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في كتابهما رحلة إلى الماضي العربي، يشير وليام بولك ووليام مارز إلى ذلك التباين بين المنزل العربي، وخاصة ما يدعى بقسم الحريم فيه، وبين صورة هذا المنزل كما رسمتها الوسائل الثقافية الغربية المختلفة، فيقولان : (أما بقية المنزل فهو الحرم. وللأسف فإنه ليس من الحرم الذي تصوره أشرطة هوليوود في شيء. إذ هو ببساطة، المكان المخصص للعائلة، غرف نوم وحمامات ومطبخ..) غير أن مثل هذه النظرة المنطقية التي ينم عنها كل من بولك ومارز هي نظرة بالغة الندرة في الأدبيات الغربية التي تناولت النساء في بلاد العرب، سواء كانت هذه الأدبيات كتب رحلات، أو فنا استشراقيا أو أفلاما سينمائية أو حتى دراسات أنثروبولوجية علمية. ومع أننا لا نريد في هذا المقام أن نصور وضع المرأة العربية بأنه الوضع الذي لا يمكن أن يطوله النقد، فإن من الضروري الإشارة إلى أن الأمر يختلف كل الاختلاف تبعا للأسس التي يقوم عليها هذا النقد والغايات المتوخاة منه، وتبعا لما إذا كان قادرا على تبين الظواهر التي ينتقدها أنى رآها (في الشرق أو في الغرب) أم لا.

Central neuropathic pain (CNP) occurs in many multiple sclerosis (MS) patients. The provision of adequate pain relief to these patients can very difficult. Here we report the first phase III placebo-controlled study of the efficacy of the endocannabinoid system modulator delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)/cannabidiol (CBD) oromucosal spray (USAN name, nabiximols; Sativex, GW Pharmaceuticals, Salisbury, Wiltshire, UK), to alleviate CNP. Patients who had failed to gain adequate analgesia from existing medication were treated with THC/CBD spray or placebo as an add-on treatment, in a double-blind manner, for 14 weeks to investigate the efficacy of the medication in MS-induced neuropathic pain. This parallel-group phase of the study was then followed by an 18-week randomized-withdrawal study (14-week open-label treatment period plus a double-blind 4-week randomized-withdrawal phase) to investigate time to treatment failure and show maintenance of efficacy. A total of 339 patients were randomized to phase A (167 received THC/CBD spray and 172 received placebo). Of those who completed phase A, 58 entered the randomized-withdrawal phase. The primary endpoint of responder analysis at the 30 % level at week 14 of phase A of the study was not met, with 50 % of patients on THC/CBD spray classed as responders at the 30 % level compared to 45 % of patients on placebo ( p  = 0.234). However, an interim analysis at week 10 showed a statistically significant treatment difference in favor of THC/CBD spray at this time point ( p  = 0.046). During the randomized-withdrawal phase, the primary endpoint of time to treatment failure was statistically significant in favor of THC/CBD spray, with 57 % of patients receiving placebo failing treatment versus 24 % of patients from the THC/CBD spray group ( p  = 0.04). The mean change from baseline in Pain Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) ( p  = 0.028) and sleep quality NRS ( p  = 0.015) scores, both secondary endpoints in phase B, were also statistically significant compared to placebo, with estimated treatment differences of −0.79 and 0.99 points, respectively, in favor of THC/CBD spray treatment. The results of the current investigation were equivocal, with conflicting findings in the two phases of the study. While there were a large proportion of responders to THC/CBD spray treatment during the phase A double-blind period, the primary endpoint was not met due to a similarly large number of placebo responders. In contrast, there was a marked effect in phase B of the study, with an increased time to treatment failure in the THC/CBD spray group compared to placebo. These findings suggest that further studies are required to explore the full potential of THC/CBD spray in these patients.

