Is there a role for Serratia marcescens in male infertility: An experimental study?

PubMed

Rana, Kalpana; Thaper, Deepali; Prabha, Vijay

2017-04-01

Establishment of a male BALB/c mouse model to study the role of sperm impairing S. marcescens on mouse reproductive potential. The current study can add to use of reliable animal models to provide a noteworthy evidence for the microbial cause of infertility. The mice in the test groups II, III, IV were intraperitoneally administered with different doses (10 4 , 10 6 or 10 8  cfu) of S. marcescens whereas, group I serving as control, received PBS, for 10 consecutive days. The groups were evaluated for any change in body weight, tissue somatic index (%), seminal parameters and histology. Confirmation of S. marcescens from reproductive organs was done by reisolating the same by cultural characteristics and biochemical tests. The results showed that weight gain was evident only in mice receiving PBS (group I), whereas a decrease was recorded in the test groups (group II, III and IV). Only testes of test groups showed significant changes in TSI values whereas, no change in TSI was observed in any reproductive organ of any test group. Seminal parameters viz. sperm count, motility and viability were found to decrease in test groups II, III and IV as compared to control group I. Interestingly, the number of pus cells and percent decapitation was more prominent in test groups which received higher doses (i.e. group III and group IV). The histopathological examination revealed mild to dense inflammation in vas deferens and caudal epididymis in all test groups except hypospermatogenesis which was observed only in test group III and IV. However, in group I, neither adverse changes nor any sign of inflammation were observed. Intraperitoneal inoculation of S. marcescens could lead to alteration of semen parameters, induction of decapitation in spermatozoa and histopathological changes, thereby decreasing the reproductive potential of male mice. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

The comparison of humeral intraosseous and intravenous administration of vasopressin on return of spontaneous circulation and pharmacokinetics in a hypovolemic cardiac arrest swine model.

PubMed

Wimmer, Mark H; Heffner, Kenneth; Smithers, Michael; Culley, Richard; Coyner, Jennifer; Loughren, Michael; Johnson, Don

2016-01-01

The American Heart Association (AHA) recommends intravenous (IV) or intraosseous (IO) vasopressin in Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS). Obtaining IV access in hypovolemic cardiac arrest patients can be difficult, and IO access is often obtained in these life threatening situations. No studies have been conducted to determine the effects of humeral IO (HIO) access with vasopressin in the return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC). Our study compared the kinetics of vasopressin and ROSC with HIO with IV access in the hypovolemic swine model. Twenty-two Yorkshire swine were divided into three groups: HIO (n = 7), IV (n = 8), and a control group (n = 7). The IV and HIO group received vasopressin and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), while the control group received only CPR. All subjects were exsanguinated 31 percent of their blood volume, placed in cardiac arrest, and resuscitated per ACLS. Subjects that achieved ROSC were then monitored for 20 minutes. Blood samples (10 mL) collected at 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, and 4 minutes after vasopressin injection and analyzed for maximum concentration (Cmax) and time to maximum concentration (Tmax). Data were analyzed using a multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) and a Fisher's Exact Test. ROSC was achieved in every subject that received vasopressin via the HIO route. Data analysis using a MANOVA pairwise comparison revealed no difference between mean Cmax (p = 0.601) and Tmax (p = 0.771) of vasopressin administered IV versus HIO routes. Analysis of the mean serum concentrations at time intervals using a repeated measures analysis of variance found no difference (p > 0.05). A Fisher's Exact Test revealed no difference in rate of ROSC between HIO and IV groups (p > 0.05). Odds ratio determined that there was a 33 times higher chance of survival among HIO subjects versus control (CPR and Defibrillation; p = 0.03) and no difference in the survivability of the HIO or IV groups (p = 0.52). The data from this study strongly suggest that there is no significant difference in ROSC, time to ROSC, hemodynamics, or pharmacokinetics between HIO vasopressin and IV vasopressin. This research reinforces current AHA guidelines recommending the use of HIO route early over delaying care awaiting IV access.

The effect of caffeic acid phenethyl ester and thymoquinone on otitis media with effusion in rats.

PubMed

Gülmez, Mehmet İhsan; Okuyucu, Şemsettin; Dokuyucu, Recep; Gökçe, Hasan

2017-05-01

In this study, we aimed to investigate the effect of CAPE and thymoquinone in experimental rat otitis media with effusion (OME) model. Intraoral approach of eustachian tube orifice cauterization were administered to 36 of 40 rats participating the study. After application of exclusion criterias, 22 rats with appropriate conditions were determined. Totally 26 rats (44 otitis model ears and 8 normal ears) were randomly divided into 5 groups. While group I was consisted of healthy rats, the other groups were consisted of rats with otitis model. Group I (saline + control group; n = 8 normal ears) and group II (saline + otitis model; n = 10 otitis model ears) received intraperitoneally saline solution. CAPE was given intraperitoneally to group III (CAPE + otitis model; n = 12 otitis model ears) at a concentration of 10 mg/kg for treatment of otitis media. Group IV (thymoquinone + otitis model; n = 12 otitis model ears) was treated orally with 10 mg/kg of thymoquinone. Group V (methylprednisolone + otitis model; n = 10 otitis model ears) was treated intraperitoneally with 1 mg/kg of methylprednisolone. Tympanic bulla samples were excised after 10th day of treatment and examined under light microscopy. Submucosal neutrophil leukocyte count of group I was significantly lower than other groups (II, IV, V) (respectively p < 0,0001, p < 0,001, p < 0,0001, Tukey test), while it was not significantly different from group III (p = 0,056, Tukey test). Submucosal neutrophil leukocyte count of group III was significantly lower than group II and group V (p = 0.029 ve p = 0.03, Tukey test). There was no significant difference between group IV and group V (p = 0,28, Tukey test). Based on these findings, it could be suggested that CAPE, anti inflammatory properties proven in the literature, plays an important role in OME treatment. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

The effects of oral liquid and intravenous glutamine on bowel adaptation in a rabbit short bowel syndrome model.

PubMed

Tekın, Ahmet; Yemış, Mustafa; Küçükkartallar, Tevfik; Vatansever, Celalettin; Çakir, Murat; Yilmaz, Hüseyin; Toy, Hatice; Özer, Şükru

2010-09-01

The aim of this study was to examine whether liquid glutamine given to rabbits after resection is as effective as intravenous (i.v.) glutamine and to study the positive effects of glutamine on mucosal atrophy that occurs after bowel resection. Thirty rabbits with an average weight of 2500 g were used. On the third day, 30 rabbits were divided into three groups as follows: Group I (controls): bowel resection + oral total parenteral nutrition, Group II (oral liquid L-glutamine): Bowel resection + oral total parenteral nutrition + oral liquid L-glutamine, and Group III (i.v. L-glutamine): bowel resection + oral total parenteral nutrition + i.v. L-glutamine. On the postoperative 7th day, all subjects were sacrificed to examine intestinal adaptation indicators. There was an increase in average villus height and crypt depth in Group III compared to the other groups (p=0.0001). In Group II, the villus height and crypt depth increased more than in Group I, but the difference was less significant (p=0.038). There was no significant difference between groups in terms of average goblet cell proliferation. In our experimental study, it was observed that the orally given L-glutamine liquid in the rabbit intestinal adaptation model prevented mucosal atrophy after 50% bowel resection and even increased mucosa mass. However, i.v. glutamine led to similar and even better results. Neither route of glutamine administration was determined to have an effect on goblet cell proliferation.

A Comparison of the Effects of Intraosseous and Intravenous 5% Albumin on Infusion Time and Hemodynamic Measures in a Swine Model of Hemorrhagic Shock.

PubMed

Muir, Stacy L; Sheppard, Lance B; Maika-Wilson, Anne; Burgert, James M; Garcia-Blanco, Jose; Johnson, Arthur D; Coyner, Jennifer L

2016-08-01

Introduction Obtaining intravenous (IV) access in patients in hemorrhagic shock is often difficult and prolonged. Failed IV attempts delay life-saving treatment. Intraosseous (IO) access may often be obtained faster than IV access. Albumin (5%) is an option for prehospital volume expansion because of the absence of interference with coagulation and platelet function. Hypothesis/Problem There are limited data comparing the performance of IO and IV administered 5% albumin. The aims of this study were to compare the effects of tibial IO (TIO) and IV administration of 500 mL of 5% albumin on infusion time and hemodynamic measurements of heart rate (HR), mean arterial pressure (MAP), cardiac output (CO), and stroke volume (SV) in a swine model of hemorrhagic shock. Sixteen male swine were divided into two groups: TIO and IV. All subjects were anesthetized and a Class III hemorrhage was achieved by exsanguination of 31% of estimated blood volume (EBV) from a femoral artery catheter. Following exsanguination, 500 mL of 5% albumin was administered under pressurized infusion (300 mmHg) by the TIO or IV route and infusion time was recorded. Hemodynamic measurements of HR, MAP, CO, and SV were collected before and after exsanguination and every 20 seconds for 180 seconds during 5% albumin infusion. An independent t-test determined that IV 5% albumin infusion was significantly faster compared to IO (P=.01). Mean infusion time for TIO was seven minutes 35 seconds (SD=two minutes 44 seconds) compared to four minutes 32 seconds (SD=one minute 08 seconds) in the IV group. Multivariate Analysis of Variance was performed on hemodynamic data collected during the 5% albumin infusion. Analyses indicated there were no significant differences between the TIO and IV groups relative to MAP, CO, HR, or SV (P>.05). While significantly longer to infuse 5% albumin by the TIO route, the longer TIO infusion time may be negated as IO devices can be placed more quickly compared to repeated IV attempts. The lack of significant difference between the TIO and IV routes relative to hemodynamic measures indicate the TIO route is a viable route for the infusion of 5% albumin in a swine model of Class III hemorrhage. Muir SL , Sheppard LB , Maika-Wilson A , Burgert JM , Garcia-Blanco J , Johnson AD , Coyner JL . A comparison of the effects of intraosseous and intravenous 5% albumin on infusion time and hemodynamic measures in a swine model of hemorrhagic shock. Prehosp Disaster Med. 2016;31(4):436-442.

Effects of intravenous, sternal, and humerus intraosseous administration of Hextend on time of administration and hemodynamics in a hypovolemic swine model.

PubMed

Blouin, Dawn; Gegel, Brian T; Johnson, Don; Garcia-Blanco, Jose C

2016-01-01

To determine if there were significant differences among humerus intraosseous (HIO), sternal intraosseous (SIO), and intravenous (IV) administration of 500 mL Hextend in hemodynamics or administration time in a hypovolemic swine model. Vivarium. Yorkshire swine; sample size was based on a large effect size of 0.5, an α of 0.05, and a power of 80 percent Swine were randomly assigned to one of four groups: HIO (n = 9), SIO (n = 9), IV (n = 9), and control (n = 9). Swine were exsanguinated 30 percent of their blood volume. Hextend (500 mL) was administered by either the HIO, SIO, or IV route; the control group received none. Time of administration of Hextend; systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), mean arterial pressure (MAP), heart rate (HR), cardiac output (CO), and stroke volume (SV) data were collected every 2 minutes and compared by group over 8 minutes. A repeated analysis of variance found that there were no significant differences in SBP, DBP, MAP, HR, CO, and SV among HIO, SIO, and IV groups over 8 minutes (p > 0.05). An analyses of variance determined that there was no significant difference between groups relative to time of administration (p = 0.521). When IV access is difficult, both HIO and SIO are effective techniques for rapid vascular access and the administration of Hextend for patients in hypovolemic shock.

The effects of tibial intraosseous versus intravenous amiodarone administration in a hypovolemic cardiac arrest procine model.

PubMed

Hampton, Kathryn; Wang, Eric; Argame, Jerome Ivan; Bateman, Tom; Craig, William; Johnson, Don

2016-01-01

This study compared the effects of amiodarone via tibial intraosseous (TIO) and intravenous (IV) routes on return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC), time to ROSC, maximum drug concentration (Cmax), time to maximum concentration (Tmax), and mean concentrations over time in a hypovolemic cardiac arrest model. Prospective, between subjects, randomized experimental design. TriService Research Facility. Yorkshire-cross swine (n = 28). Swine were anesthetized and placed into cardiac arrest. After 2 minutes, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) was initiated. After an additional 2 minute, 300 mg of amiodarone were administered via the TIO or the IV route. Blood samples were collected over 5 minutes. The plasma concentrations were analyzed using high-performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry. ROSC, time to ROSC, Cmax, Tmax, and mean concentrations over time. A multivariate analysis of variance indicated that there were no significant differences in the TIO and IV groups in ROSC (p = 0.515), time to ROSC (p = 0.300), Cmax (p = 0.291), or Tmax (p = 0.475). The mean Cmax of the TIO group was 56,292 ± 11,504 ng/mL compared to 74,258 ± 11,504 ng/mL for the IV group. The Tmax for TIO and IV groups were 120 ± 25 and 94 ± 25, respectively. A repeated measures analysis of variance indicated that there were no significant differences between the groups relative to concentrations over time (p > 0.05). The TIO provides rapid and reliable access to administer lifesaving medications during cardiac arrest.

Dual hit lipopolysaccharide & oleic acid combination induced rat model of acute lung injury/acute respiratory distress syndrome.

PubMed

Hagawane, T N; Gaikwad, R V; Kshirsagar, N A

2016-05-01

Despite advances in therapy and overall medical care, acute lung injury (ALI)/acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) management remains a problem. Hence the objective of this study was to develop a rat model that mimics human ALI/ARDS. Four groups of Wistar rats, 48 per group were treated with (i) intratracheal (IT) lipopolysaccharide (LPS) (5 mg/kg) dissolved in normal saline (NS), (ii) intravenous (iv) oleic acid (OA) (250 μl/kg) suspension in bovine serum albumin (BSA), (iii) dual hit: IT LPS (2 mg/kg) dissolved in NS and iv OA (100 μl/kg) and (iv) control group: IT NS and iv BSA. From each group at set periods of time various investigations like chest x-rays, respiratory rate (RR), tidal volume (TV), total cell count, differential cell count, total protein count and cytokine levels in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), lung wet/dry weight ratio and histopathological examination were done. It was noted that the respiratory rate, and tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) levels were significantly higher at 4 h in the dual hit group as compared to LPS, OA and control groups. Interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels were significantly higher in the dual hit group as compared to LPS at 8 and 24 h, OA at 8 h and control (at all time intervals) group. IL-1β levels were significantly higher in LPS and dual hit groups at all time intervals, but not in OA and control groups. The injury induced in dual hit group was earlier and more sustained as compared to LPS and OA alone. The lung pathology and changes in respiration functions produced by the dual hit model were closer to the diagnostic criteria of ALI/ARDS in terms of clinical manifestations and pulmonary injury and the injury persisted longer as compared to LPS and OA single hit model. Therefore, the ARDS model produced by the dual hit method was closer to the diagnostic criteria of ARDS in terms of clinical manifestations and pulmonary injury.

Effects of tibial intraosseous and intravenous administration of Hextend on time of administration and hemodynamics in a hypovolemic swine model.

PubMed

Wilson, James; Passmore, Alex; Leger, Sephra; Lannan, Johnathon; Bentley, Michael; Johnson, Don

2016-01-01

To determine if there were significant differences between the tibial intraosseous (TIO) and intravenous (IV) administration of Hextend relative to time and in hemodynamics in a hypovolemic model. Vivarium. Yorkshire swine; sample size was based on a power of 80 percent, α of 0.05, and a large effect size of 0.6. Swine were randomly assigned to one of three groups: TIO (n = 7), IV (n = 7), and control (n = 7). Swine were exsanguinated 30 percent of their blood volume. Hextend (500 mL) was administered either by the TIO or IV route; the control group received none. Time of administration of Hextend; systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), mean arterial pressure (MAP), heart rate (HR), cardiac output (CO), and stroke volume (SV) data were collected every 2 minutes and compared by group over 8 minutes. An independent t test determined that there was no significant difference between groups relative to time of administration (p = 0.001). A repeated analysis of variance found that there were no significant differences in SBP, DBP, MAP, HR, CO, and SV between the TIO and IV groups over 8 minutes (p > 0.05) but significant differences between both TIO and IV compared to the control group (p < 0.05). TIO is an effective and easily used method to administer Hextend for patients in hypovolemic shock. Based upon the findings of this study, the TIO route might be considered the first choice for rapid vascular access and the administration of Hextend.

Structure of the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children - Fourth Edition in a Group of Children with ADHD.

PubMed

Gomez, Rapson; Vance, Alasdair; Watson, Shaun D

2016-01-01

This study used confirmatory factor analysis to examine the factor structure for the 10 core WISC-IV subtests in a group of children (N = 812) with ADHD. The study examined oblique four- and five-factor models, higher order models with one general secondary factor and four and five primary factors, and a bifactor model with a general factor and four specific factors. The findings supported all models tested, with the bifactor model being the optimum model. For this model, only the general factor had high explained common variance and omega hierarchical value, and it predicted reading and arithmetic abilities. The findings favor the use of the FSIQ scores of the WISC-IV, but not the subscale index scores.

A newly developed solution enhances thirty-hour preservation in a canine lung transplantation model.

PubMed

Liu, C J; Ueda, M; Kosaka, S; Hirata, T; Yokomise, H; Inui, K; Hitomi, S; Wada, H

1996-09-01

Ischemia and reperfusion cause the production of oxygen free radicals. These damage grafts or disrupt normal vascular homeostatic mechanisms, with a parallel reduction in endothelial nitric oxide and adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate levels. We hypothesized that lung preservation failure may be related to these events. To improve lung preservation, we prepared a new ET-Kyoto solution, which contains N-acetylcysteine (a radical scavenger), nitroglycerin (to elevate the nitric oxide level), and dibutyryl adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (to elevate the adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate level) and examined its efficacy in a canine single-lung transplantation model. Lungs were flushed with new ET-Kyoto solution (group I, n = 9), basal ET-Kyoto solution (group II, n = 6), basal ET-Kyoto solution plus ethanol and propylene glycol (solvents of nitroglycerin; group III, n = 6), or low-potassium dextran glucose solution (group IV, n = 6), and stored at 4 degrees C for 30 hours. After left single-lung transplantation, the right main bronchus and right pulmonary artery were ligated and the functions of the transplanted lung were assessed for 6 hours. Arterial oxygen tension was significantly higher in group I than in groups II, III, and IV (p < 0.05). Peak inspiratory pressure and wet-to-dry lung weight ratio were significantly lower in group I than in groups II and IV (p < 0.01). Histologic and ultrastructural studies showed better preservation in group I than in groups II, III, and IV. We conclude that the new ET-Kyoto solution provides enhanced 30-hour lung preservation.

Transforming Growth Factor-Beta Inhibition Reduces Progression of Early Choroidal Neovascularization Lesions in Rats: P17 and P144 Peptides

PubMed Central

Zarranz-Ventura, Javier; Fernández-Robredo, Patricia; Recalde, Sergio; Salinas-Alamán, Angel; Borrás-Cuesta, Francisco; Dotor, Javier; García-Layana, Alfredo

2013-01-01

The purpose of this study was to assess the effects of transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) inhibitor peptides (P17 & P144) on early laser-induced choroidal neovascularization (LI-CNV) lesions in rats, two weeks after laser CNV induction. Seventy-one Long Evans rats underwent diode laser application in an established LI-CNV model. Baseline fluorescein angiography (FA) was performed 14 days following laser procedure, and treatments were administered 16 days post-laser application via different administration routes. Intravenous groups included control (IV-Control), P17 (IV-17), and P144 (IV-144) groups, whereas intravitreal groups included P17 (IVT-17), P144 (IVT-144), and a mixture of both peptides (IVT-17+144) (with fellow eyes receiving vehicle alone). CNV evolution was assessed using FA performed weekly for four weeks after treatment. Following sacrifice, VEGF, TGF-β, COX-2, IGF-1, PAI-1, IL-6, MMP-2, MMP-9, and TNF-α gene expression was assessed using RT-PCR. VEGF and p-SMAD2 protein levels were also assessed by western-blot, while MMP-2 activity was assessed with gelatin zymography. Regarding the FA analysis, the mean CNV area was lower from the 3rd week in IVT-17 and IVT-144 groups, and also from the 2nd week in IVT-17+144. Biochemical analysis revealed that gene expression was lower for VEGF and COX-2 genes in IV-17 and IV-144 groups, VEGF gene in IVT-17+144 group and MMP-2 gene in IVT-17 and IVT-144 groups. VEGF protein expression was also decreased in IV-17, IV-144, IVT-17 and IVT-144, whereas pSMAD-2 levels were lower in IV-17, IV-144 and IVT-17+144 groups. Zymogram analysis revealed decreased MMP-2 activity in IV-17, IV-144, IVT-17 and IVT-144 groups. These data suggest that the use of TGF-β inhibitor peptides (P17 & P144) decrease the development of early CNV lesions by targeting different mediators than those typically affected using current anti-angiogenic therapies. Its potential role in the treatment of early CNV appears promising as a single therapy or adjuvant to anti-VEGF drugs. PMID:23741494

Effects of intraosseous epinephrine in a cardiac arrest swine model.

PubMed

Wong, Marc R; Reggio, Matt J; Morocho, Freddy R; Holloway, Monica M; Garcia-Blanco, Jose C; Jenkins, Constance; Johnson, Arthur D

2016-04-01

Interruptions in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) to obtain vascular access reduces blood flow to vital organs. Tibial intraosseous (TIO) access may be a faster alternative to intravenous (IV) access for delivery of vasoactive medications. The purpose of this study was to examine the differences in pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of TIO- and IV-delivered epinephrine. A prospective, between subjects, experimental design comparing Cmax, Tmax, return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC), and time to ROSC. Adult male swine were divided into three equal groups (n = 7) all received CPR and defibrillation: the second group received IV epinephrine and the third group received tibial intraosseous epinephrine. Swine were placed in cardiac arrest for 2 min before CPR was initiated. After 2 min of CPR, epinephrine was delivered by IV or TIO, and serial blood samples were collected over 4 min. There were no significant differences between IV versus TIO epinephrine in achieving ROSC, time to ROSC, and Cmax. A one-way analysis of variance demonstrated a significant difference between the IV and TIO groups in Tmax (P = 0.025). A Fisher exact test demonstrated a significant difference between IV epinephrine versus CPR/Defib only (P = 0.035) and TIO epinephrine versus CPR/Defib only (P = 0.010) in achieving ROSC. A multivariate analysis of variance showed significant differences in IV versus intraosseous epinephrine concentration at specific time intervals: 60 (P = 0.023), 90 (P = 0.001), and 120 (P < 0.000) sec. In the context of ROSC, epinephrine delivered via TIO route is a clinically relevant alternative to IV administration. When IV access cannot be immediately obtained in cardiac arrest patients, TIO access should be considered. Published by Elsevier Inc.

A plant based protective antigen [PA(dIV)] vaccine expressed in chloroplasts demonstrates protective immunity in mice against anthrax.

PubMed

Gorantala, Jyotsna; Grover, Sonam; Goel, Divya; Rahi, Amit; Jayadev Magani, Sri Krishna; Chandra, Subhash; Bhatnagar, Rakesh

2011-06-15

The currently available anthrax vaccines are limited by being incompletely characterized, potentially reactogenic and have an expanded dosage schedule. Plant based vaccines offer safe alternative for vaccine production. In the present study, we expressed domain IV of Bacillus anthracis protective antigen gene [PA(dIV)] in planta (by nuclear agrobacterium and chloroplast transformation) and E. coli [rPA(dIV)]. The presence of transgene and the expression of PA(dIV) in planta was confirmed by molecular analysis. Expression levels up to 5.3% of total soluble protein (TSP) were obtained with AT rich (71.8% AT content) PA(dIV) gene in transplastomic plants while 0.8% of TSP was obtained in nuclear transformants. Further, we investigated the protective response of plant and E. coli derived PA(dIV) in mice by intraperitoneal (i.p.) and oral immunizations with or without adjuvant. Antibody titers of >10(4) were induced upon i.p. and oral immunizations with plant derived PA(dIV) and oral immunization with E. coli derived PA(dIV). Intraperitoneal injections with adjuvanted E. coli derived PA(dIV), generated highest antibody titers of >10(5). All the immunized groups demonstrated predominant IgG1 titers over IgG2a indicating a polarized Th2 type response. We also evaluated the mucosal antibody response in orally immunized groups. When fecal extracts were analyzed, low sIgA titer was demonstrated in adjuvanted plant and E. coli derived PA(dIV) groups. Further, PA(dIV) antisera enhanced B. anthracis spore uptake by macrophages in vitro and also demonstrated an anti-germinating effect suggesting a potent role at mucosal surfaces. The antibodies from various groups were efficient in neutralizing the lethal toxin in vitro. When mice were challenged with B. anthracis, mice immunized with adjuvanted plant PA(dIV) imparted 60% and 40% protection while E. coli derived PA(dIV) conferred 100% and 80% protection upon i.p. and oral immunizations. Thus, our study is the first attempt in highlighting the efficacy of plant expressed PA(dIV) by oral immunization in murine model. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Diagnostic classification of eating disorders in children and adolescents: How does DSM-IV-TR compare to empirically-derived categories?

PubMed Central

Eddy, Kamryn T.; le Grange, Daniel; Crosby, Ross D.; Hoste, Renee Rienecke; Doyle, Angela Celio; Smyth, Angela; Herzog, David B.

2009-01-01

Objective The purpose of this study was to empirically derive eating disorder phenotypes in a clinical sample of children and adolescents using latent profile analysis (LPA) and compare these latent profile (LP) groups to the DSM-IV-TR eating disorder categories. Method Eating disorder symptom data collected from 401 youth (ages 7–19; mean 15.14 ± 2.35y) seeking eating disorder treatment were included in LPA; general linear models were used to compare LP groups to DSM-IV-TR eating disorder categories on pre-treatment and outcome indices. Results Three LP groups were identified: LP1 (n=144), characterized binge eating and purging (“Binge/purge”); LP2 (n=126), characterized by excessive exercise and extreme eating disorder cognitions (“Exercise-extreme cognitions”); and LP3 (n=131), characterized by minimal eating disorder behaviors and cognitions (“Minimal behaviors/cognitions”). Identified LPs imperfectly resembled DSM-IV-TR eating disorders. LP1 resembled bulimia nervosa; LP2 and LP3 broadly resembled anorexia nervosa with a relaxed weight criterion, differentiated by excessive exercise and severity of eating disorder cognitions. LP groups were more differentiated than the DSM-IV-TR categories across pre-treatment eating disorder and general psychopathology indices, as well as weight change at follow-up. Neither LP nor DSM-IV-TR categories predicted change in binge/purge behaviors. Validation analyses suggest these empirically-derived groups improve upon the current DSM-IV-TR categories. Conclusions In children and adolescents, revisions for DSM-V should consider recognition of patients with minimal cognitive eating disorder symptoms. PMID:20410717

[Changes in proline-specific peptidase activity in experimental model of retrograde amnesia].

PubMed

Nazarova, G A; Zolotov, N N; Krupina, N A; Kraĭneva, V A; Garibova, T L; Voronina, T A

2007-01-01

Changes in proline-specific peptidase activity in the frontal cortex and hippocampus were studied using the experimental model of retrograde amnesia in rats. In one group, the amnesia was produced by a single injection of M-cholinergic antagonist scopolamine and the other group received the maximal electroconvulsive stimulation (MES). The amnesic effect was evaluated in passive avoidance test. In the amnesia models under consideration, the activity of prolylendopeptidase was significantly increased in both frontal cortex and hippocampus. The activity of dipeptidyl peptidase IV was significantly decreased in the cortex, whereas in the hippocampus it remained unchanged. Pyracetam inhibited prolylendopeptidase in the cortex and hippocampus, whereas dipeptidyl peptidase IV activity remained unchanged.

Intraosseous Hydroxocobalamin versus Intravenous Hydroxocobalamin Compared to Intraosseous Whole Blood or No Treatment for Hemorrhagic Shock in a Swine Model

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-05-02

MAP significantly improved over time in both treated groups but not in the control group. By 60 minutes, mean HR was 116 and 135 bpm and MAP was 60...and 65 mm Hg for IV and IO HOC groups (not significantly different) whereas non-treated animals displayed a mean HR of 157 bpm and MAP of 43 mm Hg...group. By 60 minutes, mean HR was 116(9.9) and 100(11.2) bpm and MAP was 57(3.9) and 62(4.4) mm Hg for IV HOC and WB groups (not significantly

Assessing the factor structure of posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms in war-exposed youths with and without Criterion A2 endorsement.

PubMed

Armour, Cherie; Layne, Christopher M; Naifeh, James A; Shevlin, Mark; Duraković-Belko, Elvira; Djapo, Nermin; Pynoos, Robert S; Elhai, Jon D

2011-01-01

Posttraumatic stress disorder's (PTSD) tripartite factor structure proposed by the DSM-IV is rarely empirically supported. Other four-factor models (King et al., 1998; Simms et al., 2002) have proven to better account for PTSD's latent structure; however, results regarding model superiority are conflicting. The current study assessed whether endorsement of PTSD's Criterion A2 would impact on the factorial invariance of the King et al. (1998) model. Participants were 1572 war-exposed Bosnian secondary students who were assessed two years following the 1992-1995 Bosnian conflict. The sample was grouped by those endorsing both parts of the DSM-IV Criterion A (A2 Group) and those endorsing only A1 (Non-A2 Group). The factorial invariance of the King et al. (1998) model was not supported between the A2 vs. Non-A2 Groups; rather, the groups significantly differed on all model parameters. The impact of removing A2 on the factor structure of King et al. (1998) PTSD model is discussed in light of the proposed removal of Criterion A2 for the DSM-V. Copyright © 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Triiodothyronine Administration in a Model of Septic Shock: A Randomized Blinded Placebo-Controlled Trial.

PubMed

Maiden, Matthew J; Chapman, Marianne J; Torpy, David J; Kuchel, Timothy R; Clarke, Iain J; Nash, Coralie H; Fraser, Jonathan D; Ludbrook, Guy L

2016-06-01

Triiodothyronine concentration in plasma decreases during septic shock and may contribute to multiple organ dysfunction. We sought to determine the safety and efficacy of administering triiodothyronine, with and without hydrocortisone, in a model of septic shock. Randomized blinded placebo-controlled trial. Preclinical research laboratory. Thirty-two sheep rendered septic with IV Escherichia coli and receiving protocol-guided sedation, ventilation, IV fluids, and norepinephrine infusion. Two hours following induction of sepsis, 32 sheep received a 24-hour IV infusion of 1) placebo + placebo, 2) triiodothyronine + placebo, 3) hydrocortisone + placebo, or 4) triiodothyronine + hydrocortisone. Primary outcome was the total amount of norepinephrine required to maintain a target mean arterial pressure; secondary outcomes included hemodynamic and metabolic indices. Plasma triiodothyronine levels increased to supraphysiological concentrations with hormonal therapy. Following 24 hours of study drug infusion, the amount of norepinephrine required was no different between the study groups (mean ± SD μg/kg; placebo + placebo group 208 ± 392; triiodothyronine + placebo group 501 ± 370; hydrocortisone + placebo group 167 ± 286; triiodothyronine + hydrocortisone group 466 ± 495; p = 0.20). There was no significant treatment effect on any hemodynamic variable, metabolic parameter, or measure of organ function. A 24-hour infusion of triiodothyronine, with or without hydrocortisone, in an ovine model of septic shock did not markedly alter norepinephrine requirement or any other physiological parameter.

The Kubo-Greenwood spin-dependent electrical conductivity of 2D transition-metal dichalcogenides and group-IV materials: A Green's function study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hoi, Bui Dinh; Yarmohammadi, Mohsen

2018-04-01

The spin-dependent electrical conductivity of counterparts of graphene, transition-metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) and group-IV nanosheets, have investigated by a magnetic exchange field (MEF)-induction to gain the electronic transport properties of charge carriers. We have implemented a k.p Hamiltonian model through the Kubo-Greenwood formalism in order to address the dynamical behavior of correlated Dirac fermions. Tuning the MEF enables one to control the effective mass of carriers in group-IV and TMDs, differently. We have found the Dirac-like points in a new quantum anomalous Hall (QAH) state at strong MEFs for both structures. For both cases, a broad peak in electrical conductivity originated from the scattering rate and entropy is observed. Spin degeneracy at some critical MEFs is another remarkable point. We have found that in the limit of zero or uniform MEFs with respect to the spin-orbit interaction, the large resulting electrical conductivity depends on the spin sub-bands in group-IV and MLDs. Featuring spin-dependent electronic transport properties, one can provide a new scenario for future possible applications.

Construct validity of the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children - Fourth UK Edition with a referred Irish sample: Wechsler and Cattell-Horn-Carroll model comparisons with 15 subtests.

PubMed

Canivez, Gary L; Watkins, Marley W; Good, Rebecca; James, Kate; James, Trevor

2017-09-01

Irish educational psychologists frequently use the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children - Fourth UK Edition (WISC-IV UK ; Wechsler, 2004, Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children-Fourth UK Edition, London, UK, Harcourt Assessment) in clinical assessments of children with learning difficulties. Unfortunately, reliability and validity studies of the WISC-IV UK standardization sample have not yet been reported. Watkins et al. (2013, International Journal of School and Educational Psychology, 1, 102) found support for a bifactor structure with a large sample (N = 794) of Irish children who were administered the 10 WISC-IV UK core subtests in clinical assessments of learning difficulties and dominance of general intelligence. Because only 10 subtests were available, Cattell-Horn-Carroll (CHC; McGrew, 1997, 2005, Contemporary intellectual assessment: Theories, tests, and issues, New York, NY: Guilford; Schneider & McGrew, 2012, Contemporary intellectual assessment: Theories, tests, and issues, New York, NY, Guilford Press) models could not be tested and compared. The present study utilized confirmatory factor analyses to test the latent factor structure of the WISC-IV UK with a sample of 245 Irish children administered all 15 WISC-IV UK subtests in evaluations assessing learning difficulties in order to examine CHC- and Wechsler-based models. One through five, oblique first-order factor models and higher order versus bifactor models were examined and compared using CFA. Meaningful differences in fit statistics were not observed between the Wechsler and CHC representations of higher-order or bifactor models. In all four structures, general intelligence accounted for the largest portions of explained common variance, whereas group factors accounted for small to miniscule portions of explained common variance. Omega-hierarchical subscale coefficients indicated that unit-weighted composites that would be generated by WISC-IV UK group factors (Wechsler or CHC) would contain little unique variance and thus be of little value. These results were similar to those from other investigations, further demonstrating the replication of the WISC-IV factor structure across cultures and the importance of focusing primary interpretation on the FSIQ. © 2017 The British Psychological Society.

Mortality Probability Model III and Simplified Acute Physiology Score II

PubMed Central

Vasilevskis, Eduard E.; Kuzniewicz, Michael W.; Cason, Brian A.; Lane, Rondall K.; Dean, Mitzi L.; Clay, Ted; Rennie, Deborah J.; Vittinghoff, Eric; Dudley, R. Adams

2009-01-01

Background: To develop and compare ICU length-of-stay (LOS) risk-adjustment models using three commonly used mortality or LOS prediction models. Methods: Between 2001 and 2004, we performed a retrospective, observational study of 11,295 ICU patients from 35 hospitals in the California Intensive Care Outcomes Project. We compared the accuracy of the following three LOS models: a recalibrated acute physiology and chronic health evaluation (APACHE) IV-LOS model; and models developed using risk factors in the mortality probability model III at zero hours (MPM0) and the simplified acute physiology score (SAPS) II mortality prediction model. We evaluated models by calculating the following: (1) grouped coefficients of determination; (2) differences between observed and predicted LOS across subgroups; and (3) intraclass correlations of observed/expected LOS ratios between models. Results: The grouped coefficients of determination were APACHE IV with coefficients recalibrated to the LOS values of the study cohort (APACHE IVrecal) [R2 = 0.422], mortality probability model III at zero hours (MPM0 III) [R2 = 0.279], and simplified acute physiology score (SAPS II) [R2 = 0.008]. For each decile of predicted ICU LOS, the mean predicted LOS vs the observed LOS was significantly different (p ≤ 0.05) for three, two, and six deciles using APACHE IVrecal, MPM0 III, and SAPS II, respectively. Plots of the predicted vs the observed LOS ratios of the hospitals revealed a threefold variation in LOS among hospitals with high model correlations. Conclusions: APACHE IV and MPM0 III were more accurate than SAPS II for the prediction of ICU LOS. APACHE IV is the most accurate and best calibrated model. Although it is less accurate, MPM0 III may be a reasonable option if the data collection burden or the treatment effect bias is a consideration. PMID:19363210

Onset and duration of intravenous and intraosseous rocuronium in hypovolemic swine.

PubMed

Nemeth, Miguel; Williams, George N; Prichard, Debbie; McConnico, Angie; Johnson, Don; Loughren, Michael

2016-01-01

Compare the onset and duration of rocuronium administered via the intravenous (IV), and intraosseous (IO) routes in a hypovolemic swine model. Prospective, between subjects, experimental study. Vivarium. Yorkshire-cross swine (N = 8). Electromyography (EMG) amplitudes were recorded at baseline and for every 15 seconds after administering 1.2 mg/kg of rocuronium via IV or IO routes to hypovolemic swine. EMG amplitudes were measured until termination of EMG activity and then measured every 5 minutes until there was a return to baseline values. Individual data were transformed to percent baseline. The time from the end of injection to 90 percent reduction of baseline EMG activity (Onset 90 ), the time to maximum reduction (Onset peak ), and the maximum reduction of the neuromuscular response (peak effect), as well as, time from the end of injection to the return of 25, 50, 75, and 95 percent of baseline EMG activity was used to characterize onset and recovery of neuromuscular function. Maximum reduction, Onset 90 and Onset peak times were not statistically different between groups. The IV group's mean time to recovery of all benchmarks was faster than the IO group. The IO group took statistically longer than the IV group to return to 25, 50, 75, and 95 percent of baseline activity. The IO route is an effective method of administering rocuronium and is comparable to the IV route even under conditions of significant hemorrhage.

Effects of humeral intraosseous versus intravenous epinephrine on pharmacokinetics and return of spontaneous circulation in a porcine cardiac arrest model: A randomized control trial.

PubMed

Johnson, Don; Garcia-Blanco, Jose; Burgert, James; Fulton, Lawrence; Kadilak, Patrick; Perry, Katherine; Burke, Jeffrey

2015-09-01

Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), defibrillation, and epinephrine administration are pillars of advanced cardiac life support (ACLS). Intraosseous (IO) access is an alternative route for epinephrine administration when intravenous (IV) access is unobtainable. Previous studies indicate the pharmacokinetics of epinephrine administration via IO and IV routes differ, but it is not known if the difference influences return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC). The purpose of this prospective, experimental study was to determine the effects of humeral IO (HIO) and IV epinephrine administration during cardiac arrest on pharmacokinetics, ROSC, and odds of survival. Swine (N = 21) were randomized into 3 groups: humeral IO (HIO), peripheral IV (IV) and CPR/defibrillation control. Cardiac arrest was induced under general anesthesia. The swine remained in arrest for 2 min without intervention. Chest compressions were initiated and continued for 2 min. Epinephrine was administered and serial blood samples collected for pharmacokinetic analysis over 4 min. Defibrillation and epinephrine administration proceeded according to ACLS guidelines continuing for 20 min or until ROSC. Seven HIO swine, 4 IV swine, and no control swine had ROSC. There were no significant differences in ROSC, maximum concentration; except at 30 s, and time-to-concentration-maximum between the HIO and IV groups. Significant differences existed between the experimental groups and the control. The HIO delivers a higher concentration of epinephrine than the IV route at 30 s which may be a survival advantage. Clinicians may consider using the IO route to administer epinephrine during CA when there is no preexisting IV access or when IV access is unobtainable.

Effects of humeral intraosseous versus intravenous epinephrine on pharmacokinetics and return of spontaneous circulation in a porcine cardiac arrest model: A randomized control trial

PubMed Central

Johnson, Don; Garcia-Blanco, Jose; Burgert, James; Fulton, Lawrence; Kadilak, Patrick; Perry, Katherine; Burke, Jeffrey

2015-01-01

Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), defibrillation, and epinephrine administration are pillars of advanced cardiac life support (ACLS). Intraosseous (IO) access is an alternative route for epinephrine administration when intravenous (IV) access is unobtainable. Previous studies indicate the pharmacokinetics of epinephrine administration via IO and IV routes differ, but it is not known if the difference influences return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC). The purpose of this prospective, experimental study was to determine the effects of humeral IO (HIO) and IV epinephrine administration during cardiac arrest on pharmacokinetics, ROSC, and odds of survival. Swine (N = 21) were randomized into 3 groups: humeral IO (HIO), peripheral IV (IV) and CPR/defibrillation control. Cardiac arrest was induced under general anesthesia. The swine remained in arrest for 2 min without intervention. Chest compressions were initiated and continued for 2 min. Epinephrine was administered and serial blood samples collected for pharmacokinetic analysis over 4 min. Defibrillation and epinephrine administration proceeded according to ACLS guidelines continuing for 20 min or until ROSC. Seven HIO swine, 4 IV swine, and no control swine had ROSC. There were no significant differences in ROSC, maximum concentration; except at 30 s, and time-to-concentration-maximum between the HIO and IV groups. Significant differences existed between the experimental groups and the control. The HIO delivers a higher concentration of epinephrine than the IV route at 30 s which may be a survival advantage. Clinicians may consider using the IO route to administer epinephrine during CA when there is no preexisting IV access or when IV access is unobtainable. PMID:26468375

The reliability of multidimensional neuropsychological measures: from alpha to omega.

