Aixue Hu, and Susan C. Bates

As the global climate becomes warmer, the associated rising sea level could pose significant threats to island and coastal communities. Here the authors show that internal climate variability plays a key role in determining this sea level rise, especially in the next few decades.

Rachel E. Sanborn, and Helen J. Ross, and Sandra Aung, and Anupama Acheson, and Tarsem Moudgil, and Sachin Puri, and Traci Hilton, and Brenda Fisher, and Todd Coffey, and Christopher Paustian, and Michael Neuberger, and Edwin Walker, and Hong-Ming Hu, and Walter J. Urba, and Bernard A. Fox

Abstract Background Tumor-derived autophagosome vaccines (DRibbles) have the potential to broaden immune response to poorly immunogenic tumors. Methods Autologous vaccine generated from tumor cells harvested from pleural effusions was administered to patients with advanced NSCLC with the objectives of assessing safety and immune response. Four patients were vaccinated and evaluable for immune response; each received two to four doses of vaccine. Study therapy included two cycles of docetaxel 75 ...

Joseph K. Wulifan, and Albrecht Jahn, and Hervé Hien, and Patrick Christian Ilboudo, and Nicolas Meda, and Paul Jacob Robyn, and T. Saidou Hamadou, and Ousmane Haidara, and Manuela De Allegri

Abstract Background Unmet need for family planning has implications for women and their families, such as unsafe abortion, physical abuse, and poor maternal health. Contraceptive knowledge has increased across low-income settings, yet unmet need remains high with little information on the factors explaining it. This study assessed factors associated with unmet need among pregnant women in rural Burkina Faso. Method We collected data on pregnant women through a population-based survey conducted i...

Taddio Anna, and Shear Neil, and Szczurko Orest, and Boon Heather

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Vitiligo is a common hypopigmentation disorder with significant psychological impact if occurring before adulthood. A pilot clinical trial to determine the feasibility of an RCT was conducted and is reported here.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>12 participants 12 to 35 years old were recruited to a prospective open-label pilot trial and treated with 60 mg of standardized <it>G. biloba </it>two times per day for 12 weeks. The criteria for feasibility included successfu...

Ames Genevieve M, and Moore Roland S, and Cunradi Carol B

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Heavy alcohol consumption rates are higher in the young adult military enlisted population than among civilians of the same age. The literature on alcohol availability, both generally and specifically with respect to work-related drinking, establishes clear links between ease of access, alcohol consumption rates and alcohol-related problems.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>In this paper, a qualitative analysis of 50 semi-structured interviews with U.S. Navy personnel w...

Kjersti Aarstein

The journey across the Atlantic Ocean made by Mr. Rochester and his creole wife, Bertha, is barely mentioned in Charlotte Brontë’s 'Jane Eyre'. I argue, however, that Jane Eyre’s preoccupation with images of stormy seas suggests this particular voyage is more dramatic and much more crucial for understanding the novel than previously recognised. Through Jane’s imagination, the story of the ocean-crossing is subtly told, and it contains a critique of certain axioms of colonialism that the novel se...

Desai Ravi, and Maciejewski Marek, and Rysz Jacek, and Goch Jan Henryk, and Bielecka-Dąbrowa Agata, and Aronow Wilbert S, and Banach Maciej

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Introduction</p> <p>The aim of the study was to assess the influence of co-existing atrial fibrillation (AF) on inflammatory condition factors, left ventricular function, clinical course and the efficacy of statin treatment of congestive heart failure in the course of dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM).</p> <p>Material and methods</p> <p>In a prospective, randomized, open-label study, 69 patients with DCM and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) ≤40% were divided into two group...

Man SF Paul, and Gan Wen Q, and Leung Rochelle, and Sin Don D

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>There is a paucity of surrogate lung-specific biological markers that can be used to track disease progression and predict clinical outcomes in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The principal aim of this pilot study was to determine whether circulating surfactant protein D (SPD) or Clara Cell protein-16 (CC16) levels are associated with lung function or health status in patients with severe COPD.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>We studied 23 patients with a...

Strobel Anneli, and Bennecke Swaantje, and Leo Elettra, and Mintenbeck Katja, and Pörtner Hans O, and Mark Felix C

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Introduction</p> <p>Ongoing ocean warming and acidification increasingly affect marine ecosystems, in particular around the Antarctic Peninsula. Yet little is known about the capability of Antarctic notothenioid fish to cope with rising temperature in acidifying seawater. While the whole animal level is expected to be more sensitive towards hypercapnia and temperature, the basis of thermal tolerance is set at the cellular level, with a putative key role for mitochondria. This ...

