Abstract  BACKGROUND: The need for systematic methods for reviewing evidence is continuously increasing. Evidence mapping is one emerging method. There are no authoritative recommendations for what constitutes an evidence map or what methods should be used, and anecdotal evidence suggests heterogeneity in both. Our objectives are to identify published evidence maps and to compare and contrast the presented definitions of evidence mapping, the domains used to classify data in evidence maps, and the form the evidence map takes.

METHODS: We conducted a systematic review of publications that presented results with a process termed "evidence mapping" or included a figure called an "evidence map." We identified publications from searches of ten databases through 8/21/2015, reference mining, and consulting topic experts. We abstracted the research question, the unit of analysis, the search methods and search period covered, and the country of origin. Data were narratively synthesized.

RESULTS: Thirty-nine publications met inclusion criteria. Published evidence maps varied in their definition and the form of the evidence map. Of the 31 definitions provided, 67 % described the purpose as identification of gaps and 58 % referenced a stakeholder engagement process or user-friendly product. All evidence maps explicitly used a systematic approach to evidence synthesis. Twenty-six publications referred to a figure or table explicitly called an "evidence map," eight referred to an online database as the evidence map, and five stated they used a mapping methodology but did not present a visual depiction of the evidence.

CONCLUSIONS: The principal conclusion of our evaluation of studies that call themselves "evidence maps" is that the implied definition of what constitutes an evidence map is a systematic search of a broad field to identify gaps in knowledge and/or future research needs that presents results in a user-friendly format, often a visual figure or graph, or a searchable database. Foundational work is needed to better standardize the methods and products of an evidence map so that researchers and policymakers will know what to expect of this new type of evidence review.

SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION: Although an a priori protocol was developed, no registration was completed; this review did not fit the PROSPERO format.

Abstract  Mercurous chloride is an acoustical optical material with an unusually low acoustic velocity and high acousto-optical figure of Merit, which makes it an interesting candidate for optical delay Lines and Bragg cells for optical signal processors, it also has a broad range of spectral transmissivity which makes it an ideal candidate for wide band acoustically tuned optical filter (ATOF) applications, Single crystals of this material can be readily grown in normal gravity by closed-tube physical vapor transport, but the crystals appear to contain structural inhomogeneities which degrade the optical performance. The nature of these defects is not known, but: their degree appears to correlate with the Rayleigh number that characterizes their growth; hence, it is suspected that uncontrolled convection may play a role in the defect structure. This prompted a space flight experiment to determine if these defects could be further reduced by virtually eliminating the buoyancy-driven convective flows which are always present to a degree in normal gravity.

Single crystals of mercurous chloride (Hg2Cl2) were grown in the Space Experiment Facility (SEF) transparent furnace developed by the University of Alabama in Huntsville, Consortium for Materials Development in Space, The Northrop-Grumman Science and Technology Center provided the highly purified starting material and analyzed the crystals that were grown, This experiment was flown on Spacehab 4 (STS-77) in May 1996.

The SEF is a transparent furnace which allowed the progress of the growth to be recorded by video. Extensive furnace profiling and modeling has been carried out to relate the growth front location to the thermal environment and to the crystal quality. The results of the flight experiment as well as the ground control experiments will be presented.

Abstract  Mercury salts are commonly used in laboratory and field experiments as biocides. It has been previously reported that Hg(II) can enhance chemical hydrolysis of a number of pesticides. Earlier studies on metal-promoted hydrolysis have reported overall rate constants as a function of total metal concentration. There are three advantages in reporting the relative importance of the different species: (1) results can be extrapolated form one situation to another, (2) rates can be predicted for specific conditions, and (3) greater understanding of the catalysis mechanism can be gained. In this study, mercury-promoted hydrolysis of parathion-methyl (O,O-dimethyl-O-p-nitrophenyl phosphorothionate), a probe organophosphate compound (OP), was studied as a function of Hg(II) speciation. The observed rate of hydrolysis was a function of specific mercury species rather than of the total mercury in solution. Second-order rate constants were determined experimentally at various pH values. A pH-dependent kinetic expression, k(obs) = (alpha(Hg)(2+)k(1) + alpha(HgOH)(+)k(2) + alpha(Hg(OH)2)k(3)) where k(i)= KiKir with K-i representing the Hg:OP equilibrium constant, K-i the rate constant for Hg:OP hydrolysis far the different Hg(II) species, and a is the fraction of the total Hg(II) present as specific species, provides a plausible interpretation for the system. Mercury-chloride species proved to have little catalytic power, whereas the contributions for Hg2+ and Hg(OH)(+) were significant. Our results also suggest that a mixed mechanism (electrophilic and nucleophilic) may have to be considered for general metal-promoted hydrolysis of OPs.