PubMed

Watkins, Marley W

To demonstrate that Coefficient omega, a model-based estimate, is more a more appropriate index of reliability than coefficient alpha for the multidimensional scales that are commonly employed by neuropsychologists. As an illustration, a structural model of an overarching general factor and four first-order factors for the WAIS-IV based on the standardization sample of 2200 participants was identified and omega coefficients were subsequently computed for WAIS-IV composite scores. Alpha coefficients were ≥ .90 and omega coefficients ranged from .75 to .88 for WAIS-IV factor index scores, indicating that the blend of general and group factor variance in each index score created a reliable multidimensional composite. However, the amalgam of variance from general and group factors did not allow the precision of Full Scale IQ (FSIQ) and factor index scores to be disentangled. In contrast, omega hierarchical coefficients were low for all four factor index scores (.10-.41), indicating that most of the reliable variance of each factor index score was due to the general intelligence factor. In contrast, the omega hierarchical coefficient for the FSIQ score was .84. Meaningful interpretation of WAIS-IV factor index scores as unambiguous indicators of group factors is imprecise, thereby fostering unreliable identification of neurocognitive strengths and weaknesses, whereas the WAIS-IV FSIQ score can be interpreted as a reliable measure of general intelligence. It was concluded that neuropsychologists should base their clinical decisions on reliable scores as indexed by coefficient omega.

Convergence between DSM-IV-TR and DSM-5 diagnostic models for personality disorder: evaluation of strategies for establishing diagnostic thresholds.

PubMed

Morey, Leslie C; Skodol, Andrew E

2013-05-01

The Personality and Personality Disorders Work Group for the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) recommended substantial revisions to the personality disorders (PDs) section of DSM-IV-TR, proposing a hybrid categorical-dimensional model that represented PDs as combinations of core personality dysfunctions and various configurations of maladaptive personality traits. Although the DSM-5 Task Force endorsed the proposal, the Board of Trustees of the American Psychiatric Association (APA) did not, placing the Work Group's model in DSM-5 Section III ("Emerging Measures and Models") with other concepts thought to be in need of additional research. This paper documents the impact of using this alternative model in a national sample of 337 patients as described by clinicians familiar with their cases. In particular, the analyses focus on alternative strategies considered by the Work Group for deriving decision rules, or diagnostic thresholds, with which to assign categorical diagnoses. Results demonstrate that diagnostic rules could be derived that yielded appreciable correspondence between DSM-IV-TR and proposed DSM-5 PD diagnoses-correspondence greater than that observed in the transition between DSM-III and DSM-III-R PDs. The approach also represents the most comprehensive attempt to date to provide conceptual and empirical justification for diagnostic thresholds utilized within the DSM PDs.

An empirical evaluation of the structure of DSM-IV personality disorders in a nationally representative sample: results of confirmatory factor analysis in the National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions Waves 1 and 2.

PubMed

Cox, Brian J; Clara, Ian P; Worobec, Lydia M; Grant, Bridget F

2012-12-01

Individual personality disorders (PD) are grouped into three clusters in the DSM-IV (A, B, and C). There is very little empirical evidence available concerning the validity of this model in the general population. The current study included all 10 of the DSM-IV PD assessed in Wave 1 and Wave 2 of the National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions (NESARC). Confirmatory factor analysis was used to evaluate three plausible models of the structure of Axis II personality disorders (the current hierarchical DSM-IV three-factor model in which individual PD are believed to load on their assigned clusters, which in turn load onto a single Axis II factor; a general single-factor model; and three independent factors). Each of these models was tested in both the total and also separately for gender. The higher order DSM-IV model demonstrated good fit to the data on a number of goodness-of-fit indices. The results for this model were very similar across genders. A model of PD based on the current DSM-IV hierarchical conceptualization of a higher order classification scheme received strong empirical support through confirmatory factor analysis using a number of goodness-of-fit indices in a nationally representative sample. Other models involving broad, higher order personality domains such as neuroticism in relation to personality disorders have yet to be tested in epidemiologic surveys and represent an important avenue for future research.

A novel model of invasive fungal rhinosinusitis in rats.

PubMed

Zhang, Fang; An, Yunfang; Li, Zeqing; Zhao, Changqing

2013-01-01

Invasive fungal rhinosinusitis (IFRS) is a life-threatening inflammatory disease that affects immunocompromised patients, but animal models of the disease are scarce. This study aimed to develop an IFRS model in neutropenic rats. The model was established in three consecutive steps: unilateral nasal obstruction with Merocel sponges, followed by administration of cyclophosphamide (CPA), and, finally, nasal inoculation with Aspergillus fumigatus. Fifty healthy Wistar rats were randomly divided into five groups, with group I as the controls, group II undergoing unilateral nasal obstruction alone, group III undergoing nasal obstruction with fungal inoculation, group IV undergoing nasal obstruction with administration of CPA, and group V undergoing nasal obstruction with administration of CPA and fungal inoculation. Hematology, histology, and mycology investigations were performed. The changes in the rat absolute neutrophil counts (ANCs) were statistically different across the groups. The administration of CPA decreased the ANCs, whereas nasal obstruction with fungal inoculation increased the ANCs, and nasal obstruction did not change them. Histological examination of the rats in group V revealed the hyphal invasion of sinus mucosa and bone, thrombosis, and tissue infarction. No pathology indicative of IFRS was observed in the remaining groups. Positive rates of fungal culture in tissue homogenates from the maxillary sinus (62.5%) and lung (25%) were found in group V, whereas groups I, II, III, and IV showed no fungal culture in the homogenates. A rat IFRS model was successfully developed through nasal obstruction, CPA-induced neutropenia, and fungal inoculation. The disease model closely mimics the pathophysiology of anthropic IFRS.

In vivo suppression of solid Ehrlich cancer via chlorophyllin derivative mediated PDT: an albino mouse tumour model

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gomaa, Iman; Saraya, Hend; Zekri, Maha; Abdel-Kader, Mahmoud

2015-03-01

In this study, copper chlorophyllin was used as a photosensitizer for photodynamic therapy (PDT) in Ehrlich tumour mouse model. Six groups of animals comprising 5 animals per group were subcutaneously transplanted with 1x106 Ehrlich tumour cells. A single dose of 200 μg/gm body weight chlorophylin derivative was administered by intravenous (IV) or intratumoral (IT) routes. Mice were exposed to monochromatic red laser of 630 nm for 1 h, and tumour regression was followed up for three consecutive months post treatment. Several Biochemical, histological and molecular tests were performed in order to evaluate the efficacy and safety of the applied treatment. An interest has been also directed towards investigating the molecular mechanisms underlying chlorophyllin derivative mediated PDT. PDT-treated animals via either the IV or IT routes showed significant decrease in tumour size 72 h post-treatment. Tumours at the IV-PDT group disappeared totally within a week with no recurrence over three months follow up. In the IT-PDT, the decrease in tumour size at the first week was interrupted by a slight increase; however never reached the original size. Histological examination of tumour tissues of the IV-PDT group at 24 h post treatment demonstrated restoring the normal muscle tissue architecture, and the biochemical assays indicated normal liver functions. The immunohistochemical analysis of caspase-3, and the quantitative PCR results of caspases-8 and 9 proved the presence of extrinsic apoptotic pathway after cholorphyllin derivative-mediated PDT. In conclusion IV-PDT strategy proved better cure rate than the IT-PDT, with no recurrence over three months of follow up.

Single-layer group IV-V and group V-IV-III-VI semiconductors: Structural stability, electronic structures, optical properties, and photocatalysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lin, Jia-He; Zhang, Hong; Cheng, Xin-Lu; Miyamoto, Yoshiyuki

2017-07-01

Recently, single-layer group III monochalcogenides have attracted both theoretical and experimental interest at their potential applications in photonic devices, electronic devices, and solar energy conversion. Excited by this, we theoretically design two kinds of highly stable single-layer group IV-V (IV =Si ,Ge , and Sn; V =N and P) and group V-IV-III-VI (IV =Si ,Ge , and Sn; V =N and P; III =Al ,Ga , and In; VI =O and S) compounds with the same structures with single-layer group III monochalcogenides via first-principles simulations. By using accurate hybrid functional and quasiparticle methods, we show the single-layer group IV-V and group V-IV-III-VI are indirect bandgap semiconductors with their bandgaps and band edge positions conforming to the criteria of photocatalysts for water splitting. By applying a biaxial strain on single-layer group IV-V, single-layer group IV nitrides show a potential on mechanical sensors due to their bandgaps showing an almost linear response for strain. Furthermore, our calculations show that both single-layer group IV-V and group V-IV-III-VI have absorption from the visible light region to far-ultraviolet region, especially for single-layer SiN-AlO and SnN-InO, which have strong absorption in the visible light region, resulting in excellent potential for solar energy conversion and visible light photocatalytic water splitting. Our research provides valuable insight for finding more potential functional two-dimensional semiconductors applied in optoelectronics, solar energy conversion, and photocatalytic water splitting.

Serum butyrylcholinesterase and paraoxonase 1 in a canine model of endotoxemia: effects of choline administration.

PubMed

Tvarijonaviciute, Asta; Kocaturk, Meric; Cansev, Mehmet; Tecles, Fernando; Ceron, Jose J; Yilmaz, Zeki

2012-10-01

Butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) and paraoxonase 1 (PON1) are two serum enzymes synthesized by the liver that are related with inflammation. The main objectives of this study were to determine changes in serum BChE and PON1 by using a canine model of endotoxemia, and to evaluate whether choline alters BChE and PON1 activities during inflammation. For this purpose, a total of 20 mongrel dogs were divided into four groups: control, choline (C), lipopolysaccharide (LPS), and LPS+C. Dogs in the control group were injected with 0.9% NaCl (0.2 ml/kg, i.v.). Dogs in C and LPS+C groups received choline chloride (20 mg/kg, i.v., three times with 4 h intervals). Endotoxin was injected (0.02 mg/kg, i.v., once) to the dogs of LPS and LPS+C groups. Statistically significant decreases in BChE and PON1 activities in LPS group were detected 24 and 48 h post injection, respectively. No statistically significant changes in BChE and PON1 activities at different times were detected in control, C, or LPS+C groups. In conclusion, the data obtained in present study revealed a decrease in serum BChE and PON1 activities in dogs during experimentally induced endotoxemia and that choline administration attenuates these changes. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Antiurolithic effect of olive oil in a mouse model of ethylene glycol-induced urolithiasis.

PubMed

Alenzi, Mohammed; Rahiman, Shaik; Tantry, Bilal Ahmad

2017-05-01

At present, commercially available antiurolithic drugs have more adverse effects than potential therapeutic or preventive effects with chronic use. With this in mind, the present study was designed to assess the antiurolithic effect of olive oil in a mouse model of ethylene glycol (EG)-induced urolithiasis. Adult albino mice were divided into 6 groups. Group I was fed the vehicle only. Group II was supplemented with 0.75% EG alone in drinking water during the experimental period to initiate deposition of calcium oxalate in kidneys, which leads to urolithiasis in animals. Groups III (olive oil control group) through V were fed olive oil orally at various doses during the experimental period. Group VI received cystone (750 mg/kg). Groups IV-VI additionally received 0.75% EG in drinking water ad libitum. SPSS ver.17.0 was used for statistical analysis. The study results showed significantly higher levels of serum urea, uric acid, and creatinine (p<0.05) in group II than in groups III-VI and I. Administration of olive oil at different doses restored the elevated serum parameters in groups IV and V compared with group II. Urine and kidney calcium, oxalate, and phosphate levels in groups IV-VI were significantly lower (p<0.05) than in animals with EG-induced urolithiasis (group II). Group V mice showed a significant restoration effect on serum as well as urine and kidney parameters compared with group II. Supplementation with olive oil (1.7 mL/kg body weight) reduced and prevented the growth of urinary stones, possibly by inhibiting renal tubular membrane damage due to peroxidative stress induced by hyperoxaluria.

Memory assessment and depression: testing for factor structure and measurement invariance of the Wechsler Memory Scale-Fourth Edition across a clinical and matched control sample.

PubMed

Pauls, Franz; Petermann, Franz; Lepach, Anja Christina

2013-01-01

Between-group comparisons are permissible and meaningfully interpretable only if diagnostic instruments are proved to measure the same latent dimensions across different groups. Addressing this issue, the present study was carried out to provide a rigorous test of measurement invariance. Confirmatory factor analyses were used to determine which model solution could best explain memory performance as measured by the Wechsler Memory Scale-Fourth Edition (WMS-IV) in a clinical depression sample and in healthy controls. Multigroup confirmatory factor analysis was conducted to evaluate the evidence for measurement invariance. A three-factor model solution including the dimensions of auditory memory, visual memory, and visual working memory was identified to best fit the data in both samples, and measurement invariance was partially satisfied. The results supported clinical utility of the WMS-IV--that is, auditory and visual memory performances of patients with depressive disorders are interpretable on the basis of the WMS-IV standardization data. However, possible differences in visual working memory functions between healthy and depressed individuals could restrict comparisons of the WMS-IV working memory index.

The effects of L-carnitine on spinal cord ischemia/reperfusion injury in rabbits.

PubMed

Tetik, O; Yagdi, T; Islamoglu, F; Calkavur, T; Posacioglu, H; Atay, Y; Ayik, F; Canpolat, L; Yuksel, M

2002-02-01

Paraplegia after distal aortic aneurysm repair remains a persistent clinical problem. We hypothesized that the tolerance of the spinal cord to an ischemic period could be improved with hypothermic Ringer's Lactate containing L-Carnitine. Twenty-eight New Zealand white rabbits were used as spinal cord ischemia models. We separated rabbits into four equal groups and clamped each animal's abdominal aorta distal to the left renal artery. We occluded the aortas above the iliac bifurcation for 30 minutes. In group I, the infrarenal aorta was clamped without infusing any solution. In group II, Ringer's Lactate solution was infused at + 25degrees C for 3 minutes at a rate of 5 ml/min into the isolated aortic segments immediately after cross-clamping and the last 3 minutes of ischemia. In group III, Ringer's Lactate solution at +3 degrees C was given in the same method as that of group II. In group IV, Ringer's Lactate solution at +3 degrees C plus 100 mg/kg of L-carnitine was infused using the same technique. We assessed the neurological status of the hind limbs 24 and 48 hours after operation according to Tarlov's criteria. All animals were sacrificed and spinal cords were harvested for histological analyses. The neurological status in groups III and IV was significantly superior to that of groups I and II. All the animals in group I had complete hind-limb paraplegia. Complete hind-limb paraplegia occurred in 5 rabbits in group II. Two of the 7 animals in group III had spastic paraplegia, and none at all in group IV. Histological analysis of the cross-clamped segments of the rabbits with paraplegia in group I, II and III revealed changes consistent with ischemic injury, while findings were normal for the normal animals in group III and IV. In this model, the infusion of hypothermic Ringer's Lactate contained L-carnitine provided sufficient spinal cord protection against ischemia. Clinically, this may be a useful adjunct for prevention of paraplegia during surgery of the descending aorta.

77 FR 16508 - National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutant Emissions: Group IV Polymers and Resins...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-03-21

... National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutant Emissions: Group IV Polymers and Resins; Pesticide... Hazardous Air Pollutant Emissions: Group IV Polymers and Resins; National Emission Standards for Hazardous... proposed rule titled, National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutant Emissions: Group IV Polymers...

Evaluation of fracture resistance in simulated immature teeth using Resilon and Ribbond as root reinforcements--an in vitro study.

PubMed

Hemalatha, Hiremath; Sandeep, Metgud; Kulkarni, Sadanand; Yakub, Shoeb Sheikh

2009-08-01

To compare the reinforcement and strengthening ability of resilon, gutta-percha, and ribbond in endodontically treated roots of immature teeth. Sixty five freshly extracted human maxillary anterior teeth were prepared with a Peeso no. 6 to simulate immature teeth (Cvek's stage 3 root development). After instrumentation, each root was irrigated with sodium hypochlorite and with ethylene diamino tetra acetic acid to remove the smear layer. To simulate single visit apexification technique a 4-5 mm white Pro Root mineral trioxide aggregate plug was placed apically using schilder carrier. The teeth were divided into three experimental groups and one control group. Group I--control group (root canals instrumented but not filled); Group II--backfilled with thermoplastisized gutta-percha using AH plus sealer; Group III--reinforced with Resilon using epiphany sealer; Group IV--reinforced with Ribbond fibers using Panavia F luting cement. A Universal Testing Machine was used to apply a load, at the level of the lingual cementoenamel junction with a chisel-shaped tip The peak load to fracture was recorded and statistical analysis was completed using student's t-test. Values of peak load to fracture were 1320.8, 1604.88, 1620, and 1851 newtons for Group I to Group IV respectively. The results of student's t-test, revealed no significant difference (P > 0.05,) between Group II and Group III. Comparison between Group IV and Group III and between Group IV and Group II revealed highly significant difference (P > 0.001). Teeth reinforced with Ribbond fibers using Panavia F luting cement showed the highest resistance to fracture. Resilon could not strengthen the roots and showed no statistically significant difference when compared with thermoplastisized gutta-percha in reinforcing immature tooth when tested with universal testing machine in an experimental model of immature tooth.

Administration of recombinant interleukin-11 improves the hemodynamic functions and decreases third space fluid loss in a porcine model of hemorrhagic shock and resuscitation.

PubMed

Honma, Kaneatsu; Koles, Nancy L; Alam, Hasan B; Rhee, Peter; Rollwagen, Florence M; Olsen, Cara; Keith, James C; Pollack, Matthew

2005-06-01

We have previously demonstrated that the administration of recombinant human interleukin-11 (rhIL-11) during resuscitation improves the blood pressure in a rodent model of hemorrhagic shock. The purpose of this study was to determine whether the effects of rhIL-11 could be reproduced in a large animal model and to elucidate the impact of rhIL-11 administration on the intravascular volume status and the degree of third space fluid loss after resuscitation. A 40% blood volume hemorrhage was induced in swine (n = 45, weight of 25-35 kg) followed by a 1-h shock period and resuscitation with 0.9% sodium chloride (three times the shed blood volume). The animals were randomized to receive sham hemorrhage (group I, sham); sham hemorrhage and 50 microg/kg rhIL-11 (group II, sham + IL-11); no drug (group III, saline); or 50 microg/kg rhIL-11 (group IV, IL-11). Blood and urine samples were obtained and analyzed at baseline, at the end of hemorrhaging, and thereafter once every hour. The pleural and peritoneal effusions were precisely quantified by using clinically accepted criteria. The mean arterial pressure (MAP) was higher postresuscitation (PR) in groups I, II, and IV (71.4 +/- 7.5 mmHg, 71.0 +/- 8.9 mmHg, and 72.9 +/- 12.3 mmHg, respectively) than in group III (59.9 +/- 10.9 mmHg), and the cardiac output of PR was higher in group IV (3.46 +/- 0.56 L/min) than in group III (2.99 +/- 0.62 L/min; P < 0.01). The difference in MAP between groups I and II became statistically significant at 40 min after rhIL-11 injection and such a difference persisted for 90 min. After resuscitation, the urine output was higher, and the urine specific gravity and third space fluid loss were lower in group IV (1434 +/- 325 mL and 1.0035, 82 +/- 21 mL) than in group III (958 +/- 390 mL and 1.0053, 125 +/- 32 mL; P < 0.05). In a porcine model of hemorrhagic shock, the administration of rhIL-11 at the start of resuscitation significantly improved the cardiac output and blood pressure. This strategy also significantly reduced the extent of third space fluid losses while also having a favorable impact on the intravascular volume status as evidenced by the improved urine output.

A Cyber-Attack Detection Model Based on Multivariate Analyses

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sakai, Yuto; Rinsaka, Koichiro; Dohi, Tadashi

In the present paper, we propose a novel cyber-attack detection model based on two multivariate-analysis methods to the audit data observed on a host machine. The statistical techniques used here are the well-known Hayashi's quantification method IV and cluster analysis method. We quantify the observed qualitative audit event sequence via the quantification method IV, and collect similar audit event sequence in the same groups based on the cluster analysis. It is shown in simulation experiments that our model can improve the cyber-attack detection accuracy in some realistic cases where both normal and attack activities are intermingled.

Hospitalization Costs for Patients Undergoing Orthopedic Surgery Treated With Intravenous Acetaminophen (IV-APAP) Plus Other IV Analgesics or IV Opioid Monotherapy for Postoperative Pain.

PubMed

Maiese, Brett A; Pham, An T; Shah, Manasee V; Eaddy, Michael T; Lunacsek, Orsolya E; Wan, George J

2017-02-01

To assess the impact on hospitalization costs of multimodal analgesia (MMA), including intravenous acetaminophen (IV-APAP), versus IV opioid monotherapy for postoperative pain management in patients undergoing orthopedic surgery. Utilizing the Truven Health MarketScan ® Hospital Drug Database (HDD), patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty (TKA), total hip arthroplasty (THA), or surgical repair of hip fracture between 1/1/2011 and 8/31/2014 were separated into postoperative pain management groups: MMA with IV-APAP plus other IV analgesics (IV-APAP group) or an IV opioid monotherapy group. All patients could have received oral analgesics. Baseline characteristics and total hospitalization costs were compared. Additionally, an inverse probability treatment weighting [IPTW] with propensity scores analysis further assessed hospitalization cost differences. The IV-APAP group (n = 33,954) and IV opioid monotherapy group (n = 110,300) differed significantly (P < 0.0001) across baseline characteristics, though the differences may not have been clinically meaningful. Total hospitalization costs (mean ± standard deviation) were significantly lower for the IV-APAP group than the IV opioid monotherapy group (US$12,540 ± $9564 vs. $13,242 ± $35,825; P < 0.0001). Medical costs accounted for $701 of the $702 between-group difference. Pharmacy costs were similar between groups. Results of the IPTW-adjusted analysis further supported the statistically significant cost difference. Patients undergoing orthopedic surgery who received MMA for postoperative pain management, including IV-APAP, had significantly lower total costs than patients who received IV opioid monotherapy. This difference was driven by medical costs; importantly, there was no difference in pharmacy costs. Generalizability of the results may be limited to patients admitted to hospitals similar to those included in HDD. Dosing could not be determined, so it was not possible to quantify utilization of IV-APAP or ascertain differences in opioid consumption between the 2 groups. This study did not account for healthcare utilization post-discharge.

Chemoselective Hydrogenation with Supported Organoplatinum(IV) Catalyst on Zn(II)-Modified Silica

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Camacho-Bunquin, Jeffrey; Ferrandon, Magali; Sohn, Hyuntae

For this research, well-defined organoplatinum(IV) sites were grafted on a Zn(II)-modified SiO 2 support via surface organometallic chemistry in toluene at room temperature. Solid-state spectroscopies including XAS, DRIFTS, DRUV–vis, and solid-state (SS) NMR enhanced by dynamic nuclear polarization (DNP), as well as TPR-H 2 and TEM techniques revealed highly dispersed (methylcyclopentadienyl)methylplatinum(IV) sites on the surface ((MeCp)PtMe/Zn/SiO 2, 1). In addition, computational modeling suggests that the surface reaction of (MeCp)PtMe 3 with Zn(II)-modified SiO 2 support is thermodynamically favorable (ΔG = -12.4 kcal/mol), likely due to the increased acidity of the hydroxyl group, as indicated by NH 3-TPD and DNP-enhanced 17O{more » 1H} SSNMR. In situ DRIFTS and XAS hydrogenation experiments reveal the probable formation of a surface Pt(IV)-H upon hydrogenolysis of Pt-Me groups. The heterogenized organoplatinum(IV)-hydride sites catalyze the selective partial hydrogenation of 1,3-butadiene to butenes (up to 95%) and the reduction of nitrobenzene derivatives to anilines (up to 99%) with excellent tolerance of reduction-sensitive functional groups (olefin, carbonyl, nitrile, halogens) under mild reaction conditions.« less

Chemoselective Hydrogenation with Supported Organoplatinum(IV) Catalyst on Zn(II)-Modified Silica

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Camacho-Bunquin, Jeffrey; Ferrandon, Magali; Sohn, Hyuntae

Well-defined organoplatinum(IV) sites were grafted on a Zn(II)-modified SiO2 support via surface organometallic chemistry in toluene at room temperature. Solid-state spectroscopies including XAS, DRIFTS, DRUV-Vis, and solid-state (SS)NMR enhanced by dynamic nuclear polarization (DNP), as well as TPR-H2 and TEM techniques revealed highly dispersed (methylcyclopentadi-enyl)methylplatinum(IV) sites on the surface ((MeCp)PtMe/Zn/SiO2, 1). In addition, computational modelling suggests that the surface reaction of (MeCp)PtMe3 with Zn(II)-modified SiO2 support is thermodynamically favorable (ΔG = -12.4 kcal/mol), likely due to the increased acidity of the hydroxyl group, as confirmed by NH3-TPD and DNP-enhanced 17O{1H} SSNMR. In situ DRIFTS and XAS hydrogenation experiments reveal themore » formation of a surface Pt(IV)-H upon hydrogenolysis of Pt-Me groups. The heterogenized organoplatinum(IV)-H sites catalyze the selective partial hydrogenation of 1,3-butadiene to butenes (up to 95%) and the reduction of nitrobenzene derivatives to anilines (up to 100%) with excellent tolerance of reduction-sensitive func-tional groups (olefin, carbonyl, nitrile, halogens) under mild reaction conditions.« less

Chemoselective Hydrogenation with Supported Organoplatinum(IV) Catalyst on Zn(II)-Modified Silica

DOE PAGES

Camacho-Bunquin, Jeffrey; Ferrandon, Magali; Sohn, Hyuntae; ...

2018-02-27

For this research, well-defined organoplatinum(IV) sites were grafted on a Zn(II)-modified SiO 2 support via surface organometallic chemistry in toluene at room temperature. Solid-state spectroscopies including XAS, DRIFTS, DRUV–vis, and solid-state (SS) NMR enhanced by dynamic nuclear polarization (DNP), as well as TPR-H 2 and TEM techniques revealed highly dispersed (methylcyclopentadienyl)methylplatinum(IV) sites on the surface ((MeCp)PtMe/Zn/SiO 2, 1). In addition, computational modeling suggests that the surface reaction of (MeCp)PtMe 3 with Zn(II)-modified SiO 2 support is thermodynamically favorable (ΔG = -12.4 kcal/mol), likely due to the increased acidity of the hydroxyl group, as indicated by NH 3-TPD and DNP-enhanced 17O{more » 1H} SSNMR. In situ DRIFTS and XAS hydrogenation experiments reveal the probable formation of a surface Pt(IV)-H upon hydrogenolysis of Pt-Me groups. The heterogenized organoplatinum(IV)-hydride sites catalyze the selective partial hydrogenation of 1,3-butadiene to butenes (up to 95%) and the reduction of nitrobenzene derivatives to anilines (up to 99%) with excellent tolerance of reduction-sensitive functional groups (olefin, carbonyl, nitrile, halogens) under mild reaction conditions.« less

Excitonic states and defect physics of two-dimensional group-IV monochalcogenides.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gomes, Lidia; Carvalho, Alexandra; Trevisanutto, Paolo; Rodin, Aleksandr; Neto, Antonio

Layered group-IV monochalcogenides have become an important group of materials within the ever-growing family of two-dimensional crystals. Among the binary IV-VI compounds, SnS, SnSe, GeS, and GeSe form a subgroup with orthorhombic structure which has shown exciting particularities and has been considered of high potential for numerous application. We give a brief overview of some important properties of the 2D form of this group and focus on recent results addressing the excitonic properties and the impact of the introduction of point defects on their structures. Vacancies and oxygen defects are modeled using first principles calculations. Energetic and structural analysis of five different models for chemisorbed oxygen atoms, reveals a better resistance of these materials to oxidation if compared to their isostructural partner, phosphorene. We also discuss a parallel work where quasi-particle band structure and excitonic properties of GeS and GeSe monolayers are investigated through ab initio GW and Bethe-Salpeter equation calculations. Within the main results, we show that the optical spectra of both materials are dominated by excitonic effects, however, GeS presents a remarkably larger binding energy of 1 eV. NRF-CRP award Novel 2D materials with tailored properties: beyond graphene (R-144-000-295-281) 1.

Proteomic differences with and without ozone-exposure in a smoking-induced emphysema lung model

PubMed Central

Uh, Soo-Taek; Koo, So-My; Jang, An Soo; Park, Sung Woo; Choi, Jae Sung; Kim, Yong-Hoon

2015-01-01

Background/Aims Acute exacerbations in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease may be related to air pollution, of which ozone is an important constituent. In this study, we investigated the protein profiles associated with ozone-induced exacerbations in a smoking-induced emphysema model. Methods Mice were divided into the following groups: group I, no smoking and no ozone (NS + NO); group II, no smoking and ozone (NS + O); group III, smoking and no ozone (S + NO); and group IV, smoking and ozone (S + O). Bronchoalveolar lavage, the mean linear intercept (MLI) on hematoxylin and eosin staining, nano-liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), and Western blotting analyses were performed. Results The MLIs of groups III (S + NO) and IV (S + O) (45 ± 2 and 44 ± 3 µm, respectively) were significantly higher than those of groups I (NS + NO) and II (NS + O) (26 ± 2 and 23 ± 2 µm, respectively; p < 0.05). Fourteen spots that showed significantly different intensities on image analyses of two-dimensional (2D) protein electrophoresis in group I (NS + NO) were identified by LC-MS/MS. The levels of six proteins were higher in group IV (S + O). The levels of vimentin, lactate dehydrogenase A, and triose phosphate isomerase were decreased by both smoking and ozone treatment in Western blotting and proteomic analyses. In contrast, TBC1 domain family 5 (TBC1D5) and lamin A were increased by both smoking and ozone treatment. Conclusions TBC1D5 could be a biomarker of ozone-induced lung injury in emphysema. PMID:25589837

Instrumental variables vs. grouping approach for reducing bias due to measurement error.

PubMed

Batistatou, Evridiki; McNamee, Roseanne

2008-01-01

Attenuation of the exposure-response relationship due to exposure measurement error is often encountered in epidemiology. Given that error cannot be totally eliminated, bias correction methods of analysis are needed. Many methods require more than one exposure measurement per person to be made, but the `group mean OLS method,' in which subjects are grouped into several a priori defined groups followed by ordinary least squares (OLS) regression on the group means, can be applied with one measurement. An alternative approach is to use an instrumental variable (IV) method in which both the single error-prone measure and an IV are used in IV analysis. In this paper we show that the `group mean OLS' estimator is equal to an IV estimator with the group mean used as IV, but that the variance estimators for the two methods are different. We derive a simple expression for the bias in the common estimator which is a simple function of group size, reliability and contrast of exposure between groups, and show that the bias can be very small when group size is large. We compare this method with a new proposal (group mean ranking method), also applicable with a single exposure measurement, in which the IV is the rank of the group means. When there are two independent exposure measurements per subject, we propose a new IV method (EVROS IV) and compare it with Carroll and Stefanski's (CS IV) proposal in which the second measure is used as an IV; the new IV estimator combines aspects of the `group mean' and `CS' strategies. All methods are evaluated in terms of bias, precision and root mean square error via simulations and a dataset from occupational epidemiology. The `group mean ranking method' does not offer much improvement over the `group mean method.' Compared with the `CS' method, the `EVROS' method is less affected by low reliability of exposure. We conclude that the group IV methods we propose may provide a useful way to handle mismeasured exposures in epidemiology with or without replicate measurements. Our finding may also have implications for the use of aggregate variables in epidemiology to control for unmeasured confounding.

Intestinal Translocation of Clinical Isolates of Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococcus faecalis and ESBL-Producing Escherichia coli in a Rat Model of Bacterial Colonization and Liver Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury

PubMed Central

van der Heijden, Karin M.; van der Heijden, Inneke M.; Galvao, Flavio H.; Lopes, Camila G.; Costa, Silvia F.; Abdala, Edson; D’Albuquerque, Luiz A.; Levin, Anna S.

2014-01-01

The objectives of this study were to develop a rat model of gastrointestinal colonization with vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecalis (VRE) and extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-producing E. coli and to evaluate intestinal translocation to blood and tissues after total and partial hepatic ischemia. Methods - We developed a model of rat colonization with VRE and ESBL-E coli. Then we studied four groups of colonized rats: Group I (with hepatic pedicle occlusion causing complete liver ischemia and intestinal stasis); Group II (with partial liver ischemia without intestinal stasis); Group III (surgical manipulation without hepatic ischemia or intestinal stasis); Group IV (anesthetized without surgical manipulation). After sacrifice, portal and systemic blood, large intestine, small intestine, spleen, liver, lungs, and cervical and mesenteric lymph nodes were cultured. Endotoxin concentrations in portal and systemic blood were determined. Results – The best inocula were: VRE: 2.4×1010 cfu and ESBL-E. coli: 1.12×1010 cfu. The best results occurred 24 hours after inoculation and antibiotic doses of 750 µg/mL of water for vancomycin and 2.1 mg/mL for ceftriaxone. There was a significantly higher proportion of positive cultures for ESBL-E. coli in the lungs in Groups I, II and III when compared with Group IV (67%; 60%; 75% and 13%, respectively; p:0.04). VRE growth was more frequent in mesenteric lymph nodes for Groups I (67%) and III (38%) than for Groups II (13%) and IV (none) (p:0.002). LPS was significantly higher in systemic blood of Group I (9.761±13.804 EU/mL−p:0.01). No differences for endotoxin occurred in portal blood. Conclusion –We developed a model of rats colonized with resistant bacteria useful to study intestinal translocation. Translocation occurred in surgical procedures with and without hepatic ischemia-reperfusion and probably occurred via the bloodstream. Translocation was probably lymphatic in the ischemia-reperfusion groups. Systemic blood endotoxin levels were higher in the group with complete hepatic ischemia. PMID:25255079

The efficacy of combined intra-articular and intravenous tranexamic acid for blood loss in primary total knee arthroplasty: A meta-analysis.

PubMed

Wang, Zhao; Shen, Xiaofei

2017-10-01

This meta-analysis aimed to illustrate the efficacy and safety of combined topical and intravenous (IV) tranexamic acid (TXA) for blood loss control in primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA) patients. In April 2017, a systematic computer-based search was conducted in PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, and Google database. Data on patients prepared for TKA surgery in studies that compared combined topical and IV TXA versus placebo, topical, or IV TXA alone were retrieved. The primary endpoint was the need for transfusion, total blood loss, hemoglobin drop, and the occurrence of deep venous thrombosis (DVT), pulmonary embolism (PE), and the infection. After testing for publication bias and heterogeneity between studies, data were aggregated for random-effects models when necessary. Seven clinical studies were ultimately included in the meta-analysis. Compared with IV TXA and control group, combined TXA was associated with less need for transfusion, blood loss, and hemoglobin drop (P < .05). There was no significant difference between the combined TXA and topical TXA in terms of the need for transfusion, total blood loss, and hemoglobin drop (P > .05). There was no significant difference between the complications (DVT, PE, and infection) between the combined TXA, IV TXA, topical TXA, and control group. Current meta-analysis suggests that the combined IV and topical TXA was superior than IV TXA or control group. There is still need for more studies to identify whether combined TXA was superior than topical TXA alone.

Augmented reality intravenous injection simulator based 3D medical imaging for veterinary medicine.

PubMed

Lee, S; Lee, J; Lee, A; Park, N; Lee, S; Song, S; Seo, A; Lee, H; Kim, J-I; Eom, K

2013-05-01

Augmented reality (AR) is a technology which enables users to see the real world, with virtual objects superimposed upon or composited with it. AR simulators have been developed and used in human medicine, but not in veterinary medicine. The aim of this study was to develop an AR intravenous (IV) injection simulator to train veterinary and pre-veterinary students to perform canine venipuncture. Computed tomographic (CT) images of a beagle dog were scanned using a 64-channel multidetector. The CT images were transformed into volumetric data sets using an image segmentation method and were converted into a stereolithography format for creating 3D models. An AR-based interface was developed for an AR simulator for IV injection. Veterinary and pre-veterinary student volunteers were randomly assigned to an AR-trained group or a control group trained using more traditional methods (n = 20/group; n = 8 pre-veterinary students and n = 12 veterinary students in each group) and their proficiency at IV injection technique in live dogs was assessed after training was completed. Students were also asked to complete a questionnaire which was administered after using the simulator. The group that was trained using an AR simulator were more proficient at IV injection technique using real dogs than the control group (P ≤ 0.01). The students agreed that they learned the IV injection technique through the AR simulator. Although the system used in this study needs to be modified before it can be adopted for veterinary educational use, AR simulation has been shown to be a very effective tool for training medical personnel. Using the technology reported here, veterinary AR simulators could be developed for future use in veterinary education. Crown Copyright © 2012. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

The effects of intravenous, enteral and combined administration of glutamine on malnutrition in sepsis: a randomized clinical trial.

PubMed

Koksal, Guniz Meyancı; Erbabacan, Emre; Tunali, Yusuf; Karaoren, Gulsah; Vehid, Suphi; Oz, Huseyin

2014-01-01

Our aim was to compare the effects of intravenous, enteral, and enteral plus intravenous supplemented glutamine on plasma transferrin, nitrogen balance, and creatinine/height index in septic patients with malnutrition. Blood and urine samples were collected for transferrin, urea and creatinine measurements. Samples, SOFA score and protein-calorie intake values were repeated on days 7 and 15. Patients (n:120) were randomly divided into 4 groups. Group I received 30 g/day IV glutamine, group II received 30 g/day enteral glutamine, group III received 15 g/day IV and 15 g/day enteral glutamine. Group IV received only enteral feeding as a control group. Transferrin levels decreased in group IV (p<0.01 0-7 days, p<0.01 7-15 days, p<0.01 0-15 days). Nitrogen balance levels were highest in group IV when compared with group I (p<0.05, p<0.001), group II (p<0.001), and group III (p<0.05, p<0.001) on days 7-15. Creatinine/height indexes increased in group I (p<0.001), group II (p<0.001), group III (p<0.001), and group IV (p<0.05) on day 15. In group III the creatinine/height index was higher than in groups I and II (p<0.05). In group IV, creatinine/height index was lower than in group I (p<0.01) and group II (p<0.001). Protein-calorie intake in group IV was higher than others on day 7 (p<0.05). SOFA scores of group IV were higher than the other groups on day 15 (p<0.05). This study demonstrated, that combined route of gln supplementation resulted in the most positive outcome to transferrin, creatine/height index and nitrogen balance (on days 7 and 15) during the catabolic phase of septic patients with malnutrition.

Multivariate approach in popcorn genotypes using the Ward-MLM strategy: morpho-agronomic analysis and incidence of Fusarium spp.

PubMed

Kurosawa, R N F; do Amaral Junior, A T; Silva, F H L; Dos Santos, A; Vivas, M; Kamphorst, S H; Pena, G F

2017-02-08

The multivariate analyses are useful tools to estimate the genetic variability between accessions. In the breeding programs, the Ward-Modified Location Model (MLM) multivariate method has been a powerful strategy to quantify variability using quantitative and qualitative variables simultaneously. The present study was proposed in view of the dearth of information about popcorn breeding programs under a multivariate approach using the Ward-MLM methodology. The objective of this study was thus to estimate the genetic diversity among 37 genotypes of popcorn aiming to identify divergent groups associated with morpho-agronomic traits and traits related to resistance to Fusarium spp. To this end, 7 qualitative and 17 quantitative variables were analyzed. The experiment was conducted in 2014, at Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense, located in Campos dos Goytacazes, RJ, Brazil. The Ward-MLM strategy allowed the identification of four groups as follows: Group I with 10 genotypes, Group II with 11 genotypes, Group III with 9 genotypes, and Group IV with 7 genotypes. Group IV was distant in relation to the other groups, while groups I, II, and III were near. The crosses between genotypes from the other groups with those of group IV allow an exploitation of heterosis. The Ward-MLM strategy provided an appropriate grouping of genotypes; ear weight, ear diameter, and grain yield were the traits that most contributed to the analysis of genetic diversity.

Opioid use in knee arthroplasty after receiving intravenous acetaminophen.

PubMed

Kelly, Jennifer S; Opsha, Yekaterina; Costello, Jennifer; Schiller, Daryl; Hola, Eric T

2014-12-01

Intravenous (IV) acetaminophen may be an effective component of multimodal postoperative pain management. The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of IV acetaminophen on total opioid use in postoperative patients. The secondary objective was to evaluate the effect of IV acetaminophen on hospital length of stay. This retrospective, case-control study evaluated the impact of IV acetaminophen on total opioid use in surgical patients. Patients were included if they received at least one perioperative dose of IV acetaminophen and underwent a surgical knee procedure. Controls were matched and randomly selected based on procedure type, age, and severity of illness. Postoperative opioids were converted into oral morphine equivalents, and overall use was compared between groups. One hundred patients were enrolled, with 25 patients receiving IV acetaminophen and 75 matched controls. A total of 135 mg versus 112.5 mg oral morphine equivalents were used in the IV acetaminophen group and control group, respectively (p=0.987). There were 45 mg/day oral morphine equivalents used in the IV acetaminophen group versus 37.5 mg in the control group (p=0.845). The median hospital length of stay in both groups was 3 days (p=0.799). IV acetaminophen did not significantly decrease postoperative opioid use in patients who underwent surgical knee procedures. In addition, there was a nonsignificant trend toward increased opioid use in the IV acetaminophen group. There was no significant difference in hospital length of stay between the IV acetaminophen group and the control group. These findings require further study in larger patient populations and in other orthopedic procedures that typically require longer hospital stays. © 2014 Pharmacotherapy Publications, Inc.

