Value-added switchgrass extractives for reduction of Escherichia coli O157:H7 and Salmonella Typhimurium populations on Formica coupons.

Recurring outbreaks linked to Escherichia coli O157:H7-contaminated lettuce and Salmonella enterica-contaminated sprouts highlight the need for improved food safety measures. The aim of this study was to determine the ability of a bio-based antimicrobial extract prepared from switchgrass, a dedicated energy crop, to reduce E. coli O157:H7 and S. Typhimurium populations on Formica coupons, a model food-contact surface. Overnight cultures of ~7 log CFU/mL E. coli O157:H7 and S. Typhimurium, air-dried on Formica coupons were treated with 0.625% NaClO, 70% ethanol, sterile water or different batches of switchgrass extractives (SE1, SE2, and SE3) for up to 30 min. E. coli O157:H7 was reduced by 4.43 log CFU/mL after 1 min by SE3, and to non-detectable levels after 1 min by all other treatments. Populations of S. Typhimurium LT2 (15-min drying) were reduced by 3.30 log CFU/mL with 70% ethanol, 5.38 log CFU/mL with SE1, and to non-detectable levels with 0.625% NaClO after 1 min, while S. Typhimurium ATCC 23564 (1-h drying) was non-detectable after 1 min by all treatments. Under soiled conditions, 10-min treatment with SE1 and 70% ethanol reduced both bacteria to non-detectable levels. Studies with concentrated switchgrass extractives combined with various other natural disinfectants or in hurdle approaches warrant further investigation.

Impact of anatomy type of prostatic artery on the number of catheters needed for prostatic artery embolization.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to assess the relationship between the number of microcatheters required for prostatic artery embolization (PAE) and the anatomy of the prostatic artery (PA). MATERIALS AND METHODS: All consecutive patients who underwent PAE between May 2017 and December 2018 were included. The anatomical description of the PAs was assessed by both global cone beam computed tomography and selective angiography and data on the resources used, in terms of microcatheters, were prospectively collected. RESULTS: A total of 215 consecutive patients (mean age, 66±8.7 [SD] years; range: 45-93 years), with a mean International Prostate Symptom Score of 21±7.4 (SD) and a mean prostate volume on magnetic resonance imaging of 88±38 (SD) mL (range: 30-200mL) underwent PAE. A single PA was observed in 347 hemipelvises (347/411; 84.4%) and double PAs in 64 (64/411; 15.6%). Eighty percent (173/215 patients) of PAEs were performed using a single microcatheter. Type I PA anatomy required significantly more microcatheters (1.15±0.39 [SD]; range: 1-3), than type II (1.04±0.19 [SD]; range: 1-2), type III (1.09±0.34 [SD]; range: 1-3) and type IV (1.06±0.27 [SD]; range: 1-2) (P=0.01 for all). CONCLUSION: PAE is feasible with limited per-intervention changes in devices for all types of PA anatomy encountered. This could help in the design of appropriate reimbursement policies in various healthcare settings.

Mid-Term Results of Superior Rectal Artery and Coils for Hemorrhoidal Embolization with Particles Bleeding.

OBJECTIVES: To compare safety and clinical outcomes of embolization of the superior rectal arteries in patients with hemorrhoidal bleeding using particles and coils versus coils only. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed data for patients undergoing embolization for chronic hemorrhoidal bleeding from January 2014 to April 2017. Embolization was performed with coils alone or with particles and coils. Clinical scores (Paris bleeding severity score, Goligher classification and quality of life score) were obtained, and embolization was performed with microparticles (300-500 µm) followed by fibered pushable coils. Clinical success was defined as an improvement of > 2 points in the Paris bleeding severity score, without complications. Outcomes were compared between the two groups in a matched-pairs analysis (1:1 scenario), with patients embolized with particles and coils as the study group and patients embolized with coils alone as the control. RESULTS: We treated 45 consecutive patients. After matched-pairs analysis, the final study population was 38 patients (19 study group and 19 controls). Clinical success did not differ significantly between the two populations: 63% for control group and 68% for the study group (p = 0.790). The median change in clinical score was - 3 [- 6; - 1] for the control group and - 3 [- 4; - 1] for the study group (p = 0.187). Grade 1 complications were reported in 15% of patients, with no major complications. CONCLUSIONS: Embolization was feasible, with a technical success of 100% and no major complications. Clinical success was obtained in 66% in patients with no difference when using combined embolization with particles and coils versus coils only.

