Graphite foils as potential skin and epithelium dosimeters at therapeutic photon energies.

This work builds upon a prior study, examining the dosimetric utility of pencil lead and thin graphitic sheets, focusing upon the measurement of skin doses within the mammographic regime. In recognizing the near soft-tissue equivalence of graphite and the earlier-observed favourable thermoluminescence yield of thin sheets of graphite, this has led to present study of 50 µm thick graphite for parameters typical of external beam fractionated radiotherapy and skin dose evaluations. The graphite layers were annealed and then stacked to form an assembly of 0.5 mm nominal thickness. Using a 6 MV photon beam and delivering doses from 2- to 60 Gy, irradiations were conducted, the assembly first forming a superficial layer to a solid water phantom and subsequently underlying a 1.5 cm bolus, seeking to circumvent the build-up to electronic equilibrium for skin treatments. Investigations were made of several dosimetric properties arising from the thermoluminescence yield of the 50 µm thick graphite slabs, in particular proportionality and sensitivity to dose. The results show excellent sensitivity within the dose range of interest, the thermoluminescence response varying with increasing depth through the stacked graphite layers, obtaining a coefficient of determination of 90%. Acknowledging there to be considerable challenge in accurately matching skin thickness with dose, the graphite sheets have nevertheless shown considerable promise as dosimeters of skin, sensitive in determination of dose from the surface of the graphite through to sub-dermal depth thicknesses.

Description of Aphelenchoides persicus sp. n. (Nematoda: Aphelenchoididae) from Iran.

During a survey on the soil nematodes, a population of the genus Aphelenchoides was collected around the rhizosphere of persimmon in Guilan Province, Iran. The morphological and molecular characters confirmed the new species, namely A. persicus sp. n. The new species is characterized by a female body length (699-1068 µm), lip region offset from the rest of the body by a slight constriction, lateral fields with six incisures, stylet 12-13.5 µm long, with a clear basal swelling, excretory pore ca 1.5 metacorpal length posterior to base of the metacorpus, post uterine sac elongate, about 4-7 times than the vulval body diameter; conical female tail with a single centrally located mucron with tiny projection close to the tail tip, male body length (663-908 µm), and spicule well developed with rounded condylus, blunt conical rostrum, and a hook-like tip of dorsal limb. The new species belongs to the Group 2 category of Aphelenchoides species and was similar to seven known species with six lateral field incisures, including A. allius, A. chinensis, A. meghalayensis, A. nechaleos, A. paranechaleos, A. parasexlineatus, and A. sexlineatus. The molecular phylogeny based on 28S rDNA revealed that the new species stands close to A. hamospiculatus (MN931591; MN931592) and two unidentified Aphelenchoides (KY769057; LC583315). The measurements, line illustrations, LM photographs, and phylogenetic analysis are given for the new species.

SARAspeech-Feasibility of automated assessment of ataxic speech disturbance.

Ataxias are a group of movement disorders that are characterized by progressive loss of balance, impaired coordination and speech disturbance, which together lead to markedly reduced quality of life. Speech disturbance is clinically diagnosed, but methods for objective assessment of severity are lacking. Using 71 sets of speech recordings from ataxia patients, we developed an automated classification system. With a tolerance of ±1 point, this classification system correctly predicted experts' ratings of speech disturbance according to item 4 of the Scale for Assessment and rating of ataxia (SARA) in 80% of cases. We thereby demonstrate feasibility of computer-assisted voice analysis for automated assessment of severity of speech disturbance.

Implementation and adoption of advanced care planning in the elderly trauma patient.

Background: Geriatric trauma has high morbidity and mortality, often requiring extensive hospital stays and interventions. The number of geriatric trauma patients is also increasing significantly and accounts for a large proportion of trauma care. Specific geriatric trauma protocols exist to improve care for this complex patient population, who often have various comorbidities, pre-existing medications, and extensive injury within a trauma perspective. These guidelines for geriatric trauma care often suggest early advanced care planning (ACP) discussions and documentation to guide patient and family-centered care. Methods: A provincial ACP program was implemented in April of 2012, which has since been used by our level 1 trauma center. We applied a before and after study design to assess the documentation of goals of care in elderly trauma patients following implementation of the standardized provincial ACP tool on April 1, 2012. Results: Documentation of ACP in elderly major trauma patients following the implementation of this tool increased significantly from 16 to 35%. Additionally, secondary outcomes demonstrated that many more patients received goals of care documentation within 24 h of admission, and 93% of patients had goals of care documented prior to intensive care unit (ICU) admission. The number of trauma patients that were admitted to the ICU also decreased from 17 to 5%. Conclusion: Early advanced care planning is crucial for geriatric trauma patients to improve patient and family-centered care. Here, we have outlined our approach with modest improvements in goals of care documentation for our geriatric population at a level 1 trauma center. We also outline the benefits and drawbacks of this approach and identify the areas for improvement to support improved patient-centered care for the injured geriatric patient. Here, we have provided a framework for others to implement and further develop.