Measuring pedestrian volumes and conflicts. Volume IV, Pedestrian/vehicle accident prediction model : a users manual

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1988-03-01

Users of this manual are expected to be researchers who are attempting to develop models that can be used to predict occurrence of pedestrian accidents in a particular city. The manual presents guidelines in the development of such models. A group-...

Factorial invariance of posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms across three veteran samples.

PubMed

McDonald, Scott D; Beckham, Jean C; Morey, Rajendra; Marx, Christine; Tupler, Larry A; Calhoun, Patrick S

2008-06-01

Research generally supports a 4-factor structure of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms. However, few studies have established factor invariance by comparing multiple groups. This study examined PTSD symptom structure using the Davidson Trauma Scale (DTS) across three veteran samples: treatment-seeking Vietnam-era veterans, treatment-seeking post-Vietnam-era veterans, and Operation Enduring Freedom/Operation Iraqi Freedom (OEF/OIF) veteran research participants. Confirmatory factor analyses of DTS items demonstrated that a 4-factor structural model of the DTS (reexperiencing, avoidance, numbing, and hyperarousal) was superior to five alternate models, including the conventional 3-factor model proposed by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition (DSM-IV; American Psychiatric Association, 1994). Results supported factor invariance across the three veteran cohorts, suggesting that cross-group comparisons are interpretable. Implications and applications for DSM-IV nosology and the validity of symptom measures are discussed.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Ünlü, Hilmi, E-mail: hunlu@itu.edu.tr

We propose a non-orthogonal sp{sup 3} hybrid bond orbital model to determine the electronic properties of semiconductor heterostructures. The model considers the non-orthogonality of sp{sup 3} hybrid states of nearest neighboring adjacent atoms using the intra-atomic Coulomb interactions corrected Hartree-Fock atomic energies and metallic contribution to calculate the valence band width energies of group IV elemental and group III-V and II-VI compound semiconductors without any adjustable parameter.

Identifying subtypes among offenders with antisocial personality disorder: a cluster-analytic study.

PubMed

Poythress, Norman G; Edens, John F; Skeem, Jennifer L; Lilienfeld, Scott O; Douglas, Kevin S; Frick, Paul J; Patrick, Christopher J; Epstein, Monica; Wang, Tao

2010-05-01

The question of whether antisocial personality disorder (ASPD) and psychopathy are largely similar or fundamentally different constructs remains unresolved. In the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (4th ed.; DSM-IV; American Psychiatric Association, 1994), many of the personality features of psychopathy are cast as associated features of ASPD, although the DSM-IV offers no guidance as to how, or the extent to which, these features relate to ASPD. In a sample of 691 offenders who met DSM-IV criteria for ASPD, we used model-based clustering to identify subgroups of individuals with relatively homogeneous profiles on measures of associated features (psychopathic personality traits) and other constructs with potential etiological significance for subtypes of ASPD. Two emergent groups displayed profiles that conformed broadly to theoretical descriptions of primary psychopathy and Karpman's (1941) variant of secondary psychopathy. As expected, a third group (nonpsychopathic ASPD) lacked substantial associated features. A fourth group exhibited elevated psychopathic features as well as a highly fearful temperament, a profile not clearly predicted by extant models. Planned comparisons revealed theoretically informative differences between primary and secondary groups in multiple domains, including self-report measures, passive avoidance learning, clinical ratings, and official records. Our results inform ongoing debates about the overlap between psychopathy and ASPD and raise questions about the wisdom of placing most individuals who habitually violate social norms and laws into a single diagnostic category.

I.V. infusion of brain-derived neurotrophic factor gene-modified human mesenchymal stem cells protects against injury in a cerebral ischemia model in adult rat.

PubMed

Nomura, T; Honmou, O; Harada, K; Houkin, K; Hamada, H; Kocsis, J D

2005-01-01

I.V. delivery of mesenchymal stem cells prepared from adult bone marrow reduces infarction size and ameliorates functional deficits in rat cerebral ischemia models. Administration of the brain-derived neurotrophic factor to the infarction site has also been demonstrated to be neuroprotective. To test the hypothesis that brain-derived neurotrophic factor contributes to the therapeutic benefits of mesenchymal stem cell delivery, we compared the efficacy of systemic delivery of human mesenchymal stem cells and human mesenchymal stem cells transfected with a fiber-mutant F/RGD adenovirus vector with a brain-derived neurotrophic factor gene (brain-derived neurotrophic factor-human mesenchymal stem cells). A permanent middle cerebral artery occlusion was induced by intraluminal vascular occlusion with a microfilament. Human mesenchymal stem cells and brain-derived neurotrophic factor-human mesenchymal stem cells were i.v. injected into the rats 6 h after middle cerebral artery occlusion. Lesion size was assessed at 6 h, 1, 3 and 7 days using MR imaging, and histological methods. Functional outcome was assessed using the treadmill stress test. Both human mesenchymal stem cells and brain-derived neurotrophic factor-human mesenchymal stem cells reduced lesion volume and elicited functional improvement compared with the control sham group, but the effect was greater in the brain-derived neurotrophic factor-human mesenchymal stem cell group. ELISA analysis of the infarcted hemisphere revealed an increase in brain-derived neurotrophic factor in the human mesenchymal stem cell groups, but a greater increase in the brain-derived neurotrophic factor-human mesenchymal stem cell group. These data support the hypothesis that brain-derived neurotrophic factor contributes to neuroprotection in cerebral ischemia and cellular delivery of brain-derived neurotrophic factor can be achieved by i.v. delivery of human mesenchymal stem cells.

Evaluating WAIS-IV structure through a different psychometric lens: structural causal model discovery as an alternative to confirmatory factor analysis.

PubMed

van Dijk, Marjolein J A M; Claassen, Tom; Suwartono, Christiany; van der Veld, William M; van der Heijden, Paul T; Hendriks, Marc P H

Since the publication of the WAIS-IV in the U.S. in 2008, efforts have been made to explore the structural validity by applying factor analysis to various samples. This study aims to achieve a more fine-grained understanding of the structure of the Dutch language version of the WAIS-IV (WAIS-IV-NL) by applying an alternative analysis based on causal modeling in addition to confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). The Bayesian Constraint-based Causal Discovery (BCCD) algorithm learns underlying network structures directly from data and assesses more complex structures than is possible with factor analysis. WAIS-IV-NL profiles of two clinical samples of 202 patients (i.e. patients with temporal lobe epilepsy and a mixed psychiatric outpatient group) were analyzed and contrasted with a matched control group (N = 202) selected from the Dutch standardization sample of the WAIS-IV-NL to investigate internal structure by means of CFA and BCCD. With CFA, the four-factor structure as proposed by Wechsler demonstrates acceptable fit in all three subsamples. However, BCCD revealed three consistent clusters (verbal comprehension, visual processing, and processing speed) in all three subsamples. The combination of Arithmetic and Digit Span as a coherent working memory factor could not be verified, and Matrix Reasoning appeared to be isolated. With BCCD, some discrepancies from the proposed four-factor structure are exemplified. Furthermore, these results fit CHC theory of intelligence more clearly. Consistent clustering patterns indicate these results are robust. The structural causal discovery approach may be helpful in better interpreting existing tests, the development of new tests, and aid in diagnostic instruments.

[PATHOGENICALLY INDUCED APOPTOSIS CAUSED BY HYPOXIC EFFECTS IN THE URINARY SYSTEM ORGANS OF FETUSES AND NEWBORNS (EXPERIMENTAL STUDY)].

PubMed

Myroshnychenko, M; Sherstiuk, S; Zubova, Y; Nakonechna, S

2017-09-01

The purpose of the study was to identify the characteristics of apoptosis in the kidneys, ureters and bladder of fetuses and newborns in the modeling of chronic intrauterine hypoxia, acute postnatal hypoxia and mixed hypoxia. An experiment was conducted on WAG rats for modeling high altitude hypoxia. Experimental animals were divided into four groups: I - control - fetuses and newborns from healthy rats; II - modeling of chronic intrauterine hypoxia; III - modeling of acute postnatal hypoxia; IV - modeling of mixed hypoxia. The material of the study was the tissue of the kidneys, ureters and bladder of fetuses and newborns. In group I in the kidneys of fetuses the mean value of the number of p53-positive cells was 7.83±0.31, newborns - 5.40±0.28; in the ureters and bladder of fetuses - 5.77±0.29 and 6.97±0.32, newborns - 3.58±0.21 and 5.36±0.28. In the kidneys in group II the mean value of the number of p53-expressing cells in fetuses was 1.43±0.50, in newborns - 21.72±0.58; in group III in newborns - 15.03±0.63; in group IV in newborns - 33.33±0.72. The mean value of the number of p53-expressing cells in the ureters and bladder in group II in fetuses was 13.17±0.49 and 11.83±0.43, in newborns - 16.24±0.37 and 15.38±0.37; in group III in newborns - 7.25±0.27 and 8.68±0.32; in group IV in newborns - 19.63±0.31and 21.03±0.40. As the result of the study it was found that experimental hypoxia induced apoptotic processes in the kidneys, ureters and bladder of fetuses and newborns, the severity of which was moderate in the modeling of acute postnatal hypoxia, expressed in the modeling of chronic intrauterine hypoxia and strongly expressed in the modeling of mixed hypoxia. Under the influence of acute postnatal hypoxia, chronic intrauterine hypoxia and mixed hypoxia in the ureters and bladder of fetuses and newborns p53-positive cells were located evenly in all layers of the wall of these organs, whereas in the kidneys p53-positive cells prevailed in the tubular component. In the modeling of chronic intrauterine hypoxia apoptotic processes in the kidneys, ureters and bladder increased in newborns in comparison with fetuses.

The effect of the degree of left renal vein constriction on the development of adolescent varicocele in Sprague-Dawley rats.

PubMed

Yao, Bing; Zhou, Wen-Liang; Han, Da-Yu; Ouyang, Bin; Chen, Xu; Chen, Sheng-Fu; Deng, Chun-Hua; Sun, Xiang-Zhou

2016-01-01

Experimental models have allowed inquiry into the pathophysiology of varicocele (VC) beyond that possible with human patients. A randomized controlled study in rats was designed to clarify the influence of the degree of left renal vein constriction on the development of adolescent VC. Fifty adolescent male Sprague-Dawley rats (Rattus norvegicus) were randomly assigned to five groups of 10: the experimental groups (I-IV) underwent partial ligation of left renal veins with 0.5-, 0.6-, 0.7-, and 0.8-mm diameter needles, respectively. The control group (V) underwent a sham operation. The diameter of the left spermatic vein (LSV) was measured at baseline and 30 days postoperatively. In addition, the lesion of the left kidney was examined with the naked eye and assessed by Masson's trichrome staining. VC was successfully induced in 2 (20%), 4 (40%), 7 (70%), and 10 (100%) rats in groups I-IV, respectively. The other rats failed to develop VCs primarily due to left renal atrophy. No VC was observed in group V. The postsurgical LSV diameters in VC rats in groups III and IV were 1.54 ± 0.16 and 1.49 ± 0.13 mm, respectively (P > 0.05), and their increments were 1.36 ± 0.10 and 1.31 ± 0.10 mm, respectively (P > 0.05). These results suggest that suitable constriction of the left renal vein is critical for adolescent VC development. In addition, the 0.8-mm diameter needle may be more suitable for inducing left renal vein constriction in adolescent rat models.

Alfaxalone or ketamine-medetomidine in cats undergoing ovariohysterectomy: a comparison of intra-operative parameters and post-operative pain.

PubMed

Kalchofner Guerrero, Karin S; Reichler, Iris M; Schwarz, Andrea; Jud, Rahel S; Hässig, Michael; Bettschart-Wolfensberger, Regula

2014-11-01

To compare post-operative pain in cats after alfaxalone or ketamine- medetomidine anaesthesia for ovariohysterectomy (OHE) and physiologic parameters during and after surgery. Prospective 'blinded' randomized clinical study. Twenty-one healthy cats. Cats were assigned randomly into two groups: Group A, anaesthesia was induced and maintained with alfaxalone [5 mg kg(-1) intravenously (IV) followed by boli (2 mg kg(-1) IV); Group MK, induction with ketamine (5 mg kg(-1) IV) after medetomidine (30 μg kg(-1) intramuscularly (IM)], and maintenance with ketamine (2 mg kg(-1) IV). Meloxicam (0.2 mg kg(-1) IV) was administered after surgery. Basic physiological data were collected. At time T = -2, 0, 0.5, 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 12, 16, 20, and 24 hours post-operatively pain was assessed by three methods, a composite pain scale (CPS; 0-24 points), a visual analogue scale (VAS 0-100 mm), and a mechanical wound threshold (MWT) device. Butorphanol (0.2 mg kg(-1) IM) was administered if CPS was scored ≥13. Data were analyzed using a general linear model, Kruskal-Wallis analyses, Bonferroni-Dunn test, unpaired t-test and Fisher's exact test as relevant. Significance was set at p < 0.05. VASs were significantly higher at 0.5, 1, 2, 4, and 20 hours in group A; MWT values were significantly higher at 8 and 12 hours in group MK. Post-operative MWT decreased significantly compared to baseline in both groups. There was no difference in CPS at any time point. Five cats required rescue analgesia (four in A; one in MK). Anaesthesia with ketamine-medetomidine was found to provide better post-surgical analgesia than alfaxalone in cats undergoing OHE; however, primary hyperalgesia developed in both groups. Alfaxalone is suitable for induction and maintenance of anaesthesia in cats undergoing OHE, but administration of additional sedative and analgesic drugs is highly recommended. © 2014 Association of Veterinary Anaesthetists and the American College of Veterinary Anesthesia and Analgesia.

Effects of Lignocaine Administered Intravenously or Intratracheally on Airway and Hemodynamic Responses during Emergence and Extubation in Patients Undergoing Elective Craniotomies in Supine Position.

PubMed

Shabnum, Tabasum; Ali, Zulfiqar; Naqash, Imtiaz Ahmad; Mir, Aabid Hussain; Azhar, Khan; Zahoor, Syed Amer; Mir, Abdul Waheed

2017-01-01

Sympathoadrenergic responses during emergence and extubation can lead to an increase in heart rate (HR) and blood pressure whereas increased airway responses may lead to coughing and laryngospasm. The aim of our study was to compare the effects of lignocaine administered intravenously (IV) or intratracheally on airway and hemodynamic responses during emergence and extubation in patients undergoing elective craniotomies. Sixty patients with physical status American Society of Anaesthesiologists Classes I and II aged 18-70 years, scheduled to undergo elective craniotomies were included. The patients were randomly divided into three groups of twenty patients; Group 1 receiving IV lignocaine and intratracheal placebo (IV group), Group 2 receiving intratracheal lignocaine and IV placebo (I/T group), and Group 3 receiving IV and intratracheal placebo (placebo group). The tolerance to the endotracheal tube was monitored, and number of episodes of cough was recorded during emergence and at the time of extubation. Hemodynamic parameters such as HR and blood pressure (systolic, diastolic, mean arterial pressure) were also recorded. There was a decrease of HR in both IV and intratracheal groups in comparison with placebo group ( P < 0.005). Rise in blood pressure (systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure and mean arterial pressure) was comparable in both Groups 1 and 2 but was lower in comparison with placebo group ( P < 0.005). Cough suppression was comparable in all the three groups. Grade III cough (15%) was documented only in placebo group. Both IV and intratracheal lignocaine are effective in attenuation of hemodynamic response if given within 20 min from skull pin removal to extubation. There was comparable cough suppression through intratracheal route and IV routes than the placebo group.

Effect of vehicle and route of administration of letrozole on ovarian function in a bovine model.

PubMed

Yapura, M J; Mapletoft, R J; Pierson, R A; Singh, J; Adams, G P

2014-10-01

The objective of this study was to determine the effects of vehicle and route of administration of letrozole on ovarian function in sexually mature beef heifers. On Day 3 (Day 0=ovulation), heifers were assigned randomly to four treatment groups and given 1mgkg(-1) letrozole intravenously (iv, n=10) or intramuscularly (im, n=10) or given a placebo iv (control iv, n=5) or im (control im, n=5). The interwave interval was longer in heifers treated with letrozole im than in im and iv controls (11.7±0.30 vs 9.5±0.50 and 10±0.43, respectively; P<0.05). Corpus luteum diameter profiles and plasma progesterone concentrations were greater (P<0.03 and P<0.05, respectively) in heifers treated with letrozole im compared with control im. Plasma oestradiol concentrations were lower in both letrozole-treated groups compared with controls (P≤0.03). Plasma LH concentrations tended to be elevated at the time of wave emergence in heifers treated with letrozole im compared with other groups (group-by-day interaction, P=0.06) and plasma FSH concentrations tended to be greater (P<0.09) in heifers treated with letrozole by either route compared with a single control group. We conclude that intramuscular administration of letrozole in oil is a feasible route and vehicle for the development of a letrozole-based treatment protocol for herd synchronisation in cattle.

Prediction of User Preference over Shared Control Paradigms for a Robotic Wheelchair

DTIC Science & Technology

2017-07-20

the experimentally -observed changes between subject groups and sessions, while providing unique insight into the relative contribution of task metrics...WHEELCHAIR, including the four tested shared- control paradigms. The correlation model and experimental results are provided in Sections IV and V. Section VI...paradigm-specific models. Moreover, we also observe differences between sub- ject groups —meaning that subjects’ evaluations of a control paradigm are

Therapeutic evaluation of grain based functional food formulation in a geriatric animal model.

PubMed

Teradal, Deepa; Joshi, Neena; Aladakatti, Ravindranath H

2017-08-01

This study investigates the effect of wholesome grain based functional food formulation, on clinical and biochemical parameters in 24-30 months old Wistar albino geriatric rats, corresponding to human age 60-75 years. Animals were randomly divided into five, groups. Experimental diets were compared to the basal rat diet (Group I). Four food, formulation were-wheat based (Group II), finger millet based (Group III), wheat based, diet + fenugreek seed powder (Group IV), finger millet based diet + fenugreek powder, (Group V). These five types of diets were fed to the experimental rats for 6 weeks. Hematological and biochemical parameters were evaluated. The results showed that, feed intake was influenced by the type of feed. Diets supplemented with, fenugreek (Group IV) caused a significant increase in serum hemoglobin. The total serum protein values were significantly highest in Group III. Total serum albumin was found to be lower in Group I and highest in Group II. The concentration of BUN was highest in Group I and the lowest in control diet. Serum cholesterol and glucose were significantly reduced in Group IV. Several hematological and serum mineral values were influenced by the type of diet. The type of diet did not influence the organs weight. A moderate hypoglycemic and hypercholesterolemic effect was observed in composite mix fed rats. This study clearly justifies the recommendation to use wholesome grain based functional foods for geriatric population.

Validation of the prognostic grouping of the seventh edition of the tumor-nodes-metastasis classification using a large-scale prospective cohort study database of prostate cancer treated with primary androgen deprivation therapy.

PubMed

Kimura, Tomokazu; Onozawa, Mizuki; Miyazaki, Jun; Kawai, Koji; Nishiyama, Hiroyuki; Hinotsu, Shiro; Akaza, Hideyuki

2013-09-01

In the TNM seventh edition, a prognostic grouping for prostate cancer incorporating prostate-specific antigen and Gleason score was advocated. The present study was carried out to evaluate and validate prognostic grouping in prostate cancer patients. The 15 259 study patients treated with primary androgen deprivation therapy were enrolled in the Japan Study Group of Prostate Cancer. Overall survival was stratified by tumor-nodes-metastasis, Gleason score and prostate-specific antigen, and extensively analyzed. The accuracy of grouping systems was evaluated by the concordance index. The 5-year overall survival in prognostic grouping-I, IIA, IIB, III and IV was 90.0%, 88.3%, 84.8%, 80.6% and 57.1%, respectively. When considering subgroup stratification, the 5-year overall survival of subgroups prognostic grouping-IIA, IIB, III and IV was 80.9∼90.5%, 75.4∼91.8%, 75.7∼89.0% and 46.9∼86.2%, respectively. When prognostic grouping-IIB was subclassified into IIB1 (except IIB2) and IIB2 (T1-2b, prostate-specific antigen >20, Gleason score ≥8, and T2c, Gleason score ≥8), the 5-year overall survival of IIB2 was significantly lower than that of IIB1 (79.4% and 87.3%, P < 0.0001). Also, when prognostic grouping-IV was subclassified into IV1 (except IV2) and IV2 (M1, prostate-specific antigen >100 or Gleason score ≥8), the 5-year overall survival of prognostic grouping-IV1 was superior to that of IV2 (72.9% and 49.5%, P < 0.0001). Prognostic groupings were reclassified into modified prognostic groupings, divided into modified prognostic grouping-A (prognostic grouping-I, IIA, and IIB1), modified prognostic grouping-B (prognostic grouping-IIB2 and III), modified prognostic grouping-C (prognostic grouping-IV1) and modified prognostic grouping-D (prognostic grouping-IV2). The concordance index of prognostic grouping and modified prognostic grouping for overall survival was 0.670 and 0.685, respectively. Prognostic grouping could stratify the prognosis of prostate cancer patients. However, there is considerable variation among the prognostic grouping subgroups. Thus, the use of a modified prognostic grouping for patients treated with primary androgen deprivation therapy is advisable. © 2013 The Japanese Urological Association.

Onset and Duration of Intravenous and Intraosseous Rocuronium in Swine

PubMed Central

Loughren, Michael; Banks, Sarah; Naluan, Carleo; Portenlanger, Paul; Wendorf, Arthur; Johnson, Don

2014-01-01

Introduction The intraosseous (IO) route has become a popular method to gain access to the peripheral circulation in emergency situations. Despite little supporting data, it is generally believed that IO absorption is immediate and equivalent to the intravenous (IV) route. It is important to determine if rocuronium can effectively be administered by the IO route. The aim of the study was to determine and compare the onset and duration of rocuronium when administered via the IO and IV routes in a normovolemic pig model. Methods We recorded electromyographic (EMG) data following tibial IO and peripheral IV administration of rocuronium (1.2 mg/kg) in 10 swine weighing between 56 and 71 Kg. We transformed data were transformed to percent of baseline, determined onset and recovery characteristics. Results The onset EMG-time profiles for IO and IV administration were very similar: tibial IO compared to IV administration did not statistically alter the onset of paralysis. The IO group took statistically longer than the IV group to return to 50 (p=0.042), 75 (p=0.034) and 95 (p=0.036) percent of baseline activity. Conclusion The duration of effect is statistically longer after IO administration but is more of an academic interest than a clinical concern. The results of this study suggest that rocuronium can effectively be administered via the IO route without the need for dose adjustments. PMID:24672619

Cognitive and Adaptive Skills in Toddlers Who Meet Criteria for Autism in DSM-IV but not DSM-5

PubMed Central

Brennan, Laura A.; Barton, Marianne L.; Fein, Deborah

2017-01-01

The current study compared adaptive and cognitive skills, and autism severity of toddlers with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) diagnosis under DSM-IV but not DSM-5 criteria (DSM-IV only group) to those who met autism criteria under both diagnostic systems (DSM-5 group) and to those without ASD (non-ASD group). The toddlers in the DSM-IV only group were less delayed on various domains of adaptive (Communication, Socialization) and cognitive (Expressive and Receptive language, Fine Motor, Visual Reception) skills, and had less severe symptoms of ASD than the DSM-5 group. Thus, they might have the best potential for successful intervention. The DSM-IV only group did not differ from the non-ASD group in any adaptive or cognitive skills except for socialization skills, the hallmark of ASD. PMID:27628939

Cognitive and Adaptive Skills in Toddlers Who Meet Criteria for Autism in DSM-IV but not DSM-5.

PubMed

Jashar, Dasal Tenzin; Brennan, Laura A; Barton, Marianne L; Fein, Deborah

2016-12-01

The current study compared adaptive and cognitive skills, and autism severity of toddlers with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) diagnosis under DSM-IV but not DSM-5 criteria (DSM-IV only group) to those who met autism criteria under both diagnostic systems (DSM-5 group) and to those without ASD (non-ASD group). The toddlers in the DSM-IV only group were less delayed on various domains of adaptive (Communication, Socialization) and cognitive (Expressive and Receptive language, Fine Motor, Visual Reception) skills, and had less severe symptoms of ASD than the DSM-5 group. Thus, they might have the best potential for successful intervention. The DSM-IV only group did not differ from the non-ASD group in any adaptive or cognitive skills except for socialization skills, the hallmark of ASD.

Prophylactic use of intravenous ondansetron versus ketamine - midazolam combination for prevention of shivering during spinal anesthesia: A randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial

PubMed Central

Safavi, Mohammadreza; Honarmand, Azim; Mohammadsadeqie, Sara

2015-01-01

Background: The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy intravenous (IV) ondansetron with ketamine plus midazolam for the prevention of shivering during spinal anesthesia (SA). Materials and Methods: Ninety patients, aged 18–65 years, undergoing lower extremity orthopedic surgery were included in the present study. SA was performed in all patients with hyperbaric bupivacaine 15 mg. The patients were randomly allocated to receive normal saline (Group C), ondansetron 8 mg IV (Group O) or ketamine 0.25 mg/kg IV plus midazolam 37.5 μg/kg IV (Group KM) immediately after SA. During surgery, shivering scores were recorded at 5 min intervals. The operating room temperature was maintained at 24°C. Results: The incidences of shivering were 18 (60%) in Group C, 6 (20%) in Group KM and 8 (26.6%) in Group O. The difference between Groups O and Group KM with Group C was statistically significant (P < 0.05). No significant difference was noted between Groups KM with Group O in this regard (P > 0.05). Peripheral and core temperature changes throughout surgery were not significantly different among three groups (P > 0.05). Incidence (%) of hallucination was not significantly different between the three groups (0, 3.3, 0 in Group O, Group KM, Group C respectively, P > 0.05). Conclusion: Prophylactic use of ondansetron 8 mg IV was comparable to ketamine 0.25 mg/kg IV plus midazolam 37.5 μg/kg IV in preventing shivering during SA. PMID:26605236

A combined approach for the evaluation of a volatile organic compound emissions inventory.

PubMed

Choi, Yu-Jin; Calabrese, Richard V; Ehrman, Sheryl H; Dickerson, Russell R; Stehr, Jeffrey W

2006-02-01

Emissions inventories significantly affect photochemical air quality model performance and the development of effective control strategies. However, there have been very few studies to evaluate their accuracy. Here, to evaluate a volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions inventory, we implemented a combined approach: comparing the ratios of carbon bond (CB)-IV VOC groups to nitrogen oxides (NOx) or carbon monoxide (CO) using an emission preprocessing model, comparing the ratios of VOC source contributions from a source apportionment technique to NOx or CO, and comparing ratios of CB-IV VOC groups to NOx or CO and the absolute concentrations of CB-IV VOC groups using an air quality model, with the corresponding ratios and concentrations observed at three sites (Maryland, Washington, DC, and New Jersey). The comparisons of the ethene/NOx ratio, the xylene group (XYL)/NOx ratio, and ethene and XYL concentrations between estimates and measurements showed some differences, depending on the comparison approach, at the Maryland and Washington, DC sites. On the other hand, consistent results at the New Jersey site were observed, implying a possible overestimation of vehicle exhaust. However, in the case of the toluene group (TOL), which is emitted mainly from surface coating and printing sources in the solvent utilization category, the ratios of TOL/ NOx or CO, as well as the absolute concentrations revealed an overestimate of these solvent sources by a factor of 1.5 to 3 at all three sites. In addition, the overestimate of these solvent sources agreed with the comparisons of surface coating and printing source contributions relative to NOx from a source apportionment technique to the corresponding value of estimates at the Maryland site. Other studies have also suggested an overestimate of solvent sources, implying a possibility of inaccurate emission factors in estimating VOC emissions from surface coating and printing sources. We tested the impact of these overestimates with a chemical transport model and found little change in ozone but substantial changes in calculated secondary organic aerosol concentrations.

The dimensionality of DSM-IV alcohol use disorders among adolescent and adult drinkers and symptom patterns by age, gender, and race/ethnicity.

PubMed

Harford, Thomas C; Yi, Hsiao-ye; Faden, Vivian B; Chen, Chiung M

2009-05-01

There is limited information on the validity of Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition (DSM-IV) alcohol use disorders (AUD) symptom criteria among adolescents in the general population. The purpose of this study is to assess the DSM-IV AUD symptom criteria as reported by adolescent and adult drinkers in a single representative sample of the U.S. population aged 12 years and older. This design avoids potential confounding due to differences in survey methodology when comparing adolescents and adults from different surveys. A total of 133,231 current drinkers (had at least 1 drink in the past year) aged 12 years and older were drawn from respondents to the 2002 to 2005 National Surveys on Drug Use and Health. DSM-IV AUD criteria were assessed by questions related to specific symptoms occurring during the past 12 months. Factor analytic and item response theory models were applied to the 11 AUD symptom criteria to assess the probabilities of symptom item endorsements across different values of the underlying trait. A 1-factor model provided an adequate and parsimonious interpretation for the 11 AUD criteria for the total sample and for each of the gender-age groups. The MIMIC model exhibited significant indication for item bias among some criteria by gender, age, and race/ethnicity. Symptom criteria for "tolerance,"time spent," and "hazardous use" had lower item thresholds (i.e., lower severity) and low item discrimination, and they were well separated from the other symptoms, especially in the 2 younger age groups (12 to 17 and 18 to 25). "Larger amounts,"cut down,"withdrawal," and "legal problems" had higher item thresholds but generally lower item discrimination, and they tend to exhibit greater dispersion at higher AUD severity, particularly in the youngest age group (12 to 17). Findings from the present study do not provide support for the 2 separate DSM-IV diagnoses of alcohol abuse and dependence among either adolescents or adults. Variations in criteria severity for both abuse and dependence offer support for a dimensional approach to diagnosis which should be considered in the ongoing development of DSM-V.

Exporting simulation technology to the Philippines: a comparative study of traditional versus simulation methods for teaching intravenous cannulation.

PubMed

Sotto, Juan Alejandro R; Ayuste, Eduardo C; Bowyer, Mark W; Almonte, Josefina R; Dofitas, Rodney B; Lapitan, Marie C M; Pimentel, Elisabeth A; Ritter, E Matthew; Wherry, David C

2009-01-01

This study examines effectiveness of a donated Laerdal Virtual I.V. simulator when compared with traditional methods of teaching intravenous (IV) cannulation to third year medical students in the Philippines. Forty novice Filipino medical students viewed an instructional video on how to start intravenous lines and were then randomly divided into two groups of twenty. The "Traditional" group observed an IV insertion on an actual patient performed by an experienced practitioner, and then subsequently performed an IV on an actual patient which was videotaped. The "Simulation" group practiced the Virtual I.V. simulator until they successfully completed level three using the "doctor" setting. These students then performed an IV on an actual patient which was videotaped. The videotapes for both groups were reviewed by two pre-trained (Inter-rater reliability of > or =0.84) observers who were blinded to the group using a previously validated checklist for IV insertion. Students trained on the Virtual I.V. showed significantly greater success in successfully starting an IV on an actual patient (40% VS. 15%, p<0.05), decreased constrictive band time (p<.05), increased raw score on the check list (p<.03), and decreased overall time to start an IV (p<.05). The technology was well received but wider application in the non western world is limited by lack of in country company support and the relative expense.

Cognitive and Adaptive Skills in Toddlers Who Meet Criteria for Autism in DSM-IV but Not DSM-5

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Jashar, Dasal Tenzin; Brennan, Laura A.; Barton, Marianne L.; Fein, Deborah

2016-01-01

The current study compared adaptive and cognitive skills, and autism severity of toddlers with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) diagnosis under DSM-IV but not DSM-5 criteria (DSM-IV only group) to those who met autism criteria under both diagnostic systems (DSM-5 group) and to those without ASD (non-ASD group). The toddlers in the DSM-IV only…

Cost effectiveness of high-dose intravenous esomeprazole for peptic ulcer bleeding.

PubMed

Barkun, Alan N; Adam, Viviane; Sung, Joseph J Y; Kuipers, Ernst J; Mössner, Joachim; Jensen, Dennis; Stuart, Robert; Lau, James Y; Nauclér, Emma; Kilhamn, Jan; Granstedt, Helena; Liljas, Bengt; Lind, Tore

2010-01-01

Peptic ulcer bleeding (PUB) is a serious and sometimes fatal condition. The outcome of PUB strongly depends on the risk of rebleeding. A recent multinational placebo-controlled clinical trial (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT00251979) showed that high-dose intravenous (IV) esomeprazole, when administered after successful endoscopic haemostasis in patients with PUB, is effective in preventing rebleeding. From a policy perspective it is important to assess the cost efficacy of this benefit so as to enable clinicians and payers to make an informed decision regarding the management of PUB. Using a decision-tree model, we compared the cost efficacy of high-dose IV esomeprazole versus an approach of no-IV proton pump inhibitor for prevention of rebleeding in patients with PUB. The model adopted a 30-day time horizon and the perspective of third-party payers in the USA and Europe. The main efficacy variable was the number of averted rebleedings. Healthcare resource utilization costs (physician fees, hospitalizations, surgeries, pharmacotherapies) relevant for the management of PUB were also determined. Data for unit costs (prices) were primarily taken from official governmental sources, and data for other model assumptions were retrieved from the original clinical trial and the literature. After successful endoscopic haemostasis, patients received either high-dose IV esomeprazole (80 mg infusion over 30 min, then 8 mg/hour for 71.5 hours) or no-IV esomeprazole treatment, with both groups receiving oral esomeprazole 40 mg once daily from days 4 to 30. Rebleed rates at 30 days were 7.7% and 13.6%, respectively, for the high-dose IV esomeprazole and no-IV esomeprazole treatment groups (equating to a number needed to treat of 17 in order to prevent one additional patient from rebleeding). In the US setting, the average cost per patient for the high-dose IV esomeprazole strategy was $US14 290 compared with $US14 239 for the no-IV esomeprazole strategy (year 2007 values). For the European setting, Sweden and Spain were used as examples. In the Swedish setting the corresponding respective figures were Swedish kronor (SEK)67 862 ($US9220 at average 2006 interbank exchange rates) and SEK67 807 ($US9212) [year 2006 values]. Incremental cost-effectiveness ratios were $US866 and SEK938 ($US127), respectively, per averted rebleed when using IV esomeprazole. For the Spanish setting, the high-dose IV esomeprazole strategy was dominant (more effective and less costly than the no-IV esomeprazole strategy) [year 2008 values]. All results appeared robust to univariate/threshold sensitivity analysis, with high-dose IV esomeprazole becoming dominant with small variations in assumptions in the US and Swedish settings, while remaining a dominant approach in the Spanish scenario across a broad range of values. Sensitivity variables with prespecified ranges included lengths of stay and per diem assumptions, rebleeding rates and, in some cases, professional fees. In patients with PUB, high-dose IV esomeprazole after successful endoscopic haemostasis appears to improve outcomes at a modest increase in costs relative to a no-IV esomeprazole strategy from the US and Swedish third-party payer perspective. Whereas, in the Spanish setting, the high-dose IV esomeprazole strategy appeared dominant, being more effective and less costly.

Ovarian blood vessel occlusion as a surgical sterilization method in rats.

PubMed

Murakami, Eduardo; Sartori de Camargo, Laíza; Freitas Cardoso, Karym Christine de; Miguel, Marina Pacheco; Tavares, Denise Cláudia; Santos Honsho, Cristiane dos; Ferreira de Souza, Fabiana

2014-04-01

To evaluate the female sterilization by occlusion of the ovarian blood flow, using the rat as experimental model. Fifty-five females rats were divided into four groups: I (n=10), bilateral ovariectomy, euthanized at 60 or 90 days; II (n=5), opening the abdominal cavity, euthanized at 90 days; III (n=20), bilateral occlusion of the ovarian blood supply using titanium clips, euthanized at 60 or 90 days; and IV (n=20), bilateral occlusion of the ovarian blood supply using nylon thread, euthanized at 60 or 90 days. The estrous cycle was monitored by vaginal cytology. After euthanasia, the reproductive tissues were evaluated histologically. Ovarian atresia was identified macroscopically at 60 days after surgery in the rats in groups III and IV; however, most of the rats in group III maintained cyclicity. Histology of the tissues from group IV revealed that the ovarian tissue was replaced by dense fibrous connective tissue that was slightly vascularized and that intact follicles were absent by 90 days. Ovarian blood vessels occluded caused ischemia, leading to progressive tissue necrosis, and bilateral occlusion using a nylon ligature is a viable method for surgical sterilization.

IVS Working Group 4: VLBI Data Structures

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gipson, John

2010-01-01

In 2007 the IVS Directing Board established IVS Working Group 4 on VLBI Data Structures. This note discusses the current VLBI data format, goals for a new format, the history and formation of the Working Group, and a timeline for the development of a new VLBI data format.

Engraftment Efficiency after Intra-Bone Marrow versus Intravenous Transplantation of Bone Marrow Cells in a Canine Nonmyeloablative Dog Leukocyte Antigen-Identical Transplantation Model.

PubMed

Lange, Sandra; Steder, Anne; Killian, Doreen; Knuebel, Gudrun; Sekora, Anett; Vogel, Heike; Lindner, Iris; Dunkelmann, Simone; Prall, Friedrich; Murua Escobar, Hugo; Freund, Mathias; Junghanss, Christian

2017-02-01

An intra-bone marrow (IBM) hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is assumed to optimize the homing process and therefore to improve engraftment as well as hematopoietic recovery compared with conventional i.v. HSCT. This study investigated the feasibility and efficacy of IBM HSCT after nonmyeloablative conditioning in an allogeneic canine HSCT model. Two study cohorts received IBM HSCT of either density gradient (IBM-I, n = 7) or buffy coat (IBM-II, n = 6) enriched bone marrow cells. An historical i.v. HSCT cohort served as control. Before allogeneic HSCT experiments were performed, we investigated the feasibility of IBM HSCT by using technetium-99m marked autologous grafts. Scintigraphic analyses confirmed that most IBM-injected autologous cells remained at the injection sites, independent of the applied volume. In addition, cell migration to other bones occurred. The enrichment process led to different allogeneic graft volumes (IBM-I, 2 × 5 mL; IBM-II, 2 × 25 mL) and significantly lower counts of total nucleated cells in IBM-I grafts compared with IBM-II grafts (1.6 × 10 8 /kg versus 3.8 × 10 8 /kg). After allogeneic HSCT, dogs of the IBM-I group showed a delayed engraftment with lower levels of donor chimerism when compared with IBM-II or to i.v. HSCT. Dogs of the IBM-II group tended to reveal slightly faster early leukocyte engraftment kinetics than intravenously transplanted animals. However, thrombocytopenia was significantly prolonged in both IBM groups when compared with i.v. HSCT. In conclusion, IBM HSCT is feasible in a nonmyeloablative HSCT setting but failed to significantly improve engraftment kinetics and hematopoietic recovery in comparison with conventional i.v. HSCT. Copyright © 2017 The American Society for Blood and Marrow Transplantation. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Orthotopic Transplantation of Cryopreserved Mouse Ovaries and Gonadotrophin Releasing Hormone Analogues in the Restoration of Function following Chemotherapy-Induced Ovarian Damage

PubMed Central

Li, Qing; Szatmary, Peter; Liu, Yanyang; Ding, Zhenyu; Zhou, Jin; Sun, Yi; Luo, Feng

2015-01-01

Therapy advances are constantly improving survival rates of cancer patients, however the toxic effects of chemotherapy drugs can seriously affect patients’ quality of life. In women, fertility and premature ovarian endocrine dysfunction are of particular concern. It is urgently we find methods to preserve or reconstruct ovarian function for these women. This study compares GnRHa treatment with ovarian tissue cryopreservation and orthotopic transplantation in a chemotherapy-induced ovarian damage murine model. 56 inbred Lewis rats were divided into 4 treatment groups: Saline control (group I); cyclophosphamide only (group II); cyclophosphamide plus GnRHa (group III); cyclophosphamide and grafting of thawed cryopreserved ovaries (group IV). Body weight, estrous cycle recovery time, ovarian weight, morphology and follicle count, as well as breeding and fertility were compared among groups. Only group IV was able to restore to normal body weight by the end of the observation period and resumed normal estrous cycles in a shorter time compared to other treatment groups. There was a decrease in primordial follicles in all treatment groups, but group III had the greatest reduction. Although, there was no difference in pregnancy, only one animal littered normal pups in group II, none littered in group III and four littered in group IV. Thus, cryopreservation and orthotopic transplantation of ovarian tissue can restore the fertility of rats subjected to chemotherapy in a manner that is superior to GnRHa treatment. We also observed increased rates of hepatic, splenic and pulmonary haemorrhage in group III, suggesting there may be synergistic toxicity of GnRHa and cyclophosphamide. PMID:25811681

Beam efflux measurements

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Komatsu, G. K.; Stellen, J. M., Jr.

