Our results also support the hypothesis that the left frontal lob

Our results also support the hypothesis that the left frontal lobe white matter and the thalamus contribute to cognitive impairment in patients with FLE. (C) 2010 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.”
“Study Design. Retrospective radiographic review.

Objective. To evaluate the outcome of selective thoracic fusion (STF) by using cantilever bending technique (CBT) and the direct vertebral rotation (DVR) technique for major

thoracic-compensatory lumbar (MTCL) curves selected by new curve criteria, which are broader than Lenke curve criteria for STF.

Summary of Background Data. Surgical treatment of MTCL curves Selleck Nutlin-3 aims to maximize the number of MTCL curves that can be treated with STF and optimize instrumented thoracic and spontaneous lumbar correction. Comparing current guidelines for STF shows that the surgical technique utilized for STF may affect the curve criteria for MTCL curves for successful STF and thoracic and lumbar correction.

Methods. Seventy-eight consecutive idiopathic scoliosis patients with major thoracic-compensatory check details “”C”" modifier lumbar curves who met the following three criteria: (1) main thoracic curve (MT) to compensatory lumbar curve (CL) ratios of Cobb magnitude and apical vertebral translation (AVT) greater than one; (2) MT/CL ratio of flexibility less than one; (3) Cobb magnitude of lumbar curve less than 35 degrees on side bending, were treated with STF by using CBT and DVR. Radiographs were analyzed

before surgery, immediately after surgery, and at the most recent follow-up (range, 2-5 years).

Results. All 78 MTCL curves were successfully treated with STF by using CBT and DVR. A mean

61% thoracic correction was matched by 55% lumbar correction at the most recent follow-up. Spontaneous correction of lumbar AVT QNZ nmr occurred in all patients. Global coronal imbalance was common before surgery (mean, 14 mm) and remained so after surgery (mean, 12 mm). There were 49 MTCL curves that did not meet Lenke curve criteria for STF. All were successfully treated with STF by using CBT and DVR. Among these 49 MTCL curves, there were 14 Lenke 1C and 18 Lenke 2C curves with one or two, or all of MT/CL ratios of Cobb magnitude, AVT, and apical vertebral rotation of 1.2 or less, and 6 Lenke 3C and 11 Lenke 4C curves with the Cobb magnitude of residual lumbar curve on side bending between 25 degrees and 35 degrees.

Conclusion. CBT and DVR can broaden the current curve criteria of MTCL curves for STF to have more MTCL curves treatable with STF and optimize instrumented thoracic and spontaneous lumbar correction. A more effective surgical technique can not only improve instrumented thoracic and spontaneous lumbar correction but also can broaden the MTCL curve criteria for STF to have more MTCL curves treatable with STF.”
“A 2-Dimensional Quantitative Structure-Activity Relationship study has been performed on 2 series of hepatitis C virus (HCV) inhibitors, i.e.

In addition, we have determined a positive correlation between th

In addition, we have determined a positive correlation between the expression of GmGAD genes and GABA accumulation during the germination process. Furthermore, the induction of GmGAD1, 4, and 5 transcripts following infection of hypocotyls with Phytophthora sojae suggests that GABA may

play a role in the resistance mechanism. Taken together, our comparative genomic analysis of GAD genes and encoded proteins in soybean is the first step toward the functional dissection of this family, and we present information that will assist future studies on GABA metabolism and signaling research. (C) 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.”
“The aim of this study was to develop and validate a linguistically and culturally appropriate version of the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) for use with women attending antenatal care in Romania. We translated BIX 01294 clinical trial SBE-β-CD in vivo and tested a Romanian version of the EPDS (EPDS-R) in four hospitals in three Romanian cities: Cluj-Napoca, Satu Mare, and Sighetu-Marmatiei. The study population included third-trimester women attending antenatal clinics (n=418); 364 subjects were included in the analytic sample. We used the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D) as a “”gold standard”". We assessed reliability, validity, and conducted sensitivity analysis to establish an EPDS-R cutpoint. We found that reliability was

robust (alpha=0.89) and there was a significant linear relationship between EPDS-R and CES-D scores (r=0.77; p < 0.001). We established an EPDS-R cutpoint of > 12 to balance sensitivity and specificity. Principal component analysis revealed a two-factor solution. We detected antenatal depressive symptoms prevalence Proteasome inhibitor rates of 32% (CES-D) and 38% (EPDS-R). This is the first study to report exclusively on antenatal depression and the use of the EPDS in Central and Eastern Europe. The EPDS-R is easy to administer, reliable, and valid for screening depression