Meyer Axel, and Renz Adina J, and Begemann Gerrit, and Feiner Nathalie, and Kuraku Shigehiro

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Whole genome sequences have allowed us to have an overview of the evolution of gene repertoires. The target of the present study, the TGFβ superfamily, contains many genes involved in vertebrate development, and provides an ideal system to explore the relationships between evolution of gene repertoires and that of developmental programs.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>As a result of a bioinformatic survey of sequenced vertebrate genomes, we identified an uncharacteriz...

Pergent-Martini Christine, and Dumay Olivier, and Boudouresque Charles-François, and Pergent Gérard, and Wyllie-Echeverria Sandy

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Plant defense strategy is usually a result of trade-offs between growth and differentiation (i.e. Optimal Defense Theory – ODT, Growth Differentiation Balance hypothesis – GDB, Plant Apparency Theory – PAT). Interaction between the introduced green alga <it>Caulerpa taxifolia </it>and the endemic seagrass <it>Posidonia oceanica </it>in the Mediterranean Sea offers the opportunity to investigate the plausibility of these theories. We have accordingly investiga...

Shiraishi Nao, and Suzuki Masako, and Toyoda Hiroko, and Murase Yuka, and Naito Atsuko, and Sasaki Megumi, and Konishi Mizuho, and Takeuchi Hiroshi, and Katsuki Fujika, and Kubota Yosuke, and Yoshimatsu Yoshiko, and Furukawa Toshiaki A

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Depressive disorder is often chronic and recurrent, and results in a heavy psychosocial burden on the families of patients with this disorder. This study aims to examine the effectiveness of brief multifamily psychoeducation designed to alleviate their psychosocial burden.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Thirty-two relatives of patients with major depressive disorder participated in an open study testing the effectiveness of brief multifamily psychoeducation. The inter...

Eldred James, and Conrad Joel, and Salisbury Chris, and Cramer Helen, and Araya Ricardo

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Group Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) may provide a means of improving mental health among people with depression but few studies have explored its effectiveness. Our aim was to examine the feasibility and acceptability of a randomised controlled trial of a group intervention based on CBT principles for women with depression in primary care.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Women aged 30 to 55 years were recruited and randomly assigned to either 12 weeks of the grou...

Mutuku Francis M, and Khambira Maureen, and Bisanzio Donal, and Mungai Peter, and Mwanzo Isaac, and Muchiri Eric M, and King Charles H, and Kitron Uriel

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Despite the extensive ownership and use of insecticide-treated nets (ITNs) over the last decade, the effective lifespan of these nets, especially their physical integrity, under true operational conditions is not well-understood. Usefulness of nets declines primarily due to physical damage or loss of insecticidal activity.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>A community based cross-sectional survey was used to determine the physical condition and to identify predictors of ...

Kennedy Courtney C, and Ioannidis George, and Giangregorio Lora M, and Adachi Jonathan D, and Thabane Lehana, and Morin Suzanne N, and Crilly Richard G, and Marr Sharon, and Josse Robert G, and Lohfeld Lynne, and Pickard Laura E, and King Susanne, and van der Horst Mary-Lou, and Campbell Glenda, and Stroud Jackie, and Dolovich Lisa, and Sawka Anna M, and Jain Ravi, and Nash Lynn, and Papaioannou Alexandra

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Knowledge translation (KT) research in long-term care (LTC) is still in its early stages. This protocol describes the evaluation of a multifaceted, interdisciplinary KT intervention aimed at integrating evidence-based osteoporosis and fracture prevention strategies into LTC care processes.</p> <p>Methods and design</p> <p>The Vitamin D and Osteoporosis Study (ViD<it>OS</it>) is underway in 40 LTC homes (n = 19 intervention, n = 21 control) across Ontario, Can...

Matsuno Takeo, and Katayama Kou, and Waritani Takaki, and Terato Kuniaki, and Shionoya Hiroshi

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Environmental factors, particularly commensal bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract, may be involved in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The aim of this study was to evaluate whether natural milk antibodies against a wide spectrum of pathogenic enteromicobes and their toxins modify the disease activity in RA.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Twenty patients with RA, whose disease activity was uncontrolled by authentic medications due to drug resistance, c...

