Due to its favorable relaxometric properties, Mn(2+) is an appealing metal ion for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast agents. This paper reports the synthesis and characterization of three new triazadicarboxylate-type ligands and their Mn(2+) chelates (, 1,4,7-triazacyclononane-1,4-diacetate-7-heptanil; , 1,4,7-triazacyclononane-1,4-diacetate-7-benzoic acid; and , 1,4,7-triazacyclononane-1,4-diacetate-7-hexanoic acid). The protonation constants of the ligands ...

AIM: Despite the well-documented burden of rheumatic heart disease (RHD) in several Pacific countries, the disease is poorly understood in New Caledonia. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of RHD detected by echocardiographic screening in school children. METHODS: An annual RHD screening programme is conducted by ...

A series of N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC)/PR(3) palladium(ii) and palladium(0) complexes has been synthesized and fully characterized. X-ray crystallographic data have allowed comparison of ligand steric properties. The NHC ligand was found to vary its steric properties as a function of the phosphine co-ligand. These complexes display interesting catalytic properties in ...

Interleukin-27 (IL-27) suppresses immune responses through inhibition of the development of IL-17 producing T-helper (Th) 17 cells and induction of IL-10 production. We previously showed that forced expression of early growth response gene 2 (Egr-2), a transcription factor required for T-cell anergy induction, induces IL-10 and lymphocyte activation gene 3 ...

A photo-switchable fluorescent flagging approach has been developed to identify photoaffinity-labeled peptides in target protein. Upon photochemical release of the ligand, the protein was newly modified with a coumarin in place of the previously attached biotin. It allowed us to simplify complex identification processes for labeled sites.

As part of the continuing evolution towards conservative dentistry there has been a drive to push further and investigate the possibility of inducing the repair and regeneration of lost dental hard tissue. Until recently, the prospect of repair and regeneration had been confined to laboratory studies and hypothesised scientific models. ...

The brain regulates energy homeostasis in the organism. Under resource shortage, the brain takes priority over peripheral organs for energy supply. But can the brain also down-regulate its own consumption to favor survival? We show that the brain of Drosophila specifically disables the costly formation of aversive long-term memory (LTM) ...

BACKGROUND: During storage, red blood cells (RBCs) lose their membrane stability, leading to haemolysis and microparticle (MP) formation. The use of RBCs stored for more than 28 days has been associated with an increased incidence of deep vein thrombosis. However, the exact mechanism by which coagulation activation is enhanced in stored ...

Introduction: The effect of the anti-osteoporosis medicine, menatetrenone (vitamin K(2); menaquinone-4) on the skeleton remains a matter of controversy. The objective of the present review study was to evaluate the effect of menatetrenone on the skeleton of postmenopausal women, men and glucocorticoid-treated patients. Methods: PubMed was used to search the ...

BACKGROUND: Movement changes in pain. Unlike the somewhat stereotypical response of limb muscles to pain, trunk muscle responses are highly variable when challenged by pain in that region. This has led many to question the existence of a common underlying theory to explain the adaptation. Here, we tested the hypotheses ...

In a temperate climate, understory trees leaf out earlier than canopy trees, but the cause of this discrepancy remains unclear. This study aims to investigate whether this discrepancy results from ontogenic changes or from microclimatic differences. Seedlings of five deciduous tree species were grown in spring 2012 in the understory ...

An air-stable and water-tolerant ortho-metallated complex [Co(tfb)(bpy)(2)](NO(3))·3H(2)O was obtained via hydrothermal synthesis. The mechanism for the formation of Co-C bond was studied using both DFT calculations and experimental analysis. This highly stable complex exhibits good catalytic performance for the selective oxidation of cyclohexane.

Introduction: Primary Sjögren syndrome (SS) is a chronic systemic autoimmune disease characterized by sicca features and systemic manifestations, and requires a multidisciplinary therapeutic approach. Areas covered: Treatment of sicca manifestations is symptomatic and is based on the administration of topical therapies (saliva substitutes and preservative-free artificial tears). In severe cases ...

In bacteria, the RNA polymerase holoenzyme comprises a five-subunit core enzyme and a dissociable subunit, sigma factor, which is responsible for transcriptional initiation. The filamentous bacterium Streptomyces griseus has 52 sigma factors, including one essential "principal" sigma factor (σ(HrdB) ) that is responsible for the transcription of housekeeping genes. Here ...

This work presents the evaluation of pulse rate variability (PRV) obtained from pulse onsets of photoplethysmographic (PPG) signals. Three published algorithms were used to determine the pulse onsets: diastolic point, maximum second derivative and tangent intersection. Temporal series of pulse onsets were obtained for each method, and several variability indices ...

BACKGROUND: This study aims to compare the effects of two different local resection procedures on the prognosis of ampullary cancer. METHODS: We carried out a retrospective study using clinical and pathological data from patients with ampullary cancer who underwent local resection between February 1996 and February 2009 in the PLA ...

