Showing papers by "Queen's University Belfast published in 1994"
TL;DR: A significant increased frequency of the APOE epsilon 4 allele is observed in late-onset and early-onsets of Alzheimer's disease with ages at onset less than 60 and less than 65, suggesting a possible protective effect.
Abstract: An association between the 19q13.2 chromosomal region and Alzheimer's disease (AD) has been reported in AD families and for sporadic AD. Recent observations provide evidence that the epsilon 4 allele of the apolipoprotein E gene (APOE), located in this region, is a risk factor for late-onset AD. Within this region, other genes possibly involved in the pathophysiology of AD and in strong linkage disequilibrium with the APOE locus may be responsible for this association. To test this hypothesis, we analysed the allelic distribution of four polymorphic genetic markers flanking the APOE gene (D19S178 (CA)n repeat, D19S47 (CA)n repeat, APOCI HpaI restriction fragment length polymorphism, APOCII (CA)n repeat). We performed these analyses in a sample of late-onset sporadic cases (n = 36) versus controls (n = 38), and in a sample of early-onset sporadic cases (n = 34) versus controls (n = 36). Early-onset cases were analysed for two cut-offs with late-onset: less than 60 and less than 65. We observed a significant increased frequency of the APOE epsilon 4 allele in late-onset and early-onset AD with ages at onset less than 60 and less than 65. The adjusted odds ratio (OR) of the bearers of at least one APOE epsilon 4 allele was 4.10 ([1.84;9.16]) when estimated in both populations with a logistic regression model. Surprisingly, the odds ratio of the bearers of at least one APOE epsilon 2 allele was also significant and equal to 0.11 ([0.02;0.50]) suggesting a possible protective effect.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
423 citations
TL;DR: In this article, a collaborative peer, self and tutor assessment scheme in which the students themselves defined the marking schedule for a scientific report of a laboratory experiment within the biological sciences, is evaluated in terms of correlations between sets of marks.
Abstract: A collaborative peer, self and tutor assessment scheme in which the students themselves defined the marking schedule for a scientific report of a laboratory experiment within the biological sciences, is evaluated in terms of correlations between sets of marks. The issues addressed in this report include: (1) the reliability of student-derived marks, with particular emphasis on perceived tendencies of high achieving students to underestimate their performance and low achieving students to overestimate their performance; (2) the use of student-derived marks in formal grading procedures; and (3) the learning benefits which accrue for students participating in peer and self-assessment procedures. The results of this study undertaken within the context of a clearly defined, carefully monitored assignment indicate that students have a realistic perception of their own abilities and can make rational judgements on the achievements of their peers. The positive implications of introducing peer and self-as...
358 citations
TL;DR: The sensitivity of the fetus to sounds in the low frequency range may promote language acquisition and result in increased susceptibility to auditory system damage arising from exposure to intense low frequency sounds.
Abstract: Previous research has revealed that the human fetus responds to sound, but to date there has been little systematic investigation of the development of fetal hearing. The development of fetal behavioural responsiveness to pure tone auditory stimuli (100 Hz, 250 Hz, 500 Hz, 1000 Hz, and 3000 Hz) was examined from 19 to 35 weeks of gestational age. Stimuli were presented by a loudspeaker placed on the maternal abdomen and the fetus9s response, a movement, recorded by ultrasound. The fetus responded first to the 500 Hz tone, where the first response was observed at 19 weeks of gestational age. The range of frequencies responded to expanded first downwards to lower frequencies, 100 Hz and 250 Hz, and then upwards to higher frequencies, 1000 Hz and 3000 Hz. At 27 weeks of gestational age, 96% of fetuses responded to the 250 Hz and 500 Hz tones but none responded to the 1000 Hz and 3000 Hz tones. Responsiveness to 1000 Hz and 3000 Hz tones was observed in all fetuses at 33 and 35 weeks of gestational age, respectively. For all frequencies there was a large decrease (20-30 dB) in the intensity level required to elicit a response as the fetus matured. The observed pattern of behavioural responsiveness reflects underlying maturation of the auditory system. The sensitivity of the fetus to sounds in the low frequency range may promote language acquisition and result in increased susceptibility to auditory system damage arising from exposure to intense low frequency sounds.
