Moreover, in diabetic alpha 8-/- mice, the number of glomerular c

Moreover, in diabetic alpha 8-/- mice, the number of glomerular cells staining positive for the podocyte

markers WT-1 and vimentin were reduced more prominently than in diabetic alpha 8+/+. The filtration barrier protein nephrin was downregulated in diabetic glomeruli with the strongest reduction observed in alpha 8-/- mice. Taken together, alpha 8-/- mice developed more severe glomerular lesions and podocyte damage after onset of STZ diabetes than alpha 8+/+ mice, indicating that alpha 8-integrin is protective for the structure and function of the glomerulus and maintains podocyte integrity during the development of diabetic nephropathy.”
“Among the problems associated to leishmaniasis, the two most outstanding ones are the lack of a vaccine

and the adverse effects caused by drugs use for its Bafilomycin A1 supplier control. Meglumine antimoniate compounds are the first-line drugs in the treatment for cutaneous leishmaniasis (the most prevalent form of the disease in Colombia); nevertheless, they are far from being ideal drugs due to their toxicity (not to mention the emergence of drug-resistant parasites), all of which has prompted current search for new strategies to improve their safety. This work assesses the effectiveness and safety (toxicity including new aspects related with immunotoxicity not reported previously) of two different meglumine antimoniate formulations using an in vitro and in vivo murine model. The results evidence that although both injectable formulations C59 Wnt concentration induce an equally efficient (clearance of intracellular parasites), both give rise to adverse effects, including a preferential immunomodulation on Balb/c mice and in a lesser proportion on ICR mice. These results are comparable to human MMP inhibitor trials reporting variable reactions when following the same treatment regimen. The model presented herein is proposed as a tool for evaluating the effectiveness and safety of meglumine antimoniate-based antileishmanial formulations. (C) 2011 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.”
“Naturally occurring

histocompatibility responses, following tissue-to-tissue allogeneic contacts, are common among numerous colonial marine invertebrate taxa, including sponges, cnidarians, biyozoans and ascidians. These responses, often culminating in either tissue fusions or rejections, activate a wide array of innate immune components. By comparing two allorejection EST libraries, developed from alloincompatible challenged colonies of the stony coral Stylophora pistillata and the ascidian Botryllus schlosseri, we revealed a common basis for innate immunity in these two evolutionary distant species. Two prominent genes within this common basis were the immunophilins, Cyclophilin A (CypA) and FK506-binding protein (FKBP).


“Recent studies have unveiled copy number variants (CNVs)


“Recent studies have unveiled copy number variants (CNVs) as an important source of genetic variation. Many of these CNVs contain coding sequences, which have been shown to be dosage sensitive. Evidence is accumulating that certain CNVs have impact on susceptibility to human diseases such as HIV infection and autoimmune diseases, as well as on adaptability to environmental conditions or nutrition. click here The possible

role and impact of CNVs on cancer development and progression is only now emerging. In this review we look into the role of CNVs and their associated genomic structural features in relation to the formation of chromosome alterations in cancer cells and evolutionary genomic plasticity, as well as the de novo occurrence of known or putative CNVs as somatic

events during oncogenesis. The role of germline CNVs in cancer predisposition is still largely unexplored. A number of observations seem to warrant the importance of further studies to elucidate the impact of these variants in the early steps of carcinogenesis. Copyright (C) 2009 S. Karger AG, Basel”
“Linezolid therapy has shown high rates of clinical success in patients with osteomyelitis and prosthetic joint infections caused by Gram-positive cocci. Recent studies have demonstrated that linezolid/rifampicin combination therapy prevents the emergence of rifampicin-resistant mutations in vitro. However, linezolid/rifampicin combination-related haematological and neurological toxicities have not been evaluated.\n\nTo assess the tolerability of prolonged linezolid/rifampicin combination therapy compared with other linezolid-containing VX-680 order regimens in patients with bone and joint infections.\n\nWe