1976-01-01

Measurements have been made of the high energy thrust ions, (Group I), high angle/high energy ions (Group II), and high angle/low energy ions (Group IV) of a mercury electron bombardment thruster in the angular divergence range from 0 deg to greater than 90 deg. The measurements have been made as a function of thrust ion current, propellant utilization efficiency, bombardment discharge voltage, screen and accelerator grid potential (accel-decel ratio) and neutralizer keeper potential. The shape of the Group IV (charge exchange) ion plume has remained essentially fixed within the range of variation of the engine operation parameters. The magnitude of the charge exchange ion flux scales with thrust ion current, for good propellant utilization conditions. For fixed thrust ion current, charge exchange ion flux increases for diminishing propellant utilization efficiency. Facility effects influence experimental accuracies within the range of propellant utilization efficiency used in the experiments. The flux of high angle/high energy Group II ions is significantly diminished by the use of minimum decel voltages on the accelerator grid. A computer model of charge exchange ion production and motion has been developed. The program allows computation of charge exchange ion volume production rate, total production rate, and charge exchange ion trajectories for "genuine" and "facilities effects" particles. In the computed flux deposition patterns, the Group I and Group IV ion plumes exhibit a counter motion.

Glycated Apolipoprotein A-IV Induces Atherogenesis in Patients With CAD in Type 2 Diabetes.

PubMed

Dai, Yang; Shen, Ying; Li, Qing Run; Ding, Feng Hua; Wang, Xiao Qun; Liu, Hong Juan; Yan, Xiao Xiang; Wang, Ling Jie; Yang, Ke; Wang, Hai Bo; Chen, Qiu Jing; Shen, Wei Feng; Zhang, Rui Yan; Lu, Lin

2017-10-17

Nonenzymatic glycation of apolipoproteins plays a role in the pathogenesis of the vascular complications of diabetes. This study investigated whether apolipoprotein (apo) A-IV was glycated in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and whether apoA-IV glycation was related to coronary artery disease (CAD). The study also determined the biological effects of glycated apoA-IV. The authors consecutively enrolled 204 patients with T2DM without CAD (Group I), 515 patients with T2DM with CAD (Group II), and 176 healthy subjects (control group) in this study. ApoA-IV was precipitated from ultracentrifugally isolated high-density lipoprotein, and its glycation level was determined based on Western blotting densitometry (relative intensity of apoA-IV glycation). ApoA-IV NƐ-(carboxylmethyl) lysine (CML) modification sites were identified by mass spectrometry in 37 control subjects, 63 patients in Group I, and 138 patients in Group II. Saline or glycated apoA-IV (g-apoA-IV) generated by glyoxal culture was injected into apoE -/- mice to evaluate atherogenesis, and was also used for the cell experiments. The relative intensity and the abundance of apoA-IV glycation were associated with the presence and severity of CAD in patients with T2DM (all p < 0.05). The experiments showed that g-apoA-IV induced proinflammatory reactions in vitro and promoted atherogenesis in apoE -/- mice through the nuclear receptor NR4A3. G-apoA-IV with mutations (K-A) at high-frequency glycation sites exhibited more weakened proinflammatory and atherogenic effects than did g-apoA-IV both in vitro and in vivo. ApoA-IV glycation is associated with CAD severity in patients with T2DM, and g-apoA-IV induces atherogenesis through NR4A3 in apoE -/- mice. Copyright © 2017 American College of Cardiology Foundation. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

The effects of α-lipoic acid on aortic injury and hypertension in the rat remnant kidney (5/6 nephrectomy) model.

PubMed

Ergür, Bekir Uğur; Çilaker Mıcılı, Serap; Yılmaz, Osman; Akokay, Pınar

2015-06-01

The present study was designed to investigate the effects of α-lipoic acid on the abdominal aorta and hypertension in a remnant kidney model histomorphometrically, immunohistochemically, and ultrastructurally. We surgically reduced the renal tissue mass to 5/6 by applying a remnant kidney model. The rats were divided into 4 groups: Group 1- control group, Group 2- lipoic acid group, Group 3- 5/6 nephrectomy group, and Group IV: 5/6 nephrectomy+lipoic acid-treated group. Lipoic acid solution 100 mg/kg was administered by oral gavage for 8 weeks to Groups II and IV. At the end of the experiment, systemic mean blood pressure was monitored. Then, aortic tissues were removed and fixed. After routine histological procedures, tissue sections were examined histochemically, immunohistochemically (type I angiotensin receptor, vascular endothelial growth factor, alpha-smooth muscle actin), and ultrastructurally. The blood pressure measurements in 5/6 nephrectomy group were significantly higher compared to other groups. In the 5/6 nephrectomy+lipoic acid group, measured blood pressure values and tunica media thickness were significantly lower than in the 5/6 nephrectomy group. In the 5/6 nephrectomy+lipoic acid group, decreased aortic wall thickness, regularity in the structure of elastic fibrils, and more organized elastic lamellae were seen. The expression of type I angiotensin receptor, vascular endothelial growth factor, alpha-smooth muscle actin in the 5/6 nephrectomy+lipoic acid group was decreased compared to the 5/6 nephrectomy group. In the present study, we found that α-lipoic acid could be a favorable agent for the target organ effects of secondary hypertension.

Technical communication: new teaching model for practicing ultrasound-guided regional anesthesia techniques: no perishable food products!

PubMed

Liu, Yang; Glass, Nancy L; Power, Robert W

2010-04-01

There is a pronounced learning curve for the technique of ultrasound-guided regional anesthesia. Practicing with a simulator model has been shown to speed the acquisition of these skills for various ultrasound-guided procedures. However, commercial models for ultrasound-guided regional anesthesia may be too costly or not readily available. Models using turkey breasts or tofu blocks have the disadvantage of containing perishable food products that can be a source for infection. We describe an alternative inexpensive model that is made from nonperishable components readily available in the operating room. The materials required include 1 clean used 500-mL bag of IV fluids, a bottle of Premisorb (TYCO Healthcare Group, Mansfield, MA), and a piece of foam material approximately 0.3 cm in diameter and 5 cm in length trimmed from operating room foam pads. After filling the IV bag with tap water and inserting the foam into the IV bag from the outlet port of the IV bag, one-third of a bottle of Premisorb (approximately 15 g) is poured into the IV bag. The outlet port of the bag is then sealed by taping the rubber stopper that originally came with the bag. Premisorb, a solidifying agent frequently used to absorb irrigating fluids or blood in operating room suction canisters, produces a gel-like material in the IV bag. The foam inserted into the bag creates a relatively hyperechoic target. This gel-like substance in the bag will seal the holes created after multiple practice needle insertions, resulting in minimal leakage. The semitransparent nature of the gel allows the trainee to visualize the target directly and on the ultrasound screen. The model we describe is inexpensive and easy to make from materials readily available in the operating room with the advantages of being nonperishable, easy to carry, and reusable.

Use of the TAT in the assessment of DSM-IV cluster B personality disorders.

PubMed

Ackerman, S J; Clemence, A J; Weatherill, R; Hilsenroth, M J

1999-12-01

The Social Cognition and Object Relations Scale (SCORS), developed by Western, Lohr, Silk, Kerber, and Goodrich (1985), is a diagnostic instrument used to assess an array of psychological functioning by using clinical narratives such as the Thematic Apperception Test (TAT; Murray, 1943) stories. This study investigated the utility of the SCORS to differentiate between Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (4th ed. [DSM-IV]; American Psychiatric Association, 1994) antisocial personality disorder (ANPD), borderline personality disorder (BPD), narcissistic personality disorder (NPD), and Cluster C personality disorder (CPD). A sample of 58 patients was separated into four groups: ANPD (n = 9), BPD (n = 21; 18 with a primary BPD diagnosis and 3 with prominent borderline traits who met 4 of the 5 DSM-IV criteria necessary for a BPD diagnosis), NPD (n = 16; 8 with a primary NPD diagnosis and 8 with prominent narcissistic traits who met 4 of the 5 DSM-IV criteria necessary for a NPD diagnosis), and CPD (n = 12). These groups were then compared on the 8 SCORS variables by using 5 TAT cards (1, 2, 3BM, 4, and 13MF). Spearman-Brown correction for 2-way mixed effects model of reliability for the 8 SCORS variables ranged from .70 to .95. The results of categorical and dimensional analyses indicate that (a) SCORS variables can be used to differentiate ANPD, BPD, and NPD; (b) the BPD group scored significantly lower (greater maladjustment) than did the CPD group on certain variables; (c) the BPD group scored significantly lower (greater maladjustment) than did the NPD group on all 8 SCORS variables; (d) the ANPD group scored significantly lower than did the NPD group on certain variables; (e) certain variables were found to be empirically related to the total number of DSM-IV ANPD, BPD, and NPD criteria; and (f) certain variables were found to be empirically related to Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-2 (MMPI-2; Butcher, Dahlstrom, Graham, Tellegen, & Kaemmer, 1989) Personality disorder scales. The results of this study are discussed in terms of clinical utility, conceptual, and theoretical implications.

A process improvement model for software verification and validation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Callahan, John; Sabolish, George

1994-01-01

We describe ongoing work at the NASA Independent Verification and Validation (IV&V) Facility to establish a process improvement model for software verification and validation (V&V) organizations. This model, similar to those used by some software development organizations, uses measurement-based techniques to identify problem areas and introduce incremental improvements. We seek to replicate this model for organizations involved in V&V on large-scale software development projects such as EOS and space station. At the IV&V Facility, a university research group and V&V contractors are working together to collect metrics across projects in order to determine the effectiveness of V&V and improve its application. Since V&V processes are intimately tied to development processes, this paper also examines the repercussions for development organizations in large-scale efforts.

A process improvement model for software verification and validation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Callahan, John; Sabolish, George

1994-01-01

We describe ongoing work at the NASA Independent Verification and Validation (IV&V) Facility to establish a process improvement model for software verification and validation (V&V) organizations. This model, similar to those used by some software development organizations, uses measurement-based techniques to identify problem areas and introduce incremental improvements. We seek to replicate this model for organizations involved in V&V on large-scale software development projects such as EOS and Space Station. At the IV&V Facility, a university research group and V&V contractors are working together to collect metrics across projects in order to determine the effectiveness of V&V and improve its application. Since V&V processes are intimately tied to development processes, this paper also examines the repercussions for development organizations in large-scale efforts.

Derivation of a human equivalent concentration for n-butanol using a physiologically based pharmacokinetic model for n-butyl acetate and metabolites n-butanol and n-butyric acid

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Teeguarden, Justin G.; Deisinger, P. J.; Poet, Torka S.

2005-05-01

The metabolic series (family) approach for risk assessment uses a dosimetry-based analysis to develop toxicity information for a group of metabolically linked compounds using pharmacokinetic (PK) data for each compound and toxicity data for the parent compound. An initial physiologically-based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) model was developed to support the implementation of the metabolic series approach for n-butyl acetate and its subsequent metabolites, n-butanol, and n-butyric acid (the butyl series) (Barton et al. 2000). In conjunction with pilot pharmacokinetic studies, the model was used to design the definitive intravenous (i.v.) PK studies. Rats were implanted with dual indwelling cannulae and administered testmore » compounds by i.v. bolus dose, i.v. infusion, or by inhalation in a recirculating closed chamber. Hepatic, vascular and extravascular metabolic constants for metabolism were estimated by fitting the model to the blood time course data from these experiments. The respiratory bioavailability of n-butyl acetate and n-butanol was estimated from closed chamber inhalation studies and measured ventilation rates. The resulting butyl series PBPK model successfully reproduces the blood time course of these compounds following i.v. administration, and inhalation exposure to n-butyl acetate and n-butanol. A fully scaled human version of the model successfully reproduces arterial blood n-butanol kinetics following inhalation exposure to n-butanol. These validated i.v (rat) and inhalation route models (rat, butyl acetate, n-butanol; human, butanol only) can be used to support species and dose-route extrapolations required for risk assessment of butyl series family of compounds. Further, this work demonstrates the usefulness of i.v. kinetic data for parameterization of systemic metabolism and the value of collaboration between experimentalists and kineticists in the development of PBPK models. The product of this effort, validated rat and human PBPK models for the butyl series compounds, illustrates the effectiveness of broad multi-institutional public/private collaborations in the pursuit of developing state of the art tools for risk assessment.« less

Comparison of Effectiveness of Betamethasone gel Applied to the Tracheal Tube and IV Dexamethasone on Postoperative Sore Throat: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

PubMed

Tabari, Masumeh; Soltani, Ghasem; Zirak, Nahid; Alipour, Moammad; Khazaeni, Kamran

2013-09-01

Postoperative sore throat is a common complaint in patients with endotracheal intubation and has potentially dangerous complications. This randomized controlled trial study investigated the incidence of postoperative sore throat after general anesthesia when betamethasone gel is applied to a tracheal tube compared with when IV dexamethasone is prescribed. Two hundred and twenty five American Society of Anesthesiologist (ASA)-class I and II patients undergoing elective abdominal surgery with tracheal intubation were randomly divided into three groups: betamethasone gel, intravenous (IV) dexamethasone, and control groups. In the post-anesthesia care unit, a blinded anesthesiologist interviewed all patients regarding postoperative sore throat at 1,6, and 24 hours after surgery. The incidence of sore throat was significantly lower in the betamethasone gel group compared with the IV dexamethasone and control groups, 1, 6, and 24 hours after surgery. In the first day after surgery 10.7% of the betamethasone group had sore throat whereas 26.7% of the IV dexamethasone group and 30.7% of the control group had sore throat. Bucking before extubation was observed in 14(18.4%), 8(10.4%), and 9(12.2%) patients, in the IV dexamethasone, betamethasone gel, and control group, respectively. We concluded that wide spread application of betamethasone gel over tracheal tubes effectively mitigates postoperative sore throat, compared with IV dexamethasone application.

Comparative study of topical vs. intravenous tranexamic acid regarding blood loss in total knee arthroplasty.

PubMed

Zekcer, Ari; Priori, Ricardo Del; Tieppo, Clauber; Silva, Ricardo Soares da; Severino, Nilson Roberto

2017-01-01

To compare topical vs. intravenous tranexamic acid (TA) in total knee arthroplasty regarding blood loss and transfusion. Ninety patients were randomized to receive TA intravenously (20 mg/kg in 100 mL of saline; group IV), topically (1.5 g in 50 mL of saline, sprayed over the operated site, before release of the tourniquet; topical group), or intravenous saline (100 mL with anesthesia; control group). The volume of drained blood in 48 h, the amount of transfused blood, and the serum levels of hemoglobin and hematocrit before and after surgery were evaluated. The groups were similar for gender, age, weight, laterality, and preoperative hemoglobin and hematocrit levels ( p  > 0.2). The hemoglobin level dropped in all groups when comparing the preoperative and the 48-h evaluations: the control group decreased 3.8 mg/dL on average, while the IV group had a decrease of 3.0, and the topical group, of 3.2 ( p  = 0.019). The difference between the control and IV groups was confirmed by Bonferroni test ( p  = 0.020). The difference between the control group and the topical group was not significant ( p  = 0.130), although there was less reduction in hemoglobin in the topical group; the comparison between the IV group and the topical group was also not significant ( p  = 1.000). Using topic and IV tranexamic acid decreased blood loss and the need for transfusion in total knee arthroplasty. Topical application showed results similar to IV use regarding the need for blood transfusion, but without the possible side effects of IV administration.

A Two-Year Randomized Trial of Interventions to Decrease Stress Hormone Vasopressin Production in Patients with Meniere's Disease-A Pilot Study.

PubMed

Kitahara, Tadashi; Okamoto, Hidehiko; Fukushima, Munehisa; Sakagami, Masaharu; Ito, Taeko; Yamashita, Akinori; Ota, Ichiro; Yamanaka, Toshiaki

2016-01-01

Meniere's disease, a common inner ear condition, has an incidence of 15-50 per 100,000. Because mental/physical stress and subsequent increase in the stress hormone vasopressin supposedly trigger Meniere's disease, we set a pilot study to seek new therapeutic interventions, namely management of vasopressin secretion, to treat this disease. We enrolled 297 definite Meniere's patients from 2010 to 2012 in a randomized-controlled and open-label trial, assigning Group-I (control) traditional oral medication, Group-II abundant water intake, Group-III tympanic ventilation tubes and Group-IV sleeping in darkness. Two hundred sixty-three patients completed the planned 2-year-follow-up, which included assessment of vertigo, hearing, plasma vasopressin concentrations and changes in stress/psychological factors. At 2 years, vertigo was completely controlled in 54.3% of patients in Group-I, 81.4% in Group-II, 84.1% in Group-III, and 80.0% in Group-IV (statistically I < II = III = IV). Hearing was improved in 7.1% of patients in Group-I, 35.7% in Group-II, 34.9% in Group-III, and 31.7% in Group-IV (statistically I < II = III = IV). Plasma vasopressin concentrations decreased more in Groups-II, -III, and -IV than in Groups-I (statistically I < II = III = IV), although patients' stress/psychological factors had not changed. Physicians have focused on stress management for Meniere's disease. However, avoidance of stress is unrealistic for patients who live in demanding social environments. Our findings in this pilot study suggest that interventions to decrease vasopressin secretion by abundant water intake, tympanic ventilation tubes and sleeping in darkness is feasible in treating Meniere's disease, even though these therapies did not alter reported mental/physical stress levels. ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01099046.

Intravenous vs Oral Acetaminophen as an Adjunct to Multimodal Analgesia After Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Prospective, Randomized, Double-Blind Clinical Trial.

PubMed

O'Neal, Jason B; Freiberg, Andrew A; Yelle, Marc D; Jiang, Yandong; Zhang, Chengwei; Gu, Yin; Kong, Xiangyi; Jian, Wenling; O'Neal, Wesley T; Wang, Jingping

2017-10-01

The efficacy of intravenous (IV) acetaminophen compared with its oral formulation for postoperative analgesia is unknown. We hypothesized that the addition of acetaminophen to a multimodal analgesia regimen would provide improved pain management in patients after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) and that the effect of acetaminophen would be variable based on the route of delivery. The study was a single-center, randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled clinical trial on the efficacy of IV vs oral acetaminophen in patients undergoing unilateral TKA. One hundred seventy-four subjects were randomized to one of the 3 groups: IV acetaminophen group (IV group, n = 57) received 1 g IV acetaminophen and oral placebo before postanesthesia care unit (PACU) admission; oral acetaminophen group (PO group, n = 58) received 1 g oral acetaminophen and volume-matched IV normal saline; placebo group (Placebo group, n = 59) received oral placebo and volume-matched IV normal saline. Pain scores were obtained every 15 minutes during PACU stay. Average pain scores, maximum pain score, and pain scores before physical therapy were compared among the 3 groups. Secondary outcomes included total opiate consumption, time to PACU discharge, time to rescue analgesia, and time to breakthrough pain. The average PACU pain score was similar in the IV group (0.56 ± 0.99 [mean ± standard deviation]) compared with the PO group (0.67 ± 1.20; P = .84) and Placebo group (0.58 ± 0.99; P = .71). Total opiate consumption at 6 hours (0.47 mg hydromorphone equivalents ± 0.56 vs 0.54 ± 0.53 vs 0.54 ± 0.61; P = .69) and at 24 hours (1.25 ± 1.30 vs 1.49 ± 1.34 vs 1.36 ± 1.31; P = .46) were also similar between the IV, PO, and Placebo groups. No significant differences were found between all groups for any other outcome. Neither IV nor oral acetaminophen provides additional analgesia in the immediate postoperative period when administered as an adjunct to multimodal analgesia in patients undergoing TKA in the setting of a spinal anesthetic. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

To nearly come full circle: Nonoperative management of high-grade IV-V blunt splenic trauma is safe using a protocol with routine angioembolization.

PubMed

Bhullar, Indermeet S; Tepas, Joseph J; Siragusa, Daniel; Loper, Todd; Kerwin, Andrew; Frykberg, Eric R

2017-04-01

Nonoperative management (NOM) of hemodynamically stable high-grade (IV-V) blunt splenic trauma remains controversial given the high failure rates (19%) that persist despite angioembolization (AE) protocols. The NOM protocol was modified in 2011 to include mandatory AE of all grade (IV-V) injuries without contrast blush (CB) along with selective AE of grade (I-V) with CB. The purpose of this study was to determine if this new AE (NAE) protocol significantly lowered the failure rates for grade (IV-V) injuries allowing for safe observation without surgery and if the exclusion of grade III injuries allowed for the prevention of unnecessary angiograms without affecting the overall failure rates. The records of patients with blunt splenic trauma from January 2000 to October 2014 at a Level I trauma center were retrospectively reviewed. Patients were divided into two groups and failure of NOM (FNOM) rates compared: NAE protocol (2011-2014) with mandatory AE for all grade (IV-V) injuries without CB and selective AE for grade (I-V) with CB versus old AE (OAE) protocol (2000-2010) with selective AE for grade (I-V) with CB. Seven hundred twelve patients underwent NOM with 522 (73%) in the OAE group and 190 (27%) in the NAE group. Evolving from the OAE to the NAE strategy resulted in a significantly lower FNOM rate for the overall group (grade I-V) (OAE vs. NAE, 4% to 1%, p = 0.04) and the grade (IV-V) group (OAE vs. NAE, 19% vs. 3%, p = 0.01). Angiograms were avoided in 113 grade (I-III) injuries with no CB; these patients had NOM with observation alone and none failed. A protocol using mandatory AE of all high-grade (IV-V) injuries without CB and selective AE of grade (I-V) with CB may provide for optimum salvage with safe NOM of the high-grade injuries (IV-V) and limited unnecessary angiograms. Therapeutic study, level IV.

Tenascin-C Prevents Articular Cartilage Degeneration in Murine Osteoarthritis Models.

PubMed

Matsui, Yuriyo; Hasegawa, Masahiro; Iino, Takahiro; Imanaka-Yoshida, Kyoko; Yoshida, Toshimichi; Sudo, Akihiro

2018-01-01

Objective The objective of this study was to determine whether intra-articular injections of tenascin-C (TNC) could prevent cartilage damage in murine models of osteoarthritis (OA). Design Fluorescently labeled TNC was injected into knee joints and its distribution was examined at 1 day, 4 days, 1 week, 2 weeks, and 4 weeks postinjection. To investigate the effects of TNC on cartilage degeneration after surgery to knee joints, articular spaces were filled with 100 μg/mL (group I), 10 μg/mL (group II) of TNC solution, or control (group III). TNC solution of 10 μg/mL was additionally injected twice after 3 weeks (group IV) or weekly after 1 week, 2 weeks, and 3 weeks (group V). Joint tissues were histologically assessed using the Mankin score and the modified Chambers system at 2 to 8 weeks after surgery. Results Exogenous TNC was maintained in the cartilage and synovium for 1 week after administration. Histological scores in groups I and II were better than scores in group III at 4 and 6 weeks, but progressive cartilage damage was seen in all groups 8 weeks postoperatively. Sequential TNC injections (groups IV and V) showed significantly better Mankin score than single injection (group II) at 8 weeks. Conclusion TNC administered exogenously remained in the cartilage of knee joints for 1 week, and could decelerate articular cartilage degeneration in murine models of OA. We also showed that sequential administration of TNC was more effective than a single injection. TNC could be an important molecule for prevention of articular cartilage damage.

Geology Lectures and Laboratories. A Model to Improve Preservice Elementary Science Teacher Development. Volume IV.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Webster, Gary

A group of scientists and science educators at Washington State University has developed and pilot tested an integrated physical science program designed for preservice elementary school teachers. This document includes the syllabus and class materials for the Geology block of the physical science courses developed by the group. Included are…

Effect of chromium picolinate and melatonin either in single or in a combination in high carbohydrate diet-fed male Wistar rats.

PubMed

Doddigarla, Zephy; Ahmad, Jamal; Parwez, Iqbal

2016-01-01

This study is designed to know the effects of chromium picolinate (CrPic) and melatonin (Mel) each alone and in a combination on high carbohydrate diet-fed (HCD-fed) male Wistar rats that exhibit insulin resistance (IR), hyperglycemia, and oxidative stress. Wistar rats have been categorized into five groups. Each group consisted of six male Wistar rats, control rats (group I), HCD (group II), HCD + CrPic (group III), HCD + Mel (group IV), and HCD + CrPic + Mel (group V). Insignificant differences were observed in serum levels of superoxide dismutase, nitric oxide, and zinc in group III, group IV, and group V when each group was compared with group II rats respectively. Significant differences were observed in group III, group IV, and group V when each group was compared with group II in homeostasis model assessment-estimated IR (P < 0.05, <0.0.05, <0.05), and in the levels of blood glucose (P < 0.05, <0.0.05, <0.05), total cholesterol (P < 0.05, <0.001, <0.001), triacylglycerols (<0.05, <0.001, <0.001), high density lipoprotein cholesterol (P < 0.05, <0.001, <0.001), malondialdehyde (P < 0.05, <0.05, <0.001), catalase (P <0.05, <0.05, <0.05), glutathione (P < 0.05, <0.05, <0.05), Mel (P < 0.05, <0.05, <0.001), and copper (P < 0.05, <0.05, < 0.001). In view of these results, HCD-fed male Wistar rats that are destined to attain IR and T2DM through diet can be prevented by giving CrPic and Mel administration in alone or in a combination. © 2015 International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology.

The hepatoprotective role of Silymarin in isoniazid induced liver damage of rabbits.

PubMed

Jahan, Sarwat; Khan, Moosa; Imran, Sana; Sair, Mohammad

2015-06-01

To evaluate the hepatoprotective role of Silymarin against isonicotinylhydrazine-induced hepatotoxicity in rabbit model. The experimental animal study was held at Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre, Karachi, from April to September 2013 and comprised rabbits weighing 1-1.5kgof either gender. The animals were divided randomly into equal groups: group I underwent liver function test without any drug; in group II effects of Silymarin (50mg/kg/day orally) was observed; in group III isoniazid (50mg/kg/dayorally) was administered; and in group IV combined effects of isoniazid and silymarin were observed. Liver function tests were performed at day0 and after the treatment at day19. SPSS 16 was used for statistical analysis. The 28 rabbits in the study were divided in four groups of 7(25%) each. No mortality was recorded in any group. In group III, bilirubin level was increased and alanine transaminase was decreased significantly (p<0.05 each). In group IV, there was significant improvement in serum billirubin and serum alanine transaminase (p<0.05 each). Isonicotinylhydrazine-induced hepatotoxicity was well treated by concurrent administration of Silymarin.

Coverage and parental perceptions of influenza vaccination among parents of children aged 6 to 23 months in Hong Kong

PubMed Central

2013-01-01

Background The impact of influenza on young children can be severe and even fatal. Influenza vaccination (IV) has been shown to be effective in reducing complications of influenza among children. This study investigated the prevalence and factors of IV among children aged 6-23 months in Hong Kong. Methods A sample of 401 Chinese parents of children aged 6-23 months were interviewed at local Maternal and Child Health Centers. Socio-demographic information, variables related to Health Belief Model, including perceptions about the child’s chance of contracting influenza, perceived harm of influenza on children, perceived benefits and side-effects of IV, having received recommendations from health professionals to uptake IV, and IV behaviors of the children were measured. Multivariate analysis was used to examine factors associated with IV behaviors of children. Results Only 9% of the children had ever been vaccinated. Among those parents who had heard of IV (92.0%), substantial proportions perceived that IV could reduce the risk of influenza-induced complications (70.5%), hospitalization (70.5%) and death (65.9%). Relatively few of the participants believed that IV had no side effects (17.1%) and even less had been recommended by health care professionals to uptake IV (10.6%). Results from multivariate analysis showed that physician recommendations were associated with a higher likelihood for IV among younger children, whilst parental perceptions of the side effects of IV was associated with a lower likelihood for IV. Conclusion The prevalence of IV among children aged 6-23 months in Hong Kong was very low. Promotion of IV with the component of physician recommendations and parents’ knowledge about IV safety for this group is warranted. PMID:24171947

Intrathecal versus IV fentanyl in pediatric cardiac anesthesia.

PubMed

Pirat, Arash; Akpek, Elif; Arslan, Gülnaz

2002-11-01

Systemic large-dose opioids are widely used in pediatric cardiac anesthesia, but there are no randomized, prospective studies regarding the use of intrathecal (IT) opioids for these procedures. In this randomized, prospective study, we compared cardiovascular and neurohumoral responses during IT or IV fentanyl anesthesia for pediatric cardiac surgery. Thirty children aged 6 mo to 6 yr were anesthetized with an IV fentanyl bolus of 10 micro g/kg. This was followed by a fentanyl infusion of 10 micro g. kg(-1). h(-1) (Group IV; n = 10), 2 micro g/kg of IT fentanyl (Group IT; n = 10), or combined IV and IT protocols (Group IV + IT; n = 10). Heart rate, mean arterial blood pressure, additional fentanyl doses, time to first analgesic requirement, COMFORT and Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Pain Scale scores, and extubation time were recorded. Blood cortisol, insulin, glucose, and lactate levels were measured presurgery, poststernotomy, during the rewarming phase of cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB), and 6 and 24 h after surgery. The patients' urinary cortisol excretion rates were also measured during the first postoperative day. The findings in all three groups were statistically similar, except for higher blood glucose levels during CPB in Group IT compared with Group IV (P < 0.004). Group IV + IT was the only group in which the increases in heart rate and mean arterial blood pressure from presurgery to poststernotomy were not significant. The 24-h urinary cortisol excretion rates ( micro g. kg(-1). d(-1)) were 61.51 +/- 39, 92.54 +/- 67.55, and 40.15 +/- 29.69 for Groups IV, IT, and IV + IT, respectively (P > 0.05). A single IT injection of fentanyl 2 micro g/kg offers no advantage over systemic fentanyl (10 micro g/kg bolus and 10 micro g. kg(-1). h(-1)) with regard to hemodynamic stability or suppression of stress response. The combination of these two regimens may provide better hemodynamic stability during the pre-CPB period and may be associated with a decreased 24-h urinary cortisol excretion rate. In this prospective, randomized study, we investigated the adequacy of a single intrathecal injection of fentanyl for intraoperative analgesia, compared the effects of IT and IV fentanyl on stress response, and assessed for an additive effect of IT and IV fentanyl administration in pediatric cardiac anesthesia. The results with these three different anesthetic regimens were similar regarding anesthesia depth and level of stress response. However, the combination of IT and IV routes may provide better hemodynamic stability and a less pronounced stress response, as reflected by 24-h urinary cortisol excretion.

Invariance of the Measurement Model Underlying the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-IV in the United States and Canada

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bowden, Stephen C.; Saklofske, Donald H.; Weiss, Lawrence G.

2011-01-01

A measurement model describes both the numerical and theoretical relationship between observed scores and the corresponding latent variables or constructs. Testing a measurement model across groups is required to determine if the tests scores are tapping the same constructs so that the same meaning can be ascribed to the scores. Contemporary tests…

Indicators of suboptimal performance embedded in the Wechsler Memory Scale-Fourth Edition (WMS-IV).

PubMed

Bouman, Zita; Hendriks, Marc P H; Schmand, Ben A; Kessels, Roy P C; Aldenkamp, Albert P

2016-01-01

Recognition and visual working memory tasks from the Wechsler Memory Scale-Fourth Edition (WMS-IV) have previously been documented as useful indicators for suboptimal performance. The present study examined the clinical utility of the Dutch version of the WMS-IV (WMS-IV-NL) for the identification of suboptimal performance using an analogue study design. The patient group consisted of 59 mixed-etiology patients; the experimental malingerers were 50 healthy individuals who were asked to simulate cognitive impairment as a result of a traumatic brain injury; the last group consisted of 50 healthy controls who were instructed to put forth full effort. Experimental malingerers performed significantly lower on all WMS-IV-NL tasks than did the patients and healthy controls. A binary logistic regression analysis was performed on the experimental malingerers and the patients. The first model contained the visual working memory subtests (Spatial Addition and Symbol Span) and the recognition tasks of the following subtests: Logical Memory, Verbal Paired Associates, Designs, Visual Reproduction. The results showed an overall classification rate of 78.4%, and only Spatial Addition explained a significant amount of variation (p < .001). Subsequent logistic regression analysis and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis supported the discriminatory power of the subtest Spatial Addition. A scaled score cutoff of <4 produced 93% specificity and 52% sensitivity for detection of suboptimal performance. The WMS-IV-NL Spatial Addition subtest may provide clinically useful information for the detection of suboptimal performance.

The effect of montelukast and antiadhesion barrier solution on the capsule formation after insertion of silicone implants in a white rat model.

PubMed

Yang, J-D; Kwon, O-H; Lee, J-W; Chung, H-Y; Cho, B-C; Park, H-Y; Kim, T-G

2013-01-01

Capsular contracture is one of the most severe complications that can occur in breast surgery following silicone implant insertion. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of montelukast and antiadhesion barrier solution (AABS) on reducing capsular formation and their possible synergism. This study was approved by the Animal Ethics Committee (Reference No. KNU 2012-33) and was conducted in accordance with the Kyungpook National University - Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee, Animal Ethics Committee. The experiments in this study were conducted in vivo in 4 groups of 24 rats. Following silicone implant insertion, the pocket was injected with different agents. Group I (control group) was given normal saline injections into the pocket and fed with pure water. Group II was given injections of AABS and fed with pure water. Group III was given injections of normal saline and the medication montelukast during the experimental period. Group IV was given injections of AABS and montelukast as postoperative medication. Peri-implant capsules were excised after 8 weeks and were evaluated for transparency, inflammatory cell content, capsule thickness, collagen pattern and TGF-β expression. The capsules in the experimental groups (i.e., groups II-IV) were significantly more transparent than those in group I (controls; p < 0.05, Student's t test). The mean capsule thickness of the experimental groups II (296 ± 14.76 μm), III (280 ± 14.77 μm) and IV (276 ± 39.28 μm) was smaller than that of the control group I (361 ± 35.43 μm). Compared to the control group, the histologic findings in the experimental groups suggested a decreased inflammatory response occurring in the peri-implant capsules as they exhibited minor vascularization and a reduced number of mast cells and macrophages. The collagen patterns in the experimental groups were of a lower density than in the control group with the former showing a loose, tidy collagen pattern. The amounts of TGF-β and collagen I were higher in the control group than in the experimental groups. Group IV (the synergic effect group) had a more pronounced effect on all the parameters examined than that in groups II and III with separate drug administration. Montelukast and AABS reduced the thickness, the inflammatory cell infiltrate and the myofibroblast content of the peri-implant capsules around silicone implants in this white rat model. They lowered the expression of the fibrotic mediator, TGF-β, and inhibited the peri-implant capsular fibrosis. Therefore, montelukast and AABS are effective in the reduction of silicone-induced peri-implant capsular formation.

Association of ICAM-1 and HMGA1 Gene Variants with Retinopathy in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Among Chinese Individuals.

PubMed

Lv, Zhiping; Li, Ying; Wu, Yongzhong; Qu, Yi

2016-08-01

To evaluate the association of intercellular cell-adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1) and high-mobility group A1 (HMGA1) gene variants with diabetic retinopathy (DR) in a Chinese type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) cohort. A total of 792 patients with T2DM were enrolled and categorized into two groups: (1) the DR group consisted of 448 patients, which was further subclassified into the proliferative DR (PDR) group with 220 patients and the nonproliferative DR (NPDR) group with 228 patients; (2) the diabetes without retinopathy (DNR) group comprised 344 patients who had no signs of DR. The single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) rs5498 in ICAM-1 gene and IVS5-13insC variant in HMGA1 gene were genotyped. No evident association was found in the allele frequencies between SNP rs5498 in ICAM-1 gene and DR patients; the combined p values for the additive, dominant, and recessive models in genotype were greater than 0.05. No significant association was identified between the IVS5-13insC variant in HMGA1 gene and DR individuals. Our results revealed that SNP rs5498 in ICAM-1 gene and IVS5-13insC variant in HMGA1 gene were not associated with the susceptibility of DR in the Chinese T2DM cohort.

Preventive effect of Qianggan-Rongxian Decoction on rat liver fibrosis

PubMed Central

Li, Chun-Hui; Pan, Li-Hui; Yang, Zong-Wei; Li, Chun-Yu; Xu, Wen-Xie

2008-01-01

AIM: To study the preventive effects of Qianggan-Rongxian Decoction on liver fibrosis induced by dimethylnitrosamine (DMN) in rats. METHODS: Male Wistar rats were randomly divided into hepatic fibrosis model group, control group and 3 treatment groups (12 rats in each group). Except for the normal control group, all the rats received 1% DMN (10 μL/kg body weight, i.p), 3 times a week for 4 wk. The rats in the 3 treatment groups including a high-dose DMN group (10 mL/kg), a medium-dose DMN group (7 mL/kg), and a low-dose DMN group (4 mL/kg) were daily gavaged with Qianggan-Rongxian Decoction, and the rats in the model and normal control groups were given saline vehicle. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to determine the changes in serum hyaluronic acid (HA), laminin (LN), and type IV collagen levels. Serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels were measured using routine laboratory methods. Pathologic changes, particularly fibrosis, were examined by hematoxylin and eosin (HE) and Sirius red staining. Hepatic stellate cells (HSC) were examined by transmission electron microscopy. RESULTS: Compared with the model control group, the serum levels of HA, LN, type IV collagen, ALT and AST were decreased markedly in the other groups after treatment with Qianggan-Rongxian Decoction, especially in the medium-dose DMN group (P < 0.05). Moreover, the area-density percentage of collagen fibrosis was lower in the Qianggan-Rongxian Decoction treatment groups than in the model group, and a more significant drop was observed in the medium-dose DMN group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Qianggan-Rongxian Decoction can inhibit hepatic fibrosis due to chronic liver injury, delay the development of cirrhosis, and notably ameliorate liver function. It may be used as a safe and effective thera-peutic drug for patients with fibrosis. PMID:18567088

Age-related invariance of abilities measured with the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-IV.

PubMed

Sudarshan, Navaneetham J; Bowden, Stephen C; Saklofske, Donald H; Weiss, Lawrence G

2016-11-01

Assessment of measurement invariance across populations is essential for meaningful comparison of test scores, and is especially relevant where repeated measurements are required for educational assessment or clinical diagnosis. Establishing measurement invariance legitimizes the assumption that test scores reflect the same psychological trait in different populations or across different occasions. Examination of Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-Fourth Edition (WAIS-IV) U.S. standardization samples revealed that a first-order 5-factor measurement model was best fitting across 9 age groups from 16 years to 69 years. Strong metric invariance was found for 3 of 5 factors and partial intercept invariance for the remaining 2. Pairwise comparisons of adjacent age groups supported the inference that cognitive-trait group differences are manifested by group differences in the test scores. In educational and clinical settings these findings provide theoretical and empirical support to interpret changes in the index or subtest scores as reflecting changes in the corresponding cognitive abilities. Further, where clinically relevant, the subtest score composites can be used to compare changes in respective cognitive abilities. The model was supported in the Canadian standardization data with pooled age groups but the sample sizes were not adequate for detailed examination of separate age groups in the Canadian sample. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved).

Synthesis, spectroscopic, structural and thermal characterizations of vanadyl(IV) adenine complex prospective as antidiabetic drug agent

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

El-Megharbel, Samy M.; Hamza, Reham Z.; Refat, Moamen S.

2015-01-01

The vanadyl(IV) adenine complex; [VO(Adn)2]ṡSO4; was synthesized and characterized. The molar conductivity of this complex was measured in DMSO solution that showed an electrolyte nature. Spectroscopic investigation of the green solid complex studied here indicate that the adenine acts as a bidentate ligand, coordinated to vanadyl(IV) ions through the nitrogen atoms N7 and nitrogen atom of amino group. Thus, from the results presented the vanadyl(IV) complex has square pyramid geometry. Further characterizations using thermal analyses and scanning electron techniques was useful. The aim of this paper was to introduce a new drug model for the diabetic complications by synthesized a novel mononuclear vanadyl(IV) adenine complex to mimic insulin action and reducing blood sugar level. The antidiabetic ability of this complex was investigated in STZ-induced diabetic mice. The results suggested that VO(IV)/adenine complex has antidiabetic activity, it improved the lipid profile, it improved liver and kidney functions, also it ameliorated insulin hormone and blood glucose levels. The vanadyl(IV) complex possesses an antioxidant activity and this was clear through studying SOD, CAT, MDA, GSH and methionine synthase. The current results support the therapeutic potentiality of vanadyl(IV)/adenine complex for the management and treatment of diabetes.

Intravenous Acetaminophen for Postoperative Pain Management in Patients Undergoing Living Laparoscopic Living-Donor Nephrectomy.

PubMed

Vu, Van; Baker, William L; Tencza, Elizabeth M; Rochon, Caroline; Sheiner, Patricia A; Martin, Spencer T

2017-01-01

Postoperative pain is a common complication of laparoscopic living-donor nephrectomies (LLDNs). To determine whether intravenous (IV) acetaminophen administration post-LLDN influenced length of stay (LOS) when used for pain management. This single-center, retrospective study compared patients undergoing LLDN who had received IV acetaminophen for pain control versus those who did not between June 1, 2011, and November 30, 2015. Patient LOS, 30-day readmissions, frequency of pain assessments, patient-reported pain scores, and opioid administration were assessed. A total of 90 patients were included in the analysis (IV acetaminophen, n = 48; non-IV acetaminophen, n = 42). Patients who did not receive IV acetaminophen were more often older (48.8 ± 12.1 vs 39.3 ± 12.1 years; P = 0.012) and female (71.4% vs 47.9%; P < 0.001). The average LOS was similar between the 2 groups (median = 3.0; interquartile range = [3, 4] vs 3.5 [3, 4]; P = 0.737). The 30-day readmissions were higher in the IV acetaminophen group (16.7%) compared with the group not receiving IV acetaminophen (2.4%; P = 0.033). After the first postoperative day, the frequencies of pain assessments performed were similar among the 2 groups. There was no difference in average pain scores between the groups at any time after LLDN. Patients receiving IV acetaminophen were found to have no improvements in hospital LOS, average pain score, or opioid requirements compared with patients not receiving IV acetaminophen. Patients who received IV acetaminophen were also found to have a higher 30-day readmission rate.