Exploring factors that impact activity participation of children and adolescents with severe developmental disabilities.

BACKGROUND: Despite the benefits of social participation, children and adolescents with developmental disabilities (DD) are often excluded from taking part in social activities. There is a gap in the literature about the factors that contribute to adequate participation of children with severe DD in particular and the barriers to their participation. Taking an ecological perspective, the purpose of this study was to examine child, family and community variables that may impact the activity participation of children and adolescents with severe DD. METHODS: A total of 197 parents of children with severe DD (4-19 years) completed a survey, addressing a wide range of child, family and community related variables, as well as a measure of activity participation. RESULTS: Overall, the final model significantly accounted for 30% of the variance in activity participation. Higher adaptive behaviour, greater parental socialisation and placement in an integrated school programme were significant predictors of greater activity participation. CONCLUSION: Child, family and community factors were all important in understanding the activity participation of children with severe DD, thus supporting the value of an ecological approach. Suggestions for future research and clinical implications are discussed.

Comparison of metformin and N-acetyl cysteine, as an adjuvant to clomiphene citrate, in clomiphene-resistant women with polycystic ovary syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of short- and long-term treatment with metformin and NAC, in an adjuvant to clomiphene citrate (CC), on the improvement of hormonal profile (SHBG, total testosterone, FBS, and fasting insulin) and fertility status in CC-resistant women with PCOS. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred and eight CC-resistant PCOS patients participated in the study and received either metformin (1500mg/day) or NAC (1800mg/day) with 100mg/day of CC for 8 and 12 weeks. Mean BMI, hirsutism score, LH/FSH ratio, endometrial thickness, mature follicle number, and serum concentrations of LH, FSH, E2, fasting insulin, total testosterone and FBS were evaluated before and after short- and long-term treatment. Furthermore, ovulation and pregnancy rates in the first and second cycles were also determined in treated patients. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in all variables before and 8 weeks after treatment with metformin and NAC. The BMI- and insulin-lowering effects of metformin were significantly higher than NAC after long-term treatment. However, the reducing-effect of NAC on hirsutism score and FBS levels was significantly more than metformin after 12 weeks. Treatment with metformin and NAC significantly increased ovulation and pregnancy rates in CC-resistant PCOS patients. In the first and second cycles, ovulation and pregnancy rates in patients treated with NAC were slightly higher than those received metformin. CONCLUSIONS: Compared with metformin, administration of NAC in an adjuvant to CC is recommended for improving of hormonal profile and treatment of anovulatory infertility in hyperinsulinemic patients especially women with PCOS who are CC-resistant.

Degenerate ITS7 primer enhances oomycete community coverage and PCR sensitivity to Aphanomyces species, economically important plant pathogens.

Metagenomic analysis of oomycetes through deep amplicon sequencing has been conducted primarily using the ITS6-ITS7 primer set that targets the ITS1 region. While this primer set shows a perfect match to most oomycete taxa, ITS7 contains 3 mismatches to the corresponding binding site of plant pathogens within the genus Aphanomyces. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) efficiency differs for taxa with uneven primer matching characteristics, which may explain why previous studies have detected this genus at low abundance. To overcome the impact of these mismatches on PCR sensitivity, the mismatched nucleotides were replaced with degenerate nucleotides. Oomycete communities from 35 soil samples collected from asymptomatic and root rot diseased sites in pea fields across Alberta were analyzed simultaneously using ITS6-ITS7 and ITS6-ITS7-a.e. (modified version of ITS7) primer sets on 1 Illumina MiSeq run. The number of high-quality reads obtained by ITS6-ITS7-a.e. was more than twice that of ITS6-ITS7. The relative abundance of Pythium spp. was reduced and Aphanomyces spp. increased. Aphanomyces cf. cladogamus and Aphanomyces euteiches were the second and third most abundant species, respectively, in the pea rhizosphere using the ITS7-a.e. primer, but were rare using the ITS7 primer. These results indicate that use of ITS7-a.e. provides a more accurate picture of oomycete communities than ITS7 by enhancing PCR sensitivity to Aphanomyces.

