Mammography test sets: reading location and prior images do not affect group performance.

AIM: To examine how the location where reading takes place and the availability of prior images can affect performance in breast test-set reading. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Under optimized viewing conditions, 10 expert screen readers each interpreted a reader-specific set of images containing 200 mammographic cases. Readers, randomly divided into two groups read images under one of two pairs of conditions: clinical read with prior images and laboratory read with prior images; laboratory read with prior images and laboratory read without prior images. Region-of-interest (ROI) figure-of-merit (FOM) was analysed using JAFROC software. Breast side-specific sensitivity and specificity were tested using Wilcoxon matched-pairs signed rank tests. Agreement between pairs of readings was measured using Kendall's coefficient of concordance. RESULTS: Group performances between test-set readings demonstrated similar ROI FOMs, sensitivity and specificity median values, and acceptable levels of agreement between pairs of readings were shown (W = 0.75-0.79, p < 0.001) for both pairs of reading conditions. On an individual reader level, two readers demonstrated significant decreases (p < 0.05) in ROI FOMs when prior images were unavailable. Reading location had an inconsistent impact on individual performance. CONCLUSION: Reading location and availability of prior images did not significantly alter group performance.

[Recovery from parkinsonism with N-acetylcysteine-differentiated neurons].

The upregulation of dopaminergic neuronal differentiation is necessary for stem cell therapy in Parkinson's disease (PD). In this study, neuronal differentiation efficiency increased by more than 2 times in P19 embryonic stem cells (ESCs) induced by N-acetylcysteine (NAC) and retinoic acid (RA) as compared to RA alone, with suppressed glial differentiation. The majority of NAC-treated stem cells grafted into brains of PD mice differentiated into dopaminergic neurons and persisted well for 6 weeks. Parkinsonism was also greatly improved after grafting NAC-treated cells in comparison to cells treated with only RA. Our results strongly suggest that NAC treatment may be an effective strategy for generating stem cells fated to become dopaminergic neurons for PD clinical therapy.

N-acetylcysteine enhances neuronal differentiation of P19 embryonic stem cells via Akt and N-cadherin activation.

We examined whether N-acetylcysteine (NAC) enhanced embryonic body (EB) formation and neuronal differentiation in terms of EB formation, neuronal marker (microtubule-associated protein 2; MAP-2) expression, and neuron maturation using P19 embryonic stem cells. The size and numbers of EBs were greatly increased, together with the up-regulated N-cadherin expression. Also, MAP-2 expression and neurite outgrowth were much increased with activation of serine/threonine protein kinase (Akt) and blocked by addition of an Akt inhibitor (LY294002). Our results suggested that NAC increased EB formation by up-regulating the N-cadherin expression. Furthermore, NAC-enhanced neuronal differentiation was mediated by activation of Akt.

Malaysian and Thai smokers' beliefs about the harmfulness of 'light' and menthol cigarettes.

OBJECTIVE: This study explored the extent to which Malaysian and Thai smokers believe "light" and menthol cigarettes are less harmful than "regular" cigarettes and the correlates of these beliefs. METHODS: The study used data from wave 1 of the International Tobacco Control Southeast Asia Survey. 2006 adult smokers (95.3% male) from Malaysia and 2000 adult smokers (94.5% male) from Thailand were interviewed face to face in 2005. RESULTS: 29% of Malaysian respondents reported currently smoking light cigarettes and 14% menthols, with 19% agreeing that lights are less harmful and 16% agreeing that menthols are less harmful. 38% of Thai respondents reported currently smoking light cigarettes and 19% menthols, with 46% agreeing that lights are less harmful and 35% agreeing that menthols are less harmful. Malaysian smokers reporting current use of light or menthol cigarettes were more likely to believe that they are less harmful. Reported use of lights did not relate to beliefs for Thai respondents. The belief that light and/or menthol cigarettes are less harmful was strongly related to the belief that they have smoother smoke. CONCLUSIONS: The experience of smoother smoke is likely to produce some level of belief in reduced harm, regardless of how brands are labelled and whether or not Federal Trade Commission FTC/International Organisation for Standardisation tar, nicotine and carbon monoxide yield figures are used.

Aseismic uplift in southern california: an alternative interpretation.