4D flow MRI versus conventional 2D for measuring pulmonary flow after Tetralogy of Fallot repair.

BACKGROUND: After tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) repair, pulmonary regurgitation and right ventricular function must be monitored. Conventional (2D) cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) is currently the clinical reference method for measuring pulmonary regurgitation. However, 4DFlow CMR has been reported to provide a more comprehensive flow analysis than 2D CMR. We aimed to compare 4DFlow CMR to 2D CMR for assessing pulmonary regurgitation and flow, as well as aortic flow, in children and adults after surgical repair of TOF. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of patients with repaired TOF admitted for cardiac MRI with 4DFlow acquisition from 2016 to 2018. Linear regression was used to assess correlations and Bland-Altman analyses were performed. RESULTS: The 60 included patients had a mean age of 18.2 ±â€¯10.4 years (range, 2-54 years). Significant correlations between the two techniques were found for pulmonary regurgitant fraction (R [2] = 0.6642, p < 0.0001), net pulmonary flow (R [2] = 0.6782, p < 0.0001), forward pulmonary flow (R [2] = 0.6185, p < 0.0001), backward pulmonary flow (R [2] = 0.8192, p < 0.0001), and aortic valve flow (R [2] = 0.6494, p < 0.0001). The Bland-Altman analysis showed no significant bias, narrow limits of agreement, and few scattered points. The correlation between pulmonary and aortic flow was better with 4DFlow CMR than with 2D CMR (R [2] = 0.8564, p < 0.0001 versus R [2] = 0.4393, p < 0,0001, respectively). Interobserver reliability was good. CONCLUSION: These results establish the feasibility and reliability of 4DFlow CMR for assessing pulmonary flow in a large paediatric and adult population with repaired TOF. 4DFlow CMR may be more reliable than 2D MRI for pulmonary flow assessment after TOF repair.

Developmental toxicity in embryo-larval zebrafish (Danio rerio) exposed to strobilurin fungicides (azoxystrobin and pyraclostrobin).

Azoxystrobin and pyraclostrobin are broad spectrum strobilurin fungicides that have been measured in the aquatic environment. Strobilurins inhibit mitochondrial respiration by binding to the mitochondrial respiratory complex III. The goal of this study was to investigate mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress in the developing zebrafish from exposure to azoxystrobin and pyraclostrobin. Exposure studies were performed where zebrafish embryos were exposed to azoxystrobin and pyraclostrobin at 0.1, 10, 100 µg/L from 4 hpf to 48 hpf to measure mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress mRNA transcripts, and 5 dpf to measure movement, growth, oxygen consumption, enzymatic activities, and mRNA transcripts. Results from this study indicated that there was a significant reduction in both basal and maximal respiration at 48 hpf in zebrafish exposed to 100 µg/L of pyraclostrobin. There was no difference in oxidative stress or apoptotic mRNA transcripts at 48 hpf, indicating that the two strobilurins were acting first on mitochondrial function and not directly through oxidative stress. At 5 dpf, standard body length was significantly reduced with exposure to pyraclostrobin and azoxystrobin exposure as compared to the control. These reductions in apical endpoints corresponded with increases in oxidative stress and apoptotic mRNA transcripts in treatment groups at 5 dpf indicating that strobilurins' exposure followed the adverse outcome pathway for mito-toxicants. Our results indicate that strobilurins can decrease mitochondrial function, which in turn lead to diminished growth and movement.