among antenatal women in Romania.”
“Herpesvirus infections cause morbidity in lung transplant recipients. The study was conducted to investigate the incidence and impact of herpes simplex virus (HSV) and cytomegalovirus (CMV) detection in the respiratory tract (RT) of lung and heart-lung transplant recipients (LTR) during the postoperative phase. In a prospective cohort study, 91 LTR having at least 1 nasopharyngeal swab (NPS) sent for virus diagnostics were monitored for CMV and HSV detection in NPS during their post-transplant hospital stay on cardiothoracic surgery wards (median 4 weeks) by direct immunofluorescence testing for HSV, virus culture, and CMV and HSV polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Bronchoalveolar lavages (BALs) were analyzed with the same protocol except that HSV PCR was only performed on request. Risk factor analysis for the outcome ’90-day mortality’ was performed. Fifteen LTR had virus detection in NPS (16.5%): 9 had CMV, 5 had HSV, and 1 had both CMV and HSV. Four of 84 LTR had CMV detection in BAL (4.8%).

Methods:

An electronic, web based, secure, anonymous r

Methods:

An electronic, web based, secure, anonymous reporting system for anesthesiologists was designed and instituted at The Children’s Hospital, Denver. This portal was compared to an existing hospital incident reporting system.

Results:

A total of 150 incidents were reported in the first 3 months of operation, compared to four entered in the same time period 1 year ago.

Conclusion:

An anesthesia-specific anonymous near-miss reporting system, which eases and facilitates data entry and can prospectively identify processes and practices that place patients at risk, was implemented at a large, academic, freestanding children’s hospital. This resulted in a

dramatic increase in reported events and provided data to target and drive quality and process improvement.”
“In this paper, a new topology of concentric magnetic gears is proposed and implemented. The key of the new topology is to bury permanent magnets Anlotinib (PMs) of the outer rotor into the iron core in a new way so that the mechanical integrity can be improved, and the PM material can be saved while the torque density

is maintained. The proposed gear is designed with the speed reduction ratio of 7.33 and optimized by using the three-dimensional finite element method (3D-FEM). The key of the 3D-FEM AZD8186 cost is to employ scalar magnetic potential to reduce the required memory and time for data manipulation and computation. After prototyping, the measured maximum static torque well agrees with the calculated one, hence verifying the proposed design and analysis. (C) 2009 American Institute of Physics. [DOI: 10.1063/1.3058619]“
“P>There VX-680 order have been a

number of recent developments in the practice of anesthesia and intensive care aimed at improving outcome in terms of reducing both morbidity and mortality, as well as other less-defined factors, such as quality of service provision. Significant advances have been made in airway devices such as pediatric tracheal tube designs, Microcuff (R) tracheal tubes, and new laryngoscopes. Noninvasive monitoring devices, including continuous hemoglobin analysis and near infrared spectrometry, are being increasingly used in pediatric anesthesia. Other, ‘scaled-down’ versions from adult anesthesia care, however, have not universally been shown to result in improved safety and outcomes in pediatric anesthesia.”
“Magnetoelectric annealing is necessary to remove antiferromagnetic domains and induce macroscopic magnetoelectric effect in polycrystalline magnetoelectric materials, and in this paper, we study the effective magnetoelectric properties of perpendicularly annealed polycrystalline Cr(2)O(3) using effective medium approximation. The effect of temperatures, grain aspect ratios, and two different types of orientation distribution function have been analyzed, and unusual material symmetry is observed when the orientation distribution function only depends on Euler angle psi. Optimal grain aspect ratio and texture coefficient are also identified.

Imatinib (400 mg/day during the first 2 months; 800 mg/day after)

Imatinib (400 mg/day during the first 2 months; 800 mg/day after) was given, without notable side-effects. Monthly positron emission tomographycomputed tomography scan evaluations were performed revealing a marked reduction of disease after 6 months of treatment. To our knowledge this is the first case of highly recurrent and unresponsive GCT of the ovary responding to imatinib.

