Search

Drawing on critical Whiteness studies (CWS) alongside theories of engagement and critical consciousness, we share the story of two student teachers (STs) who were identified as "fully engaged" during urban student teaching. At the program level, results indicate that the STs' teacher preparation program favored compliant engagement over rebellion and reinforces and recenters White-dominant norms and ideologies. Looking specifically at the STs' experiences, both engaged in relationship building, resisted curriculum, and felt a sense of responsibility to and for their students. Despite these similarities, only one of the student teacher's stories included enactments of criticality while the other displayed more dysconscious ways of doing/being in the field. Implications for how we conceptualize student teacher engagement within teacher preparation programs, including how to support student teachers to engage critically during field experiences, are shared. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Collective behaviors in which the magnetic response depends not only on the individual constituents but also on their interactions are an area of active research. We have produced a paradigmatic system where DC magnetron sputtered FexAg100-x (x=15, 35) nanogranular films exhibit a crossover between a superspin glass (SSG) state and a superferromagnetism (SFM), where direct exchange interactions overcome the frustration. The systems have been studied by non-linear susceptibility (NLS) and small angle neutron scattering (SANS). The NLS measurements were carried out between 2 and 300K, in the absence of a biasing magnetic field, with frequencies spanning two decades. These measurements shed light on the complex nature of the interactions and the intricate relationship between direct exchange and long range magnetic interactions. The use of SANS allows us to estimate qualitatively the lengthscale of the magnetic correlations, and therefore identify a clear difference between the collective "supermagnetic" states (i.e., SSG and SFM) while establishing links between the structure and the magnetic interactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective methods are needed to quantify digital artery disease in systemic sclerosis (SSc) for clinical trials of vascular therapies. Our primary aim was to examine feasibility of a novel tomographic three-dimensional-(3-D) ultrasound (tUS) with high-frequency ultrasound (HFUS) or ultra-high-frequency ultrasound (UHFUS) to assess the digital arteries in patients with SSc compared to healthy controls. A secondary objective was to compare the total wall volume (TWV) as a measure of intimal/medial thickness. Eighteen patients with a confirmed diagnosis of SSc were studied by tUS HFUS (17.5 MHz, n = 10) or tUS UHFUS (48 and 70 MHz, n = 8) with equal numbers of healthy controls of similar age and gender. The majority of patients had limited cutaneous SSc and were representative of a spectrum of digital vasculopathy, with over half (n = 6 HFUS and n = 5 UHFUS) having previous digital ulceration. Over half were receiving oral vasodilatory therapy. TWV was measured in both digital arteries of the middle finger bilaterally. At least, two digital arteries could be identified at 17.5 MHz in all patients and healthy controls. Whereas, at least two digital arteries could be identified in relatively fewer patients compared to healthy controls using 48 MHz (n = 6 and 10) and especially 70 MHz (n = 4 and 10) UHFUS. The median difference in TWV between patients and healthy controls was -6.49 mm3 using 17.5 MHz, 1.9 mm3 at 48 MHz, and -0.4 mm3 at 70 MHz. tUS using UHFUS is a feasible method to measure TWV of digital arteries in SSc. Transducer frequency plays an important factor in successful digital artery measurement, with 48 MHz being the optimal frequency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic has resulted in new challenges for clinicians, head and neck cancer (HNC) patients and carers. There is evidence that the current crisis is affecting the management of HNC patients. Most healthcare systems have introduced remote consultations to decrease the risk of coronavirus infection to patients, carers and clinicians. At present, HNC patients may be anxious and due to logistical issues, may not be adequately prepared for their treatment. To ensure that patients have a thorough understanding of their treatment and expected outcome during the current COVID-19 crisis there may be merit in the use of the HaNC-AD PCI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The aim of this paper is to determine whether health-related quality of life (HRQOL) at diagnosis of head and neck cancer (HNC) is associated with overall survival following treatment with curative intent after adjusting for other factors. Methods: Data were collected from 5511 participants of the Head and Neck 5000 study (HN5000). HRQOL was measured using the EORTC QLQ-C30. Questionnaire and covariate data were available from 2171 participants diagnosed as follows: oral cavity (655), oropharynx HPV+ (723) and HPV− (277), and larynx (516). On average, participants were followed up 3.2 years (SD 1.2) after diagnosis. Data were adjusted for age, gender, co-morbidity, intended treatment, education level, income from benefits, smoking status and alcohol consumption. Results: There was a clinically meaningful difference between Global HRQOL scores at diagnosis and survival in an unadjusted and adjusted model: [HR = 0.86, CI 0.82–0.89, p < 0.001 (unadjusted) and HR = 0.90, CI 0.86–0.94, p < 0.001 (adjusted)]. In analyses stratified by tumour site and HPV status, this association was similarly noted before adjustment and persisted after. There were some tumour sub-site variations: improved survival for people with laryngeal cancer reporting higher levels of physical role or social functioning and people with oral cancer reporting higher levels of role or social functioning. Conclusion: As survival is the main priority for most people diagnosed with cancer, pre-treatment HRQOL is an additional factor to be included in risk stratification and case-mix adjustments. There is merit in incorporating HRQOL into routine clinical care as this is a useful facet in patient-clinician decision making, prognostication and recovery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Persons with substance use disorders (SUDs) who do not recognize their substance use as problematic are less likely to perceive needing treatment and less motivated to seek help. Factors that contribute to problem recognition among persons with SUDs are poorly understood. Objective: To explore in-depth factors that may explain why those who meet diagnostic criteria for SUDs do not perceive having a substance abuse problem. Methods: We recruited 54 participants with recent (i.e., past-5-year) SUD for qualitative interviews. Participants were recruited via online ads and screened for eligibility through an online survey. Interview questions focused on participants' alcohol and drug use behaviors, adverse consequences stemming from their substance use, past treatment use experiences, and barriers/reasons for not using specialty treatment. Interviews were thematically coded to identify prominent themes that may explain low problem recognition. Results: We identified two prominent themes that contributed to problem recognition: modifying substance use behaviors to avoid adverse consequences and stigma (i.e., "othering"). Participants who (1) reported adjusting their alcohol and drug use in ways that would not interfere with important life responsibilities, especially work-responsibilities; (2) described those with alcohol and drug problems negatively; and (3) associated treatment with personal defeat were less likely to perceive having a SUD. Conclusions/Importance: These findings can be used to inform intervention strategies aimed at increasing problem recognition among persons with SUDs. Such strategies may facilitate motivation (i.e., desire for help and treatment readiness) to use and complete treatment, thereby reducing the unmet treatment gap among persons with SUDs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Short-term low intensity parent implemented intervention studies for toddlers with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have found it difficult to demonstrate significantly improved developmental scores or autism severity compared to community treatment. We conducted a randomized comparative intent-to-treat study of a parent implemented intervention to (1) test the effects of an enhanced version on parent and child learning, and (2) evaluate the sensitivity to change of proximal versus distal measures of child behavior. We randomized 45 children with ASD, 12-30 months of age, into one of two versions of parent-implemented Early Start Denver Model (P-ESDM), the basic model, in which we delivered 1.5 h of clinic-based parent coaching weekly, and an enhanced version that contained three additions: motivational interviewing, multimodal learning tools, and a weekly 1.5-h home visit. We delivered the intervention for 12 weeks and measured child and parent change frequently in multiple settings. We found a time-by-group interaction: parents in the enhanced group demonstrated significantly greater gains in interaction skills than did parents in the non-enhanced group. Both interventions were associated with significant developmental acceleration; however, child outcomes did not differ by group. We found a significant relationship between degree of change in parental interaction skill and rate of children's improvement on our proximal measure. Parents in both groups reported satisfaction with the intervention. These findings suggest that parent skills improved more in the enhanced group than the comparison group. Children in the two groups showed similar improvements. Rate of individual parent learning was associated with greater individual child progress on a measure quite proximal to the treatment, though not on standardized assessments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Stories appear frequently in the Australian media regarding parent and teacher perceptions and attitudes towards the National Assessment Program—Literacy and Numeracy. However, thorough empirical investigations of parent perceptions are sparse. This study presents a survey of 345 parents across Years 3 and 5 from a sample of Independent schools in Western Australia. A representative sample of teachers from these schools were also surveyed in order to compare and contrast parent and teacher perspectives about the transparency and accountability associated with testing, the usefulness of results for helping individual students, and the perceived clarity of communication of results. Findings reveal mixed positive and negative views that reside within an overall prevailing low opinion of the testing. Some ways for improving the perception of the testing with the general public are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Fourier transform emission spectrum of XeH+ was observed in the infrared region of the spectrum. The 1–0 and 2–1 vibration–rotation bands for 132XeH+, 131XeH+, and 129XeH+ were recorded from a nickel hollow cathode discharge in xenon and hydrogen. Molecular constants, including Re=1.602 813(6) Å, Be=6.560 686(50), αe=0.186 739(14), ωe=2269.9674(11), and ωexe=41.328 30(34) cm-1 for 132XeH+, were extracted from the line positions. Our work represents the first high-resolution detection of XeH+. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The main indication for carotid endarterectomy (CEA) is severity of carotid artery stenosis, even though most strokes in carotid disease are embolic. The relationship between carotid plaque volume (CPV) and symptoms of cerebral ischaemia, and the measurement of CPV by minimally invasive tomographic ultrasound imaging, were investigated. Methods: The volume of the endarterectomy specimen was measured using a validated saline suspension technique in patients undergoing CEA. Time from last symptom and severity of stenosis measured by duplex ultrasonography were recorded. Middle cerebral artery emboli were counted using transcranial Doppler imaging (TCD) in a subset of patients. Results: Some 339 patients were included, 270 with symptomatic and 69 with asymptomatic carotid stenosis. Mean(s.d.) CPV was higher in symptomatic than in asymptomatic patients (0·97(0·43) versus 0.74(0·41) cm3; P < 0·001). CPV did not correlate with severity of carotid stenosis (P = 0·770). Mean CPV was highest at 1·03(0·46) cm3 in the 4 weeks following cerebral symptoms, declining to 0·78(0·36) cm3 beyond 8 weeks. Among 33 patients who had TCD, mean CPV was 1·00(0·48) cm3 in the 27 patients with ipsilateral cerebral emboli compared with 0·67(0·16) cm3 in those without (P = 0·142). There was excellent correlation between CPV measured by tomographic ultrasound imaging and the endarterectomy specimen in 34 patients (r = 0·93, P < 0·001). Conclusion: CPV correlated with symptoms of cerebral ischaemia, but not carotid stenosis. It could be a potential indicator for CEA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A question prompt list (QPL) is a simple and inexpensive communication tool used to facilitate patient participation in medical consultations. The QPL is composed of a structured list of questions and has been shown to be an effective way of helping ensure patients’ individual information needs are appropriately met. This intervention has been investigated in a variety of settings but not specifically head and neck cancer (HNC). The aim of this paper was to perform a narrative review of literature reporting the use of a QPL for oncology patients and to draw comparison to the Patient Concerns Inventory (PCI‐HN). The databases Scopus, PubMed and MEDLINE were searched using the key terms ‘question prompt list’, ‘question prompt sheet’, ‘cancer’ and ‘oncology’. Of 98 articles hand searched, 30 of which were found to meet all inclusion criteria, and described in a tabulated summary. The studies concluded that the QPL was an effective intervention, enabling active patient participation in medical consultations. The PCI‐HN is specific for HNC and differs from many QPLs, which are more general cancer tools. The QPL approach should prove to be a useful intervention for HNC sufferers, however further research into the clinical utility is required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

