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Extensive research has been conducted on printable antenna technologies, believed to be fast-growing due to their significant impact on wireless devices. It is necessary to study the progress of printable antenna technology as they are core devices for wireless technology today. This review work offers a comprehensive account of the previous and recent research achievements based on the principle of printable antenna, and parametric studies of several key design parameters, for future wireless network applications. The systems considered for evaluation include broadband techniques, large Bandwidth, high gain, dual/multi-band, or reconfigurable structure, low-profile, size-reduction, compact, linear, or circular polarization applications. It also highlights the fabrication procedures, and the numerous material characteristics affecting the antenna performance for various wireless applications with design considerations. Fully printed antennas on different substrates and conductive ink were investigated, including polyethylene terephthalate (PET), synthetic paper (Teslin), resin-coated photo paper, and Kapton polyimide substrates, among many others. The findings show that the fully inkjet-printed antenna made fabrication easy, improving the accuracy and conductivity of the printed patterns by concentrating on the inherently difficult problems and opportunities. Inkjet-printed antennas are believed to be the futuristic demand for sustainability and wireless solution in several ways.

The present investigations attempted to study the effects of red, blue and green LEDs effect on seed germination, first leaf length, first leaf blade length, root length, seedling fresh and dry weight. Seeds of five rice varieties were germinated and seedlings were grown under dark and red, blue, green LEDs lighting system (6 h photoperiod and 18 h dark) set at 20 to 24± 2 °C for day and night respectively and 70 ± 2 % relative humidity in a control chamber for 14 days (starting 3 days after plated for germination). The result showed that germination percent increased significantly in BRRIdhan52 and BRRIdhan75 under red-blue-green LEDs than dark. First leaf length increased in dark than LEDs treatment. Longest leaf (10.42 cm) was recorded in BRRIdhan86 in dark and under LEDs in BRRIdhan75 (5.70 cm). First leaf blade length was highest in BRRIdhan52 (2.56 cm) under LEDs treatment and in dark BRRIdhan67 had the longest (2.48 cm). Root length was also increased significantly in studied rice varieties. Though, longest root was found in dark in BRRIdhan71 (6.69 cm) and under LEDs, BRRIdhan71 had the longest root (6.35 cm). Seedling fresh and dry weight were highest under red-blue-dark LEDs treatment. BRRIdhan86 had the highest and BRRIdhan67 had the lowest seedling fresh and dry weight with a range of 0.323g to 0.451g and 0.037g to 0.052g respectively than dark condition. Root length showed positive significant correlation with seedling fresh weight (r = 0.876) and seedling dry weight (r = 0.873). Whereas seedling fresh weight showed complete correlation (r = 1) with seedling dry weight. Response index was negative for first leaf length in the studied rice varieties. Highest response index (35.93) was observed for seedling fresh and dry weight in BRRIdhan75 and BRRIdhan86. Environ. Sci. & Natural Resources, 13(1&2): 63-69, 2020

Background With the ongoing SARS-CoV-2 pandemic there is concern for development of Long COVID in patients with immune-mediated diseases treated with immunosuppressive agents. We aimed to determine the incidence of Long COVID among Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) patients and to identify associated risk factors. Our study also aimed at studying the differences in risk of Long COVID among different IBD medication exposures. Methods We conducted a retrospective cohort study utilizing a nationwide cohort of patients with IBD in the Veteran Affairs Healthcare System (VAHS). Patients diagnosed with SARS-COV-2 between March 10th, 2020, and January 24th, 2021, were included. All charts were reviewed to determine recent IBD hospitalization, hospitalization for SARS-CoV-2 infection, and stability of IBD control pre and post infection. COVID-19 hospitalizations were also reviewed for intensive care unit requirement (ICU). COVID-19 treatments including remdesivir, monoclonal antibody infusions, and corticosteroids were also ascertained. Primary outcome was development of Long COVID. Cox regression analysis was used to identify variables associated with Long COVID. Results A total of 677 patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection were included, of which 49 (7.3%) were diagnosed with Long COVID (Table 1). No significant differences in IBD medication class between patients with and without Long COVID diagnoses were noted. In multivariable regression analysis, COVID-19 hospitalization (HR 3.56, 95% CI 1.80-7.09, p Conclusion Hospitalization and ICU care for COVID-19, as well as pre-existing COPD, were associated with increased risk of developing Long COVID, suggesting that severity of infection with a vulnerable substrate are key drivers of risk. Medications used in the treatment of IBD did not impact the risk of Long COVID. These findings should help reassure and inform IBD patients about the risk of Long COVID.

