Development and mineralization of embryonic avian scleral ossicles.

PURPOSE: To investigate the development and mineralization of avian scleral ossicles using fluorescence microscopy in combination with field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). METHODS: The anterior halves of whole eyeballs from chickens on embryonic (E) days E10 to E21 and Japanese quail on embryonic days E8 to E17 were fixed in 100% methanol for 1 min, stained with Giemsa solution for 5 min, destained with distilled water for 30 min, and then viewed by epifluorescence. Propidium iodide (PI) was used to detect the nuclei of osteocytes in scleral ossicles. FESEM and EDS were then used to show areas of mineralization and to identify differences in the elemental composition of different regions of the ossicles. RESULTS: Using Giemsa as a fluorescence stain, it was possible to observe the detailed morphology and development of both chicken and quail scleral ossicles. In chickens, bone microporosities first became visible at E15. Each microporosity contained a single nucleus, likely that of an osteocyte. The amount of carbon in ossicles steadily decreased during embryogenesis and post-hatching, while the concentration of oxygen showed a distinct increase over this time period. Calcium and phosphate levels in the ossicles increased gradually during embryonic and post-hatching stages. CONCLUSIONS: A novel approach to study the development and mineralization of avian scleral ossicles during embryogenesis is presented. This methodology was validated by studying two different species, both important models for avian developmental research.

Patient-provider discussions about lung cancer screening: Results from the 2012/2013 Kansas Adult Tobacco Survey.

OBJECTIVE: Prior to the 2013 US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) guidelines for lung cancer screening, the American Cancer Society released interim guidance recommending physicians discuss lung cancer screening with high risk patients. We included a question on patient-provider discussions about lung cancer screening on a statewide population-based survey to establish baseline prevalence for surveillance and to identify subpopulation disparities. METHODS: We analyzed the 2012/2013 Kansas Adult Tobacco Survey to assess patient-provider discussions about lung cancer screening. Weighted prevalence estimates and adjusted odds ratios were calculated to examine characteristics associated with discussing screening. RESULTS: The prevalence of patient-provider discussions about lung cancer screening among current and former smokers aged 55 to 74 years was 31.0% (95% CI 27.0-35.0). The adjusted prevalence odds of having these discussions was higher among males, adults aged 65 to 74 years, adults living with a disability, as well as those who saw a health professional in the past year and had their smoking status assessed or were advised to quit. CONCLUSIONS: The current study is unique as it is the first to assess patient-provider discussions about lung cancer screening using a statewide survey. These results may inform strategies to increase patient-provider discussions about lung cancer screening among high risk Kansans.