Electroexcitation of nucleon resonances at Q^2=0.65 GeV/c^2 from a combined analysis of single- and double-pion electroproduction data

Data on single- and double-charged pion electroproduction off protons are successfully described in the second and third nucleon resonance regions with common N* photocouplings. The analysis was carried out using separate isobar models for both reactions. From the combined analysis of two exclusive channels, the gamma* p --> N*+ helicity amplitudes are obtained for the resonances P11(1440), D13(1520), S31(1620), S11(1650), F15(1680), D33(1700), D13(1700), and P13(1720) at Q2=0.65 GeV/c^2.Comment: 12 pages, 12 figures (eps), Published in PHYSICAL REVIEW C 72, 045201 (2005

Homozygous mutation in the prokineticin-receptor2 gene (Val274Asp) presenting as reversible Kallmann syndrome and persistent oligozoospermia: case report.

Prokineticin 2 (Prok2) or prokineticin-receptor2 (Prok-R2) gene mutations are associated with Kallmann syndrome (KS). We describe a new homozygous mutation of Prok-R2 gene in a man displaying KS with an apparent reversal of hypogonadism. The proband, offspring of consanguineous parents, presented at age 19 years with absent puberty, no sense of smell, low testosterone and gonadotrophin levels. Magnetic resonance imaging showed olfactory bulb absence. The patient achieved virilization and spermatogenesis with gonadotrophin administration. Two years after discontinuing hormonal therapy, he maintained moderate oligozoospermia and normal testosterone levels. Prok2 and Prok- R2 gene sequence analyses were performed. The proband had a homozygous mutation in Prok-R2 exon 2 that harbours the c.T820>A base substitution, causing the introduction of an aspartic acid in place of valine at position 274 (Val274Asp). His mother had the same mutation in heterozygous state. This report describes a novel homozygous mutation of Prok-R2 gene in a man with variant KS, underlying the role of Prok-R2 gene in the olfactory and reproductive system development in humans. Present findings indicate that markedly delayed activation of gonadotrophin secretion may occur in some KS cases with definite gene defects, and that oligozoospermia might result from a variant form of reversible hypogonadotrophic hypogonadism

Health-related quality of life and mental health problems after a disaster: Are chronically ill survivors more vulnerable to health problems?

Studies have shown that the chronically ill are at higher risk for reduced health-related quality of life (HRQL) and for mental health problems. A combination with traumatic events might increase this risk. This longitudinal study among 1216 survivors of a disaster examines whether chronically ill survivors had a different course of HRQL and mental health problems compared to survivors without chronic diseases. HRQL and mental health problems were measured 3 weeks, 18 months and 4 years post-disaster. Data on pre-disaster chronic diseases was obtained from the electronic medical records of general practitioners. Random coefficient analyses showed significant interaction effects for social functioning, bodily pain and emotional role limitations at T2 only. Chronically ill survivors did not consistently have a different course of general health, physical role limitations, and mental health problems. In conclusion, chronic diseases were not an important risk factor for impaired HRQL and mental health problems among survivors

Views and experiences of hepatitis C testing and diagnosis among people who inject drugs: Systematic review of qualitative research

Background: Many developed countries are facing a major challenge to improve identification of individuals acutely and chronically infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. We explored the views and experiences of people who inject drugs (PWID) in relation to HCV testing, and diagnosis through a review and synthesis of qualitative research. Methods: Based on the thematic synthesis of qualitative research. Searches were conducted in 14 databases and supplemented by reference checking, hand searching of selected journals, and searches of relevant websites. Studies of any qualitative design that examined the views and experiences of, and attitudes towards, HCV testing and diagnosis among PWID or practitioners involved in their care were included. Key themes and sub-themes were systematically coded according to the meaning and content of the findings of each study which proceeded to the preparation of a narrative account of the synthesis. Results: 28 qualitative studies were identified. We identified a number of overarching descriptive themes in the literature, finding overall that PWID hold complex and differing views and experiences of testing and diagnosis. Three major themes emerged: missed opportunities for the provision of information and knowledge; shifting priorities between HCV testing and other needs; and testing as unexpected and routine. Evidence of missed opportunities for the provision of knowledge and information about HCV were clear, contributing to delays in seeking testing and providing a context to poor experiences of diagnosis. Influenced by the nature of their personal circumstances, perceptions of the risk associated with HCV and the prioritisation of other needs acted both to encourage and discourage the uptake of HCV testing. Undergoing HCV testing as part of routine health assessment, and an unawareness of being testing was common. An unexpected positive diagnosis exacerbated anxiety and confusion. Conclusions: This review has identified that there are modifiable factors that affect the uptake of HCV testing and experiences of HCV diagnosis among PWID. Intervention development should focus on addressing these factors. There is a need for further research that engages PWID from a diverse range of populations to identify interventions, strategies and approaches that they consider valuable