In this paper, a responsiveness temperature based on a tunable dual-wavelength Q-switched fiber laser has been proposed and experimentally demonstrated. Experiments have been carried out with tunable dual-wavelength Q-switched fiber laser by using graphite as a saturable absorber, which is incorporated in the two fiber Bragg gratings (FBG) as a sensing element. Both FBG 1 and FBG 2 have a central wavelength of 1550 nm and 1551 nm, respectively. The optical spectral and RF signals are proven observed during the temperature change. The results from optical spectra demonstrate the measured temperature has good linearity, where the slope of the graph is thus the temperature sensitivity of 1550 nm FBG. The R2 value of the graph is 0.965 and the value of temperature sensitivity is 0.0064 nm °C−1. For FBG 2 as the sensing element, the R2 value of the graph is 0.9751 and the value of temperature sensitivity is 0.0068 nm °C−1. In addition, the repetition rate is almost linear with the temperature change, giving the correlation factor of R2 value of FBG 1 and FBG 2 are 0.8118 and 0.9046, respectively. The experimental results prove the feasibility of the proposed temperature sensor.

We successfully investigated the influence of thickness on the tunability performance of plasma-sputtered indium tin oxide (ITO) as a Q-switcher. ITO is coated using direct current magnetron sputtering techniques with sputtering times of 150 s, 250 s, and 350 s to generate excellent quality ITO. Filmetrics measures the thickness, yielding 17.80 nm, 30.70 nm, and 38.90 nm, respectively. A stable Q-switched pulse is achieved at an operating wavelength and peak power of 1562.30 nm and −6.47 dBm for the thickness of 17.80 nm, 1561.40 nm and −3.19 dBm for the thickness of 30.70 nm, and 1560.2 nm and −2.44 dBm for the thickness of 38.90 nm. The thickness of 38.90 nm exhibit a high repetition rate of 43.60 kHz and narrow pulse width of 4.83 µs compared to other thickness. Employing the tunable bandpass filter in the laser ring cavity gives the wide-tuning of the wavelength range of 19.69 nm, 31.86 nm, and 36.59 nm for the thickness of 17.80 nm, 30.70 nm, and 38.90 nm, respectively. The tunability of Q-switched with the thicknesses of 30.70 nm and 38.90 nm is realized in the region of C-band to L-band. Regarding the authors’ expertise, this seems to be the first proposed influence of thickness on the tunability of plasma sputtered ITO that serves as saturable absorber in a Q-switched pulse.

This article provides data regarding the performance of zinc sulphate as a coagulant for treating rubber industry wastewater. The effect of four factors on removal efficiency of nine parameters is investigated, namely: pH, mixing speed, dosage of coagulant (zinc sulphate) and retention time. Response surface methodology was used to investigate the effect of selected variables. The data obtained from face centered composite design (FCCD) were analyzed by using analysis of variance (ANOVA) and regression model to find the optimum operating conditions for the selected factors.

We presented the polysulfone membrane enhanced with zinc oxide and titanium dioxide (Psf membrane ZnO TiO2) saturable absorber (SA) to induce passively Q-switched erbium-doped fiber laser (EDFL). The Psf membrane ZnO TiO2 was synthesized by the phase inversion technique. To obtain the Psf membrane ZnO TiO2 as a SA, the SA was deposited on the fiber ferrule through a simple exfoliation technique. The modulation depth of the Psf membrane ZnO TiO2 SA was 1.06%, with a saturation intensity of 0.0006 MW cm−2. Stable Q-switched pulses were generated at 1572 nm with a threshold pump power of 59.80 mW after inserting the prepared Psf membrane ZnO TiO2 into the EDFL ring cavity. As the pump power ranges from 59.80 mW to 165.50 mW, the repetition rate increases from 13.05 to 22.61 kHz, while the pulse duration decreases from 76.60 to 44.23 µs. When the pump power reaches a maximum power of 165.50 mW, the corresponding pulse energy and optical signal-to-noise ratio are 19.00 nJ and 61.27 dB, respectively. To our best knowledge, this is the first research utilizing Psf membrane ZnO TiO2 as SA to generate Q-switched pulses. Our research work addresses a new reference for the generation of pulsed laser using Psf membrane ZnO TiO2 and discovers that it has numerous applications in nonlinear optics and ultrafast laser technology, which significantly broadens the barrier of materials for the ultrafast laser techniques.