Comparison of Effectiveness of Betamethasone gel Applied to the Tracheal Tube and IV Dexamethasone on Postoperative Sore Throat: A Randomized Controlled Trial

PubMed Central

Tabari, Masoomeh; Soltani, Ghasem; Zirak, Nahid; Alipour, Mohammad; Khazaeni, Kamran

2013-01-01

Introduction: Postoperative sore throat is a common complaint in patients with endotracheal intubation and has potentially dangerous complications. This randomized controlled trial study investigated the incidence of postoperative sore throat after general anesthesia when betamethasone gel is applied to a tracheal tube compared with when IV dexamethasone is prescribed. Materials and Methods: Two hundred and twenty five American Society of Anesthesiologist (ASA)-class I and II patients undergoing elective abdominal surgery with tracheal intubation were randomly divided into three groups: betamethasone gel, intravenous (IV) dexamethasone, and control groups. In the post-anesthesia care unit, a blinded anesthesiologist interviewed all patients regarding postoperative sore throat at 1,6, and 24 hours after surgery. Results: The incidence of sore throat was significantly lower in the betamethasone gel group compared with the IV dexamethasone and control groups, 1, 6, and 24 hours after surgery. In the first day after surgery 10.7% of the betamethasone group had sore throat whereas 26.7% of the IV dexamethasone group and 30.7% of the control group had sore throat. Bucking before extubation was observed in 14(18.4%), 8(10.4%), and 9(12.2%) patients, in the IV dexamethasone, betamethasone gel, and control group, respectively. Conclusion: We concluded that wide spread application of betamethasone gel over tracheal tubes effectively mitigates postoperative sore throat, compared with IV dexamethasone application. PMID:24303443

[Economic Evaluation of Integrated Care Systems - Scientific Standard Specifications, Challenges, Best Practice Model].

PubMed

Pimperl, A; Schreyögg, J; Rothgang, H; Busse, R; Glaeske, G; Hildebrandt, H

2015-12-01

 Transparency of economic performance of integrated care systems (IV) is a basic requirement for the acceptance and further development of integrated care. Diverse evaluation methods are used but are seldom openly discussed because of the proprietary nature of the different business models. The aim of this article is to develop a generic model for measuring economic performance of IV interventions.  A catalogue of five quality criteria is used to discuss different evaluation methods -(uncontrolled before-after-studies, control group-based approaches, regression models). On this -basis a best practice model is proposed.  A regression model based on the German morbidity-based risk structure equalisation scheme (MorbiRSA) has some benefits in comparison to the other methods mentioned. In particular it requires less resources to be implemented and offers advantages concerning the relia-bility and the transparency of the method (=important for acceptance). Also validity is sound. Although RCTs and - also to a lesser -extent - complex difference-in-difference matching approaches can lead to a higher validity of the results, their feasibility in real life settings is limited due to economic and practical reasons. That is why central criticisms of a MorbiRSA-based model were addressed, adaptions proposed and incorporated in a best practice model: Population-oriented morbidity adjusted margin improvement model (P-DBV(MRSA)).  The P-DBV(MRSA) approach may be used as a standardised best practice model for the economic evaluation of IV. Parallel to the proposed approach for measuring economic performance a balanced, quality-oriented performance measurement system should be introduced. This should prevent incentivising IV-players to undertake short-term cost cutting at the expense of quality. © Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York.

Effect of apoptosis and response of extracellular matrix proteins after chemotherapy application on human breast cancer cell spheroids.

PubMed

Oktem, G; Vatansever, S; Ayla, S; Uysal, A; Aktas, S; Karabulut, B; Bilir, A

2006-02-01

Multicellular tumor spheroid (MTS) represents a three-dimensional structural form of tumors in laboratory conditions, and it has the characteristics of avascular micrometastases or intervascular spaces of big tumors. Recent studies indicate that extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins play a critical role in tumor metastasis, therefore normal and cancer cells require an ECM for survival, proliferation and differentiation. Doxorubicin and Docetaxel are widely used in the therapy of breast cancer, as well as in in vivo and in vitro studies. In this study, we examined the effect of apoptosis and proliferation of cells on the human breast cancer cell line, MCF-7, by using p53, bcl-2 and Ki67 gene expression, and the tendency to metastasis with extracellular matrix proteins, laminin and type IV collagen after chemotherapy in the spheroid model. The apoptotic cell death in situ was detected by TUNEL method. TUNEL-positive cells and positive immunoreactivities of laminin, type IV collagen, p53 and, bcl-2 were detected in the control group. There was no laminin and type IV collagen immunoreactivities in spheroids of drug groups. While TUNEL-positive cells and p53 immunoreactivity were detected in Docetaxel, Doxorubicin and Docetaxel/Doxorubicin groups, p53 immunoreactivity was not observed in the Docetaxel group. There was no bcl-2 immunoreactivity in either drug group. In addition, we did not detect Ki67 immunoreactivity in both control and drug treatment groups. However, the absence of Ki67 protein in MCF-7 breast multicellular tumor spheroids is possibly related to the cells in G0 or S phase. These chemotherapeutic agents may affect the presence of ECM proteins in this in vitro model of micrometastasis of spheroids. These findings suggest that the possible mechanism of cell death in Doxorubicin and Docetaxel/Doxorubicin treatment groups is related to apoptosis through the p53 pathway. However, we considered the possibility that there is another control mechanism for the Docetaxel group.

Detecting the limits of bronchial closure methods in an animal model.

PubMed

Tezel, C; Urek, S; Keles, M; Kiral, H; Koşar, A; Dudu, C; Arman, B

2006-04-01

Bronchopleural fistula is a serious complication of major lung resections that may lead to mortality. An experimental animal model was designed to find out the safest bronchial closure method by comparing leakage rates under pressure. The tracheobronchial trees of 50 freshly dead sheep were prepared for either manual closure or closure with a stapler. After left pneumonectomy, the specimens were divided into five groups (n = 10); 3/0 Premilene suture was used with two "u" sutures + interrupted sutures in Group I; in Group II, 3/0 Premilene sutures with continuous horizontal mattress + over-over continuous sutures were used. In Group III and IV the same techniques were used with 3/0 Vicryl. A stapler was used in Group V. Specimens were intubated with an endotracheal tube, connected to a sphygmomanometer, and subsequently positioned under water. The pressure level at which we detected air bubbles indicated the limits of the technique. The median leakage pressure resistance was significantly lower in Group III (135 mm Hg) ( P = 0.001). The best results were achieved by using the continuous horizontal mattress + over-over continuous suture technique. No statistical significance difference was found between the stapler group, Groups I, II, and IV in terms of median leakage pressures. This trial suggests that manual suture closure using an appropriate technique and monofilament materials is as safe as the stapler.

Does pharmaconutrition with L-arginine and/or alpha-tocopherol improve the gut barrier in bile duct ligated rats?

PubMed

Tuncyurek, P; Sari, M; Firat, O; Mutaf, I; Gulter, C; Tunger, A; Yuce, G; Yilmaz, M; Makay, O; Dayangac, M; Ersin, S

2006-01-01

Nitric oxide supplementation and antioxidant therapy modulate gut barrier function, but the relationships between enhanced nitric oxide production, antioxidant administration, and biliary obstruction remain unclear. We evaluated the role of nitric oxide and alpha-tocopherol supplementation in bile duct ligated rats. Fifty male Wistar albino rats underwent sham operation (group I; control animals) or bile duct ligation (groups II, III, IV, and V). The ligation groups received the following regimens: standard pellet diet (group II), pellet diet plus intramuscularly administered alpha-tocopherol (group III), and L-arginine-enriched pellet diet without (group IV) or with (group V) alpha-tocopherol. Nitric oxide, malondialdehyde, and alpha-tocopherol concentrations were assessed at the end of 3 weeks. Liver and intestinal samples were scored histologically. Mesenteric lymph node and liver cultures were assessed for bacterial translocation. The liver malondialdehyde concentration was highest in group III. The nitric oxide content in the liver was higher in groups III and V, as were the blood alpha-tocopherol levels. Bacterial translocation was evident following bile duct ligation, but did not differ among the treatment groups. Intestinal histology revealed that group III had the lowest villus height, that group V had the least villus count, and that group II had the highest mucous cell count. The fibrosis scores were higher in groups IV and V. An obvious effect of alpha-tocopherol (with or without L-arginine) on the gut barrier could not be demonstrated. Moreover, the L-arginine-enriched diet promoted fibrosis in the liver. Thus, while biliary duct obstruction triggers bacterial translocation, nitric oxide and/or alpha-tocopherol supplementation did not seem to improve the gut barrier in our model. Copyright 2006 S. Karger AG, Basel.

Relating DSM-5 section III personality traits to section II personality disorder diagnoses.

PubMed

Morey, L C; Benson, K T; Skodol, A E

2016-02-01

The DSM-5 Personality and Personality Disorders Work Group formulated a hybrid dimensional/categorical model that represented personality disorders as combinations of core impairments in personality functioning with specific configurations of problematic personality traits. Specific clusters of traits were selected to serve as indicators for six DSM categorical diagnoses to be retained in this system - antisocial, avoidant, borderline, narcissistic, obsessive-compulsive and schizotypal personality disorders. The goal of the current study was to describe the empirical relationships between the DSM-5 section III pathological traits and DSM-IV/DSM-5 section II personality disorder diagnoses. Data were obtained from a sample of 337 clinicians, each of whom rated one of his or her patients on all aspects of the DSM-IV and DSM-5 proposed alternative model. Regression models were constructed to examine trait-disorder relationships, and the incremental validity of core personality dysfunctions (i.e. criterion A features for each disorder) was examined in combination with the specified trait clusters. Findings suggested that the trait assignments specified by the Work Group tended to be substantially associated with corresponding DSM-IV concepts, and the criterion A features provided additional diagnostic information in all but one instance. Although the DSM-5 section III alternative model provided a substantially different taxonomic structure for personality disorders, the associations between this new approach and the traditional personality disorder concepts in DSM-5 section II make it possible to render traditional personality disorder concepts using alternative model traits in combination with core impairments in personality functioning.

What is the Ideal Route of Administration of Tranexamic Acid in TKA? A Randomized Controlled Trial.

PubMed

Lee, Sung Yup; Chong, Suri; Balasubramanian, Dhanasekaraprabu; Na, Young Gon; Kim, Tae Kyun

2017-08-01

TKA commonly involves substantial blood loss and tranexamic acid has been used to reduce blood loss after TKA. Numerous clinical trials have documented the efficacy and safety of intravenous (IV) or intraarticular (IA) use of tranexamic acid. Combined administration of tranexamic acid also has been suggested; however, there is no consensus regarding the ideal route of tranexamic acid administration. (1) To compare the efficacy of tranexamic acid in terms of total blood loss and the allogeneic transfusion rate among three routes of administration: IV alone, IA alone, and combined IV and IA. (2) To compare these regimens in terms of venous thromboembolism (VTE) and the frequency of wound complications. In total, 376 patients undergoing TKA between March 2014 and March 2015 were randomized to four groups by the route of tranexamic acid administration: IV only, IA only, low-dose combined (IV + IA injection of 1 g), and high-dose combined (IV + IA injection of 2 g). The calculated total blood loss, allogeneic transfusion rate, decrease in hemoglobin, the frequency of symptomatic deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism, wound complications, and periprosthetic joint infection were compared among the groups. Total blood loss was calculated using estimated total body blood volume and hemoglobin loss. The decision regarding when to transfuse was determined based on preset criteria. The high- and low-dose combined groups and the IA-only group had lower total blood loss (564 ± 242 mL, 642 ± 242 mL, and 633 ± 205 mL, respectively) than the IV-only group (764 ± 217 mL; mean differences = 199 mL [95% CI, 116-283 mL], p < 0.001; 121 mL [95% CI, 38-205 mL], p = 0.001; 131 mL [95% CI, 47-214 mL], p < 0.001); no differences were found among the other three groups. No patients in any study group received an allogeneic transfusion. One patient in the IV-only group had a symptomatic pulmonary embolism develop, but no other symptomatic VTE events occurred in any group. In addition, no differences were observed in wound complications, such as superficial wound necrosis (one patient in the IV-only and the high-dose combined group, respectively) and oozing (IV-only, IA-only, low-dose combined, high-dose combined = 3%, 4%, 4%, and 7%; p = 0.572) between the groups. No patients had a periprosthetic joint infection. IA tranexamic acid administration further reduces blood loss after TKA in comparison to IV use alone; no additional effect in further reducing blood loss was found in combination with IV tranexamic acid. Appropriately powered studies are needed to confirm the safety of this route of administration as the preferred route of administration in TKA. Level I, therapeutic study.

Effects of marketing group and production focus on quality and variability of adipose tissue and bellies sourced from a commercial processing facility.

PubMed

Overholt, M F; Arkfeld, E K; Wilson, K B; Mohrhauser, D A; King, D A; Wheeler, T L; Dilger, A C; Shackelford, S D; Boler, D D

2016-12-01

Objectives were to determine the effects of marketing group on quality and variability of belly and adipose tissue quality traits of pigs sourced from differing production focuses (lean vs. quality). Pigs ( = 8,042) raised in 8 barns representing 2 seasons (cold and hot) were used. Three groups were marketed from each barn with 2 barns per production focus marketed per season. Data were collected on 7,684 carcasses at a commercial abattoir. Fresh belly characteristics, American Oil Chemists' Society iodine value (AOCS-IV), and near-infrared iodine value were measured on a targeted 50, 10, and 100% of carcasses, respectively. Data were analyzed as a split-plot design in the MIXED procedure of SAS 9.4 with production focus as the whole-plot factor and marketing group as the split-plot factor. Barn (block), season, and sex were random variables. A multivariance model was fit using the REPEATED statement with the marketing group × production focus interaction as the grouping variable. Variances for production focus and marketing groups were calculated using the MEANS procedure. Homogeneity of variance was tested on raw data using the Levene's test of the GLM procedure. Among quality focus carcasses, marketing group 3 bellies weighed less ( ≤ 0.03) than those from either marketing group 1 or 2, but there was no difference ( ≥ 0.99) among marketing groups of the lean focus carcasses. There was no effect ( ≥ 0.11) of production focus on fresh belly measures, SFA, or iodine value (IV), but lean focus carcasses had decreased ( = 0.04) total MUFA and increased ( < 0.01) total PUFA compared with quality focus carcasses. Marketing group did not affect ( ≥ 0.10) fresh belly dimensions, total SFA, total MUFA, total PUFA, or IV. Belly weight, flop score, width, and all depth measurements were less variable ( ≤ 0.01); whereas, belly length, total SFA, and total MUFA were more variable ( < 0.0001) in lean focus carcasses than in quality focus carcasses. There was no difference ( ≥ 0.17) in total PUFA or AOCS-IV variability between production focuses. Variance of flop score, total MUFA, and total PUFA were not equal ( ≤ 0.01) among marketing groups. Belly weight, length, width, and depth measurements; SFA; or IV variance did not differ ( ≥ 0.06) among marketing groups. Although a multiple-marketing strategy was effective at minimizing differences in belly characteristics, differences in the variability of these traits exist among marketing groups and are likely dependent on the production system used.

Vitamin E reduces hepatic fibrosis in mice with Schistosoma japonicum infection.

PubMed

Wang, Xuefeng; Zhang, Rongbo; Du, Jiuwei; Hu, Youying; Xu, Lifa; Lu, Jun; Ye, Song

2012-02-01

To investigate whether vitamin E protects against hepatic fibrosis in mice with Schistosoma japonicum infection, 24 pathogen-free Kunming mice were selected and randomly divided into four groups: control (uninfected, untreated), model (infected, untreated), low-dose intervention (infected, vitamin E-treated, 30 mg/g bodyweight/day) and high-dose intervention (infected, vitamin E-treated, 60 mg/g bodyweight/day). Mice were infected with Schistosoma japonicum by inoculating abdominal skin with snail hosts. The activities of malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and catalase (CAT) were detected in hepatic tissue by colorimetry. The expression levels of laminin (LN), hyaluronic acid (HA), procollagen type Ⅲ (PC-III) and type Ⅳ collagen (IV-C) were detected in the serum by radioimmunoassay. Finally, areas and numbers of granulomas were assessed through histopathology 42 days following treatment. The results revealed that mean areas of granulomas were smaller in the low- and high-dose intervention groups compared to those in the model group. Furthermore, the higher dose of vitamin E resulted in smaller granulomas than the low dose. The levels of LN, HA, PC-III and IV-C in the serum were lower following vitamin E treatment than in the model group. By contrast, activity of SOD, GPx and CAT in hepatic tissue was higher following vitamin E treatment compared to the model group. The activity of MDA was lower in hepatic tissue following vitamin E treatment compared to the model group, but was higher compared to controls. In general, the higher dose of vitamin E affected measurements to a greater extent than the lower dose. In conclusion, vitamin E treatment may reduce the growth of granulomas, slowing the process of hepatic fibrosis, and this effect may be the result of the altered activity of the oxidation-reduction enzyme system.

The Joint Structure of DSM–IV Axis I and Axis II Disorders

PubMed Central

Røysamb, Espen; Tambs, Kristian; Ørstavik, Ragnhild E.; Torgersen, Svenn; Kendler, Kenneth S.; Neale, Michael C.; Aggen, Steven H.; Reichborn-Kjennerud, Ted

2011-01-01

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (4th ed. [DSM–IV]; American Psychiatric Association, 1994) distinction between clinical disorders on Axis I and personality disorders on Axis II has become increasingly controversial. Although substantial comorbidity between axes has been demonstrated, the structure of the liability factors underlying these two groups of disorders is poorly understood. The aim of this study was to determine the latent factor structure of a broad set of common Axis I disorders and all Axis II personality disorders and thereby to identify clusters of disorders and account for comorbidity within and between axes. Data were collected in Norway, through a population-based interview study (N = 2,794 young adult twins). Axis I and Axis II disorders were assessed with the Composite International Diagnostic Interview (CIDI) and the Structured Interview for DSM–IV Personality (SIDP–IV), respectively. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses were used to investigate the underlying structure of 25 disorders. A four-factor model fit the data well, suggesting a distinction between clinical and personality disorders as well as a distinction between broad groups of internalizing and externalizing disorders. The location of some disorders was not consistent with the DSM–IV classification; antisocial personality disorder belonged primarily to the Axis I externalizing spectrum, dysthymia appeared as a personality disorder, and borderline personality disorder appeared in an interspectral position. The findings have implications for a meta-structure for the DSM. PMID:21319931

Postoperative pain after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy: comparison of three analgesic schemes (isolated intravenous analgesia, epidural analgesia associated with intravenous analgesia and port-sites infiltration with bupivacaine associated with intravenous analgesia).

PubMed

Ruiz-Tovar, Jaime; Muñoz, Jose Luis; Gonzalez, Juan; Zubiaga, Lorea; García, Alejandro; Jimenez, Montiel; Ferrigni, Carlos; Durán, Manuel

2017-01-01

Although bariatric surgery is actually mainly performed laparoscopically, analgesic optimization continues being essential to reduce complications and to improve the patients' comfort. The aim of this study is to evaluate the postoperative pain after analgesia iv exclusively, or associated with epidural analgesia or port-sites infiltration with bupivacaine. A prospective randomized study of patients undergoing laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy between 2012 and 2014 was performed. Patients were divided into three groups: Analgesia iv exclusively (Group 1), epidural analgesia + analgesia iv (Group 2) and port-sites infiltration + analgesia iv (Group 3). Pain was quantified by means of a Visual Analogic Scale, and morphine rescue needs were determined 24 h after surgery. A total of 147 were included. Groups were comparable in age, gender and BMI. There were no differences in operation time, complications, mortality or hospital stay between groups. Median pain 24 h after surgery was 5 in Group 1, 2.5 in Group 2 and 2 in Group 3 (P = 0.01), without statistically significant differences between Groups 2 and 3. In Group 1, morphine rescue was necessary in 16.3 % of the cases, 2 % in Group 2 and 2 % in Group 3 (P = 0.014), without statistically significant differences between Groups 2 and 3. Epidural analgesia and port-sites infiltration with bupivacaine, associated with analgesia iv, reduce the postoperative pain, when compared with analgesia iv exclusively. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02662660.

Advanced GaAs Process Modeling. Volume 1

DTIC Science & Technology

1989-05-01

COSATI CODES 18 . SUBJECT TERMS (Continue on reverse if necessary and identify by block number) FIELD GROUP SUB-GROUP Gallium Arsenide, MESFET, Process...Background 9 3.2 Model Calculations 10 3.3 Conclusions 17 IV. ION-IMPLANTATION INTO GaAs PROFILE DETERMINATION 18 4.1 Ion Implantation Profile...Determination in GaAs 18 4.1.1. Background 18 4.1.2. Experimental Measurements 20 4.1.3. Results 22 4.1.3.1 Ion-Energy Dependence 22 4.1.3.2. Tilt and Rotation

Intraperitoneal ketorolac for post-cholecystectomy pain: a double-blind randomized-controlled trial.

PubMed

Murdoch, John; Ramsey, Gillian; Day, Andrew G; McMullen, Michael; Orr, Elizabeth; Phelan, Rachel; Jalink, Diederick

2016-06-01

Ketorolac is a parenterally active nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug with localized anti-inflammatory properties. We examine the postoperative analgesic efficacy of locally administered intraperitoneal (IP) ketorolac compared with intravenous (IV) ketorolac during laparoscopic cholecystectomy. With institutional ethics approval, 120 patients undergoing elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy were randomized to receive intraoperative 1) IP ketorolac 30 mg + intravenous saline (IP group), 2) intraperitoneal saline + IV ketorolac 30 mg (IV group), or 3) intraperitoneal saline + intravenous saline (Control group) under standardized anesthesia. The primary and secondary outcomes were postoperative fentanyl requirements in the postanesthesia care unit and the time to first analgesic request, respectively. Other outcomes examined included abdominal pain (at rest and with coughing), shoulder pain, nausea, vomiting, and any other postoperative complications. On average, patients receiving IP ketorolac required less (mean difference, 29 μg; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2 to 56; P = 0.04) fentanyl than patients in the Control group but a similar (mean difference, 16 μg; 95% CI, 12 to 43; P = 0.27) amount compared to patients in the IV group. There was an increase in the median (interquartile range [IQR]) time to first request in the IP group (43[30-52] min) compared with the Control group (35 [27-49]min; P = 0.04) but no difference between the IP group compared with the IV group (47 [40-75] min; P = 0.22). Shoulder pain and resting pain were reduced with IP and IV ketorolac compared with Control, but there was no difference between the IP and IV groups. No differences were observed in any other outcomes, side effects, or complications attributable to opioids or ketorolac at any time points. This study did not demonstrate any advantage for the off-label topical intraperitoneal administration of ketorolac in this surgical population. Intraperitoneal and IV ketorolac showed comparable analgesic efficacy following laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

Clinical and Electrocardiographic Characteristics of Electrical Storms Due to Monomorphic Ventricular Tachycardia Refractory to Intravenous Amiodarone.

PubMed

Murata, Hiroshige; Miyauchi, Yasushi; Hayashi, Meiso; Iwasaki, Yu-Ki; Yodogawa, Kenji; Ueno, Akira; Hayashi, Hiroshi; Tsuboi, Ippei; Uetake, Shunsuke; Takahashi, Kenta; Yamamoto, Teppei; Maruyama, Mitsunori; Akutsu, Koichi; Yamamoto, Takeshi; Kobayashi, Yoshinori; Tanaka, Keiji; Atarashi, Hirotsugu; Katoh, Takao; Shimizu, Wataru

2015-01-01

Few reports are available on the characteristics of electrical storms of ventricular tachycardia (VT storm) refractory to intravenous (IV) amiodarone. IV-amiodarone was administered to 60 patients with ventricular tachyarrhythmia between 2007 and 2012. VT storms, defined as 3 or more episodes of VT within 24 h, occurred in 30 patients (68±12 years, 7 female), with 12 having ischemic and 18 non-ischemic heart disease. We compared the clinical and electrocardiographic characteristics of the patients with VT storms suppressed by IV-amiodarone (Effective group) to those of patients not affected by the treatment (Refractory group). IV-amiodarone could not control recurrence of VT in 9 patients (30%). The Refractory group comprised 5 patients with acute myocardial infarctions. Although there was no difference in the VT cycle length, the QRS duration of both the VT and premature ventricular contractions (PVCs) followed by VT was narrower in the Refractory group than in the Effective group (140±30 vs. 178±25 ms, P<0.01; 121±14 vs. 179±22 ms, P<0.01). In the Refractory group, additional administration of IV-mexiletine and/or Purkinje potential-guided catheter ablation was effective. IV-amiodarone-refractory VT exhibited a relatively narrow QRS tachycardia. The narrow triggering PVCs, suggesting a Purkinje fiber origin, may be treated by additional IV-mexiletine and endocardial catheter ablation.

The Dimensionality of DSM-IV Alcohol Use Disorders among Adolescent and Adult Drinkers and Symptom Patterns by Age, Gender, and Race/Ethnicity

PubMed Central

Harford, Thomas C.; Yi, Hsiao-ye; Faden, Vivian B.; Chen, Chiung M.

2015-01-01

Background There is limited information on the validity of Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition (DSM-IV) alcohol use disorders (AUD) symptom criteria among adolescents in the general population. The purpose of the present study is to assess the DSM-IV AUD symptom criteria as reported by adolescent and adult drinkers in a single representative sample of the U.S. population ages 12 years and older. This design avoids potential confounding due to differences in survey methodology when comparing adolescents and adults from different surveys. Methods A total of 133,231 current drinkers (had at least one drink in the past year) ages 12 years and older were drawn from respondents to the 2002–2005 National Surveys on Drug Use and Health. DSM-IV AUD criteria were assessed by questions related to specific symptoms occurring during the past 12 months. Factor analytic (FA) and item response theory (IRT) models were applied to the 11 AUD symptom criteria to assess the probabilities of symptom item endorsements across different values of the underlying trait. Results A one-factor model provided an adequate and parsimonious interpretation for the 11 AUD criteria for the total sample and for each of the gender-age groups. The MIMIC model exhibited significant indication for item bias among some criteria by gender, age, and race/ethnicity. Symptom criteria for “tolerance,” “time spent,” and “hazardous use” had lower item thresholds (i.e., lower severity) and low item discrimination, and they were well separated from the other symptoms, especially in the two younger age groups (12–17 and 18–25). “Larger amounts,” “cut down,” “withdrawal,” and “legal problems” had higher item thresholds but generally lower item discrimination, and they tend to exhibit greater dispersion at higher AUD severity, particularly in the youngest age group (12–17). Conclusions Findings from the present study do not provide support for the two separate DSM-IV diagnoses of alcohol abuse and dependence among either adolescents or adults. Variations in criteria severity for both abuse and dependence offer support for a dimensional approach to diagnosis which should be considered in the ongoing development of DSM-V. PMID:19320629

Evaluation of Anterior Vertebral Interbody Fusion Using Osteogenic Mesenchymal Stem Cells Transplanted in Collagen Sponge.

PubMed

Yang, Wencheng; Dong, Youhai; Hong, Yang; Guang, Qian; Chen, Xujun

2016-05-01

The study used a rabbit model to achieve anterior vertebral interbody fusion using osteogenic mesenchymal stem cells (OMSCs) transplanted in collagen sponge. We investigated the effectiveness of graft material for anterior vertebral interbody fusion using a rabbit model by examining the OMSCs transplanted in collagen sponge. Anterior vertebral interbody fusion is commonly performed. Although autogenous bone graft remains the gold-standard fusion material, it requires a separate surgical procedure and is associated with significant short-term and long-term morbidity. Recently, mesenchymal stem cells from bone marrow have been studied in various fields, including posterolateral spinal fusion. Thus, we hypothesized that cultured OMSCs transplanted in porous collagen sponge could be used successfully even in anterior vertebral interbody fusion. Forty mature male White Zealand rabbits (weight, 3.5-4.5 kg) were randomly allocated to receive one of the following graft materials: porous collagen sponge plus cultured OMSCs (group I); porous collagen sponge alone (group II); autogenous bone graft (group III); and nothing (group IV). All animals underwent anterior vertebral interbody fusion at the L4/L5 level. The lumbar spine was harvested en bloc, and the new bone formation and spinal fusion was evaluated using radiographic analysis, microcomputed tomography, manual palpation test, and histologic examination at 8 and 12 weeks after surgery. New bone formation and bony fusion was evident as early as 8 weeks in groups I and III. And there was no statistically significant difference between 8 and 12 weeks. At both time points, by microcomputed tomography and histologic analysis, new bone formation was observed in both groups I and III, fibrous tissue was observed and there was no new bone in both groups II and IV; by manual palpation test, bony fusion was observed in 40% (4/10) of rabbits in group I, 70% (7/10) of rabbits in group III, and 0% (0/10) of rabbits in both groups II and IV. These findings suggest that mesenchymal stem cells that have been cultured with osteogenic differentiation medium and loaded with collagen sponge could induce bone formation and anterior vertebral interbody fusion. And the rabbit model we developed will be useful in evaluating the effects of graft materials for anterior vertebral interbody fusion. Further study is needed to determine the most appropriate carrier for OMSCs and the feasibility in the clinical setting.

The impact of magnesium on isometric twitch parameters and resting membrane potential of the skeletal muscle in diabetic rats.

PubMed

Pelit, Aykut; Emre, Mustafa; Dağli, Kenan; Tuli, Abdullah

2013-04-01

To present the relationship between oral magnesium supplementation, blood glucose, and changes in isometric twitch parameters, resting membrane potential (RMP), in the gastrocnemius muscle in diabetic rats. Sixty rats were used in this study. The rats were divided into four groups: control (drinking tap water, Group I, n = 15), control with treated with magnesium sulfate (10 g/L) (Group II, n = 15), diabetic (Group III, n = 15), and diabetic with treated with magnesium sulfate (10 g/L) (Group IV, n = 15). In Group II and IV, the level of plasma magnesium was increased comparing to those of the control group (p < 0.05). Isometric twitch tensions were decreased significantly in the Group III, but Group IV isometric twitch tensions were increased significantly. Group IV RMP values were close to the Group I. Hyperglycemia decreases gastrocnemius muscle isometric twitch tension and increases RMP in diabetic rats. Magnesium treatment can prevent these diabetic complications.

Concomitant Intravenous Nitroglycerin With Intracoronary Delivery of AAV1.SERCA2a Enhances Gene Transfer in Porcine Hearts

PubMed Central

Karakikes, Ioannis; Hadri, Lahouaria; Rapti, Kleopatra; Ladage, Dennis; Ishikawa, Kiyotake; Tilemann, Lisa; Yi, Geng-Hua; Morel, Charlotte; Gwathmey, Judith K; Zsebo, Krisztina; Weber, Thomas; Kawase, Yoshiaki; Hajjar, Roger J

2012-01-01

SERCA2a gene therapy improves contractile and energetic function of failing hearts and has been shown to be associated with benefits in clinical outcomes, symptoms, functional status, biomarkers, and cardiac structure in a phase 2 clinical trial. In an effort to enhance the efficiency and homogeneity of gene uptake in cardiac tissue, we examined the effects of nitroglycerin (NTG) in a porcine model following AAV1.SERCA2a gene delivery. Three groups of Göttingen minipigs were assessed: (i) group A: control intracoronary (IC) AAV1.SERCA2a (n = 6); (ii) group B: a single bolus IC injection of NTG (50 µg) immediately before administration of intravenous (IV) AAV1.SERCA2a (n = 6); and (iii) group C: continuous IV NTG (1 µg/kg/minute) during the 10 minutes of AAV1.SERCA2a infusion (n = 6). We found that simultaneous IV infusion of NTG and AAV1.SERCA2a resulted in increased viral transduction efficiency, both in terms of messenger RNA (mRNA) as well as SERCA2a protein levels in the whole left ventricle (LV) compared to control animals. On the other hand, IC NTG pretreatment did not result in enhanced gene transfer efficiency, mRNA or protein levels when compared to control animals. Importantly, the transgene expression was restricted to the heart tissue. In conclusion, we have demonstrated that IV infusion of NTG significantly improves cardiac gene transfer efficiency in porcine hearts. PMID:22215018

Restoration of Spermatogenesis Using a New Combined Herbal Formula of Epimedium koreanum Nakai and Angelica gigas Nakai in an Luteinizing Hormone-Releasing Hormone Agonist-Induced Rat Model of Male Infertility

PubMed Central

2017-01-01

Purpose We investigated the protective effect of a mixture of 2 herbal extracts, KH-465, which consisted of Epimedium koreanum Nakai and Angelica gigas Nakai, on spermatogenesis in a luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH) agonist-induced rat model of male infertility. Materials and Methods Seventy-five 12-week-old male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into 5 groups, containing 15 rats each: a normal control group that received no treatment and 4 experimental groups (I, II, III, and IV) in which an LHRH agonist was administered for 4 weeks to induce spermatogenic failure. Group I received distilled water, and groups II, III, and IV received 200 mg/kg/day of KH-465, 400 mg/kg/day KH-465, and depo-testosterone for 4 weeks, respectively. Weight changes of the testis and epididymis, sperm count motility, and levels of testosterone (T), free T, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) were estimated. Results Body, testis, and epididymis weight showed no significant differences among the control and experimental groups. Treatment with KH-465 increased the sperm count and motility. Serum hormone levels of T, free T, and FSH were not significantly different in the experimental groups, while the LH level was higher than in the LHRH agonist-induced control group, but not to a significant extent. Levels of SOD were higher and 8-OHdG were lower in the groups that received KH-465 than in the LHRH agonist-induced control group. Conclusions Our results suggest that KH-465 increased sperm production via reducing oxidative stress and had a positive effect in a male infertility model. PMID:29076302

A modified model for calculating lattice thermal expansion of I{sub 2}-IV-VI{sub 3} and I{sub 3}-V-VI{sub 4} tetrahedral compounds

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Omar, M.S.

2007-05-03

A general empirical formula was found for calculating lattice thermal expansion for compounds having their properties extended for compound groups having different mean ionicity as well as more than one type of cation atoms with that of different numbers of them such as I{sub 2}-IV-VI{sub 3} and I{sub 3}-V-VI{sub 4}. The difference in the valence electrons for cations and anions in the compound was used to correlate the deviations caused by the compound ionicity. The ionicity effects, which are due to their different numbers for their types, were also added to the correlation equation. In general, the lattice thermal expansionmore » for a compound semiconductor can be calculated from a relation containing melting point, mean atomic distance and number of valence electrons for the atoms forming the compound. The mean ionicity for the group compounds forming I{sub 2}-IV-VI{sub 3} was found to be 0.323 and 0.785 for the ternary group compounds of I{sub 3}-V-VI{sub 4}.« less

Electromagnetic field enhancement effects in group IV semiconductor nanowires. A Raman spectroscopy approach

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pura, J. L.; Anaya, J.; Souto, J.; Prieto, A. C.; Rodríguez, A.; Rodríguez, T.; Periwal, P.; Baron, T.; Jiménez, J.

2018-03-01

Semiconductor nanowires (NWs) are the building blocks of future nanoelectronic devices. Furthermore, their large refractive index and reduced dimension make them suitable for nanophotonics. The study of the interaction between nanowires and visible light reveals resonances that promise light absorption/scattering engineering for photonic applications. Micro-Raman spectroscopy has been used as a characterization tool for semiconductor nanowires. The light/nanowire interaction can be experimentally assessed through the micro-Raman spectra of individual nanowires. As compared to both metallic and dielectric nanowires, semiconductor nanowires add additional tools for photon engineering. In particular, one can grow heterostructured nanowires, both axial and radial, and also one could modulate the doping level and the surface condition among other factors than can affect the light/NW interaction. We present herein a study of the optical response of group IV semiconductor nanowires to visible photons. The study is experimentally carried out through micro-Raman spectroscopy of different group IV nanowires, both homogeneous and axially heterostructured (SiGe/Si). The results are analyzed in terms of the electromagnetic modelling of the light/nanowire interaction using finite element methods. The presence of axial heterostructures is shown to produce electromagnetic resonances promising new photon engineering capabilities of semiconductor nanowires.

Effects of lornoxicam and intravenous ibuprofen on erythrocyte deformability and hepatic and renal blood flow in rats.

PubMed

Arpacı, Hande; Çomu, Faruk Metin; Küçük, Ayşegül; Kösem, Bahadır; Kartal, Seyfi; Şıvgın, Volkan; Turgut, Hüseyin Cihad; Aydın, Muhammed Enes; Koç, Derya Sebile; Arslan, Mustafa

2016-01-01

Change in blood supply is held responsible for anesthesia-related abnormal tissue and organ perfusion. Decreased erythrocyte deformability and increased aggregation may be detected after surgery performed under general anesthesia. It was shown that nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs decrease erythrocyte deformability. Lornoxicam and/or intravenous (iv) ibuprofen are commonly preferred analgesic agents for postoperative pain management. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of lornoxicam (2 mg/kg, iv) and ibuprofen (30 mg/kg, iv) on erythrocyte deformability, as well as hepatic and renal blood flows, in male rats. Eighteen male Wistar albino rats were randomly divided into three groups as follows: iv lornoxicam-treated group (Group L), iv ibuprofen-treated group (Group İ), and control group (Group C). Drug administration was carried out by the iv route in all groups except Group C. Hepatic and renal blood flows were studied by laser Doppler, and euthanasia was performed via intra-abdominal blood uptake. Erythrocyte deformability was measured using a constant-flow filtrometry system. Lornoxicam and ibuprofen increased the relative resistance, which is an indicator of erythrocyte deformability, of rats (P=0.016). Comparison of the results from Group L and Group I revealed no statistically significant differences (P=0.694), although the erythrocyte deformability levels in Group L and Group I were statistically higher than the results observed in Group C (P=0.018 and P=0.008, respectively). Hepatic and renal blood flows were significantly lower than the same in Group C. We believe that lornoxicam and ibuprofen may lead to functional disorders related to renal and liver tissue perfusion secondary to both decreased blood flow and erythrocyte deformability. Further studies regarding these issues are thought to be essential.

The Longwave Silicon Chip - Integrated Plasma-Photonics in Group IV And III-V Semiconductors

DTIC Science & Technology

2013-10-01

infrared applications; SiGeSn heterostructure photonics; group IV plasmonics with silicides , germanicides, doped Si, Ge or GeSn; Franz-Keldysh...SPP waveguide in which localized silicide or germanicide “conductors” are introduced to give local plasmonic confinement. Therefore, guided-wave...reconfigurable integrated optoelectronics, electro-optical logic in silicon, silicides for group IV plasmonics, reviews of third-order nonlinear optical

Astragaloside IV attenuates injury caused by myocardial ischemia/reperfusion in rats via regulation of toll-like receptor 4/nuclear factor-κB signaling pathway.

PubMed

Lu, Meili; Tang, Futian; Zhang, Jing; Luan, Aina; Mei, Meng; Xu, Chonghua; Zhang, Suping; Wang, Hongxin; Maslov, Leonid N

2015-04-01

Myocardial ischemia/reperfusion (MI/R) injury, in which inflammatory response and cell apoptosis play a vital role, is frequently encountered in clinical practice. Astragaloside IV (AsIV), a small molecular saponin of Astragalus membranaceus, has been shown to confer protective effects against many cardiovascular diseases. The present study was aimed to investigate the antiinflammatory and antiapoptotic effects and the possible mechanism of AsIV on MI/R injury in rats. Rats were randomly divided into sham operation group, MI/R group and groups with combinations of MI/R and different doses of AsIV. The results showed that the expressions of myocardial toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) and nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) were significantly increased, and apoptosis of cardiomyocytes was induced in MI/R group compared with that in sham operation group. Administration of AsIV attenuated MI/R injury, downregulated the expressions of TLR4 and NF-κB and inhibited cell apoptosis as evidenced by decreased terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling positive cells, B-cell lymphoma-2 associated X protein and caspase-3 expressions and increased B-cell lymphoma-2 expression compared with that in MI/R group. In addition, AsIV treatment reduced levels of inflammatory cytokines induced by MI/R injury. In conclusion, our results demonstrated that AsIV downregulates TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway and inhibits cell apoptosis, subsequently attenuating MI/R injury in rats. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Augmenting the core battery with supplementary subtests: Wechsler adult intelligence scale--IV measurement invariance across the United States and Canada.

