Impact and process evaluation of a primary-school Food Education and Sustainability Training (FEAST) program in 10-12-year-old children in Australia: pragmatic cluster non-randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Environmentally sustainable food initiatives accompanying nutrition education, such as the Food Education and Sustainability Training (FEAST) program, have gained traction in school settings. The aim of this trial was to conduct an impact and process evaluation of FEAST, to evaluate its effect on children's fruit and vegetable (F&V) intakes, and secondary outcomes: F&V variety consumed, nutrition knowledge, food preparation/cooking skills, self-efficacy and behaviours, food waste knowledge and behaviours, and food production knowledge. METHODS: FEAST was a 10-week curriculum-aligned program, designed to educate children about healthy eating, food waste, and sustainability, while teaching cooking skills. It was implemented by classroom teachers, face-to-face and online, during COVID-19 school closures, in Australia in 2021. A custom designed survey was used to collect baseline and post-intervention data from students. Generalised linear mixed models (GLMM) estimated group differences in pre-post changes for primary and secondary outcomes. Surveys were also administered to students and teachers to evaluate intervention implementation. RESULTS: Twenty schools participated and self-selected to be either intervention schools (n = 10) or wait-list control (WLC) schools (n = 10). A total of 977, 5th and 6th grade children participated in the trial with a mean age of 11.1 years (SD ± 0.7). The FEAST intervention, compared to WLC, did not result in significant increases in primary outcomes nor secondary outcomes. The process evaluation revealed FEAST was well-received by students and teachers, but COVID-19 school closures hindered implementation fidelity with a less intense program delivered under the constraints of pandemic lockdowns. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first cluster non-randomized controlled trial designed to independently evaluate FEAST in the primary-school setting. No evidence was found for improved F&V intakes in children, nor secondary outcomes. However, the positive process evaluation results suggest that further trials of the program are warranted. If implemented as originally designed (pre-pandemic), with increased duration and complemented by supporting school policies, such programs have the potential to improve children's daily F&V intakes, cooking skills and food waste behaviours. This would support the Australian curriculum and contribute to: health promotion within schools and sustainable schools initiatives, the national agenda to reduce food waste and sustainable development goals. AUSTRALIAN AND NEW ZEALAND CLINICAL TRIALS REGISTRY: [ACTRN12620001347954]- Registered prospectively on 14/12/2020.

Motor skill competence and moderate- and vigorous-intensity physical activity: a linear and non-linear cross-sectional analysis of eight pooled trials.

BACKGROUND: Few studies have examined the relationship between motor skill competence and device-measured physical activity in large samples and none have used non-linear modelling. This study assessed the linear and non-linear associations between motor skill competence and physical activity in children using pooled data from eight studies. METHODS: Cross-sectional ActiGraph accelerometer and motor skills competence data from 988 children (50.8% boys) aged 3-11 years were included. Total, object control and locomotor skill competence were assessed using the Test of Gross Motor Skill Development. Linear mixed models were fitted to examine linear associations between motor skill competence and physical activity. Then, restricted cubic splines models were used to assess potential non-linear relationships. Interactions by sex and age were assessed. RESULTS: There was evidence of positive linear associations between total skill, and object control and locomotor skills, with moderate- and vigorous-intensity physical activity; however, the associations with total skill competence and object control better fitted a non-linear model. Non-linear models indicated associations were positive but relatively weak in the low to mid ranges of TGMD/object control scores but at high ranges (~ > 70 out of 100/ and ~ 35 out of 50) the association strength increased for both moderate- and vigorous-intensity physical activity. There were sex interactions for locomotor skills only, specifically for vigorous activity with boys having a stronger positive association than girls. CONCLUSIONS: There appears to be a threshold for object control skill proficiency that children need to reach to enhance their physical activity levels which provides support for a motor skill "proficiency barrier". This provides a tangible benchmark for children to achieve in motor competence programs.

