A unified call to action from Australian nursing and midwifery leaders: ensuring that Black lives matter.

Nurses and midwives of Australia now is the time for change! As powerfully placed, Indigenous and non-Indigenous nursing and midwifery professionals, together we can ensure an effective and robust Indigenous curriculum in our nursing and midwifery schools of education. Today, Australia finds itself in a shifting tide of social change, where the voices for better and safer health care ring out loud. Voices for justice, equity and equality reverberate across our cities, our streets, homes, and institutions of learning. It is a call for new songlines of reform. The need to embed meaningful Indigenous health curricula is stronger now than it ever was for Australian nursing and midwifery. It is essential that nursing and midwifery leadership continue to build an authentic collaborative environment for Indigenous curriculum development. Bipartisan alliance is imperative for all academic staff to be confident in their teaching and learning experiences with Indigenous health syllabus. This paper is a call out. Now is the time for Indigenous and non-Indigenous nurses and midwives to make a stand together, for justice and equity in our teaching, learning, and practice. Together we will dismantle systems, policy, and practices in health that oppress. The Black Lives Matter movement provides us with a 'now window' of accepted dialogue to build a better, culturally safe Australian nursing and midwifery workforce, ensuring that Black Lives Matter in all aspects of health care.

A new bamboo-feeding species of Kaochiaoja Tao (Hemiptera: Aphididae) from India.

A new species of the genus Kaochiaoja Tao 1963, K. sikkimensis sp. n., was collected on Phyllostachys sp. (Poaceae) from Upper Tadong area of Gangtok, East Sikkim, India. Apterous and alate viviparae of this species are described, illustrated and discussed in comparison with the only other nominal species in this genus.

Interspecific nucleotide sequence comparisons used to identify regulatory and structural features of the Drosophila hsp82 gene.

We have sequenced the hsp82 heat shock gene and 5'-flanking DNA of four species of Drosophila in order to identify conserved features of possible regulatory significance and to determine the nature and rate of evolutionary change in various domains of the gene. All conserved sequences identified in the 5' non-transcribed region of the hsp82 gene of melanogaster, simulans, pseudoobscura and virilis lie within 150 base-pairs of the RNA initiation site. These include a 34 base-pair imperfect but highly conserved dyad made up of three overlapping copies of the consensus heat shock regulatory sequence dyad made up of three overlapping copies of the consensus heat shock regulatory sequence C-T-N-G-A-A-N-N-T-T-C-N-A-G. Several other highly conserved features are also seen. In pseudoobscura only, the region from -21 to -133 is almost exactly repeated 698 base-pairs upstream. The upstream repeat retains all of the sequences common to the four species in the -21 to -133 interval except for the T-A-T-A motif. One possibility is that this upstream sequence is involved in dosage compensation of the hsp82 gene, which is pseudoobscura is on the X chromosome. In melanogaster, simulans and virilis there is an oppositely oriented, non-heat shock gene 0.6 to 0.8 kb (kb = 10(3) base-pairs) upstream from the hsp82 transcription initiation site. Comparisons of the hsp82 transcription unit from the distantly related species show little or no sequence conservation in the intron and non-translated exon I sequences. In contrast, the coding regions of these species are 90% homologous at the DNA level and 97 to 99% identical at the amino acid level. Half of the amino acid changes have occurred within a 15-amino acid region that lies within an unusually polar domain of hsp82. From the sequence comparisons, we estimate the rate of silent (synonymous) site substitution in Drosophila as 1 X 10(-8)/nucleotide site per year, similar to that for mammals.

The tolkin gene is a tolloid/BMP-1 homologue that is essential for Drosophila development.

The Drosophila decapentaplegic (dpp) gene, a member of the transforming growth factor beta superfamily of growth factors, is critical for specification of the embryonic dorsal-ventral axis, for proper formation of the midgut, and for formation of Drosophila adult structures. The Drosophila tolloid gene has been shown to genetically interact with dpp. The genetic interactions between tolloid and dpp suggests a model in which the tolloid protein participates in a complex containing the DPP ligand, its protease serving to activate DPP, either directly or indirectly. We report here the identification and cloning of another Drosophila member of the tolloid/bone morphogenic protein (BMP) 1 family, tolkin, which is located 700 bp 5' to tolloid. Its overall structure is like tolloid, with an N-terminal metalloprotease domain, five complement subcomponents C1r/C1s, Uegf, and Bmp1 (CUB) repeats and two epidermal growth factor (EGF) repeats. Its expression pattern overlaps that of tolloid and dpp in early embryos and diverges in later stages. In larval tissues, both tolloid and tolkin are expressed uniformly in the imaginal disks. In the brain, both tolloid and tolkin are expressed in the outer proliferation center, whereas tolkin has another stripe of expression near the outer proliferation center. Analysis of lethal mutations in tolkin indicate it is vital during larval and pupal stages. Analysis of its mutant phenotypes and expression patterns suggests that its functions may be mostly independent of tolloid and dpp.

Regulatory autonomy and molecular characterization of the Drosophila out at first gene.