PubMed

Bowden, Stephen C; Saklofske, Donald H; Weiss, Lawrence G

2011-06-01

Examination of measurement invariance provides a powerful method to evaluate the hypothesis that the same set of psychological constructs underlies a set of test scores in different populations. If measurement invariance is observed, then the same psychological meaning can be ascribed to scores in both populations. In this study, the measurement model including core and supplementary subtests of the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-Fourth edition (WAIS-IV) were compared across the U.S. and Canadian standardization samples. Populations were compared on the 15 subtest version of the test in people aged 70 and younger and on the 12 subtest version in people aged 70 or older. Results indicated that a slightly modified version of the four-factor model reported in the WAIS-IV technical manual provided the best fit in both populations and in both age groups. The null hypothesis of measurement invariance across populations was not rejected, and the results provide direct evidence for the generalizability of convergent and discriminant validity studies with the WAIS-IV across populations. Small to medium differences in latent means favoring Canadians highlight the value of local norms.

Intraperitoneal administration of tumor-targeting Salmonella typhimurium A1-R inhibits disseminated human ovarian cancer and extends survival in nude mice

PubMed Central

Zhang, Yong; Zhao, Ming; Yano, Shuya; Uehara, Fuminari; Yamamoto, Mako; Hiroshima, Yukihiko; Toneri, Makoto; Bouvet, Michael; Matsubara, Hisahiro; Tsuchiya, Hiroyuki; Hoffman, Robert M.

2015-01-01

Peritoneal disseminated cancer is highly treatment resistant. We here report the efficacy of intraperitoneal (i.p.) administration of tumor-targeting Salmonella typhimurium A1-R in a nude mouse model of disseminated human ovarian cancer. The mouse model was established by intraperitoneal injection of the human ovarian cancer cell line SKOV3-GFP. Seven days after implantation, mice were treated with S. typhimurium A1-R via intravenous (i.v.) or i.p. administration at the same dose, 5×107 CFU, once per week. Both i.v. and i.p. treatments effected prolonged survival compared with the untreated control group (P=0.025 and P<0.001, respectively). However, i.p. treatment was less toxic than i.v. treatment. Tumor-specific targeting of S. typhimurium A1-R was confirmed with bacterial culture from tumors and various organs and tumor or organ colony formation after i.v. or i.p. injection. Selective tumor targeting was most effective with i.p. administration. The results of the present study show S. typhimurium A1-R has promising clinical potential for disseminated ovarian cancer, especially via i.p. administration. PMID:25957417

Bondonic effects in group-IV honeycomb nanoribbons with Stone-Wales topological defects.

PubMed

Putz, Mihai V; Ori, Ottorino

2014-04-03

This work advances the modeling of bondonic effects on graphenic and honeycomb structures, with an original two-fold generalization: (i) by employing the fourth order path integral bondonic formalism in considering the high order derivatives of the Wiener topological potential of those 1D systems; and (ii) by modeling a class of honeycomb defective structures starting from graphene, the carbon-based reference case, and then generalizing the treatment to Si (silicene), Ge (germanene), Sn (stannene) by using the fermionic two-degenerate statistical states function in terms of electronegativity. The honeycomb nanostructures present η-sized Stone-Wales topological defects, the isomeric dislocation dipoles originally called by authors Stone-Wales wave or SWw. For these defective nanoribbons the bondonic formalism foresees a specific phase-transition whose critical behavior shows typical bondonic fast critical time and bonding energies. The quantum transition of the ideal-to-defect structural transformations is fully described by computing the caloric capacities for nanostructures triggered by η-sized topological isomerisations. Present model may be easily applied to hetero-combinations of Group-IV elements like C-Si, C-Ge, C-Sn, Si-Ge, Si-Sn, Ge-Sn.

Convection-enhanced delivery of a hydrophilic nitrosourea ameliorates deficits and suppresses tumor growth in experimental spinal cord glioma models.

PubMed

Ogita, Shogo; Endo, Toshiki; Sugiyama, Shinichiro; Saito, Ryuta; Inoue, Tomoo; Sumiyoshi, Akira; Nonaka, Hiroi; Kawashima, Ryuta; Sonoda, Yukihiko; Tominaga, Teiji

2017-05-01

Convection-enhanced delivery (CED) is a technique allowing local infusion of therapeutic agents into the central nervous system, circumventing the blood-brain or spinal cord barrier. To evaluate the utility of nimustine hydrochloride (ACNU) CED in controlling tumor progression in an experimental spinal cord glioma model. Toxicity studies were performed in 42 rats following the administration of 4 μl of ACNU CED into the mid-thoracic spinal cord at concentrations ranging from 0.1 to 10 mg/ml. Behavioral analyses and histological evaluations were performed to assess ACNU toxicity in the spinal cord. A survival study was performed in 32 rats following the implantation of 9 L cells into the T8 spinal cord. Seven days after the implantation, rats were assigned to four groups: ACNU CED (0.25 mg/ml; n = 8); ACNU intravenous (i.v.) (0.4 mg; n = 8); saline CED (n = 8); saline i.v. (n = 8). Hind limb movements were evaluated daily in all rats for 21 days. Tumor sizes were measured histologically. The maximum tolerated ACNU concentration was 0.25 mg/ml. Preservation of hind limb motor function and tumor growth suppression was observed in the ACNU CED (0.25 mg/ml) and ACNU i.v. groups. Antitumor effects were more prominent in the ACNU CED group especially in behavioral analyses (P < 0.05; log-rank test). ACNU CED had efficacy in controlling tumor growth and preserving neurological function in an experimental spinal cord tumor model. ACNU CED can be a viable treatment option for spinal cord high-grade glioma.

Pharmacokinetics of triptorelin after intravenous bolus administration in healthy males and in males with renal or hepatic insufficiency

PubMed Central

Müller, F. O.; Terblanchè, J.; Schall, R.; van Zyl Smit, R.; Tucker, T.; Marais, K.; Groenewoud, G.; Porchet, H. C.; Weiner, M.; Hawarden, D.

1997-01-01

Aims Triptorelin is a gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) analogue with enhanced affinity for GnRH receptors and a prolonged half-life due to its resistance to enzymatic degradation. The sustained-release formulation of this molecule is advantageous in conditions requiring chronic hormone suppression. Methods This was an open study to determine the pharmacokinetics of a single i.v. bolus dose of 0.5 mg triptorelin acetate in four groups of six male subjects; namely in healthy subjects (Group I), in patients with varying degrees of renal insufficiency (Groups II and III), and in patients with hepatic insufficiency (Group IV). Results The maximum concentrations of triptorelin were found to be similar for all four study groups (geometric mean Cmax between 41.6 mg ml−1 and 53.9 mg ml−1 ). The total clearance of triptorelin decreased with increasing renal impairment, and was even lower in patients with hepatic insufficiency (geometric mean CLtot: 210 ml min−1, 113 ml min−1, 86.8 ml min−1 and 57.3 ml min−1 for Groups I, II, III and IV, respectively). Serum triptorelin concentrations in all four groups were adequately described by a three-compartment model. The elimination half-life for patients with hepatic impairment was similar to that of patients with renal impairment (geometric mean t1/2, z: 6.6 h, 7.7 h and 7.6 h for Groups II, III and IV, respectively), but significantly longer than in healthy volunteers (2.8 h for Group I). The first and second distribution half-lives were similar for the four groups studied, with geometric mean distribution half-lives of about 0.1 h (6 min) and 0.75 h (45 min), respectively. Conclusions Although both renal and hepatic function are important for the clearance of triptorelin, the liver plays the predominant role in subjects suffering from some degree of renal impairment. PMID:9354307

Supported metal alloy catalysts

DOEpatents

Barrera, Joseph; Smith, David C.

2000-01-01

A process of preparing a Group IV, V, or VI metal carbonitride including reacting a Group IV, V, or VI metal amide complex with ammonia to obtain an intermediate product; and, heating the intermediate product to temperatures and for times sufficient to form a Group IV, V, or VI metal carbonitride is provided together with the product of the process and a process of reforming an n-alkane by use of the product.

Arylglycerol-γ-Formyl Ester as an Aromatic Ring Cleavage Product of Nonphenolic β-O-4 Lignin Substructure Model Compounds Degraded by Coriolus versicolor†

PubMed Central

Kawai, Shingo; Umezawa, Toshiaki; Higuchi, Takayoshi

1985-01-01

4-Ethoxy-3-methoxyphenylglycerol-γ-formyl ester (compound IV) was identified as a degradation product of both 4-ethoxy-3-methoxyphenylglycerol-β-syringaldehyde ether (compound I) and 4-ethoxy-3-methoxyphenylglycerol-β-2,6-dimethoxyphenyl ether (compound II) by a ligninolytic culture of Coriolus versicolor. An isotopic experiment with a 13C-labeled compound (compound II′) indicated that the formyl group of compound IV was derived from the β-phenoxyl group of β-O-4 dimer as an aromatic ring cleavage fragment. However, compound IV was not formed from 4-ethoxy-3-methoxyphenylglycerol-β-guaiacyl ether (compound III). γ-Formyl arylglycerol (compound IV) could be a precursor of 4-ethoxy-3-methoxyphenylglycerol (compound VI), because 3-(4-ethoxy-3-methoxyphenyl)-1-formyloxy propane (compound VII) was cleaved to give 3-(4-ethoxy-3-methoxyphenyl)-1-propanol (compound VIII) by C. versicolor. 4-Ethoxy-3-methoxyphenylglycerol-β,γ-cyclic carbonate (compound V), previously found as a degradation product of compound III by Phanerochaete chrysosporium (T. Umezawa, and T. Higuchi, FEBS Lett., 25:123-126, 1985), was also identified from the cultures with compound I, II, and III and degraded to give the arylglycerol (compound VI). An isotopic experiment with 13C-labeled compounds II′ and III′ indicated that the carbonate carbon of compound V was derived from the β-phenoxyl groups of β-O-4 substructure. PMID:16346950

Surface Engineering of PAMAM-SDB Chelating Resin with Diglycolamic Acid (DGA) Functional Group for Efficient Sorption of U(VI) and Th(IV) from Aqueous Medium.

PubMed

Ilaiyaraja, P; Deb, A K Singha; Ponraju, D; Ali, Sk Musharaf; Venkatraman, B

2017-04-15

A novel chelating resin obtained via growth of PAMAM dendron on surface of styrene divinyl benzene resin beads, followed by diglycolamic acid functionalization of the dendrimer terminal. Batch experiments were conducted to study the effects of pH, nitric acid concentration, amount of adsorbent, shaking time, initial metal ion concentration and temperature on U(VI) and Th(IV) adsorption efficiency. Diglycolamic acid terminated PAMAM dendrimer functionalized styrene divinylbenzene chelating resin (DGA-PAMAM-SDB) is found to be an efficient candidate for the removal of U(VI) and Th(IV) ions from aqueous (pH >4) and nitric acid media (>3M). The sorption equilibrium could be reached within 60min, and the experimental data fits with pseudo-second-order model. Langmuir sorption isotherm model correlates well with sorption equilibrium data. The maximum U(VI) and Th(IV) sorption capacity onto DGA-PAMAMG 5 -SDB was estimated to be about 682 and 544.2mgg -1 respectively at 25°C. The interaction of actinides and chelating resin is reversible and hence, the resin can be regenerated and reused. DFT calculation on the interaction of U(VI) and Th(IV) ions with chelating resin validates the experimental findings. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

International VLBI Service for Geodesy and Astrometry: General Meeting Proceedings

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Vandenberg, Nancy R. (Editor); Baver, Karen D. (Editor)

2002-01-01

This volume contains the proceedings of the second General Meeting of the International VLBI Service for Geodesy and Astrometry (IVS), held in Tsukuba, Japan, February 4-7, 2002. The contents of this volume also appear on the IVS Web site at http://ivscc.gsfc.nasa.gov/publications/gm2002. The key-note of the second GM was prospectives for the future, in keeping with the re-organization of the IAG around the motivation of geodesy as 'an old science with a dynamic future' and noting that providing reference frames for Earth system science that are consistent over decades on the highest accuracy level will provide a challenging role for IVS. The goal of the meeting was to provide an interesting and informative program for a wide cross section of IVS members, including station operators, program managers, and analysts. This volume contains 72 papers and five abstracts of papers presented at the GM. The volume also includes reports about three splinter meetings held in conjunction with the GM: a mini-TOW (Technical Operations Workshop), the third IVS Analysis Workshop and a meeting of the analysis working group on geophysical modeling.

Medical students benefit from the use of ultrasound when learning peripheral IV techniques.

PubMed

Osborn, Scott R; Borhart, Joelle; Antonis, Michael S

2012-03-06

Recent studies support high success rates after a short learning period of ultrasound IV technique, and increased patient and provider satisfaction when using ultrasound as an adjunct to peripheral IV placement. No study to date has addressed the efficacy for instructing ultrasound-naive providers. We studied the introduction of ultrasound to the teaching technique of peripheral IV insertion on first- and second-year medical students. This was a prospective, randomized, and controlled trial. A total of 69 medical students were randomly assigned to the control group with a classic, landmark-based approach (n = 36) or the real-time ultrasound-guided group (n = 33). Both groups observed a 20-min tutorial on IV placement using both techniques and then attempted vein cannulation. Students were given a survey to report their results and observations by a 10-cm visual analog scale. The survey response rate was 100%. In the two groups, 73.9% stated that they attempted an IV previously, and 63.7% of students had used an ultrasound machine prior to the study. None had used ultrasound for IV access prior to our session. The average number of attempts at cannulation was 1.42 in either group. There was no difference between the control and ultrasound groups in terms of number of attempts (p = 0.31). In both groups, 66.7% of learners were able to cannulate in one attempt, 21.7% in two attempts, and 11.6% in three attempts. The study group commented that they felt they gained more knowledge from the experience (p < 0.005) and that it was easier with ultrasound guidance (p < 0.005). Medical students feel they learn more when using ultrasound after a 20-min tutorial to place IVs and cannulation of the vein feels easier. Success rates are comparable between the traditional and ultrasound teaching approaches.

Hydrogen storage material and related processes

DOEpatents

Soloveichik, Grigorii Lev [Latham, NY; Andrus, Matthew John [Cape Canaveral, FL

2012-06-05

Disclosed herein is a composition comprising a complex hydride and a borohydride catalyst wherein the borohydride catalyst comprises a BH.sub.4 group, and a group IV metal, a group V metal, or a combination of a group IV and a group V metal. Also disclosed herein are methods of making the composition.

Hydrogen storage material and related processes

DOEpatents

Soloveichik; Grigorii Lev , Andrus; Matthew John

2010-07-13

Disclosed herein is a composition comprising a complex hydride and a borohydride catalyst wherein the borohydride catalyst comprises a BH.sub.4 group, and a group IV metal, a group V metal, or a combination of a group IV and a group V metal. Also disclosed herein are methods of making the composition.

Low energy electron diffraction and low energy electron microscopy microspot I/V analysis of the (4 x 4)O structure on Ag(111): surface oxide or reconstruction?

PubMed

Reichelt, R; Günther, S; Wintterlin, J; Moritz, W; Aballe, L; Mentes, T O

2007-10-07

A low energy electron diffraction (LEED) I/V analysis was performed of the (4 x 4) oxygen structure on Ag(111). Two data sets were used, one recorded with a conventional LEED system and a second with a low energy electron microscope (LEEM). The data sets agree well with each other, demonstrating that I/V structure analyses can be performed with the same quality with LEEM as with conventional LEED. The structure obtained confirms the recently proposed model that involves a reconstruction of the Ag(111) surface. Previous models based on a thin layer of Ag(2)O that had been accepted for more than 30 years are disproved. The reconstruction model contains two units of six triangularly arranged Ag atoms and a stacking fault in one half of the unit cell. The six O atoms per unit cell occupy sites in the trenches between the Ag(6) triangles. Small lateral displacements of the Ag atoms lift the mirror symmetry of the structure, leading to two nonequivalent groups of O atoms. The atoms of both groups are located approximately 0.5 Angstrom below the top Ag layer, on fourfold positions with respect to the top layer Ag atoms. Ag-O distances between 2.05 and 2.3 Angstrom are found. The oxygen atoms exhibit large static or dynamic displacements of up to 0.3 Angstrom at 300 K.

The sense of identity and symptoms of personality disorders - The results of a non-clinical population study.

PubMed

Pilarska, Aleksandra; Suchańska, Anna

2015-01-01

The aim of the presented studies was to empirically analyze the relation between the symptoms of personality disorders and the structure of identity-related senses. The analyses were conducted within two models - based on Millon's theory of personality and DSM-IV personality disorder classification system. In the studies, a total of 197 university students of various majors were included. The authors used Polish version of the Millon Index of Personality Styles that assess personality styles and offers a Clinical Index to evaluate psychological adjustment, and Personality Disorder Types Questionnaire to obtain DSM-IV diagnoses. The intensity of the identity-related senses was measured using the Multidimensional Identity Inventory. Data were tested for normality, and then Student's t-tests and ANOVA tests were used to compare the structure of identity-related senses in individuals with a healthy personality and disordered personality. Within Millon's model, three different patterns of disordered personality were found, and they all manifested some identity deficits. Most of the personality disorders covered by DSM-IV also significantly differed on the identity dimensions from healthy personality. The results show that identity deficits should be considered as an important symptom of personality disorders, regardless of the adopted model of personality. The most disordered identity is observed in individuals falling into the group with odd or eccentric disorders and into the anxious or fearful cluster. The group with dramatic, emotional or erratic disorders is the most heterogeneous in terms of the level of identity disorganization.

Intraosseous anesthesia in hemodynamic studies in children with cardiopathy.

PubMed

Aliman, Ana Cristina; Piccioni, Marilde de Albuquerque; Piccioni, João Luiz; Oliva, José Luiz; Auler Júnior, José Otávio Costa

2011-01-01

Intraosseous (IO) access has been used with good results in emergency situations, when venous access is not available for fluids and drugs infusion. The objective of this study was to evaluate IO a useful technique for anesthesia and fluids infusion during hemodynamic studies and when peripheral intravascular access is unobtainable. The setting was an university hospital hemodynamics unit, and the subjects were twenty one infants with congenital heart disease enrolled for elective hemodynamic study diagnosis. This study compared the effectiveness of IO access in relation to IV access for infusion of anesthetics agents (ketamine, midazolam, and fentanyl) and fluids during hemodynamic studies. The anesthetic induction time, procedure duration, anesthesia recovery time, adequate hydration, and IV and IO puncture complications were compared between groups. The puncture time was significantly smaller in IO group (3.6 min) that in IV group (9.6 min). The anesthetic onset time (56.3 second) for the IV group was faster than IO group (71.3 second). No significant difference between groups were found in relation to hydration (IV group, 315.5 mL vs IO group, 293.2 mL), and anesthesia recovery time (IO group, 65.2 min vs IV group, 55.0 min). The puncture site was reevaluated after 7 and 15 days without signs of infection or other complications. Results showed superiority for IO infusion when considering the puncture time of the procedure. Due to its easy manipulation and efficiency, hydration and anesthesia by IO access was satisfactory for hemodynamic studies without the necessity of other infusion access. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Editora Ltda. All rights reserved.

SEM Evaluation of Enamel Surface Changes and Enamel Microhardness around Orthodontic Brackets after Application of CO2 Laser, Er,Cr:YSGG Laser and Fluoride Varnish: An In vivo Study.

PubMed

Kaur, Tarundeep; Tripathi, Tulika; Rai, Priyank; Kanase, Anup

2017-09-01

One of the most undesirable consequences of orthodontic treatment is occurrence of enamel demineralization around orthodontic brackets. Numerous in vitro studies have reported the prevention of enamel demineralization by surface treatment with lasers and fluoride varnish. To evaluate the changes on the enamel surface and microhardness around orthodontic brackets after surface treatment by CO 2 laser, Er, Cr:YSGG laser and fluoride varnish in vivo. A double blind interventional study was carried out on 100 premolars which were equally divided into five groups, out of which one was the control group (Group 0). The intervention groups (Group I to IV) comprised of patients requiring fixed orthodontic treatment with all 4 first premolars extraction. Brackets were bonded on all 80 premolars which were to be extracted. Enamel surface treatment of Groups I, II and III was done by CO 2 laser, Er, Cr:YSGG laser and 5% sodium fluoride varnish respectively and Group IV did not receive any surface treatment. A modified T-loop was ligated to the bracket and after two months, the premolars were extracted. Surface changes were evaluated by Scanning Electron Microscopic (SEM) and microhardness testing. Comparison of mean microhardness between all the groups was assessed using post-hoc test with Bonferroni correction. Group I showed a melted enamel appearance with fine cracks and fissures while Group II showed a glossy, homogenous enamel surface with well coalesced enamel rods. Group III showed slight areas of erosions and Group IV presented areas of stripped enamel. Significant difference was observed between the mean microhardness (VHN) of Group I, Group II, Group III, Group IV and Group 0 with p<0.001. A significant difference of p<0.001 was observed while comparing Group I vs II,III,IV,0 and Group II vs III,IV,0. However, difference while comparing Group III vs IV was p=0.005 and difference between the mean microhardness of Group 0 vs Group III was non significant. Surface treatment with Er,Cr:YSGG laser causes a positive alteration of the enamel surface increasing its ability to resist demineralization with optimum microhardness as compared to CO 2 laser and sodium fluoride varnish.

[Influence of cow's milk protein allergy on the diagnosis of functional gastrointestinal diseases based on the Rome IV standard in infants and young children].

PubMed

Feng, Bo-Wen; Fu, Si-Mao; Zhang, Quan-Shan; Long, Xiao-Ling; Xie, Xiao-Ling; Ren, Wei; Liang, Zhan-Tu; Yang, Zhu-Ling; Chen, Ang

2018-01-01

To study the influence of cow's milk protein allergy (CMPA) on the diagnosis of functional gastrointestinal diseases (FGID) based on the Rome IV standard in infants and young children. A total of 84 children aged 1 month to 3 years who were diagnosed with CMPA were enrolled as the case group, and 84 infants and young children who underwent physical examination and had no CMPA were enrolled as the control group. The pediatricians specializing in gastroenterology asked parents using a questionnaire for the diagnosis of FGID based on the Rome IV standard to assess clinical symptoms and to diagnose FGID. The case group had a significantly higher incidence rate of a family history of allergies than the control group (P<0.05). In the case group, 38 (45%) met the Rome IV standard for the diagnosis of FGID, while in the control group, 13 (15%) met this standard (P<0.05). According to the Rome IV standard for FGID, the case group had significantly higher diagnostic rates of reflex, functional diarrhea, difficult defecation, and functional constipation than the control group (P<0.05). The children who were diagnosed with FIGD in the control group were given conventional treatment, and those in the case group were asked to avoid the intake of cow's milk protein in addition to the conventional treatment. After 3 months of treatment, the case group had a significantly higher response rate to the treatment than the control group (P<0.05). In infants and young children, CMPA has great influence on the diagnosis of FGID based on the Rome IV standard. The possibility of CMPA should be considered during the diagnosis of FGID.

Predicting DPP-IV inhibitors with machine learning approaches

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cai, Jie; Li, Chanjuan; Liu, Zhihong; Du, Jiewen; Ye, Jiming; Gu, Qiong; Xu, Jun

2017-04-01

Dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPP-IV) is a promising Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) drug target. DPP-IV inhibitors prolong the action of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and gastric inhibitory peptide (GIP), improve glucose homeostasis without weight gain, edema, and hypoglycemia. However, the marketed DPP-IV inhibitors have adverse effects such as nasopharyngitis, headache, nausea, hypersensitivity, skin reactions and pancreatitis. Therefore, it is still expected for novel DPP-IV inhibitors with minimal adverse effects. The scaffolds of existing DPP-IV inhibitors are structurally diversified. This makes it difficult to build virtual screening models based upon the known DPP-IV inhibitor libraries using conventional QSAR approaches. In this paper, we report a new strategy to predict DPP-IV inhibitors with machine learning approaches involving naïve Bayesian (NB) and recursive partitioning (RP) methods. We built 247 machine learning models based on 1307 known DPP-IV inhibitors with optimized molecular properties and topological fingerprints as descriptors. The overall predictive accuracies of the optimized models were greater than 80%. An external test set, composed of 65 recently reported compounds, was employed to validate the optimized models. The results demonstrated that both NB and RP models have a good predictive ability based on different combinations of descriptors. Twenty "good" and twenty "bad" structural fragments for DPP-IV inhibitors can also be derived from these models for inspiring the new DPP-IV inhibitor scaffold design.

Assessment of Group Preferences and Group Uncertainty for Decision Making

DTIC Science & Technology

1976-06-01

the individ- uals. decision making , group judgments should be preferred to individual judgments if obtaining group judgments costs more. -26- -YI IV... decision making group . IV. A. 3. Aggregation using conjugate distribution. Arvther procedure for combining indivi(jai probability judgments into a group...statisticized group group decision making group judgment subjective probability Delphi method expected utility nominal group 20. ABSTRACT (Continue on

Influence of experimental history on nicotine self-administration in squirrel monkeys.

PubMed

Desai, Rajeev I; Sullivan, Katherine A; Kohut, Stephen J; Bergman, Jack

2016-06-01

Methods for establishing robust long-term self-administration of intravenous (i.v.) nicotine, the primary psychoactive agent in tobacco, are not well-established in laboratory animals. Here, we examine the use of a fading procedure to establish robust and consistent i.v. nicotine self-administration under second-order schedule conditions in squirrel monkeys. First, self-administration behavior was developed in two groups of male squirrel monkeys using a second-order fixed-interval 5-min schedule with fixed-ratio 5 units (FI 5-min (FR5: S)). Comparable performances were maintained by i.v. cocaine (0.032 mg/kg/injection (inj); group A, n = 3) and the combination of food delivery (20-30 % condensed milk) and 0.01 mg/kg/inj i.v. nicotine (group B, n = 3). Subsequently, the concentration of condensed milk was gradually reduced to zero in the second group and self-administration behavior was maintained by i.v. nicotine alone. Next, self-administration of a range of doses of i.v. nicotine (0.001-0.032 mg/kg/inj) and, in additional experiments, the minor tobacco alkaloid anatabine (0.01-0.18 mg/kg/inj) was studied in both groups. Results show that nicotine and anatabine had reinforcing effects in both groups. However, optimal doses of nicotine and anatabine maintained significantly higher rates of i.v. self-administration behavior in subjects trained with the fading procedure than in subjects provided with a history of cocaine-maintained responding. These results illustrate conditions under which robust i.v. nicotine self-administration can be established in squirrel monkeys and the influence of prior experimental history in the expression of reinforcing effects of nicotine and anatabine.

Tramadol wound infiltration is not different from intravenous tramadol in children: a randomized controlled trial.

PubMed

Giraldes, Ana Laura Albertoni; Sousa, Angela Maria; Slullitel, Alexandre; Guimarães, Gabriel Magalhães Nunes; Santos, Melina Geneviève Mary Egan; Pinto, Renata Evangelista; Ashmawi, Hazem Adel; Sakata, Rioko Kimiko

2016-02-01

The purpose of this trial was to assess if tramadol wound infiltration is superior to intravenous (IV) tramadol after minor surgical procedures in children because tramadol seems to have local anesthetic-like effect. Randomized double-blind controlled trial. Postanesthesia care unit. Forty children, American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status I or II, scheduled to elective inguinal hernia repair. Children were randomly distributed in 1 of 2 groups: IV tramadol (group 1) or subcutaneous infiltration with tramadol (group 2). At the end of the surgery, group 1 received 2 mg/kg tramadol (3 mL) by IV route and 3-mL saline into the surgical wound; group 2 received 2 mg/kg tramadol (3 mL) into the surgical wound and 3-mL saline by IV route. In the postanesthesia care unit, patients were evaluated for pain intensity, nausea and vomiting, time to first rescue medication, and total rescue morphine and dipyrone consumption. Pain scores measured during the postanesthesia recovery time were similar between groups. Time to first rescue medication was shorter, but not statistically significant in the IV group. The total dose of rescue morphine and dipyrone was also similar between groups. We concluded that tramadol was effective in reducing postoperative pain in children, and there was no difference in pain intensity, nausea and vomiting, or somnolence regarding IV route or wound infiltration. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Bifactor structure of the Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence--Fourth Edition.

PubMed

Watkins, Marley W; Beaujean, A Alexander

2014-03-01

The Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence--Fourth Edition (WPPSI-IV; Wechsler, 2012) represents a substantial departure from its predecessor, including omission of 4 subtests, addition of 5 new subtests, and modification of the contents of the 5 retained subtests. Wechsler (2012) explicitly assumed a higher-order structure with general intelligence (g) as the second-order factor that explained all the covariation of several first-order factors but failed to consider a bifactor model. The WPPSI-IV normative sample contains 1,700 children aged 2 years and 6 months through 7 years and 7 months, bifurcated into 2 age groups: 2:6-3:11 year olds (n = 600) and 4:0-7:7 year olds (n = 1,100). This study applied confirmatory factor analysis to the WPPSI-IV normative sample data to test the fit of a bifactor model and to determine the reliability of the resulting factors. The bifactor model fit the WPPSI-IV normative sample data as well as or better than the higher-order models favored by Wechsler (2012). In the bifactor model, the general factor accounted for more variance in every subtest than did its corresponding domain-specific factor and the general factor accounted for more total and common variance than all domain-specific factors combined. Further, the domain-specific factors exhibited poor reliability independent of g (i.e., ωh coefficients of .05 to .33). These results suggest that only the general intelligence dimension was sufficiently robust and precise for clinical use. PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2014 APA, all rights reserved.

Community Physician-Guided Long-Term Domiciliary Oxygen Therapy Combined With Conventional Therapy in Stage IV COPD Patients.

PubMed

Bao, Hong; Wang, Jiaman; Zhou, Ding; Han, Zhaoyong; Zhang, Yuan; Su, Ling; Ye, Xiong; Xu, Chunyan; Fu, Meihong; Li, Qinghua

The aim of the study was to explore clinical effect of community physician-guided long-term domiciliary oxygen therapy (LTDOT) on patients with Stage IV chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). A retrospective study. Fifty-four patients with Stage IV COPD were recruited and randomly divided into two groups (the LTDOT group and the control group). Patients in LTDOT group accepted additional oxygen therapy for more than 15 hours every day with continuous low flow (1-2 L/min) for 3 years. PaO2 (O2 pressure), FEV1/FVC (forced vital capacity), and FEV1% (percentage of forced expiratory volume in 1 second) in the LTDOT group increased significantly after treatment. A significant decrease was observed on the BODE index in the LTDOT group (p < .05) but not in control group (p > .05). Frequencies and costs of hospitalization therapy and emergency medical services were markedly decreased after 3 years of LTDOT. Community physician-guided LTDOT can improve prognosis and reduce the costs for stage IV COPD patients. Rehabilitation nurses can be instrumental in helping patients with stage IV COPD learn principles of LTDOT.

Nanomechanical resonators based on group IV element monolayers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

He, Ji-Dong; Sun, Jia-Sheng; Jiang, Jin-Wu

2018-04-01

We perform molecular dynamics simulations to investigate the energy dissipation of the resonant oscillation for the group IV monolayers of puckered configuration, in which the oscillation is driven with different actuation velocities. We find that, in the moderate actuation velocity regime, the nonlinear coupling between the resonant oscillation mode and other high-frequency modes will lead to the non-resonant motion of the system. For the larger actuation velocity, the effective strain generated during the resonant oscillating causes a structural transition from the puckered configuration into the planar configuration, which is a characteristic energy dissipation mechanism for the resonant oscillation of these group IV puckered monolayers. Our findings shed light on mechanical applications of the group IV monolayers in the nanomechanical resonator field.

From Dynamic Global Vegetation Modelling to Real-World regional and local Application

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Steinkamp, J.; Forrest, M.; Kamm, K.; Leiblein-Wild, M.; Pachzelt, A.; Werner, C.; Hickler, T.

2015-12-01

Dynamic (global) vegetation models (DGVM) can be applied to any spatial resolution on the local, national, continental and global scale given suitable climatic and geographic input forcing data. LPJ-GUESS, the main DGVM applied in our research group, uses the plant functional type (PFT) concept in the global setup with typically about 10-20 tree PFTs (subdivided into tropical, temperate and boreal) and two herbaceous PFTs by default. When modelling smaller spatial extents, such as continental (e.g. Europe/North America) national domains, or individual sites (e.g. Frankfurt, Germany), i.e. the scale of decision making, it becomes necessary to refine the PFT representation, the model initialization and validation and, in some case, to include additional processes. I will present examples of LPJ-GUESS applications at the continental to local scale performed by our working group including i.) a European simulation representing the main tree species and Mediterranean shrubs, ii.) a climate impact study for Turkey, iii.) coupled dynamic large grazer-vegetation modelling across Africa and, iv.) modelling an allergenic and in Europe invasive shrub (Ambrosia artemisiifolia), iv.) simulating water usage by an oak-pine forest stand near Frankfurt, and v.) stand specific differences in modelling at the FACE sites. Finally, I will present some thoughts on how to advance the models in terms of more detailed and realistic PFT or species parameterizations accounting for adaptive functional trait responses also within species.

Characterization and virulence clustering analysis of extraintestinal pathogenic Escherichia coli isolated from swine in China.

PubMed

Zhu, Yinchu; Dong, Wenyang; Ma, Jiale; Yuan, Lvfeng; Hejair, Hassan M A; Pan, Zihao; Liu, Guangjin; Yao, Huochun

2017-04-08

Swine extraintestinal pathogenic Escherichia coli (ExPEC) is an important pathogen that leads to economic and welfare costs in the swine industry worldwide, and is occurring with increasing frequency in China. By far, various virulence factors have been recognized in ExPEC. Here, we investigated the virulence genotypes and clonal structure of collected strains to improve the knowledge of phylogenetic traits of porcine ExPECs in China. We isolated 64 Chinese porcine ExPEC strains from 2013 to 14 in China. By multiplex PCR, the distribution of isolates belonging to phylogenetic groups B1, B2, A and D was 9.4%, 10.9%, 57.8% and 21.9%, respectively. Nineteen virulence-related genes were detected by PCR assay; ompA, fimH, vat, traT and iutA were highly prevalent. Virulence-related genes were remarkably more prevalent in group B2 than in groups A, B1 and D; notably, usp, cnf1, hlyD, papA and ibeA were only found in group B2 strains. Genotyping analysis was performed and four clusters of strains (named I to IV) were identified. Cluster IV contained all isolates from group B2 and Cluster IV isolates had the strongest pathogenicity in a mouse infection model. As phylogenetic group B2 and D ExPEC isolates are generally considered virulent, multilocus sequence typing (MLST) analysis was performed for these isolates to further investigate genetic relationships. Two novel sequence types, ST5170 and ST5171, were discovered. Among the nine clonal complexes identified among our group B2 and D isolates, CC12 and CC95 have been indicated to have high zoonotic pathogenicity. The distinction between group B2 and non-B2 isolates in virulence and genotype accorded with MLST analysis. This study reveals significant genetic diversity among ExPEC isolates and helps us to better understand their pathogenesis. Importantly, our data suggest group B2 (Cluster IV) strains have the highest risk of causing animal disease and illustrate the correlation between genotype and virulence.

The AAHKS Clinical Research Award: Intraosseous Regional Prophylaxis Provides Higher Tissue Concentrations in High BMI Patients in Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Randomized Trial.

PubMed

Chin, Seung Joon; Moore, Grant A; Zhang, Mei; Clarke, Henry D; Spangehl, Mark J; Young, Simon W

2018-07-01

Obesity is an established risk factor for periprosthetic joint infections after total knee arthroplasty (TKA). In obese patients, a larger dose of prophylactic vancomycin based on actual body weight is required to reach therapeutic concentrations. It is unclear how tissue concentrations are affected when intraosseous regional administration (IORA) is used in this population. This study compared tissue concentrations of low-dose vancomycin via IORA vs actual body weight-adjusted systemic intravenous (IV) dose in primary TKA. Twenty-two patients with a body mass index (BMI) >35 undergoing TKA were randomized into 2 groups. The IV group received 15 mg/kg (maximum of 2 g) of systemic IV vancomycin and the IORA group received 500 mg vancomycin into the tibia. Subcutaneous fat and bone samples were taken at regular intervals. Tissue antibiotic concentrations were measured using liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry. A blood sample was taken 1 to 2 hours after tourniquet deflation to measure systemic concentration. The mean BMI was 41.1 in the IORA group and 40.1 in the IV systemic group. The overall mean tissue concentration in subcutaneous fat was 39.3 μg/g in the IORA group and 4.4 μg/g in the IV systemic group (P < .01). Mean tissue concentrations in bones were 34.4 μg/g in the IORA group and 6.1 μg/g in the IV systemic group (P < .01). Low-dose IORA was effective in the high-BMI population group, providing tissue concentrations of vancomycin 5-9 times higher than systemic administration. IORA optimizes timing of vancomycin administration and provides high tissue antibiotic concentrations during TKA in this high-risk patient group. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Incidence of persistent postoperative pain after hepatectomies with 2 regimes of perioperative analgesia containing ketamine.

PubMed

Masgoret, Paula; Gomar, Carmen; Tena, Beatriz; Taurá, Pilar; Ríos, José; Coca, Miquel

2017-04-01

Studies designed to assess persistent postoperative pain (PPP) incidence after hepatectomies are lacking. Our aim was to assess PPP incidence 6 months after hepatectomies with intravenous (IV) or epidural (EPI) analgesia containing ketamine.Prospective observational comparative study between 2 cohorts of patients submitted to hepatectomy. Patients received 1 of 2 analgesic regimes containing ketamine: EPI group or IV group. Visual analog scale (VAS), Neuropathic Pain Symptom Inventory (NPSI), Pain Catastrophizing Scale (PCS), and quantitative sensorial testing (QST: to determine area of hyperalgesia/allodynia) were assessed preoperatively and postoperatively at 2 h, 24 h, 7 days, 1 month, and 6 months. VAS ≥ 1 at 1 and 6 months was considered indicative of PPP and VAS > 3 was considered as not controlled pain. Side effects and complications were registered.Forty-four patients were included: 23 in EPI group and 21 in IV group. Patients in IV group were older and had more comorbidities. No patient presented VAS > 3 at 1 or 6 months. VAS ≥ 1 at 1 and 6 months was 36.4% and 22.7%, respectively. No differences in VAS, NPSI, or PCS were found between groups. Allodynia/hyperalgesia area did not differ between groups and was infrequent and slight. Pain pressure threshold in the wound vertical component was significantly higher in EPI group after 7 days. IV group showed more cognitive side effects.Incidence of PPP at 6 months after open hepatectomies with EPI or IV analgesia containing ketamine was lower than previously reported for other abdominal surgeries.Ketamine influence on low PPP incidence and hyperalgesia cannot be discarded.

Effect of different doses of monosodium glutamate on the thyroid follicular cells of adult male albino rats: a histological study

PubMed Central

Khalaf, Hanaa A; Arafat, Eetmad A

2015-01-01

Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is a major flavor enhancer used as a food additive. The present study investigates the effects of different doses of MSG on the morphometric and histological changes of the thyroid gland. 28 male albino rats were used. The rats were divided into four groups: group I control, group II, III and IV treated with MSG (0.25 g/kg, 3 g/kg, 6 g/kg daily for one month) respectively. The thyroid glands were dissected out and prepared for light and electron microscopic examination. Light microscopic examination of thyroid gland of group II revealed increase in follicular epithelial height. Groups III & IV showed decrease in the follicular diameter and irregularity in the shape of some follicles with discontinuity of basement membrane. Follicular hyperplasia was detected in some follicles with appearance of multiple pyknotic nuclei in follicular and interfollicular cells and multiple exfoliated cells in the colloid. In addition, areas of loss of follicular pattern were appeared in group IV. Immunohistochemical examination of BCL2 immunoexpression of the thyroid glands of groups III & IV reveals weak positive reaction in the follicular cells cytoplasm. Ultrathin sections examination of groups III & IV revealed follicular cells with irregular hyperchromatic nuclei, marked dilatation of rER and increased lysosomes with areas of short or lost apical microvilli. In addition, vacuolation of mitochondria was detected in group IV. The results displayed that MSG even at low doses is capable of producing alterations in the body weights and thyroid tissue function and histology. PMID:26884820

Identification of yeast strains isolated from marcha in Sikkim, a microbial starter for amylolytic fermentation.

PubMed

Tsuyoshi, Naoko; Fudou, Ryosuke; Yamanaka, Shigeru; Kozaki, Michio; Tamang, Namrata; Thapa, Saroj; Tamang, Jyoti P

2005-03-15

Marcha or murcha is a traditional amylolytic starter used to produce sweet-sour alcoholic drinks, commonly called jaanr in the Himalayan regions of India, Nepal, Bhutan, and Tibet (China). The aim of this study was to examine the microflora of marcha collected from Sikkim in India, focusing on yeast flora and their roles. Twenty yeast strains were isolated from six samples of marcha and identified by genetic and phenotypic methods. They were first classified into four groups (Group I, II, III, and IV) based on physiological features using an API test. Phylogenetic, morphological, and physiological characterization identified the isolates as Saccharomyces bayanus (Group I); Candida glabrata (Group II); Pichia anomala (Group III); and Saccharomycopsis fibuligera, Saccharomycopsis capsularis, and Pichia burtonii (Group IV). Among them, the Group I, II, and III strains produced ethanol. The isolates of Group IV had high amylolytic activity. Because all marcha samples tested contained both starch degraders and ethanol producers, it was hypothesized that all four groups of yeast (Group I, II, III, and IV) contribute to starch-based alcohol fermentation.

Tricuspid leaflet resection in an open beating heart for the creation of a canine tricuspid regurgitation model.