The previously reported uplift in southern California may have resulted from systematic errors in leveling rather than tectonic activity. Errors are inferred from correlation between changes in elevation and topography at short and long wavelengths. Corrected data show no significant vertical motion except at the time of the San Fernando earthquake. Possible sources of error include inadequate rod calibration and refraction.

Levels and correlates of awareness of tobacco promotional activities among adult smokers in Malaysia and Thailand: findings from the International Tobacco Control Southeast Asia (ITC-SEA) Survey.

AIM: To examine the impact of tobacco advertising policy on adult smokers' awareness of tobacco promotion in two developing countries--Malaysia and Thailand. METHODS: Data from 2004 Malaysian and 2000 Thai adult smokers who participated in the baseline wave of the International Tobacco Control Southeast Asia survey (ITC-SEA). Respondents were asked in a face-to-face interview conducted between January and March 2005 to indicate their levels of awareness of tobacco advertising and promotional activities in the last six months. RESULTS: Unprompted awareness of any tobacco marketing activities was very low in Thailand (20%) but significantly higher in Malaysia (53%; OR = 5.6, 95% CI: 3.5 to 8.9, p<0.001). When prompted about specific locations, Thai adult smokers reported very low recall of tobacco advertising where it was banned, being highest around point of sale, particularly street vendors (7.5%). In contrast, Malaysian adult smokers reported significantly higher levels of awareness of tobacco advertising in all locations (range = 17.7% noticing in disco lounges to 59.3% on posters) including where they are notionally banned (for example, billboards). CONCLUSIONS: These findings demonstrate that comprehensive tobacco advertising legislation when well implemented can lead to dramatic decline in awareness of tobacco promotion, thus supporting strong implementation of Article 13 of the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control.

A cryptographic key management solution for HIPAA privacy/security regulations.

The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) privacy and security regulations are two crucial provisions in the protection of healthcare privacy. Privacy regulations create a principle to assure that patients have more control over their health information and set limits on the use and disclosure of health information. The security regulations stipulate the provisions implemented to guard data integrity, confidentiality, and availability. Undoubtedly, the cryptographic mechanisms are well defined to provide suitable solutions. In this paper, to comply with the HIPAA regulations, a flexible cryptographic key management solution is proposed to facilitate interoperations among the applied cryptographic mechanisms. In addition, case of consent exceptions intended to facilitate emergency applications and other possible exceptions can also be handled easily.

Al6061 surface roughness and optical reflectance when machined by single point diamond turning at a low feed rate.

Ultra-precision face turning of Al6061 mirrors using single point diamond turning (SPDT) was undertaken to investigate the correlation between the surface roughness and reflectance. By reducing the feed rate, the optimal feed rate when the chip formation became unstable was studied. Most importantly, the impact on the roughness and reflectance was examined when the chip formation ceased to be continuous. It was determined that for a feed rate below 3 mm/min, the surface roughness always improved as the feed rate decreased, at the cost of a reduction of the normalized reflectance. The reduction of reflectance was determined to be the result of the lower material removal rates that led to a discontinuous chip formation.

Synthesis of LiYF4, BaYF5, and NaLaF4 optical nanocrystals.

This paper reports the synthesis of high quality LiYF4, BaYF5, and NaLaF4 nanocrystals by high-temperature co-decomposition of precursors in organic solvents. Their bulk counterparts have long been used as efficient luminescent hosts for various applications including lasers, upconversion fluorescence, and quantum cutters. The particles were characterized using TEM, XRD, dynamic light scattering (DLS), and fluorescence spectrometry. Trifluoroacetic acid (CF3COOH) and the reaction temperature were crucial for the formation of NaLaF4 and LiYF4 nanoparticles. NaLaF4 was not formed without using CF3COOH, only LaF3 and NaF mixture was formed. NaLaF4 nanoparticles were obtained only when CF3COOH was added in the reaction solution and the temperature was > or =330 degrees C. For the synthesis of LiYF4,, in the absence of CF3COOH in the reaction, a mixture of YOF and LiYF4 nanoparticles was formed. Pure LiYF4 particles were obtained only until CF3COOH was added in the reaction at 340 degrees C or above. The nanoparticles were easily dispersed in organic solvents include hexane, toluene, and chloroform and formed transparent colloidal solutions. The ease of doping of these as-synthesized host nanoparticles for designed optical properties was assessed. The LiYF4, BaYF5, and NaLaF4 nanoparticles, co-doped with 20% Ytterbium (Yb) and 2% Erbium (Er), showed bright upconversion fluorescence upon 980 nm NIR excitation, confirming the high quality of as-synthesized nanoparticles. These nanoparticles are potential candidates for nano-optical devices, thin films, telecommunication, and bio-probes.