The purpose of this study was to uncover the role of VASN in regulating proliferative ability of prostate cancer (PCa) cells through the yes-associated protein/transcriptional coactivator with PDZ-binding motif (YAP/TAZ) axis, thus influencing the progression of PCa.VASN, YAP, and TAZ levels in PCa tissues or in the serum were detected by quantitative Real Time-Polymerase Chain Reaction (qRT-PCR). The diagnostic value of VASN in PCa was assessed by introducing receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. Besides, the regulatory effects of VASN on viability, clonality, and expression levels of YAP/TAZ were evaluated by cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8), colony formation, and Western blot, respectively. Finally, rescue experiments were conducted to uncover the involvement of YAP in VASN-regulated proliferation of PCa.Results manifested that VASN, YA, and TAZ were upregulated in PCa patients, and VASN presented a certain diagnostic value. Knockdown of VASN in LNCaP and C4-2 cells suppressed viability and clonality, and downregulated protein levels of YAP and TAZ. Notably, overexpression of YAP abolished the attenuated viability and clonality in PCa cells with VASN knockdown.VASN promotes proliferative ability in PCa via regulating the YAP/TAZ axis, thus aggravating the progression of the disease.

Objective (s):Aim of the study was to explore the changing patterns of insulin resistance in PCOS women.Methods: The study was conducted at CARE, department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Biomedical Research Group, BIRDEM hospital. A total number of 103 PCOS women of 15- 36 years were included in the present study. They were grouped into NGT (n=68), IGT (n=30), type 2 DM (n=5) according to nature of glucose tolerance. Fasting and glucose stimulated insulin was measured.Results: In IGT group, fasting and glucose-stimulated insulin level were higher when compared with NGT, but no difference between type 2 DM and NGT group was found. Insulin-glucose ratio (after glucose load) was significantly lower in type 2 DM when compared with NGT group (p=0.049), but there was no difference of insulin-glucose ratio (fasting) between type 2 DM and NGT group. PCOS with IGT or Type 2 DM women were more insulin resistant than NGT group. (p=0.015, p=0.042 respectively).Conclusion: Insulin resistance is a major pathophysiologic feature of PCOS with IGT; however â cell secretory defect is associated with type 2 DM in these subjects.Bangladesh J Obstet Gynaecol, 2014; Vol. 29(2) : 73-77

The behavior of normal and deuterated SiOC:H where the hydrogen in the dielectric was supplanted by deuterium was compared. The deuterated SiOC:H was seen to be significantly resistant to damage from TDDB (Time Dependent Dielectric Breakdown). These results strongly support the “Lucky Electron” model for TDDB degradation in low-k dielectrics containing hydrogen.

This article presents data relating to the changes in absorbance of glucose during the acid hydrolysis of sugarcane bagasse using sulphuric acid. This dataset also contains the moisture content, volatile matter, and fixed carbon of the sugarcane bagasse. The results of the analysis of variance (ANOVA) and the interaction plots between reaction time, temperature, and ratio are also presented. The data revealed that absorbance of glucose is increasing by increasing the temperature and time. Moreover, the best ratio for the highest absorbance of glucose was achieved at 1:20.

The control effects on the convection dynamics in a viscoelastic fluid-saturated porous medium heated from below and cooled from above are studied. A truncated Galerkin expansion was applied to balance equations to obtain a four-dimensional generalized Lorenz system. The dynamical behavior is mainly characterized by the Lyapunov exponents, bifurcation, and isospike diagrams. The results show that within a range of moderate and high Rayleigh numbers, proportional controller gain is found to enhance the stabilization and destabilization effects on the thermal convection. Furthermore, due to the effect of viscoelasticity, the system exhibits remarkable topological structures of regular regions embedded in chaotic domains.