Abstract  Prevention of employee transported contaminant release (ETCR) and the legal and technical considerations associated with an ETCR were discussed. The discussion focused primarily on home contamination, but was applicable as well to other forms of ETCR. Employees can be a significant transport vector for chemicals away from the workplace. One of the most frequently contaminated site has been the worker's home. It was recently decided in the courts that such releases were regulated under CERCLA (Superfund). Previous incidents of home contamination were described, including contamination with mercury (7439976), lead (7439921), and a hormone drug. Methods for the detection of ETCR were discussed. ETCR incidents may have an adverse effect on employee morale, and may cause workers to be shunned by friends and family. Good industrial hygiene practices can serve to limit or even prevent ETCR. Some steps in this direction would include the installation of laundering and showering facilities at the work place and the use of workplace clothing. Should an ETCR occur, the industry must respond quickly to reduce cleanup costs and prevent adverse health effects to those outside the worksite. Both psychological and technical considerations must be addressed during this cleanup period.

Abstract  The property of forming crosslinks within DNA is seen as the major cause of the high carcinogenic, genotoxic and anti-neoplastic potency of bifunctional nitrogen mustards. To further investigate the importance for genotoxicity of a second reactive group in a molecule, the genetic activity profiles of the bifunctional nitrogen mustard mechlorethamine (MEC) and its monofunctional counterpart 2-chloroethylamine (CEA) were compared, using several in vivo end points in Drosophila, When post-meiotic male germ cells were alkylated by CEA and then transferred to nucleotide excision repair (NER)-proficient oocytes, no more than up to 4-fold increased forward mutation frequencies were induced. With oocytes deficient for XPG (DmXPG), frequencies were enhanced up to 50 times. For MEC mutation frequencies increased up to 40 times the background, whereas only a low hypermutability was observed when DmXPG were used instead of wild-tape females, indicating that nitrogen mustard-induced monoadducts, in contrast to crosslinks, are efficiently repaired by the NER system. Specific locus mutations generated in the vermilion gene by CEA under NER- conditions were almost exclusively base pair substitutions (93%), The high proportion of mutations at guanine positions indicates a strong contribution of N7-alkylguanine to the mutational spectrum. MEC induced 64% deletions and other DNA rearrangements in crosses of males with DmXPG females. The small portion of point mutations (36%) was further reduced to similar to 20% with NER+ females. Inactivation of NER had no potentiating effect on clastogenic events (chromosome loss) induced by CEA, which is in sharp contrast to the strongly enhanced forward mutation frequencies measured with DmXPG females. The weak genotoxic effectiveness of CEA under NER+ conditions is clearly due to efficient error-free repair of monoalkyl adducts, These results further support the concept that bifunctional nitrogen mustards exert their mutagenic activity through formation of DNA crosslinks and that DNA monoadducts make only a minor contribution to their genotoxic activity.

Abstract  Tricho-rhino-phalangeal syndrome type I (TRPS I, MIM 190350) is a malformation syndrome characterized by craniofacial and skeletal abnormalities and is inherited in an autosomal dominant manner(1). TRPS I patients have sparse scalp hair, a bulbous tip of the nose, a long flat philtrum, a thin upper vermilion border and protruding ears. Skeletal abnormalities include cone-shaped epiphyses at the phalanges, hip malformations and short stature. We assigned TRPS1 to human chromosome 8q24. It maps proximal of EXT1, which is affected in a subgroup of patients with multiple cartilaginous exostoses and deleted in all patients with TRPS type II (TRPS II, or Langer-Giedion syndrome, MIM 150230; refs 2-5). We have positionally cloned a gene that spans the chromosomal breakpoint of two patients with TRPS I and is deleted in five patients with TRPS I and an interstitial deletion(4,6). Northern-blot analyses revealed transcripts of 7 and 10.5 kb. TRPS1 has seven exons and an ORF of 3.843 bp. The predicted protein sequence has two potential nuclear localization signals and an unusual combination of different zinc-finger motifs, including IKAROS-like and GATA-binding sequences. We identified six different nonsense mutations in ten unrelated patients. Our findings suggest that haploinsufficiency for this putative transcription factor causes TRPS I.