Optic nerve edema as a consequence of respiratory disease.

The authors describe a patient with bilateral papilledema, visual field abnormalities, poorly reactive pupils, meningeal enhancement on cranial MRI, and diffuse brain parenchymal hypervascularity. The opening pressure at the time of lumbar puncture was normal, and results of other CSF studies were normal. All abnormalities resolved with home oxygen therapy.

Characterization and intracellular localization of the Rok1 protein involved in yeast cell division.

The ROK1 gene is essential for the cell cycle progression in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. ROK1 has been predicted to encode an ATP-dependent RNA helicase of the DEAD-box family. We have analyzed the ROK1 gene expression both at the protein and RNA levels. Polyclonal antibodies were raised against trpE::rok1 hybrid proteins and were affinity purified by using lacZ::rok1 hybrid proteins. Western blot experiments using anti-Rok1 antibodies revealed a single protein band of 64 kDa which is an expected size from the Rok1 amino acid sequence. Indirect immuno-fluorescence showed that the Rok1 protein is localized predominantly to the cytoplasm of the vegetatively growing cells. We have detected immunocross-reactive homologs of Rok1p in Candida albicans and Drosophila melanogaster.

Use of a guide device to place pedicle screws in the thoracic spine: a cadaveric study. Technical note.

In this cadaveric study, the safety and accuracy of a specially designed guide device for the placement of thoracic pedicle screws was investigated in a normal anatomical situation. Five embalmed human cadaveric thoracic spines (T1-12) were used for the study of transpedicular screw placement in the thoracic spine. Overall 120 screws were placed at all thoracic levels. The screws were inserted bilaterally in the thoracic pedicles by using a specially designed guide device. No radiographs or other imaging studies were obtained. Following screw placement, computerized tomography scans were performed to evaluate the accuracy of the pedicle screw positioning. Seven (5.8%) of the screws penetrated the pedicle wall or the vertebral body (VB) cortex. Two screws (1.7%) penetrated the medial wall of the pedicle. Two screws (1.7%) penetrated the lateral wall of the pedicle, and one screw (0.8%) penetrated the lateral wall of the pedicle and the anterior VB cortex simultaneously. Two screws (1.7%) penetrated the anterior VB cortex. Compared with the results of other studies, the findings here indicate that using this device to guide the placement of thoracic pedicle screws can significantly reduce the incidence of pedicle penetration, particularly in the medial wall.

Complex sclerosing lesion: the lesion is complex, the management is straightforward.