reviewed the medical records of 94 patients who had received linezolid for > 4 weeks GDC-0973 purchase after bone and joint infections. Anaemia was defined as a >= 2 g/dL reduction in haemoglobin, leucopenia as a total leucocyte count < 4 x 10(9)/L, and thrombocytopenia as a reduction in platelet count to < 75% of baseline.\n\nAnaemia was less frequent among patients on linezolid/rifampicin combination therapy than among patients on linezolid alone or in combination with other drugs (9.3%, 44% and 52%, respectively; P < 0.01). In multivariate analysis, age and treatment group were independently associated with anaemia. Thrombocytopenia was reported in 44% of patients on linezolid/rifampicin combination therapy, in 48% of patients on linezolid alone and in 57.7% of patients on other linezolid-containing regimens. Age was the only variable associated with thrombocytopenia (P = 0.019) in univariate analysis.\n\nLinezolid/rifampicin combination therapy was associated with a significantly reduced incidence of anaemia among patients with bone and joint infections, but it did not have an effect on thrombocytopenia and peripheral neuropathy rates. Linezolid/rifampicin combination therapy was not associated with poor clinical outcomes.

However, when a DMA(III)-exposed rat RBC lysate (DMA(III) binds t

However, when a DMA(III)-exposed rat RBC lysate (DMA(III) binds to Hb in rat

RBCs) was added to control rat plasma, a new arsenic peak increased at the expense of the arsenic-Hb one. Furthermore, this new arsenic peak was consistent with the As-BP identified in the plasma in vivo, suggesting that arsenic bound to Hb further binds to haptoglobin (Hp), forming the ternary As-Hb-Hp complex.”
“Prolactin (PRL) is a hormone and a neuromodulator. It sensitizes TRPV1 (transient receptor potential cation channel subfamily PARP inhibitor V member 1) responses in sensory neurons, but it is not clear whether peripheral inflammation results in the release of endogenous PRL, or whether endogenous PRL is capable of acting as an inflammatory mediator in a sex-dependent manner. To address these questions, we examined inflammation-induced release of endogenous PRL, and its regulation of thermal hyperalgesia in female and male rats. PRL is expressed in several types of peripheral neuronal and non-neuronal www.selleckchem.com/products/ly2835219.html cells, including TRPV1-positive nerve fibers, preadipocytes and activated macrophages/monocytes localized in the vicinity of nerves. Evaluation

of PRL levels in hindpaws and plasma indicated that complete Freund’s adjuvant (CFA) stimulates release of peripheral, but not systemic, PRL within 6-48 h in both ovariectomized females with estradiol replacement (OVX-E) and intact male rats. The time course of release varies in OVX-E and intact male rats. We next employed the prolactin receptor (PRL-R) antagonist Delta 1-9-G129R-hPRL to assess the role of locally produced PRL in nociception. Applied at a ratio of 1 : 1 (PRL:Delta 1-9-G129R-hPRL; 40 nm each), this antagonist was able to nearly (approximate to 80%) reverse PRL-induced sensitization of capsaicin responses in rat sensory neurons. CFA-induced inflammatory thermal hyperalgesia in OVX-E rat hindpaws was

significantly reduced in a dose-dependent manner by the PRL-R antagonist at 6 h but not at 24 h. In contrast, PRL contributed to inflammatory thermal hyperalgesia in intact male rats at 24, but not at 6 h. These findings indicate that inflammation PD-1/PD-L1 Inhibitor 3 clinical trial leads to accumulation of endogenous PRL in female and male rats. Furthermore, PRL acts as an inflammatory mediator at different time points for female and intact male rats.”
“Background: Previous studies of patients admitted for ST-elevation myocardial infarction [STEMI] have indicated that women have a higher risk of early mortality than do men. These studies have presented limited information on gender related differences in the short term and almost no information on the long term.\n\nMethods and results: We analysed a prospective, consecutively included STEMI population consisting of 54,146 patients (35% women).

Host guest interactions between 24C8 units dispersed along the de

Host guest interactions between 24C8 units dispersed along the dendronized

copolymers and organic ammonium salts of pyrene, anthracene, and phenol have been explored. These molecular recognition processes can be monitored by (1)H NMR spectroscopy and fluorescence excitation spectroscopy. These results showed that the supramolecular polymer systems are acid base controllable, demonstrating that dendronized copolymers may be modified reversibly via host guest interaction. (C) 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 48: 3515-3522, 2010″
“We investigate a quantum neural network and discuss its application to controlling Nutlin-3 mouse systems. First, we consider a multi-layer quantum neural network that uses qubit neurons as its information processing unit. Next, we propose a direct neural network controller using the multi-layer quantum neural network. To improve learning performance, instead of applying a back-propagation algorithm for the supervised training of the multi-layer quantum