South African learner achievement remains poor, despite large investment in schooling over the last two decades. Literature and research findings offer no single explanation or solution. In this article, the authors explored the relative contribution of specific language factors such as the role of home- and school-language equivalence, cultural and economic capital, and other school and classroom factors to Science achievement. The analysis identified specific language and/or contextual factors having the biggest influence on learner achievement. This was achieved through secondary analysis of South African Grade Nine (N = 12,000) data from the Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS) 2011. Multipleregression modelling using contextual and achievement data suggested that home- and school-language equivalence and how frequently learners used the school language at home were strongly associated with the Science achievement results of Grade Nine learners in South Africa. Several other language factors that could be seen as cultural capital, beyond broader economic capital, some classroom-related contextual conditions and selected school-level factors, also showed strong influences. It is concluded that language, teacher training, and broader economic policy changes and their thorough implementation are required to address these concerns. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In 2006, our Institution changed the treatment strategy for small volume primary oropharyngeal tumours to transoral laser microsurgery (TOLM). The main aim of this cohort study was to report the health related quality of life (HRQOL) at around 2 years following TOLM in consecutive patients treated from July 2006 through April 2013. The University of Washington Quality of Life (UW-QOL) questionnaire was administered annually up to Spring 2014 and adjusting for mortality the overall response rate was 71 % (108/153). Tonsil primary site characterised 60 % (98) of patients, base of tongue 25 % (40), soft palate 13 % (21) and others 2 %, (3). Most patients had TOLM, neck dissection and adjuvant radiotherapy, with 21 % (34) of tumours at stage 1 or 2, 25 % (40) at stage 3 and 54 % (88) at stage 4. Kaplan-Meier estimates of overall survival were 94 % at 1 year, 88 % at 2 years and 68 % at 5 years after TOLM. Three-quarters (76 %) reported their overall QOL as being good, very good or outstanding, and by domain a clear majority of patients (range 57-94 %, median 79 %) reported none or only minor problems, most notably for swallowing, chewing and speech. The main dysfunction was in saliva (39 %). In conclusion, the outcomes in TOLM for oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma are very encouraging. The data supports the current treatment strategy in the Unit. Further outcomes research is required to help refine patient selection to help optimise the survival and HRQOL benefit of TOLM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Concerns have been raised about the impact Australia's national standardised testing, the National Assessment Program-Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN), has upon the well-being of students, parents and teachers. To date, research evidence is unclear as to the level and extent of emotional distress experienced by stakeholders during testing. Despite an unclear evidence base, the prevailing view is that NAPLAN has a general negative impact upon stakeholder well-being. In a pilot study that surveyed all stakeholder groups across 11 independent schools in Western Australia, we found evidence of a minimal impact from the testing. We also found evidence for a small positive association between student and parent distress during testing, and a moderate positive association between parent and teacher distress during testing and their estimations regarding how NAPLAN impacts other people. Our results are not consistent with the prevailing view that NAPLAN has a broad negative impact on well-being, and highlights the need for further research to inform debates about the usefulness and impact of NAPLAN testing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This is the official guideline endorsed by the specialty associations involved in the care of head and neck cancer patients in the UK. It identifies the current evidence base and role of health-related quality of life assessment for this group of patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Inelastic neutron scattering shows formation of a surface Au–H species, of key importance for the study of catalytic mechanisms. Previous assignment of this feature in the infrared as a purely Ce3+ transition is shown to be erroneous on reducing the catalyst using hydrogen and deuterium. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Consequences of treating head and neck cancer are reflected in health-related quality of life (HRQOL) patient-reported outcomes. HRQOL is an important outcome alongside survival and recurrence. However, relatively little HRQOL information is in a format that patients and oncology teams can easily interpret as a guide to likely outcomes following curative treatment. The study aim was to collate University of Washington Quality of Life (UW-QOL) questionnaires collected 1995-2012 at the Regional Head and Neck Surgical Unit with a view of summarizing key clinical-demographic influences on HRQOL outcomes at 2 years following diagnosis. Patients completing UW-QOL questionnaires at 9-60 months had their record closest to 2 years selected for cross-sectional analyses, while all questionnaires were analyzed to assess temporal trends. 65 % (1,134) of survivors to 9 months had a UW-QOL record in the cross-sectional analysis (median 23 months). Overall 1,349 completed 5,573 UW-QOL questionnaires. Various associations were seen, notably late overall clinical staging and treatment adversely associated with UW-QOL physical functioning domains. Logistic regression was used to better understand the predictive factors of UW-QOL outcome and determined the final formatting of tables for results. These tables provide important reference data about UW-QOL outcome at 2 years relevant to patients at the outset of their cancer journey. The increasing amount of HRQOL data allows for quite detailed subgroup analysis, which can help give patients and the clinical team a better understanding of likely long-term HRQOL outcomes. How this is best utilized in clinical care needs further evaluation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent discrete fracture network (DFN) related analysis of a number of block caving projects has demonstrated the role that the 3D volumetric fracture intensity measure (P32) plays on controlling a number of rock mass properties critical to caving operations. P32 represents the fracture area per unit volume and as such represents a non-directional intrinsic measure of the degree of rock mass fracturing, incorporating both a frequency measure and a fracture size component. Preliminary results suggest that the P32 intensity of a DFN model would strongly control the overall fragmentation of the rock mass. The implication would be that by taking the overall distribution of P32, the in situ fragmentation of a large rock mass volume could be determined in a computationally efficient way. With P32 also being shown to be one of the dominant controls on DFN derived directional stiffness measures, increasingly these DFN related work flows are being shown to be central to an improved rock mass characterisation process and ultimately the more accurate capturing of the caving process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Intimacy and sexuality problems are underreported in head and neck cancer patients. The aim of this study was to collate the various prompts available in a routine follow-up clinic through the use of an intimacy screening question and Patient's Concerns Inventory (PCI), and to identify how often these problems were raised by patients and what possible actions took place as a consequence. 