Irradiated recipient mice (7.5 Gy) were infused by BMC exposed to 6 and 8 cGy. The counts of recipients’ peripheral blood cells (PBC) and bone marrow mononuclear cells (BMMNC) were monitored at the 5th, 10th, 15th, and 30th day

after BMC infusion. The colony-forming units in the recipient spleens (CFU-S) were calculated at the 10th day after infusion.

Results: Exposed to 6 and 8 cGy, BMC demonstrated significant selleck chemicals llc proliferative activities in vitro. When the recipient mice receiving BMC pre-exposed to low dose radiation (6 and 8 cGy), the counts of white blood cell (WBC), BMMNC and CFU-S were consistently higher than those in control.

Conclusions: BMC of donor irradiated by LDR in vitro may facilitate the hematopoietic reconstitution of the recipient

mice.”
“A transport and gain model is developed for the recently realized ambipolar dual-wavelength terahertz quantum cascade laser. The model is based on the simplified density matrix formalism, describing the population and coherence terms of five relevant states per period, which includes the laser optical field and single-temperature thermal balance. Using the measured current densities under forward and reverse bias for calibration, a good theoretical/experimental agreement is found for the current-optical power characteristics and the laser dynamic range. This shows that the model is a reliable analyzer, if not yet a fully predictive tool, click here for quantum cascade laser simulation. (C)

2011 American Institute of Physics. [doi:10.1063/1.3530628]“
“Poly(acrylic acid amidoxime) [P(AA-AO)] and poly(maleic acid amidoxime) [P(MA-AO)] resins were prepared by the gamma-radiation-induced copolymerization of acrylonitrile with acrylic acid and maleic acid, respectively. The obtained resins were amidoximated by reaction with hydroxylamine. The prepared resins were used for the removal of methyl violet (MV) dye from aqueous solutions. Batch adsorption studies were made by the measurement of the effects of pH, the amount of adsorbent, the contact time, and the adsorbate concentration. The adsorption isotherm of MV onto P(AA-AO) and P(MA-AO) was determined at 25 C with initial MV dye concentrations of 10-70 mg/L. The equilibrium data were analyzed with the Langmuir 4EGI-1 and Freundlich isotherm models. The equilibrium process was described well by the Langmuir isotherm model with maximum adsorption capacities of 398.4 and 396.8 mg/L for P(AA-AO) and P(MA-AO), respectively. The kinetics of adsorption of MV onto P(AA-AO) and P(MA-AO) are discussed. The pseudo-second-order kinetic model described the adsorption of MV onto P(AA-AO) and P(MA-AO) very well. (C) 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polyrn Sci 120: 1547-1554, 2011″
“Material and methods: Male rats of wistar strain (35 days old with 130 +/- 10 g body weight) were selected for this study. Animals were divided into two groups: Sham exposed and experimental.

The light is passed through an optical mono mode fiber to a modified OCT adapter containing a lens system with a working distance of 10 cm and an integrated pilot laser. Navigation-registered tumor biopsies were imaged ex vivo and the intraoperative site of optical tissue analysis was registered by marker acquisition using a neuronavigation system.

Optical coherence tomography non-contact measurements of brain and brain tumor tissue produced B-scan images of 4 mm in width and 1.5-2.0 mm in depth at an axial and lateral optical resolution

of 15 A mu m. OCT imaging demonstrated a different check details microstructure and characteristic signal attenuation profiles of tumor versus normal brain. Post-image acquisition processing and automated detection of the tissue to air interface was used to realign A-scans to compensate for image distortions caused by pulse- and respiration-induced movements of the target volume. Realigned selleck chemicals images allowed monitoring of intensity changes within the scan line and facilitated selection of areas for the averaging of A-scans and the calculation of attenuation coefficients for specific regions of interest.

This feasibility study has demonstrated that OCT analysis of

the tissue microstructure and light attenuation characteristics discriminate normal brain, areas of tumor infiltrated brain, solid tumor, and necrosis. The working distance of the OCT adapter and the A-scan acquisition rate conceptually allows integration of the OCT applicator into the optical path of the operating microscopes. This would allow a continuous analysis of the resection plain, providing optical tomography, thereby adding a third dimension to the microscopic view and information on the light attenuation characteristics of the tissue.”
“Purpose: To prospectively investigate the incremental value of multi-parametric magnetic resonance (MR) imaging compared with standard T2-weighted imaging for biopsy planning.