neural network, we apply a real-coded genetic algorithm. To evaluate the capabilities of the direct quantum neural network controller, we conduct computational experiments controlling a discrete-time nonlinear system and a nonholonomic system (a two-wheeled robot). Experimental results confirm the effectiveness of the real-coded genetic

selleck chemicals llc algorithm in training a quantum neural network and prove the feasibility and robustness of the direct quantum neural network controller. (C) 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.”
“The study objective was to determine the effects of two treatment regimens on quantities of ceftiofur and tetracycline resistance genes in feedlot cattle. The two regimens were ceftiofur crystalline-free acid (CCFA) administered to either one or all steers within a pen and subsequent feeding/not feeding of therapeutic doses of chlortetracycline. A 26-day randomized controlled field trial was conducted on 176 steers. find more Real-time PCR was used to quantify bla(CMY-2),bla(CTX-M), tet(A), tet(B), and 16S rRNA gene copies/gram of feces from community DNA. A significant increase in ceftiofur resistance and a decrease in tetracycline resistance elements were observed among the treatment groups in which all steers received CCFA treatment, expressed as gene copies/gram of feces. Subsequent chlortetracycline administration led to rapid expansion of both ceftiofur and tetracycline resistance gene copies/gram of feces. Our data suggest that chlortetracycline is contraindicated when attempting to avoid expansion of resistance to critically important third-generation cephalosporins.

All factors considered were significant for EC and SCC

\n\nAll factors considered were significant for EC and SCC.

EC decreased significantly as milking progressed (from F-1 to F-3) in both healthy and infected glands. EC was not significantly different between healthy and infected glands in F-1 and F-2 fractions, but EC of healthy glands (5.01 mS/cm) was significantly lower than in infected glands (5.03 mS/cm) at F-3.\n\nMastitis detection characteristics of EC did not differ amongst studied fractions. The small significant difference of EC between healthy and infected glands obtained in F-3 fraction did not yield better sensitivity results compared to F-1 and F-2. The best EC mastitis detection characteristics were obtained at 5.20 mS/cm threshold MI-503 (sensitivity of 70% and specificity of 50%). The best SCC mastitis detection characteristics were obtained at 300,000 cells/mL threshold and F-3 fraction (sensitivity of 85%

and specificity of 65%).\n\nIt was concluded that mastitis detection characteristics of EC were similar in the three milking fractions analysed, being slightly better selleck chemicals llc for SCC in F-3 fraction. As shown in previous studies, there are no factors other than the mammary gland health status that affect milk EC and should be considered in the algorithms for mastitis detection to improve the results. (C) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.”
“BackgroundThe purpose of this study was to present the clinicopathological features of a series of patients with human papillomavirus (HPV)-associated head and neck second primary tumors. MethodsPatients with HPV-associated head and neck second primary tumors from

3 centers were identified. HPV infection was evaluated using p16 by immunohistochemistry selleck kinase inhibitor (IHC), high-risk HPV DNA by in situ hybridization (ISH), and HPV genotyping by DNA polymerase chain reaction (PCR) enzyme immunoassay (EIA). ResultsEleven patients were identified: 5 with synchronous and 6 with metachronous HPV-positive second primary tumors, the latter demonstrating a mean time interval of 5 years. There were 13 second primary tumors: 11 oropharyngeal, 1 nasopharyngeal, and 1 floor of the mouth. Nine of 10 genotyped patients harbored HPV-16, and 1 patient had HPV-33 in 3 synchronous tumors. ConclusionHPV-associated second primary tumors may present as synchronous and/or metachronous lesions and can arise outside the oropharynx after prolonged intervals. Further work is necessary to identify patients at risk and to elucidate the mechanisms of HPV-associated head and neck second primary tumors. (c) 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck37: 202-208, 2015″
“Aims: To evaluate the usefulness of partial recA sequences for the identification of Aeromonas strains at the genotype level.\n\nMethods and Results: A partial recA sequence was obtained from 21 type or reference strains and 33 Aeromonas isolates, collected in the South of Switzerland from human, animal and aquatic environments.