Metagenomic analysis of oomycete communities from the rhizosphere of field pea on the Canadian prairies.

Oomycetes are a diverse group of microorganisms; however, little is known about their composition and biodiversity in agroecosystems. Illumina MiSeq was used to determine the type and abundance of oomycetes associated with pea root rot in the Canadian prairies. Additional objectives of the study were to identify differences in oomycete communities associated with pea root health and compare oomycete communities among the 3 prairie provinces, where field peas are commonly cultivated. Samples of soil from the rhizosphere of field pea (Pisum sativum L.) were collected from patches of asymptomatic or diseased plants from 26 commercial fields in 2013 and 2014. Oomycete communities were characterized using metagenomic analysis of the ITS1 region on Illumina MiSeq. From 105 identified operational taxonomic units (OTUs), 45 and 16 oomycete OTUs were identified at species and genus levels, respectively. Pythium was the most prevalent genus and Pythium heterothallicum the most prevalent species in all 3 provinces in both 2013 and 2014. Aphanomyces euteiches, a very important pea root rot pathogen in regions of the prairies, was detected in 57% of sites but at very low abundance (<0.2%). Multivariate analysis revealed differences in the relative abundance of species in oomycete communities between asymptomatic and diseased sites, and among years and provinces. This study demonstrated that deep amplicon sequencing can provide information on the composition and diversity of oomycete communities in agricultural soils.

Transcript analysis in two alfalfa salt tolerance selected breeding populations relative to a non-tolerant population.

With the growing limitations on arable land, alfalfa (a widely cultivated, low-input forage) is now being selected to extend cultivation into saline lands for low-cost biofeedstock purposes. Here, minerals and transcriptome profiles were compared between two new salinity-tolerant North American alfalfa breeding populations and a more salinity-sensitive western Canadian alfalfa population grown under hydroponic saline conditions. All three populations accumulated two-fold higher sodium in roots than shoots as a function of increased electrical conductivity. At least 50% of differentially expressed genes (p < 0.05) were down-regulated in the salt-sensitive population growing under high salinity, while expression remained unchanged in the saline-tolerant populations. In particular, most reduction in transcript levels in the salt-sensitive population was observed in genes specifying cell wall structural components, lipids, secondary metabolism, auxin and ethylene hormones, development, transport, signalling, heat shock, proteolysis, pathogenesis-response, abiotic stress, RNA processing, and protein metabolism. Transcript diversity for transcription factors, protein modification, and protein degradation genes was also more strongly affected in salt-tolerant CW064027 than in salt-tolerant Bridgeview and salt-sensitive Rangelander, while both saline-tolerant populations showed more substantial up-regulation in redox-related genes and B-ZIP transcripts. The report highlights the first use of bulked genotypes as replicated samples to compare the transcriptomes of obligate out-cross breeding populations in alfalfa.

Examining the social participation of children and adolescents with Intellectual Disabilities and Autism Spectrum Disorder in relation to peers.

BACKGROUND: Participation in social and physical activities has a number of benefits for children with or without disabilities. However, individuals with disabilities are often excluded from taking part in social activities. Most of the research on activity participation has focused on adults or youth with milder disabilities. However, children and adolescents with severe and complex needs, including those with autism, are often excluded from this type of research because of their complexities and level of functioning. Thus, we examined the social participation and friendships of children and adolescents with severe developmental disabilities, with and without autism, compared with peers without developmental disabilities. METHODS: We compared the activity participation and friendships of typically developing children (n = 210), children with an intellectual disability (ID only; n = 186), and children with autism spectrum disorder plus intellectual disability (ID + ASD; n = 232) between the ages of 3 and 19 years. Parents of these children completed a survey, which included questions about their children's participation in six activities, and the number and quality of their children's friendships. RESULTS: Children and adolescents with ID only and ID + ASD were reported to participate in significantly fewer activities and to participate much less frequently than typically developing peers. Those with ID only and ID + ASD were reported to have fewer friends and poorer quality of friendships. In addition, those with ID + ASD participated even less frequently in some activities and had fewer friends relative to those with ID only. CONCLUSION: It is important to find ways to increase the social and activity participation of children and adolescents with ID only and ID + ASD. Future research should examine the barriers to such participation and factors that impact social participation in this population.

Harmonic reduction of Direct Torque Control of six-phase induction motor.

