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Sequential tilt and tilted power of thin lenses.

PURPOSE: The purposes of this article were, for any sequence of tilts applied to a thin lens, to calculate an equivalent turn and single tilt, to show how to use the equivalent turn and tilt to calculate the tilted power of the lens, and, given the desired tilted power, to calculate the power of the untilted lens necessary to compensate for the effects of tilt. The untilted lens may be stigmatic (spherical) or astigmatic (spherocylindrical). METHODS: The analysis makes use of rotation matrices to represent rotation in space and previous work in third-order optics on oblique central refraction. RESULTS: Equations are presented for calculating the combination of turn and tilt that is equivalent to any sequence of tilts. They are specialized for the particular case of combinations of faceform and pantoscopic tilts and allow the decomposition of an arbitrary tilt into a combination of turn and pantoscopic and faceform tilts. The equations also lead to a procedure for calculating or compensating for the tilted power of a sequentially tilted thin lens. CONCLUSIONS: Previous work on the effect of tilt on thin lenses has been generalized to handle combinations of arbitrary tilts.

Equipment Design↗

Perceived functional impact of abnormal facial appearance.

Functional facial deformities are usually described as those that impair respiration, eating, hearing, or speech. Yet facial scars and cutaneous deformities have a significant negative effect on social functionality that has been poorly documented in the scientific literature. Insurance companies are declining payments for reconstructive surgical procedures for facial deformities caused by congenital disabilities and after cancer or trauma operations that do not affect mechanical facial activity. The purpose of this study was to establish a large, sample-based evaluation of the perceived social functioning, interpersonal characteristics, and employability indices for a range of facial appearances (normal and abnormal). Adult volunteer evaluators (n = 210) provided their subjective perceptions based on facial physical appearance, and an analysis of the consequences of facial deformity on parameters of preferential treatment was performed. A two-group comparative research design rated the differences among 10 examples of digitally altered facial photographs of actual patients among various age and ethnic groups with "normal" and "abnormal" congenital deformities or posttrauma scars. Photographs of adult patients with observable congenital and posttraumatic deformities (abnormal) were digitally retouched to eliminate the stigmatic defects (normal). The normal and abnormal photographs of identical patients were evaluated by the large sample study group on nine parameters of social functioning, such as honesty, employability, attractiveness, and effectiveness, using a visual analogue rating scale. Patients with abnormal facial characteristics were rated as significantly less honest (p = 0.007), less employable (p = 0.001), less trustworthy (p = 0.01), less optimistic (p = 0.001), less effective (p = 0.02), less capable (p = 0.002), less intelligent (p = 0.03), less popular (p = 0.001), and less attractive (p = 0.001) than were the same patients with normal facial appearances. Facial deformity caused by trauma, congenital disabilities, and postsurgical sequelae present with significant adverse functional consequences. Facial deformities have a significant negative effect on perceptions of social functionality, including employability, honesty, and trustworthiness. Adverse perceptions of patients with facial deformities occur regardless of sex, educational level, and age of evaluator.

Adolescent↗

Treatment of human immunodeficiency virus-associated lipodystrophy with dermafat graft transfer to the malar area.

Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, a death sentence two decades ago, has been transformed into a chronic disease with a life expectancy of many years, due to the advent of highly active antiretroviral therapy. Despite virologic success, nearly 50 percent of patients on highly active antiretroviral therapy develop lipodystrophy with central and visceral fat accumulation and/or facial and limb fat atrophy. The changes are referred to as the human immunodeficiency virus lipodystrophy syndrome. The authors describe a series of five patients with antiretroviral therapy-induced lipodystrophy of the face who benefited from surgical correction of their typical stigmatizing malar atrophy. Dermafat grafts were transferred from the abdominal wall to malar pockets through a transoral approach. The aesthetic results were dramatic and stable, lasting the duration of the 1- to 2-year follow-up period.

Adipose Tissue↗

Scar flap for extension of the nasal and lip soft tissue shell in secondary cleft deformities: final aesthetic touches in clefts-part iii.