177 patients completed the intimacy screening question, PCI and UW-QOLv.4 at follow-up clinics, from October 2008 to January 2011. Case note review identified if intimacy was mentioned in clinic letters and if referral for support was made. On the intimacy screening question, 15 % (26) reported problems of considerable/some concern (24) or selected intimacy/sexuality on the PCI (2). The PCI identified that 9 of the 24 reporting the worst problems wanted the topic discussed in clinic, and clinic letters suggested that 5 of these discussed the issue in clinic with 4 being referred on, 3 to a clinical psychologist and 1 to a clinical nurse specialist. Intimacy problems are underreported in clinic reviews. It is a difficult subject to discuss. It will remain a potential unmet need unless attempts are made to advance the opportunities for patient screening, information leaflets, staff training on how to talk about such sensitive issues and referral for counselling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The goal of early autism screening is earlier treatment. We pilot-tested a 12-week, low-intensity treatment with seven symptomatic infants ages 7-15 months. Parents mastered the intervention and maintained skills after treatment ended. Four comparison groups were matched from a study of infant siblings. The treated group of infants was significantly more symptomatic than most of the comparison groups at 9 months of age but was significantly less symptomatic than the two most affected groups between 18 and 36 months. At 36 months, the treated group had much lower rates of both ASD and DQs under 70 than a similarly symptomatic group who did not enroll in the treatment study. It appears feasible to identify and enroll symptomatic infants in parent-implemented intervention before 12 months, and the pilot study outcomes are promising, but testing the treatment's efficacy awaits a randomized trial. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Natural fragmentation is a function of the fracture length and connectivity of naturally occurring rock discontinuities. This study reviews the use of a Discrete Fracture Network (DFN) method as an effective tool to assist with fragmentation assessment, primarily by providing a better description of the natural fragmentation distribution. This approach has at its core the development of a full-scale DFN model description of fracture orientation, size and intensity built up from all available geotechnical data. The model fully accounts for a spatially variable description of the fracture intensity distribution. The results suggest that DFN models could effectively be used to define equivalent rock mass parameters to improve the predictability achieved by current geomechanical simulations and empirical rock mass classification schemes. As shown in this study, a mine-scale DFN model could be converted to equivalent directional rock mass properties using a rapid analytical approach, allowing the creation of a rock mass model that incorporates the influence of a local variable structure with continuous spatial variability. When coupled with more detailed numerical synthetic rock mass simulations for calibration and validation, a balanced and representative approach could be established that puts more equal emphasis on data collection, local- and large-scale characterisation, conceptualisation and geomechanical simulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Poster: Clinical track: CNS PO-0857: Leptomeningeal disease following stereotactic radiotherapy for resected brain metastases S. Rogers, N. Lomax, S. Alonso, T. Hancock, S. Khan, J. Schürkens, E. Kessler, B. Eberle, S. Gomez Ordonez, O. Riesterer, J. Fandino, S. Bodis. [Extracted from the article]

In the literature it is common to use the first and last pencils D 1 (λ , P) and D k (λ , P) in the “standard basis” for the vector space D L (P) of block-symmetric pencils to solve the symmetric/Hermitian polynomial eigenvalue problem P (λ) x = 0 . When the polynomial P (λ) has odd degree, it was proven in recent years that the use of an alternative linearization T P is more convenient because it has better numerical properties and its use is more universal since T P is a strong linearization of any matrix polynomial P (λ) , while D 1 (λ ; P) and D k (λ ; P) are not. However, T P is not defined for even degree matrix polynomials. In this paper we consider the case when P (λ) has even degree. It is believed that the eigenpair backward errors for the linearization D 1 (λ ; P) and D k (λ ; P) cannot differ much from the backward error of the original problem. We show that this is not the case, even when the polynomial P (λ) is well-scaled because of the ill-conditioning of the eigenvectors of D 1 (λ ; P) and D k (λ ; P) . We introduce two block-symmetric linearizations for even degree matrix polynomials that overcome this problem and become an appropriate alternative to the traditional use of D 1 (λ ; P) and D k (λ ; P) . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents the second part of the Natural Medicine Workforce Survey, a survey of Australian natural medicine practitioners. The first part appeared in the March issue of JATMS. The purpose of the survey was to provide accurate and up-to-date information about the natural medicine workforce in Australia that could be used to inform government policies and professional associations' strategic planning. This part of the report focuses on suspected adverse events, the education of natural medicine practitioners and referral patterns among health care practitioners. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Between 1996 and 2001 the growth in complementary health occupations represented the second highest increase (29.6%) of all health occupations (Australian Government Productivity Commission, 2005). This rapid increase in the natural medicine workforce appears to have had little effect on government planning and policy. For example, although the Australian Government Productivity Commission report acknowledged the growth of the complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) workforce, it did not address any role that CAM might play in the future health system. There was also no mention of CAM practitioners in the Federal, State and Territory governments' $500 million Australian Better Health Initiative aimed at managing chronic illnesses and preventive medicine (Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing, 2006) despite these being the main reasons that people choose natural medicine (Department of Human Services, 2003; MacLennan, Myers, & Taylor, 2006; Mulkins, Verhoef, Eng, Findlay, & Ramsum, 2003). The Australian Health Workforce Taskforce was established to manage major reforms to the Australian health workforce. Its agenda is to implement workforce reform and devise solutions that integrate workforce planning, policy and reform with the necessary reforms to education and training. Specific aims include increasing supply and reforming the workforce (e.g. by supporting new models of care, new and expanding roles, and multi-disciplinary teams). In this climate of significant health care reform it appears that little attention is being given to existing and potential contributions of natural medicine practitioners or to education