Our previous work has shown that the expression of the Drosophila decapentaplegic (dpp) gene in imaginal disks is controlled by a 30 kb array of enhancers located 3' of the dpp coding region. Here, we describe the cloning and characterization of out at first (oaf), a gene located near this enhancer region. Transcription of oaf results in three classes of alternatively polyadenylated RNAs whose expression is developmentally regulated. All oaf transcripts contain two adjacent open reading frames separated by a single UGA stop codon. Suppression of the UGA codon during translation, as seen previously in Drosophila, could lead to the production of different proteins from the same RNA. During oogenesis, oaf RNA is expressed in nurse cells of all ages and maternally contributed to the egg. During embryonic development, zygotic transcription of the gene occurs in small clusters of cells in most or all segments at the time of germband extension and subsequently in a segmentally repeated pattern in the developing central nervous system. The gene is also expressed in the embryonic, larval and adult gonads of both sexes. We also characterize an enhancer trap line with its transposon inserted within the oaf gene and use it to generate six recessive oaf mutations. All six cause death near the beginning of the first larval instar, with two characterized lines showing nervous system defects. Last, we discuss our data in light of the observation that the enhancers controlling dpp expression in the imaginal disks have no effect on the relatively nearby oaf gene.

Immunofluorescent staining with antibodies to factor VIII, fibronectin, and collagenous basement membrane protein in normal human skin and port wine stains.

Specific antibodies directed against three important components of the vessel wall (collagenous basement membrane protein-type IV collagen, fibronectin, and factor VIII) were used to study and compare the distribution of these proteins in normal skin and port wine stains. Collagenous basement membrane protein was localized to the basement membrane and basal lamina zones of blood vessels, appendages, arrector pili muscles, endoneurium and perineurium, and the dermoepidermal junction of both port wine stains and normal skin. Vessels of the port wine stain as well as those of normal skin showed a similar narrow uniform homogeneous line of fluorescence. Granular endothelial staining was seen in the blood vessels of both normal skin and port wine stains. The distribution of fibronectin was that of a low-intensity punctate pattern situated in the subendothelial region of both port wine stain and normal vessels and in the basement membrane zones of hair follicles, endoneurium and perineurium, and the dermoepidermal junction.

An evaluation of the biocompatibility of a glass ionomer-silver cement in rat connective tissue.

Pellets of a glass ionomer-silver cement and a zinc oxide-eugenol cement were implanted into the soft tissues and bones of 30 rats. Following experimental periods of 14, 30, and 80 days, the animals were killed and tissue sections were prepared. The responses to each of the materials initially and at 30 days consisted of mild inflammation. No severe inflammatory responses were noted in any of the groups. By 80 days, although mild inflammation persisted, the materials appeared to be well tolerated. Bone apposition occurred in the glass ionomer-silver cement group; the zinc oxide-eugenol group produced fibrosis.

Intrathecal morphine: dosage and efficacy in younger patients for control of postoperative pain following spinal fusion.

Intrathecal morphine in an average dose of 0.01 mg/kg was given to 33 patients between ages 11 and 16 years who had spinal arthrodesis for idiopathic scoliosis. The morphine was administered intrathecally as a 10-cc bolus at the conclusion of the arthrodesis, but before closure. The goal was to study safety in terms of respiratory depression and pain relief. Respirations occurred spontaneously in 30 of the 33 patients within 15 minutes of cessation of anesthesia. Respiratory depression occurred in five patients, four of whom had arterial blood pCO2 levels greater than 60 mm Hg. Thirty-one patients had relief of pain for 8 to greater than 40 hours, averaging 18 hours. Two patients had no noticeable pain relief. There appeared to be no relation between dose and pain relief in this limited dose range. We were unable to duplicate the long duration of pain relief reported elsewhere. We also were unable to decrease the side effects of respiratory depression and nausea to a level reported by others. It may be that the 10 cc bolus injected intrathecally circulates to the brain and ventricles faster than desired, or that factors relating to type of anesthesia or dose need to be considered. Low-dose intrathecal morphine does provide noticeable pain relief in younger patients undergoing spinal fusion. The side effects of nausea and respiratory depression can be managed safely with medication.

Distribution of common genotypes of Myzus persicae (Hemiptera: Aphididae) in Greece, in relation to life cycle and host plant.

Microsatellite genotyping was used to identify common clones in populations of the Myzus persicae group from various hosts and regions in mainland Greece and southern Italy and to compare their distribution and occurrence on tobacco and other crops. Common clones were defined as genotypes collected at more than one time or in more than one population; and, therefore, unlikely to be participating in the annual sexual phase on peach. Sixteen common genotypes were found, accounting for 49.0% of the 482 clonal lineages examined. Eight of these genotypes were subjected, in the laboratory, to short days and found to continue parthenogenetic reproduction, i.e. they were anholocyclic. Four of the six commonest genotypes were red, and one of these accounted for 29.6% of the samples from tobacco and 29.4% of those from overwintering populations on weeds. All six commonest genotypes were found on weeds and five of them both on tobacco and on other field crops. In mainland Greece, the distribution of common clones corresponded closely with that of anholocyclic lineages reported in a previous study of life cycle variation. Common genotypes were in the minority in the commercial peach-growing areas in the north, except on weeds in winter and in tobacco seedbeds in early spring, but predominated further south, away from peach trees. This contrasts with the situation in southern Italy, reported in a previous paper, where peaches were available for the sexual phase, yet all samples from tobacco were of common genotypes.