Evaluating OzHarvest's primary-school Food Education and Sustainability Training (FEAST) program in 10-12-year-old children in Australia: protocol for a pragmatic cluster non-randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: The promotion of healthy eating is a public health priority. Poor dietary behaviours, including low fruit and vegetable (F&V) consumption are of particular concern among children. Novel nutrition promotion strategies are needed to improve F&V consumption. Sustainability education could be used to support nutrition education within the school context. The purpose of this paper is to report the protocol for impact and process evaluation of the school-based Food Education and Sustainability Training (FEAST) program, designed to educate children about sustainability, food waste and nutrition, using hands-on cooking activities. METHODS: A pragmatic, parallel, cluster non-randomized controlled trial with pre- and post-measures, will be implemented among 20 primary schools (10 intervention vs 10 wait-list-control) within NSW, Australia, involving children in Grades 5-6. FEAST is a curriculum-aligned program, delivered as a 1.5-h lesson/week, for a 10-week unit of inquiry, incorporating theory and cooking. FEAST was developed using theoretical frameworks which included Social Cognitive Theory and the Precede-Proceed Planning model. Primary outcomes include children's self-reported F&V intakes (serves/day). Food literacy constructs such as: nutrition knowledge, food preparation and cooking skills, self-efficacy and behaviours, food waste knowledge and behaviours and food production knowledge, will be assessed as secondary outcomes. Process evaluation will assess program reach, adoption, implementation, maintenance, satisfaction and perceived benefits by teachers and students. An online survey (including quantitative and qualitative questions) was developed for administration at baseline (impact evaluation) and immediately post-intervention (impact and process evaluation). Intervention effects on quantitative study outcomes will be estimated with ​generalised linear mixed models, including random effects and will follow the intention-to-treat principles. Open-ended questions embedded within the surveys will be analysed qualitatively using content and thematic analyses. DISCUSSION: Results from this trial will provide valuable information on the value of adding environmental sustainability strategies to nutrition education in schools. Results will inform the design of future research and programs focused on primary-school children's nutrition, sustainability-related behaviours and experiential school-based interventions. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Trial registered 14th December 2020 with the Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry ( ACTRN12620001347954 ).

Changes in spinal bone density, back muscle size, and visceral adipose tissue and their interaction following a multi-component exercise program in older men: secondary analysis of an 18-month randomized controlled trial.

In middle-aged and older men, an 18-month multi-component exercise program improved spinal trabecular BMD, paraspinal, and psoas muscle cross-sectional area (CSA) but not visceral adipose tissue (VAT). However, changes in both muscle and VAT CSA were associated with changes in spinal BMD, independent of the exercise intervention. INTRODUCTION: In older men, we previously reported that a multi-component exercise program improved lumbar spine (LS) trabecular volumetric BMD (Tb.vBMD) compared with no exercise. This study aimed to investigate the following: (1) the effect of the exercise program on paraspinal and psoas (back) muscle CSA and VAT, and 2) if any exercise-related changes in muscle CSA and/or VAT were associated with changes in spinal BMD. METHODS: Men (n = 180) aged 50-79 years were randomized to an exercise or no-exercise group. Exercise involved high-intensity progressive resistance training (60-85% max) with weight-bearing impact exercise (3 days/week) for 18 months. Quantitative computed tomography was used to assess L1-L3 Tb.vBMD, paraspinal, and psoas muscle CSA and VAT. RESULTS: Exercise resulted in a 2.6% ((95% CI, 1.1, 4.1), P < 0.01) net gain in back muscle CSA, but no effect on VAT (-1.6% (95% CI, -7.3, 4.2)) relative to no exercise. Robust regression indicated that percentage changes in Tb.vBMD were positively associated with changes (expressed as z-scores) in back muscle CSA in both the exercise (beta (ß)-coefficient = 1.9, 95% CI 0.5, 3.2, P = 0.007) and no-exercise (ß = 2.6, 95% CI, 1.1, 4.1, P = 0.001) group, and negatively with the changes in VAT (ß = -2.0, 95% CI -3.3, -0.7, P = 0.003) in the exercise only group. There were no group differences in the slopes for the muscle-bone or VAT-bone relationships. Regression analysis (pooled data) revealed that back muscle CSA and VAT were independent predictors of the change in Tb.vBMD, explaining 14% of the variance. CONCLUSION: A multi-component exercise program in middle-aged and older men improved spinal BMD and back muscle size but not visceral fat. However, changes in back muscle size and VAT were associated with the changes in spinal BMD, independent of exercise. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ACTRN 12617001224314, 22/08/2017 retrospectively registered.

Prenatal one-carbon metabolism dysregulation programs schizophrenia-like deficits.