A scar flap is formed with the pedicle at the lateral part of the columella base at the cleft side, that is, in the center of the affected region. It enables flap placement according to individual need. A prospective evaluation was performed in a group of 76 patients with cleft lip and palate, all operated on by the same plastic surgeon. The flap was used to improve the height of the columella and the extent of nasal mucosa on the frontal septum and on the nostril base in the vestibule. In the lip, the flap raised its height and improved proportionality. The average area of flap used in a unilateral deformity was 42 mm. Both flaps in a bilateral deformity were 77 mm. The average follow-up was 22.4 months. Neither local nor general complications were noted apart from a recurrence of the deformity of the nasal septum in 7.9% of patients. The nasal passage was improved in 59.9% of patients and normalized in 19.6% upon follow-up rhinomanometry, but nevertheless, only one third of patients overcame their dynamic stereotype of breathing by the mouth. Anthropometric measurements showed an absence of statistically significant differences between patients after surgery and healthy individuals in crucial parameters (nasal tip projection, length of columella, nasolabial angle, nasal angle, and lip angle). The loss of the stigmatizing deformity is based on rotation of the nasolabial angle in relation to the aesthetic axis of the face. Direct examination proved aesthetic and functional improvement as statistically significant in 92.1% of patients.

Adolescent↗

Ethical issues in the use of genetic information in the workplace: a review of recent developments.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: In the wake of the Human Genome Project, the pace of genetic discovery has quickened. New genetic tests and other molecular technology have had immediate and wide relevance to American and European workers. These tests have the potential to provide improved workplace safety and protect workers' health, but they also carry the risk of genetic discrimination including loss of employment, promotion, insurance and health care. Ethical safeguards are necessary if the benefits are to outweigh the adverse consequences of genetics in the workplace. RECENT FINDINGS: This review examines the major policy statements issued in Europe and the USA from 2000 to 2005 pertaining to genetic issues in occupational health. Recent findings stress that genetic testing can only be utilized with worker consent and that the workers should control access to genetic information. Such testing is only justified when the information is required to protect the safety of the worker or a third party. The progress of occupational genetic technology should not be permitted to shift the responsibility for a safe working environment from the employer to the employee. Genetic discrimination in all forms is neither supported scientifically nor warranted ethically. SUMMARY: Increasingly, occupational physicians and clinicians treating workers will be faced with potentially stigmatizing genetic information and there is an urgent need for education and research to expand and implement the recommendations of major governmental and professional policy statements.

Editorial↗

Mental illness and employment discrimination.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Work is a major determinant of mental health and a socially integrating force. To be excluded from the workforce creates material deprivation, erodes self-confidence, creates a sense of isolation and marginalization and is a key risk factor for mental disability. This review summarizes recent evidence pertaining to employment-related stigma and discrimination experienced by people with mental disabilities. A broad understanding of the stigmatization process is adopted, which includes cognitive, attitudinal, behavioural and structural disadvantages. RECENT FINDINGS: Stigma is both a proximate and a distal cause of employment inequity for people with a mental disability who experience direct discrimination because of prejudicial attitudes from employers and workmates and indirect discrimination owing to historical patterns of disadvantage, structural disincentives against competitive employment and generalized policy neglect. Against this background, modern mental health rehabilitation models and legislative philosophies, which focus on citizenship rights and full social participation, are to be welcomed. Yet, recent findings demonstrate that the legislation remains vulnerable to the very prejudicial attitudes they are intended to abate. SUMMARY: Research conducted during the past year continues to highlight multiple attitudinal and structural barriers that prevent people with mental disabilities from becoming active participants in the competitive labour market.

Employment↗

Health education for self-management by people with epilepsy.

As a heavily stigmatized disorder, epilepsy is surrounded by a number of common misconceptions which can contribute to poor psychosocial adjustment and problems in the medical management of this condition. Epilepsy is amendable to behavioral intervention. As with other chronic disorders, people with epilepsy should receive systematic health education about how to manage the condition most effectively.