Comparative Lipid Peroxidation and Apoptosis in Embryo-Larval Zebrafish Exposed to 3 Azole Fungicides, Tebuconazole, Propiconazole, and Myclobutanil, at Environmentally Relevant Concentrations.

Azole fungicides have entered the aquatic environment through agricultural and residential runoff. In the present study, we compared the off-target toxicity of tebuconazole, propiconazole, and myclobutanil using embryo-larval zebrafish as a model. The aim of the present study was to investigate the relative toxicity of tebuconazole, propiconazole, and myclobutanil using multiple-level endpoints such as behavioral endpoints and enzymatic and molecular biomarkers associated with their mode of action. Zebrafish embryos were exposed to azoles at environmentally relevant and high concentrations, 0.3, 1.0, and 1000 µg/L, starting at 5 h postfertilization (hpf) up to 48 hpf, as well as 5 d postfertilization (dpf). Relative mRNA expressions of cytochrome P450 family 51 lanosterol-14α-demethylase, glutathione S-transferase, caspase 9, phosphoprotein p53, and BCL2-associated X protein were measured to assess toxicity attributable to fungicides at the mRNA level, whereas caspase 3/7 (apoptosis) and 3,4-methylene​dioxy​amphetamine (lipid peroxidation) levels were measured at the enzymatic level. Furthermore, mitochondrial dysfunction was measure through the Mito Stress test using the Seahorse XFe24 at 48 hpf. In addition, light to dark movement behavior was monitored at 5 dpf using Danio Vision® to understand adverse effects at the organismal level. There was no significant difference in the light to dark behavior with exposure to azoles compared to controls. The molecular biomarkers indicated that propiconazole and myclobutanil induced lipid peroxidation, oxidative stress, and potentially apoptosis at environmentally relevant concentrations (0.3 and 1 µg/L). The results from the mitochondrial respiration assay indicated a slight decrease in spare respiratory capacity with an acute exposure (48 hpf) to all 3 azoles at 1000 µg/L. Based on the present results, propiconazole and myclobutanil are acutely toxic compared to tebuconazole in aquatic organisms at environmentally relevant concentrations. Environ Toxicol Chem 2019;38:1455-1466. © 2019 SETAC.

[Isolated sternal tuberculosis in immunocompétent adult]. / Tuberculose sternale isolée chez l'adulte immunocompétent.

Isolated sternal tuberculosis is a rarely described entity even in countries where tuberculosis is endemic. We report the case of 25 old years patient who presented with a chest wall mass. Imaging concluded to a (ring-enhancing hypodense soft tissue mass surrounding the sternum with sternal fracture). Malignancy was eliminated by a core needle biopsy. We noted clinical and radiological recovery with medical tuberculosis treatment. Neoplastic origin was removed by biopsy and anatomopathological study of the lesion.

FTIR imaging detects diet and genotype-dependent chemical composition changes in wild type and mutant C. elegans strains.

This study focuses on the use of Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) microspectroscopy to determine chemical changes induced in the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans by supplementation of C. elegans maintenance media (CeMM) by Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). Wild-type C. elegans (N2) and mutant strains (tub-1 and fat-3) were grown in CeMM alone, and CeMM supplemented with EPA at 25 or 100 µM. Feeding was performed for 72 h. FTIR imaging was performed in transmission mode on individual worms. The FTIR imaging analysis of wild-type animals revealed the presence of vibrations assigned to unsaturated fatty acids, specifically bands at 3008 cm-1 ([double bond, length as m-dash]C-H, olefinic stretch) and 1744 cm-1 (C[double bond, length as m-dash]O, unsaturated fatty acids). It confirmed previously reported synthesis of unsaturated fatty acids in wild-type C. elegans. For the FTIR spectra of mutant strains, these vibrations were absent or present only as very small shoulder, which indicates that tub-1 and fat-3 synthesize essentially saturated fatty acids as indicated by the presence of -CH2 and C[double bond, length as m-dash]O vibrations. These results are in agreement with previous studies which reported that these mutants have altered lipid compositions. Principal component analysis showed differences in chemical composition between wild-type and mutant strains as well as between mutant strains cultured in normal CeMM and those cultured in CeMM supplemented with EPA. This study demonstrated the usefulness of FTIR microspectroscopy to investigate fat metabolism in C. elegans.