Data on the mineral composition and content of one heavy metal measured in three different fruit flours prepared from ripe and unripe fruits (pulp and peel) are presented. The mineral composition (sodium (Na), potassium (K), magnesium (Mg), calcium (Ca), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), iron (Fe) and manganese (Mn)) and content of one heavy metal (lead (Pb)) of the flours were analyzed by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. The analysis showed that the data can be used for differentiation between different fruits and stages of ripeness, as revealed by discriminant analysis and cluster analysis. The data provided can be used by researchers and scientists in the differentiation of fruits based on major and minor mineral elements.

This study demonstrated the performance of a passively Q-switched fiber laser by using graphite flakes at different EDF absorption which are EDF 1 and EDF 2 at 5.09 dB/m and 7.28 dB/m, respectively. The system is designed as a single ring cavity by employing a graphite flakes saturable absorber (SA) with 23.82% of saturable absorption. The experimental result shows that a wide-band tunable cover from 1544 nm to 1560 nm and 1552 nm to 1570 nm for EDF 1 and EDF 2 respectively. The EDF 2 is the best gain medium due to the conventional wavelength band at C band and L band region.

Hb Tak is one of more than 200 high affinity haemoglobin variants reported worldwide. It results from the insertion of two nucleotides (AC) at the termination codon, between codon 146 and codon 147 of the beta-globin gene [Beta 147 (+AC)]. Polycythaemia is the main clinical feature although affected carriers are usually asymptomatic and do not require intervention. Several case studies in this region have reported the co-inheritance of Hb Tak with Hb E, delta beta and beta thalassaemia with one case of homozygous Hb Tak in a Thai boy. In this case report, a cluster of haemoglobin Tak was found in a family of Malay ethnic origin. Cascade family screening was conducted while investigating a 4-year old girl who presented with symptomatic polycythaemia. She had 2 previous Hb analysis done, at 7-month and 2-year-old with the diagnosis of possible Hb Q Thailand and Homozygous Hb D, respectively. Both diagnosis did not fit her clinical presentations. She was plethoric, had reduced exercise tolerance as well as cardiomyopathy. Her parents were consanguineously married and later diagnosed as asymptomatic carriers of Hb Tak. Consequently, re-analysis of the girl's blood sample revealed a homozygous state of Hb Tak. In conclusion, high oxygen affinity haemoglobin like Hb Tak should be considered in the investigation of polycythaemic patients with abnormal Hb analyses. In this case, DNA analysis was crucial in determining the correct diagnosis.

This research is a development research referred to Four-D model. This research aims to develop Interpersonal Intelligence-based of basic statistics learning devices to improve students’ social competence. This type of Four-D model development research consists of four stages: (1) define, (2) design, (3) develop, and (4) disseminate. The learning devices produced are RPS and a textbook that meet valid criteria.

With the advancement of semiconductor technology, the assembly process of semiconductor packaging is driving the devices to become smaller and smaller in size. One of the critical processes in backend assembly is the product’s singulation to separate bulk processed products into individual unit. Before the sawing process kick-off, saw blade preparation (blade dressing) has to be performed. Blade dressing is the process of sharpening the saw blade surface to expose the diamond grits to the blade surface that are covered by the blade bonding material (Nickel-based). Inappropriate blade preparation technique induces burn mark defect to semiconductor devices. This research presented the dressing process optimization on critical factors using Silicon carbide (SiC) as part of the effort to enhance the product quality. The 2k Full Factorial Design of Experiment (DOE) methodology, with consideration of three factors namely Blade Revolution Per Minute (RPM), Feedspeed and Dress Pass. The overall singulation process yields performance improvement by reducing the burn mark to < 0.1% with optimum saw blade preparation technique. Besides, the optimized process complementarily contributes to less kerf deformation and dressing wear.