PubMed

Xie, Xu-jing; Liao, Sheng-jie; Wu, Yue-heng; Lu, Cong; Zhu, Ping; Fei, Hong-wen; Xiao, Xue-jun; Huang, Huan-lei

2016-02-01

Outcomes of tricuspid valve replacement are poor, partly due to right heart remodelling. The research on its underlying mechanisms is hampered by a lack of animal models of tricuspid regurgitation (TR). Our objective was to create a reproducible and clinically compatible TR animal model to study right heart remodelling caused by TR. Fourteen juvenile male Beagle dogs were divided randomly into an intervention group (n = 11) and a sham-operated control group (n = 3). The intervention group underwent thoracotomy and right atrial incision following superior and inferior vena caval occlusion. The anterior leaflet, together with the chordae, of the tricuspid valve was resected in eight dogs ('one leaflet' group), whereas both anterior and posterior leaflets, together with the chordae, were resected in three dogs ('two leaflets' group). The right atrium and chest were then closed. The control group underwent the same procedure, except leaflet resection. One dog from the 'two leaflets' group and one control dog were sacrificed and autopsy was performed at 12 months post-surgery. All dogs survived over the 1-year observation period postoperatively. TR grade IV occurred immediately postoperatively in the 'one leaflet' group, and TR grade IV plus in the 'two leaflets' group. The overall procedure lasted 30-40 min, and the mean time of vena caval occlusion was 87 ± 10 s. Central venous pressure increased from 6 ± 1.2 at baseline to 13 ± 1.7 mmHg (P < 0.01). By 12 months after TR creation, both in the 'one leaflet' group and in the 'two leaflets' group, the right atrial area, tricuspid annular diameter and right ventricular index of myocardial performance increased significantly, right ventricular fractional area change and tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion decreased significantly. Autopsy of the intervention dog revealed oedema, ascites and cirrhosis. Our surgical technique to create a TR animal model was reproducible with high success and survival rates. This animal model would prove suitable to investigate the mechanisms of right heart remodelling. © The Author 2015. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery. All rights reserved.

Prospective observational study comparing three different treatment regimes in patients with Clostridium difficile infection.

PubMed

Wenisch, Judith M; Schmid, Daniela; Kuo, Hung-Wei; Allerberger, Franz; Michl, Verena; Tesik, Philip; Tucek, Gerhard; Laferl, Hermann; Wenisch, Christoph

2012-04-01

In a hospital-based, prospective cohort study, the effects of the three standard treatment regimens for mild Clostridium difficile infection (CDI), oral (p.o.) metronidazole at 500 mg three times/day, intravenous (i.v.) metronidazole at 500 mg three times/day, and oral (p.o.) vancomycin at 250 mg four times/day, were compared with respect to the risk of occurrence of complications, sequelae, and all-cause death within 30 days after the date of starting treatment. Differences in the incidence of these outcomes were tested by χ² or Fisher's exact tests. A Poisson regression model was performed to control for possible confounding effects of sex, age, and severity of comorbidity categorized according to the Charlson comorbidity index. The highest mortality was observed in the metronidazole i.v. group, with a mortality rate 38.1% (16/42) compared to mortality rates of 7.4% (9/121) in the metronidazole p.o. group and 9.5% (4/42) in the vancomycin p.o. group (P < 0.001). After adjustment for possible effects of sex, age (> 65 years), and severity of comorbidity, the relative risk of a 30-day fatal outcome for patients receiving metronidazole i.v. was 4.3 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.92 to 10; P < 0.0001) compared to patients treated with metronidazole p.o. and 4.0 (95% CI = 1.31 to 5.0; P < 0.015) compared to patients treated with vancomycin p.o. There were no significant differences in the risk of complications between the three treatment groups. This study generates the hypothesis that treatment with i.v. metronidazole is inferior to the oral alternatives metronidazole and vancomycin.

Prospective Observational Study Comparing Three Different Treatment Regimes in Patients with Clostridium difficile Infection

PubMed Central

Wenisch, Judith M.; Schmid, Daniela; Kuo, Hung-Wei; Allerberger, Franz; Michl, Verena; Tesik, Philip; Tucek, Gerhard; Laferl, Hermann

2012-01-01

In a hospital-based, prospective cohort study, the effects of the three standard treatment regimens for mild Clostridium difficile infection (CDI), oral (p.o.) metronidazole at 500 mg three times/day, intravenous (i.v.) metronidazole at 500 mg three times/day, and oral (p.o.) vancomycin at 250 mg four times/day, were compared with respect to the risk of occurrence of complications, sequelae, and all-cause death within 30 days after the date of starting treatment. Differences in the incidence of these outcomes were tested by χ2 or Fisher's exact tests. A Poisson regression model was performed to control for possible confounding effects of sex, age, and severity of comorbidity categorized according to the Charlson comorbidity index. The highest mortality was observed in the metronidazole i.v. group, with a mortality rate 38.1% (16/42) compared to mortality rates of 7.4% (9/121) in the metronidazole p.o. group and 9.5% (4/42) in the vancomycin p.o. group (P < 0.001). After adjustment for possible effects of sex, age (>65 years), and severity of comorbidity, the relative risk of a 30-day fatal outcome for patients receiving metronidazole i.v. was 4.3 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.92 to 10; P < 0.0001) compared to patients treated with metronidazole p.o. and 4.0 (95% CI = 1.31 to 5.0; P < 0.015) compared to patients treated with vancomycin p.o. There were no significant differences in the risk of complications between the three treatment groups. This study generates the hypothesis that treatment with i.v. metronidazole is inferior to the oral alternatives metronidazole and vancomycin. PMID:22252830

Annual changes in radiographic indices of the spine in cerebral palsy patients.

PubMed

Lee, Seung Yeol; Chung, Chin Youb; Lee, Kyoung Min; Kwon, Soon-Sun; Cho, Kyu-Jung; Park, Moon Seok

2016-03-01

We estimated the annual changes in radiographic indices of the spine in cerebral palsy (CP) patients and analyzed the factors that influence its progression rate. We included CP patients who had undergone whole-spine radiography more than twice and were followed for at least 1 year. The scoliosis Cobb angle, coronal balance, apical vertebral translation, apical rotation, and pelvic obliquity were measured on anteroposterior (AP) radiographs; thoracic kyphosis and lumbar lordosis angles, and sagittal balance was measured on lateral radiographs; and migration percentage was measured on AP hip radiographs to determine hip instability. For each gross motor function classification system (GMFCS) level, the Cobb angles, apical vertebral translation, coronal and sagittal balance, and pelvic obliquity were adjusted by multiple factors with a linear mixed model. A total of 184 patients (774 radiographs) were included in this study. There was no significant annual change in scoliosis Cobb, thoracic kyphosis, and lumbar lordosis angles in the GMFCS level I-II and III groups. In the GMFCS level IV-V group, there was an annual increase of 3.4° in the scoliosis Cobb angle (p = 0.020). The thoracic kyphosis angle increased by 2.2° (p = 0.018) annually in the GMFCS level IV-V group. Apical vertebral translation increased by 5.4 mm (p = 0.029) annually in the GMFCS level IV-V group. Progression of coronal and sagittal balance and pelvic obliquity with aging were not statistically significant. Sex, hip instability, hip surgery, and triradiate cartilage did not affect the progression of scoliosis and the balance of the spine and pelvis. The scoliosis Cobb angle, thoracic kyphosis angle, and apical vertebral translation in the GMFCS level IV-V CP patients progressed with age. These findings can predict radiographic progression of scoliosis in CP patients.

Recipient age as a determinant factor of patient and graft survival.

PubMed

Moreso, Francesc; Ortega, Francisco; Mendiluce, Alicia

2004-06-01

Age of renal transplants has been related to death, alloimmune response and graft outcome. We reviewed the influence of patient age on transplant outcome in three cohorts of patients transplanted in Spain during the 1990 s. Patient age was categorized into four groups (I, 18-40; II, 41-50; III, 51-60; and IV, > 60 years). Risks factors for acute rejection were evaluated by logistic regression adjusting for transplant centre and transplantation year, while a Cox proportional hazard model was employed for analysing patient and graft survival. Older patients had a higher death rate (I, 3.5%; II, 7.7%; III, 13.2%; and IV, 16.9%; P<0.001), but a lower standardized mortality index (I, 7.6; II, 7.0; III, 5.8; and IV, 4.1; P = 0.0019). Older patients had the lowest risk of acute rejection [odds ratio (OR) 0.79 and 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.66-0.97 for group II; OR 0.75 and 95% CI 0.62-0.91 for group III; OR 0.43 and 95% CI 0.33-0.56 for group IV). Death-censored graft survival was poorer in patients older than 60 years (relative risk 1.40; 95% CI 1.09-1.80), but this result was not explained by any combination of patient age with donor age, delayed graft function or immunosuppression. Patient age is a main determinant of transplant outcome. Although death rate is higher for older patients, standardized mortality was not. Thus, the efforts to reduce mortality should be also implemented in younger patients. Old patients have a low risk of acute rejection but a poorer death-censored graft survival. This last result was not explained by any controlled variable in our study.

33 CFR Appendix B to Part 155 - Determining and Evaluating Required Response Resources for Vessel Response Plans

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... carried [persistent (groups II, III, and IV) or non-persistent (group I)]; and the geographic area(s) in... type of petroleum oil carried [persistent (groups II, III, and IV) or non-persistent (group I)]; and... Petroleum Oil Cargo Groups Non-persistent oil 72 G: Group I 1.0 Persistent oil: Group II 1.8 Group III 2.0...

33 CFR Appendix B to Part 155 - Determining and Evaluating Required Response Resources for Vessel Response Plans

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... carried [persistent (groups II, III, and IV) or non-persistent (group I)]; and the geographic area(s) in... type of petroleum oil carried [persistent (groups II, III, and IV) or non-persistent (group I)]; and... Petroleum Oil Cargo Groups Non-persistent oil 72 G: Group I 1.0 Persistent oil: Group II 1.8 Group III 2.0...

33 CFR Appendix B to Part 155 - Determining and Evaluating Required Response Resources for Vessel Response Plans

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... carried [persistent (groups II, III, and IV) or non-persistent (group I)]; and the geographic area(s) in... type of petroleum oil carried [persistent (groups II, III, and IV) or non-persistent (group I)]; and... Petroleum Oil Cargo Groups Non-persistent oil 72 G: Group I 1.0 Persistent oil: Group II 1.8 Group III 2.0...

Overview of phase IV clinical trials for postmarket drug safety surveillance: a status report from the ClinicalTrials.gov registry.

PubMed

Zhang, Xinji; Zhang, Yuan; Ye, Xiaofei; Guo, Xiaojing; Zhang, Tianyi; He, Jia

2016-11-23

Phase IV trials are often used to investigate drug safety after approval. However, little is known about the characteristics of contemporary phase IV clinical trials and whether these studies are of sufficient quality to advance medical knowledge in pharmacovigilance. We aimed to determine the fundamental characteristics of phase IV clinical trials that evaluated drug safety using the ClinicalTrials.gov registry data. A data set of 19 359 phase IV clinical studies registered in ClinicalTrials.gov was downloaded. The characteristics of the phase IV trials focusing on safety only were compared with those evaluating both safety and efficacy. We also compared the characteristics of the phase IV trials in three major therapeutic areas (cardiovascular diseases, mental health and oncology). Multivariable logistic regression was used to evaluate factors associated with the use of blinding and randomisation. A total of 4772 phase IV trials were identified, including 330 focusing on drug safety alone and 4392 evaluating both safety and efficacy. Most of the phase IV trials evaluating drug safety (75.9%) had enrolment <300 with 96.5% <3000. Among these trials, 8.2% were terminated or withdrawn. Factors associated with the use of blinding and randomisation included the intervention model, clinical specialty and lead sponsor. Phase IV trials evaluating drug safety in the ClinicalTrials.gov registry were dominated by small trials that might not have sufficient power to detect less common adverse events. An adequate sample size should be emphasised for phase IV trials with safety surveillance as main task. Published by the BMJ Publishing Group Limited. For permission to use (where not already granted under a licence) please go to http://www.bmj.com/company/products-services/rights-and-licensing/.

Validity of the WISC-IV Spanish for a clinically referred sample of Hispanic children.

PubMed

San Miguel Montes, Liza E; Allen, Daniel N; Puente, Antonio E; Neblina, Cris

2010-06-01

The Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children (WISC) is the most commonly used intelligence test for children. Five years ago, a Spanish version of the WISC-IV was published (WISC-IV Spanish; Wechsler, 2005), but a limited amount of published information is available regarding its utility when assessing clinical samples. The current study included 107 children who were Spanish speaking and of Puerto Rican descent that had been administered the WISC-IV Spanish. They were subdivided into a clinical sample of 35 children with diagnoses of various forms of brain dysfunction (primarily learning disability, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, and epilepsy) and a comparison group made up of 72 normal children who were part of the WISC-IV Spanish version standardization sample. Comparisons between these groups and the standardization sample were performed for the WISC-IV Spanish index and subtest scores. Results indicated that the clinical sample performed worse than the comparison samples on the Working Memory and Processing Speed Indexes, although findings varied to some extent depending on whether the clinical group was compared with the normal comparison group or the standardization sample. These findings provide support for the criterion validity of the WISC-IV Spanish when it is used to assess a clinically referred sample with brain dysfunction.

Unusual kinetics of poly(ethylene glycol) oxidation with cerium(IV) ions in sulfuric acid medium and implications for copolymer synthesis.

PubMed

Szymański, Jan K; Temprano-Coleto, Fernando; Pérez-Mercader, Juan

2015-03-14

The cerium(IV)-alcohol couple in an acidic medium is an example of a redox system capable of initiating free radical polymerization. When the alcohol has a polymeric nature, the outcome of such a process is a block copolymer, a member of a class of compounds possessing many useful properties. The most common polymer with a terminal -OH group is poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG); however, the detailed mechanism of its reaction with cerium(IV) remains underexplored. In this paper, we report our findings for this reaction based on spectrophotometric measurements and kinetic modeling. We find that both the reaction order and the net rate constant for the oxidation process depend strongly on the nature of the acidic medium used. In order to account for the experimental observations, we postulate that protonation of PEG decreases its affinity for some of the cerium(IV)-sulfate complexes formed in the system.

The influence of salivary contamination on shear bond strength of dentin adhesive systems.

PubMed

Park, Jeong-won; Lee, Kyung Chae

2004-01-01

This study evaluated the influence of salivary contamination during dentin bonding procedures on shear bond strength and investigated the effect of contaminant-removing treatments on the recovery of bond strength for two dentin bonding agents. One hundred and ten human molars were embedded in cylindrical molds with self-curing acrylic resin. The occlusal dentin surface was exposed by wet grinding with #800 silicon carbide abrasive paper. The teeth were divided into five groups for One-step (OS) (BISCO, Inc) and six groups for Clearfil SE Bond (SE) (Kuraray Co, Ltd, Osaka, Japan). For One-step, the grinding surface was treated with 32% phosphoric acid; BAC (BISCO Inc) and divided into five groups: OS control group (uncontaminated), OS I (salivary contamination, blot dried), OS II (salivary contamination, completely dried), OS III (salivary contamination, wash and blot dried) and OS IV (salivary contamination, re-etching for 10 seconds, wash and blot dried). For SE bond, the following surface treatments were done: SE control group (primer applied to the fresh dentin surface), SE I (after salivary contamination, primer applied), SE II (primer, salivary contamination, dried), SE III (primer, salivary contamination, wash and dried), SE IV (after procedure of SE II, re-application of primer) and SE V (after procedure of SE III, re-application of primer). Each bonding agent was applied and light cured for 10 seconds. Clearfil AP-X (Kuraray Co, Ltd) composite was packed into the Ultradent mount jig mold and light cured for 40 seconds. The bonded specimens were stored for 24 hours in a 37 degrees C waterbath. The shear bond strengths were measured using an Instron testing machine (Model 4202, Instron Corp). The data for each group were subjected to one-way ANOVA followed by the Newman-Keuls test to make comparisons among the groups. The results were as follows: In the One-step groups, the OS II group showed statistically significant lower shear bond strength than the OS control, I, III and IV (p<0.05). In the Clearfil SE Bond groups, the SE II and SE III groups had decreased shear bond strength compared with the control and SE I, SE IV and SE V groups (p<0.05). In conclusion, when using One-step total etch adhesive and when the etched surface is contaminated by saliva, blotting the surface and applying the primer can recover the bond strength. Complete drying of the salivary contaminated surface should be avoided. In the Clearfil SE Bond groups, the re-priming treatment (SE IV and SE V) resulted in the recovery of shear bond strength in the specimens contaminated after priming.

DIVWAG Model Documentation. Volume II. Programmer/Analyst Manual. Part 4.

DTIC Science & Technology

1976-07-01

Model Constant Data Deck Structure . .. .... IV-13-A-40 Appendix B. Movement Model Program Descriptions . .. .. . .IV-13-B-1 1. Introduction...Data ................ IV-15-A-17 11. Airmobile Constant Data Deck Structure .. ...... .. IV-15-A-30 Appendix B. Airmobile Model Program Descriptions...Make no changes. 12. AIRMOBILE CONSTANT DATA DECK STRUCTURE . The deck structure required by the Airmobile Model constant data load program and the data

Role of 17 beta-estradiol on type IV collagen fibers volumetric density in the basement membrane of bladder wall.

PubMed

de Fraga, Rogerio; Dambros, Miriam; Miyaoka, Ricardo; Riccetto, Cássio Luís Zanettini; Palma, Paulo César Rodrigues

2007-10-01

The authors quantified the type IV collagen fibers volumetric density in the basement membrane of bladder wall of ovariectomized rats with and without estradiol replacement. This study was conducted on 40 Wistar rats (3 months old) randomly divided in 4 groups: group 1, remained intact (control); group 2, submitted to bilateral oophorectomy and daily replacement 4 weeks later of 17 beta-estradiol for 12 weeks; group 3, sham operated and daily replacement 4 weeks later of sesame oil for 12 weeks; and group 4, submitted to bilateral oophorectomy and killed after 12 weeks. It was used in immunohistochemistry evaluation using type IV collagen polyclonal antibody to stain the fibers on paraffin rat bladder sections. The M-42 stereological grid system was used to analyze the fibers. Ovariectomy had an increase effect on the volumetric density of the type IV collagen fibers in the basement membrane of rat bladder wall. Estradiol replacement in castrated animals demonstrated a significative difference in the stereological parameters when compared to the castrated group without hormonal replacement. Surgical castration performed on rats induced an increasing volumetric density of type IV collagen fibers in the basement membrane of rats bladder wall and the estradiol treatment had a significant effect in keeping a low volumetric density of type IV collagen fibers in the basement membrane of rats bladder wall.

Liver lipid composition and intravenous, intraperitoneal, and enteral administration of intralipid.

PubMed

Morán Penco, J M; Maciá Botejara, E; Salas Martinez, J; Mahedero Ruiz, G; Climent Mata, V; Saenz de Santamaria, J; Vinagre Velasco, L M

1994-01-01

We studied the variations arising in plasma and liver lipids after intravenous (i.v.), intraperitoneal (IP), and intragastric (IG) administration of a fat overdose on the order of 4 g.kg-1 body wt.day-1 in the form of Intralipid (ITL) 20% to 33 New Zealand rabbits for 15 days. The control group was submitted for surgery but did not receive an ITL supplement. The results show weight gain in all animals and normal liver enzyme values. There was an increase in plasma lipids in groups supplemented by the parenteral route (i.v. and IP), and fatty acids showed a similar distribution, in terms of percentages, to that for ITL. In liver tissue, there was an increase in the fractions related to ethanolamine and a decrease in phospholipids of choline and serine. In the i.v. group, neutral lipids predominated compared with other groups. The livers of all supplemented animals (i.v., IP, and IG) showed a higher content of stearic and linoleic acid and a reduction in oleic acid. Study with optical microscopy showed a microvacuolization affecting the three areas of the hepatic acini in the i.v. group, seen with electron microscopy as vacuoles lacking membranes and surrounded by mitochondria. In conclusion, there is an increase in hepatic steatosis in parenteral groups and a greater deposit of neutral lipids in the i.v. group, related to the administration route, without biochemical signs of liver dysfunction.

Comparative Analysis of Length of Stay and Inpatient Costs for Orthopedic Surgery Patients Treated with IV Acetaminophen and IV Opioids vs. IV Opioids Alone for Post-Operative Pain.

PubMed

Hansen, Ryan N; Pham, An; Strassels, Scott A; Balaban, Stela; Wan, George J

2016-09-01

Recovery from orthopedic surgery is oriented towards restoring functional health outcomes while reducing hospital length of stay (LOS) and medical expenditures. Optimal pain management is a key to reaching these objectives. We sought to compare orthopedic surgery patients who received combination intravenous (IV) acetaminophen and IV opioid analgesia to those who received IV opioids alone and compared the two groups on LOS and hospitalization costs. We performed a retrospective analysis of the Premier Database (Premier, Inc.; between January 2009 and June 2015) comparing orthopedic surgery patients who received post-operative pain management with combination IV acetaminophen and IV opioids to those who received only IV opioids starting on the day of surgery and continuing up to the second post-operative day. The quarterly rate of IV acetaminophen use for all hospitalizations by hospital served as the instrumental variable in two-stage least squares regressions controlling for patient and hospital covariates to compare the LOS and hospitalization costs of IV acetaminophen recipients to opioid monotherapy patients. We identified 4,85,895 orthopedic surgery patients with 1,74,805 (36%) who had received IV acetaminophen. Study subjects averaged 64 years of age and were predominantly non-Hispanic Caucasians (78%) and female (58%). The mean unadjusted LOS for IV acetaminophen patients was 3.2 days [standard deviation (SD) 2.6] compared to 3.9 days (SD 3.9) with only IV opioids (P < 0.0001). Average unadjusted hospitalization costs were $19,024.9 (SD $13,113.7) for IV acetaminophen patients and $19,927.6 (SD $19,578.8) for IV opioid patients (P < 0.0001). These differences remained statistically significant in our instrumental variable models, with IV acetaminophen associated with 0.51 days shorter hospitalization [95% confidence interval (CI) -0.58 to -0.44, P < 0.0001] and $634.8 lower hospitalization costs (95% CI -$1032.5 to -$237.1, P = 0.0018). Compared to opioids alone, managing post-orthopedic surgery pain with the addition of IV acetaminophen is associated with shorter LOS and decreased hospitalization costs. Mallinckrodt Pharmaceuticals.

[The effects of lesions in the compact part of the substantia nigra on glutamate and GABA release in the pedunculopontine nucleus].

PubMed

Blanco-Lezcano, L; Rocha-Arrieta, L L; Alvarez-González, L; Martínez-Martí, L; Pavón-Fuentes, N; González-Fraguela, M E; Bauzá-Calderín, Y; Coro-Grave de Peralta, Y

The pedunculopontine nucleus (PPN), co-localized with the mesencephalic locomotor region, has been proposed as a key structure in the physiopathology of Parkinson's disease. The goal of the present study was to assess if the aminoacid neurotransmitter release in the PPN is modified by the degeneration of dopaminergic cells, from substantia nigra pars compacta in 6-hydroxidopamine (6-OHDA)-lesioned rats. In addition, it was studied the aminoacid neurotransmitter release in the PPN of rats with lesion of the subthalamic nucleus by quinolinic acid (QUIN) (100 nmol) intracerebral injection. Rats were assigned to five groups: untreated rats (I) (n = 13), 6-OHDA lesion (II) (n = 11), 6-OHDA + QUIN lesion (III) (n = 9), sham-operated (IV) (n = 10), QUIN, STN (V) lesioned (n = 9). The extracellular concentrations of glutamic acid (GLU) and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) were determined by brain microdialysis and high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). RESULTS. GLU released in PPN from 6-OHDA lesioned rats (group II), was significantly increased in comparison with the others groups (F(4, 47) = 18.21, p < 0.001). GABA released shows significant differences between experimental groups (F(4, 45) = 12.75, p < 0.001). It was detected a higher valour (p < 0.05) in-group II. The groups III and IV exhibited intermeddle valour (p < 0.001) and groups I and IV (p < 0.001) showed the lower GABA extracellular concentrations. The infusion of artificial cerebrospinal fluid with higher potassium (100 mmol) induced an increase in the GLU and GABA released in all groups, which confirm the neuronal origin of the extracellular content. These results are in agreement with the current model of basal ganglia functioning and suggest the role of STN-PPN projection in the physiopathology of Parkinson's disease.

Pain outcomes in children who received intrathecal vs intravenous opioids for pain control following major urologic surgery: a retrospective review.

PubMed

Putnam, Elizabeth M; Koppera, Prabhat; Malviya, Shobha; Voepel-Lewis, Terri

2015-12-01

Intrathecal (IT) opioid administration has been associated with postoperative benefits including reduced pain and opioid use in children. However, the postoperative benefits and risks of IT opioid administration during major urologic surgery in children remain unclear. The aim of this study was to compare postoperative pain and adverse event outcomes among children who received IT vs intravenous (IV) opioids during major urologic surgery. We reviewed the medical records of children 3-17 years of age who underwent ureteroneocystostomy or pyeloplasty between 2006 and 2012. Electronically captured anesthetic and surgical data, postanesthesia care recovery unit (PACU) and nursing flowsheets, and daily progress notes through hospital discharge were reviewed. Analgesic techniques (i.e., IT or IV patient/nurse controlled opioids), all analgesic drugs and doses were recorded. Outcome measures included pain scores, need for rescue analgesics, opioid-related adverse events, and their treatments. Seventy-seven children received IT opioids and 51 received IV opioids. More children in the IV group required rescue analgesics and had higher pain scores at PACU discharge. Children in the IV group required rescue opioids more frequently than the IT group from 0 to 8 h and 8 to 16 h after PACU discharge, but rates were similar by 16-24 h 70% of children in IT group transitioned directly to oral opioids. Seven IT placements were considered as failed due to early need for rescue opioids. Four (8%) of the IV group and seven (9%) of the IT group experienced oxygen desaturation. Two of these, both in IT group required naloxone and one was admitted to ICU for observation. The IT group experienced a higher incidence of pruritus, constipation and hypotension. We observed better postoperative pain control in children who received IT vs IV opioids for the first 16 h with no discernible difference thereafter. The intrathecal group experienced higher incidences of pruritus, constipation, and hypotension. © 2015 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Epigenetic regulation of BDNF in the learned helplessness-induced animal model of depression.

PubMed

Su, Chun-Lin; Su, Chun-Wei; Hsiao, Ya-Hsin; Gean, Po-Wu

2016-05-01

Major depressive disorder (MDD), one of the most common mental disorders, is a significant risk factor for suicide and causes a low quality of life for many people. However, the causes and underlying mechanism of depression remain elusive. In the current work, we investigated epigenetic regulation of BDNF in the learned helplessness-induced animal model of depression. Mice were exposed to inescapable stress and divided into learned helplessness (LH) and resilient (LH-R) groups depending on the number they failed to escape. We found that the LH group had longer immobility duration in the forced swimming test (FST) and tail suspension tests (TST), which is consistent with a depression-related phenotype. Western blotting analysis and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) revealed that the LH group had lower BDNF expression than that of the LH-R group. The LH group consistently had lower BDNF mRNA levels, as detected by qPCR assay. In addition, we found BDNF exon IV was down-regulated in the LH group. Intraperitoneal injection of imipramine or histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACi) to the LH mice for 14 consecutive days ameliorated depression-like behaviors and reversed the decrease in BDNF. The expression of HDAC5 was up-regulated in the LH mice, and a ChIP assay revealed that the level of HDAC5 binding to the promoter region of BDNF exon IV was higher than that seen in other groups. Knockdown of HDAC5 reduced depression-like behaviors in the LH mice. Taken together, these results suggest that epigenetic regulation of BDNF by HDAC5 plays an important role in the learned helplessness model of depression. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Role of vascular endothelial cell growth factor in Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome.

PubMed Central

Levin, E R; Rosen, G F; Cassidenti, D L; Yee, B; Meldrum, D; Wisot, A; Pedram, A

1998-01-01

Controlled ovarian hyperstimulation with gonadotropins is followed by Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS) in some women. An unidentified capillary permeability factor from the ovary has been implicated, and vascular endothelial cell growth/permeability factor (VEGF) is a candidate protein. Follicular fluids (FF) from 80 women who received hormonal induction for infertility were studied. FFs were grouped according to oocyte production, from group I (0-7 oocytes) through group IV (23-31 oocytes). Group IV was comprised of four women with the most severe symptoms of OHSS. Endothelial cell (EC) permeability induced by the individual FF was highly correlated to oocytes produced (r2 = 0.73, P < 0.001). Group IV FF stimulated a 63+/-4% greater permeability than FF from group I patients (P < 0. 01), reversed 98% by anti-VEGF antibody. Group IV fluids contained the VEGF165 isoform and significantly greater concentrations of VEGF as compared with group I (1,105+/-87 pg/ml vs. 353+/-28 pg/ml, P < 0. 05). Significant cytoskeletal rearrangement of F-actin into stress fibers and a destruction of ZO-1 tight junction protein alignment was caused by group IV FF, mediated in part by nitric oxide. These mechanisms, which lead to increased EC permeability, were reversed by the VEGF antibody. Our results indicate that VEGF is the FF factor responsible for increased vascular permeability, thereby contributing to the pathogenesis of OHSS. PMID:9835623

Efficacy of Rhodotorula glutinis and Spirulina platensis carotenoids in immunopotentiation of mice infected with Candida albicans SC5314 and Pseudomonas aeruginosa 35.

PubMed

El-Sheekh, M M; Mahmoud, Y A-G; Abo-Shady, A M; Hamza, W

2010-01-01

Enhancement of the immune response leading to protection against bacterial and fungal infections was shown using different schedules of immunization with microbial pigments and a polysaccharide. The group of mice given carotenoids of Rhodotorula glutinis (preparation I) and polysaccharide of Spitulina platensis (IV) survived for 2 weeks after Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection. The groups of mice given carotenoids (I), polysaccharide (IV), I+IV and with the crude phycocyanin of S. platensis (III)+IV survived for 2 weeks after Candida albicans infection. All other groups recorded a maximum level of mortality reaching 2 mice per group either after immunization or post-infection. Adding the carotenoids, phycocyanin and polysaccharides to food as additives might therefore enhance the human immune response against microbial infections.

Additional intraarticular tranexamic acid further reduced postoperative blood loss compared to intravenous and topical bathed tranexamic acid in total hip arthroplasty: a retrospective sequential series study.

PubMed

Nakura, Nariaki; Hirakawa, Kazuo; Takayanagi, Satoshi; Saito, Akira; Tsuji, Koji; Tamaki, Yasunobu; Ochiai, Shunsuke; Mihara, Masahiko

2017-04-01

Topical tranexamic acid (TXA) administration has been described to be effective in decreasing blood loss in total hip arthroplasty (THA). The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate whether topical intraarticular TXA administration in addition to intravenous (IV) and topical bathed TXA further reduces blood loss in THA patients. Four-hundred patients were enrolled in this sequential series study with two different phases during four different time periods. Patients were divided based on TXA usage and route of administration: those with and without IV TXA (IVTA-I and no-IVTA groups, respectively) and those with and without intraarticular TXA (TITA and IVTA-II groups, respectively). Both IVTA-II and TITA groups had IV TXA, and all four groups used topical bathed TXA. These four groups had 100 cases each. The primary outcomes were evaluated with total blood loss and postoperative hemoglobin level. The total blood loss was 1106 and 875 mL in the no-IVTA and IVTA-I groups, respectively (p < 0.05). Postoperative Hb was 10.9 and 11.51 g/dL in the no-IVTA and IVTA-I groups, respectively (p < 0.05). Total blood loss was 813 and 646 mL in the IVTA-II and TITA groups, respectively (p < 0.05). Intraarticular with IV and bathed TXA administration was more effective than IV and bathed TXA in reducing blood loss. This study suggests that the combined administration of topical intraarticular, bathed, and IV TXA was effective in reducing blood loss in THA patients. © 2016 AABB.

Efficacy of intravenous fluid warming during goal-directed fluid therapy in patients undergoing laparoscopic colorectal surgery: a randomized controlled trial.

PubMed

Choi, Ji-Won; Kim, Duk-Kyung; Lee, Seung-Won; Park, Jung-Bo; Lee, Gyu-Hong

2016-06-01

To evaluate the clinical efficacy of intravenous (IV) fluid warming in patients undergoing laparoscopic colorectal surgery. Adult patients undergoing laparoscopic colorectal surgery were randomly assigned to receive either IV fluids at room temperature (control group) or warmed IV fluids (warm fluids group). Each patient received a standardized goal-directed fluid regimen based on stroke volume variances. Oesophageal temperature was measured at 15 min intervals for 2 h after induction of anaesthesia. A total of 52 patients were enrolled in the study. The drop in core temperature in the warm fluids group was significantly less than in the control group 2 h after the induction of anaesthesia. This significant difference was seen from 30 min after induction. IV fluid warming was associated with a smaller drop in core temperature than room temperature IV fluids in laparoscopic colorectal surgery incorporating goal-directed fluid therapy. © The Author(s) 2016.

Tri-city study of Ecstasy use problems: a latent class analysis.

PubMed

Scheier, Lawrence M; Ben Abdallah, Arbi; Inciardi, James A; Copeland, Jan; Cottler, Linda B

2008-12-01

This study used latent class analysis to examine distinctive subtypes of Ecstasy users based on 24 abuse and dependence symptoms underlying standard DSM-IV criteria. Data came from a three site, population-based, epidemiological study to examine diagnostic nosology for Ecstasy use. Subject inclusion criteria included lifetime Ecstasy use exceeding five times and once in the past year, with participants ranging in age between 16 and 47 years of age from St. Louis, Miami, U.S. and Sydney, Australia. A satisfactory model typified four latent classes representing clearly differentiated diagnostic clusters including: (1) a group of sub-threshold users endorsing few abuse and dependence symptoms (negatives), (2) a group of 'diagnostic orphans' who had characteristic features of dependence for a select group of symptoms (mild dependent), (3) a 'transitional group' mimicking the orphans with regard to their profile of dependence also but reporting some abuse symptoms (moderate dependent), and (4) a 'severe dependent' group with a distinct profile of abuse and dependence symptoms. A multinomial logistic regression model indicated that certain latent classes showed unique associations with external non-diagnostic markers. Controlling for demographic characteristics and lifetime quantity of Ecstasy pill use, criminal behavior and motivational cues for Ecstasy use were the most efficient predictors of cluster membership. This study reinforces the heuristic utility of DSM-IV criteria applied to Ecstasy but with a different collage of symptoms that produced four distinct classes of Ecstasy users.

25 CFR Appendix A to Part 1000 - Model Compact of Self-Governance Between the Tribe and the Department of the Interior

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-04-01

...., to protect all rights and interests that Indians, or groups of Indians, may have with respect to... “Secretary”), for and on behalf of the United States of America under the authority granted by Title IV of...

25 CFR Appendix A to Part 1000 - Model Compact of Self-Governance Between the Tribe and the Department of the Interior

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-04-01

...., to protect all rights and interests that Indians, or groups of Indians, may have with respect to... “Secretary”), for and on behalf of the United States of America under the authority granted by Title IV of...

25 CFR Appendix A to Part 1000 - Model Compact of Self-Governance Between the Tribe and the Department of the Interior

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-04-01

...., to protect all rights and interests that Indians, or groups of Indians, may have with respect to... “Secretary”), for and on behalf of the United States of America under the authority granted by Title IV of...

25 CFR Appendix A to Part 1000 - Model Compact of Self-Governance Between the Tribe and the Department of the Interior

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-04-01

...., to protect all rights and interests that Indians, or groups of Indians, may have with respect to... “Secretary”), for and on behalf of the United States of America under the authority granted by Title IV of...

Astragaloside IV attenuates inflammatory cytokines by inhibiting TLR4/NF-кB signaling pathway in isoproterenol-induced myocardial hypertrophy.

PubMed

Yang, Juan; Wang, Hong-Xin; Zhang, Ying-Jie; Yang, Yu-Hong; Lu, Mei-Li; Zhang, Jing; Li, Sheng-Tao; Zhang, Su-Ping; Li, Guang

2013-10-25

Astragaloside IV(As IV) is one of the main effective components isolated from the traditional Chinese medical herb Astragalus membranaceus. The protective effect of Astragalus membranaceus on myocardial hypertrophy has been extensively proved. To test the hypothesis that Astragaloside IV can ameliorate the myocardial hypertrophy and inflammatory effect induced by β-adrenergic hyperactivity, we carried out in vivo and in vitro experiments. In in vivo study, the isoproterenol(Iso) (5mg.kg -1 .d -1 ) was used as a model of myocardial hypertrophy by intraperitoneal injection. SD rats were randomly assigned to following six groups: A:the control；B: Iso group；C: Iso plus As IV 20mg.kg -1 .d -1 ；D: Iso plus As IV 40mg.kg -1 .d -1 ；E: Iso plus As IV 80mg.kg -1 .d -1 ；F: Iso plus Propranolol 40mg.kg -1 .d -1 . In in vitro study, cultured neonatal rat cardiomyocytes were pretreated with As IV(3, 10, 30μmol.L -1 ), Propranolol(2μmol.L -1 ) and BAY11-7082(5μmol.L -1 ) for 30minutes, and then incubated with Iso(10μmol.L -1 ) for 48 hours. For the rats in each group, the heart mass index (HMI) and the left ventricular mass index (LVMI) were measured. To measure the transverse diameter of left ventricular myocardial cells (TDM), the hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining method was applied. In addition, the volume and the total protein content of cardiomyocytes were measured, the mRNA expression of ANP and TLR4 were quantified by RT-PCR, the protein expression of TLR4, IκBα and p65 were quantified by Western blot, and the level of TNF-α and IL-6 were measured by ELISA. In vivo: Comparing the Iso group to the control, the HMI, LVMI, TDM were significantly increased; the protein expression of TLR4 and p65 were increased, while the IκBα were decreased; the expression of ANP, TLR4 mRNA, and TNF-α, IL-6 in serum were significantly increased. These changes could be partly prevented by As IV and Pro. In vitro: the over-expression of the cell size, total protein content could remarkably down-regulated by As IV and Pro, and the results of RT-PCR, Western blot and ELISA were similar to those of in vivo. The results of these studies indicate that Astragaloside IV has good protective effect on myocardial hypertrophy induced by isoproterenol. More specifically, the cardioprotection is related to inhibiting the TLR4/NF-кB signaling pathway and the attenuating inflammatory effect. Astragaloside IV (PubChem CID:122690); BAY 11-7082 (PubChem CID:5353431); Propranolol (PubChem CID:62882); Isoproterenol (PubChem CID: 5806). © 2013 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ireland Ltd All rights reserved.

Are temporomandibular disorders associated with habitual sleeping body posture or nasal septal deviation?

PubMed

Yalçınkaya, Esin; Cingi, Cemal; Bayar Muluk, Nuray; Ulusoy, Seçkin; Hanci, Deniz

2016-01-01

Numerous factors can be considered for the etiology of temporomandibular disorders (TMD). The aim of the present study was to investigate whether the presence of both nasal septal deviation (NSD) and habitual prone sleeping posture (HPSP) predisposes TMD. We evaluated 200 subjects in 4 groups. Group I (NSD-, HPSP-/control group), Group II (NSD+, HPSP-), Group III (NSD-, HPSP+), Group IV (NSD+, HPSP+). All patients were examined according to the research diagnostic criteria to determine the presence of TMD. Group IV had the highest value for TMD incidence (44 %). Thus, we found that the presence of both NSD and HPSP parameters increased TMD incidence in Group IV compared to the control group (p = 0.000). Additionally, Group IV showed significantly higher values than Group II (p = 0.012) and Group III (p = 0.039). For Group III (NSD-, HPSP+), TMD was determined higher compared to the control group (p = 0.009). A statistically higher value of presence of TMD was determined in Group II (NSD+, HPSP-) than control group (p = 0.029). The incidence of TMD was significantly higher in women than men (p = 0.020). We concluded that one having an unilateral obstructive nasal septal deviation in addition to a habit of sleeping in prone position must be alert for potential TMD.

A mechanistic investigation of thrombotic microangiopathy associated with IV abuse of Opana ER.

PubMed

Hunt, Ryan; Yalamanoglu, Ayla; Tumlin, James; Schiller, Tal; Baek, Jin Hyen; Wu, Andrew; Fogo, Agnes B; Yang, Haichun; Wong, Edward; Miller, Peter; Buehler, Paul W; Kimchi-Sarfaty, Chava

2017-02-16

Since 2012, a number of case reports have described the occurrence of thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA) following IV abuse of extended-release oxymorphone hydrochloride (Opana ER), an oral opioid for long-term treatment of chronic pain. Here, we present unique clinical features of 3 patients and investigate IV exposure to the tablet's inert ingredients as a possible causal mechanism. Guinea pigs were used as an animal model to understand the hematopathologic and nephrotoxic potential of the inert ingredient mixture (termed here as PEO+) which primarily contains high-molecular-weight polyethylene oxide (HMW PEO). Microangiopathic hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia, and acute kidney injury were found in a group of 3 patients following recent injection of adulterated extended-release oxymorphone tablets. Varying degrees of cardiac involvement and retinal ischemia occurred, with TMA evident on kidney biopsy. A TMA-like state also developed in guinea pigs IV administered PEO+. Acute tubular and glomerular renal injury was accompanied by nonheme iron deposition and hypoxia-inducible factor-1α upregulation in the renal cortex. Similar outcomes were observed following dosing with HMW PEO alone. IV exposure to the inert ingredients in reformulated extended-release oxymorphone can elicit TMA. Although prescription opioid abuse shows geographic variation, all physicians should be highly inquisitive of IV drug abuse when presented with cases of TMA.

