Although more than 40 infectious diseases may be transmitted by bedbugs, actual transmission of any of those diseases has not been proven to date. This review presents the biological characteristics of Cimex lectularius and C. hemipterus, the public health risks of those parasites, and countermeasures this website to identify and treat infestations. The goal is to put news-media accounts of bedbugs into the proper context of our current scientific understanding of
their characteristics.”
“Background/Aims: alpha-Synuclein (SNCA) may be a key factor in dopaminergic neurotransmission, reward processing, and neurodegeneration in Parkinson’s disease (PD). We investigated delay discounting of reward and caudate volume in SNCA gene duplication carriers before and after the development of PD. Methods: Participants were 7 presymptomatic SNCA duplication carriers who later developed PD (follow-up period: 5.4 years) and 10 matched non-carrier controls. At the follow-up MK-8776 research buy assessment, patients received levodopa (L-DOPA) therapy. Delay discounting of reward was assessed with the Kirby discounting questionnaire. We measured the volume of the caudate nucleus and cerebral
cortex using structural MRI and FreeSurfer software. Results: In the presymptomatic stage, carriers showed similar delay discounting and caudate volume to that of non-carrier controls. However, after the development of PD, we observed a significant elevation in delay discounting (impulsive decisions) and reduced caudate volume. There was no cortical atrophy. Conclusion: Impaired reward-related decision making and caudate volume loss are not selleck chemicals llc detectable in the presymptomatic stage in SNCA duplication carriers. These behavioral and neuroanatomical alterations are observed after the development of clinical symptoms when there is extensive neurodegeneration. Study limitations include a small sample size as well as the potential confounding
effect of general cognitive decline. Copyright (c) 2012 S. Karger AG, Basel”
“Aim: An intrauterine device (IUD), used by millions of women worldwide, is one of the most efficient methods of contraception. The goal of our study was to compare a group of women using the IUD to a control group.
Material & Methods: The survey included 236 women of fertile age from gynaecological practices in the area of Split and Dalmatia County, Croatia. The subjects were divided into two groups: IUD users and a control group (women not using any contraception methods). Sampling, transportation, sample processing in the laboratory and interpretation of results were conducted using standard microbiological procedures and methods.
Results: Opportunistic bacteria were statistically more frequently isolated among IUD users (P < 0.001). The most frequently isolated bacteria in both groups were Escherichia coli and Ureaplasma urealyticum with significantly higher rates in IUD users (P < 0.001).