284 citations
TL;DR: A systematic search of the literature using both computerized and manual methods for identifying clinical trials of topical capsaicin was carried out by as discussed by the authors, who found that Capsaicin cream gave more pain relief to patients with diabetic neuropathy than placebo did.
Abstract: To undertake a quantitative overview of trials of topical capsaicin for the treatment of diabetic neuropathy, osteoarthritis, post-herpetic neuralgia, and psoriasis. A systematic search of the literature using both computerized and manual methods for identifying clinical trials of capsaicin. The trials identified were abstracted for response data, which then were analysed using established meta-analytic methods for both fixed and random effects modelling. The odds ratio of the response rate of subjects receiving topical capsaicin relative to that of subjects on placebo was used as the main outcome measure. The difference in the response rate was used as the response variable under the random effects model. When dropouts were mentioned and unambiguous assignment could not be made, the analysis was made on the basis of intention to treat. Capsaicin cream give more pain relief to patients with diabetic neuropathy than placebo did. The odds ratio (OR) and corresponding 95% confidence interval (95% CI) in favour of capsaicin cream were OR=2.74 (95% CI=1.73, 4.32). Using a random effect model the rate difference (RD) in favour of capsaicin cream was RD=0.25 (95% CI=0.15, 0.35). Capsaicin cream was also better than placebo in providing pain relief in osteoarthritis: OR=4.36 (95% CI=2.77, 6.88) and RD=0.29 (95% CI=0.20, 0.37) and in psoriasis: OR=2.80 (95% CI=1.69, 4.62) and RD=0.35 (95% CI=0.14, 0.56). There was, however, evidence of heterogeneity in the individual RDs in psoriasis, and complete blinding was difficulty because of the initial discomfort associated with topical capsaicin. In post-herpetic neuralgia the results were even less convincing. Topical capsaicin appears to be effective in the management of a variety of painful clinical conditions affecting the skin. However, totally blind trials are difficult to conduct with this substance. Future trials will need to address this problem more rigorously if a definitive answer about the effectiveness of capsaicin is to be obtained.
244 citations
TL;DR: The findings bear out the hypothesis that the ACE I/D polymorphism is a risk factor for fatal myocardial infarction and sudden cardiac death.
Abstract: It has been shown that myocardial infarction survivors are more likely to carry an insertion/deletion polymorphism (I/D) of the angiotensin-converting-enzyme (ACE) gene than age-matched population controls. To test whether the association with coronary risk had been under-estimated, the frequency of the ACE I/D was studied in 213 fatal cases of definite and possible myocardial infarction which came to autopsy in the Belfast MONICA Project area. In comparison to controls from the same population, the autopsy cases had an increased frequency of the ACE D allele (p < 0.02). The overall odds ratios were 2.2 for DD vs. II, and 1.8 for ID vs II (test for trends p = 0.01). The findings bear out the hypothesis that the ACE I/D polymorphism is a risk factor for fatal myocardial infarction and sudden cardiac death.
220 citations
209 citations
TL;DR: Despite having no significant effect on objective cardiovascular risk factors, personal health education of patients with angina seems to increase exercise and improve dietary habits and is effective in lessening the restriction of everyday activities.
Abstract: Objective: To assess the value of health education for patients with angina in reducing risk factors for cardiovascular disease and lessening the effect of angina on everyday activities. Design: Randomised controlled trial of personal health education given every four months. Setting: 18 general practices in the greater Belfast area. Subjects: 688 patients aged less than 75 years and known to have had angina for at least six months; 342 randomised to receive education and 346 to no education. Main outcome measures: Restriction of everyday activities, dietary habit, smoking habit, frequency of physical exercise; blood pressure, body mass index, and serum total cholesterol concentration at entry to trial and after two years. Results: 317 in the intervention group and 300 in the control group completed the trial. At the two year review more of the intervention group (140, 44%) reported taking daily physical exercise than the control group (70, 24%). The intervention group also reported eating a healthier diet than the control group and less restriction by angina in any everyday activity. No significant differences were found between the groups in smoking habit, systolic or diastolic blood pressure, cholesterol concentration, or body mass index. Conclusion: Despite having no significant effect on objective cardiovascular risk factors, personal health education of patients with angina seems to increase exercise and improve dietary habits and is effective in lessening the restriction of everyday activities.