Materials this website and Methods:

The study was approved by the institutional review board; informed consent was obtained. Consecutive patients underwent T2-weighted imaging supplemented with multiparametric 1.5-T MR imaging, consisting of hydrogen 1 ((1)H) MR spectroscopy, diffusion-weighted (DW) imaging, and contrast material-enhanced MR imaging. Quantitative parameters were calculated: (choline plus creatine)-to-citrate ratio, apparent diffusion coefficient, and volume transfer constant and exchange rate constant. The prostate was divided into 20 standardized areas. Each area was classified as benign, inconclusive, or suspicious at T2-weighted imaging, followed by quantitative evaluation of all inconclusive and suspicious areas with multiparametric MR imaging. MR-guided biopsy was performed in lesions classified as suspicious for cancer with at least one of the techniques after transfer to three-dimensional T2-weighted images.

Conclusion. Using a nationally representative sample, the present study extends previous research and provides new evidence that the effect of decreased serum vitamin D concentration on T2DM may proceed through increased systemic inflammation in males. Longitudinal studies and randomized control trials are needed to confirm the present findings.”
“In this article, we discuss the crystallization behavior and crystallization kinetics of isotactic polypropylene (iPP) modified by long-chain-branching (LCB) high-melt-strength iPP over a wide composition range, that is, LCB-iPP from 10 to 50 wt %. Over the entire range we investigated, the presence of LCB-iPP

accelerated crystallization Panobinostat in both the isothermal crystallization process and nonisothermal crystallization process, even when the LCB-iPP content was as low as 10%, and both crystallization processes were enhanced more significantly as the LCB-iPP content increased. Hoffman-Lauritzen theory

analysis revealed that the fold-free energy decreased effectively with the occurrence of the LCB structure, although the growth rate of AZD9291 in vivo spherulites was depressed, as shown by polarized optical microscopy. Meanwhile, the regime III-regime 11 transition temperature was about 15 degrees higher for all of the LCB-iPP compositions than that of iPP because the LCB structure reduced the mobility of the polypropylene chains. Furthermore, the gamma-form crystal structure was favored by LCB compared to the beta form, which was Supported by wide-angle X-ray diffraction. (C) 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 114: 2180-2194, 2009″
“Platelet P2Y(12) receptor antagonism with clopidogrel has represented a major advancement in IWR-1-endo cost the pharmacological management of patients with atherothrombotic

disease, in particular those with acute coronary syndromes and undergoing percutaneous coronary interventions. Despite the benefit associated with clopidogrel therapy in these high risk settings, laboratory and clinical experience have led to identify some of its caveats, among which its wide range of platelet inhibitory response is the most relevant. Genetic, cellular and clinical factors are implied in variability in response to clopidogrel. Importantly, pharmacodynamic findings have shown to have important prognostic implications, underscoring the need for more optimal antiplatelet treatment strategies. The aim of this manuscript is to provide an overview on the current status and future directions in P2Y(12) receptor antagonism, with particular emphasis on interindividual variability in response to clopidogrel and strategies, including novel antiplatelet agents, to improve platelet P2Y(12) inhibition.”
“Objective. To investigate the association of FXYD-3 expression with clinicopathological variables and PINCH in patients with ESCC. Patients and Methods. Expression of FXYD-3 protein was immunohistochemically examined in normal esophageal mucous (n = 20) and ESCC (n = 64).

The grafted films were analyzed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, contact angle testing, scanning electron microscopy, and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. The results show that grafted chains under the SI-ATRP method were preferentially located on the surface for surface grafting and in the bulk for

conventional free-radical polymerization initiated by benzoyl peroxide. (C) 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 120: 184-194, 2011″
“Background: Decision makers responsible for allocation of healthcare resources may require that health states are valued by the population for whom they are making decisions. To achieve this, health-state HSP990 Cytoskeletal Signaling inhibitor descriptions can be combined with a value set that reflects the valuations of the target population. In the decision-utility approach, such a value set is at least partly based on wants and expectations regarding given health states. This may reflect aspects

different from the health state experienced and valued by a respondent.