Morphological discrimination of Aphis gossypii (Hemiptera: Aphididae) populations feeding on Compositae.

Aphis gossypii Glover is a polyphagous aphid pest with a worldwide distribution. However, there is evidence that on a global scale the name A. gossypii is being applied to a number of forms with different life cycles and/or host-plant associations. Morphometric variation of A. gossypii samples from crops and non-cultivated plants in many parts of the world was examined, to determine whether this variation is correlated with the hosts from which the aphids originated. Samples of A. gossypii were collected from Cucurbitaceae and Malvaceae in Europe, and from Compositae in various parts of the world. Morphometric data for 13 parameters measured from 97 clonal lineages (728 specimens) and 27 field-collected samples (313 specimens) were analysed by a series of canonical variates analyses, using the field sample/clonal lineage as grouping factor. Clonal lineages were reared on a common host in controlled conditions to standardize the effect of host and environment on morphology. The analyses provided a clear morphometric separation of the aphids originating from Compositae and those collected on Cucurbitaceae and Malvaceae, regardless of the geographical origin of the aphids and the host plant on which they were reared. This indicates that within A. gossypii there are two widely distributed host races or subspecies with different plant family associations. The taxonomic implications are discussed.

Modern concepts in endodontics. Part 1. Diagnosis.

Diagnosis is the basic procedure from which further endodontic treatment decisions flow. Although we still use diagnostic tools which differ little from those of 50 years ago, our understanding and interpretation of their results has been slowly changing. As an example, we now believe that the painful responses to hot and cold occur via different a delta and C fibre pathways, involving changes in intra pulpal pressure and neuropeptides such as VIP and SP. As treatment planning is becoming more sophisticated and treatment modalities and options are expanding, correct endodontic diagnosis is even more important in the new age of rising patient expectations and ever-increasing legal complexities. Endodontists are frequently called upon to deal with difficult diagnostic situations, or manage situations of misdiagnosis where treatment has been initiated but the original chief complaint mysteriously persists. In the future, new exciting techniques such as pulse oximetry or laser doppler analysis may be clinically available as endodontic diagnostic aids. This paper will try and cover some of the broader concepts involved in correctly diagnosing a patient's chief complaint.

Senior partners. AlaHA's Senior Citizens Advisory Council and the health concerns of older citizens.

Both hospitals and seniors groups will be among the prominent players when health reform discussions heat up. In the spirit of cooperation and greater understanding, the two have teamed up to form the Senior Citizens Advisory Council.

Ceramic shade prescriptions for work authorizations.

The basic application provides essential data for ceramic veneer fabrication. Three-dimensional information divides the space for body and enamel components. The second body shade selection improves shade matching in the middle one-third of the tooth and enhances the appearance of the enamel component. Dentists are encouraged to recognize the influence each component has upon the total shade composition. A format is established for recording clinical information. The use of available ceramic systems is seemingly unlimited. The method presented provides flexibility for recording the most detailed shade information in simple graphic and verbal terms. Technical simplification is a by-product of complete, precise work information. Clinical judgements based on color and ceramic knowledge, as well as experience, can be conveniently converted into concise component descriptions. Using the suggested guidelines with reasonable care, a comfortable experience base for prescribing difficult shades can quickly develop.

Evaluation of the dimensional changes and surface roughness of gold crowns cast with rapidly prepared phosphate-bonded investment: a pilot study.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Accelerated bench-set and burnout schedules are used with little knowledge of the effect acceleration has on clinical factors determining casting success. PURPOSE: This pilot study investigated the effect of 2 rapid mold preparation schedules on full crown castings by comparing size, margin sharpness, and surface roughness. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Three groups of 10 crowns were cast with a type III gold alloy. All crowns were nominally identical, only their mold preparation schedules differed. Two groups used accelerated schedules; the third group was cast using a conventional schedule. Group comparisons were based on direct microscopic measurements of crown diameters (x50 magnification), and surface roughness was measured. Margin sharpness was judged by amount of marginal length lost in the axial direction as a result of the casting process. RESULTS: Measured crown diameters, indexing size for the 3 groups, were not significantly different. Crowns made with the conventional schedule had greater surface roughness, and better margin sharpness or length. CONCLUSION: Crowns were successfully cast using accelerated mold preparation techniques and considerable time was saved, but a small loss of margin length or fineness was observed.

Vertical food web interactions: evolutionary patterns and driving forces.

edited by K. Dettner, G. Bauer and W. Völkl, Ecological Studies Vol. 130, Springer-Verlag, 1997. pound76.00 (xxi+390 pages) ISBN 3 540 62561 5.