as targets for clinical validation studies aiming to find predictors of radiotherapy response in rectal cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this paper was to estimate the inter-rater reliability of expert assessments of occupational exposures. An inter-rater reliability sub-study was conducted within a population-based case-control study of postmenopausal breast cancer. Detailed information on lifetime occupational histories was obtained from participants and two industrial hygienists assigned exposures to 185 jobs using a checklist of 293 agents. Experts rated exposure for each job–agent combination according to exposure status (unexposed/exposed), confidence that the exposure occurred (possible/probable/definite), intensity (low/medium/high), and frequency (% time per week). The statistical unit of observation was each job–agent assessment (185 jobs × 293 agents = 54,205 assessments per expert). Crude agreement, Gwet AC1/2 statistics, and Cohen's Kappa were used to estimate inter-rater agreement for confidence and intensity; for frequency, the intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC) was used. The majority of job–agent combinations were evaluated by the two experts to be not exposed (crude agreement >98% of decisions). The degree of agreement between the experts for the confidence of exposure status was Gwet AC1/2 = 0.99 (95% CI: 0.99–0.99), and for intensity, a Gwet AC2 = 0.99 (95% CI: 0.99–0.99). For frequency, an ICC of 0.31 (95% CI: 0.26–0.35) was found. A sub-analysis restricted to job–agent combinations for which the two experts agreed on exposure status revealed a moderate agreement for confidence of exposure (Gwet AC2 = 0.66) and high agreement for intensity (Gwet AC2 = 0.96). For frequency, the ICC was 0.52 (95% CI: 0.47–0.57). A high level of inter-rater agreement was found for identifying exposures and for coding intensity, but agreement was lower for the coding of frequency of exposure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Axillary lymph node staging is traditionally important to provide prognostic information to guide further treatment. However, the relevance of isolated tumour cells (ITC) or micrometastases in axillary nodes and the need for adjuvant treatment remain uncertain. Patients and methods Data from 18 370 patients with pT1–2 breast cancer with pN0, pN0i+ or pN1mi were analysed. The primary end point was 5-year disease-free survival (locoregional recurrence, distant metastases or contralateral breast cancer). Results Five-year disease-free survival was 89.9% [95% confidence interval 89.5% to 90.4%]; and did not differ significantly between groups. After adjusting for prognostic factors (including treatment), patients with ITC had a comparable risk (hazard ratio = 1.12) as patients with node-negative disease, while patients with micrometastases had a 38% higher risk of recurrence. Conclusion(s) Patients with ITC and node-negative breast cancer appear to have similar prognosis, and those with micrometastases have a 38% higher risk of tumour recurrence. However, considering that disease-free survival is already high, we are reluctant to advise chemotherapy in all patients with ITC or micrometastases. In future, genomic tumour characteristics might predict the propensity of dissemination from the primary cancer better than the status of the axillary lymph nodes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The prognosis for patients with most forms of T-cell lymphoma is poor. Allogeneic hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation (HSCT) may improve the outcome.Patients and methods: This study examines the outcome of 52 patients who underwent ablative or nonablative allogeneic HSCT for peripheral T-cell lymphoma (PTCL) or advanced mycosis fungoides/Sezary syndrome over a 12-year period at a single institution. We divided the patients into those with predominantly nodal histologies: peripheral T-cell not otherwise specified (PTCL NOS), angioimmunoblastic (AITL), or anaplastic large cell lymphoma, T/null type (systemic) (ALCL), and predominantly extranodal histologies: natural killer (NK)/T cell, enteropathy type, hepatosplenic, subcutaneous panniculitic, mycosis fungoides, or T cell or NK cell other.Results: Median follow-up of survivors is 49 months. Non-relapse mortality and relapse at 3 years was 27% and 43%, respectively. The incidence of grade II–IV acute graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) was 21%. The incidence of extensive chronic GVHD at 2 years was 27%. The 3-year progression-free survival was 30%: 45% in patients with predominantly nodal histologies (PTCL NOS, AITL, and ALCL) and 6% in patients with predominantly extranodal histologies (P = 0.016). Overall survival at 3 years was 41% for all patients.Conclusion: Allogeneic HSCT can produce long-term remissions in relapsed/refractory T-cell lymphoma, especially those with nodal histologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: From 1999 to 2004, Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC), Vie Nam reported 401 clinically suspected and 90 laboratory-confirmed diphtheria. To identify risk factors, a matched case–control study was conducted during 2005 and 2006. In total, 88 cases that occurred in 2003 and 2004 and 352 age- and sex-matched controls were studied. No DPT/DT immunisation (odds ratio, 9.9 [95% CI, 1.9–52.3]) and bathing only once a day or less (OR 1.7 [95% CI, 1.0–2.9]) were associated with diphtheria incidence. Estimated vaccine efficacy of three or more DPT/DT doses was 88%. Immunising children with zero-dose status of diphtheria toxoid inoculation, rather than the introduction of booster doses, and the promotion of skin hygiene were considered to be the priority interventions in controlling the endemic diphtheria in HCMC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]