reforms for the future, an area of neglect that is becoming increasingly entrenched. In 2005 a national population-based survey found that 68.9% of respondents had used at least one of 17 complementary and alternative (CAM) therapies in the previous 12 months and 64% had visited a CAM practitioner in the same period (Xue, Zhang, Lin, Da Costa, & Story, 2007). Despite this increasing public endorsement, however, little is known about the natural medicine workforce. Three national surveys of natural medicine practitioners, funded by the Department of Health and Ageing, were conducted in Australia in 2000 (Bensoussan, Myers, Wu, & O'Connor, 2004; Hale, 2002, 2003). These surveys were followed by a review of naturopathy and Western herbal medicine (Department of Human Services, 2003). Workforce surveys need to be repeated to provide accurate and up-to-date data on the natural medicine workforce in Australia which could be used to lobby government policy makers and to drive professional associations' strategic planning. The aim of this project was to survey Australian natural medicine practitioners belonging to a professional association in order to update what is known about their profile and work practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report a small molecule additive, a member of the 2-aminoimidaz-ole (2AI) group that is an analogue of the marine sponge natural prod-uct oroidin that suppresses resistance of Xanthomonas euvesicatoria to copper and decreases biofilm formation in an in vitro system. In laboratory experiments, 2AI combined with copper reduced both bacterial multiplication in broth and bacterial recovery on pepper leaf discs of a copper-resistant strain of X. euvesicatoria to a level close to that of a copper-sensitive strain. Compound 2AI used alone exhibited minimal bactericidal activity. In 3 years of field experiments, when combined with a copper-containing material, copper hydroxide (Ko-cide 3000), and other antibacterial materials, these spray mixtures resulted in decreased bacterial spot foliar disease and increased fruit yields using hybrid bell pepper (Capsicum annuum) cultivars and cop-per-resistant strains of X. euvesicatoria. This study demonstrates the concept for using small molecules as additives to antibacterial com-pounds at nonbactericidal concentrations under field conditions that, in the laboratory, were demonstrated to suppress bacterial biofilms and copper-resistant strains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is currently no experimental technique available to probe spatially resolved rotational diffusion of nanoparticles in the vicinity of a wall. We present the first experimental study of rotational diffusion of small spherical colloids, using dynamic evanescent wave scattering. A setup is used where the wave vector components parallel and perpendicular to the wall can be varied independently, and an expression is derived for the first cumulant of the intensity correlation function in VH evanescent wave geometry for optically anisotropic spheres. The experimental results are in agreement with theoretical predictions that take particle-wall hydrodynamic interactions into account. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The aim of the study was to describe who ate 5 or more portions of fruit and vegetables per day ('compliers') in 1986-1987 and in 2000-2001.Design: We used data from the Dietary and Nutritional Surveys of British Adults. Each is a nationally representative dietary survey using 7 d weighed food records for men and women, aged 16-64 years, living in private households in Great Britain in 1986-1987 and in 2000-2001.Setting: Great Britain.Subjects: Data were analysed for 2197 adults in 1986-1987 and 1724 adults in 2000-2001.Results: In 1986-1987 12·7 % were classified as 'compliers' compared with 16·5 % in 2000-2001. Manual social classes, younger participants and people on benefits or outside paid employment were less likely to be 'compliers'. Being divorced, widowed or separated was negatively related to being a 'complier', as was being in a household with dependant children or a lone parent with dependant children. Between 1986-1987 and 2000-2001 improvements were seen across social class groups and differences between men and women and between regions were reduced.Conclusions: Only 12·7 % participants in the Dietary and Nutritional Surveys of British Adults were classified as 'compliers' in 1986-1987 compared with 16·5 % in 2000-2001. There have been some important changes in the distribution of 'compliers', but the low levels overall support the need for a reinvigorated policy drive to improve compliance with fruit and vegetable goals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A low velocity spray tower was built in Monash which allows the production of mono-dispersed particles. As part of a larger project in controlling the functionality of the particles produced, the computational fluid dynamics technique (CFD) was used to gain more insights into the drying characteristics of the mono-dispersed droplets. Introduction of droplet and mass transfer did not significantly alter the flow field. Analysis revealed that the wet bulb region was significant in this tower. Varying the inlet air temperature from 100°C to 180°C resulted in contrasting drying history. These drying kinetics were then extended to assess the in-situ crystallization phenomenon. For this spray drying tower, it was found that lower inlet temperature condition favoured a higher degree of crystallinity. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A pilot scale micro-fluidic-spray-dryer (MFJSD-II) utilizing a single-stream atomization to produce mono-disperse particles has been developed at Monash University. A unique feature of this unit is the use of relatively low air velocities in the range of 10−1–10−2 ms−1, which increases the residence time of the particles during the drying process, in comparison with conventional spray dryers. In this study, Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulation revealed that the effects of natural convection, caused by heat loss from the wall, were significant in deflecting the flows of air from the central jet-side recirculation pattern, causing them to spread towards the wall. The flow patterns formed a layer of relatively high velocity region adjacent to the wall. The understanding of these flow patterns would be crucial for future designs of low-velocity spray dryers. The spreading of the central jet towards the wall also created recirculation regions in the center of the tower, thus affecting the residence times particularly for smaller particles. More numerical simulations are required to optimize the design of the bottom bustle to be effectively used as a particle-separator. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