Further studies evaluating this drug in recurrent and/or aggressive GCT are warranted.”
“A https://www.selleckchem.com/products/emricasan-idn-6556-pf-03491390.html detailed understanding of the left atrial (LA) anatomy in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) would improve the safety and efficacy of the radiofrequency catheter ablation. The objective of this study was to examine the myocardial thickness under the lines of the circumferential pulmonary vein isolation (CPVI) using 64-slice multidetector computed tomography (MDCT). Fifty-four

consecutive symptomatic drug-refractory paroxysmal AF patients (45 men, age 61 +/- 12 years) who underwent a primary CPVI guided by a three-dimensional electroanatomic mapping system (Carto XP; Biosense-Webster, Diamond Bar, CA, USA) with CT integration (Cartomerge; Biosense-Webster) were enrolled. Using MDCT, we examined the myocardial thickness of the LA and pulmonary CBL0137 solubility dmso vein (PV) regions in all patients. An analysis of the measurements by the MDCT revealed that the LA wall was thickest in the left lateral ridge (LLR; 4.42 +/- 1.28 mm) and thinnest in the left inferior pulmonary learn more vein wall (1.68 +/- 0.27 mm). On the other hand, the thickness of the posterior wall in the cases with contact between the esophagus and left PV antrum was 1.79 +/- 0.22 mm (n = 30). After the primary CPVI, the freedom from AF without any drugs during a 1-year follow-up period was 78 % (n = 42). According to the multivariate analysis, the thickness of the LLR was an independent positive predictor of

an AF recurrence (P = 0.041). The structure of the left atrium and PVs exhibited a variety of myocardial thicknesses in the different regions. Of those, only the measurement of the LLR thickness was associated with an AF recurrence.”
“Background: The prescription of allergen immunotherapy (SIT) in asthma remains a matter of debate and official guidelines often do not provide clear recommendations in this regard. Methods: An extensive review of the literature was untaken. Results: There are many robust studies with SCIT and SLIT showing positive results related to improving asthma symptoms, in particular when asthma was associated with rhinitis. In addition, there are several favourable meta-analyses, although their validity is limited by the heterogeneity of the trials included. The disease modifying effect of SIT (prevention of asthma onset and long-lasting effects) should be considered when prescribing this treatment.


“Genetic mechanisms have been implicated as a cause of som


“Genetic mechanisms have been implicated as a cause of some cases of male infertility. Recently, 10 novel genes involved in human spermatogenesis were identified by microarray analysis of human testicular tissue. One of these is spermatogenesis-associated 17 (SPATA17). To investigate whether defects

in the SPATA17 gene are associated with azoospermia due to meiotic arrest, a mutational analysis was conducted, in which the SPATA17 coding regions of 18 Japanese patients with this condition were sequenced. A statistical analysis was carried out that included 18 patients with meiotic arrest, 20 patients with Sertoli-cell-only syndrome (SCOS) and 96 healthy control men. No mutations were found in SPATA17. However, three coding single nucleotide polymorphisms (cSNPs: SNP1-SNP3) were detected in the patients with meiotic arrest. No significant differences Galardin in the genotype or allele frequencies of SNP1 and SNP2 were found between patients with meiotic arrest and the others. However, the frequency of the SNP3 allele

was significantly elevated in the meiotic arrest group (P < 0.05). This study suggests that SPATA17 selleck products may play a critical role in human spermatogenesis, especially in meiosis.”
“Children with autistic spectrum disorder are known to have histopathological abnormalities in the cerebellum. Diffusion tensor imaging has been utilized to study abnormalities in connectivity and microintegrity in brains of such children. A region of interest approach was adopted to study cerebellar outflow and inflow pathways in 27 children (24 males; mean age, 5.0 years) with autism, and comparison was made with 16 normally developing controls. An increase in the mean diffusivity of bilateral superior cerebellar peduncles in those with autistic spectrum disorder was noted, as was a reversal of the asymmetry pattern in fractional anisotropy of the middle cerebellar peduncle and the inferior cerebellar peduncle in the autistic spectrum disorder group, compared with

controls. This study reiterates the underconnectivity between the cerebellum and neocortex, using diffusion AZD6094 tensor imaging.”
“Background: Variant surface antigens (VSA) expressed on the surface of Plasmodium falciparum-infected red blood cells constitute a key for parasite sequestration and immune evasion. In distinct malaria pathologies, such as placental malaria, specific antibody response against VSA provides protection. This study investigated the antibody response specifically directed against VSA expressed by parasites isolated from individuals presenting a given type of clinical presentation.

Methods: Plasma and isolates were obtained from four groups of Beninese subjects: healthy adults, patients presenting uncomplicated malaria (UM), cerebral malaria (CM), or pregnancy-associated malaria (PAM).


