The complete genome sequences of two strains of variola virus (VARV) sampled from human smallpox specimens present in the Czech National Museum, Prague, were recently determined, with one of the sequences estimated to date to the mid-19th century. Using molecular clock methods, the authors of this study go on to infer that the currently available strains of VARV share an older common ancestor, ...

NICOLE GONTHIER, Lyon et ses pauvres au moyen-age (1350-1500), Lyons, Editions L'Hermes, 1978, 8vo, pp. 271, illus., F.5 1.00 (paperback). This study is inspired by a desire to reveal those who have been "hidden from history" using whatever documents are available for the period. Relying heavily on wills, church archives, and fiscal documents, Gonthier has skilfully reconstructed the changing m...

advantages as an alternative dosage form (i) avoiding firstpass metabolism, (ii) easy discontinuation of administration, and (iii) reduced side effects; however, the stratum corneum, which is the outermost layer of skin, provides a primary barrier to transdermal drug delivery. Pentazocine (PTZ), a relatively short-acting narcotic-antagonist analgesic, is used clinically for the relief of cancer...

Vaccinations against infectious diseases are one of the major achievements in medicine in the last century and the most effective method for preventing infections. Concern about safety of vaccinations has been heightened by several reports of possible vaccine-induced autoimmune phenomena following various vaccinations. So far no study was able to show a casual connection between any vaccine and...

In Sweden like in most of Europe the medieval expansion was followed by decline during the fourteenth and fifteenth century. Even though other factors may have contributed to the decline, a major cause was the plague pandemic, the Black Death, which reached Sweden in 1350. The first struck was followed by several recurring outbreaks, leading to population drop as well as social unrest. Differen...

This work reports for the first time on the elaboration, by both chemical (sol-gel) and physical (Pulsed Laser Deposition) routes, of lead-free ferroelectric Na0.5Bi0.5TiO3 nanodots deposited on bare c-sapphire single crystal substrates presenting a 5° miscut angle along the [110] direction. Prior to any deposition, the sapphire substrates were treated at 1350°C, during 24h in air, in order to ...

BACKGROUND Aboriginal Australians are at high risk of cardiovascular, metabolic and renal diseases, resulting in a marked reduction in life expectancy when compared to the rest of the Australian population. This is partly due to recognized environmental and lifestyle risk factors, but a contribution of genetic susceptibility is also likely. METHODS Using results from a comprehensive survey of...