190 citations
TL;DR: It is concluded that cigarette smoking was a major environmental factor associated with accelerated periodontal destruction in this selected group of young adult regular dental attenders.
Abstract: The relationship between cigarette smoking and periodontal destruction was assessed in young adults. Eighty-two regular dental attenders (21 current cigarette smokers, 61 non-smokers) aged between 20 and 33 years were examined. The smokers consumed on average 15.4 (+/- 7.3) cigarettes per day and had smoked for an average of 11.8 (+/- 7) years. Cigarette smokers had almost the same levels of plaque as non-smokers but had more proximal surfaces with subgingival calculus (P or = 4 mm (14.6 +/- 19.9) than non-smokers (5.8 +/- 7.9), P or = 6 mm). Smokers had significantly more sites (21.8 +/- 24.9) with periodontal attachment loss of > or = 2 mm than non-smokers (9.3 +/- 12.2), P or = 6 mm) was present in 4 (19%) of smokers compared with 2 (3%) of non smokers. In total 4 (19%) of the smokers had "established periodontitis" compared with 1 (2%) of the non-smokers. The odds ratio for the presence of "established periodontitis" and smoking was 14.1 (confidence interval 1.5 to 132.9). It is concluded that cigarette smoking was a major environmental factor associated with accelerated periodontal destruction in this selected group of young adult regular dental attenders.
181 citations
01 Feb 1994
TL;DR: In this article, the authors examined the perturbation of the carbonate system and assessed the effect of calcification on the air-sea gradient of dissolved carbon dioxide in the surface ocean.
Abstract: Measurements of the carbonate system in the surface waters of the northeast Atlantic during summer 1991, following the main growth phase of a bloom of the coccolithophore Emiliania huxleyi are presented. We examine the perturbation of the carbonate system and assess the effect of calcification on the air-sea gradient of dissolved carbon dioxide in the surface ocean. An estimate of 1:1 organic to inorganic carbon uptake is calculated using the measurements of the surface carbonate parameters which is consistent with other estimates for E. huxleyi populations using radio-tracer methods. Using the changing ratio of dissolved carbon dioxide to nitrate concentration we demonstrate a relative increase in dissolved carbon dioxide due to calcification with evidence of this increase supported by estimates of the buffer factor and C:N assimilation ratios. Within the E. huxleyi bloom the effect of calcification on alkalinity appears to have reduced the air-sea gradient by ∼ 15 μ atms (corrected to a constant temperature) using measurements from a 440 km section along the 20°W meridian. This reduction could prove to be significant in terms of the overall drawdown of carbon during the spring-summer season in this area.
166 citations
TL;DR: The results indicate that polyurethane is readily encrusted and colonized by bacteria in vivo despite antibiotic prophylaxis and newer materials must be sought if effective long-term stenting is to be achieved.
Abstract: Objective To examine the relationship between encrustation and microbial biofilm formation on indwelling ureteric stents.
Patients and methods Ureteric stents from 40 patients were examined for the presence of a microbial biofilm and encrustations. Bacteria in stent biofilms were isolated and identified.
Results A profuse biofilm (> 104 c.f.u. cm3–3) was identified on 1J (28%) stents. Enterococcus faecalis was the most common biofilm organism identified and Proteus spp. were not present. Encrustation was seen in 23 (58%) of stents and was not associated with the level of urinary calcium. The major risk factor for stent encrustation was the presence of urolithiasis. Importantly, there was no causative link between stent biofilm formation and encrustation. Both biofilm formation and encrustation increased with the duration of stenting.