BACKGROUND: Complex sclerosing lesion (CSL) and its smaller counterpart, the radial scar (RS), are frequently seen pathological entities. They are clinically asymptomatic and, prior to the implementation of mammographic screening, were most commonly found incidentally during pathological examination of other biopsied lesions. Complex sclerosing lesions are being detected regularly on mammograms due to widespread screening; many of their features resemble those of malignancy. Management varies and has been controversial. METHODS: Twenty-three cases of CSL detected during the first prevalent round of screening at BreastScreen Western Sydney (from February 1993 until June 1995) are presented and reviewed. Assessment was by a combination of radiological, clinical and cytological work-up prior to surgical biopsy. In addition, 126 spiculated carcinomas detected in the same period were reviewed and compared. RESULTS: Fourteen RS/CSL (62%) had lucent centres and nine (38%) had a central mass; three had been diagnosed provisionally as RS/CSL. Spicule lengths ranged from 25 to 90 mm; central masses ranged from 5 to 50 mm; and mass:spicule length ratio ranged from 1.2:1 to 1:10. Calcification (benign or indeterminate) was present in six cases (29%). No RS/CSL contained 'suspicious' calcifications, whereas 120 of 126 carcinomas (95%) had a central mass and six (5%) had a lucent centre (spicule lengths: 10-90 mm; central mass: 5-40 mm; and mass:spicule length ratio: 1.1:1-1:10). Twenty-one spiculated carcinomas (17%) contained microcalcifications (14 benign or indeterminate; seven suspicious). Provisional radiological diagnosis (PRD) after mammogram, with or without ultrasound, for histologically confirmed RS/CSL, was RS/CSL in 18 cases (78%), carcinoma in four cases (17%) and equivocal in one case (5%). For eight (6.5%) spiculate carcinomas the PRD was RS/CSL prior to histological diagnosis. The RS/CSL were detected with equal frequency in right and left breasts, and 22 (96%) lesions occurred in the upper breast. Seven RS/CSL (31%) and 83 spiculated carcinomas (65%) had been described as 'palpable' but most were subtle. Twelve fine-needle aspiration biopsies were performed (six 'palpable' lesions (no radiological guidance); four with ultrasound guidance and two with stereotactic guidance), and five (62.5%) of eight adequate lesions were reported as benign, two (25%) were reported as atypical, and one (12.5%) was reported as suspicious. CONCLUSIONS: Definitive mammographic and sonographic differentiation of RS/CSL and stellate-type carcinoma is impossible. For screen-detected lesions that may be RS/CSL, the appropriate surgical procedure is a small but adequate biopsy using guidewire or other localization methods with optimal cosmetic incision.

Is there a role for fine-needle aspiration in radial scar/complex sclerosing lesions of the breast?

The fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNA) from 12 mammographically detected, histologically confirmed radial scar/complex sclerosing lesions (RS/CSL) and their corresponding mammography were reviewed. Six aspirates were obtained by palpation, four by ultrasound guidance, and two by stereotactic guidance. Of the eight lesions with sufficient material five (62.5%) were reported as benign, two (25%) as atypical, and one (12.5%) as suspicious. It is proposed that FNA for RS/CSL should not be performed, and lesions require excision for histologic assessment.

Use of a hydroxylapatite-based material and calcium sulfate as artificial floors to repair furcal perforations.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate a hydroxylapatite-based material and calcium sulfate when each was used under a resin-modified glass ionomer cement to repair furcation perforations. STUDY DESIGN: Perforations of pulp chamber floors were made in 72 teeth of 9 dogs. Perforations were divided into 3 equal-sized groups and repaired with resin-modified glass ionomer either alone or over an artificial floor. The artificial floor was either a hydroxylapatite-based material or calcium sulfate. Three dogs were killed at each of 3 intervals (1, 3, and 6 months). The tissue response to the tested materials was evaluated clinically, radiographically, and histologically. RESULTS: The hydroxylapatite-based material showed the highest radiographic success; this was followed by calcium sulfate and glass ionomer. From histologic evaluation, the average success rate was found to be 67% for calcium sulfate, 62% for the hydroxylapatite-based material, and 59% for glass ionomer. However, there was no statistical significant difference with the resin-modified glass ionomer when it was used alone and when it was used over a barrier. There was also no significant difference between the hydroxylapatite-based material and the calcium sulfate when they were used as artificial floors. CONCLUSION: The use of an artificial floor may not be necessary when flowable resin-modified glass ionomer cements are used.

Airbags and bilateral eye injury: five case reports and a review of the literature.

We report five cases of bilateral eye injuries from airbag deployment in motor vehicle crashes and review the world's literature on ocular injuries associated with airbags. The cases in the literature were identified by cross-referencing Medline searches from airbags and ocular injuries. Additional cases were identified after review of references from each article in the search. An additional 89 cases from the literature were identified and are included for discussion. Patients were treated individually in a noncontrolled, nonrandomized fashion according to the nature of each injury with regular follow-up examinations in clinic. Of the 94 cases studied, 24 (27%) were bilateral eye injuries, and 15 (16%) patients were wearing spectacles at the time of the accident. The most common injuries included corneal abrasions, eyelid trauma, and hyphemas. Outcomes ranged from complete resolution of symptoms and return of normal visual acuity to primary enucleation. This report describes the wide spectrum of eye injuries that may occur after airbag deployment. We suggest a management plan for the evaluation and treatment of the ocular complications of airbag-related trauma.