Background and aimsG-POEM is an emerging method for treatment of severe gastroparesis. Safe mucosal closure is necessary to avoid adverse events. The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of two closure methods: clips and endoscopic suturing (ES) after G-POEM.MethodsWe performed a single center, prospective study. The closure method was assigned at the discretion of an endoscopist prior to the procedure. The main outcome was the proportion of subjects with successful closure. Unsuccessful closure was defined as a need for a rescue method, or a need for an additional intervention or incomplete closure-related adverse events. Secondary outcomes were the easiness of closure (VAS score 1 = very difficult, 10 = easy), closure time, and cost.ResultsA total of 40 patients [21 female; mean age, range 47.5; (20–74)] were included; 20 received ES and 20 clips [mean number of clips 6; range (4–19)]. All 20 patients with ES (100%, 95% CI 84–100%) and 18 patients with clips (89%, 95% CI 70–97%) had successful closure (p = 0.49). One patient needed a rescue method (KING closure) and the other patient an additional clipping on POD1. Closure with clips was quicker [mean time 9.8 (range 4–20) min vs. 14.1 (5–21) min; p = 0.007] and cheaper [mean cost 807 USD (± 402) vs. 2353 USD (± 145); p < 0.001]. Endoscopist assessed the easiness of ES and clips as comparable [mean VAS, range 7.5 (3–10) (ES) vs. 6.9 (3–10) (clips); p = 0.3].ConclusionsBoth ES and clips are effective methods for mucosal closure in patients undergoing G-POEM. However, centres using clips should have a rescue closure method available as clips may fail in some patients. Closure with ES is more costly than with clips.

BackgroundAge-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of irreversible vision loss among the elderly.ObjectiveThis study aimed to determine the association between dietary patterns and food groups (used to make them) with the 18-year incidence of AMD.MethodsARIC (Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities) participants who showed change in AMD lesions between retinal photographs taken at visit 3 and visit 5 were graded side by side to determine incident AMD (any=144; early=117; late=27). A 66-line item food frequency questionnaire, administered at visit 1 and visit 3, was used to identify 29 food groups. Principal component analysis was used to derive dietary patterns from average food group servings. Logistic regression was used to estimate ORs and 95% CIs for incident AMD (any, early and late) by tertiles of dietary pattern scores, adjusted for age, race, education, total calories and smoking status. P-trend was estimated using continuous scores.ResultsWestern (unhealthy) and Prudent (healthy) dietary patterns were identified. No significant associations were observed between either dietary pattern and incident any or incident early AMD. However, a threefold higher incidence of late AMD was observed among participants with a Western pattern score above, as compared with below, the median (OR=3.44 (95% CI 1.33 to 8.87), p-trend=0.014). The risk of developing late AMD was decreased, but not statistically significant, among participants with a Prudent pattern score above, as compared with below, the median (OR=0.51 (95% CI 0.22 to 1.18), p-trend=0.054).ConclusionsDiet patterns were not significantly associated with incident any or incident early AMD. However, consumption of a Western pattern diet may be a risk factor for development of late AMD.

Preharvest sprouting (PHS) and late maturity α-amylase (LMA) are the two major causes of unacceptably high levels of α-amylase in ripe wheat grain. High α-amylase activity in harvested grain results in substantially lower prices for wheat growers and at least in the case of PHS, is associated with adverse effects on the quality of a range of end-products and loss of viability during storage. The high levels of α-amylase are reflected in low falling number, the internationally accepted measure for grain receival and trade. Given the significant losses that can occur, elimination of these defects remains a major focus for wheat breeding programs in many parts of the world. In addition, the genetic, biochemical and molecular mechanisms involved in the control of PHS and LMA as well as the interactions with environmental factors have attracted a sustained research interest. PHS and LMA are independent, genetically controlled traits that are strongly influenced by the environment, where the effects of particular environmental factors vary substantially depending on the stage of grain development and ripening. This review is a summary and an assessment of results of recent research on these important grain quality defects.

This work consists of a design and simulation of a structure composed by an aluminum structural layer whose purpose is to act as an angular electrostatic micromotor. The structure of the micromotor is defined using the layers available from a 0.5 μm CMOS technology used for integrated circuit fabrication. In this proposal, a digital circuit is configured for the generation of the three phases needed for proper operation of the micromotor. The phases and poles of the stator are biased in an alternating sequence, thus, when there is a potential difference between the misaligned poles of the rotor and stator, an electrostatic force is generated that causes the motor to advance one step. If this sequence is performed correctly and periodically, the rotor reaches a set speed in a clockwise direction. As a novel contribution to the presented design, an FGMOS transistor is used as an auxiliary element to measure the rotating speed of the micromotor and whose control gate is a structure mechanically coupled to the rotor. The elements of the system are proposed for being monolithically integrated: the rotation control circuit, the micromotor, and the speed sensor. This work also shows a static simulation and a time-dependent simulation that allows predicting the behavior over time and the torque generated by the micro-actuator.