Conclusion The results indicate that polyurethane is readily encrusted and colonized by bacteria in vivo despite antibiotic prophylaxis. Newer materials must be sought if effective long-term stenting is to be achieved.
164 citations
TL;DR: It is concluded that traumatized brain parenchyma is a significant source of TNF activity and implicate the cytokine in cellular metabolic derangements following head injury.
Abstract: In a cohort of victims of traumatic brain injury, 18 out of 50 patients had a plasma tumour necrosis factor (TNF) concentration above 2 pg/ml within 24 h of injury (mean 12.19, SD 45.96 pg/ml). Twenty-six had CSF samples available of which 17 demonstrated TNF concentrations above 1 pg/ml (mean 3.98, SD 3.61 pg/ml). We conclude that traumatized brain parenchyma is a significant source of TNF activity and implicate the cytokine in cellular metabolic derangements following head injury.
TL;DR: It is concluded that if this region confers susceptibility to schizophrenia, it must be in only a small proportion of families, and collaborative efforts to obtain large samples must continue to play an important role in the genetic search for clues to complex psychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia.
Abstract: A collaboration involving four groups of investigators (Johns Hopkins University/Massachusetts Institute of Technology; Medical College of Virginia/The Health Research Board, Dublin; Institute of Psychiatry, London/University of Wales, Cardiff; Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Paris) was organized to confirm results suggestive of a schizophrenia susceptibility locus on chromosome 22 identified by the JHU/MIT group after a random search of the genome. Diagnostic, laboratory, and analytical reliability exercises were conducted among the groups to ensure uniformity of procedures. Data from genotyping of 3 dinucleotide repeat polymorphisms (at the loci D22S268, IL2RB, D22S307) for a combined replication sample of 256 families, each having 2 or more affected individuals with DNA, were analysed using a complex autosomal dominant model. This study provided no evidence for linkage or heterogeneity for the region 22q12-q13 under this model. We conclude that if this region confers susceptibility to schizophrenia, it must be in only a small proportion of families. Collaborative efforts to obtain large samples must continue to play an important role in the genetic search for clues to complex psychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors evaluated the ability of the urease inhibitor N -n-butyl thiophosphoric triamide (nBTPT) to reduce NH 3 volatilization from surface-applied urea.
Abstract: A laboratory study was made to evaluate the ability of the urease inhibitor N -(n-butyl) thiophosphoric triamide (nBTPT) to reduce NH 3 volatilization from surface-applied urea. Urea was amended with 0.0, 0.01, 0.058 or 0.28% nBTPT (w/w) and was applied, at a rate equivalent to 100kgN ha −1 , to the surface of 16 grassland soils, selected to show a wide range of different chemical and physical characteristics. Daily NH 3 loss was measured for 9 days, after fertilizer application, using ventilated enclosures at 13°C. The influence of soil properties on the effectiveness of nBTPT as a urea amendment was investigated using a modelling approach followed by stepwise multiple regression analysis. NH 3 volatilization from unamended urea ranged from 5.8 to 38.9% of the N applied and was greatest from a soil with a high pH and low titratable acidity. The % inhibition of NH3 loss by nBTPT was highly dependent on soil type, being effective on some soils even at the 0.01% nBTPT level. The % inhibition at the 0.28% level ranged from 99.4 to 54.4%. Modelling the relationship between total NH 3 loss and inhibitor concentration showed that the % nBTPT required to achieve a given % decrease in NH3 volatilization was constant for all soils. For example, 0.092% nBTPT was predicted to lower total NH3 loss by 90% from any given soil. The response to increasing inhibitor concentration in lowering NH 3 volatilization was greatest in a soil with low organic matter content and high pH. Stepwise multiple regression analysis showed that 4 soil properties (titratable acidity, pH-H 2 O, urease activity and cation-exchange capacity) contributed significantly to explaining 90.6% of the variation in total NH 3 loss. In all soils the % urea remaining at the end of the incubation was 2.6, 4.6, 10.9 and 25.5% for 0.00, 0.01, 0.058 and 0.28% nBTPT, respectively. The persistence of urea treated with nBTPT was particularly marked in soils with a high pH and could have physiological implications for plants. It is particularly interesting that nBTPT was most effective in soils which showed high NH 3 volatilization from unamended urea.