“Objective To determine prevalence and risk factors of pr


“Objective. To determine prevalence and risk factors of pregnancy-related lumbopelvic pain (PRLPP) in women in Kuwait. Design. The study APR-246 was designed as a multisite, cross-sectional design in which self-administered surveys were distributed. Setting and Participants. Public locations and health care facilities in Kuwait. Pregnant women (400) were invited to participate. Outcome Measures.

Demographics, history of PRLPP, risk factors for PRLPP, location of pain, absenteeism due to LPP, management of previous LPP, and functional disability due to PRLPP. Results. Two hundred eighty questionnaires were returned. Mean age was 29.5 years; mean body mass index (BMI) was 29.69 kg/m2. Of the participants, 91% reported LPP, 78.8% reported history of menstrual pain, and 58.7% reported previous LPP, and 59% reported PRLPP during previous pregnancies, 42.8% reported activities of daily living were limited. Risk factors included a history of back pain (P = 0.00), PRLPP in a previous pregnancy (P = 0.01), and being in the third trimester of pregnancy (P = 0.02). BMI was not

associated with PRLPP. Conclusions. Clinicians in Kuwait need to screen for risk factors and detect PRLPP early and intervene as needed. Although overweight and obesity may not contribute largely to PRLPP in women in Kuwait, weight control is a major concern for healthy pregnancy. Physical therapy has a role Bafilomycin A1 manufacturer in preventing and addressing this condition.”
“SETTING: Etomoxir inhibitor Treatment outcomes for multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) in South Africa

have suffered as centralized, in-patient treatment programs struggle to cope with rising prevalence and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) co-infection rates. A new treatment model is needed to expand treatment capacity and improve MDR-TB and HIV outcomes.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the design and preliminary results of an integrated, home-based MDR-TB-HIV treatment program created in rural KwaZulu-Natal.

METHOD: In 2008, a decentralized center was established to provide out-patient MDR-TB and HIV treatment. Nurses, community health workers and family supporters have been trained to administer injections, provide adherence support and monitor adverse reactions in patients’ homes. Physicians assess clinical response, adherence and the severity of adverse reactions to MDR-TB and HIV treatment at monthly follow-up visits. Treatment outcomes are assessed by monthly cultures and CD4 and viral load every 6 months.

RESULTS: Of 80 patients initiating MDR-TB treatment from February 2008 to April 2010, 66 were HIV-co-infected. Retention has been high (only 5% defaults, 93% of visits attended), and preliminary outcomes have been favorable (77% cured/still on treatment, 82% undetectable viral load). Few patients have required escalation of care (9%), had severe adverse events (8%) or died (6%).

C elegans trim-9 mutants exhibit defects in the ventral guidance

C. elegans trim-9 mutants exhibit defects in the ventral guidance of hermaphrodite specific neuron (HSN) and the touch neuron AVM. Further genetic analyses indicate that TRIM-9 participates in the UNC-6-UNC-40 attraction pathway. Asymmetric distribution of Crenolanib solubility dmso UNC-40 during HSN development is normal in trim-9 mutants. However,

the asymmetric localization of MIG-10, a downstream effector of UNC-40, is abolished in trim-9 mutants. These results suggest that TRIM-9 functions upstream of MIG-10 in the UNC-40 pathway. Moreover, we showed that TRIM-9 exhibits E3 ubiquitin ligase activity in vitro and this activity is important for TRIM-9 function in vivo. Additionally, we found that Drosophila trim-9 is required for the midline attraction of a group of sensory neuron axons. Over-expression of the Netrin/UNC-6 receptor Frazzled suppresses the guidance defects in trim-9 mutants. Our study reveals an evolutionarily conserved

function of TRIM-9 in the UNC-40/Frazzled-mediated UNC-6/Netrin attraction pathway.”
“A die-rotating system was proposed in this work for moderations of extrusion forces and entrance pressure drop for molten polypropylene (PP) and wood/polypropylene (WPP) composites in a capillary rheometer and a single screw extruder. The effects of processing conditions and wood loading in PP were of our interests. The extrusion force and entrance pressure drop with and without the die rotating find more system were monitored in real-time. This was the first time that