Behavior Therapy↗

Drooling.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Drooling is the involuntary spillage of saliva from the mouth. It is a major morbidity associated with cerebral palsy and other neurodegenerative disorders. The consequences of drooling are not restricted to medical issues but can cause major social handicaps. Severe psycho-social consequences, such as social stigmatization and emotional devastation for the patients and their families, may result. This paper reviews recent developments in the management of drooling. RECENT FINDINGS: Recent publications report encouraging results with botulinum toxin A. Several surgeons report on their long-term results. Reviews analyze anticholinergic drugs, surgical options, biofeedback, behavioral and speech therapy, and a multidisciplinary team approach. SUMMARY: A team approach is the key to successful rehabilitation. Oromotor therapy is the most useful nonsurgical option. Drugs are unsuitable for long-term use due to adverse effects causing serious medical complications or noncompliance. Botulinum toxin A injection is promising, but no data exists on optimal dosage, duration of action and frequency of repeat injections. Bilateral submandibular duct relocation with bilateral sublingual gland excision has been shown to be effective and safe in long-term follow-up of the largest series of patients. At present, it is the best available surgical option.

Humans↗

Brief Report: Beyond Testing: Exploring the Psychosocial Impact of HIV Self-Testing Among Ugandan Gender-Diverse Sex Workers.

BACKGROUND: The psychosocial effect of HIV self-testing (HIVST) on sex workers' self-esteem, depression, alcohol misuse, perceived sex work stigma, and empowerment remains poorly characterized. We hypothesized that HIVST would reduce sex work stigma and improve these psychosocial outcomes by enabling private, autonomous testing and reducing exposure to stigmatizing healthcare encounters. SETTING: Kampala, Uganda. METHODS: We conducted a secondary analysis of the Empower study (NCT03426670), an open-label randomized trial in which 117 cisgender female, transgender female, and cisgender male sex workers were assigned 1:1 to monthly HIVST plus quarterly clinic-based testing, or to quarterly clinic-based testing alone, and followed for 12 months. Self-esteem (Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale), depressive symptoms (PHQ-2), alcohol misuse (RAPS4), perceived sex work stigma (adapted Female Sex Worker Stigma Scale), and empowerment were assessed quarterly. Mixed-effects regression models, adjusted for baseline values, evaluated intervention effects. RESULTS: Data from 117 participants were analyzed, including 7 early disenrollments. Over 12 months, HIVST participants reported significantly lower perceived sex work stigma than standard of care participants (β = -0.38, P = 0.04; monthly reduction P = 0.003), although the rate of decline did not differ significantly between arms (interaction P = 0.08). Self-esteem and depressive symptoms improved in both arms, with no between-arm differences (interaction P = 0.41 and 0.32). Alcohol misuse and empowerment showed no significant arm differences. CONCLUSION: HIVST may reduce sex work stigma without adverse psychosocial effects, supporting its integration into combination HIV prevention for gender-diverse sex workers in sub-Saharan Africa.

Humans↗

Investigating mechanisms involved in the self-incompatibility response in Papaver rhoeas.

Sexual reproduction in flowering plants is controlled by recognition mechanisms involving the male gametophyte (the pollen) and the female sporophyte (the pistil). Self-incompatibility (SI) involves the recognition and rejection of self- or incompatible pollen by the pistil. In Papaver rhoeas, SI uses a Ca(2+)-based signalling cascade triggered by the S-protein, which is encoded by the stigmatic component of the S-locus. This results in the rapid inhibition of incompatible pollen tube growth. We have identified several targets of the SI signalling cascade, including protein kinases, the actin cytoskeleton and nuclear DNA. Here, we summarize progress made on currently funded projects in our laboratory investigating some of the components targeted by SI, comprising (i) the characterization of a pollen phosphoprotein (p26) that is rapidly phosphorylated upon an incompatible SI response; (ii) the identification and characterization of a pollen mitogen-activated protein kinase (p56), which exhibits enhanced activation during SI; (iii) characterizing components involved in the reorganization and depolymerization of the actin cytoskeleton during the SI response; and (iv) investigating whether the SI response involves a programmed cell death signalling cascade.