The methionine-folate cycle-dependent one-carbon metabolism is implicated in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia. Since schizophrenia is a developmental disorder, we examined the effects that perturbation of the one-carbon metabolism during gestation has on mice progeny. Pregnant mice were administered methionine equivalent to double their daily intake during the last week of gestation. Their progeny (MET mice) exhibited schizophrenia-like social deficits, cognitive impairments and elevated stereotypy, decreased neurogenesis and synaptic plasticity, and abnormally reduced local excitatory synaptic connections in CA1 neurons. Neural transcript expression of only one gene, encoding the Npas4 transcription factor, was >twofold altered (downregulated) in MET mice; strikingly, similar Npas4 downregulation occurred in the prefrontal cortex of human patients with schizophrenia. Finally, therapeutic actions of typical (haloperidol) and atypical (clozapine) antipsychotics in MET mice mimicked effects in human schizophrenia patients. Our data support the validity of MET mice as a model for schizophrenia, and uncover methionine metabolism as a potential preventive and/or therapeutic target.

What predicts children's active transport and independent mobility in disadvantaged neighborhoods?

This study examined two year changes in children's active transport and independent mobility and prospective associations between individual, social and physical environmental predictors of interest and these behaviors two years later. Overall, 43.5% of children (12.0±2.1 years) used active transport on the school journey at T1 and at T2 (p=0.77), and 35.3% engaged in independent mobility on the school journey at T1 and 29.6% at T2 (p=0.07). Enjoyment, parental safety concerns, and proximity to walking tracks were associated with independent mobility on the school journey. Road safety and social norms were associated with active transport and independent mobility to local destinations. These factors provide potential targets for interventions.

Validity and reliability of a pictorial instrument for assessing perceived motor competence in Portuguese children.

BACKGROUND: It is important to assess young children's perceived Fundamental Movement Skill (FMS) competence in order to examine the role of perceived FMS competence in motivation toward physical activity. Children's perceptions of motor competence may vary according to the culture/country of origin; therefore, it is also important to measure perceptions in different cultural contexts. The purpose was to assess the face validity, internal consistency, test-retest reliability and construct validity of the 12 FMS items in the Pictorial Scale for Perceived Movement Skill Competence for Young Children (PMSC) in a Portuguese sample. METHODS: Two hundred one Portuguese children (girls, n = 112), 5 to 10 years of age (7.6 ± 1.4), participated. All children completed the PMSC once. Ordinal alpha assessed internal consistency. A random subsamples (n = 47) were reassessed one week later to determine test-retest reliability with Bland-Altman method. Children were asked questions after the second administration to determine face validity. Construct validity was assessed on the whole sample with a Bayesian Structural Equation Modelling (BSEM) approach. The hypothesized theoretical model used the 12 items and two hypothesized factors: object control and locomotor skills. RESULTS: The majority of children correctly identified the skills and could understand most of the pictures. Test-retest reliability analysis was good, with an agreement ration between 0.99 and 1.02. Ordinal alpha values ranged from acceptable (object control 0.73, locomotor 0.68) to good (all FMS 0.81). The hypothesized BSEM model had an adequate fit. CONCLUSIONS: The PMSC can be used to investigate perceptions of children's FMS competence. This instrument can also be satisfactorily used among Portuguese children.

Pharmacogenetic diversification by alternative translation initiation: background channels to the fore: Commentary on Kisselbach et al., Br J Pharmacol 171: 5182-5194.

LINKED ARTICLE: This article is a Commentary on Kisselbach J, Seyler C, Schweizer PA, Gerstberger R, Becker R, Katus HA and Thomas D (2014). Modulation of K2P2.1 and K2P10.1 K+ channel sensitivity to carvedilol by alternative mRNA translation initiation. Br J Pharmacol 171: 5182-5194. doi: 10.1111/bph.12596.

Microbial contamination of non-invasive ventilation devices used by adults with cystic fibrosis.

BACKGROUND: There is currently little evidence regarding potential risks of bacterial contamination of non-invasive ventilation (NIV) devices used by cystic fibrosis (CF) patients. AIM: The aim of this study was to determine the extent of bacterial contamination of NIV devices in our regional adult CF centre. METHODS: Seven NIV devices recently used by CF patients chronically infected with Pseudomonas aeruginosa or Burkholderia cepacia complex (BCC) were swabbed in seven areas, both external and internal. Two devices had undergone ethylene oxide (EtO) sterilization between patient use and swabbing, and five devices had not undergone EtO sterilization. FINDINGS: Swabs from five devices had insignificant growth of environmental organisms and two devices had significant growth of environmental organisms. No CF pathogens were isolated from any machine. CONCLUSIONS: No evidence was found of pathogenic microbial contamination of NIV devices used by CF patients in this small study. We suggest that further studies examine for evidence of bacterial contamination of NIV devices and that this issue should be included in future CF infection control guidelines.

Associations between mothers' perceptions of the cost of fruit and vegetables and children's diets: will children pay the price?