Shakoori Matin, and Gholipour Hamed, and Naseri Samira, and Khara Hossein

The effects of substituting fishmeal (FM) with different quantities of silkworm pupae (SP) on the growth, survival, and body composition of rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss (Walbaum), were investigated over the course of a 60-day experiment. A total of 360 fingerlings (55±3.42 g) were randomly allotted to four treatment groups (T1 – fish fed 52.5% FM; T2 – fish fed 5% SP + 47.5% FM; T3 – fish fed 10 % SP+ 42.5% FM; T4 – fish fed 15% SP + 37.5% FM). Each treatment group was divided into three r...

Silvianita, and Aprillia Nur, and Mulyadi Yeyes, and Citrosiswoyo Wahyudi, and Suntoyo

The construction of new shipyard in the Cilacap area is one of the best ways to reduce the accumulation of vessels. The construction of shipyard has many risks, one of the risks that can occur during the construction of the shipyard is in terms of cost and time. Project scheduling is a tool to make sure the project finished on time. This paper discusses project scheduling and cost calculation using Critical Path Method (CPM) and Program Evaluation Review Technique (PERT) method for Graving Dock ...

Paul Chun Yih Lim, and Joseph Jia Hong Toh, and Julian Kenrick Xing Yuan Loh, and Edward Chun Yi Lee, and Daniel Thuan Tee Chong, and Boon Yew Tan, and Kah Leng Ho, and Chi Keong Ching, and Wee Siong Teo

Background: Percutaneous transcatheter radiofrequency ablation of atrial fibrillation with remote controlled magnetic navigation (RMN) has been shown to reduce radiation exposure to patients and physicians compared with conventional manual (MAN) ablation techniques. Methods: Catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation was performed utilizing RMN in 214 consecutive patients and MAN ablation techniques in 229 patients. We compared the fluoroscopy and procedural times between RMN and MAN catheter abl...

Makarevich P. R. , and Obluchinskaya E. D. , and Dvoretsky A. G. , and Zhuravleva N. G.

The analysis of current scientific, technological, regulatory and methodical literature concerning cultivation and biotechnology of non-traditional species of fish (arctic charr) and valuable species of marine invertebrates (red king crab and sea urchin), as well as technology for complex processing of aquatic organisms has been carried out. The modern trends and problems of cultivation and use of these objects have been described. It has been shown that the freshwater form of Arctic charr has b...

Karita Negandhi, and Grant Edwards, and Jeffrey J. Kelleway, and Dean Howard, and David Safari, and Neil Saintilan

Abstract There is a growing interest in how the management of ‘blue carbon’ sequestered by coastal wetlands can influence global greenhouse gas (GHG) budgets. A promising intervention is through restoring tidal exchange to impounded coastal wetlands for reduced methane (CH4) emissions. We monitored an impounded wetland’s GHG flux (CO2 and CH4) prior to and following tidal reinstatement. We found that biogeochemical responses varied across an elevation gradient. The low elevation zone experienced...

Ke Song, and Xianqing Zheng, and Weiguang Lv, and Qin Qin, and Lijuan Sun, and Hanlin Zhang, and Yong Xue

Abstract In China, the average soil organic carbon (SOC) content of cultivated land is 30% less than the world average. Therefore, cultivation management-induced changes in SOC dynamics are necessary, especially in estuarine alluvial islands, where the SOC stocks are limited. We studied the effect of different combinations of tillage, fertilization and straw return on C distribution in different soil aggregates and on crop yield on an estuarine alluvial soil in eastern China. Compared to convent...

Felipe A. P. de Figueiredo, and Fabbryccio A. C. M. Cardoso, and Ingrid Moerman, and Gustavo Fraidenraich

Correction In the original publication [1] were several parts incorrect. The corrected versions can be found below. The original article has been updated to rectify these errors.

Chandrasekaran Jayaraman, and Chaithanya Krishna Mummidisetty, and Alannah Mannix-Slobig, and Lori McGee Koch, and Arun Jayaraman

Abstract Background Monitoring physical activity and leveraging wearable sensor technologies to facilitate active living in individuals with neurological impairment has been shown to yield benefits in terms of health and quality of living. In this context, accurate measurement of physical activity estimates from these sensors are vital. However, wearable sensor manufacturers generally only provide standard proprietary algorithms based off of healthy individuals to estimate physical activity metr...

