F-group bZIPs in barley-a role in Zn deficiency.

Zinc (Zn) deficiency negatively impacts the development and health of plants and affects crop yield. When experiencing low Zn, plants undergo an adaptive response to maintain Zn homeostasis. We provide further evidence for the role of F-group transcription factors, AtbZIP19 and AtbZIP23, in responding to Zn deficiency in Arabidopsis and demonstrate the sensitivity and specificity of this response. Despite their economic importance, the role of F-group bZIPs in cereal crops is largely unknown. Here, we provide new insights by functionally characterizing these in barley (Hordeum vulgare), demonstrating an expanded number of F-group bZIPs (seven) compared to Arabidopsis. The F-group barley bZIPs, HvbZIP56 and HvbZIP62, partially rescue the Zn-dependent growth phenotype and ZIP-transporter gene regulation of an Arabidopsis bzip19-4 bzip23-2 mutant. This supports a conserved mechanism of action in adapting to Zn deficiency. HvbZIP56 localizes to the cytoplasm and nucleus when expressed in Arabidopsis and tobacco. Promoter analysis demonstrates that the barley ZIP transporters that are upregulated under Zn deficiency contain cis Zn-deficiency response elements (ZDREs). ZDREs are also found in particular barley bZIP promoters. This study represents a significant step forward in understanding the mechanisms controlling Zn responses in cereal crops, and will aid in developing strategies for crop improvement.

Intra-Ocular Pressure Measurement in a Patient with a Thin, Thick or Abnormal Cornea.

Accurate measurement of intra-ocular pressure is a fundamental component of the ocular examination. The most common method of measuring IOP is by Goldmann applanation tonometry, the accuracy of which is influenced by the thickness and biomechanical properties of the cornea. Algorithms devised to correct for corneal thickness to estimate IOP oversimplify the effects of corneal biomechanics. The viscous and elastic properties of the cornea influence IOP measurements in unpredictable ways, a finding borne out in studies of patients with inherently abnormal and surgically altered corneal biomechanics. Dynamic contour tonometry, rebound tonometry and the ocular response analyzer provide useful alternatives to GAT in patients with abnormal corneas, such as those who have undergone laser vision correction or keratoplasty. This article reviews the various methods of intra-ocular pressure measurement available to the clinician and the ways in which their utility is influenced by variations in corneal thickness and biomechanics.

Objective accommodation measurement of the Crystalens HD compared to monofocal intraocular lenses.

PURPOSE: Objective evaluation of accommodation with a bilateral accommodating intraocular lens (IOL) versus monofocal IOLs. METHODS: Patients received accommodating IOL (Crystalens HD; Bausch & Lomb, Rochester, NY) bilaterally after cataract surgery. These were compared to a matched group receiving monofocal IOLs. Preoperative and postoperative distance corrected distance, intermediate, and near vision were evaluated. Objective accommodation was measured with the WAM-5500 Binocular Autorefractor/Keratometer (Grand Seiko, Pty Ltd., Hiroshima, Japan). RESULTS: Nineteen patients were included. Ten received the Crystalens HD in both eyes and nine received one of three monofocal lenses in each eye. Mean postoperative distance corrected distance visual acuity was not statistically different between the two groups. Mean distance corrected intermediate vision was better in the Crystalens HD group (logMAR 0.24 ± 0.11 [control], logMAR 0.11 ± 0.10 [Crystalens HD], P = .033). The groups did not differ significantly for mean distance corrected near vision (logMAR 0.54 ± 0.12 [control], logMAR 0.42 ± 0.15 [Crystalens HD], P = .087). However, a significantly greater proportion of Crystalens HD eyes achieved 0.4 or 0.3 logMAR for near wearing their distance correction (P = .013). With distance correction, the mean spherical equivalent failed to show any myopia with accommodative effort in either group. Low contrast and low luminance contrast acuity were not significantly different. CONCLUSION: The Crystalens HD showed some benefit for intermediate visual function compared to the monofocal IOLs with both groups wearing full correction for distance. There were no significant signs of accommodation in either group.

The potential of viral vector-mediated gene transfer to prolong corneal allograft survival.