Embolization of the superior rectal arteries for chronic bleeding due to haemorrhoidal disease.

AIM: The aim of this study was to assess the safety and efficacy of the emborrhoid technique (embolization of the superior haemorrhoidal arteries) in patients ineligible for surgery. METHODS: Between January 2014 and April 2015, 30 consecutive patients (average age 58 years) suffering from disabling chronic bleeding due to haemorrhoidal disease and with a contraindication for surgery (n = 23) or with a failure of instrumental or surgical treatment (n = 7) underwent embolization. All cases were discussed at multidisciplinary meetings including a proctology specialist or a surgeon and an interventional radiologist. We performed super selective micro coil embolization (pushable 2-3 mm fibre coils) of the distal branches of the superior rectal arteries with a microcatheter, via a right femoral approach, under local anaesthesia. We assessed clinical outcome by evaluating bleeding and specific clinical scores relating to bleeding and changes in quality of life. RESULTS: Immediate technical success, with no complication, was achieved in 93% of cases. A mean of 3.1 arteries per patient was embolized, with a mean of 7.6 coils per patient. Median follow-up was 5 months. Clinical score improvement was observed in 72%, in 17 patients after a single embolization session, and in four additional patients after a second embolization session. No improvement in bleeding was observed in eight patients (28%). CONCLUSION: Distal coil embolization of the superior rectal arteries for disabling chronic bleeding due to haemorrhoidal disease is safe and effective in patients untreatable by surgery.

Genotype-dependent Metabolic Responses to Semi-Purified High-Sucrose High-Fat Diets in the TALLYHO/Jng vs. C57BL/6 Mouse during the Development of Obesity and Type 2 Diabetes.

Background: The co-epidemic of obesity and type 2 diabetes is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Genetic factors are highly involved in the development of these diseases, in the form of interactions of multiple genes within obesogenic and diabetogenic environments, such as a high fat diet. The TALLYHO/Jng (TH) mouse is an inbred polygenic model for human obesity and type 2 diabetes. In order to further develop the TH mouse as a clinically relevant model, we investigated diet dependence of obesity and type 2 diabetes in TH mice vs. C57BL/6 (B6) mice. Results: TH and B6 mice were weaned onto a standard rodent chow, semi-purified high-sucrose low-fat (HSLF), or semi-purified high-sucrose high-fat (HSHF) diet and maintained on these diets throughout the study. Despite similar fat contents in HSLF diets and chow, both B6 and TH mice responded to HSLF diets, with increases in adiposity. TH mice, but not B6 mice, exhibited significantly higher adiposity with severely aggravated glucose intolerance and hyperglycemia on HSHF diets compared to the other diets. HSLF diets also advanced diabetes in TH mice compared to chow, but it did not surpass the effects of HSHF diets. The severe glucose intolerance and hyperglycemia in TH mice on both HSLF and HSHF diets were accompanied by significantly reduced Glut4 mRNA levels compared to B6 mice. Conclusions: The present data demonstrate that diets are important modulators of genetic susceptibility to type 2 diabetes and obesity in TH mice. The interplay between heredity and dietary environment in TH mice appears to amplify insulin resistance, contributing to severe glucose intolerance and diabetes.

Evidence of a two-step process and pathway dependency in the thermodynamics of poly(diallyldimethylammonium chloride)/poly(sodium acrylate) complexation.