for this article http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.juro.2013.08.101 available at http://jurology.com/ Editorial Comment: As we begin to better understand the influence of specific genetic mutations on prostate carcinogenesis, it is critically important to define the relationship of such mutations with disease outcome. To date, reports on the relationship between BRCA mutations and prostate cancer risk and outcome have been inconsistent, and at times contradictory. In this study the authors report a substantially worsened outcome for men with vs without germline BRCA1/2 mutations. Importantly these men presented with not only more advanced stage, but also higher Gleason score, suggesting phenotype rather than delay in diagnosis. In the setting of a recent report of a man undergoing prophylactic prostatectomy due to BRCA mutation this article offers guidance to the many men with known BRCA mutations who are unclear about the role of early intervention. Samir S. Taneja, M.D. Re: Intermittent versus Continuous Androgen Deprivation in Prostate Cancer M. Hussain, C. M. Tangen, D. L. Berry, C. S. Higano, E. D. Crawford, G. Liu, G. Wilding, S. Prescott, S. Kanaga Sundaram, E. J. Small, N. A. Dawson, B. J. Donnelly, P. M. Venner, U. N. Vaishampayan, P. F. Schellhammer, D. I. Quinn, D. Raghavan, B. Ely, C. M. Moinpour, N. J. Vogelzang and I. M. Thompson, Jr. Division of Hematology/Oncology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan N Engl J Med 2013; 368: 1314e1325. Abstract for this article http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.juro.2013.08.102 available at http://jurology.com/ Editorial Comment: This study compared intermittent and continuous androgen deprivation therapy in men with demonstrated metastatic disease using a noninferiority trial design. The findings do not confirm noninferiority, unlike the recently published study in which men with increasing prostate specific antigen after primary therapy were compared using a similar trial design. It is noteworthy that failure to show noninferiority does not imply superiority of continuous androgen deprivation, as the trial is not powered or designed to demonstrate this finding. Differences in trial 0022-5347/13/1906-2093/0 THE JOURNAL OF UROLOGY © 2013 by AMERICAN UROLOGICAL ASSOCIATION EDUCATION AND RESEARCH, INC. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.juro.2013.08.101 Vol. 190, 2093-2096, December 2013 Printed in U.S.A. www.jurology.com j 2093 2094 PROSTATE CANCER outcomes are not easily explained, but may simply be a function of the differences in disease stage at treatment. Similar to the previous study, improvements in quality of life were noted but were shortlived and limited. This study continues to call into question the true value of intermittent therapy, particularly in men with measurable metastatic disease. Samir S. Taneja, M.D. Re: Impact of Cabazitaxel on 2-Year Survival and Palliation of Tumour-Related Pain in Men with Metastatic Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer Treated in the TROPIC Trial A. Bahl, S. Oudard, B. Tombal, M. Ozg€ uroglu, S. Hansen, I. Kocak, G. Gravis, J. Devin, L. Shen, J. S. de Bono and A. O. Sartor; TROPIC Investigators Bristol Haematology and Oncology Centre, University Hospitals Bristol NHS Foundation Trust, Bristol, United Kingdom Ann Oncol 2013; 24: 2402e2408. Abstract for this article http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.juro.2013.08.103 available at http://jurology.com/for this article http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.juro.2013.08.103 available at http://jurology.com/ Editorial Comment: In this updated followup of the TROPIC trial (Cabazitaxel for the Treatment of Metastatic Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer) cabazitaxel provided a survival advantage over mitoxantrone in men with castration resistant prostate cancer progressing after docetaxel therapy. Many in our field question the relative value of administering chemotherapy to patients with endstage disease for a few months of additional survival. The authors importantly demonstrate prolonged survival in a subset of these men, with cabazitaxel therapy predicting a greater likelihood of survival of 2 years or more, as well as decreased likelihood of pain and reduced analgesic use. Samir S. Taneja, M.D. Re: Androgen-Deprivation Therapy Alone or with Docetaxel in Non-Castrate Metastatic Prostate Cancer (GETUG-AFU 15): A Randomised, Open-Label, Phase 3 Trial G. Gravis, K. Fizazi, F. Joly, S. Oudard, F. Priou, B. Esterni, I. Latorzeff, R. Delva, I. Krakowski, B. Laguerre, F. Rolland, C. Th eodore, G. Deplanque, J. M. Ferrero, D. Pouessel, L. Mourey, P. Beuzeboc, S. Zanetta, M. Habibian, J. F. Berdah, J. Dauba, M. Baciuchka, C. Platini, C. Linassier, J. L. Labourey, J. P. Machiels, C. El Kouri, A. Ravaud, E. Suc, J. C. Eymard, A. Hasbini, G. Bousquet and M. Soulie Medical Oncology and Biostatistics, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Marseille, France Lancet Oncol 2013; 14: 149e158. Abstract for this article http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.juro.2013.08.104 available at http://jurology.com/ Editorial Comment: Since improved survival has been observed in men with castration resistant prostate cancer treated with docetaxel, there has been a desire to consider the use of chemotherapy at earlier stages of the disease. While perhaps desirable to prolong therapeutic response and survival in men with metastatic disease before chemotherapy or hormone therapy, it is unclear if these men would respond given the differences in disease biology. This study shows no improvement in survival among men treated with up to 9 cycles of docetaxel at the initiation of androgen deprivation therapy, with a substantial cost in terms of toxicity. It is unclear whether modifications in administration scheme or dosing, or the addition of prednisone might impact outcome. Samir S. Taneja, M.D.