the die-rotating system was used for processing of highly viscous wood/polymer composite Cyclosporin A manufacturer materials. It was found that the flow properties of the molten PP and WPP composites obeyed pseudoplastic non-Newtonian behavior. The behavior was more obvious at wood contents of above 6 wt % and in the capillary rhemeter. The rotation of the die could moderate the extrusion load by 60% and entrance pressure drop by 20% in the capillary rheometer, and the entrance pressure drop by 30% in the single screw extruder, especially at the conditions where the viscosities of the WPP and the extrusion rate were high. Greater fluctuations in entrance pressure drop caused by die rotation were observed in the single screw extruder. (C) 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 120: 1006-1016, 2011″
“The commercial form of immobilized Candida antarctica lipase B (CALB), known as Novozym (R) 435, is a catalyst routinely used in enzymatic reactions. However, we observed a number of compounds migrated from this enzyme preparation into organic solvents and ionic liquids (ILs). These compounds were further identified by CC-MS analysis as a mixture of 17 substances, including 5 major components: glycerol, benzoic acid, 2-hydroxyethyl benzoate, 2-hydroxyethyl sorbate, and sorbic acid.

Little is known about predictors of body image

Method

Little is known about predictors of body image.

Methods: The present study investigated

how much body image in women with BC is determined by individual factors (surgery type, medical treatments, disease stage, women’s age, depressive symptoms) and by dyadic variables (relationship satisfaction and duration, dyadic coping). Furthermore, two different aspects of women’s body image were assessed: self acceptance and perceptions www.selleckchem.com/products/SB-202190.html of partners’ acceptance. Ninety-eight German women with early stage BC and their partners participated.

Results: Individual and dyadic aspects of body image were differentially related to body image. Women’s depressive symptoms and men’s marital satisfaction predicted women’s self-acceptance, but not women’s perceptions of their partners’ acceptance of their appearance. Female’s relationship satisfaction and perspective on common dyadic coping predicted women’s perceptions of their partner’s acceptance of their appearance.

Conclusions: The findings suggest interventions that include strategies to reduce women’s depressive symptoms

and build relationship satisfaction, might reduce body image difficulties in women after BC. Copyright (C) 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.”
“Background: The purpose of this multicenter Spanish study was to evaluate the response to immediate-release methylphenidate by children and adults diagnosed with attention-deficit/hyperactivity Vactosertib disorder (ADHD), as well as to obtain information on current therapy patterns and safety characteristics.

Methods: This selleck products multicenter, observational, retrospective, noninterventional study included 730 patients aged 4-65 years with a diagnosis of ADHD. Information was obtained based on a review of medical records for the years 2002-2006 in sequential order.

Results: The ADHD predominantly inattentive subtype affected 29.7% of

patients, ADHD predominantly hyperactive-impulsive was found in 5.2%, and the combined subtype in 65.1%. Overall, a significant lower Clinical Global Impression (CGI) score and mean number of DSM-IV TR (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fourth Edition, Text Revision) symptoms by subtype were found after one year of treatment with immediate-release methylphenidate; CGI decreased from 4.51 to 1.69, symptoms of inattention from 7.90 to 4.34, symptoms of hyperactivity from 6.73 to 3.39, and combined subtype symptoms from 14.62 to 7.7. Satisfaction with immediate-release methylphenidate after one year was evaluated as “”very satisfied”" or “”satisfied”" by 86.90% of the sample; 25.75% of all patients reported at least one adverse effect. At the end of the study, 41.47% of all the patients treated with immediate-release methylphenidate were still receiving it, with a mean time of 3.80 years on therapy.

5 mg/day)) Therefore, we analyzed whether Micombi (R) BP (high-d

5 mg/day)). Therefore, we analyzed whether Micombi (R) BP (high-dose telmisartan (80 mg/day)/HCTZ (12.5 mg/day)) could provide

better results with regard to efficacy and safety for patients with uncontrolled hypertension.

Methods: In total, 44 hypertensive patients (22 males, age 71 +/- 14 years) who showed uncontrolled BP despite the use of high-dose ARBs or Preminent (R) were enrolled in this study. We used a changeover design in which the CYT387 inhibitor patients were switched from high-dose ARBs or Preminent (R) to Micombi (R) BP. We analyzed BP, heart rate (HR), and biochemical parameters before and after treatment for 3 months.