Abstract  The Hutterites are a genetically isolated Anabaptist group living on the North American prairies; their population numbers over 40,000, the majority of whom are descendants of 89 founders. An autosomal recessive developmental disorder was identified in four patients from two consanguineous Hutterite families. To our knowledge the clinical presentation is unique and undescribed. The patients have distinctive facial features, congenital malformations of the heart and genitourinary system, head circumference at the 2nd centile and developmental delay. The facial features include tall forehead with high anterior hairline, deep-set eyes with short, upslanted palpebral fissures, long nose with low-hanging columella, and thick vermilion of the upper and lower lip. Karyotype and baseline metabolic studies were normal. An identity-by-descent mapping approach was used to localize the gene for this disorder. The patients were genotyped using Affymetrix GeneChip Human Mapping 10 K (Xba 2.0) and 50 K (Xba 240) Arrays which identified a single 5.5 Mb homozygous region at chromosome 16p13.3. To confirm and refine the boundaries of this region, microsatellite markers were used to genotype the patients, their parents, and the available unaffected siblings. The disease locus was refined to a region of 5.1 Mb containing 173 known or predicted genes. No other recessive disorders with similar clinical features are currently mapped to this region. The coding regions of over fifteen genes, prioritized by microarray expression analysis and information available in public databases, have been sequenced, but no potential pathogenic mutations have been identified. The identification of the gene for this syndrome will provide new insights into development and learning.

Abstract  BACKGROUND: Recently the "Union for International Cancer Control" (UICC) and the "American Joint Committee on Cancer" (AJCC) changed their TNM (tumor, node, metastasis) classification of cutaneous carcinomas.

METHODS: We compared these classifications, tested their practicability with 615 prospectively collected, unselected, primary cutaneous squamous cell carcinomas, and introduced additional classification criteria.

RESULTS: Neither classification contains information about prognosis. Non-metastasizing types of cutaneous carcinoma should be excluded. The vermilion border of the lower lip and the eyelids should be included. Both systems have been improved, but in part they are irreproducible. The AJCC has introduced six "high-risk features" to differentiate between T1 and T2. However, this does not seem reasonable. Only rare cases are classified as T4. Both systems have different N classifications. A clinical cT classification based on tumor size 2 cm seems reasonable but not sufficient. It should be complemented by a postoperative p (pathologic) T classification based on tumor thickness: "no risk"≤ 2 mm thickness (0% risk of metastasis), "low risk" > 2 mm to 6 mm thickness (4% risk of metastasis), and "high risk" > 6 mm thickness (16% risk of metastasis). Immune suppression, poor differentiation/desmoplasia, and the ear as tumor site are additional risk factors for metastasis, currently not evaluable.

CONCLUSIONS: The classifications are unsuitable for a realistic estimate of the risk of metastasis which is possible using a combination of tumor size and thickness. The N staging system should consider histopathologic findings.

Abstract  Approximately 3.4 billion tons (Gt) of iron ores containing > 50 percent Fe were: produced from U.S. mines in the Lake Superior region front 1848 until they were exhausted 20 to 30 years ago. The Vermilion Range in Minnesota produced nearly 100 million tons (Mt) of this ore from Archean greenstone belt-hosted iron formation. The remaining production has come from Proterozoic strata including 2.3 Gt from tire Mesabi and 100 Mt from the Cuyuna Ranges in Minnesota while Michigan and Wisconsin contributed 230 Mt from the Marc quette Range, 290 Mt from the Menominee Range, and 325 Mt from the Gogebic Range. The protore of these direct-shipping ores are carbonate- or oxide-facies banded iron formations that contained 25 to 35 percent Fe prior to undergoing leaching (desilicification), oxidation, and volume loss. The conventional model ascribing these changes to supergene processes has recently been challenged by research showing that hypogene fluids, channeled by faults into structurally favorable horizons and settings, have played a dominant role in producing some of the high-grade (> 60% Fe) ores that are presently providing much of the world's iron ore. Descriptions of the North American iron ores, generally starting with the U.S. Geological Survey monographs published at the beginning of the 2011, century provide many tantalizing clues, suggesting that hypogene fluids have indeed played all important role in the evolution of some of these districts. Application of modern geophysical techniques and structural and geochemical analyses stay well guide the discovery of new high-grade ores either below or adjacent to the historic mining area. The time seems to be ripe for exploration to return to the area that can claim to have begun geologists' understanding of this most important ore deposit type.