Objectives: To derive a value set that is completely based on experienced health states, emphasising the patient’s perspective, and test its predictive performance in comparison with established approaches.

Methods: Problem descriptions and rating scale valuations of the EQ-5D were drawn from two representative AC220 German population surveys in 2006 and 2007. Two models based on given health states but differing in valuation method (la, b) were analysed, along with three models based on experienced health states: (2) ordinary least squares regression; (3) scale-transformed regression; and (4) a generalized linear model with binomial error distribution and constraint parameter estimation. The models were compared with respect to issues in specification, and accuracy in predicting the actual valuations of experienced health states in a new data set, using correlation,

mean error and ranking measures for the KU-57788 purchase latter. In addition, the impact of standardizing experience-based index models for age and sex of the subjects was investigated.

Results: Models I (a, b), 2 and 3 partly led to plausible and comparable parameter estimates, but also led to problems of insignificance and inconsistencies in some of the estimates. Model 4 achieved consistency and featured partly equivalent and partly better predictive accuracy. Using this model, mean valuations of health states were much better predicted by the experience-based approach than by the decision-utility approach, especially for health states that frequently (>10) occurred in the population sample. Standardizing the experience-based index models for age and sex further improved predictive accuracy and strengthened the position of model 4.

Conclusions: A value set for the EQ-5D can be plausibly estimated from experience-based valuations.

Crown Copyright (C) 2008 Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.”
“A growing body of theoretical and empirical research has

examined cultural transmission and adaptive cultural behaviour at the individual, within-group level. However, relatively few studies Kinase Inhibitor Library have tried to examine proximate transmission or test ultimate adaptive hypotheses about behavioural or cultural diversity at a between-societies macro-level. In both the history of anthropology and in present-day work, a common approach to examining adaptive behaviour at the macro-level has been through correlating various cultural traits with features of ecology. We discuss some difficulties with simple ecological associations, and then review cultural phylogenetic studies that have attempted to go beyond correlations to understand the underlying cultural evolutionary processes. We conclude with an example of a phylogenetically controlled approach

to understanding proximate transmission pathways in Austronesian cultural diversity.”
“The transition to flowering in Arabidopsis is characterized by the sharp and localized upregulation of APETALA1 (AP1) transcription in the newly formed floral primordia. Both the flower meristem-identity gene LEAFY (LFY) and the photoperiod pathway involving the FLOWERING LOCUS T (FT) and FD genes contribute to this upregulation. These pathways have been proposed to act independently MLN2238 order but their respective contributions and mode of interaction have remained elusive. To address these questions, we

studied the AP1 regulatory region. Combining in vitro and in vivo approaches, we identified which of the three putative LFY binding sites present in the AP1 promoter is essential for its activation by LFY. Interestingly, we found that CAL-101 manufacturer this site is also important for the correct photoperiodic-dependent upregulation of AP1. In contrast, a previously proposed putative FD-binding site appears dispensable and unable to bind FD and we found no evidence for FD binding to other sites in the AP1 promoter, suggesting that the FT/FD-dependent activation of AP1 might be indirect. Altogether, our data give new insight into the interaction between the FT and LFY pathways in the upregulation of AP1 transcription under long-day conditions.”
“During malignant transformation, the lipid metabolism of cells changes radically and therefore alterations in lipid metabolism are a prominent feature of solid tumors. Lipid metabolism has been investigated at the gene and protein expression levels for several decades, but recent advances in lipidomics technology have also enabled the investigation of pathways at the level of molecular lipids. This review provides an overview of the changes of global lipid metabolism (i.e., fatty acid, phospholipid, eicosanoid and sphingolipid metabolism) in breast cancer, and discusses the diagnostic and therapeutic potential of these pathways.