IUI with controlled ovarian hyperstimulation is a well known means to achieve pregnancy in unexplained and mild to moderate male factor infertility, which is also inexpensive, easy to perform as office procedure. The success rate is high.Objective: To assess the follicular response by Letrozole alone or by combination of Letrozole and Gonadotrophins in patients stimulated for IUI.Method: Prospective observational type of study.Place: CARE BIRDEM Time: 10th May 2010 – 31st December 2010Population: All the OPD patients of CARE who were selected for IUI during this period. Patients were divided into two age groups (30 yrs)Procedure: Ovulation induction was done by letrozole in one group, and combined letrozole and gonadotrophins in another group. Monitoring was done by TVS for 3 cycles.Result: Mean follicular number was 1.28±0.94 in letrozole and 3.37±0.87 in combined letrozole and gonadotrophins. No. of follicles >18mm was 12 pts (3.54±1.63) in letrozole, and 50 pts (3.44±1.93) in combined letrozole and gonadotrophins. Pregnancy/cycle was 12/77 (5.19%) in letrozole and 28/65 (14.3%) in combined letrozole and gonadotrophins.Conclusion: Number of mature follicle and pregnancy rate is higher in combined letrozole and gonadotrophins group than letrozole alone. There is no significant difference regarding follicular response and pregnancy rate in two age group DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjog.v26i1.13755 Bangladesh J Obstet Gynaecol, 2011; Vol. 26(1) : 20-26

What's known on the subject? and What does the study add? Family history (FH) is a major risk factor for the development of prostate cancer. The search for genetic variants has led to genome-wide association studies (GWAS), which have so far reported 47 susceptibility loci that predispose men to prostate cancer. However, the use of genetics or FH status in predicting clinical outcomes after prostate cancer diagnosis remains uncertain. Guidelines currently exist for clinicians and patients summarising evidence relating to the best outcomes of different prostate cancer treatment methods. Genetics and FH could potentially add to this stratification. Our study aimed to ascertain the potential prognostic roles of FH or genetic risk scores in patients managed by active surveillance. Objectives To explore the potential prognostic role of family history (FH) of prostate cancer and prostate cancer risk single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in patients undergoing active surveillance (AS) for prostate cancer. This is the first study to date, which has investigated the potential prognostic role of SNP profiles in an AS cohort Patients and Methods FH data were collected from patients in the Royal Marsden Hospital AS study. In all, 39 prostate cancer-risk SNPs identified from published genome wide association studies (GWAS) were genotyped using the Sequenom Platform and TaqMan™ assays from available DNA. The cumulative genetic-risk scores for each patient were then calculated using the weighted effect estimated from previous GWAS (log-additive model). FH status and the genetic-risk scores were assessed against adverse outcomes in AS, time to treatment and adverse histology on repeat biopsy, using univariable and multivariable Cox regression models to address time to treatment; and binary logistic regression to address biopsy upgrade. Results Of 471 patients, 55 (13.6%) had adverse histology on repeat biopsies and 145 (30.8%) had deferred treatment. On univariate analysis, there was no significant relationship between FH of prostate cancer in any degree of relation, and adverse histology or time to treatment. For risk score analyses, 386 patients' DNA was studied; and there was also no relationship found between the calculated genetic risk scores and adverse histology or time to treatment (P = 0.573 and P = 0.965, respectively). The retrospective study design and the few events were the main limitation of the study. Conclusions There is currently insufficient data to support the use of FH status or prostate cancer SNP profile risk scores as prognostic factors in AS and these should not be used to influence management decisions. As more genetic variants are discovered this may change and should be reassessed in multicentre AS cohorts.

