Silicate spherules from deep-sea sediments: confirmation of extraterrestrial origin.

Silicate spherules produced by atmospheric melting of meteoric bodies are probably the most common form of extraterrestrial material on the earth. It has never been possible to positively identify such particles although it has been known for more than a century that silicate spherules of suspected extraterrestrial origin are present in deep-sea sediments. One such spherule has been identified as definitely extraterrestrial since its abundances of nonvolatile trace elements closely match those of primitive solar system material.

Avian mycobacteriosis in captive brolgas (Antigone rubicunda).

CASE SERIES: Avian mycobacteriosis is a significant disease of a wide range of bird species worldwide. The most common causative agent, Mycobacterium avium, is reported to also infect a range of mammals, including humans. Of 11 brolgas (Antigone rubicunda) submitted to the University of Melbourne for postmortem examination over a 10-year period, 7 were diagnosed with mycobacteriosis. All were from a wildlife park and kept in permanent enclosures as part of a breeding program. Most of the brolgas with mycobacteriosis were in poor body condition and had widely disseminated granulomas throughout the body, especially within the liver, spleen and gastrointestinal tract. Respiratory tract involvement was common, with all disseminated cases having pulmonary or air sac granulomas. Rare to moderate numbers of acid-fast organisms were detected in granulomas by histological examination. Where examined by appropriate bacteriological examinations, M. avium complex was isolated from affected tissues. CONCLUSION: This case series is the first known report of mycobacteriosis in brolgas and highlights the pathological changes seen. The complications in maintaining an avian mycobacteriosis-free breeding program and in eradication of the disease from an enclosed wildlife environment are discussed.

Periodontal diagnosis in the context of the 2017 classification system of periodontal diseases and conditions: presentation of a patient with periodontitis localised to the molar teeth.

The objective of this case report is to illustrate the diagnosis and classification of periodontitis, according to the 2017 classification system, as recommended in the British Society of Periodontology (BSP) implementation plan. A 37-year-old female was diagnosed with periodontitis (molar-incisor pattern), stage III, grade C, currently unstable. Several issues pertinent to the diagnosis of localised forms of periodontitis in young patients are discussed in relation to the current and previous classification systems. Periodontitis can be limited to a few sites and this case highlights the importance of the careful application of the basic periodontal examination (BPE).

Periodontal diagnosis in the context of the 2017 classification system of periodontal diseases and conditions: Presentation of a middle-aged patient with localised periodontitis.

The objective of this case report is to illustrate the diagnosis and classification of periodontitis according to the 2017 classification system as recommended in the British Society of Periodontology (BSP) implementation plan. We describe a case of a patient who was diagnosed with 'localised periodontitis; stage II, grade B; currently unstable'. The present case report presents an example for the application of the new classification system and illustrates how the new classification system captures disease severity, extent and disease susceptibility by staging and grading periodontitis.

Periodontal diagnosis in the context of the 2017 classification system of periodontal diseases and conditions - implementation in clinical practice.

The 2017 World Workshop Classification system for periodontal and peri-implant diseases and conditions was developed in order to accommodate advances in knowledge derived from both biological and clinical research, that have emerged since the 1999 International Classification of Periodontal Diseases. Importantly, it defines clinical health for the first time, and distinguishes an intact and a reduced periodontium throughout. The term 'aggressive periodontitis' was removed, creating a staging and grading system for periodontitis that is based primarily upon attachment and bone loss and classifies the disease into four stages based on severity (I, II, III or IV) and three grades based on disease susceptibility (A, B or C). The British Society of Periodontology (BSP) convened an implementation group to develop guidance on how the new classification system should be implemented in clinical practice. A particular focus was to describe how the new classification system integrates with established diagnostic parameters and pathways, such as the basic periodontal examination (BPE). This implementation plan focuses on clinical practice; for research, readers are advised to follow the international classification system. In this paper we describe a diagnostic pathway for plaque-induced periodontal diseases that is consistent with established guidance and accommodates the novel 2017 classification system, as recommended by the BSP implementation group. Subsequent case reports will provide examples of the application of this guidance in clinical practice.