Actins↗

Pollen performance before and during the autotrophic-heterotrophic transition of pollen tube growth.

For species with bicellular pollen, the attrition of pollen tubes is often greatest where the style narrows at the transition between stigmatic tissue and the transmitting tissue of the style. In this region, the tubes switch from predominantly autotrophic to predominantly heterotrophic growth, the generative cell divides, the first callose plugs are produced, and, in species with RNase-type self-incompatibility (SI), incompatible tubes are arrested. We review the literature and present new findings concerning the genetic, environmental and stylar influences on the performance of pollen before and during the autotrophic-heterotrophic transition of pollen tube growth. We found that the ability of the paternal sporophyte to provision its pollen during development significantly influences pollen performance during the autotrophic growth phase. Consequently, under conditions of pollen competition, pollen selection during the autotrophic phase is acting on the phenotype of the paternal sporophyte. In a field experiment, using Cucurbita pepo, we found broad-sense heritable variation for herbivore-pathogen resistance, and that the most resistant families produced larger and better performing pollen when the paternal sporophytes were not protected by insecticides, indicating that selection during the autotrophic phase can act on traits that are not expressed by the microgametophyte. In a study of a weedy SI species, Solanum carolinense, we found that the ability of the styles to arrest self-pollen tubes at the autotrophic-heterotrophic transition changes with floral age and the presence of developing fruits. These findings have important implications for selection at the level of the microgametophyte and the evolution of mating systems of plants.

Cucurbita↗

The experience of the 2003 SARS outbreak as a traumatic stress among frontline healthcare workers in Toronto: lessons learned.

The outbreak of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) in the first half of 2003 in Canada was unprecedented in several respects. Understanding the psychological impact of the outbreak on healthcare workers, especially those in hospitals, is important in planning for future outbreaks of emerging infectious diseases. This review draws upon qualitative and quantitative studies of the SARS outbreak in Toronto to outline the factors that contributed to healthcare workers' experiencing the outbreak as a psychological trauma. Overall, it is estimated that a high degree of distress was experienced by 29-35% of hospital workers. Three categories of contributory factors were identified. Relevant contextual factors were being a nurse, having contact with SARS patients and having children. Contributing attitudinal factors and processes were experiencing job stress, perceiving stigmatization, coping by avoiding crowds and colleagues, and feeling scrutinized. Pre-existing trait factors also contributed to vulnerability. Lessons learned from the outbreak include: (i) that effort is required to mitigate the psychological impact of infection control procedures, especially the interpersonal isolation that these procedures promote; (ii) that effective risk communication is a priority early in an outbreak; (iii) that healthcare workers may have a role in influencing patterns of media coverage that increase or decrease morale; (iv) that healthcare workers benefit from resources that facilitate reflection on the effects of extraordinary stressors; and (v) that healthcare workers benefit from practical interventions that demonstrate tangible support from institutions.

Disease Outbreaks↗

Ectopic expression of carpel-specific MADS box genes from lily and lisianthus causes similar homeotic conversion of sepal and petal in Arabidopsis.

Two MADS box genes, Lily MADS Box Gene 2 (LMADS2) and Eustoma grandiflorum MADS Box Gene 1 (EgMADS1), with an extensive similarity to the petunia (Petunia hybrida) FLORAL BINDING PROTEIN 7/11 and Arabidopsis AGL11, were characterized from the lily (Lilium longiflorum) and lisianthus (Eustoma grandiflorum). The expression of LMADS2 and EgMADS1 mRNA was restricted to the carpel and was absent in the other flower organs or vegetative leaves. LMADS2 mRNA was detected mainly in ovules and weakly in style tissues of the carpel, whereas EgMADS1 mRNA was only expressed in the ovules. Transgenic Arabidopsis plants ectopically expressing LMADS2 or EgMADS1 showed similar novel phenotypes resembling 35S::AGAMOUS plants by significantly reducing plant size, flowering early, and losing inflorescence indeterminacy. Ectopic expression of these two genes also generated similar ap2-like flowers by inducing homeotic conversion of the sepals into carpel-like structures in which stigmatic papillae and ovules were observed. In addition, the petals were converted into stamen-like structures in the second whorl of 35S::LMADS2 and 35S::EgMADS1 transgenic Arabidopsis. Our data indicated that LMADS2 and EgMADS1 are putative D functional MADS box genes in lily and lisianthus with a function similar to C functional genes once ectopically expressed in Arabidopsis.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Temporal and spatial regulation of 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate oxidase in the pollination-induced senescence of orchid flowers.