Background: Prostate cancer (PrCa) is one of the most common cancers affecting men but its aetiology is poorly understood. Family history of PrCa, particularly at a young age, is a strong risk factor. There have been previous reports of increased PrCa risk in male BRCA1 mutation carriers in female breast cancer families, but there is a controversy as to whether this risk is substantiated. We sought to evaluate the role of germline BRCA1 mutations in PrCa predisposition by performing a candidate gene study in a large UK population sample set. Methods: We screened 913 cases aged 36–86 years for germline BRCA1 mutation, with the study enriched for cases with an early age of onset. We analysed the entire coding region of the BRCA1 gene using Sanger sequencing. Multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification was also used to assess the frequency of large rearrangements in 460 cases. Results: We identified 4 deleterious mutations and 45 unclassified variants (UV). The frequency of deleterious BRCA1 mutation in this study is 0.45% three of the mutation carriers were affected at age ⩽65 years and one developed PrCa at 69 years. Using previously estimated population carrier frequencies, deleterious BRCA1 mutations confer a relative risk of PrCa of ∼3.75-fold, (95% confidence interval 1.02–9.6) translating to a 8.6% cumulative risk by age 65. Conclusion This study shows evidence for an increased risk of PrCa in men who harbour germline mutations in BRCA1. This could have a significant impact on possible screening strategies and targeted treatments.

Feedback control on thermal convection in a fluid-saturated porous medium is investigated based on the approach of dynamical systems. A low dimensional Lorenz-like model was obtained using the Galerkin truncated approximation. The possible suppression or enhancement of chaotic convection is demonstrated.

Features of nonlinear dynamics of thermal convection in an electrically conducting fluid layer heated from below and cooled from above subjected to a constant magnetic field are studied theoretically. The Galerkin truncated approximation is employed to derive a low dimensional Lorenz-like model. Numerical analysis was performed to examine the influence of magnetic field on the phase space trajectory of various chaotic regimes. The result indicates that it is possible to suppress or enhance the chaotic convection.

The study was undertaken to compare the efficiency and outcome of laparoscopically assisted vaginal hysterectomy (LAVH), total abdominal hysterectomy (TAH) and vaginal hysterectomy (VH) in terms of operative time, cost, estimated blood loss, hospital stay, quantity of analgesia use, intra- and postoperative complications rate and patients recovery. A total of 750 patients were prospectively collected in the study period from January 2005 through January 2009 in a tertiary care hospital. The mean estimated blood loss in LAVH and VH group were significantly lower compared with the TAH group. As to postoperative pain, significantly less diclofenac was required in the LAVH and VH group vs the TAH group. LAVH, VH is clinically and economically comparable with TAH, with patients' benefits of less estimated blood loss; less analgesia use; less intra- and postoperative complication rates; less postoperative pain; rapid patient recovery and shorter hospital stay. The study concludes that thus, LAVH, VH is clinically and economically comparable with TAH.

Thermal convective instability in a fluid-saturated porous layer heated from below and cooled from above is investigated theoretically using dynamical systems approach. A feedback control strategy with an array of sensors situated at the top plate of the fluid layer is adopted. The Galerkin truncated approximation is employed to derive a low dimensional Lorenz-like model. It is shown that suppression or enhancement of chaotic convection is possible via feedback control.

A linear stability analysis was conducted to assess the feasibility of using a feedback control strategy on the onset of Benard–Marangoni convection in a micropolar fluid. The single-term Galerkin technique was used to obtain the closed-form solution for the Marangoni number M for the onset of convection, satisfying three different non-uniform basic state temperature profiles. It is demonstrated that the controller gain parameter can successfully increase the critical Marangoni number.