In this paper, a new switching method in Direct Torque Control (DTC) of a six-phase induction machine for reduction of current harmonics is introduced. Selecting a suitable vector in each sampling period is an ordinal method in the ST-DTC drive of a six-phase induction machine. The six-phase induction machine has 64 voltage vectors and divided further into four groups. In the proposed DTC method, the suitable voltage vectors are selected from two vector groups. By a suitable selection of two vectors in each sampling period, the harmonic amplitude is decreased more, in and various comparison to that of the ST-DTC drive. The harmonics loss is greater reduced, while the electromechanical energy is decreased with switching loss showing a little increase. Spectrum analysis of the phase current in the standard and new switching table DTC of the six-phase induction machine and determination for the amplitude of each harmonics is proposed in this paper. The proposed method has a less sampling time in comparison to the ordinary method. The Harmonic analyses of the current in the low and high speed shows the performance of the presented method. The simplicity of the proposed method and its implementation without any extra hardware is other advantages of the proposed method. The simulation and experimental results show the preference of the proposed method.

A landscape of hairy and twisted: hunting for new trichome mutants in the Saskatoon Arabidopsis T-DNA population.

A total of 88 new Arabidopsis lines with trichome variation were recovered by screening 49,200 single-seed descent T3 lines from the SK activation-tagged population and from a new 20,000-line T-DNA insertion population (called pAG). Trichome variant lines were classified into 12 distinct phenotype categories. Single or multiple T-DNA insertion sites were identified for 89% of these mutant lines. Alleles of the well-known trichome genes TRY, GL2 and TTG1 were recovered with atypical phenotype variation not reported previously. Moreover, atypical gene expression profiles were documented for two additional mutants specifying TRY and GL2 disruptions. In remaining mutants, ten lines were disrupted in genes coding for proteins not implicated in trichome development, five were disrupted in hypothetical proteins and 11 were disrupted in proteins with unknown function. The collection represents new opportunities for the plant biology community to define trichome development more precisely and to refine the function of individual trichome genes.

Effect of frequency on entrance and propagation pattern of high-frequency (radiofrequency) electrical currents in biologic tissues.

BACKGROUND: Radiofrequency electrical currents have a tendency to move toward the center of the bulk of biologic tissues. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effect of the frequency of currents on their entrance and propagation pattern in biologic tissues. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Three electrosurgical generators with 0.4, 1.5, and 3 MHz frequency outputs were studied. Current was applied using a metallic needle introduced into a piece of cow liver, with different amounts of energy delivered at multiple points. Cross-sections of the liver were then studied for tissue effect. The diameters of the coagulated areas at the deepest and most superficial parts were measured. The tendency of the currents for penetration in the deeper layers of tissue rather than in the superficial layers was assessed using the superficial diameter/deep diameter ratio. RESULTS: Diameter of coagulated area was larger around deeper parts than around superficial parts of the electrode. No correlation between frequency of current and the superficial/deep diameter ratio of the coagulation zone was found. CONCLUSION: Radiofrequency currents have a tendency to move toward the center of the tissue. Frequency of current over the range of 0.4-3 MHz did not show any effect on this tendency.

Taheri-Saramad x-ray detector (TSXD): a novel high spatial resolution x-ray imager based on ZnO nano scintillator wires in polycarbonate membrane.

A novel x-ray imager based on ZnO nanowires is designed and fabricated. The proposed architecture is based on scintillation properties of ZnO nanostructures in a polycarbonate track-etched membrane. Because of higher refractive index of ZnO nanowire compared to the membrane, the nanowire acts as an optical fiber that prevents the generated optical photons to spread inside the detector. This effect improves the spatial resolution of the imager. The detection quantum efficiency and spatial resolution of the fabricated imager are 11% and <6.8 µm, respectively.

Entrance and propagation pattern of high-frequency electrical currents in biological tissues as applied to fractional skin rejuvenation using penetrating electrodes.

BACKGROUND: Fractional resurfacing of the skin using radiofrequency devices has been used for collagen remodeling and rejuvenation. OBJECTIVES: To determine how radiofrequency current enters and propagates through tissue, and the pattern of the resulting effect. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An electrosurgical device with a 0.4 MHz frequency output was used as the source of radiofrequency current. Current was applied via a metallic needle introduced into a large piece of cow liver, with different amounts of energy delivered at multiple points. Cross-sections of the liver were then studied for tissue effect. RESULTS: Thermal coagulation of tissue started from the tip of the electrode. With higher energy, a rim of coagulated tissue formed around the entire length of the needle. This rim of coagulated tissue was thicker around the tip of the electrode. CONCLUSION: Radiofrequency currents have a tendency to move toward the center of the bulk of tissue. When an electrode of a fractional radiofrequency device enters the skin, maximum heating effect will be around the tip of the electrode in the dermis. This phenomenon can preserve epidermis from injury during dermal heating, reducing post-procedural skin surface side effects seen with many skin rejuvenation procedures.