Pattana Jaroenlak, and Dominic Wiredu Boakye, and Rapeepun Vanichviriyakit, and Bryony A. P. Williams, and Kallaya Sritunyalucksana, and Ornchuma Itsathitphaisarn

Abstract Background The microsporidian Enterocytozoon hepatopenaei (EHP) is a spore-forming, intracellular parasite that causes an economically debilitating disease (hepatopancreatic microsporidiosis or HPM) in cultured shrimp. HPM is characterized by growth retardation and wide size variation that can result in economic loss for shrimp farmers. Currently, the infection mechanism of EHP in shrimp is poorly understood, especially at the level of host-parasite interaction. In other microsporidia, ...

Erin L. Van Blarigan, and Hilary Chan, and Katherine Van Loon, and Stacey A. Kenfield, and June M. Chan, and Emily Mitchell, and Li Zhang, and Alan Paciorek, and Galen Joseph, and Angela Laffan, and Chloe E. Atreya, and Yoshimi Fukuoka, and Christine Miaskowski, and Jeffrey A. Meyerhardt, and Alan P. Venook

Abstract Background Over 1.3 million people live with colorectal cancer in the United States. Physical activity is associated with lower risk of colorectal cancer recurrence and mortality. Interventions are needed to increase physical activity in colorectal cancer survivors. Methods We conducted a 2-arm non-blinded pilot randomized controlled trial at the University of California, San Francisco among 42 individuals who had completed curative-intent treatment for colorectal cancer to determine th...

Kasia K. Śliwińska, and Erik Thomsen, and Stefan Schouten, and Petra L. Schoon, and Claus Heilmann-Clausen

Abstract During the late Eocene, the Earth’s climate experienced several transient temperature fluctuations including the Vonhof cooling event (C16n.1n; ~35.8 Ma) hitherto known mainly from the southern oceans. Here we reconstruct sea-surface temperatures (SST) and provide δ18O and δ13C foraminiferal records for the late Eocene and earliest Oligocene in the North Sea Basin. Our data reveal two main perturbations: (1), an abrupt brief cooling of ~4.5 °C dated to ~35.8 Ma and synchronous with the ...

Xin Gao, and Masami Fujiwara, and Kirk O. Winemiller, and Pengcheng Lin, and Mingzheng Li, and Huanzhang Liu

Abstract Dams have well-documented ecological impacts on downstream river segments; however, long-term impacts of river impoundment have rarely been investigated in upstream reaches. Using data from long-term standardized surveys, we analyzed temporal changes in fish assemblages in the Yangtze River upstream of the Three Gorges Dam (TGD) before, during and after its construction. Our analysis indicated fish assemblage regime shifts in the two closer reaches in 2008, in accordance with the fillin...

Domenico Casarano, and Vittoria Dragone, and Maurizio Polemio

Seawater intrusion is the main cause of groundwater salinisation in Italy. The largest coastal aquifers, highly vulnerable to salinisation, are in Apulia. For these aquifers, main changes in terms of climate change and utilisation are discussed together with piezometric trends, as the latter are relevant triggering factors for upconing and lateral seawater intrusion. For this purpose, time series from 1921 to 2016 concerning climate (rainfall and temperature), from 1965 to 2016 concerning groun...

Diah Permata Wijayanti, and Michio Hidaka

Various allogeneic responses have been characterized in stony corals. The responses were thought to be genetically control. However, very little is known about the genetic mechanism of allorecognition in corals. Therefore, the contact reaction between parent-offspring and between siblings of the coral Pocillopora damicornis has been studied. Three types of contact reactions were observed: between young colonies, between adult and young colonies, and between adult colonies.  Siblings, which were ...

Senad MURTIC, and Rodoljub OLJACA, and Mirela SMAJIC MURTIC, and Amila VRANAC, and Ivana KOLESKA, and Lutvija KARIC

<p>An experiment was carried out to determine the effect of foliar application of seaweed extract (0.2 %) on the growth, yield and quality of cherry tomato under stress and non-stress conditions. The greenhouse experiment was set up in a randomized block design with four treatments in three replications. Treatments were as follows: V₁ - seedlings treated by seaweed extract and subjected to drought; V₂ - seedlings treated by seaweed extract and regularly watered; V<sub>3</su...

Fabiana Kalichak, and Renan Idalencio, and João Gabriel Santos da Rosa, and Heloísa Helena de Alcântara Barcellos, and Michele Fagundes, and Angelo Piato, and Leonardo José Gil Barcellos

Abstract The ability to avoid and escape from predators are clearly relevant behaviors from the ecological perspective and directly interfere with the survival of organisms. Detected in the aquatic environment, risperidone can alter the behavior of exposed species. Considering the risk of exposure in the early stages of life, we exposed zebrafish embryos to risperidone during the first 5 days of life. Risperidone caused hyperactivity in exposed larvae, which in an environmental context, the anim...