20 km) a flexible, reactive approach, coupled with continual monitoring for mink presence is necessary. Survival of reintroduced water voles at four sub-sites within our mink removal sites suggest that the reactive mink removal strategy adopted in this study was sufficient for

water vole protection. We discuss the use of an adaptive management approach LY2157299 purchase in local mink management, and consider the wider implications of our results for invasive species control on mainlands. (C) 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.”
“The exosome is a conserved protein complex that is responsible for essential 3′ –> 5′ RNA degradation in both the nucleus and the cytosol. It is composed of a nine-subunit core complex to which co-factors confer both RNA substrate recognition and ribonucleolytic activities. Very few exosome co-factors have been identified in plants. Here, we have characterized a putative RNA helicase, AtMTR4, that is involved in the degradation of several nucleolar exosome substrates in Arabidopsis thaliana. We show that AtMTR4, rather than its closely related protein HEN2, is required for proper rRNA biogenesis in Arabidopsis. AtMTR4 is mostly localized HSP990 nmr in the nucleolus, a subcellular compartmentalization that is shared with another exosome co-factor, RRP6L2. AtMTR4 and RRP6L2 cooperate

in several steps of rRNA maturation and surveillance, such as processing the 5.8S rRNA and removal of rRNA maturation by-products. Interestingly, degradation of the Arabidopsis 5′ external transcribed spacer (5′ ETS) requires cooperation of both the 5′ –> 3′ and 3′ –> 5′ exoribonucleolytic pathways. Accumulating AtMTR4 targets give rise to illegitimate small RNAs; however, these do not affect rRNA metabolism or contribute to the phenotype of mtr4 mutants. Plants lacking AtMTR4 are viable but show several developmental defects, including aberrant vein patterning and pointed first leaves. The mtr4 phenotype resembles

that of several ribosomal protein and nucleolin mutants, and may be explained by delayed ribosome biogenesis, as we observed a reduced rate of rRNA accumulation selleck chemical in mtr4 mutants. Taken together, these data link AtMTR4 with rRNA biogenesis and development in Arabidopsis.”
“In the present study, glycidyl methacrylate (GMA) grafted medium density polyethylene (MDPE-g-GMA) was synthesized in the molten state and applied as a reactive compatibilizer in MDPE/polyamid6 (PA6) and in MDPE/poly(ethylene terephtalate) (PET) blends. Graft copolymerization of GMA onto MDPE was performed in presence and absence of styrene, with different concentrations of dicumyl peroxide (DCP) as a radical initiator. In the presence of styrene, the MDPE-g-GMA with 6% GMA was obtained by addition of only 0.1 phr of DCP. Furthermore, the maximum grafting was reached when 0.6 and 0.7 phr concentration of DCP for styrene containing and styrene free samples were used, respectively.

In this population, 53% were scored 1 and of these 43% were positive by laboratory test. Emphasizing

the decision to discontinue heparin, the clinical signs of HIT were paramount for the immediate determination of a diagnosis of HIT without dependence on a positive laboratory test.”
“The influence of cholesterol (Chol) in the liposomal bilayer on the properties of inhalable protein-loaded liposomal powders prepared by spray-drying technique was investigated. Lysozyme (LSZ) was used as a model protein. Feed solution Quisinostat for spray drying was prepared by direct mixing of aqueous solution of LSZ with mannitol solution and empty liposome dispersions composed of hydrogenated phosphatidylcholine and Chol at various molar ratios. The spray-dried powders were characterized with respect to morphology, thermal property, and crystallinity using scanning electron microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, and X-ray diffraction, respectively. Most formulations gave slightly aggregated, spherical particles, and percentage yields of the spray-dried powders decreased with increasing Chol content. Degree

of particle aggregation depended on the powder composition. The powders spontaneously formed liposomes which efficiently entrapped LSZ after reconstitution with HEPES buffered saline (HBS) at 37A degrees C. Lysozyme entrapment efficiency and size distribution of the reconstituted liposomes were evaluated after the powders SN-38 were reconstituted with HBS. Increasing Chol content resulted in a decrease in size of the reconstituted liposomes and an increase in entrapment efficiency of LSZ. These results correlated with thermal behaviors of the reconstituted liposomes. Biological activity of LSZ was not affected by the spray-drying process. It was also demonstrated that LSZ-loaded liposomal powders could be produced without

the need to preload the LSZ into liposomes prior to spray-drying process.”
“Block copolymers, polystyrene-b-poly(styrene-co-maleic anhydride), have been prepared by reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization technique using three different approaches: 1-phenylethyl phenyldithioacetate (PEPDTA) directly as RAFT agent, mediated polystyrene (PS) block Epigenetics inhibitor as the macromolecular PS-RAFT agent and mediated poly(styrenemaleic anhydride) (SMA) block with alternating sequence as the macromolecular SMA-RAFT agent. Copolymers synthesized in the one-step method using PEPDTA as RAFT agent possess one PS block and one SMA block with gradient structure. When the macromolecular RAFT agents are employed, copolymers with one PS block and one alternating SMA block can be produced. However, block copolymers with narrow molecular weight distribution (MWD) can only be obtained using the PS-RAFT agent.