All-female 'species' of fish have been shown to be great models in ecological and evolutionary studies because of the insights they can provide into the origin and evolution of asexuality, the ecology of hybrids, associations between genotype and environment, and the maintenance of sex. Gynogenetic organisms that evolved from sexual ancestors, and combine the disadvantageous traits from sexuality and asexuality, have long baffled evolutionary biologists trying to understand their origin and persistence with their sympatric sexual counterparts. In this issue, a new study using an integrated molecular phylogenetic and classical genetic approach has uncovered compelling evidence regarding the obscure asexual origin of the Amazon molly, Poecilia formosa. By performing an extensive phylogeographic analysis, provide evidence that the Amazon molly arose only once within its history, with monophyly being strongly supported by mitochondrial DNA and microsatellite analyses. This result, combined with an elaborate failed attempt to resynthesize the lineage, suggests that vertebrate gynogens such as the Amazon molly are not rare because they are at a disadvantage to their sexual counterparts, but because the genomic conditions under which they arise are rare. Organisms that apparently combine the disadvantages of both sexuality and asexuality remain difficult to understand from both an ecological and an evolutionary perspective, and highlight several outstanding important questions. Nonetheless, given that we now have a better knowledge of the origin and history of this unique 'species', this should allow researchers to better understand how these frozen F1's can persist amidst the masterpiece of nature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fear of recurrence (FOR) following head and neck cancer is one of the most frequent concerns of patients and is associated with psychological distress. The aims of this study were, first, to report the clinical characteristics of patients selected for FOR concerns on a patient concerns inventory (PCI) and, second, to compare the degree of FOR using a FOR questionnaire of those patients expressing FOR concerns on the PCI with those who did not. Two cohorts were used. The first comprised consecutive oncology patients attending clinics from August 2007 for 9 months ( N = 123). These patients completed the PCI only. The second comprised patients attending the same clinic for over 4 months from October 2008 ( N = 68), and this group completed both the PCI and the FOR questionnaire. FOR was the most frequently selected issue on the PCI (42%). There were no obvious differences in selecting FOR by patient characteristics. Those who scored 'a lot' or 'all the time' for questions 1-6 in the FOR questionnaire and responses (on a 10-point scale) of 7-10 for question 7 were deemed as having 'significant' FOR. In those raising the issue of FOR on the PCI, 79% (15/19) had significant problems compared to 24% (12/49) if they did not. FOR is a common concern and because it is not possible to identify patients based on clinical parameters, it is important to screen for FOR to direct patients to appropriate support and intervention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Several attempts have been made recently to develop universal analysis techniques for the stress response to large-amplitude oscillatory shear (LAOS) in a variety of materials from viscous and viscoelastic to viscoplastic. All previous attempts have assumed, tacitly or otherwise, that such responses display a minimum number of symmetries in stress/strain. We present the stress response to LAOS of a glassy suspension of multiarm star polymers, which exhibits a complete lack of any type of symmetry during the 10 000 s experimental window. We also present new physical interpretations of previously defined parameters and conjecture that the lack of symmetry observed in the stress response is a consequence of the aging process, which can be viewed as slow cage rearrangement and evolution of heterogeneities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Suspensions of multiarm star polymers are studied as models for soft colloidal glasses. Using an established pre-shearing protocol which ensures a reproducible initial state (the “rejuvenation” of the system), we report here the time evolution of the stress upon startup of simple shear flow for a range of shear rates. We show the existence of critical shear rates, γc(c) which are functions of the concentration, c. When the suspensions are sheared at rates below γc(c), the stress rises to a common value σc(c) which is also a function of the concentration. The system thus develops a yield stress. This behavior manifests itself as an evolution from a monotonic slightly shear-thinning flow curve to a flow curve dominated by a stress plateau. We relate this bulk evolution to spatially resolved velocity profiles. Hence, yield stress is linked to shear banding in this class of soft colloids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Medication-related admissions are an important cause of hospital admissions in older people. The scope for prevention is less clear. OBJECTIVES: To characterize medication-related hospital admissions in older people and assess their preventability. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional, observational study conducted over 3 months. A pharmacist based in the medical admissions ward of a north London hospital screened all patients aged > or =65 years. A specialist physician assembled additional information, which was presented to a multi-professional panel to confirm attribution and preventability. A total of 409 patients were screened, of whom 14% (95% CI 10.6, 17.4) had medication-related problems, 6.4% (95% CI 4.0, 8.8) were admitted because of medication-related problems and 3.9% (95% CI 2.0, 5.8) were considered to have preventable medication-related problems. Medicines to prevent or treat cardiovascular disease were implicated in 69% (18/26) of the medication-related admissions and 69% (11/16) of preventable medication-related admissions. Amongst hospitalized patients, admission attributed to adverse drug reaction was more likely as the number of medications being taken increased, and admission attributed to undertreatment was more likely as the number of pre-existing conditions increased. CONCLUSION: Medication-related admissions are common in older people and over half are preventable. Morbidity associated with medicines used for cardiovascular disease is important. There is a difficult balance to be struck between avoiding iatrogenic illness in older people and ensuring they benefit from medications for pre-existing conditions. Opportunities exist for improving the delivery of care to reduce adverse outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Using a nationally representative sample, to identify groups among British children aged 1 1/2-4 1/2 years who report similar patterns of diet.Design: Nationally representative dietary survey, using 4 d weighed dietary records, of girls and boys aged 1 1/2-4 1/2 years living in private households in Great Britain in 1992-1993. Cluster analysis was used to aggregate individuals into diet groups.Setting: Great Britain.Participants: Eight hundred and forty-eight boys and 827 girls.Results: Three clusters were identified for girls and three for boys. Among boys the most prevalent cluster was 'Healthy Diet' (52.3%), the second was 'Convenience Diet' (38.3%) and the third was 'Traditional Diet' (9.3%). Among girls, the most prevalent dietary cluster was 'Healthy Diet' (58.7%), followed by a 'Convenience Diet' (36.6%) and 'Traditional Diet' (4.3%). There were important differences in nutrient profile, sociodemographic and behavioural characteristics between clusters.Conclusions: Cluster analysis identified three groups among both girls and boys which differed not only in terms of reported dietary intake, but also with respect to nutrient intake, social and behavioural characteristics. The groups identified could provide a useful basis