Clara E. Moreno, and Eirik Fjeld, and Min K. Deshar, and Espen Lydersen

<p>Seasonal variations of mercury (Hg) concentration in muscle tissue of northern pike - <em>Esox lucius </em>L, European whitefish - <em>Coregonus lavaretus </em>L and European perch - <em>Perca fluviatilis</em> L have been investigated in Lake Heddalsvatn, southern Norway.  Our data confirmed seasonal differences in the Hg concentrations in fish, but the causes for that may vary depending on fish species. Length (pike and perch) and age (perch and whitefish) were the strongest explanatory fact...

Lene Jacobsen, and Søren Berg, and Henrik Baktoft, and P. Anders Nilsson, and Christian Skov

Predator-prey interaction strengths in variable environments constitute a fundamental link to the understanding of aquatic ecosystem responses to environmental change. The present study investigates the effects of visibility conditions and prey fish density on predation rates of visually oriented piscivorous Eurasian perch <em>Perca fluviatili</em>s L. This was done in outdoor mesocosm (16 m2) experiments with clear water and two levels of turbidity (25 and 105 NTU) and two prey fish densities [...

Külli Kangur, and Peeter Kangur, and Kai Ginter, and Kati Orru, and Marina Haldna, and Tõnu Möls, and Andu Kangur

The fish kill in lake Peipsi (Estonia/Russia) during the extraordinarily hot summer of 2010 evoked an investigation into the effects of environmental extremes and long-term eutrophication on the fish community of the lake. Current data on lake Peipsi indicate that temperature extremes and synergistic interactions with eutrophication have led to a radical restructuring of the fish community. Commercial landings of lake smelt, <em>Osmerus eperlanus eperlanus</em> m. <em>spirinchus</em> (Pallas), t...

John G. Frazier, and Valentina Azzarà, and Olivia Munoz, and Lapo Gianni Marcucci, and Emilie Badel, and Francesco Genchi, and Maurizio Cattani, and Maurizio Tosi, and Massimo Delfino

Small, irregular isolated bones identified as remains of leatherback turtles (Dermochelys coriacea) were recovered from Mid to Late Holocene sites at Ra’s al-Hamra and Ra’s al-Hadd, coastal Oman. These provide the third instance of this animal being documented from any prehistoric site anywhere, and the records provide one of the oldest, if not the oldest, dates for this distinctive chelonian—even though they do not refer to fossils. Decades of research in this region has yielded vast amounts of...

Laurell Louise, and Court-Payen Michel, and Nielsen Susan, and Zak Marek, and Boesen Mikael, and Fasth Anders

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>In juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), the trend towards early therapeutic intervention and the development of new highly effective treatments have increased the need for sensitive and specific imaging. Numerous studies have demonstrated the important role of MRI and US in adult rheumatology. However, investigations of imaging in JIA are rare, and no previous study has been comparing MRI with Doppler ultrasonography (US) for assessment of arthritis. The aim ...

Hepburn Juanita, and Yancy William S, and Mavropoulos John C, and Westman Eric C

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrine disorder affecting women of reproductive age and is associated with obesity, hyperinsulinemia, and insulin resistance. Because low carbohydrate diets have been shown to reduce insulin resistance, this pilot study investigated the six-month metabolic and endocrine effects of a low-carbohydrate, ketogenic diet (LCKD) on overweight and obese women with PCOS.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Eleven women with a b...

Thikey Heather, and Grealy Madeleine, and van Wijck Frederike, and Barber Mark, and Rowe Philip

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Increasing evidence suggests that use of augmented visual feedback could be a useful approach to stroke rehabilitation. In current clinical practice, visual feedback of movement performance is often limited to the use of mirrors or video. However, neither approach is optimal since cognitive and self-image issues can distract or distress patients and their movement can be obscured by clothing or limited viewpoints. Three-dimensional motion capture has the pote...

Borca Valeria Casanova, and Franco Pierfrancesco, and Catuzzo Paola, and Migliaccio Fernanda, and Zenone Flora, and Aimonetto Stefania, and Peruzzo Andrea, and Pasquino Massimo, and Russo Giuliana, and La Porta Maria Rosa, and Cante Domenico, and Sciacero Piera, and Girelli Giuseppe, and Ricardi Umberto, and Tofani Santi

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>This study investigates the use of TomoDirect^TM 3DCRT for whole breast adjuvant radiotherapy (AWBRT) that represents a very attractive treatment opportunity, mainly for radiotherapy departments without conventional Linacs and only equipped with helical tomotherapy units.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Plans were created for 17 breast cancer patients using TomoDirect in 3DCRT and IMRT modality and field-in-field 3DCRT planning (FIF) and compared in terms of ...