Pollination of many flowers initiates a sequence of precisely regulated developmental events that include senescence of the perianth and development of the ovary. The plant hormone ethylene is known to play a key role in regulating the biochemical and anatomical changes that constitute the postpollination syndrome. For this reason, we have studied the pollination syndrome in Phalaenopsis orchids by examining the spatial and temporal location of ethylene biosynthesis within the orchid flower, and how this biosynthesis is regulated by factors that influence expression of genes that encode key enzymes in the ethylene biosynthetic pathway. In particular, we examined the role in the postpollination syndrome of the expression of the gene for 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate (ACC) oxidase, which catalyzes the conversion of ACC to ethylene. In vivo incubation of tissues with the ethylene precursor ACC demonstrated that ACC oxidase activity increases after pollination in the stigma, contrary to the observation that activity is constitutive in petunia and carnation gynoecia. RNA blot hybridization of floral tissues indicates that the increase in ACC oxidase activity is due to de novo synthesis of mRNA and presumably protein, which is induced after pollination. Furthermore, the pattern of induction is consistent with a model of coordinate regulation of gene expression in which the pollination signal travels to other organs of the flower to induce their ethylene production. We have also used in situ hybridization to define further the temporal and spatial expression of ACC oxidase within the floral organs, showing that expression, and,by inference, the capability to oxidize ACC to ethylene, is induced in all living cells of the tissues examined after pollination. These findings contrast with work in petunia that suggests that ACC oxidase is localized to the stigmatic surface.

Amino Acid Oxidoreductases↗

Unique and overlapping expression patterns among the Arabidopsis 1-amino-cyclopropane-1-carboxylate synthase gene family members.

1-Aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate synthase (ACS) catalyzes the rate-limiting step in the ethylene biosynthetic pathway in plants. The Arabidopsis genome encodes nine ACS polypeptides that form eight functional (ACS2, ACS4-9, and ACS11) homodimers and one nonfunctional (ACS1) homodimer. Transgenic Arabidopsis lines were constructed expressing the beta-glucuronidase (GUS) and green fluorescence protein (GFP) reporter genes from the promoter of each of the gene family members to determine their patterns of expression during plant development. All genes, except ACS9, are expressed in 5-d-old etiolated or light-grown seedlings yielding distinct patterns of GUS staining. ACS9 expression is detected later in development. Unique and overlapping expression patterns were detected for all the family members in various organs of adult plants. ACS11 is uniquely expressed in the trichomes of sepals and ACS1 in the replum. Overlapping expression was observed in hypocotyl, roots, various parts of the flower (sepals, pedicle, style, etc.) and in the stigmatic and abscission zones of the silique. Exogenous indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) enhances the constitutive expression of ACS2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 11 in the root. Wounding of hypocotyl tissue inhibits the constitutive expression of ACS1 and ACS5 and induces the expression of ACS2, 4, 6, 7, 8, and 11. Inducers of ethylene production such as cold, heat, anaerobiosis, and Li(+) ions enhance or suppress the expression of various members of the gene family in the root of light-grown seedlings. Examination of GUS expression in transverse sections of cotyledons reveals that all ACS genes, except ACS9, are expressed in the epidermis cell layer, guard cells, and vascular tissue. Similar analysis with root tip tissue treated with IAA reveals unique and overlapping expression patterns in the various cell types of the lateral root cap, cell division, and cell expansion zones. IAA inducibility is gene-specific and cell type-dependent across the root tip zone. This limited comparative exploration of ACS gene family expression reveals constitutive spatial and temporal expression patterns of all gene family members throughout the growth period examined. The unique and overlapping gene activity pattern detected reveals a combinatorial code of spatio-temporal coexpression among the various gene family members during plant development. This raises the prospect that functional ACS heterodimers may be formed in planta.