Recent studies have pointed out the importance of polyelectrolyte assembly in the elaboration of innovative nanomaterials. Beyond their structures, many important questions on the thermodynamics of association remain unanswered. Here, we investigate the complexation between poly(diallyldimethylammonium chloride) (PDADMAC) and poly(sodium acrylate) (PANa) chains using a combination of three techniques: isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC), static and dynamic light scattering and electrophoresis. Upon addition of PDADMAC to PANa or vice-versa, the results obtained by the different techniques agree well with each other, and reveal a two-step process. The primary process is the formation of highly charged polyelectrolyte complexes of size 100 nm. The secondary process is the transition towards a coacervate phase made of rich and poor polymer droplets. The binding isotherms measured are accounted for using a phenomenological model that provides the thermodynamic parameters for each reaction. Small positive enthalpies and large positive entropies consistent with a counterion release scenario are found throughout this study. Furthermore, this work stresses the importance of the underestimated formulation pathway or mixing order in polyelectrolyte complexation.

Perceptions, attitudes, and practices towards research among resident physicians in training in Saudi Arabia.

Health research training forms an important part of medical education. This cross-sectional study examined the attitudes to research, perceived barriers to research and experience of participation in research projects among resident physicians in Saudi Arabia. A self-administered email questionnaire was completed by 191/207 residents working in different specialties and regions of Riyadh. A majority (97.9%) agreed that research is essential and improves health care and 86.9% that it helps in building a future academic career. Lack of research training (93.2%), lack of time (89.5%), work-related stress (83.2%) and lack of supervisors (73.3%) were perceived barriers to doing research. Only 58 (30.4%) had had any research involvement. Involvement in research was significantly more likely for residents at an advanced level of training than at earlier levels (OR 3.50, 95% CI: 1.1-11.1) and less likely for those who had 1 or 2 children during residency than those who had none (OR 0.29, 95% CI: 0.1-0.8).

Perceptions, attitudes, and practices towards research among resident physicians in training in Saudi Arabia

Health research training forms an important part of medical education.This cross-sectional study examined the attitudes to research, perceived barriers to research and experience of participation in research projects among resident physicians in Saudi Arabia.A self-administered email questionnaire was completed by 191/207 residents working in different specialties and regions of Riyadh.A majority [97.9%]agreed that research is essential and improves health care and 86.9% that it helps in building a future academic career.Lack of research training [93.2%], lack of time [89.5%], work-related stress [83.2%]and lack of supervisors [73.3%]were perceived barriers to doing research.Only 58 [30.4%]had had any research involvement.Involvement in research was significantly more likely for residents at an advanced level of training than at earlier levels [OR 3.50, 95% Cl:1.1-11.1]and less likely for those who had 1 or 2 children during residency than those who had none [OR 0.29, 95% Cl:0.1-0.8]

يعتبر التدريب على البحوث الصحية جزءا هاما من التعليم الطبي. وقد أجرى الباحثون هذه الدراسة للتعرف على مواقف الأطباء المتدربين تجاه البحوث، والتصورات حول العوائق أمامها، وخبرات المشاركين في مشاريع البحوث في المملكة العربية السعودية. وقد استكمل 191 من أصل 207 أطباء مقيمين يعملون في تخصصات مختلفة في بعض مناطق الرياض، وذلك عبر البريد الإلكتروني، استبيانات ذاتية الاستكمال، وتبين أن الغالبية العظمى منهم [97.9 %]يوافقون على أن البحوث ضرورية لتحسين الرعاية الصحية، كما وافق 86.9 % منهم على أن البحوث تساعد في بناء المستقبل المهني في العمل الأكاديمي، ورأى المشاركون في الدراسة أن العوائق أمام إجراء البحوث هي فقد التدريب عليها [93.2 %]، وضيق الوقت [89.5%]والكروب المرافقة للعمل [83.2 %]، وعدم توافر المشرفين [73.3 %]. ولم يكن لدى أكثر من 58 منهم [30.4 %]أي إسهام في البحوث.وقد كان الإسهام في البحوث أكثر احتمالا لدى الأطباء المقيمين في المستوى المتقدم من التدريب مما هو لدى المستويات المبكرة [نسبة الأرجحية 3.50 ، بفاصلة الثقة 95 %، إذ تتراوح النتائج بين 1.1 - 11.1]، وهي أقل احتمالا لدى من كان لديه طفلان أثناء فترة الإقامة ممن لم يكن لديه أطفال [نسبة الأرجحية 0.29 بفاصلة ثقة 95 %، وتتراوح النتائج بين 0.1 - 0.8]