TL;DR: In this paper, the surface plasmon remains tightly confined in the original launch direction with insignificant scattering to other momentum states with a propagation length of 13.2 εm.
Abstract: We report the direct imaging of surface plasmon propagation on thin silver films using the photon scanning tunneling microscope. It is found that the surface plasmon remains tightly confined in the original launch direction with insignificant scattering to other momentum states. A propagation length of 13.2 \ensuremath{\mu}m is measured at \ensuremath{\lambda}=632.8 nm. We also present images showing the interaction of a surface plasmon with the edge of the metal film supporting it. The most remarkable feature is the absence of specularly reflected beam.
TL;DR: Assessment of the level of genetic input into age-related macular degeneration and the mode of inheritance confirm that hereditary factors are important in the aetiology of ARMD.
Abstract: Age-related macular degeneration (ARMD) is the most common cause of visual morbidity in the aged in the Western world. The aetiology of ARMD is unknown. Although clinicians have noted that ARMD demonstrates a familial tendency, the question regarding the role of hereditary factors in ARMD remains unanswered. The aims of this study were to assess the level of genetic input into ARMD and to assess the mode of inheritance of the disease. Fifty affected patients and 50 age- and sex-matched controls and their immediate families were invited to take part in the study. Thirty-six patients, controls and their families were studied. Eighty-one siblings of affected patients and 78 control siblings were available. Twenty of the 81 affected siblings were found to suffer from ARMD. In contrast only 1 of 78 control siblings had ARMD. This was statistically significant. The results confirm that hereditary factors are important in the aetiology of ARMD.
TL;DR: Various sites within the processing environment were found to be consistently positive for L. monocytogenes throughout the entire sampling period and Multiplex PCR proved to be a convenient and time-saving technique for rapid confirmation of Listeria spp.
Abstract: Volume 60, no. 12, p. 4602: Fig. 1 should appear as shown below. FIG. 1. Incidence of L. monocytogenes and other Listeria spp. in a poultry processing environment and in raw and cooked poultry products from March to September 1992. (A) Raw (R) and cooked (C) areas within the processing environment. (B) Raw and cooked poultry products. (box), L. monocytogenes; (box), Listeria spp. (not L. monocytogenes); (symbl), no Listeria spp. [This corrects the article on p. 4600 in vol. 60.].
TL;DR: The genetic diversity in Trichoderma harzianum isolates from mushroom compost was assessed using various molecular techniques and group 2 isolates could be clearly distinguished from the isolates belonging to the other two groups.
Abstract: The genetic diversity in Trichoderma harzianum isolates from mushroom compost was assessed using various molecular techniques. Restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis of ribosomal DNA (rDNA) and mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) divided the 81 isolates into three major groups, 1, 2 and 3. There was no variation within a group in rDNA, while a low degree of polymorphism was detected in mtDNA. Random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) analysis of 30 randomly chosen isolates, with six primers, in general confirmed the RFLP groups. Nucleotide sequence determination of rDNA internal transcribed spacer (ITS) 1 revealed three distinct ITS types, 1, 2 and 3, possessed by isolates from the respective groups 1, 2 and 3. Based on these molecular data, group 2 isolates, which are aggressive colonizers of mushroom compost, could be clearly distinguished from the isolates belonging to the other two groups.
TL;DR: Patients with hereditary haemochromatosis have reduced levels of antioxidant vitamins, and nutritional antioxidant supplementation may represent a novel approach to preventing tissue damage as ascorbate can have prooxidant effects in the presence of iron overload.
TL;DR: In this article, the fluorescence of molecules 1−3 was enhanced by factors of up to 67 in the presence of magnesium and calcium ions in neutral water, which allows the selective monitoring of magnesium ions under simulated physiological conditions and permits the construction of truth tables with OR logic when these molecules are viewed as ion input-photon output molecular devices.