Arabidopsis↗

The Role of Ethylene in Interorgan Signaling during Flower Senescence.

The roles of 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid (ACC) and ethylene in interorgan signaling during senescence in orchid (Cymbidium) flowers were investigated. Following application of radiolabeled ACC to the stigma or the rostellum (modified lobe of the stigma), radiolabeled ethylene is produced by all flower parts. In intact flowers as well as in excised central columns, stigma- or rostellum-applied ACC or [alpha]-aminoisobutyric acid were largely immobile. Local treatment of the central column of previously aminoethoxyvinylglycine-treated flowers with either ethylene or 2-chloroethylphosphonic acid (ethephon) rapidly induced emission of ethylene from the petals, showing that ethylene is readily translocated within the flower. Creation of alternative outlets (incisions) in the labellum or the central column significantly delayed the occurrence of senescence symptoms in ACC-treated flowers. The results do not confirm the presumed role of ACC as a signal in interorgan communication during flower senescence. In these flowers, ethylene produced in the stigmatic region following pollination or emasculation serves as a mobile factor responsible for senescence symptoms observed in other flower parts.

Journal Article↗

Pollen-Stigma Adhesion in Kale Is Not Dependent on the Self-(In)Compatibility Genotype.

The adhesion of pollen on the stigmas of flowering plants is a critical step for the success of reproduction in angiosperms, long considered to present some specificity in terms of self-incompatibility. We carried out quantitative measurements of the pollen-stigma adhesion (expressed in Newtons) in kale (Brassica oleracea), using the flotation force of Archimedes exerted by dense sucrose solutions (50%, w/v) to release pollen grains fixed on the surface of stigmas. We demonstrate that pollen adhesion varies with the genotypes of the plants used as partners, but increases with time in all cases for about 30 to 60 min after pollination. There is no correlation with the self- or cross-status of the pollinations, nor with the self-compatible or -incompatible genotypes of the parents. Only late events of pollination, after the germination or arrest of the pollen tube, depend on compatibility type. Biochemical and physiological dissection of pollen-stigma adhesion points to major components of this interaction: among male components, the pollen coating, eliminated by delipidation (or modified by mutation in the case of the cer mutants of the related species Arabidopsis thaliana), plays a major role in adhesion; the genetic background of the pollen parent is also of some importance. On the female side, the developmental stage of the stigma and the protein constituents of the stigmatic pellicle are critical for pollen capture. The SLG and SLR1 proteins are not involved in the initial stages of pollen adhesion on the stigma but one or both may be involved in the later stages.

Journal Article↗

Trehalase: a new pollen enzyme.

Pollen from 5 plant species (Lycopersicon pimpinellifolium Mill., Hermerocallis minor Mill., Galtonia condicans Decne., Camellia japonica L., and Lathyrus odoratus L.) representing 4 families germinated well in media containing trehalose as the sole carbon source. Data are presented indicating that pollen metabolized this disaccharide for germination and subsequent pollen-tube growth; the sugar was not merely an osmoregulator. An inhibitor of trehalase activity depressed germination in trehalose but not in sucrose. Phloridzin dihydrate, an inhibitor of glucose transport, depressed germination in both disaccharides. Biochemical tests demonstrated that a pollen extract was capable of hydrolyzing trehalose to its constituent glucose monomers. Heat inactivation experiments confirmed the presence of a distinct trehalase having a rigid specificity for its substrate. By this method, trehalase activity was completely distinguishable from the activities of other alpha- and beta-glucosidases and beta-galactosidases. Localization data indicated that the enzyme diffused from intact grains and was probably soluble. The presence of its substrate could not be demonstrated in pollen or in stigmatic or stylar tissues.

Glycoside Hydrolases↗