We report a new approach for molecular sex identification of extant Ursinae and Tremarctinae bears. Two Y-specific fragments (SMCY and 318.2) and one X-specific fragment (ZFX) are amplified in a multiplex PCR, yielding a double test for male-specific amplification and an internal positive control. The primers were designed and tested ...

This paper explores the impact of employer-provided health insurance on hospital competition and hospital mergers. Under employer-provided health insurance, employer executives act as agents for their employees in selecting health insurance options for their firm. The paper investigates whether a merger of hospitals favored by executives will result in a ...

BACKGROUND: Urosepsis is the most common complication requiring hospital admission after transrectal biopsy of the prostate. This study aims to assess the local incidence and causative organisms of hospital admissions with urosepsis after transrectal ultrasound-guided prostate (TRUS) biopsy. As morbidity is high, treatment must be commenced empirically prior to cultures. ...

BACKGROUND: Staphylococcal enterotoxin B (SEB) is a superantigen known to be a modulator of chronic airway inflammation in mice and humans, yet little is known about the mechanisms that regulate its interaction with the innate immune system. We investigated this mechanism in a murine model of allergic airway inflammation induced ...

We aimed to determine whether a unique, ultra-high-field 7 T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanner could detect occult cartilage and meniscal injuries in asymptomatic female dancers. This study had Institutional Review Board approval. We recruited eight pre-professional female dancers and nine non-athletic, female controls. We scanned the dominant knee on a ...

BACKGROUND: Neonatal Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccination induces vigorous T-helper type 1 (Th1) responses and inhibits allergy-related airway dysfunction, but the exact mechanisms remain unclear. The objective of this study was to address where the Th1 cells induced by neonatal BCG vaccination are generated and stored, and how they are recruited ...

Cappa et al. (Reports, 31 August 2012, p. 1078) suggest that black carbon (BC) in a mixture absorbs only ~6% more sunlight than when volatile chemicals are evaporated from the mixture, and state that "many climate models may overestimate warming by BC." However, the authors misinterpret at least some model ...

During laser deposition of Ni-Cr-B-Si-C alloys with high amounts of Cr and B, various microstructures and phases can be generated from the same chemical composition that results in heterogeneous properties in the clad layer. In this study, the microstructure and phase constitution of a high-alloy Ni-Cr-B-Si-C coating deposited by laser ...

ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND: Small RNA mediated gene silencing is a well-conserved regulatory pathway. In the parasite Entamoeba histolytica an endogenous RNAi pathway exists, however, the depth and diversity of the small RNA population remains unknown. RESULTS: To characterize the small RNA population that associates with E. histolytica Argonaute-2 (EhAGO2-2), we immunoprecipitated ...

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate whether asthma predicts the development of nicotine dependence and unsuccessful smoking cessation attempts in adolescent smokers. In addition, it was tested whether nicotine dependence could explain the relation between asthma and unsuccessful cessation attempts. Methods: A longitudinal survey study was conducted ...

Kathryn Harley, Dean of the Faculty of Dental Surgery of the RCS, talks to the British Dental Journal about working with the press to spread oral health messages, the importance of prevention and the joy of treating children.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the present study was to evaluate bone-to-implant contact (BIC) and bone remodeling dynamics after immediate implant placement at different levels in relation to the crestal bone. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The mandibular second, third, and fourth premolars of six Foxhound dogs were extracted bilaterally. Randomly, three implants ...

ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND: Due to its abundance and low-price, glycerol has become an attractive carbon source for the industrial production of value-added fuels and chemicals. This work reports the engineering of E. coli for the efficient conversion of glycerol into L-lactic acid (L-lactate). RESULTS: Escherichia coli strains have previously been metabolically ...

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to assess the utility of intraorbital injection of triamcinolone acetonide as a primary treatment option for orbital reactive lymphoid hyperplasia (RLH).Patients and methodRetrospective, single-centre, interventional case series.ResultsIntraorbital injection of triamcinolone acetonide was associated with complete resolution of all symptoms and signs in four cases ...

A novel detection method for RNA pathogens based on one-step reverse transcription PCR is introduced here. This method utilized the reverse transcriptase activity and the 5'-nuclease activity of TaqM1 DNA polymerase to transform target RNA into cDNA. The following PCR process released a fragment from the 5' end as a ...

This is the final paper in a series reporting on the results of the 2009 Adult Dental Health Survey. Since 1968 national adult surveys have been repeated every decade with broadly similar methods providing a unique overview of trends in oral health over a 40-year period. This paper aims to ...

Common-envelope events (CEEs), during which two stars temporarily orbit within a shared envelope, are believed to be vital for the formation of a wide range of close binaries. For decades, the only evidence that CEEs actually occur has been indirect, based on the existence of systems that could not be ...

A one-year old boy with a history of Hirschsprung disease underwent an elective sigma resection by transverse infraumbilical laparotomy. A subclavian vein catheterization for parenteral nutrition was performed simultaneously. Antibiotic therapy with ceftriaxone and metronidazole was begun. © 2013 John Wiley & Sons A/S.