Abstract: The fluorescence of molecules 1–3 is enhanced by factors of up to 67 in the presence of magnesium and calcium ions in neutral water which allows the selective monitoring of magnesium ions under simulated physiological conditions and permits the construction of truth tables with OR logic when these molecules are viewed as ion input–photon output molecular devices.
TL;DR: Mapping a new locus for a gene involved in regulation of bone metabolism may also have implications in the study of Paget's disease of bone which is a common related bone dysplasia.
Abstract: Familial expansile osteolysis is a rare bone dysplasia which is transmitted as an autosomal dominant trait in a large kindred in Northern Ireland. The gene which causes the disease shows tight linkage with several polymorphic markers on chromosome 18q with a maximum lod score of 11.53 at a recombination fraction of 0.00 with D18S64. The gene is flanked by D18S35 and D18S61 and is located at chromosome 18q21.1-q22. Mapping a new locus for a gene involved in regulation of bone metabolism may also have implications in the study of Paget's disease of bone which is a common related bone dysplasia.
TL;DR: The initial structural modification of nod gene-inducing flavonoids by rhizobia can generate chalcones, whose open C-ring system may have implications for the binding of inducers to the nodD gene product.
Abstract: Gas chromatographic and mass spectrometric analyses of derivatized culture medium extracts were used to identify the products of flavonoid metabolism by rhizobia. A number of Rhizobium species and biovars degraded their nod gene-inducing flavonoids by mechanisms which originated in a cleavage of the C-ring of the molecule and which yielded conserved A- and B-ring products among the metabolites. In contrast, Pseudomonas putida degraded quercetin via an initial fission in its A-ring, and Agrobacterium tumefaciens displayed a nonspecific mode of flavonoid degradation which yielded no conserved A- or B-ring products. When incubated with rhizobia, flavonoids with OH substitutions at the 5 and 7 positions yielded phloroglucinol as the conserved A-ring product, and those with a single OH substitution at the 7 position yielded resorcinol. A wider range of structures was found among the B-ring derivatives, including p-coumaric, p-hydroxybenzoic, protocatechuic, phenylacetic, and caffeic acids. The isoflavonoids genistein and daidzein were also degraded via C-ring fission by Rhizobium fredii and Rhizobium sp. strain NGR234, respectively. Partially characterized aromatic metabolites with potential nod gene-inducing activity were detected among the products of naringenin degradation by Rhizobium leguminosarum bv. viciae. The initial structural modification of nod gene-inducing flavonoids by rhizobia can generate chalcones, whose open C-ring system may have implications for the binding of inducers to the nodD gene product.
TL;DR: Both data sets indicated that a first pregnancy was a more important risk factor for early-onset disease than for late-onsets disease, and many reported risk factors are weak and show inconsistencies between studies.
Abstract: OBJECTIVE To identify perinatal risk factors for childhood insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) and determine if they differ between early-onset and lateonset disease. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS We selected 258 diabetic children in Northern Ireland and 271 diabetic children in Scotland from population-based registers. For each diabetic child, five matched control subjects were drawn from the same population. All perinatal data were recorded routinely at birth. Odds ratios (ORs) were estimated for parental age, social class, breast-feeding, deprivation measures, and other perinatal variables. RESULTS Scottish data indicated an increased risk among children born to older mothers (OR = 2.43, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.49–3.97 for mothers >35 years of age relative to those CONCLUSIONS Many reported risk factors are weak and show inconsistencies between studies. They may be secondary to more direct, as-yet-undiscovered risk factors. Although irrelevant in the majority of cases, the increased risk associated with delivery by cesarean section deserves further study.
TL;DR: Results corroborate previous findings with respect to 5-HT1A receptor involvement in murine agonistic behavior and anxiety and connote that the behavioral specificity of 5- HT1A ligands should be interpreted in terms of response competition rather than solely concomitant sedation.
TL;DR: The rate of calcification within the human thoracic aorta from completion of body growth to advanced old age was examined and medical calcification, as w/v and by w/w, increased throughout aging.