Periodontal diagnosis in the context of the BSP implementation plan for the 2017 classification system of periodontal diseases and conditions: presentation of a pair of young siblings with periodontitis.

The objective of this case report is to illustrate the diagnosis and classification of periodontitis according to the 2017 classification system as recommended in the British Society of Periodontology (BSP) implementation plan. We describe two cases in the form of a pair of siblings, who developed periodontitis very early in life. A 19-year-old female was diagnosed with 'generalised periodontitis; stage III/grade C; currently unstable'. Her 14-year-old sister was diagnosed with 'localised periodontitis; stage II, grade C; currently unstable'. The present case report presents an example for the application of the new classification system and illustrates the importance of a periodontal check for children and adolescents and/or their relatives.

Molecular identification of bacteria on the tongue dorsum of subjects with and without halitosis.

AIM: Compare the microbial profiles on the tongue dorsum in patients with halitosis and control subjects in a UK population using culture-independent techniques. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Halitosis patients were screened according to our recently developed recruitment protocol. Scrapings from the tongue dorsum were obtained for 12 control subjects and 20 halitosis patients. Bacteria were identified by PCR amplification, cloning and sequencing of 16S rRNA genes. RESULTS: The predominant species found in the control samples were Lysobacter-type species, Streptococcus salivarius, Veillonella dispar, unidentified oral bacterium, Actinomyces odontolyticus, Atopobium parvulum and Veillonella atypica. In the halitosis samples, Lysobacter-type species, S. salivarius, Prevotella melaninogenica, unidentified oral bacterium, Prevotella veroralis and Prevotella pallens were the most commonly found species. For the control samples, 13-16 (4.7-5.8%) of 276 clones represented uncultured species, whereas in the halitosis samples, this proportion increased to 6.5-9.6% (36-53 of 553 clones). In the control samples, 22 (8.0%) of 276 clones represented potentially novel phylotypes, and in the halitosis samples, this figure was 39 (7.1%) of 553 clones. CONCLUSIONS: The microflora associated with the tongue dorsum is complex in both the control and halitosis groups, but several key species predominate in both groups.

The G alpha i homologue gna-1 controls multiple differentiation pathways in Neurospora crassa.

Heterotrimeric G proteins are components of principal signaling pathways in eukaryotes. In higher organisms, alpha subunits of G proteins have been divided into four families, Gi, Gs, Gq, and G12. We previously identified a G alpha i homologue gna-1 in the filamentous fungus Neurospora crassa. Now we report that deletion of gna-1 leads to multiple phenotypes during the vegetative and sexual cycles in N. crassa. On solid medium, delta gna-1 strains have a slower rate of hyphal apical extension than wild type, a rate that is more pronounced under hyperosmotic conditions or in the presence of a cellophane overlay. delta gna-1 mutants accumulate less mass than wild-type strains, and their mass accumulation is not affected in the same way by exposure to light. delta gna-1 strains are defective in macroconidiation, possessing aerial hyphae that are shorter, contain abnormal swellings, and differentiate adherent macroconidia. During the sexual cycle, delta gna-1 strains are fertile as males. However, the mutants are female-sterile, producing small, aberrant female reproductive structures. After fertilization, delta gna-1 female structures do not enlarge and develop normally, and no sexual spores are produced. Thus, mutation of gna-1 results in sex-specific loss of fertility.

StreetWise: developing a serious game to support forensic mental health service users' preparation for discharge: a feasibility study.