La formation à la recherche en santé représente une partie importante des études de médecine.La présente étude transversale a étudié les attitudes de médecins internes en Arabie saoudite vis-à-vis de la recherche, des obstacles perçus et de leur expérience en matière de participation à des projets de recherche.Un autoquestionnaire envoyé par courrier électronique a été rempli par 191 médecins internes sur 207 travaillant dans différentes spécialités et régions de Riyad.La majorité [97, 9 %]convenait que la recherche était essentielle et améliorait les soins de santé et 86, 9 % des médecins étaient d'accord pour affirmer qu'elle contribuait à l'établissement d'une future carrière académique.L'absence de formation à la recherche [93, 2 %], le manque de temps [89, 5 %], le stress lie au travail [83, 2 %]et l'insuffisance de l'encadrement [73, 3 %]étaient les obstacles perçus à la pratique de la recherche.Seuls 58 internes [30, 4 %]avaient été impliqués dans des travaux de recherche.Une participation à des travaux de recherche était nettement plus probable chez les internes à un stade avancé de formation par rapport aux niveaux moins avancés [OR 3, 50; IC à 95 %:1, 1-11, 1]et moins probable chez ceux qui avaient eu un ou deux enfants pendant leur internat par rapport à ceux qui n'en avaient pas eu [OR 0, 29; IC à 95 %:0, 1-0, 8]

The renin-angiotensin system: a link between obesity, inflammation and insulin resistance.

The renin-angiotensin system (RAS) is classically known for its role in regulation of blood pressure, fluid and electrolyte balance. Recently, several local RASs in organs such as brain, heart, pancreas and adipose tissue have also been identified. Evidence from clinical trials suggests that in addition to anti-hypertensive effects, pharmacological inhibition of RAS also provides protection against the development of type-2 diabetes. Moreover, animal models with targeted inactivation of RAS genes exhibit improved insulin sensitivity and are protected from high-fat diet-induced obesity and insulin resistance. Because there is evidence for RAS overactivation in obesity, it is possible that RAS is a link between obesity and insulin resistance. This review summarizes the evidence and mechanistic insights on the associations between RAS, obesity and insulin resistance, with special emphasis on the role of adipose tissue RAS in the pathogenesis of metabolic derangements in obesity.

Adenylyl cyclase 8 is central to glucagon-like peptide 1 signalling and effects of chronically elevated glucose in rat and human pancreatic beta cells.

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS: Glucose and incretins regulate beta cell function, gene expression and insulin exocytosis via calcium and cAMP. Prolonged exposure to elevated glucose (also termed glucotoxicity) disturbs calcium homeostasis, but little is known about cAMP signalling. We therefore investigated long-term effects of glucose on this pathway with special regard to the incretin glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1). METHODS: We exposed INS-1E cells and rat or human islets to different levels of glucose for 3 days and determined functional responses in terms of second messengers (cAMP, Ca(2+)), transcription profiles, activation of cAMP-responsive element (CRE) and secretion by measuring membrane capacitance. Moreover, we modulated directly the abundance of a calcium-sensitive adenylyl cyclase (ADCY8) and GLP-1 receptor (GLP1R). RESULTS: GLP-1- or forskolin-mediated increases in cytosolic calcium, cAMP-levels or insulin secretion were largely reduced in INS-1E cells cultured at elevated glucose (>5.5 mmol/l). Statistical analysis of transcription profiles identified cAMP pathways as major targets regulated by glucose. Quantitative PCR confirmed these findings and unravelled marked downregulation of the calcium-sensitive adenylyl cyclase ADCY8 also in rat and in human islets. Re-expression of ADCY8, but not of the GLP1R, recovered GLP-1 signalling in glucotoxicity in INS-1E cells and in rat islets. Moreover, knockdown of this adenylyl cyclase showed that GLP-1-induced cAMP generation, calcium signalling, activation of the downstream target CRE and direct amplification of exocytosis by cAMP-raising agents (evaluated by capacitance measurement) proceeds via ADCY8. CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION: cAMP-mediated pathways are modelled by glucose, and downregulation of the calcium-sensitive ADCY8 plays a central role herein, including signalling via the GLP1R.