Vocal cord dysfunction (VCD) is characterised by paradoxical inspiratory abduction of the vocal cords. Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) is a known trigger. We studied 77 patients referred to a tertiary VCD clinic. VCD was diagnosed in 62 patients. 83.9% of this group had proven GORD. Following 8 weeks of acid ...

BACKGROUND: The inflammatory phenotypes of severe asthma in adults may be reflected in peripheral blood. If this were true in children with severe therapy-resistant asthma (STRA), invasive tests could be avoided. At the moment there is no conclusive evidence in children. METHODS: All patients underwent blood tests, exhaled nitric oxide ...

Aim To assess the association between the admissions performance and subsequent academic achievement within a graduate-entry dental school.Methods The study was conducted at the University of Aberdeen Dental School. UCAS forms for course applicants were reviewed and assigned a pre-admission score (PAS) and a tariff given for the UCAS personal ...

Most organic radicals possess short lifetimes and quickly undergo dimerization or oxidation. Here, we report on the synthesis by radical templation of a class of air- and water-stable organic radicals, trapped within a homo[2]catenane composed of two rigid and fixed cyclobis(paraquat-p-phenylene) rings. The highly energetic octacationic homo[2]catenane, which is capable ...

BACKGROUND: In the development of a telemetry localization system for wireless tracking of a microcapsule medical device based on alternating current magnetic fields, further improvements are required in terms of localization accuracy and reductions in systematic error. METHODS: A new correction method is proposed based on an improved neural network ...

Consecutive electro-oxidation and reduction cycling of gold macroelectrodes in sulphuric acid medium is a widely-used cleaning and calibration procedure. In this paper this method is applied to electrodeposited nanoparticles revealing significant differences in the electro-oxidation process and the cleaning effectiveness. This suggests a higher density of surface defects on the ...

Three-dimensional focused ion beam/scanning electron microscopy (FIB/SEM tomography) is currently an important technique to characterize in 3D a complex semiconductor device or a specific failure. However, the industrial context demands low turnaround time making the technique less useful. To make it more attractive, the following study focuses on a specific ...

The major constituent of green tea, (-)-epigallocatechin-3-O-gallate (EGCG), has been shown to have cancer-preventive and therapeutic activities. Numerous molecular targets for EGCG have been proposed, but the mechanisms of its anticancer activities are not clearly understood. In this issue of the JCI, Kumazoe et al. report that EGCG activates 67-kDa ...

PurposeTo report visual and refractive outcomes, and endothelial cell loss following primary and secondary 'piggyback' toric intraocular lens (IOL) implantation in patients with high post-penetrating keratoplasty (PK) astigmatism.MethodsProspective case series. Nine eyes of nine patients with post-PK astigmatism were consecutively recruited for implantation of a customized toric IOL. Six underwent ...

It is known that environmental factors can affect the biosynthesis of leaf metabolites. Similarly, specific pairwise plant-microbe interactions modulate the plant's metabolome by stimulating production of phytoalexins and other defense-related compounds. However, there is no information about how different soil microbiomes could affect the plant growth and the leaf metabolome. ...

ABSTRACT Background: Community care workers' experience of delivering support to people with dementia is less researched than that of residential workers. The purpose of the study is to explore community-based dementia care workers' perspectives about their roles and the contextual variables that impact upon their work experiences. Method: A qualitative ...

Aim To assess the association between the admissions performance and subsequent academic achievement within a graduate-entry dental school.Methods The study was conducted at the University of Aberdeen Dental School. UCAS forms for course applicants were reviewed and assigned a pre-admission score (PAS) and a tariff given for the UCAS personal ...

Pulsars emit from low-frequency radio waves up to high-energy gamma-rays, generated anywhere from the stellar surface out to the edge of the magnetosphere. Detecting correlated mode changes across the electromagnetic spectrum is therefore key to understanding the physical relationship among the emission sites. Through simultaneous observations, we detected synchronous switching ...

OBJECTIVE: To explore barriers and solutions to addressing physical inactivity and prolonged sitting in the adult population of Oman. DESIGN: Qualitative study involving semi-structured interviews that took place from October 2011 to January 2012. Participants were recruited through purposive sampling. Data collection and analysis was an iterative process; later interviews ...

Many studies have examined the metabolic pathway of selenium (Se) compounds in Se-accumulating plants (hereafter "Se accumulators") when the plants are exposed to inorganic Se, such as selenite and selenate. However, if we were to consider Se circulation in the biosphere, the metabolism of organic Se, in particular, selenometabolites of ...

A large number of patients are resistant to taxane-based chemotherapy. Functional mitotic checkpoints are essential for taxane sensitivity. Thus, mitotic regulators are potential markers for therapy response and could be targeted for anticancer therapy. In this study, we identified a novel function of ubiquitin (Ub)-specific processing protease-7 (USP7) that interacts ...