WHAT IS KNOWN ON THE SUBJECT?: Serious gaming can support learning and development. The use of serious games for skills development and the rehearsal of the management of events that cannot be replicated in real life is well established. Few serious games have been used in mental health services, and none in forensic mental health care. WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS TO EXISTING KNOWLEDGE?: How a serious game may be coproduced by forensic mental health service users and game developers The acceptability of the therapeutic use of serious gaming by forensic mental health service users and providers. WHAT ARE THE IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE?: Computer games may be used by practitioners in their therapeutic work with forensic mental health service users. Mental health nurses to use serious games to creatively and safely bridge the gap for service users between receiving care in controlled environments and living more independent in the community. ABSTRACT: Introduction Assessment of users' skills and confidence to safely respond to risky community-based situations underpins discharge planning. Serious games have been used for skills development, and this study trialled their use in forensic mental health services. Aim The aim was to develop and test the acceptability and usability of an innovative serious game to support forensic mental health service users' preparation for discharge. Method A prototype serious game was developed by service users and researchers. Acceptability and usability testing was undertaken and service providers interviewed about the acceptability of serious gaming for forensic mental health services. Result A prototype game was produced and successfully trialled by service users. However, both service users and providers identified that work needed to be done to develop and test a game with greater complexity. Discussion The acceptability and usability of using serious games to support service users to develop skills needed for successful discharge was demonstrated. Implications for practice Mental health practitioners may use gaming to support their practice and work innovatively with other professions such as game developers to create new ways of working in forensic mental health services.

Microbiological culture analysis of the tongue anaerobic microflora in subjects with and without halitosis.

OBJECTIVE: Determination of the microflora present on the tongue dorsum of subjects with and without halitosis using conventional microbiological culture methods. METHODS: Twenty-one halitosis and 20 control patients were recruited using a strict clinical protocol. Samples were collected from the posterior dorsum of the tongue using a sterile brush. Each sample was vortex mixed for 30 s and serial 10-fold dilutions to 10(-7) were carried out. Samples were plated onto fastidious anaerobe agar (FAA) and FAA enriched with vancomycin. These were incubated under anaerobic conditions for 10 days at 37 degrees C. Strict anaerobes were identified by metronidazole sensitivity and bacteria were identified to genus level by a combination of colony morphology, Gram staining and biochemical and enzymatic tests (rapid ID 32 A). RESULTS: The predominant species in test and control groups were Veillonella sp. and Prevotella sp. Greater species diversity was found in the halitosis samples compared with controls. The halitosis samples contained an increased incidence of unidentifiable Gram-negative rods, Gram-positive rods and Gram-negative coccobacilli. CONCLUSIONS: There was no obvious association between halitosis and any specific bacterial genus. The increased species diversity found in halitosis samples suggests that halitosis may be the result of complex interactions between several bacterial species. The role of uncultivable bacteria may also be important in contributing to this process.

Use of recombinant vectors derived from herpes simplex virus 1 mutant tsK for short-term expression of transgenes encoding cytoplasmic and membrane anchored proteins in postmitotic polarized cortical neurons and glial cells in vitro.

We constructed three recombinant vectors derived from the herpes simplex virus type 1 mutant tsK, each of which contained a different transgene under the control of the herpes simplex virus type 1 immediate early 3 promoter inserted into the thymidine kinase locus: the prokaryotic enzymes beta-galactosidase and chloramphenicol acetyl transferase, and a fusion gene consisting of human tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases linked to the last exon of Thy-1, which encodes for a glycosyl-phosphatidyl-inositol membrane anchor. Infection of postmitotic neocortical and hippocampal neurons in low-density primary cultures with these vectors, achieved reliable expression of all three foreign gene products in various neocortical cell types, e.g. pyramidal neurons, non-pyramidal neurons, and glial cells. The percentage of neurons expressing transgenes ranged from 1 to 46% depending on the multiplicity of infection (highest assayed = 5); the percentage of glial cells expressing transgenes ranged from 0.5 to 98% (highest multiplicity assayed = 3.4). Expression of transgenes could be detected for up to three days in approximately 20% of neurons infected at a multiplicity of infection of 1. Infection of neurons with tk K-derived recombinant vectors inhibited their protein synthesis by 40-50% at a multiplicity of infection of 10, but no effect was observed at a multiplicity of infection of 1. Infection of glial cells with the same vectors at a multiplicity of infection of 1 inhibited protein synthesis by more than 90%. Analysis of neuronal viability at different times post-infection indicated that more than 98% of neurons expressing transgenes 48 h post-infection were viable. Thus, low-density neuronal cultures can be used to assess the efficiency of herpes simplex virus type 1-derived gene transfer vectors and transgene expression in developing cortical postmitotic cells, before and after they establish polarity. In addition, we show that two cytoplasmic enzymes, beta-galactosidase and chloramphenicol acetyl transferase, are able to diffuse freely in the cytoplasm reaching even growth cones in young neurons, while the chimeric protein tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases/Thy-1 is correctly targeted to the plasma membrane via a glycosyl-phosphatidylinositol anchor. This model system should be useful for investigation of cellular and molecular aspects of the development and establishment of neuronal polarity, as well as for analysis of signals involved in protein targeting in postmitotic neurons.