Abstract: The rate of calcification within the human thoracic aorta from completion of body growth to advanced old age was examined. Fifty-eight aortae, obtained at necropsy, were dissected into four layers: the complete intima and the separated media, which was subdivided into three tissue samples of equal thickness, defined as the media-inner,-middle, and-outer layers. The sampling sites selected for analysis were from regions of the aortic surface that were free of atherosclerotic plaques. The calcium content within each tissue layer of the aorta was determined. Arterial wall thickness and the cholesterol content of the four layers were also measured. Intimal calcification increased progressively during aging: from 1.6 μg Ca/mg tissue at 20 years of age to 5.2 μg Ca/mg tissue by 90 years of age. When intima calcium concentration was expressed by tissue volume (w/v), no significant change during aging was found. Medical calcification, as w/v and by w/w, increased throughout aging. Calcium accumulation was most marked in the middle, elastin-rich layer of the media, increasing from 1.4 μg Ca/mg tissue at 20 years of age to 49.50 μg Ca/mg tissue by 90 years of age. Calcium levels also increased in the other media layers, but at a slower rate then that found within the middle media.
TL;DR: In this paper, drug release and matrix degradation of poly (d,l -lactide) microspheres with different glass transition temperatures (T g ) were investigated at various temperatures in order to clarify the effect of temperature on mechanisms of drug release.
TL;DR: Nucleotide sequence of the rDNA internally transcribed spacer (ITS) 1 of twelve isolates of Colletotrichum, originally identified as either C. gloeosporioides or C. musae, was determined and it is concluded that the isolates belong to C. acutatum.
TL;DR: In this paper, the response of a wide grid of tree-ring chronologies to the dust-veil of AD 536, the effects of which were historically recorded in the Mediterranean and eastern Asia, is presented.
Abstract: New evidence is presented which shows the response of a wide grid of tree-ring chronologies to the dust-veil of AD 536, the effects of which were historically recorded in the Mediterranean and eastern Asia. The tree-ring evidence, particularly that from European oaks (Quercus), shows a two-stage response which raises questions about whether only a single massive eruption was involved. The observations from precisely dated tree-ring series set the agenda for the interpretation of forthcoming ice-core evidence across the AD 530s and 540s.
TL;DR: The results indicated that the fetus is capable of discriminating between the different sounds, i.e. 250 Hz and 500 Hz and [ba] and [bi] at 35 weeks of gestational age but less able at 27 weeks ofgestational age.
TL;DR: The findings confirm the wide range of clinical conditions which can result in hepatic epithelioid cell granulomas, and investigate the underlying conditions responsible for a diagnosis of granulomatous hepatitis in Northern Ireland during the thirteen year period 1980–1992.
Abstract: The finding of epithelioid cell granulomas within liver biopsies is a not uncommon occurrence. We undertook this study to investigate the underlying conditions responsible for a diagnosis of granulomatous hepatitis in Northern Ireland during the thirteen year period 1980-1992. One hundred and sixty-three patients with hepatic granulomas were identified, accounting for 4% of all liver biopsies undertaken during the period of the study. In 145 cases (89%) a definite clinical diagnosis was established. The most common clinical diagnoses were primary biliary cirrhosis which accounted for 90 cases (55%) and sarcoidosis which accounted for 30 cases (18%). Other less common conditions associated with hepatic granulomas included tuberculosis (3 cases), Crohn's disease (3 cases), chronic active hepatitis (2 cases), drug hypersensitivity (2 cases) and extra-hepatic biliary obstruction (2 cases). Six patients were identified with a clinical diagnosis of psoriasis. Other miscellaneous conditions accounting for single examples of granulomatous inflammation were schistosomiasis, gout, Hodgkin's disease, secondary adenocarcinoma, collapse and necrosis of tumour following radiotherapy and chemotherapy, granulomatous inflammation within the wall of an abscess cavity and idiopathic cirrhosis. Only eighteen cases (11%) remained idiopathic with no definite diagnosis established after detailed investigation. The findings confirm the wide range of clinical conditions which can result in hepatic epithelioid cell granulomas. This has been emphasised in several previous major studies which are reviewed in this paper.