Abstract  INTRODUCTION: The aim of this before-after clinical trial was to evaluate nasolabial soft tissue changes in the frontal plane after bimaxillary surgery.

METHODS: A total of 20 skeletal Class III Iranian patients needing bimaxillary Le Fort I osteotomy plus mandibular setback surgery were enrolled in this trial. Patients underwent 4.02 ± 1.02 mm of maxillary advancement (Le Fort I osteotomy, 4.33 ± 1.21 mm in men, 3.81 ± 0.86 mm in women) and 7.13 ± 1.74 mm of mandibular setback (intraoral vertical ramus osteotomy, 7.71 ± 2.33 mm in men, and 6.74 ± 1.16 mm in women). Data were acquired via 2D frontal photographs. We compared pretreatment baseline (T1), preoperative postorthodontic treatment (T2), and postoperative (T3) anthropometric measurements using repeated-measures ANOVA and Bonferroni tests (α = 0.05).

RESULT: The 20 patients (12 men, 8 women) were aged 21.85 ± 1.75 years. Between T1and T2, nasal width, cutaneous upper labial heights increased overall; cutaneous lower labial height decreased (P < 0.05). Between T2and T3, nasal width, widths of the philtrum and mouth, cutaneous upper-lip height, vermilion height of the lower lip, lateral upper-lip height increased; the upper-lip vermilion height and cutaneous lower lip height decreased (P < 0.05). The changes ranged between 0.5 and 5 mm.

CONCLUSION: The applied orthognathic surgery procedures might widen the alar base and mouth width. It might increase the lateral upper-lip height, vermilion height of the lower lip, and cutaneous and overall upper-lip heights while reducing upper-lip vermilion height and shortening the overall lower-lip height.

Abstract  Despite the fact that Kees van Dongen was one of the most famous painters of the twentieth century, only little information about his palette and his technique is available. To contribute to the characterization of van Dongen's painting materials, La Violoniste, painted by the artist around 1922, has been analyzed by using three complementary techniques: macro X-ray fluorescence (MA-XRF), Raman spectroscopy and hyperspectral imaging. The elemental repartition given by MA-XRF and the results obtained thanks to Raman spectroscopy help us to complete the identification of pigments contained in La Violoniste (lead white, iron oxides, cadmium yellow, vermilion, Prussian blue, titanium white, ultramarine, a red lake, a chromium pigment and carbon black) while the results obtained via hyperspectral imaging reveal a hidden woman portrait. Besides the fact that Kees van Dongen was particularly renowned for his female portraits, this hidden composition presents stylistic similarities with the well-known portraits produced by the artist from around 1920, when he was a famous worldly portraitist. Thanks to Raman spectroscopy, visual examination and MA-XRF, we show that the original background contains ultramarine, the hidden portrait's clothes are maybe made of the same colour as the present violinist's dress and her face contains zinc, contrary to the violinist's flesh which is mainly made of lead white.

Abstract  A microfluidic sensing platform (MSP) for the detection of bio/chemicals has been successfully developed. Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS)-based microfluidic channels were fabricated using master molds created with printed circuit board (PCB) technology. Silver (Ag)-based ink was employed to inkjet print interdigitated electrodes on flexible polyethylene terephthalate (PET) substrate. The printed PET substrate and PDMS were bonded to form the MSP. The capability of the fabricated MSP for detecting very low concentrations of heavy metal compounds was investigated. The electrochemical impedance spectroscopy response of the MSP revealed picomolar concentration levels of detection for mercury sulfide and cadmium sulfide. The results obtained demonstrated the feasibility of integrating conventional PCB and printing technology to create flexible MSPs for heavy metal sensing applications.