for the development, monitoring and targeting of public health nutrition policy for pre-school children in the UK. Further research is needed on the consequences for chronic disease in the future for these children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper reports the development of a new specific diagnostic technique to accurately quantify airborne inoculum of Sclerotinia sclerotiorum and discusses its potential use in disease-forecasting schemes, using examples of three contrasting epidemic seasons: 2007, when there was a severe epidemic of sclerotinia stem rot (SSR) in England and high numbers of airborne ascospores were trapped at Rothamsted, and, in contrast, 2003 and 2004, when the incidence of SSR in England was low and low numbers of airborne ascospores were trapped at Rothamsted. DNA was extracted from wax-coated plastic tapes, such as those used in Burkard (Hirst-type) spore traps and rotating-arm traps. A SYBR-green quantitative PCR (qPCR) method produced a linear relationship between ascospore numbers and S. sclerotiorum DNA (mean 0·35 pg DNA per spore) and was able to detect DNA representing as few as two ascospores. The technique was insensitive to DNA of the host plant, Brassica napus, and other plant pathogens, including Sclerotinia minor, S. trifoliorum and Botrytis cinerea, and common airborne fungal genera such as Cladosporium and Penicillium. There was no relationship between rainfall and numbers of airborne ascospores of S. sclerotiorum present at Rothamsted during the period of infection in the severe SSR season (2007). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present and future market for motors places a high value on operating efficiency, reliability, variable-speed operation, low running temperature, quiet operation, and low cost. Permanent-magnet (PM) motors are now able to meet these market expectations across an increasing range of ratings. Compared to the prolific induction motor, PM motors provide the attributes of efficiency, reliability, etc. They also have the additional advantages of higher power density, superior power factor (low current), low rotor temperature, and synchronous operation. Advancement in magnet technologies allows operation at higher temperatures without permanent magnetization loss. The economic viability of PM motors is increasing with additional sources offering rare-earth magnets such as neodymium iron boron at lower prices. Performance comparisons between induction motors, surface PMs, and salient-pole PM motors are presented in this paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sympatric species pairs of benthic and limnetic threespine stickleback (Gasterosteus aculeatus L., 1758 complex) are an important example of the role of ecology in speciation in nature. Four endemic pairs are known and each appears to have diverged independently as a consequence of adaptation to alternative environments. Using specific ecological and physical attributes hypothesized to be important to their evolution, we focused a search for further species pairs. Now, two decades after the last discovery, we describe another benthic-limnetic species pair from Little Quarry Lake on Nelson Island, British Columbia, Canada. Bimodality of genetic admixture values provides evidence of strong reproductive isolation between two morphological and genetic clusters, supporting the existence of a sympatric species pair within this lake. Close correspondence in shape to extant benthic and limnetic species pairs confirm their status as such. The remarkable similarity between them and other benthic and limnetic species pairs in levels of morphological differentiation, as well as extent of admixture and hybridization, points to similar processes underlying their origin. This discovery serves as an important reminder of the specificity of ecological factors that promote and maintain biodiversity, as well as the value of habitat conservation. Les paires d’espèces sympatriques benthique et limnétique de l’épinoche à trois épines (complexe de Gasterosteus aculeatus L., 1758) constituent un exemple important du rôle de l’écologie dans la spéciation en nature. On connaît quatre de ces paires endémiques et chacune semble avoir divergé de façon indépendante à la suite d’une adaptation à des environnements de rechange. En utilisant des caractéristiques écologiques et physiques considérées par hypothèse comme importantes dans cette évolution, nous avons ciblé notre étude sur la recherche de nouvelles paires d’espèces. Maintenant, deux décennies après la dernière découverte, nous décrivons une nouvelle paire d’espèces benthique-limnétique du lac Little Quarry sur l’île Nelson, Colombie Britannique, Canada. La bimodalité des valeurs de mélange génétique constitue une indication d’un fort isolement génétique entre les deux groupes morphologiques et génétiques. ce qui appuie l’existence d’une paire d’espèces sympatriques dans ce lac. Une forte correspondance de forme avec les paires d’espèces benthiques et limnétiques connues à ce jour vient confirmer leur statut similaire. La ressemblance remarquable entre cette paire d’espèces benthique et limnétique et les autres au niveau de la différenciation morphologique, ainsi que l’étendue du mélange et de l’hybridation, font croire que des processus similaires peuvent expliquer leur origine. Notre découverte constitue un rappel important de la spécificité des facteurs écologiques qui favorisent et maintiennent la biodiversité et de la valeur de la conservation des habitats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study is to provide a content comparison of frequently used questionnaires that assess health-related quality of life (hrQOL) in head and neck cancer (HNC) survivors. This systematic content comparison describes which specific areas of hr-QOL research are covered by each questionnaire. Thereby, it shall assist the clinician in the decision process of instrument selection depending on the content of the study question. As a reference, we chose the international classification of functioning, disability and health (ICF), which was adopted by the WHO in 2001. A systematic literature review identified current hrQOL questionnaires relevant for HNC. The concepts of functioning contained in each questionnaire were translated (linked”) to the ICF according to standardized guidelines. Nine questionnaires were selected for further analyses: EORTC-QLQ (C30 + HN35), FACT (G + HN), UW_QOL, QOL-RTI, HN-QOL, PSS-HN, VHI, LORQ, XQ. Within the selected questionnaires, there are 474 concepts, matching 74 second-level ICF categories. The results are presented in tables, showing for each of the validated questionnaires, which of these 74 categories of functioning are addressed. In terms of diversification of content among the questionnaires, there are just eight categories that are used rather frequently and apply to at least five (out of nine) of the questionnaires: e110 Products for personal consumption (i.e., food, drugs), b510 ingestion function, b152 emotional function, b280 sensation of pain, b310 voice, d550 eating, b130 energy and drive function and d850 employment. This ICF-based content comparison provides detailed information on the content that is covered in each questionnaire and thereby assists questionnaire selection. The results question the assumption that HNC-specific questionnaires generally cover the same content. Depending on the study question, the population to be studied and the intervention, there is no unique ideal questionnaire. Compared with other types of qualitative review, the most important advantage of content comparison based on the ICF is the use of an external and independent reference. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Stephen Rogers describes how the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence guidance on atrial fibrillation provides recommendations for good practice based on evidence of clinical and cost effectiveness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to collate all the University of Washington quality of life (UW-QOL) data collected in the Unit since 1995 and to summarize it in a patient-friendly format that can be used when discussing treatment outcomes. The sample of cancer patients consisted of 561 consecutive patients undergoing primary surgery for previously untreated oral and oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma presenting to the Regional Maxillofacial Unit Liverpool, between the years 1995 and 2004. Follow-up was on May 2006. Information sheets were constructed based on the UW-QOL, summarizing the patients at around 2 years (median 28 months). The response to each statement in all 12 domains, domains as important, and the general health-related QOL/QOL questions are given. Data has been summarized for six common groups based on the clinical presentation and treatment. The data show big differences by tumour size, free-flap surgery and adjuvant radiotherapy. Information presented in this format is potentially extremely useful when counselling patients and their families regarding the likely outcomes of treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The enhanced sensitivity of nucleic acid amplification tests (NAAT) provides an opportunity for estimating the prevalence of untreated Chlamydia trachomatis infections. The transmissibility and public health significance of some NAAT-identified infections are, however, not known.Methods: Adults attending an urban emergency department provided specimens for C trachomatis screening using NAAT. Participants testing positive were offered follow-up including re-testing for C trachomatis using NAAT and traditional methods, eg culture and direct fluorescent antibody, and were treated. Partners were offered identical evaluation and treatment. Overall, 90 C trachomatis-positive participants had one or more sexual partners enrolled.Results: Evidence of transmission, as defined by infection concordance between partnerships, was observed among 75% of partners of index cases testing positive by both NAAT and traditional assay but only 45% of partners of index cases testing positive by NAAT only (prevalence ratio 1.7, 95% CI 1.1 to 2.5). Among index participants returning for follow-up, 17% had no evidence of C trachomatis infection by NAAT or traditional assay (median follow-up three weeks).Conclusions: A substantial proportion of positive NAAT results for chlamydial infection may be of lower transmissibility and may not persist after a short follow-up. The long-term health effects of some positive NAAT are uncertain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Transplantation therapy for human diabetes is limited by a shortage of donor organs, and transplant function diminished over time by cell death and limited potential for expansion of beta cells in pancreas or islets. Outcomes are complicated by immunosuppression. A way to overcome supply and expansion problems is to xenotransplant embryonic tissue. Previously, we have shown that beta cells originating from embryonic day (E) 28 (E28) pig pancreatic primordia transplanted into the mesentery of streptozotocin (STZ)-diabetic (type 1) Lewis rats or Zucker Diabetic Fatty (ZDF) diabetic (type 2) rats engraft and normalize glucose tolerance without the need for host immune-suppression. Methods: In this study, we transplant E28 pig pancreatic primordia in the mesentery of STZ-diabetic rhesus macaques. Results: Long-term engraftment of pig beta cells within liver, pancreas and mesenteric lymph nodes post-transplantation of E28 pig pancreatic primordia into STZ-diabetic rhesus macaques is demonstrated by electron microscopy, positive immune-histochemistry for insulin, and positive RT-PCR and in situ hybridization for porcine proinsulin mRNA. Insulin requirements were reduced in one macaque followed over 22 months post-transplantation and porcine insulin detected in plasma using sequential affinity chromatography, HPLC and mass spectrometry. Of potential importance for application of this transplantation technology to treatment of diabetes in humans and confirmatory of our previous findings in Lewis and ZDF rats, no host immunosuppression is required. Conclusions: Under selected circumstances, pancreatic primordia elicit a muted immune response relative to more differentiated tissue, such that engraftment occurs in non-immunosuppressed hosts. Our findings that pig pancreatic primordia engraft long-term in non-immunosuppressed STZ-diabetic rhesus macaques establishes the potential for their use in human diabetics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

PurposeTo describe the clinical and angiographic features of three cases of secondary syphilis in immunocompetent patients, which presented as acute posterior placoid chorioretinitis (APPC) to the ophthalmologist.MethodsInterventional case series. The aetiology of the APPC was confirmed by serology to be secondary syphilis. Optical coherence tomography, electrophysiology, fundus fluorescein, and indocyanine green (ICG) angiography were performed at presentation and after resolution. Appropriate treatment for secondary syphilis was instituted in each patient.ResultsThe clinical features, fundus fluorescein and ICG angiography, multifocal electroretinography (mfERG), and optical coherence tomography findings of APPC are described. All three patients had a satisfactory resolution of the APPC with improvement in visual acuity.ConclusionsAPPC in secondary syphilis can occur even in immunocompetent patients. A high index of suspicion is required for early diagnosis of this condition resulting in a good visual outcome with adequate treatment. mfERG and optical coherence tomography are useful in the diagnosis and follow-up of these patients.Eye (2007) 21, 1114–1119; doi:10.1038/sj.eye.6702504; published online 6 October 2006 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Fumaric acid esters (FAEs) offer an effective alternative to patients with psoriasis in whom other systemic agents are contraindicated or have failed. Objective. We assessed the efficacy and side effect profile of FAEs in a group of patients with psoriasis. Methods. A retrospective study was carried out on patients treated with FAEs over 21 months. Information was gathered from patients' notes. Dosage, response and side effects were recorded. Results. In total, 31 patients were included. The mean age was 46.8 years. All patients had been treated with other modalities and 61.5% had received previous systemic treatment. There was good to excellent response in 58.6% of patients. Subjective side-effects were common (87.1%), and lymphopenia occurred in 61.3%. The drug was not tolerated by one-fifth of patients. Conclusion. The relatively low toxicity and absence of hepatotoxicity makes FAEs a reasonable first-line systemic treatment in selected patients with difficult psoriasis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]