“The BigSol Superconducting Solenoid Beam Line at the Texa


“The BigSol Superconducting Solenoid Beam Line at the Texas A&M Superconducting Cyclotron has been used to measure energy losses of Ar-40, Kr-84, Au-197 and U-238 ions in mylar, aluminum and isobutane at energies ranging from the Bragg peak up to several MeV/nucleon. The experimental data are compared with predictions from the SRIM code. In general experimental data for Ar-40 and Kr-84 are in agreement with model predictions whereas differences on the order of 10% are evidenced in some cases for Au-197 and U-238 ions especially at and around the Bragg peak energies. Published by Elsevier B.V.”
“A

major component of HIV prevention is to encourage individuals to appreciate their personal risk of contracting the virus with the aim of encouraging them to take steps to reduce the risks. This article addresses the accuracy of an individual’s risk assessment by matching this with individual’s reported risk behaviours in order to assess CP456773 possible congruence. Although the relationship between risk perception and risk behaviours has been studied by previous authors using cross-sectional studies, this has not been extensively studied using a large nationally representative

data set, such as in Nigeria. In our attempt to address this, we classified HIV-risk behaviour into low-risk and high-risk behaviour. We considered see more both descriptive and inferential approaches in our analyses. The findings were triangulated with qualitative studies using focus group discussions conducted among members of the target group in Nigeria. Dependence of risk perception on some selected background characteristics, HIV/AIDS-knowledge indicators, experience of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), as well as exposure to the Society for Family Health (SFH) radio campaigns in Nigeria were investigated through multiple logistic regression models. Among the respondents with risk behaviours, being single, Christian, male, and listening to the SFH radio campaigns were associated with

a higher perception of risk of contracting HIV.”
“This series reviews the safety and efficacy of CT guided core Trichostatin A needle biopsy in high risk patients who have lesions in the lung. The authors conclude this procedure acceptable degree of complications. Background: Obtaining a tissue diagnosis has traditionally been standard practice before initiating therapy for early-stage non small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). In several recent studies from Europe and Asia, a substantial proportion of patients have received stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) based only on the imaging characteristics of the suspicious lesion. The underlying assumption is that the risk of percutaneous needle biopsy may outweigh the benefits in a population that generally has underlying pulmonary dysfunction and other medical comorbidity. Nevertheless, there is limited information regarding biopsy-related complication rates in high-risk patients with early-stage NSCLC who are treated with SBRT.

Only donor genotype of TLR8 rs3764879, which is located on the X

Only donor genotype of TLR8 rs3764879, which is located on the X chromosome, was significantly associated with outcome at the Bonferroni-corrected level P smaller than = .001. Male hemizygosity and female homozygosity for the minor allele

were significantly associated with disease-free survival (hazard ratio [HR], 1.47 [95% confidence interval CI, 1.16 to 1.85]; P = .001). Further analysis stratified by donor sex due to confounding by sex was suggestive for associations with overall survival (male donor: HR, 1.41 [95% CI, 1.09 to 1.83], P = .010; female donor: HR, 2.78 [95% CI, 1.43 to 5.41], P = .003), disease-free survival (male donor: HR, 1.45 [95% CI, 1.12 to 1.87], P = .005; female donor: HR, 2.34 [95% Cl, 1.18 to 4.65], P = .015), and treatment-related mortality

LY3023414 concentration (male donor: HR, 1.49 [95% CI, 1.09 to 2.04], P = .012; female donor: HR, 3.12 [95% U0126 nmr CI, 1.44 to 6.74], P = .004). In conclusion, our findings suggest that the minor allele of TLR8 rs3764879 of the donor is associated with outcome after myeloablative conditioned allogeneic HCT. (C) 2015 American Society for Blood and Marrow Transplantation.”
“K562 cells and peripheral blood mononuclear cells were treated with hydrogen peroxide (H(2)O(2)) to determine the expression of Kruppel-like factor (KLF) 4. A full-length complementary DNA or an anti-sense oligonucleotide of KLF4 was transfected into cells, and expressions of B-cell lymphoma/leukemia-2 (bcl-2) and bcl-2-associated X (bax) proteins were analyzed. The results showed that H(2)O(2) treatment of cells resulted in an increase in KLF4 levels; KLF4 induced apoptosis and slowed cell growth, potentially resulting from up-regulation of bax and down-regulation of bcl-2. Transcriptional activities on bcl-2 and bax were promoted following KLF4 overexpression potentially through KLF4 binding sites on corresponding promoters. All results indicate that KLF4 induces apoptosis in leukemia cells involving the bcl-2/bax pathway during H(2)O(2) stimulation, suggesting a potential mechanism for research on drug-induced

