The yeast type II myosin heavy chain: Analysis of its predicted polypeptide sequence

Summary We have completed the nucleotide sequence of the yeastMYO1 gene and deduced its amino acid sequence. The gene is 5553 bp long and contains no introns. Analysis of the sequence, as well as its comparison with other myosins, demonstrate that the yeast protein is a type II myosin heavy chain with characteristic head and tail regions. The latter domain contains six proline residues in two clusters of three, at approximately two thirds from the start of the gene.     

Condom use and the popular press in Nigeria

The increased acceptability and use of condoms by men in southwestern Nigeria is reflected in joking references to condoms in the comic-style popular press. Yet these references display an ambivalence about condoms that is mirrored in survey data and in interviews regarding condom use by rural Ekiti Yoruba men. This ambivalence, which is often couched in terms of health, has implications for the acceptance of government-sponsored HIV/AIDS-related educational programs. Because of the irreverence of comic-style newspapers and the 'unofficial' nature of their authority which coincides with popular attitudes about health programs, they have a credibility that could be useful in educating adolescents about sexually-transmitted diseases and HIV/AIDS.     

A case of totally cystic fibroepithelial polyp of the renal pelvis

Fibroepithelial polyps are the most frequently observed mesenchymal tumors of the renal pelvis. We report on one case of fibroepithelial polyp of the renal pelvis with unusual CT findings of totally cystic structure with septations. Received: 27 July 1998; Revised: 6 January 1999; Accepted: 8 February 1999     

10 November 2009: In-Depth Oral Presentations and Oral Communications

Background  To date, there have been no published studies of the degenerative changes in the cervical spine in adult idiopathic scoliosis patients with thoracic and lumbar curves severe enough to require major reconstructive surgery. Materials and methods  The primary study group was 48 adult patients who had previously undergone a fusion from T10 or higher to the sacrum as an adult for idiopathic scoliosis. These were compared to 38 adults with unfused idiopathic scoliosis of 30°–50° and to 42 symptomatic adults presenting with cervical pain. Cervical degeneration was assessed using a new cervical degenerative index (CDI). Results  The amount of degenerative change seen in the cervical spine in the long-fusion group was significantly higher at baseline (just prior to the fusion) than the two control populations and became much higher at a mean follow-up of 8.5 years. Conclusions  This unique subgroup of patients, those having fusion from the thoracic spine to the sacrum as adults for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis, had a high incidence and severity of degenerative changes in their cervical spine. Due to the presence of advanced cervical degenerative changes prior to the fusion, it is not possible to blame the fusion as the main cause for these findings. These changes are either related to the thoracic and lumbar deformities or are more likely due to this subgroup having a higher natural propensity for degenerative changes.     

Cervical degenerative index: a new quantitative radiographic scoring system for cervical spondylosis with interobserver and intraobserver reliability testing

Background  The lack of a widely available scoring system for cervical degenerative spondylosis encouraged the authors to establish and validate a systematic quantitative radiographic index. Materials and methods  This study included intraobserver and interobserver reliability testing among three reviewers with different years of experience. Each observer independently scored four cervical radiographs of 48 patients at separate intervals, and statistical analysis of the grading was performed. Results  There was high intraobserver and interobserver reliability between the two experienced observers. There was fair reliability between the less experienced observer and the more experienced observers. Conclusions  The cervical degenerative index appears to be a reliable and reproducible radiographic assessment of cervical spondylosis. The index will have direct applicability for longitudinal study of cervical spondylosis and may be clinically relevant as well.     

Addressing climate change through a nursing lens within the framework of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals

Background

In 2000, the United Nations (UN) introduced the Millennium Development Goals (MDG), described as a global movement with the primary aim of ending world-wide poverty (“Millennium Summit,” 2000). The second phase of the project, known as the post-2015 Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) agenda offers an increased emphasis on lessening the mitigating factors associated with climate change and adapting to the negative effects of climate change. Nurses are in the unique position to address the health-related impacts related to climate change through community health approaches aimed at education and promotion of environmental stewardship.