Defining the Costs of an Outbreak of Karnal Bunt of Wheat

In determining the economic impact of a possible outbreak of the quarantinable wheat disease Karnal Bunt, an examination was made of the detailed components of the costs involved. The costs were classified as: (a) Direct costs (yield and quality losses); (b) Reaction costs (export bans, quality down-grading, seed industry costs); and (c) Control costs (quarantine zones, fungicides, spore destruction). The relative importance of each of these cost components is measured for a hypothetical outbreak of Karnal Bunt in the European Union, as a means of ensuring that the policy responses to such an outbreak are appropriate considering the costs involved.disease, quarantine, cost, wheat, Agricultural and Food Policy, Crop Production/Industries,

Cell patterning on photolithographically defined parylene-C:SiO2 substrates

Cell patterning platforms support broad research goals, such as construction of predefined in vitro neuronal networks and the exploration of certain central aspects of cellular physiology. To easily combine cell patterning with Multi-Electrode Arrays (MEAs) and silicon-based ‘lab on a chip’ technologies, a microfabrication-compatible protocol is required. We describe a method that utilizes deposition of the polymer parylene-C on SiO(2 )wafers. Photolithography enables accurate and reliable patterning of parylene-C at micron-level resolution. Subsequent activation by immersion in fetal bovine serum (or another specific activation solution) results in a substrate in which cultured cells adhere to, or are repulsed by, parylene or SiO(2) regions respectively. This technique has allowed patterning of a broad range of cell types (including primary murine hippocampal cells, HEK 293 cell line, human neuron-like teratocarcinoma cell line, primary murine cerebellar granule cells, and primary human glioma-derived stem-like cells). Interestingly, however, the platform is not universal; reflecting the importance of cell-specific adhesion molecules. This cell patterning process is cost effective, reliable, and importantly can be incorporated into standard microfabrication (chip manufacturing) protocols, paving the way for integration of microelectronic technology

A role for glycolipid biosynthesis in severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome virus entry

A novel bunyavirus was recently found to cause severe febrile illness with high mortality in agricultural regions of China, Japan, and South Korea. This virus, named severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome virus (SFTSV), represents a new group within the Phlebovirus genus of the Bunyaviridae. Little is known about the viral entry requirements beyond showing dependence on dynamin and endosomal acidification. A haploid forward genetic screen was performed to identify host cell requirements for SFTSV entry. The screen identified dependence on glucosylceramide synthase (ugcg), the enzyme responsible for initiating de novo glycosphingolipid biosynthesis. Genetic and pharmacological approaches confirmed that UGCG expression and enzymatic activity were required for efficient SFTSV entry. Furthermore, inhibition of UGCG affected a post-internalization stage of SFTSV entry, leading to the accumulation of virus particles in enlarged cytoplasmic structures, suggesting impaired trafficking and/or fusion of viral and host membranes. These findings specify a role for glucosylceramide in SFTSV entry and provide a novel target for antiviral therapies

Can the United States Afford a “No-Fault” System of Compensation for Medical Injury?

One of the key issues separating US critics of a no-fault alternative to the tort system for compensating victims of medical injury from supporters is its anticipated cost. Results from a study are presented that estimate the costs of a no-fault system, one that is similar to the system now in operation in Sweden, within the context of the US health care system

Development of a measure of barriers to laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) aftercare attendance

Background: Regular aftercare attendance following laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) is associated with greater weight loss and fewer post-surgical complications. Despite high reported rates of attrition from LAGB aftercare, the reasons for non-attendance have not been thoroughly explored. The aim of the current study was to describe the scale development, explore the factor structure and evaluate the psychometric properties of the Gastric Banding Aftercare Attendance Questionnaire (GBAAQ)—a tool that measures barriers to aftercare attendance in LAGB patients. Methods: One hundred and eighty-three participants completed the GBAAQ; 107 regular attendees and 76 non-attendees. Results: A factor analysis identified four factors (Treatment Approach, Time Constraints, Stress and Pressures, Uncomfortable Participating) that demonstrated good known-groups validity and internal consistency. Conclusions: Although further validation is needed, the results of the present study provide preliminary support for the validity of the GBAAQ. Knowledge about the barriers to LAGB aftercare attendance can be used to identify those most at risk of non-attendance and can inform strategies aimed at reducing non-attendance

When the Robert E. Lee Arrives in Old Tennessee (All the Way from Gay Paree) / music by Paul Cunningham; words by J. Keirn Brennan

Cover: drawing of the steam boat, Robert E. Lee, arriving at a dock, there is much celebration by the all black crew and crowd; Publisher: M. Witmark and Sons (New York)https://egrove.olemiss.edu/sharris_d/1097/thumbnail.jp

Late life acquired dual-sensory impairment: A systematic review of its impact on everyday competence

The literature on the relationship between late acquired dual-sensory impairment (DSI) in older adults and the ability to remain independent is limited. A systematic search of the literature was conducted to assess the impact that late life acquired DSI in older adults has on their ability to remain independent within their homes. Exclusion and inclusion criteria were applied to the papers identified and eight qualified for inclusion in the review. Each selected paper was assessed using a quality rating scale. Country of origin, population studied, age, vision, and hearing criteria all varied between papers. They provide evidence that DSI affects everyday competence, and this effect is complicated by physical comorbidities, mental health, and social factor