Purpose of review: The purpose of this review is to present an update on the evidence-based effects of exercise in systemic lupus erythematosus and in primary Sjögren's syndrome. Recent findings: Physical capacity is reduced in both systemic lupus erythematosus and primary Sjögren's syndrome and fatigue is a dominating and disabling symptom in both conditions. The documentation on the effect of e

Objectives: The aim of this study was to establish wild-type MIC distributions of first-line drugs for Mycobacterium tuberculosis, as well as to explore the usefulness of such distributions when setting clinical breakpoints. Methods: We determined the MICs of rifampicin, isonlazid and ethambutol for M. tuberculosis using a Middlebrook 7H10 dilution method for 90 consecutive clinical isolates, 8 re

Poststernotomy mediastinitis, also commonly called deep sternal wound infection, is one of the most feared complications in patients undergoing cardiac surgery. The overall incidence of poststernotomy mediastinitis is relatively low, between 1% and 3%, however, this complication is associated with a significant mortality, usually reported to vary between 10% and 25%. At the present time, there is

Mass transport in pervaporation of multi-component mixtures of homologous series of alcohols and esters through composite pervaporation membranes has been investigated. Pervaporation experiments were performed in a concentration range relevant for aroma recovery, using a membrane with an active layer of poly (octyl) methylsiloxane (POMS) caste on a porous polyetherimide (PEI) support. The fluxes,

BACKGROUND: Most cardioplegic solutions have been developed using the classic Langendorf heart perfusion model, which only allows a short experimental follow-up. Our aim was to investigate hearts after prolonged storage by using a physiologic model including prolonged perfusion with normal, fresh blood. METHODS: Sixteen hearts from 60-kg pigs were preserved with dextran-enriched (dextran-40, 35 g/

The implementation of the Biofuels Directive (2003/30/EC) in 25 member states is assessed here. Implementation problems are identified and analysed for the purpose of suggesting a way forward for biofuels policy in the European Union. Three main patterns are observed: effective implementation, formal compliance and weak implementation. Problems encountered in the policy process are both of a pract

The Tyrone Central Inlier is a metamorphic terrane of uncertain affinity situated outboard of the main Dalradian outcrop (south of the Fair Head-Clew Bay Line) and could represent sub-arc basement to part of the enigmatic Midland Valley Terrane. Using a combination of isotopic, structural and petrographic evidence, the tectonothermal evolution of the Tyrone Central Inlier was investigated. Sillima

Comparative analysis of expressed sequence tags is becoming an important tool in molecular ecology for comparing gene expression in organisms grown in certain environments. Additionally, expressed sequence tag database information can be used for the construction of DNA microarrays and for the detection of single nucleotide polymorphisms. For such applications, we present PHOREST, a web-based tool

BACKGROUND & AIMS: The aim of this study was to perform a meta-analysis of the efficacy results from 3 placebo-controlled multicenter clinical trials of slow-release mesalamine (Pentasa) for the acute treatment of mild to moderate Crohn's disease. METHODS: Three trials fulfilled the selection criteria (double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized studies in adult patients treated with Pentasa

The autodetachment of 1s2s2p 4p0 in He- and nsnp 2 4P(e) in Be- (n = 2), Mg- (n = 3), and Ca- (n = 4) is calculated using an extension to continum processes of the multiconfiguration Hartree-Fock method. The main interest is to investigate the processes giving rise to long-lived, metastable states in negative ions. In He- and Be- our results agree with earlier experimental and theoretical ones, an

Adenovirus-based (Ad) vectors are used widely for experimental gene transfer to the CNS. Ad transduce many cell types including postmitotic neurons. However, their use for, CNS gene transfer is limited due to the host immune response elicited. Furthermore, the extensive distribution of the primary cellular receptor for Ad, the coxsackievirus and adenovirus receptor (CAR), allows adenoviral vectors

An effective solvent model with an explicit solvent representation is described. The modelled perturbation of the solute due to the discrete solvent molecules includes polarization and a non-electrostatic interaction. The latter depends on the overlap between the solute wave function and the solvent orbitals and approximately accounts for the restraint the Pauli principle puts on the space which t

Individual differences in animal behavior can be attributed to genetic as well as non-genetic influences. One mechanism by which the behavioral phenotype of an individual can be shaped is via transmission of maternal sex steroids. In this study, we examined the role of yolk testosterone (T) in controlling neophobia in 9-month-old, sexually mature zebra finches (Taeniopygia guttata). Offspring hatc