Antibiotic selective pressure for the maintenance of antibiotic resistant genes in coliform bacteria isolated from the aquatic environment.

Coliform bacteria isolated from the aquatic environment were investigated for antibiotic susceptibility and detailed structures of class 1 integrons. A high proportion of isolates were found to be resistant to sulfamethoxazole, aminoglycosides, and beta-lactams. The 750 (53.6%) isolates were resistant to one or more of the antibiotics tested out of 1,400 coliform bacteria. Based on the MIC of antibiotics and antibiogram, 150 isolates were selected and further studied for class 1 integrons. The intI1 gene was found in 36 (24.0%) of the 150 isolates. Twelve isolates carried the gene cassettes responsible for antibiotic resistance, while no gene cassettes were found in 24 isolates. Seven different genes, dfrA5, dfrA7, dfrA12, dfrA17, aaA2, aaA5, and aad(3'), were detected in gene cassettes. The dfrA and aad genes located on class 1 integrons were responsible for resistance to trimethoprim and aminoglycosides. The remaining 24 coliform bacteria had the incomplete or non-functional class 1 integrons. These results indicated that antibiotic selective pressures may play an important role to maintain gene cassettes of class 1 integrons and in the absence of sustained antibiotic pressures, such as the aquatic environment, coliform bacteria may carry empty or non-functional class 1 integrons.

Effects of environmental endocrine disruptors on the sex differentiation in Korean rockfish, Sebastes schlegeli.

The effects of estradiol-17beta, methyltestosterone, tributyltin, bisphenol A and 2,4-dinitrophenol on sex differentiation were investigated in the Korean rockfish, Sebastes schlegeli. The 51 day-old fry with undifferentiated gonads were fed with food containing the chemicals at 0.05, 0.5, 5, 50 and 100 micro/g diet for 29 days. Sex ratio and gonadal abnormality after the chemical treatment were determined by histological examination of gonads. In control group, the sex ratio of fry was 1:1.3 (female:male), and more males than females appeared. The sex of fry fed with estradiol-17beta at 5, 50 and 100 micro/g diet was all females. Feminization of the fry was induced by exogenic estradiol-17beta. In the methyltestosterone group, sex ratio of fry was 1:10.2 in 0.05 micro/g diet, 1:2.4 in 0.5 micro/g diet, 1:3.1 in 5 micro/g diet, 1:1.2 in 50 micro/g diet and 1:2.3 in 100 micro/g diet. Masculinization of the fry was induced by methyltestosterone at the lowest concentration. Furthermore, intersex of the fry was observed. The number of intersex fry was 23.3, 25.0 and 35.3 at 0.5, 5 and 50 micro/g diet of methyltestosterone, respectively. Sex ratio of bisphenol A group showed no difference with that of the control. The sex of fry fed with 2,4-dinitrophenol at 5, 50 and 100 micro/g diet was all females. 2,4-dinitrophenol should be considered as a new member of endocrine disruptors. In tributyltin group, the sex ratio of fry at 100 micro/g diet of tributyltin was 5.4:1. Tributyltin induced the feminization of the fry at the highest dose. Tributyltin showed an estrogenic effect in the Korean rockfish in contrast to an androgenic effect in gastropods.

Biodegradation of gaseous benzene with microbial consortium in a biofilter.

The objective of this study was to investigate the biodegradation of gaseous benzene in a biofilter inoculated with benzene-oxidizing microorganisms. The biofilter performance was monitored in terms of benzene removal efficiency and carbon dioxide production. The biofilter was capable of achieving as much as 96% benzene removal efficiency at a residence time of 2 min and an inlet concentration of 220 ppm. During operation with an inlet benzene of 220 ppm, the maximum elimination capacity of the biofilter was 483 g of C6H6 m(-3) day(-1). Under the same conditions, carbon dioxide with a concentration of up to 726 ppm was produced. It was found that carbon dioxide wasproduced at a rate of 608 mg day(-1), which corresponded to a volume of 0.35 l day(-1). Observable features of the microorganisms, meaning microbial activity occurrence in the biofilter, were investigated with the microscopy analysis.