Abstract  The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of orthodontic treatment, involving the extraction of four premolars, on vermilion height and lip area. Twenty-eight female patients (mean 21.9 ± 3.1 years) who were diagnosed with bimaxillary protrusion were selected for this study to be treated by extraction of four premolars. The control group consisted of 28 female volunteers (mean 25.0 ± 3.0 years) with Angle Class I normal occlusion. Frontal photographs of the patients were taken both before and after the orthodontic treatment in resting position. Thirty-five landmarks on the upper and lower lips were identified for the measurements of vermilion height and lip area. Lateral cephalograms were taken before and after active orthodontic treatment, and linear and angular measurements were performed. The mean pre-treatment values of vermilion height and lip area were significantly greater in the treatment group than those of the control group and decreased significantly after the orthodontic treatment towards the values in the control group. There were no significant differences in the vermilion height and lip area between the post-treatment and the control groups, except for lower lip area values. Significant correlations found between the changes in incisor position and the changes in vermilion height were few in number for the upper lip but greater in number for the lower lip. Thus, the results of this study show that bimaxillary protrusion cases can be treated by the extraction of four premolars to produce an aesthetic improvement in frontal facial features.

Abstract  BACKGROUND: Surgical and orthodontic treatment of unilateral cleft lip +/- palate can produce dramatic changes in nasolabial form; however, the lack of ideal methods with which to objectively document three-dimensional form limits the ability to assess treatment outcomes. The purpose of this study was to determine the reliability of three-dimensional stereophotogrammetry for anthropometric assessment of the unilateral cleft lip +/- palate deformity in infants before cleft lip repair.

METHODS: Preoperative three-dimensional images were acquired from 26 consecutive patients with unrepaired unilateral cleft lip +/- palate. Three raters performed indirect anthropometry on each image on two separate occasions, with at least 1 week between rating sessions. One rater performed direct measurements on participants before surgery while in the operating room. Twenty-six linear and angular measurements were considered, and intrarater, interrater, and intermethod reliability were assessed.

RESULTS: Regarding intrarater and interrater reliability, most measurements had Pearson coefficients greater than 0.75, mean differences less than 0.8 mm, and mean proportional differences less than 0.1. For measurements involving vermilion height, nostril remnants, or Cupid's bow width, Pearson coefficients ranged from 0.3 to 0.75, mean differences ranged from 0.4 to 0.9 mm, and mean proportional differences ranged from 0.1 to 0.3. Regarding intermethod reliability, correlation coefficients ranged from 0.4 to 0.75 for most measurements. The mean differences for nose and lip measurements were less than 1 mm and between 0.8 and 1.3 mm, respectively.

CONCLUSION: Three-dimensional stereophotogrammetry provides a reliable method for many anthropometric measurements of nasolabial form in infants with unrepaired unilateral cleft lip +/- palate.

CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Diagnostic, II.

Abstract  Geophysical studies of upper mantle structure can provide constraints on diamond formation. Teleseismic and magnetotelluric data can be used in diamond exploration by mapping the depth of the lithosphere-asthenosphere boundary. Studies in the central Slave Craton and at Fort-a-la-Corne have detected conductors in the lithospheric mantle close to, or beneath, diamondiferous kimberlites. Graphite can potentially explain the enhanced conductivity and may imply the presence of diamonds at greater depth. Petrologic arguments suggest that the shallow lithospheric mantle may be too oxidized to contain graphite. Other diamond-bearing regions show no upper mantle conductor suggesting that the correlation with diamondiferous kimberlites is not universal. The Buffalo Head Hills in Alberta host diamondiferous kimberlites in a Proterozoic terrane and may have formed in a subduction zone setting. Long period magnetotelluric data were used to investigate the upper mantle resistivity structure of this region. Magnetotelluric (MT) data were recorded at 23 locations on a north-south profile extending from Fort Vermilion to Utikuma Lake and an east-west profile at 57.2 degrees N. The data were combined with Lithoprobe MT data and inverted to produce a three-dimensional (3-D) resistivity model with the asthenosphere at 180-220 km depth. This model did not contain an upper mantle conductor beneath the Buffalo Head Hills kimberlites. The 3-D inversion exhibited an eastward dipping conductor in the crust beneath the Kiskatinaw terrane that could represent the fossil subduction zone that supplied the carbon for diamond formation. The low resistivity at crustal depths in this structure is likely due to graphite derived from subducted organic material.