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Perceptions that fruit and vegetables are expensive are more common among the socio-economically disadvantaged groups and are linked to poor dietary outcomes. Such perceptions may be exacerbated in countries recently affected by natural disasters, where devastation of fruit and vegetable crops has resulted in increase in prices of fruit and vegetables. Examining the associations of perceptions of fruit and vegetable affordability and children's diets can offer insights into how the high prices of fruit and vegetables might have an impact on the diets of children. SUBJECTS/METHODS: We analysed the data from 546 socio-economically disadvantaged mother-child pairs to assess the relationship between maternal perceptions of fruit and vegetable affordability and the diets of their children. RESULTS: Fruit consumption was lower among children whose mothers felt the cost of fruit was too high. Maternal perceptions of fruit and vegetable affordability were not associated with any other aspect of child's diet. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest a possible role for maternal perceptions of fruit affordability in children's diet, though further research is warranted.

Resilience to obesity among socioeconomically disadvantaged women: the READI study.

OBJECTIVE: This cross-sectional study aimed to identify sociodemographic and behavioural characteristics of 'overweight-resilient' women, that is, women who were in a healthy body weight range, despite living in socioeconomically disadvantaged neighbourhoods that place them at increased risk of obesity. The study also aimed to test a comprehensive theoretically derived model of the associations between intrapersonal, social and environmental factors and obesity among this target group. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 3235 women aged 18-45 years from 80 urban and rural neighbourhoods throughout Victoria, Australia, participated in the Resilience for Eating and Activity Despite Inequality study. MEASUREMENTS: Women reported height, weight, sociodemographic characteristics, leisure-time physical activity, dietary behaviours and a range of theoretically derived cognitive, social and neighbourhood environmental characteristics hypothesized to influence obesity risk. A theoretical model predicting body mass index (BMI) was tested using structural equation models. RESULTS: Women classified as 'resilient' to obesity tended to be younger, born overseas, more highly educated, unmarried and to have higher or undisclosed household incomes. They engaged in more leisure-time physical activity and consumed less fast foods and soft drinks than overweight/obese women. Neighbourhood characteristics, social characteristics and cognitive characteristics all contributed to explaining variation in BMI in the hypothesized directions. CONCLUSIONS: These results demonstrate several characteristics of women appearing 'resilient' to obesity, despite their increased risk conferred by residing in socioeconomically disadvantaged neighbourhoods. Acknowledging the cross-sectional study design, the results advance theoretical frameworks aimed at investigating obesity risk by providing evidence in support of a comprehensive model of direct and indirect effects on obesity of neighbourhood, as well as social, cognitive and behavioural characteristics.

Sociodemographic and behavioural correlates of weight status among women with children living in socioeconomically disadvantaged neighbourhoods.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate sociodemographic and behavioural characteristics associated with weight status among women with children living in socioeconomically disadvantaged neighbourhoods. METHODS AND PROCEDURES: A total of 1680 women aged 18-46 years, living in socioeconomically disadvantaged neighbourhoods with dependent children (aged 0-18 years), provided self-report data on height and weight and a range of sociodemographic and behavioural (for example, dietary intake, physical activity and time spent sitting) characteristics. RESULTS: Half of the women were classified as having a healthy weight (body mass index=18.5-25). Bivariable ordinal logistic regression analyses indicated that a healthy weight status was associated with a range of sociodemographic and behavioural characteristics. In a multivariable model, a healthy weight status among women was associated with being younger and unmarried, speaking a language other than English at home, having a medium or high level of education, and a partner with a high level of education, having a high household income, spending more time engaged in leisure-time physical activity and less time spent sitting, and having a lower consumption of soft drink. DISCUSSION: The present findings highlight that a considerable proportion of women with children living in disadvantaged neighbourhoods manage to maintain a healthy weight. Acknowledging the cross-sectional nature of this study, strategies aimed at helping women with children in socioeconomically disadvantaged areas to maintain their weight should focus on increasing physical activity, and reducing sitting time and soft drink consumption.

Stenting for large bowel obstruction - evolution of a service in a district general hospital.