Mitogenic effects and nuclear localisation of procorticotrophin-releasing hormone expressed within stably transfected fibroblast cells (CHO-K1).

To investigate the intracellular localisation and biological activity of procorticotrophin-releasing hormone (proCRH), we have established stably transfected CHO-K1 cells expressing the rat pre-proCRH cDNA. Using immunoblot analysis of cell lysates of transfected CHO-K1 cells, we detected a major CRH immunoreactive band with an apparent molecular weight of approximately 19 kDa. This 19 kDa band could account for full length proCRH molecule which has not undergone post-translational modifications. Metabolic labelling followed by immunoprecipitation, SDS-PAGE and autoradiography indicated that no endoproteolytic processing of proCRH takes place within the transfected CHO-K1 cells. Immunofluorescence staining localises the CRH precursor to both the cytoplasm and to the nucleus in transfected CHO-K1 cells. This result was confirmed using subcellular fractionation techniques on radiolabelled CHO-K1 cells expressing immunoreactive CRH. A major CRH-immunoreactive band of 19 kDa was detected both in the microsomal and secreted fractions, indicating the presence of proCRH within the secretory pathway of these cells. This was also evident in the nuclear fraction, therefore confirming the nuclear localisation of proCRH. Analysis of DNA concentration, cell number and DNA synthesis showed that stably transfected CHO-K1 cells expressing proCRH have a higher proliferation and DNA synthesis rate than wildtype CHO-K1 cells or CHO-K1 cells transfected with pEE14 alone. Our results therefore suggest a mitogenic role for the intact proCRH molecule within CHO-K1 cells. Furthermore, treatment of mouse corticotrophic tumour cells (AtT20/D16-16) with conditioned medium from transfected CHO-K1 cells expressing proCRH, stimulated both DNA synthesis and cell proliferation above basal levels. Our results constitute the first reported direct evidence of a mitogenic role for proCRH acting on a corticotrophic cell population.

Clinical and genetic analysis of a large North European Caucasian family affected by early-onset periodontitis.

Genetic studies of early-onset periodontitis (EOP) are hampered by several factors. These include delayed onset of the trait, an upper age limit of expression of the disease, and lack of phenotypic information for edentulous family members. Segregation analyses of families with EOP support a major locus hypothesis but fail to define clearly the criteria used for diagnosis of the relatives. Confirmation of a proposed mode of inheritance and the identification of risk genes is awaited by means of family linkage studies. It is suggested that a system can be developed for the current and retrospective diagnosis of relatives of EOP probands. In addition, it is hypothesized that the large family presented here is suitable for a linkage study. Relatives of the proband who were unavailable for a full periodontal examination, were edentulous, or were deceased, were diagnosed by means of documented clinical evidence of periodontal disease or from reported case histories. Segregation analysis was performed. Analysis of the power of the pedigree to detect linkage was carried out by means of the SIMLINK program. Three different categories were defined according to the reliability of diagnosis of EOP. Segregation analysis indicated either autosomal-dominant or X-linked-dominant inheritance in this family. The simulations showed lod scores above 3.0 for all locations of the disease gene, and for each category of diagnosis. In conclusion, a method has been developed which can be used for the diagnosis of relatives of EOP probands when ideal clinical data are unavailable. The simulations suggest that this family is suitable for a genetic linkage study with the aim of identifying the location of one or more susceptibility genes.

Raman studies of some diunsaturated olefinic and acetylenic fatty acids and their derivatives.