Abstract  Objective: Unilateral complete cleft lip patients treated with or without a primary nasal correction at the time of cleft lip repair were compared to evaluate the relevance of early surgical correction of the nose by using two assessments: nasal symmetry and morbidity,

Design, Setting, Patients: The no nasal correction group (NNC, n = 19) was operated by surgeon A using the Millard technique. The primary nasal correction group (PNC, n = 9) was operated by surgeon B combining the modified Millard technique with a columellar lift and alar mobilization. Symmetry was assessed on two sets of standardized photographs at 9 years of age using a computer-assisted analysis. Both cleft groups were compared with normal controls (NC, n = 20). The computer method included area and angular measurements. Morbidity was assessed by the number of procedures on the vermilion, the lip, and/ or nose for revisional surgery up to the age of 9 (NNC, n = 26; PNC, n = 12).

Results: No significant differences in symmetry were found between the NNC and PNC groups regarding the area and angular measurements. With regard to the area measurements, both cleft groups produced a significant asymmetry when compared to the NC group. Concerning the angular measurements, however, the NNC group differed significantly from the NC group, whereas such a difference could not be noted between the PNC group and NC group. With respect to morbidity, no revisional procedures were performed in the PNC group. The number of revisional procedures in the NNC group was 16 in 10 patients.

Conclusion: Results are presented that favor, up to the age of 9 years, a primary nasal correction at the time of cleft lip repair.

Abstract  Danshen or Chinese red sage (Salvia miltiorrhiza, Bunge) is used by traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) practitioners to treat neurological, cardiovascular, and cerebrovascular disorders and is included in some TCM formulations to control epileptic seizures. In this study, acetonic crude extracts of danshen inhibited pentylenetetrazol (PTZ)-induced seizure activity in zebrafish larvae. Subsequent zebrafish bioassay-guided fractionation of the extract resulted in the isolation of four major tanshinones, which suppressed PTZ-induced activity to varying degrees. One of the active tanshinones, tanshinone IIA, also reduced c-fos expression in the brains of PTZ-exposed zebrafish larvae. In rodent seizure models, tanshinone IIA showed anticonvulsive activity in the mouse 6-Hz psychomotor seizure test in a biphasic manner and modified seizure thresholds in a complex manner for the mouse i.v. PTZ seizure assay. Interestingly, tanshinone IIA is used as a prescription drug in China to address cerebral ischemia in patients. Here, we provide the first in vivo evidence demonstrating that tanshinone IIA has anticonvulsant properties as well.

Abstract  We used microneurography to investigate the functional properties of low-threshold mechanoreceptive afferents innervating the oral mucosa of the inside of the lower lip. Impulse responses were recorded from the inferior alveolar nerve of four human subjects. The threshold force and receptive field boundaries were identified for 19 single mechanoreceptive afferents using thin filaments (von Frey hairs) that applied known forces to the mucosa. Most of the receptive fields were located close to the corners of the mouth. Twelve of the afferents were slowly adapting (SA) and the remaining seven units were fast adapting (FA). Two types of slowly adapting responses were observed, SA I and SA II. Four of the six SA II units were spontaneously active. The geometric mean value of the receptive field sizes was 4.20 mm(2) for the SA I units, 5.65 mm(2) for the SA II units, and 5.60 mm(2) for the FA I units. None of the FA afferents showed response properties characteristic of Pacinian-corpuscle type afferents (FA II units). All afferents showed low force threshold between 0.06 and 1 mN. The properties of the mechanoreceptors supplying the human labial mucosa appear more similar to those of the vermilion and facial skin of the lower lip than those supplying the mucosa of the dorsal tongue.