apoptosis.”
“Background: A growing body of evidence indicates that inflammation is one of the earliest neuropathological events in Alzheimer’s this website disease. Accordingly, we have recently shown the occurrence of an early, pro-inflammatory reaction in the hippocampus of young, three-month-old transgenic McGill-Thy1-APP mice in the absence of amyloid plaques but associated with intracellular accumulation of amyloid beta petide oligomers. The role of such a pro-inflammatory process in the progression of the pathology remained to be elucidated.\n\nMethods and results: To clarify this we administered minocycline, a tetracyclic derivative with anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties, to young, pre-plaque McGill-Thy1-APP mice for one month. The treatment ended at the age of three months, when the mice were still devoid of plaques.

Methods: A multicentre cross-sectional survey of all over 65

\n\nMethods: A multicentre cross-sectional survey of all over 65 year old residents (n = 15 022) in 11 catchment areas in China, India, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Venezuela, Mexico and Peru. We estimated the prevalence of pain, incontinence, hearing and visual impairments, mobility impairment and undernutrition according BMS-754807 concentration to the presence of dementia and its severity, and, among those with dementia, the independent contribution of these impairments to cognitive function and disability, adjusting for age, gender, education and dementia severity.\n\nResults: Incontinence, hearing impairment, mobility impairment and undernutrition were consistently

linearly associated with the presence of dementia and its severity across regions. Among people with dementia, incontinence, hearing impairment Cilengitide molecular weight and mobility impairment were independently associated with disability in all regions while the contributions of pain, visual impairment and undernutrition were inconsistent. Only hearing impairment made a notable independent contribution to cognitive impairment.\n\nConclusions: There is an urgent need for clinical trials of the feasibility, efficacy and cost-effectiveness

of regular physical health checks and remediation of identified pathologies, given the considerable comorbidity identified in our population based studies, and the strong evidence for independent impact upon functioning. Copyright (c) 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.”
“Radiographic evaluation of the pelvis in standing horses has been used to diagnose fractures of the pelvis, head and greater trochanter of the femur, and luxations of the coxofemoral joint. Coxofemoral luxation injuries are more common in smaller horse breeds and donkeys, but, due to their size, the standing ventrodorsal projection is not possible, as there is insufficient space to place the radiography equipment under the animal’s abdomen. The objective of the study was to report the advantages and limitations of the use of an

oblique radiographic projection to diagnose unilateral craniodorsal coxofemoral luxation in 3 ponies and a donkey performed with the animals GSK2245840 nmr standing under light sedation. All cases had severe unilateral hindlimb lameness and asymmetry of the gluteal region; 2 also had concurrent intermittent upward fixation of the patella. A standing dorsolateral 20-30 degrees ventral oblique radiograph of the affected coxofemoral joint was performed in all cases to obtain a definitive diagnosis. Radiography of the coxofemoral joint in standing ponies and donkeys can be carried out to identify craniodorsal coxofemoral luxation avoiding the need for general anaesthesia.”
“The aim of radiation dosimetry is to evaluate, under specific conditions, absorbed dose in a medium of interest using a detection device.

However, for individual assessment of energy need, more thorough

However, for individual assessment of energy need, more thorough procedures are necessary. European Journal of Clinical

Nutrition (2011) 65, 1309-1313; doi:10.1038/ejcn.2011.117; published online 22 June 2011″
“The complexes of type [CrLCl](2)center dot 3.5H(2)O and [ML(H(2)O)](2 center dot)nH(2)O in which M = Co(II); n = 1, Ni(II); n = 4, Cu(II); n = 0.5 and Zn(II); n = 2 ions and L is 1,3-dimethy1-2,4-dioxo-2′,4′-bis(2iminothiophene)cyclodiphosph(V)azane, were prepared and their structures characterized by elemental analysis, IR, (1)H NMR, selleck kinase inhibitor (31)P, NMR, EPR, XRD, SEM, TGA, mass, molar conductance, magnetic moment and UV-Visible spectra. Antimicrobial activities have been studied using the agar-disc diffusion technique, and the higher antimicrobial activity GDC-0994 in vitro has been observed for the Chromium(III) complex compared to the other metal complexes. (C) 2009 Published