Feedback control on thermal convection in a fluid-saturated porous medium is investigated based on the dynamical systems approach. A low dimensional Lorenz-like model was obtained using the Galerkin-truncated approximation. The possible suppression or enhancement of chaotic convection is demonstrated when the fluid layer is subjected to feedback control in a low-dimensional framework.

In searches for low-mass companions to late-type stars, correlation between radial velocity variations and line bisector slope changes indicates contamination by large starspots. Two young stars demonstrate that this test is not sufficient to rule out starspots as a cause of radial velocity variations. As part of our survey for substellar companions to T Tauri stars, we identified the ~2 Myr old planet host candidates DN Tau and V836 Tau. In both cases, visible light radial velocity modulation appears periodic and is uncorrelated with line bisector span variations, suggesting close companions of several M_Jup in these systems. However, high-resolution, infrared spectroscopy shows that starspots cause the radial velocity variations. We also report unambiguous results for V827 Tau, identified as a spotted star on the basis of both visible light and infrared spectroscopy. Our results suggest that infrared follow up observations are critical for determining the source of radial velocity modulation in young, spotted stars.

Tissue transglutaminase (tTG) has recently been identified as the antigenic target recognised by anti-endomysial antibodies in patients with coeliac disease. In this study, an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) is used to measure IgA, IgG and IgM antibodies to tTG in patients with coeliac disease and a variety of other inflammatory disorders; and is compared to the standard immunofluorescence test used to detect endomysial antibodies (EMA). In the samples tested, 3% control sera (n=146), 83% EMA-positive sera (n=29), 9% patients with Graves' disease (n=94), 12% antimitochondrial antibody-positive sera (n=53), 11% rheumatoid arthritis patients (n=53) and 22% systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients (n=46) were positive for anti-tTG antibodies. In contrast, none of the controls, 1% of patients with Graves' disease, 2% antimitochondrial antibody-positive sera, 2% rheumatoid arthritis patients and none of the SLE patients were positive for EMA. Measurement of IgG or IgM antibodies to tTG was much less reliable than IgA anti-tTG antibody for the serological diagnosis of coeliac disease. The addition of calcium to the coating buffer improved the assay characteristics of the anti-tTG ELISA. However, the IgA anti-tTG ELISA, with and without calcium, performed less well than the standard EMA test used for the serological diagnosis of coeliac disease. In particular, the anti-tTG ELISA gave a higher rate of non-specific positive reactions.

Objective: To determine whether exposure to angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors prior to the onset of scleroderma renal crisis (SRC) leads to worse outcomes of SRC. Methods: Prospective cohort study of incident SRC subjects. The exposure of interest was ACE inhibitors prior to the onset of SRC. The outcomes of interest were death or dialysis during the first year after the onset of SRC. Results: A total of 87 subjects with incident SRC were identified and 1-year follow-up data were obtained in 75 (86%) subjects. Overall, 27 (36%) subjects died within the first year and an additional 19 (25%) remained on dialysis 1 year after the onset of SRC. In adjusted analyses, exposure to ACE inhibitors prior to the onset of SRC was associated with an increased risk of death (hazard ratio 2.42, 95% CI 1.02, 5.75, p < 0.05 in the primary analysis and 2.17, 95% CI 0.88, 5.33, p = 0.09 after post-hoc adjustment for pre-existing hypertension). Conclusion: Overall, the 1-year outcomes of SRC were poor. Prior exposure to ACE inhibitors was associated with an increased risk of death after the onset of SRC, although there was uncertainty around the magnitude of the risk and the possibility of residual confounding could not be ruled out. Further studies will be needed to confirm these findings. © 2014 Elsevier Inc.

This paper presents the development of FES-assisted abdominal exercise that specially designed for persons with neurological disorder such as stroke. A model of modified abs flex exercise equipment namely abdominal exercise ergometer and the humanoid models were developed using the dynamic simulation software. The body composition of the humanoid model is based on the anthropometric data. Based on the pre-defined hip joint trajectory, the developed model is evaluated according to the torque required at hip joint throughout the exercise cycle with the voluntarily contraction is assumed at the abdominal part. With an appropriate hip joint torque, the model is able to achieve smooth exercise movement by following the pre-defined hip joint trajectory. The performance of the model developed indicates that the model can be used for future development of FES-assisted abdominal exercise.