Abstract  BACKGROUND: In this study, we investigated the functional and aesthetic results in new lip formation using modified Bernard reconstruction technique after tumour excision in lower lip cancers.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study included 47 patients. All were operated due to lower labial squamous cell carcinoma and underwent defect reconstruction using modified Bernard technique. The patients were separated into two groups as: 50-70% and 70% total defect occurring after surgical excision. The functional and aesthetic assessments were done after at least 1 year had passed, and the results were compared statistically with a control group.

RESULTS: Of the 18 patients with 50-70% defect, sensibility was normal in 16 (89%) and complete competence was determined in all (100%). In 17 patients (94%), complete and symmetric pouting and mouth-opening movements were ensured. Normal mouth opening was noted in all patients. Nasolabial asymmetry was detected in one patient (6%) and apparent mentolabial scar tissue was detected in two patients (11%). The new vermilion was of equal width to the upper lip vermilion in 15 patients (83%). Of the 29 patients with 70% total defect, sensibility was normal in 21 (72%) and complete competence was detected in 27 patients (93%). Sialorrhoea on fluid intake was detected in one patient (3.5%) and sialorrhoea at rest in one patient (3.5%). In 22 patients (76%), complete and symmetric pouting and mouth-opening movements were ensured. Normal mouth opening was noted in 27 (93%) of the 29 patients. Asymmetry in nasolabial fold was detected in one patient (3.5%), apparent scar tissue in nasolabial fold in one patient (3.5%) and commissure asymmetry in one patient (3.5%). In 25 patients (86%), the new vermilion was of equal width to the upper lip vermilion. No statistically significant difference was found (p>0.05) among the two patient groups and the control group in terms of functional and aesthetic results.

CONCLUSION: Modified Bernard technique provides a good degree of lip mobility and sensation after excision of lower lip malignant tumour and produces acceptable results.

Abstract  BACKGROUND: The functional properties of human lips depend on their hydration level. Limited data are, however, available.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate water distribution through the lower lip surface.

METHODS: Images from the surface of the lip were recorded using a new capacitance imaging technique. Capacitance and conductance measurements were also carried out in various points of lower lip and on adjacent skin.

RESULTS: Data clearly show that the closest part of the mucosa of the lip is less hydrated than the external part. These unexpected findings could be related to the presence of a premucosa area whose structure is clearly different from that of vermilion zone.

Abstract  In this work were characterized the palettes of some of the most representative Brazilian painters from the XIX century: Eliseu Visconti, Almeida Junior, Rodolfo Amoedo, Henrique Bernardelli, Rafael Frederico, Modesto Brocos, Augusto Rodrigues Duarte and Pedro Peres. EDXRF measurements were carried out with a portable system consisting of an X-ray tube Oxford TF3005 and a Si-PIN XR-100CR detector from Amptek. Some pigments identified were: zinc and lead white, ochre, umber, vermilion, Prussian blue, cobalt blue, cadmium yellow, black iron oxide, etc.

Abstract  Tidal wetlands contain large reservoirs of carbon in their soils and can sequester carbon dioxide (CO2) at a greater rate per unit area than nearly any other ecosystem. The spatial distribution of this carbon influences climate and wetland policy. To assist with international accords such as the Paris Climate Agreement, national-level assessments such as the United States (U.S.) National Greenhouse Gas Inventory, and regional, state, local, and project-level evaluation of CO2sequestration credits, we developed a geodatabase (CoBluCarb) and high-resolution maps of soil organic carbon (SOC) distribution by linking National Wetlands Inventory data with the U.S. Soil Survey Geographic Database. For over 600,000 wetlands, the total carbon stock and organic carbon density was calculated at 5-cm vertical resolution from 0 to 300 cm of depth. Across the continental United States, there are 1,153-1,359 Tg of SOC in the upper 0-100 cm of soils across a total of 24 945.9 km2of tidal wetland area, twice as much carbon as the most recent national estimate. Approximately 75% of this carbon was found in estuarine emergent wetlands with freshwater tidal wetlands holding about 19%. The greatest pool of SOC was found within the Atchafalaya/Vermilion Bay complex in Louisiana, containing about 10% of the U.S. total. The average density across all tidal wetlands was 0.071 g cm-3across 0-15 cm, 0.055 g cm-3across 0-100 cm, and 0.040 g cm-3at the 100 cm depth. There is inherent variability between and within individual wetlands; however, we conclude that it is possible to use standardized values at a range of 0-100 cm of the soil profile, to provide first-order quantification and to evaluate future changes in carbon stocks in response to environmental perturbations. This Tier 2-oriented carbon stock assessment provides a scientific method that can be copied by other nations in support of international requirements.