(C) 2012 Osteoarthritis Research Society International. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.”
“Objective: Strategies to improve cartilage repair tissue quality after bone marrow cell-based procedures may reduce later development of osteoarthritis. Doxycycline is inexpensive, well-tolerated, and has been shown to reduce matrix-metalloproteinases (MMPs) and osteoarthritis progression. This study tests the hypotheses that doxycycline reduces MMP, enhances chondrogenesis of human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal

stern cells (hMSC), and improves in vivo cartilage repair.

Design: Ninety hMSC pellets were cultured in chondrogenic media with either 0-, 1- or 2-p,mu/mL doxycycline. Pellets were evaluated with stereomicroscopy, proteoglycan assay, qRT-PCR, and histology. Osteochondral defects (0CD5) were created in the trochlear grooves of 24-Sprague-Dawley rats treated with/without oral doxycycline. Rats were sacrificed at 12-weeks and VX-661 datasheet repair tissues were examined grossly and histologically.

Results: hMSC pellets with 1-mu g/mL (P = 0.014) and 2-1.1 mu/mL (P = 0.002) doxycycline had larger areas than pellets without doxycycline. hMSC pellets with 2-1.mu g/mL doxycycline showed reduced mmp-13 mRNA (P = 0.010) and protein at 21-days. Proteoglycan, DNA contents, PCI-34051 mw and mRNA expressions of chondrogenic genes

were similar (P > 0.05). For the in vivo study, while the histological scores Z-VAD-FMK ic50 were similar between the two groups (P = 0.116), the gross scores of the OCD repair tissues in doxycycline-treated rats

were higher at 12,weeks (P = 0.017), reflective of improved repair quality. The doxycycline-treated repairs also showed lower MMP-13 protein (P = 0.029).

Conclusions: This study shows that doxycycline improves hMSC chondrogenesis and decreases MMP-13 in pellet cultures and within rat OCDs. Doxycycline exerted no negative effect on multiple measures of chondrogenesis and cartilage repair. These data support potential use of doxycycline to improve cartilage repair to delay the onset of osteoarthritis. (C) 2012 Osteoarthritis Research Society International. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.”
“Different tests can be used to provide valuable information about the function of the peritoneal membrane. The data obtained can be useful for tailoring dialysis adequacy, for the analysis of clinical problems such as ultrafiltration failure or to predict the development of more severe peritoneal membrane derangement. The most widely used peritoneal function test is the peritoneal equilibration test (PET), developed and described by Twardowski in 1987. PET is performed using a 2.27% glucose solution, and it lasts 4 hours. It measures peritoneal solute transport and ultrafiltration (UF), and it gives the possibility to categorize patients (high, high-average, low-average and low transporters). However, a PET with 3.

006). A bounce correlated with young age predicted a favourable outcome in both groups. PSA failure rate was similar in both groups: 13% and 12% in groups A and B, respectively. Post-treatment PSA <= 0.5 mu g/l was the only HER2 inhibitor independent prognostic factor associated with PSA failure in both groups (p < 0.0001, both groups). PC survival was 98.4% in both groups. Overall survival was 91% and 94% in groups A and B, respectively (p = not significant). Conclusions. There were no differences between the PC patients with small and large prostate volumes treated with brachytherapy with respect to PSA failure rate, PC survival

or overall survival. All patients, independent of prostate size, are potential candidates for brachytherapy.”
“We