FAM20A mutations associated with enamel renal syndrome.

We identified two families with an autosomal-recessive disorder manifested by severe enamel hypoplasia, delayed and failed tooth eruption, misshapen teeth, intrapulpal calcifications, and localized gingival hyperplasia. Genetic analyses identified novel FAM20A mutations associated with the disease phenotype in both families. The proband of Family 1 had an altered splice junction in Intron 1 (g.502011G>C; c.405-1G>C) and a missense mutation in Exon 8 (g.65094G>A; c.1207G>A; p.D403N). The missense mutation is notable because D(403) is strictly conserved among FAM20A homologues, and the corresponding defect in FAM20C caused osteosclerotic bone dysplasia and a loss of kinase activity. The proband at age 12 yrs tested negative for nephrocalcinosis. The proband and her affected father in Family 2 were homozygous for a single nucleotide deletion that altered a splice junction in Intron 10 (g.66622del; c.1361+4del). Minigene analyses demonstrated that this alteration precluded normal splicing. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) of mouse maxillary first molars localized FAM20A in secretory-stage ameloblasts, in odontoblasts, and in the eruption pathway. IHC of kidneys localized FAM20A in the renal tubules. We conclude that FAM20A is likely a secretory pathway kinase and that loss-of-function mutations cause pathology where its phosphorylations are necessary for normal development or homeostasis.

Unusual presentation of disseminated cutaneous leishmaniasis due to Leishmania major: case reports of four Iranian patients.

We report four disseminated cutaneous leishmaniasis(DCL) cases referred to leishmaniasis laboratory at the School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences with multiple nodular, ulcerative and crusted lesions extended on the face, trunk, and extremities. None of the patients had any complication and historical involvement in their immunological system conditions that suggest as the criteria for DCL. Direct smears of ulcers were positive for Leishmania parasite. The parasite was isolated from the active lesions and identified as Leishmania major (L. major) using PCR-RFLP assay and sequencing analysis.

Midfacial analysis and planning for midface augmentation with injectable filling materials: an anatomical approach.

BACKGROUND: Midfacial augmentation improves the appearance of patients with flat or ptotic cheek. OBJECTIVES: To develop a simple method of preoperative delineating the location of the ideal malar prominence and determining the best area to augment with injectable filling materials. METHODS: We used detailed analysis of the facial features of some Caucasian men and women as the basis for this study. RESULTS: We described a technique to locate the ideal malar prominence and proposed a classification of midfacial contour defects. CONCLUSION: This method greatly simplifies the surgeon's task of determining the area to be augmented.

An investigation on diffusion bonding of aluminum to copper using equal channel angular extrusion process.

A new method for production of bimetallic rods, utilizing the equal channel angular extrusion (ECAE) process has been introduced before by previous researchers, but no attempt has been made to assess the effect of different temperatures and holding times in order to achieve a diffusional bond between the mating surfaces. In present research copper sheathed aluminum rods have been ECAEed at room temperature and subsequently held at a constant ECAE pressure, at different temperatures and holding times to produce a diffusional bond between the copper sheath and the aluminum core. The bonding quality of the joints was examined by shear strength test and a sound bonding interface was achieved. Based on the results, a bonding temperature of 200 °C and holding time of 60-80 min yielded the highest shear strength value.

Extraction and physicochemical characterization of greater Lizardfish (Saurida tumbil) skin and bone gelatin.

Type A gelatins were extracted from skins and bones of lizardfish and analyzed to determine their functional and chemical properties. Lizardfish skin gelatin had ash content of 2.2 +/- 0.3% while bone gelatin had ash content of 12.2 +/- 0.2%. Gel strength was 159.1 +/- 14 and 135 +/- 7.9 g, respectively, for skin and bone gelatins compared to 224.3 +/- 7.7 g for porcine gelatin. Gelatin from skin exhibited higher viscosity and lower setting time than bone. Skin gelatin had higher imino acid content than bone gelatin. The total imino acid content was 21.71% and 19.83% for skin and bone, respectively. Both skin and bone gelatins contained more alpha chains than beta and gamma components. Both bone and skin gelatins also contained low molecular weight (< alpha) peptides. The differences in functional properties between the skin and bone gelatins appeared to be related to differences in amino acid composition and molecular weight distribution of the gelatins.