Abstract  Chinese red yeast rice (RYR), a food herb made by fermenting Monascus purpureus Went yeast on white rice, contains a mixture of eight different monacolins that inhibit cholesterogenesis and also red pigments with antioxidant properties. Monacolin K (MK) is identical to lovastatin (LV). Both LV and RYR contain statins, which could inhibit de novo cholesterogenesis, which is critical to the growth of tumor cells. Dysregulation of the cholesterol biosynthetic pathway has been demonstrated during progression to androgen independence in xenograft models, and it has been proposed that cholesterogenesis and androgen receptor (AR) up-regulation are essential to androgen-independent cell survival. This study was designed to examine the differences between the effects of RYR and LV on androgen-dependent LNCaP cells and androgen-independent cells overexpressing AR (LNCaP-AR). RYR showed more potent inhibition effect on prostate cancer cell growth compared to LV. Both the pigment and monacolin-enriched fractions purified from RYR inhibited proliferation (P < .001) to a lesser extent than intact RYR. While mevalonate, an inhibitor of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase (HMGCR), restored proliferation in LV-treated cells, it failed to do so in RYR-treated cells. Expression of the HMGCR gene was up-regulated by LV (P < .001) but not RYR in both LNCaP and LNCaP-AR cells. These results suggest that the RYR matrix beyond MK alone may be bioactive in inhibiting androgen-dependent and -independent prostate cancer growth. In vivo studies are needed to further establish the potential advantages of RYR over LV in prostate cancer chemoprevention and in the prevention of the emergence of androgen independence.

Abstract  The objective of this study was to estimate Argia vivida (Odonata: Coenagrionidae) populations, identify breeding habitat, and investigate movement of adults within Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada, during the summer of 2003. Mark-recapture techniques and standardized dip-net surveys were used to monitor Argia vivida at various life stages. A reproductive index identified which sites Argia vivida recognized as suitable breeding habitat, and exuvia surveys confirmed breeding sites. The basic structure of emergent and surrounding vegetation was measured to investigate the importance of available ovipositing or roosting sites and the condition of the matrix habitat. Data was recorded for Amphiagrion abbreviatum and Ischnura cervula (both Odonata: Coenagrionidae) to determine if these spring-associated damselflies were successfully breeding within Banff National Park. Comparisons were made between the highly protected Middle Springs and the heavily altered Cave & Basin Springs. Additional surveys at the Vermilion Lake cool spring and Middle Springs Bog investigated their use as breeding habitat for Amphiagrion abbreviatum and Argia vivida, respectively. Results suggest the ecological value of thermal springs extends beyond their origin to outflows and downstream pools. Conservation of Argia vivida must recognize the value of unobstructed thermal outflows, and consider the condition of the forested habitat surrounding springs with regard to its potential use as nocturnal roosts and dispersal corridors. Amphiagrion abbreviatum was confirmed breeding within Banff National Park, while no sign of breeding activity was recorded for Ischnura cervula.

Abstract  Addison's disease, or primary adrenal insufficiency, results in glucocorticoid and mineralocorticoid deficiency. Orthostatic hypotension, fever, and hypoglycemia characterize acute adrenal crisis, whereas chronic primary adrenal insufficiency presents with a more insidious history of malaise, anorexia, diarrhea, weight loss, joint, and back pain. The cutaneous manifestations include darkening of the skin especially in sun-exposed areas and hyperpigmentation of the palmar creases, frictional surfaces, vermilion border, recent scars, genital skin, and oral mucosa. Measurement of basal plasma cortisol is an insensitive screening test. Synthetic adrenocorticotropin 1-24 at a dose of 250 microg works well as a dynamic test. Elevated plasma levels of adrenocorticotropin and renin confirm the diagnosis. Treatment involves replacement of the deficient hormones.