by Elsevier Masson SAS.”
“Tilapia were exposed to sublethal methomyl concentrations of 0, 0.2, 2, 20, or 200 g/L for 30 d, and then were transferred to methomyl-free water for 18 d. Renal antioxidant parameters, including catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione S-transferase (GST), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) , glutathione reductase (GR), total glutathione (GSH), and reduced glutathione (GSSG), were examined in tilapia at d 0, 6, 12, 18, 24, and 30 selleck inhibitor after starting the experiment and at 18 d after transferring to methomyl-free water. There were no significant changes in enzymatic activity and content of antioxidants in kidney of tilapia exposed to 0.2 g/L methomyl compared to controls. The results showed significant increases in SOD, CAT, GST, GR, GPx, and level of GSSG accompanied by a decrease in GSH levels following methomyl exposure in tilapia to 2, 20, or 200 g/L over the 30-d exposure period, suggesting the presence of oxidative stress. Thus, it would appear the 0.2 g/L methomyl might be considered the no-observed-adverse-effect level (NOAEL). Recovery data showed that the effects produced by lower concentration of methomyl at 20 g/L

were reversible but not at the higher 200 g/L concentration.”
“It is well known that angiogenesis is critical in the transition from premalignant to malignant lesions. Consequently, early detection and diagnosis based on morphological changes to the microvessels are crucial. In the last few years, new imaging techniques which utilize the properties of light-tissue interaction have been developed to increase early diagnosis of gastrointestinal (GI) tract neoplasia. We analyzed several “red-flag” endoscopic techniques used to enhance visualization of the vascular pattern of preneoplastic and neoplastic lesions (e.g. trimodal imaging including autofluorescence imaging, magnifying endoscopy and narrow band imaging).

Accurate estimates of diffusion coefficients are essential if gas

Accurate estimates of diffusion coefficients are essential if gas transport is to be accurately modeled and better techniques are needed that can be used to measure these coefficients non-invasively. Here we present a novel method for using prompt gamma activation analysis to determine the binary diffusion coefficients of a gas in a porous system. Argon diffusion experiments were conducted in a 1 m long, 10 cm diameter, horizontal

column packed with a SiO2 sand. The temporal variation of argon concentration within the system was measured using prompt gamma activation GSK1904529A chemical structure analysis. The binary diffusion coefficient was obtained by comparing the experimental data with the predictions from a numerical model in which the diffusion coefficient was varied until the sum of square errors between experiment and model data was minimized. Predictions of argon concentration using the optimal diffusivity fit experimental measurements with an R-2 of 0.983. (C) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.”
“Introduction\n\nThere is evidence to suggest that the Patient Consultation Questionnaire (PCQ) is a reliable tool

to predict symptomatic left-sided colorectal cancer. While previous research has examined the sensitivity and specificity of the PCQ as a tool, it has not addressed patients’ perspectives.\n\nObjective\n\nTo examine qualitatively patients’ perspectives on ease of use of the PCQ, and their attitude to completing it.\n\nMethod\n\nThe target population were patients in North Wales between 55 and 85 years with colorectal symptoms who had completed the PCQ. A sample of six was randomly selected. The approach was qualitative, using semi-structured, in-depth this website cognitive interviews, which were recorded and transcribed before content and thematic analysis.\n\nResults\n\nThe

Staurosporine study found some areas of concern in relation to the PCQ’s design and presentation, concerning such issues as the use of medical jargon or ambiguous wording, and the use of questions to which patients may not have an answer. It also found that patients responded to the form as something more than a screening tool, treating it variously as way of speeding up diagnosis and treatment, an opportunity to ‘play the system’, and a way of bypassing embarrassing encounters.\n\nDiscussion and conclusions\n\nAlthough major problems were not identified, the minor issues observed in the PCQ’s design and presentation may reduce accuracy and patient satisfaction. A greater understanding of patients’ perception of the role and function of the PCQ may help clinicians to interpret responses to the form more accurately.”
“The cotton mealybug Phenacoccus solenopsis Tinsley parasitoid, Aenasius bambawalei Hayat has been recorded for the first time from mummified mealybugs collected in the field on various weeds and cotton crop from different districts of Punjab province of Pakistan. The redescription of the species is provided with its four host plants and distribution in the Punjab province of Pakistan.