report the synthesis of ZnS and ZnS:Cu (copper doped ZnS) quantum dots by chemical method at room temperature. In this technique ZnS and ZnS: Cu quantum dots are produced by simple chemical reactions where zeolite acts as matrix and plays the key role in controlling particle growth during synthesis. ZnS exhibits luminescence properties such as Zn(2+) related emission. ZnS: Cu possesses Cu related emission, efficient low voltage electroluminescence, and super linear voltage-brightness electroluminescence characteristics. This study demonstrates the technological importance of semiconductor quantum dots prepared by low CP-456773 research buy cost chemical route. (C) 2009 American Institute of Physics. [DOI: 10.1063/1.3110767]“
“Snakin-Z is a novel antimicrobial peptide (AMP) that is identified from the fruit of Zizyphus jujuba. This peptide is composed of 31 amino acids which is determined with the sequence of CARLNCVPKGTSGNTETCPCYASLHSCRKYG SN-38 ic50 and molecular weight of 3318.82Da. Snakin-Z is not identical to any AMP in the peptide database. According to this study, Snakin-Z potentially has antimicrobial property against bacteria and fungi. Minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) value of this peptide is suitable for antimicrobial activity. We assessed that Snakin-Z could affect Phomopsis azadirachtae with the MIC value of 7.65g/mL and vice versa

Staphylococcus aureus with the MIC value of 28.8g/mL. Interestingly, human red blood cells also showed good tolerance to the Snakin-Z. On the basis of this study, Snakin-Z can be an appropriate candidate for therapeutic applications in the future due to its antimicrobial property.”
“Objective. This study aimed to evaluate prognostic risk factors for cardiovascular events during treatment of metastatic prostate cancer patients with high-dose parenteral polyoestradiol phosphate (PEP, Estradurin (R)) or combined androgen deprivation (CAD) with special emphasis on pretreatment cardiovascular disease. Material and methods. Nine-hundred and fifteen patients with T0-4, Nx, M1, G1-3, hormone- naive prostate cancer were randomized to treatment with PEP 240 mg i.m.

Their tumour characteristics were provided by the Cote d’Or BC registry and staging was performed according to the criteria of the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) to

provide early-stage (AJCC 0/1) and advanced-stage (AJCC 2/3/4) BC. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to identify the predictive factors for the discovery of BC at an early stage. Data from 533 patients with a BC diagnosed from January 2006 to December 2008 were used. Among them, 353 patients (66.2%) had early-stage BC whereas 175 patients (32.8%) had advanced-stage BC. Patients attending mammography screening were more likely to have had early-stage BC (P = 0.0003). Multivariate analyses showed that being aged 63-74 years (P = 0.008) and having had Selleckchem Compound C a previous regular medical follow-up (P = 0.02) were independent predictors for the discovery of an early-stage BC. Mammography screening certainly allowed the discovery of BC at an early stage when performed according to the recommended 2-year interval. The

regular use of health services could also contribute towards the early detection of tumours and thus towards a reduction in BC mortality. European Journal of Cancer Prevention 22:103-111 (c) 2013 Wolters Kluwer Health vertical bar Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.”
“We proposed and fabricated multiscale transparent arteriole and capillary vessel models with circular cross MRT67307 sections of 10-500 mu m using photolithography. The circularities of the fabricated 10, 50, and 500 mu m diameter microchannels were 84.0%, 61.5%, and 82.3%, respectively. Next, we connected these different models to realize a circulation type blood vessel model simulating arteriole networks. We proposed a novel connection method using an intermediate connector made of wax, which we used to connect these models to make a circulation model. In flow experiments,

the fabricated models BMS-754807 datasheet showed no leakage and circulation models with seamless connections were achieved. (C) 2010 American Institute of Physics. [doi:10.1063/1.3523471]“
“Breast cancer is the most common malignancy in Israeli Jewish and Arab women. The main objective of this study was to reexamine the trends in breast cancer incidence, mortality, and survival in Israel in 1996 through 2007, as well as the use of mammography. Data were obtained from the Israel National Cancer Registry, the Central Bureau of Statistics, and National Health Surveys. Incidence and mortality rates per 100 000 are age adjusted to the world standard population. Time trends are presented using the joinpoint regression analysis. The relative survival was calculated for the diagnosis years 1996-2003. Data on mammography performance were obtained from the Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices surveys carried out in 2002-2008.