INTRODUCTION: Stenting for obstructing large bowel malignancy is a technique that is gradually increasing in popularity. The two main indications are for palliation and as a 'bridge to surgery'. Some of the proposed advantages of colonic stenting are safety, reduced morbidity and mortality, avoidance of a stoma and shorter hospital stay. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This was a retrospective study of consecutive patients who had self-expanding metal stents deployed between February 2001 and June 2006. Data were collected from the MEDITECH electronic integrated healthcare information support system and case note review. Data concerning demographics, primary diagnosis, and location of malignant stricture, indication for stenting, method of stenting, outcome, complications and mortality rates were obtained and analysed on Microsoft Excel. RESULTS: Colonic stenting was first performed in the Countess of Chester Hospital in 2001. Thirty-two procedures have been performed since then. The median age was 80 years and the majority of cases were palliative (28 of 32), with three of the remaining cases successfully stented as a 'bridge to surgery'. Initially, this was performed as a radiological procedure; however, the success rate was noted to be better if a surgical endoscopist was also involved. We recorded a 57% clinical success rate in the group of patients that had the colonic stent inserted radiologically; however, the group where this was inserted as a combined radiological and endoscopic procedure yielded a clinical success rate of 78%. We experienced stent-migration in four patients (13%) and rectal perforation in one patient (3%). There was no tumour re-obstruction or stent-related mortality. CONCLUSIONS: A colonic stenting service can be introduced into a district general hospital with low morbidity and mortality. A well-motivated team is required and combined endoscopic and radiological approach in our hands appears to offer the best results.

Secondary structure of the MiRP1 (KCNE2) potassium channel ancillary subunit.

MiRP1 (encoded by the KCNE2 gene) is one of a family of five single transmembrane domain voltage-gated potassium (Kv) channel ancillary subunits currently under intense scrutiny to establish their position in channel complexes and elucidate alpha subunit contact points, but its structure is unknown. MiRP1 mutations are associated with inherited and acquired cardiac arrhythmia. Here, synthetic peptides corresponding to human MiRP1 (full-length and separate domains) were structurally analyzed using FTIR and CD spectroscopy. The N-terminal (extracellular) domain was soluble and predominantly non-ordered in aqueous media, but predominantly alpha-helical in L-alpha-lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC) micelles. The MiRP1 transmembrane domain was predominantly a mixture of alpha-helix and non-ordered structure in LPC micelles, with a minor contribution from non-aggregated beta-strand. The intracellular C-terminal domain was insoluble in aqueous solution; reconstitution into non-aqueous environments resulted in solubility and adoption of increasing amounts of alpha-helix, with the solvent order sodium dodecyl sulphate < dimyristoyl L-alpha-phosphatidylcholine (DMPC) < LPC < trifluoroethanol. Correlation of secondary structure changes with lipid transition temperature during heating suggested that the MiRP1 C-terminus incorporates into DMPC bilayers. Full-length MiRP1 was soluble in SDS micelles and calculated to contain 34% alpha-helix, 23% beta-strand and 43% non-ordered structure in this environment, as determined by CD spectroscopy. Thus, MiRP1 is highly dependent upon hydrophobic interaction via lipid and/or protein contacts for adoption of ordered structure without nonspecific aggregation, consistent with a role as a membrane-spanning subunit within Kv channel complexes. These data will provide a structural framework for ongoing mutagenesis-based in situ structure-function studies of MiRP1 and its relatives.

Pneumosinus dilatans: demonstrated by sinus expansion on serial sinus X-rays with discussion of possible aetiology.

A case of pneumosinus dilatans of the frontal sinus is presented. The findings on serial skull X-rays, performed on three occasions over a 10-year period, seem to support a developmental aetiology for this rare condition.

Selective salpingography and fallopian tube recanalisation: experience from a district general hospital.

The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists has included selective salpingography and tubal catheterisation (SS-TC) in its evidence-based clinical guideline for the management of infertility in secondary care. In spite of being a cost-effective and minimally invasive treatment option for proximal tubal blockage, SS-TC has been slow to become adopted across the UK. We here describe our initial experience with setting up of tubal recanalisation service in a district general hospital (DGH) in the UK, along with our preliminary results. Tubal patency was achieved in 11 patients out of 14 who underwent SS-TC (78%). Four women achieved spontaneous pregnancy (success rate 28.57%) within 1 year of treatment. The procedure should become a universally accepted, taught and practiced approach in the diagnosis and treatment of the fallopian tube. Especially in infertility units located in a DGH it can be used selectively in the patients with good prognosis and other cases referred to tertiary center for more rapid in-vitro fertilisation (IVF).

Genetic linkage maps of two apricot cultivars ( Prunus armeniaca L.), and mapping of PPV (sharka) resistance.