The Raman spectra of CCl4 solutions of the 6,12; 7,12; 8,12; 9,12; and 10,12 isomers of octadecadiynoic acid and of the octadecadienoic acid methyl esters of both the cis,cis and trans,trans series are reported. Provided that there are two or more methylene groups between the unsaturated groups, the double and triple bond vibrational wavenumber values are close to those found in monounsaturated derivatives. An attempt has been made to obtain a correlation between the relative intensities of the nu(CequalsC) and delta(CH2) bands and the ratio of the number of double bonds to methylene groups in the molecule.

Construction and Calibration of the NIST Large-Area-Source X-Ray Counting System.

This paper describes the construction and calibration of the NIST large area x-ray counting system. 238Pu sources 8 in (20.32 cm) by 5 in (12.70 cm) thick, emitting L x rays in the range of 12-20 keV are calibrated for total emission rate and also for rate through a centrally located 3 in (7.63 cm) diameter aperture. Alpha particle emission rates are obtained using the known x-ray to alpha particle abundances. The sources will be used to calibrate alpha-particle surface monitors.

An International Marine-Atmospheric 222Rn Measurement Intercomparison in Bermuda Part I: NIST Calibration and Methodology for Standardized Sample Additions.

As part of an international 222Rn measurement intercomparison conducted at Bermuda in October 1991, NIST provided standardized sample additions of known, but undisclosed ("blind") 222Rn concentrations that could be related to U.S. national standards. The standardized sample additions were obtained with a calibrated 226Ra source and a specially-designed manifold used to obtain well-known dilution factors from simultaneous flow-rate measurements. The additions were introduced over sampling periods of several hours (typically 4 h) into a common streamline on a sampling tower used by the participating laboratories for their measurements. The standardized 222Rn activity concentrations for the intercomparison ranged from approximately 2.5 Bq · m-3 to 35 Bq · m-3 (of which the lower end of this range approached concentration levels for ambient Bermudian air) and had overall uncertainties, approximating a 3 standard deviation uncertainty interval, of about 6 % to 13 %. This paper describes the calibration and methodology for the standardized sample additions.

Preparation and Calibration of Carrier-Free 209Po Solution Standards.

Carrier-free 209Po solution standards have been prepared and calibrated. The standards, which will be disseminated by the National Institute of Standards and Technology as Standard Reference Material SRM 4326, consist of (5.1597 ±0.0024) g of a solution of polonium in nominal 2 mol · L-1 hydrochloric acid (having a solution density of (1.031±0.004) g · mL-1 at 22 °C) that is contained in 5 mL flame-sealed borosilicate glass ampoules, and are certified to contain a 209Po alpha-particle emission rate concentration of (85.42±0.29) s-1 · g-1 (corresponding to a 209Po activity concentration of (85.83 ±0.30) Bq · g-1) as of the reference time of 1200 EST 15 March 1994. The calibration was based on 4πα liquid scintillation (LS) measurements with two different LS counting systems and under wide variations in measurement and sample conditions. Confirmatory measurements by 2πα gas-flow proportional counting were also performed. The only known radionuclidic impurity, based on α- and photon-emission spectrometry, is a trace quantity of 208Po. The 208Po to 209Po impurity ratio as of the reference time was 0.00124 ±0.00020. All of the above cited uncertainty intervals correspond to a combined standard uncertainty multiplied by a coverage factor of k = 2. Although 209Po is nearly a pure α emitter with only a weak electron capture branch to 209Bi, LS measurements of the 209Po a decay are confounded by an a transition to a 2.3 keV ( Jπ= 1/2-) level in 205Pb which was previously unknown to be a delayed isomeric state.

The Ullrich-Hodge Alternative Therapy Assessment Model. Teaching students to evaluate patients for use, motivation, and risks.

Americans are increasingly turning to complementary and alternative medical therapies as a way of maintaining or improving their health. As with other treatment modalities, nurses have a responsibility to implement the nursing process as it relates to the use of alternative therapies. This article introduces a model for identifying patients who use alternative therapies and evaluating their knowledge base, motivation, and degree of risk.