The movement of water into harvest-ripe grains of dormant and non-dormant genotypes of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) was investigated using Magnetic Resonance Micro-Imaging (MRMI). Images of virtual sections, both longitudinal and transverse, throughout the grain were collected at intervals after the start of imbibition and used to reconstruct a picture of water location within the different grain tissues and changes over time. The observations were supplemented by the weighing measurements of water content and imbibition of grains in water containing I2/KI which stains starch and lipid, thereby acting as a marker for water. In closely related genotypes, with either a dormant or a non-dormant phenotype, neither the rate of increase in water content nor the pattern of water distribution within the grain was significantly different until 18 h, when germination became apparent in the non-dormant genotype. Water entered the embryo and scutellum during the very early stages of imbibition through the micropyle and by 2 h water was clearly evident in the micropyle channel. After 12 h of imbibition, embryo structures such as the coleoptile and radicle were clearly distinguished. Although water accumulated between the inner (seed coat) and outer (pericarp) layers of the coat surrounding the grain, there was no evidence for movement of water directly across the coat and into the underlying starchy endosperm.

Polycyclic musk compounds are commonly used in personal care products to replace expensive natural fragrances. Due to their huge consumption, they have become a part of the aquatic environment. In the present study, a two-month exposure effect of tonalide on juvenile zebrafish (Danio rerio) was investigated. We determined the vitellogenin concentration to define the potential endocrine-disrupting effect of tonalide and also analysed selected indices to evaluate the induction of oxidative stress. The environmentally relevant concentration of tonalide (i.e., 500 ng/l) caused a significant decrease in the catalase activity (P< 0.05) and a significant increase (P< 0.05) in the lipid peroxidation. An increasing lipid peroxidation was also recorded for the highest concentration group tested (i.e., 50 000 ng/l). On the other hand, no significant changes were recorded in vitellogenin in all the exposed groups. Thus, based on these results, we have not demonstrated the endocrine-disrupting activity of tonalide in zebrafish. The results of the oxidative stress indices showed a significant impairment of the antioxidant defence after the two-month tonalide exposure, which could indicate part of the adaptive response to the tonalide toxicity.

Preservation of lutein concentrations in wheat-based end-products during processing is important both for product quality and nutritional value. A key constituent involved in lutein degradation is endogenous lipoxygenase. Lutein and lutein ester concentrations were compared at intervals during storage of noodle sheets prepared from flour of wheat varieties representing a range in lipoxygenase activity, as well as in different mill streams and in different grain tissues. Higher lipoxygenase concentration was associated with an increased loss of free lutein and lutein mono-esters whereas lutein diesters appeared to be more resistant to degradation. Lutein degradation was reduced in the presence of a lipoxygenase inhibitor, when noodle sheets were heated to destroy enzyme activity or when pH was increased. In addition, three populations were used to investigate the genetic control of lipoxygenase. A previously reported mutation of Lpx-B1.1 was associated with a reduction in activity from high to intermediate whilst a new locus on chromosome 4D was associated with variation between intermediate and near-zero. The gene underlying the 4D locus is a putative lipoxygenase. Stability of lutein could be improved by deployment of the mutations at the 4B and 4D loci and/or by post-harvest storage of grain under conditions that promote esterification.

Main Conclusion Late-maturity α-amylase (LMA) expression in wheat grains can be induced by either a cool temperature shock close to physiological maturity or continuous cool maximum temperatures during grain development. Late-maturity α-amylase (LMA) is a genetic trait in wheat ( Triticum aestivum L.) involving the production of α-amylase during grain development, which can result in an unacceptably low Falling Number (FN) in mature grain and consequent grain downgrading. Comparison of the FN test, an α-amylase activity assay and a high pI α-amylase-specific ELISA on the same meal samples gave equivalent results; ELISA was used for further experiments because of its isoform specificity. A cool temperature shock during the middle stages of grain development is known to induce LMA and is used for phenotypic screening. It was determined that a cool temperature treatment of seven days was required to reliably induce LMA. Glasshouse studies performed in summer and winter demonstrated that temperature affected the timing of sensitivity to cool-shock by altering the rate and duration of grain development, but that the sensitive grain developmental stage was unchanged at 35–45% moisture content. Wheat varieties with Rht-B1b or Rht-D1b dwarfing genes responded to a cool-shock only from mid grain filling until physiological maturity, whilst genotypes with Rht8c or without a dwarfing gene expressed LMA in response to a cool-shock during a wider developmental range. A continuous cool maximum temperature regimen (23 °C/15 °C day/night) during grain development also resulted in LMA expression and showed a stronger association with field expression than the cool-shock treatment. These results clarify how genotype, temperature and grain developmental stage determine LMA expression, and allow for the improvement of LMA phenotypic screening methods.