Genetic linkage maps for two apricot cultivars have been constructed using AFLP, RAPD, RFLP and SSR markers in 81 F1 individuals from the cross 'Goldrich' x 'Valenciano'. This family segregated for resistance to 'plum pox virus' (PPV), the most-important virus affecting Prunus species. Of the 160 RAPD arbitrary primers screened a total of 44 were selected. Sixty one polymorphic RAPD markers were scored on the mapping population: 30 heterozygous in 'Goldrich', 19 heterozygous in 'Valenciano', segregating 1:1, and 12 markers heterozygous in both parents, segregating 3:1. A total of 33 and 19 RAPD markers were mapped on the 'Goldrich' and 'Valenciano' maps respectively. Forteen primer combinations were used for AFLPs and all of them detected polymorphism. Ninety five markers segregating 1:1 were identified, of which 62 were heterozygous in the female parent 'Goldrich' and 33 in the male parent 'Valenciano'. Forty five markers were present in both parents and segregated 3:1. A total of 82 and 48 AFLP markers were mapped on the 'Goldrich' and 'Valenciano' maps. Twelve RFLPs probes were screened in the population, resulting in five loci segregating in the family, one locus heterozygous for 'Valenciano' and four heterozygous for both, segregating 1:2:1. Of the 45 SSRs screened 17 segregated in the mapping family, resulting in seven loci heterozygous for the maternal parent and ten heterozygous for both, segregating 1:2:1 or 1:1:1:1. A total of 16 and 13 co-dominant markers were mapped in the female and male parent maps respectively. A total of 132 markers were placed into eight linkage groups on the 'Goldrich' map, defining 511 cM of the total map-length. The average distance between adjacent markers was 3.9 cM. A total of 80 markers were placed into seven linkage groups on the 'Valenciano' map, defining 467.2 cM of the total map-distance, with an average interval of 5.8 cM between adjacent markers. Thirty six marker loci heterozygous in both parents revealed straightforward homologies between five linkage groups in both maps. The sharka resistance trait mapped on linkage group 2. The region containing sharka resistance is flanked by two co-dominant markers that will be used for targeted SSR development employing a recently constructed complete apricot BAC library. SSRs tightly linked to sharka resistance will facilitate MAS in breeding for resistance in apricot.

Construction of a BAC library and its application to the identification of simple sequence repeats in peach [ Prunus persica (L.) Batsch].

The Rosaceae contains many economically important crop species, but their genomes are not well characterized, and comparative genetic mapping lags well behind that of other families. To facilitate genome comparisons and gene discovery in the Rosaceae, we have begun the development of genomic resources for peach as the model genome for this family. First, we developed a simplified, cost-effective method for constructing BAC libraries, particularly appropriate for plant species of relatively minor economic importance. Second, we used the library to investigate the abundance and local distribution of simple sequence repeats (SSRs) in peach. Our results indicate that microsatellite loci are locally much more highly abundant than previously estimated, and BAC sequencing results suggest that microsatellite repeats are not randomly distributed within gene-containing regions of the peach genome. This makes it relatively easy to identify SSRs in peach by hybridization to BAC clones, and even by random sequencing of BAC clones, not known a priori to contain SSRs.

Therapeutic embolization of an internal mammary artery damaged by placement of a central venous catheter.

We describe the embolization of a left internal mammary artery damaged by left internal jugular venous catheterization. Because potentially serious complications can occur with a blind approach for central venous catheterization, portable ultrasound machines should be used more often to ensure correct placement of the catheter.

Kerogen-bound and free hopanoic acids in the messel oil shale kerogen.

The distribution of the free and bound hopanoic acids in both unheated and heated (350 degrees C for 50 h) kerogens, isolated from the Messel oil shale, were analyzed by GC-MS. The bound acids were released by subjecting the kerogen to three different treatments, namely, thermochemolysis in the presence of tetramethylammonium hydroxide (TMAH), as well as basic and acidic hydrolyses. All of these methods gave a series of hopanoic acids ranging from C(30) to C(34), in which the biological 17beta, 21beta(H) configuration is prominent. Both 22R and 22S epimers are present for the C(30) acid, whereas the others are dominated by the sidechain 22R-configuration. Thermochemolysis in the presence of TMAH was the most efficient in releasing kerogen-bound hopanoids. Following pyrolysis, the acids are generated and released into the free fraction with apparent epimerization occurring at C-17, C-21, and C-22. The bound hopanoic acids may be both chemically bonded as well as possibly being physically encapsulated within the macromolecular fraction of sedimentary organic matter. They are therefore either generated by breaking the bonds which bind them to the kerogen or they are released as a result of the macromolecular cage being broken apart.