Results: Systolic BP and diastolic BP significantly decreased (125 +/- 15/69 +/- 11 mmHg) and 85% of the

patients achieved their target BP at 3 months after changeover. Patients who switched from ARBs and those who switched from Preminent (R) showed similar BP-lowering effects. In addition, the reductions in BP after 3 months in patients with or without chronic kidney disease and in those with or without metabolic syndrome (MetS) were also similar. There were no significant changes in HR during the study period. Although blood levels of potassium, hemoglobin A1c and uric acid (UA) significantly increased after 3 months for all of the patients, none of the patients showed serious adverse buy Dihydrotestosterone effects.

Conclusion: High-dose telmisartan/HCTZ therapy was associated with a significant reduction in BP and helped patients achieve their target BP.”
“Pregnancy and lactation are periods of significant influence on bone metabolism that has not been

investigated in equines. To examine the influence of late pregnancy and lactation on bone metabolism in mares, the changes in the blood serum/plasma total calcium (Ca), inorganic phosphates (Pi), pyridinoline (Pyd) and 17 beta-estradiol (E2) concentration and the bone alkaline phosphatase (BAP) activity were investigated. The samples were taken from 11 mares on 60 +/- 10 and 20 +/- 10 days before foaling, and 20 +/- 10 and 60 +/- 10 days after foaling. The concentration/activity of Ca, Pi, Pyd and RG-7112 cost BAP increased significantly in early lactation, but the Pyd than decreased in the 4th period. A significant correlation was observed between the E2 and bone metabolism parameters. The results indicate low maintenance of normocalcaemia with reduced bone synthesis in late pregnancy and prove the role of estradiol in bone metabolism in mares during pregnancy and lactation. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.”
“Background: Endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) are known to play a significant role in reendothelialization and vascular repair. Recently, a mineralocorticoid receptor was demonstrated to be expressed by EPCs. The study aimed to evaluate a potential influence of eplerenone treatment on the total number of EPCs in patients with chronic heart failure.

In this article, we discuss the shortcomings of the current gold

In this article, we discuss the shortcomings of the current gold standard for tonometry (Goldmann Applanation Tonometry) and the current experience with the first commercially available continuous 24 hour IOP monitoring technology (SENSIMED Triggerfish (R)); a telemetric contact lens sensor produced by a Swiss start-up company (Sensimed AG, Lausanne, Switzerland). Recent studies suggest that 24 hour continuous monitoring of IOP can

be integrated into clinical practice and have the potential to contribute to the reduction VX-770 purchase of glaucoma-related vision loss.”
“It is shown that the short-circuit photocurrent measured under illumination in Pb(Zr,Ti)O-3 epitaxial films is strongly dependent on the metal used as the top electrode. The magnitude of the photocurrent varies by more than 2 orders of magnitude from Pt (largest signal) to Al (smallest signal). The differences are for both directions check details of polarization. The imprint is also dependent on the top metal electrode, with a direct effect on the shape of the spectral distribution. The results support the hypothesis that the origin of the photovoltaic effect in ferroelectric thin films is different from that of the anomalous

photovoltaic effect observed in bulk ceramics and single crystals. (C) 2011 American Institute of Physics. [doi:10.1063/1.3624738]“
“Objective. This study’s aim was to assess the effect of highly active antiretroviral drugs (HAART) on benign lymphoepithelial cysts (BLEC) of the parotid and ranulas.

Study design. The records of 10 HIV-positive patients who presented with BLEC were reviewed, and 14 HIV-positive patients who presented with ranulas were prospectively enrolled. Patients in both groups received the same combination of HAART and were clinically evaluated for the first 3 months. Patients with ranulas were followed for an additional 3 months. A clinical reduction in the size of the lesions was considered to be a positive outcome.

Results. All parotid glands with BLEC resolved within 3 months. No positive results

were observed in ranulas during the first 3 months. However, THZ1 mouse some of the ranulas displayed a positive result after the initial 3 months of HAART.

Conclusions. In contrast to BLEC, ranulas in HIV-positive patients seem to present a mixed and delayed response to HAART. (Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol Oral Radiol Endod 2011;111:205-210)”
“The near infrared (NIR) spectroscopy technique has been applied in many fields because of its advantages of simple preparation, fast response, and non-destructiveness. We investigated the potential of NIR spectroscopy in diffuse reflectance mode for determining the soluble solid content (SSC) and acidity (pH) of intact loquats. Two cultivars of loquats (Dahongpao and Jiajiaozhong) harvested from two orchards (Tangxi and Chun’an, Zhejiang, China) were used for the measurement of NIR spectra between 800 and 2500 nm.