Complete mitochondrial sequences from Mesolithic Sardinia

Little is known about the genetic prehistory of Sardinia because of the scarcity of pre-Neolithic human remains. From a genetic perspective, modern Sardinians are known as genetic outliers in Europe, showing unusually high levels of internal diversity and a close relationship to early European Neolithic farmers. However, how far this peculiar genetic structure extends and how it originated was to date impossible to test. Here we present the first and oldest complete mitochondrial sequences from Sardinia, dated back to 10,000 yBP. These two individuals, while confirming a Mesolithic occupation of the island, belong to rare mtDNA lineages, which have never been found before in Mesolithic samples and that are currently present at low frequencies not only in Sardinia, but in the whole Europe. Preliminary Approximate Bayesian Computations, restricted by biased reference samples for Mesolithic Sardinia (the two typed samples) and Neolithic Europe (limited to central and north European sequences), suggest that the first inhabitants of the island have had a small or negligible contribution to the present-day Sardinian population, which mainly derives its genetic diversity from continental migration into the island by Neolithic times

Effectiveness of interventions to increase hepatitis C testing uptake among high-risk groups: a systematic review

Background: People who inject drugs are at the greatest risk of acquiring hepatitis C virus infection in many high-income countries, including those in Europe. Our review examined the effectiveness of interventions aimed at increasing hepatitis C virus testing uptake. Methods: We undertook a systematic review of controlled studies. Searches of 13 databases were supplemented with citation searching, and manual searches of reference lists and websites. Studies of interventions that aimed to increase testing uptake among high-risk groups were included. Testing uptake was our primary outcome measure of interest and secondary outcomes were engagement in follow-up services and treatment. A narrative synthesis was undertaken. Results: Eight controlled studies were included. Three studies examined interventions in primary care; one examined dried blood spot testing as an alternative method of testing, and two examined outreach provision. Two further studies examined interventions to improve hepatitis C management. Targeted case finding in primary care, support and training for primary care practitioners, offering alternative testing and provision of outreach testing all increased uptake of testing; however, intervention effects were variable. Conclusions: Evidence from the available studies suggests that increases in testing uptake can be achieved. Careful attention needs to be paid to the resource implications associated with implementation of interventions in primary care settings and also of the potential for interventions to improve outcomes once a positive diagnosis has been made. Further research on the cost-effectiveness of the intervention approaches examined in this review is required

Manufacture and electromechanical characterization of highly conductive multilayer-graphene/polydimethylsiloxane flexible paper

Multilayer graphene (MLG) micro- and nanosheets have been investigated for use as nanofiller in polymer composite in order to obtain multifunctional materials with enhanced electrical conductivity and mechanical properties. In order to take advantage of the conductivity properties of MLG sheets, a large amount of nanofiller should be used. Although, increasing filler loading alters the mechanical properties of the composite because of serious filler agglomeration. It has been shown that a promising approach to realize electrically conductive light-weight composite is to incorporate an electrically conductive graphene paper (GP), obtained by vacuum filtration of a nanofillers suspension, into the polymer matrix. One advantage of infiltrating the GP with polymer is that the tensile modulus of the composite can be greatly improved as compared with either GP or neat polymer, without weakening the electrical properties of the highly continuous nanofillers network formed in the paper making process. In this work we present experimental results related to the fabrication process and the electromechanical behaviour of a free standing, highly-conductive MLG paper impregnated with polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS)

A genomic, transcriptomic and proteomic look at the GE2270 producer Planobispora rosea, an uncommon actinomycete

We report the genome sequence of Planobispora rosea ATCC 53733, a mycelium-forming soil-dweller belonging to one of the lesser studied genera of Actinobacteria and producing the thiopeptide GE2270. The P. rosea genome presents considerable convergence in gene organization and function with other members in the family Streptosporangiaceae, with a significant number (44%) of shared orthologs. Patterns of gene expression in P. rosea cultures during exponential and stationary phase have been analyzed using whole transcriptome shotgun sequencing and by proteome analysis. Among the differentially abundant proteins, those involved in protein metabolism are particularly represented, including the GE2270-insensitive EF-Tu. Two proteins from the pbt cluster, directing GE2270 biosynthesis, slightly increase their abundance values over time. While GE2270 production starts during the exponential phase, most pbt genes, as analyzed by qRT-PCR, are down-regulated. The exception is represented by pbtA, encoding the precursor peptide of the ribosomally synthesized GE2270, whose expression reached the highest level at the entry into stationary phase. Copyright

Learning through social spaces: migrant women and lifelong learning in post-colonial London

This article shows how migrant women engage in learning through social spaces. It argues that such spaces are little recognised, and that there are multiple ways in which migrant women construct and negotiate their informal learning through socialising with other women in different informal modes. Additionally, the article shows how learning is shaped by the socio-political, geographical and multicultural context of living in London, outlining ways in which gendered and racialised identities shape, construct and constrain participation in lifelong learning. The article shows that one way in which migrant women resist (post)colonial constructions of difference is by engaging in informal and non-formal lifelong learning, arguing that the benefits are (at least) two-fold. The women develop skills (including language skills) but also use their informal learning to develop what is referred to in this article as 'relational capital'. The article concludes that informal lifelong learning developed through social spaces can enhance a sense of belonging for migrant women