The cornea is a particularly attractive target for gene therapy designed to improve the outcome of corneal transplantation. First, there is a clear and well-defined clinical need. Second, because donor corneas can be preserved for days if not weeks within an eye bank, ex vivo transduction of a donor cornea can be carried out without the urgency associated with many other forms of transplantation. Finally, the partial sequestration of the eye from the systemic circulation decreases the likelihood of spillover of vector and transgene, and the immune privileged nature of the cornea and anterior segment affords a degree of protection from immune responses directed against the vector. A wide range of vectors has been investigated for gene transfer to the cornea. A number of viral vectors, in particular, have proved to be efficient at transducing the cornea and in association with a variety of transgenes, have been used successfully to prolong corneal allograft survival significantly in animal models. The most suitable such vector for future clinical studies in corneal transplantation has yet to be determined, but the most likely include recombinant adenoviral, adeno-associated viral and lentiviral vectors. In this review, we examine the ability of these viral vectors to transduce the cornea, and summarise those studies in which gene therapy has been used to prolong experimental corneal allograft survival.

Transition through stages of smoking: the effect of gender and self-concept on adolescent smoking behavior.

PURPOSE: To determine whether self-concept, gender, and age are significant factors in an adolescent's transition through stages of smoking to regular smoking. METHODS: A questionnaire composed of 29 items (nine questions pertaining to smoking behavior and 20 to four self-concept variables: physical, family, social, and peer self-concept) was administered to 368 randomly selected high school adolescents (188 males and 180 females) aged 12-17 years during regular contact (roll call) time. RESULTS: Overall, 40.5% of the sample had tried tobacco (excluding chewing tobacco) (42.8% of females and 38.3% of males). Although prevalence of smoking varied according to the stage of smoking, it increased with age. With reference to self-concept, Scheffe post hoc contrasts revealed a statistically significant difference between physical self-concept and the remaining measures of self-concept (peer, family, and social) and at each stage of smoking. The effect for male students was less than for females. CONCLUSION: Programs aimed at prevention and intervention should incorporate strategies which are commensurate with female lifestyles and the more positive aspects that individuals might experience on quitting.

Characteristics of 'low risk' and 'high risk' dives by young adults: risk reduction in spinal cord injury.

STUDY DESIGN: To establish benchmark normative data for dive entries performed by young adults of the age range most likely to sustain a diving spinal cord injury. Data acquired from analysis of the dives performed, along with survey information, were used to determine which factors make the most contribution to the level of risk in diving. OBJECTIVES: To identify influential variables which could contribute to risk of spinal cord injury for each of four types of dives. The types of dives investigated were: dive entries from deck level to tread water (Treadwater); deck level to swim 25 m (Deck); starting block height to swim 25 m (Block); and a running dive entry to swim 25 m (Running). SETTING: Victoria, Australia. METHODS: Ninety-five first year university students (average age 19.9 years) performed three or four dives which were video-recorded for later analysis. Maximum depth reached was used as an indicator of risk, and velocity at maximum depth, distance at maximum depth, angle of entry and flight distance were measured for each dive. Participants also completed a questionnaire designed to elicit information about their swimming and diving background. Unlike previous diving studies, participants were recreational rather than competitive swimmers. They were not aware that the dive was the focal point, assuming that the researchers were investigating their swimming and treadwater ability. RESULTS: A stepwise multiple regression was applied to predict depth for each dive condition, and demonstrated that four variables were able to account for 56% of the variance for Treadwater, 68% for Deck; 73% for Running and 79% for Block. In all conditions involving swimming after the dive (ie Deck, Block and Running), beta weights showed that distance at maximum depth had the greatest influence on the depth of a dive. Flight distance and angle of entry were the next most influential variables. For the Treadwater condition, beta weights showed angle of entry was the most influential variable, followed by velocity at maximum depth, distance at maximum depth and swim rank. CONCLUSION: It is recommended that divers strive to surface in as short a distance as possible by maximising flight distance and aiming for a low entry angle. Implementation of steering-up techniques will assist in minimising dive depth.

Recreational patterns, body composition and socioeconomic status of Western Australian secondary school students.

A study of 4672 secondary school students was carried out in order to assess the relationship between body composition, recreational patterns, and socioeconomic status as indicated by parental occupation and the school attended. Results indicated that there were more girls than boys participating in organized sport, and health and fitness activities; and more boys than girls involved in informal recreational activities and home-based passive pursuits. A higher proportion of participants came from the higher socioeconomic status (SES) group. More high-SES students revealed weight appropriate to their height.

A combined oxygen concentrator and compressed air unit. Assessment of a prototype and discussion of its potential applications.

A prototype combined oxygen concentrator and air compressor is described. Laboratory assessment demonstrated satisfactory oxygen concentrations, flows, pressures and reliability. Its various modes of use in clinical practice are described. It is likely to be a valuable method to provide oxygen for anaesthesia both in remote areas and where nitrous oxide-free anaesthesia is required, as well as a reliable alternative to commercially produced oxygen for therapeutic purposes.