Hyperferritinemia in a woman with systemic lupus erythematosus, severe nephritis and an iron-rich intraspinal schwannoma mimicking lupus myelopathy.

We describe a lupus flare in a 59-year-old woman who presented with pancytopenia, nephritis, severe renal dysfunction and marked hyperferritinemia. The course of the disease was further complicated by an iron-laden, intraspinal ancient schwannoma that compressed the cervical cord mimicking a lupus-related myelopathy and was removed surgically. Treatment with mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) and prednisone induced a gradual decline in levels of serum ferritin with a concomitant improvement in renal function and reduction of proteinuria. Serum ferritin may be a useful marker of the response to treatment with MMF in renal lupus.

Selective photoswitching of the binuclear spin crossover compound {[Fe(bt)(NCS)2]2(bpm)} into two distinct macroscopic phases.

The low-spin (LS-LS, S = 0) diamagnetic form of the binuclear spin crossover complex {[Fe(bt)(NCS)(2)](2)(bpm)} was selectively photoconverted into two distinct macroscopic phases at different excitation wavelengths (1342 or 647.1 nm). These long-lived metastable phases have been identified, respectively, as the symmetry-broken paramagnetic form (HS-LS, S = 2) and the antiferromagnetically coupled (HS-HS, S = 0) high-spin form of the compound. The selectivity may be explained by the strong coupling of the primary excited states to the paramagnetic state.

[Handicap among children in Saudi Arabia: prevalence, distribution, type, determinants and related factors].

We determined the prevalence, distribution and determinants of handicap among children in Saudi Arabia. A field survey was carried out from 1417 to 1420 AH (1997-2000 AD) of 60 630 children under 16 years selected from all regions of the country. Information was collected by questionnaire for all children and those with a handicap, or suspected of having a handicap, were referred for confirmatory diagnosis. Of the total sample, 3838 (6.33%) were recorded as handicapped. The region with the highest proportion of handicapped children was Jazan (9.90%); Riyadh had the lowest (4.36%). Motor disability was the commonest kind of handicap (3.0% of the total sample), followed by learning disability (1.8%). The highest proportion of disability was found among children with handicapped parents, those whose mothers were older at the time of their birth and those whose mothers had not had medical care and necessary vaccination during pregnancy.

[Handicap among children in Saudi Arabia: prevalence, distribution, type, determinants and related factors]

We determined the prevalence, distribution and determinants of h and icap among children in Saudi Arabia. A field survey was carried out from 1417 to 1420 AH [1997-2000 AD] of 60 630 children under 16 years selected from all regions of the country. Information was collected by questionnaire for all children and those with a h and icap, or suspected of having a h and icap, were referred for confirmatory diagnosis. Of the total sample, 3838 [6.33%] were recorded as h and icapped. The region with the highest proportion of h and icapped children was Jazan [9.90%]; Riyadh had the lowest [4.36%]. Motor disability was the commonest kind of h and icap [3.0% of the total sample], followed by learning disability [1.8%]. The highest proportion of disability was found among children with h and icapped parents, those whose mothers were older at the time of their birth and those whose mothers had not had medical care and necessary vaccination during pregnancy