Zhang Ziping, and Chung-Davidson Yu-Wen, and Teeter John H, and Wu Hong, and Carr Kevin, and Libants Scot, and Wilkerson Curt, and Li Weiming

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>In gnathostomes, chemosensory receptors (CR) expressed in olfactory epithelia are encoded by evolutionarily dynamic gene families encoding odorant receptors (OR), trace amine-associated receptors (TAAR), V1Rs and V2Rs. A limited number of OR-like sequences have been found in invertebrate chordate genomes. Whether these gene families arose in basal or advanced vertebrates has not been resolved because these families have not been examined systematically in agn...

Grammes Fabian, and Takle Harald

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Commercial Atlantic salmon is fed diets with high fat levels to promote fast and cost-effective growth. To avoid negative impact of obesity, food additives that stimulate fat metabolism and immune function are of high interest. TTA, tetradecylthioacetic acid, is a synthetic fatty acid that stimulates mitochondrial <it>β</it>-oxidation most likely by activation of peroxysome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs). PPARs are important transcription factors re...

Kishimoto Miyako, and Noda Mitsuhiko

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Glucose fluctuations including robust postprandial hyperglycemia are a risk for promoting atherosclerosis and diabetic complications. The α-glucosidase inhibitors and the dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors have been found to effectively decrease postprandial hyperglycemia independently. Therefore, glycemic control with the combination of these drugs is warranted.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) was performed for 3 patients wit...

Hodler Juerg, and Kissling Rudolf O, and Pfirrmann Christian WA, and Weber Ulrich, and Zanetti Marco

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Ankylosing spondylitis is a chronic inflammatory rheumatic disorder which usually begins in early adulthood. The diagnosis is often delayed by many years. MR imaging has become the preferred imaging method for detection of early inflammation of the axial skeleton in ankylosing spondylitis.</p> <p>The goal of this study was to assess the frequency and distribution of abnormalities on whole body MR imaging in patients with suspected early ankylosing spondylitis...

Howat Peter A, and Burns Sharyn K, and McManus Alexandra, and Cooper Lisa, and Fielder Lynda

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>This formative study sought to explore the factors that influence the consumption of fish and seafood among 4–6 year old children in the Perth metropolitan area. Focus groups were conducted with mothers of young children to gain insights into the enablers and barriers to regular seafood consumption in children, and the knowledge, attitudes and perceptions of their mothers to including seafood as a regular part of their children's diet.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>P...

Leung Lawrence, and Neufeld Troy, and Marin Scott

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Tobacco smoking is still a worldwide health risk. Current pharmacotherapies have at best, a success rate of no more than 50%. Auricular (ear) acupressure has been purported to be beneficial in achieving smoking cessation in some studies, while in others has been deemed insignificant. We hereby describe the protocol for a three-arm randomised controlled trial to examine the possible benefits of self-administered acupressure for smoking cessation.</p> <p>Method...

Min Qiao, and Wenjun Li, and Ying Huang, and Jianping Xu, and Li Zhang, and Zefen Yu

Classicula sinensis, isolated from decaying leaves from Mozigou, Chongqing Municipality, China, is described as a new species. The new species is a member of basidiomycetous aquatic hyphomycetes which represent a small proportion of all aquatic hyphomycetes. This species falls within the genus Classicula (Classiculaceae, Pucciniomycotina) and is closely related to C. fluitans, based on multiple gene sequence analyses. Morphologically, it is characterised by the apica...

Liliana Costa, and Maria Teresa Tomás

Introduction – The assessment of physical fitness allows the identification of levels of disability and risk of functional loss, so it is extremely useful in structuring specific physical activity programs, which constitute the first intervention with regard to non-pharmacological intervention in Systemic Arterial Hypertension (SAH). Objective – This study sought to assess the functional physical fitness and physical activity levels in hypertensive individuals in the city of Praia in Cape Verde....

Caspeta-Mandujano J., and Cabañas-Carranza G., and Salgado-Maldonado G.

Niwa Nobuaki, and Archdale Miguel, and Matsuoka Takashi, and Kawamoto Aina, and Nishiyama Haruka