Quantum mechanical calculation of aqueuous uranium complexes: carbonate, phosphate, organic and biomolecular species

PubMed Central

Kubicki, James D; Halada, Gary P; Jha, Prashant; Phillips, Brian L

2009-01-01

Background Quantum mechanical calculations were performed on a variety of uranium species representing U(VI), U(V), U(IV), U-carbonates, U-phosphates, U-oxalates, U-catecholates, U-phosphodiesters, U-phosphorylated N-acetyl-glucosamine (NAG), and U-2-Keto-3-doxyoctanoate (KDO) with explicit solvation by H2O molecules. These models represent major U species in natural waters and complexes on bacterial surfaces. The model results are compared to observed EXAFS, IR, Raman and NMR spectra. Results Agreement between experiment and theory is acceptable in most cases, and the reasons for discrepancies are discussed. Calculated Gibbs free energies are used to constrain which configurations are most likely to be stable under circumneutral pH conditions. Reduction of U(VI) to U(IV) is examined for the U-carbonate and U-catechol complexes. Conclusion Results on the potential energy differences between U(V)- and U(IV)-carbonate complexes suggest that the cause of slower disproportionation in this system is electrostatic repulsion between UO2 [CO3]35- ions that must approach one another to form U(VI) and U(IV) rather than a change in thermodynamic stability. Calculations on U-catechol species are consistent with the observation that UO22+ can oxidize catechol and form quinone-like species. In addition, outer-sphere complexation is predicted to be the most stable for U-catechol interactions based on calculated energies and comparison to 13C NMR spectra. Outer-sphere complexes (i.e., ion pairs bridged by water molecules) are predicted to be comparable in Gibbs free energy to inner-sphere complexes for a model carboxylic acid. Complexation of uranyl to phosphorus-containing groups in extracellular polymeric substances is predicted to favor phosphonate groups, such as that found in phosphorylated NAG, rather than phosphodiesters, such as those in nucleic acids. PMID:19689800

Sensory interaction on static balance: a comparison concerning the history of falls of community-dwelling elderly.

PubMed

Ricci, Natalia Aquaroni; de Faria Figueiredo Gonçalves, Daniele; Coimbra, Arlete Maria Valente; Coimbra, Ibsen Bellini

2009-06-01

To determine whether elderly subjects with distinct histories of falls presented differences concerning the influence of sensory interaction on balance. Cross-sectional research. Ninety-six community-dwelling elderly subjects were divided into three groups, according to the history of falls within the past year (group 1, no falls; group 2, one fall; and group 3, recurrent falls). The Clinical Test of Sensory Interaction and Balance was used to evaluate the influence of sensory inputs on standing balance. The test required the subject to maintain stability during 30 s, under six conditions: (i) firm surface with eyes open; (ii) firm surface with eyes closed; (iii) firm surface with visual conflict; (iv) unstable surface with eyes open; (v) unstable surface with eyes closed; and (vi) unstable surface with visual conflict. The time expended on conditions and the number of abnormal cases were compared between groups. Each group was evaluated in relation to its performance in the progression of conditions. More abnormal cases occurred in group 3 compared to group 1 for conditions (iv) and (v); and compared to group 2 for condition (iv). Group 3 remained less time than group 1 under conditions (iv), (v) and (vi). Groups 1, 2 and 3 presented relevant decrements in trial duration from conditions (iv) to (v). For group 3, a significant decay was also noted from condition (i) to (ii). Sensorial interaction in the elderly varies according to their history of falls. Thus, it is possible to correctly guide the rehabilitation process and to prevent sensorial decays according to an individual's history of falls.

Hospital-based financial analysis of endovascular therapy and intravenous thrombolysis for large vessel acute ischemic strokes: the 'bottom line'.

PubMed

Rai, Ansaar T; Evans, Kim

2015-02-01

Economic viability is important to any hospital striving to be a comprehensive stroke center. An inability to recover cost can strain sustained delivery of advanced stroke care. To carry out a comparative financial analysis of intravenous (IV) recombinant tissue plasminogen activator and endovascular (EV) therapy in treating large vessel strokes from a hospital's perspective. Actual hospital's charges, costs, and payments were analyzed for 265 patients who received treatment for large vessel strokes. The patients were divided into an EV (n=141) and an IV group (n=124). The net gain/loss was calculated as the difference between payments received and the total cost. The charges, costs, and payments were significantly higher for the EV than the IV group (p<0.0001 for all). Medicare A was the main payer. Length of stay was inversely related to net gain/loss (p<0.0001). Favorable outcome was associated with a net gain of $3853 (±$21,155) and poor outcome with a net deficit of $2906 (±$15,088) (p=0.003). The hospital showed a net gain for the EV group versus a net deficit for the IV group in patients who survived the admission (p=0.04), had a favorable outcome (p=0.1), or were discharged to home (p=0.03). There was no difference in the time in hospital based on in-hospital mortality for the EV group but patients who died in the IV group had a significantly shorter length of stay than those who survived (p=0.04). The favorable outcome of 42.3% in the EV group was significantly higher than the 29.4% in the IV group (p=0.03). Endovascular therapy was associated with better outcomes and higher cost-recovery than IV thrombolysis in patients with large vessel strokes. Published by the BMJ Publishing Group Limited. For permission to use (where not already granted under a licence) please go to http://group.bmj.com/group/rights-licensing/permissions.

In vivo tissue response and durability of five novel synthetic polymers in a rabbit model.

PubMed

Sahin, E; Cingi, C; Eskiizmir, G; Altintoprak, N; Calli, A; Calli, C; Yilgör, I; Yilgör, E

2016-04-01

Alloplastic materials are frequently used in facial plastic surgeries such as rhinoplasty and nasal reconstruction. Unfortunately, the ideal alloplastic material has not been found. This experimental study evaluates the tissue response and durability of five novel polymers developed as an alloplastic material. In this experimental study involving a tertiary university hospital, six subcuticular pockets were formed at the back of 10 rabbits for the implantation of each polymer and sham group. Each pocket was excised with its adjacent tissue after three months, and collected for histopathological examination. Semi-quantitative examination including neovascularisation, inflammation, fibrosis, abscess formation, multinucleated foreign body giant cells was performed, and integrity of polymer was evaluated. A statistical comparison was performed. No statically significant difference was detected in neovascularisation, inflammation, fibrosis, abscess formation and multinucleated foreign body giant cells when a paired comparison between sham and polymer II, III and IV groups was performed individually. Nevertheless, the degree of fibrosis was less than sham group in polymer I (p = .027) and V (p = .018), although the other variables were almost similar. The integrity of polymers III (9 intact, 1 fragmented) and IV (8 intact, 2 absent) was better than the other polymers. These novel synthetic polymers could be considered as good candidates for clinical applicability. All polymers provided satisfactory results in terms of tissue response; however, fibrovascular integration was higher in polymers II, III and IV. In addition, the durability of polymer III and IV was better than the others. © Copyright by Società Italiana di Otorinolaringologia e Chirurgia Cervico-Facciale, Rome, Italy.

Graded core/shell semiconductor nanorods and nanorod barcodes

DOEpatents

Alivisatos, A Paul [Oakland, CA; Scher, Erik C [San Francisco, CA; Manna, Liberato [Palo Del Collie, IT

2009-05-19

Disclosed herein is a graded core/shell semiconductor nanorod having at least a first segment of a core of a Group II-VI, Group III-V or a Group IV semiconductor, a graded shell overlying the core, wherein the graded shell comprises at least two monolayers, wherein the at least two monolayers each independently comprise a Group II-VI, Group III-V or a Group IV semiconductor.

[New classification of Crowe type IV developmental dysplasia of the hip].

PubMed

Ma, Hai-yang; Zhou, Yong-gang; Zheng, Chong; Cao, Wen-zhe; Wang Sen; Wu, Wen-ming; Piao, Shang; Du, Yin-qiao

2016-02-01

To compare differences between Crowe IV developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) with secondary acetabulum and Crowe IV DDH without secondary acetabulum,and determine whether it is necessary to divide Crowe IV DDH into two subtypes. From June 2007 to May 2015,145 hips of 112 Crowe N patients who underwent total hip arthroplasty (THA) using S-ROM stem were divided into two groups: secondary acetabulum formaton group (group A) and no secondary acetabulum formaton group (group B). In group A,there were 12 females, 96 males,with an average age of (39.38 ± 11.19) years old. In group B, there were 2 females, 35 males, with an average age of (38.19 ± 10.92) years old. All the patients were evaluated by using Harris Hip Score. Radiographic evaluations were made preoperatively and during follow up. The differences between two groups were compared on dislocation height, canal flare index (CFI), subtrochanteric shortening osteotomy (SSTO) usage, pre- and post-operation Harris scores, complications. The dislocation height for group A was (4.74 ± 1.57) cm, while the dislocation height for group B was (3.12 ± 1.15) cm. Significantly difference was detected between two groups. The CFI for group A was 2.69 ± 0.68, while the CFI for group B was 3.42 ± 0.79, and the significantly difference was detected between two groups. Harris scores were totally improved from 58.18 ± 15.67 preoperatively to 91.20 ± 3.79 post-operatively and the difference was significant. Pre-operative Harris scores was 58.1 ± 15.3 in group A, 58.3 ± 16.9 in group B. Post-operative Harris scores was 91.0 ± 4.1 in group A, 91.0 ± 5.1 in group B. No significant difference was found on Harris scores between A and B preoperatively and post-operatively. Complications of 4 cases peri-prosthesis fracture, 4 cases dislocation and 4 cases nerve injury occur in group A; While only one case dislocation and one case nerve injury occur in group B. No statistical significance was detected. Crowe IV DDH with secondary acetabulum is significantly different from Crowe IV DDH without secondary acetabulum on dislocation height and femoral morphology, which causes the different selections of surgical techniques (SSTO usage or not). These important differences in fundamental parameters indicate the necessity to further divide Crowe IV DDH into IVA and IVB two subtypes.

Influence of pre- or intraoperational use of tramadol (preemptive or preventive analgesia) on tramadol requirement in the early postoperative period.

PubMed

Wordliczek, Jerzy; Banach, Marcin; Garlicki, Jarosław; Jakowicka-Wordliczek, Joanna; Dobrogowski, Jan

2002-01-01

The aim of this study was to assess the influence of iv tramadol on opioid requirement in the early postoperative period. The subjects were 90 patients scheduled for colon surgery (hemicolectomy) who received general anesthesia using the (N2O/O2) isoflurane technique. Thirty patients (group I) were administered 100 mg of tramadol iv before induction of general anesthesia (preemptive analgesia). Group II (30 patients) was administered 100 mg of tramadol iv immediately after peritoneal closure (preventive analgesia) and control group (30 patients) received 100 mg of tramadol iv immediately after operation. Following the operation, all patients were administered tramadol in the PCA-iv mode in order to treat postoperative pain. In the postoperative period, the following parameters were measured: pain intensity (using VAS), total consumption of tramadol, time until the first PCA activation, and frequency of side effects (drowsiness, nausea, vomiting). In patients of groups I and II who had received preemptive or preventive analgesia, a significantly lower total consumption of tramadol, as compared with control group, was observed in the early postoperative period. However, the time until the first PCA activation was significantly shorter in group I as compared to the other two groups. No significant differences between the groups were found regarding pain intensity and frequency of side effects.

Elastomeric enriched biodegradable polyurethane sponges for critical bone defects: a successful case study reducing donor site morbidity.

PubMed

Lavrador, Catarina; Mascarenhas, Ramiro; Coelho, Paulo; Brites, Cláudia; Pereira, Alfredo; Gogolewski, Sylwester

2016-03-01

Bone substitutes have been a critical issue as the natural source can seldom provide enough bone to support full healing. No bone substitute complies with all necessary functions and characteristics that an autograft does. Polyurethane sponges have been used as a surgical alternative to cancellous bone grafts for critical bone defect donor sites. Critical bone defects were created on the tibial tuberosity and iliac crest using an ovine model. In group I (control-untreated), no bone regeneration was observed in any animal. In group II (defects left empty but covered with a microporous polymeric membrane), the new bone bridged the top ends in all animals. In groups III and IV, bone defects were implanted with polyurethane scaffolds modified with biologically active compounds, and bone regeneration was more efficient than in group II. In groups III and IV there were higher values of bone regeneration specific parameters used for evaluation (P < 0.05) although the comparison between these groups was not possible. The results obtained in this study suggest that biodegradable polyurethane substitutes modified with biologically active substances may offer an alternative to bone graft, reducing donor site morbidity associated with autogenous cancellous bone harvesting.

Effect of gamma-hydroxybutyric acid on tissue Na+,K- ATPase levels after experimental head trauma.

PubMed

Yosunkaya, A; Ustün, M E; Bariskaner, H; Tavlan, A; Gürbilek, M

2004-05-01

A failure of the Na(+),K(+)-ATPase activity (which is essential for ion flux across the cell membranes) occurs in many pathological conditions and may lead to cell dysfunction or even cell death. By altering the concentration of specific opioid peptides, gamma-hydroxybutyric acid (GHB) may change ion flux across cell membranes and produce the 'channel arrest' which we assumed will inhibit the failure of Na+,K(+)-ATPase activity and therefore lead to energy conservation and cell protection. Therefore we planned this study to see the effects of GHB at two different doses on Na(+),K(+)-ATPase activity in an experimental head trauma model. Forty New Zealand rabbits were divided equally into four groups: group I was the sham-operated group, group II (untreated group), group III received head trauma and intravenous (i.v.) 500 mg/kg GHB and group IV received head trauma and i.v. 50 mg/kg GHB. Head trauma was delivered by performing a craniectomy over the right hemisphere and dropping a weight of 10 g from a height of 80 cm. The non-traumatized (left) side was named as 'a' and the traumatized (right) side as 'b'. One hour after the trauma in groups II and III and craniotomy in group I, brain cortices were resected from both sides and in group I only from the right side was the tissue Na-K-ATPase activity determined. The mean +/- SD of Na(+),K(+)-ATPase levels of each group are as follows: group I - 5.97 +/- 0.55; group IIa - 3.90 +/- 1.08; group IIb - 3.58 +/- 0.90; group IIIa - 5.53 +/- 0.60; group IIIb - 5.33 +/- 0.88; group IVa - 5.05 +/- 0.72; group IVb - 4.93 +/- 0.67. The Na(+),K(+)-ATPase levels of group IIa, IIb, IVa and IVb were significantly different from group S (P < 0.05). There were also significant differences between group IIa and groups IIIa and IVa; group IIb and groups IIIb and IVb (P < 0.05). We conclude that GHB is effective in suppressing the decrease in Na(+),K(+)-ATPase levels in brain tissue at two different dose schedules after head trauma.

High doses of garlic extract significantly attenuated the ratio of serum LDL to HDL level in rat-fed with hypercholesterolemia diet.

PubMed

Ebrahimi, Tahereh; Behdad, Behnoosh; Abbasi, Maryam Agha; Rabati, Rahman Ghaffarzadegan; Fayyaz, Amir Farshid; Behnod, Vahid; Asgari, Ali

2015-06-20

Hypercholesterolemia is associated with an increased risk of heart disease. In this study, we investigated the antihyperlipidemic effects of garlic (Allium sativum L.) in rat models of hypercholesterolemic. Wistar male rats were randomly divided into 4 diet groups with garlic supplementation. Male Wistar rats were fed by standard pellet diet (group I), standard diet supplemented with 4% garlic (group II), lipogenic diet (containing sunflower oil, cholesterol and ethanol) equivalent to 200 mg raw garlic/kg body weight (raw) (group III) and lipogenic diet equivalent to 400 mg raw garlic/kg body weight (raw) (group IV). Rats fed 400 g/kg garlic extract(GE), had a significantly lower concentration of serum low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) cholesterol and elevated HDL -C cholesterol at day 28 (P < 0.05).In addition,serum levels of LDL-C was lower in the III and IV group than those in the IV group (P < 0.001 for each). However, cholesterol efflux capacity was positively correlated with HDL cholesterol concentration (P < 0 · 0001). It was also directly correlated with garlic supplementation (P < 0 · 0001). Together Taken, the results are clearly indicative of the beneficial effects of garlic in reducing lateral side effects of hyperlipidemia. Our data demonstrate that GE has protective effects on HDL in rats with high LDL intake. Therefore, it could be used to remedy hypercholesterolemia with help reduce risk of coronary heart disease The virtual slide(s) for this article can be found here: http://www.diagnosticpathology.diagnomx.eu/vs/1834155749171141.

Does Internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy (iCBT) prevent major depressive episode for workers? A 12-month follow-up of a randomized controlled trial.

PubMed

Imamura, K; Kawakami, N; Furukawa, T A; Matsuyama, Y; Shimazu, A; Umanodan, R; Kawakami, S; Kasai, K

2015-07-01

In this study we investigated whether an Internet-based computerized cognitive behavioral therapy (iCBT) program can decrease the risk of DSM-IV-TR major depressive episodes (MDE) during a 12-month follow-up of a randomized controlled trial of Japanese workers. Participants were recruited from one company and three departments of another company. Those participants who did not experience MDE in the past month were randomly allocated to intervention or control groups (n = 381 for each). A 6-week, six-lesson iCBT program was provided to the intervention group. While the control group only received the usual preventive mental health service for the first 6 months, the control group was given a chance to undertake the iCBT program after a 6-month follow-up. The primary outcome was a new onset of DSM-IV-TR MDE during the 12-month follow-up, as assessed by means of the web version of the WHO Composite International Diagnostic Interview (CIDI), version 3.0 depression section. The intervention group had a significantly lower incidence of MDE at the 12-month follow-up than the control group (Log-rank χ2 = 7.04, p < 0.01). The hazard ratio for the intervention group was 0.22 (95% confidence interval 0.06-0.75), when estimated by the Cox proportional hazard model. The present study demonstrates that an iCBT program is effective in preventing MDE in the working population. However, it should be noted that MDE was measured by self-report, while the CIDI can measure the episodes more strictly following DSM-IV criteria.

Probiotics Supplemented with Omega-3 Fatty Acids are More Effective for Hepatic Steatosis Reduction in an Animal Model of Obesity.

PubMed

Kobyliak, Nazarii; Falalyeyeva, Tetyana; Bodnar, Petro; Beregova, Tetyana

2017-06-01

Today probiotics have been suggested as a treatment for the prevention of NAFLD. Omega-3 fatty acid supplementation may have beneficial effects in regulating hepatic lipid metabolism, adipose tissue function and inflammation. The present study was designed to determine whether probiotics plus omega-3 are superior to probiotics alone on the monosodium glutamate (MSG)-induced NAFLD model in rats. We included 60 rats divided into four groups, 15 animals in each. Rats of group I were intact. Newborn rats of groups II-IV were injected with MSG. The III (Symbiter) group received 2.5 ml/kg of multiprobiotic "Symbiter" containing concentrated biomass of 14 probiotic bacteria genera. The IV (Symbiter-Omega) groups received "Symbiter-Omega" combination of probiotic biomass supplemented with flax and wheat germ oil (250 mg of each, concentration of omega-3 fatty acids 1-5 %). In both interventional groups reduction in total NAS score was observed. Supplementation of alive probiotic mixture with omega-3 fatty acids lead to 20 % higher decrease in steatosis score (0.73 ± 0.11 vs 0.93 ± 0.22, p = 0.848) and reduction by 16.6 % of triglycerides content in liver as compared to probiotic alone. Our study demonstrated more pronounced reduction in hepatic steatosis and hepatic lipid accumulation after treatment with combination of alive probiotics and omega-3 as compared to probiotics alone.

Intrathecal morphine for postoperative pain control following robot-assisted prostatectomy: a prospective randomized trial.

PubMed

Bae, Junyeol; Kim, Hyun-Chang; Hong, Deok Man

2017-08-01

Robot-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy (RALP) is minimally invasive surgery, but also causes moderate to severe pain during the immediate postoperative period. We evaluated the efficacy and safety of intrathecal morphine (ITM) for postoperative pain control in patients undergoing RALP. Thirty patients scheduled for RALP were randomly assigned into one of two groups. In the ITM group (n = 15), postoperative pain was managed using 300 µg intrathecal morphine with intravenous patient-controlled analgesia (IV-PCA). In the IV-PCA group (n = 15), only intravenous patient-controlled analgesia was used. The numerical pain score (NPS; 0 = no pain, 100 = worst pain imaginable), postoperative IV-PCA requirements and opioid-related complications including nausea, vomiting, dizziness, headache and pruritus were compared between the two groups. The NPSs on coughing were 20 (IQR 10-50) in the ITM group and 60 (IQR 40-80) in the IV-PCA group at postoperative 24 h (p = 0.001). The NPSs were significantly lower in the ITM group up to postoperative 24 h. The ITM group showed less morphine consumption at postoperative 24 h in the ITM group than in the IV-PCA group [5 (IQR 3-15) mg vs 17 (IQR 11-24) mg, p = 0.001]. Complications associated with morphine were comparable between the two groups and respiratory depression was not reported in either group. Intrathecal morphine provided more satisfactory analgesia without serious complications during the early postoperative period in patients undergoing RALP.

Effects of low-level laser therapy on stem cells from human exfoliated deciduous teeth.

PubMed

Fernandes, Ana Paula; Junqueira, Marina de Azevedo; Marques, Nádia Carolina Teixeira; Machado, Maria Aparecida Andrade Moreira; Santos, Carlos Ferreira; Oliveira, Thais Marchini; Sakai, Vivien Thiemy

2016-01-01

This study aimed to evaluate the influence of different laser therapy energy densities on SHED viability and proliferation. SHED were irradiated according to the groups: I (1.2 J/cm2 - 0.5 mW - 10 s), II (2.5 J/cm2 - 10 mW - 10 s), III (3.7 J/cm2 - 15 mW - 10 s), IV (5.0 J/cm2 - 20 mW - 10 s), V (6.2 J/cm2 - 25 mW - 10 s), and VI (not irradiated - control group). Cell viability was assessed 6 and 24 h after irradiation measuring the mitochondrial activity and using the Crystal Violet assay. Cell proliferation was assessed after 24, 48, and 72 h of irradiation by SRB assay. MTT assay demonstrated differences from 6 to 24 hours after irradiation. After 24 h, groups I and IV showed higher absorbance values than those of control group. Crystal Violet assay showed statistically differences in the absorbance rate from 6 to 24 h after irradiation for groups III and VI. At 24 h after irradiation, Group III absorbance rate was greater than that of groups I, II, and IV. Group VI absorbance rate was greater than that of groups I and IV. SRB assay showed that the group I had higher rates than those of groups II, III, V, and VI, at 24 h after irradiation. After 48 h, group I exhibited the greatest cell proliferation rate followed by groups III, V, and VI. After 72 h, group III exhibited the lowest cell proliferation rate than those of groups II, IV, and V. The Low-Level Laser Therapy energy densities used in this study did not cause loss of cell viability and stimulated SHED proliferation within the parameters described in this study.

Clues to evolution of the SERA multigene family in 18 Plasmodium species.

PubMed

Arisue, Nobuko; Kawai, Satoru; Hirai, Makoto; Palacpac, Nirianne M Q; Jia, Mozhi; Kaneko, Akira; Tanabe, Kazuyuki; Horii, Toshihiro

2011-03-15

SERA gene sequences were newly determined from 11 primate Plasmodium species including two human parasites, P. ovale and P. malariae, and the evolutionary history of SERA genes was analyzed together with 7 known species. All have one each of Group I to III cysteine-type SERA genes and varying number of Group IV serine-type SERA genes in tandem cluster. Notably, Group IV SERA genes were ascertained in all mammalian parasite lineages; and in two primate parasite lineages gene events such as duplication, truncation, fragmentation and gene loss occurred at high frequency in a manner that mimics the birth-and-death evolution model. Transcription profile of individual SERA genes varied greatly among rodent and monkey parasites. Results support the lineage-specific evolution of the Plasmodium SERA gene family. These findings provide further impetus for studies that could clarify/provide proof-of-concept that duplications of SERA genes were associated with the parasites' expansion of host range and the evolutionary conundrums of multigene families in Plasmodium.

Randomized Prospective Trial Comparing the Use of Intravenous versus Oral Acetaminophen in Total Joint Arthroplasty.

PubMed

Politi, Joel R; Davis, Richard L; Matrka, Alexis K

2017-04-01

Multimodal pain management has had a significant effect on improving total joint arthroplasty recovery and patient satisfaction. There is literature supporting that intravenous (IV) acetaminophen reduces postoperative pain and narcotic use in the total joint population. However, there are no studies comparing the effectiveness of IV vs oral (PO) acetaminophen as part of a standard multimodal perioperative pain regimen. One hundred twenty patients undergoing hip and knee arthroplasty surgeries performed by one joint arthroplasty surgeon were prospectively randomized into 2 groups. Group 1 (63 patients) received IV and group 2 (57 patients) received PO acetaminophen in addition to a standard multimodal perioperative pain regimen. Each group received 1 gram of acetaminophen preoperatively and then every 6 hours for 24 hours. Total narcotic use and visual analog scale (VAS) scores were collected every 4 hours postoperatively. The 24-hour average hydromorphone equivalents given were not different between groups (3.71 vs 3.48) at 24 hours (P = .76), or at any of the individual 4-hour intervals. The 24-hour average visual analog scale scores in group 1 (IV) was 3.00 and in group 2 (PO) was 3.40 (P = .06). None of the 4-hour intervals were significantly different except the first interval (0-4 hour postoperatively), which favored the IV group (P = .03). The use of IV acetaminophen may have a role when given intraoperatively to reduce the immediate pain after surgery. Following that, it does not provide a significant benefit in reducing pain or narcotic use when compared with the much less expensive PO form. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Impact of Postoperative Intravenous Acetaminophen on Opioid Requirements and Pain Scores Following Gynecologic Procedures.

PubMed

Stoudenmire, Laura G; Norman, Christy M; Latif, Erin Z

2016-10-01

This study aims to assess the impact of postoperative intravenous (IV) acetaminophen on opioid requirements and pain scores in patients following gynecologic procedures. A retrospective cohort study of patients undergoing gynecologic procedures was conducted to assess the impact of adding scheduled IV acetaminophen to postoperative analgesic regimens. The control group consisted of patients admitted prior to formulary addition of IV acetaminophen; the study group consisted of patients admitted after formulary addition of IV acetaminophen who received scheduled IV acetaminophen for at least the first 24 hours postoperatively. Opioid requirements 0 to 24 hours postoperatively served as the primary end point. Secondary end points included average pain score, cumulative acetaminophen dose, nonopioid analgesic requirements, and rate of adverse events 0 to 24 hours postoperatively. One hundred and thirty-seven patients who underwent a gynecologic procedure from January 2009 to April 2013 were included in this study. Baseline characteristics were similar between the groups. In the first 24 hours postoperatively, there was no difference in opioid requirements between the groups (21 mg [interquartile range, IQR, 15-39.8 mg] vs 32.6 mg [IQR, 16.75-41 mg], P = 0.150). The average pain score and incidence of adverse events did not differ between the 2 groups. Postoperative administration of IV acetaminophen did not provide a significant opioid-sparing effect in patients undergoing gynecologic procedures. © The Author(s) 2015.

The Use of Immersive Visualization for the Control of Dental Anxiety During Oral Debridement.

PubMed

Padrino-Barrios, Carmelo; McCombs, Gayle; Diawara, Norou; De Leo, Gianluca

2015-12-01

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of Immersive Visualization (IV) eyewear on anxious, adult patients during oral debridement. Thirty adult volunteers (n=23 females; n=7 males) were enrolled in the study. Participants were required to be 18 years or older, exhibit at least moderate anxiety (score 9 or higher) on the Corah's Dental Anxiety Scale-Revised (DAS-R), and be generally healthy. Individuals were excluded from participation if they presented with severe dental calculus, periodontal disease, or dental caries, were taking psychotropic drugs, had a history of convulsive disorders, vertigo, or equilibrium disorders, or required antibiotic pre-medication. Subjects received a full mouth oral prophylaxis (supra- and subgingival scaling and selective polishing) by a single experienced dental hygienist. A split mouth design was utilized whereby each subject served as their own control. Subjects were randomly divided into 2 groups: Group A used IV eyewear during the first one-half of the appointment (right side of the mouth) and Group B used IV eyewear during the second one-half of the appointment (left side of the mouth). At screening, medical and dental histories were obtained, full mouth oral examinations were performed, and DAS-R was scored to determine eligibility. At baseline, the DAS-R was re-scored to validate anxiety levels. The Calmness Scale was scored pre- and post-IV treatment on a Likert scale ranging from 1 (very calm) to 7 (less calm). At the end of the study, subjects completed a Post IV Opinion survey. Data were entered into Microsoft Excel for Mac 2011 (Microsoft Corporation Version 14.3.5) and analyzed using SAS® 9.3 statistical software. Thirty subjects with a mean age of 29.9 years completed the study. Data analysis indicated no statistically significant difference between Group A and B with regard to mean DAS-R anxiety levels at baseline (3.15 and 2.40, respectively), with a p-value of 0.07. Data showed a significant difference when comparing the calmness mean scores within Group A pre- and post-IV treatments (4.66 and 2.93, respectively), with a p-value 0.01. Within Group B the data revealed a statistically significant difference between pre- and post-IV treatments (p<0.01, 4.33 and 2.13, respectively). Both treatment groups experienced a decrease in anxiety levels from pre to post IV treatments. Moreover, combined mean calmness scores of the 30 subjects (Group A and B) expressed in mean standard deviation showed there was a decrease from 4.50±1.31 in pre-IV treatment to 2.53±1.17 in post-IV treatment. Further investigation of the data showed that there was a significant correlation between calmness and gender; females reported higher levels of anxiety than men before and after IV treatment. Results from this study support the use of IV eyewear as an effective technique to reduce anxiety in adults during oral debridement. The use of the IV eyewear was well received by all subjects. The portable, affordable and easy-to-operate IV system makes this technique an appealing approach of reducing dental anxiety. Copyright © 2015 The American Dental Hygienists’ Association.

Comparison of Morphine, Morphine-Lidocaine, and Morphine-Lidocaine-Ketamine Infusions in Dogs Using an Incision-Induced Pain Model.

PubMed

Chiavaccini, Ludovica; Claude, Andrew K; Meyer, Robert E

We aimed to compare antinociceptive effects of IV infusions of morphine (M), morphine-lidocaine (ML), or morphine-lidocaine-ketamine (MLK) combined, in a mild-to-moderate pain model in dogs. Eighteen adult hounds were heavily sedated with IV morphine (0.2 mg/kg) and dexmedetomidine to undergo thoracic skin incisions. After reversal, dogs were randomly assigned to receive loading doses of lidocaine and ketamine (MLK), lidocaine and saline (ML), or equivalent volume of saline (M), followed by 18 hr constant infusions of morphine (0.12 mg/kg/hr), lidocaine (3 mg/kg/hr) and ketamine (0.6 mg/kg/hr); morphine (0.12 mg/kg/hr) and lidocaine (3 mg/kg/hr); or morphine (0.12 mg/kg/hr), respectively. Pain was assessed with Short Form Glasgow Composite Measure Pain Scale and mechanical nociception with von Frey filaments (VFFS). Data were analyzed with linear mixed model on ranks. Independently of treatment, Short Form Glasgow Composite Measure Pain Scale was significantly higher than baseline for 24 hr (p < .0001), while VFFS was significantly lower than baseline for 48 hr post-recovery (p < .0001), with no difference between MLK and M groups. The ML group recorded significantly lower VFFS (p = .02) than the M group for the entire study. In conclusion, there was no significant analgesic difference between MLK and M alone.

Comparison of time to loss of consciousness and maintenance of anesthesia following intraosseous and intravenous administration of propofol in rabbits.

PubMed

Mazaheri-Khameneh, Ramin; Sarrafzadeh-Rezaei, Farshid; Asri-Rezaei, Siamak; Dalir-Naghadeh, Bahram

2012-07-01

To compare time to loss of consciousness (LOC) and effective maintenance of anesthesia following intraosseous (IO) and IV administration of propofol in rabbits. Evaluation study. 24 New Zealand White rabbits. Rabbits were selected to receive IO (n = 6) or IV (6) bolus administration of 1% propofol (12.5 mg/kg [5.67 mg/lb]) only or an identical bolus of propofol IO (6) or IV (6) followed by a constant rate infusion (CRI; 1 mg/kg/min [0.45 mg/lb/min]) by the same route for 30 minutes. Physiologic variables were monitored at predetermined time points; time to LOC and durations of anesthesia and recovery were recorded. Following IO and IV bolus administration, mean time to LOC was 11.50 and 7.83 seconds, respectively; changes in heart rate, respiratory rate, oxygen saturation (as measured by pulse oximetry), and mean arterial blood pressure values were evident, but findings did not differ between groups. For the IO- and IV-CRI groups, propofol-associated changes in heart rate, oxygen saturation, and mean arterial blood pressure values were similar, and although mean arterial blood pressure decreased significantly from baseline, values remained > 60 mm Hg; respiratory rate decreased significantly during CRI in both groups, but remained higher in the IO-CRI group. Anesthesia and recovery time did not differ between the IO- and IV-CRI groups. In all evaluated aspects of anesthesia, IO administration of propofol was as effective as IV administration in rabbits. Results suggested that total IO anesthesia can be performed in rabbits with limited vascular access.

Effect of Isometric Hand Grip Exercises on Blood Flow and Placement of IV Catheters for Administration of Chemotherapy.

PubMed

Ozkaraman, Ayse; Yesilbalkan, Öznur Usta

2016-04-01

Complications may occur in the subcutaneous or subdermal tissues during IV administration of chemotherapy related to blood flow and catheter placement. Daily isometric hand grip exercises were evaluated for their effect on blood flow in the vessels of the nondominant arm before placement of IV catheters and the success rate of IV catheter placement on the first attempt. The study focused on patients with non-Hodgkin lymphoma receiving the first and second cycles of chemotherapy. The intervention group performed daily isometric hand grip exercises before chemotherapy with peripheral catheter insertion. The control group performed routine activities only. Blood flow was measured by ultrasound in the brachial artery (BA) and brachial vein (BV) of the nondominant arm before the first (T1) and second (T2) cycles of chemotherapy. Blood flow slightly increased in the intervention group at T2 compared to T1. In the control group, blood flow decreased in the BA and did not change in the BV at T2 compared to T1. The success rate for first-attempt placement of a peripheral IV catheter was the same for the intervention and control groups.

Pediatric procedural sedation with ketamine: time to discharge after intramuscular versus intravenous administration.

PubMed

Ramaswamy, Preeti; Babl, Franz E; Deasy, Conor; Sharwood, Lisa N

2009-02-01

Ketamine is an attractive agent for pediatric procedural sedation. There are limited data on time to discharge comparing intramuscular (IM) vs. intravenous (IV) ketamine. The authors set out to determine whether IM or IV ketamine leads to quicker discharge from the emergency department (ED) and how side effect profiles compare. All patients who had received ketamine IM or IV at a tertiary children's hospital ED during the 3-year study period (2004-2007) were identified. Prospective sedation registry data, retrospective medical records, and administrative data were reviewed for drug dosages, use of additional agents, time of drug administration to discharge, total ED time (triage to discharge), and adverse events. A subgroup analysis for patients requiring five or fewer sutures (short suture group) was performed. A total of 229 patients were enrolled (60% male) with median age of 2.8 years (IQR =1.8-4.3 years) and median weight of 15.7 kg (range = 8.7-74 kg). Ketamine was most frequently employed for laceration repair (80%) and foreign body removal (9%). Overall, 48% received ketamine IM and 52% received it IV. In the short-suture subgroup, 52% received ketamine IM, while 48% received it IV. Multivariate linear regression analysis determined time from drug administration to patient discharge as 21 minutes shorter for IV compared with IM administration, adjusted for age and number of additional doses (R(2) = -0.35; 95% CI = -0.5 to -0.19; p < 0.001). Total time in the ED (triage to discharge) comparing IV versus IM administration, adjusting for age and gender and number of additional doses, was not significantly different (p = 0.16). In the short-suture subgroup, time to discharge from administration was also shorter in the IV ketamine group (R(2) = -0.454; 95%CI = -0.66 to -0.25; p < 0.001) but similar for total time in ED (p = 0.16). Overall, adverse events occurred in 35% (95% CI = 27% to 45%) of the IM group and 20% (95% CI = 13% to 28%) of the IV group (p = 0.01). Only one patient required brief bag-mask ventilation. In this institution, time from drug injection to discharge was shorter in the IV compared to IM ketamine group, both overall and for the short-suture group. However, time from triage to discharge was similar.

BC4GO: a full-text corpus for the BioCreative IV GO Task

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Gene function curation via Gene Ontology (GO) annotation is a common task among Model Organism Database (MOD) groups. Due to its manual nature, this task is time-consuming and labor-intensive, and thus considered one of the bottlenecks in literature curation. There have been many previous attempts a...

Energy Analysis Research Staff | Energy Analysis | NREL

Science.gov Websites

303-275-3725 Augustine, Chad Researcher V-Systems Engineering Chad.Augustine@nrel.gov 303-384-7382 Researcher IV-Model Engineering Clayton.Barrows@nrel.gov 303-275-3921 Beiter, Philipp Energy Markets and Engineering Gregory.Brinkman@nrel.gov 303-384-7390 Brodt-Giles, Deborah Group Manager III-Data Science

Optimal Route for Human Umbilical Cord Blood-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cell Transplantation to Protect Against Neonatal Hyperoxic Lung Injury: Gene Expression Profiles and Histopathology.

PubMed

Sung, Dong Kyung; Chang, Yun Sil; Ahn, So Yoon; Sung, Se In; Yoo, Hye Soo; Choi, Soo Jin; Kim, Soo Yoon; Park, Won Soon

2015-01-01

The aim of this study was to determine the optimal route of mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) transplantation. To this end, gene expression profiling was performed to compare the effects of intratracheal (i.t.) versus intravenous (i.v.) MSC administration. Furthermore, the therapeutic efficacy of each route to protect against neonatal hyperoxic lung injury was also determined. Newborn Sprague-Dawley rats were exposed to hyperoxia (90% oxygen) from birth for 14 days. Human umbilical cord blood-derived MSCs labeling with PKH26 were transplanted through either the i.t. (5×10(5)) or i.v. (2×10(6)) route at postnatal day (P) 5. At P14, lungs were harvested for histological, biochemical and microarray analyses. Hyperoxic conditions induced an increase in the mean linear intercept and mean alveolar volume (MAV), indicative of impaired alveolarization. The number of ED-1 positive cells was significantly decreased by both i.t. and i.v. transplantations. However, i.t. administration of MSCs resulted in a greater decrease in MAV and ED-1 positive cells compared to i.v. administration. Moreover, the number of TUNEL-positive cells was significantly decreased in the i.t. group, but not in the i.v. group. Although the i.t. group received only one fourth of the number of MSCs that the i.v. group did, a significantly higher number of donor cell-derived red PKH 26 positivity were recovered in the i.t. group. Hyperoxic conditions induced the up regulation of genes associated with the inflammatory response, such as macrophage inflammatory protein-1 α, tumor necrosis factor-α and inter leukin-6; genes associated with cell death, such as p53 and caspases; and genes associated with fibrosis, such as connective tissue growth factor. In contrast, hyperoxic conditions induced the dwon-regulation of vascular endothelial growth factor and hepatocyte growth factor. These hyperoxia-induced changes in gene expression were decreased in the i.t. group, but not in the i.v. group. Thus, local i.t. MSC transplantation was more effective than systemic i.v. MSC administration in protecting against neonatal hyperoxic lung injury.

Optimal Route for Human Umbilical Cord Blood-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cell Transplantation to Protect Against Neonatal Hyperoxic Lung Injury: Gene Expression Profiles and Histopathology

PubMed Central

Ahn, So Yoon; Sung, Se In; Yoo, Hye Soo; Choi, Soo Jin; Kim, Soo Yoon; Park, Won Soon

2015-01-01

The aim of this study was to determine the optimal route of mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) transplantation. To this end, gene expression profiling was performed to compare the effects of intratracheal (IT) versus intravenous (IV) MSC administration. Furthermore, the therapeutic efficacy of each route to protect against neonatal hyperoxic lung injury was also determined. Newborn Sprague-Dawley rats were exposed to hyperoxia (90% oxygen) from birth for 14 days. Human umbilical cord blood-derived MSCs labeling with PKH26 were transplanted through either the IT (5×105) or IV (2×106) route at postnatal day (P) 5. At P14, lungs were harvested for histological, biochemical and microarray analyses. Hyperoxic conditions induced an increase in the mean linear intercept and mean alveolar volume (MAV), indicative of impaired alveolarization. The number of ED-1 positive cells was significantly decreased by both IT and IV transplantations. However, IT administration of MSCs resulted in a greater decrease in MAV and ED-1 positive cells compared to IV administration. Moreover, the number of TUNEL-positive cells was significantly decreased in the IT group, but not in the IV group. Although the IT group received only one fourth of the number of MSCs that the IV group did, a significantly higher number of donor cell-derived red PKH 26 positivity were recovered in the IT group. Hyperoxic conditions induced the up regulation of genes associated with the inflammatory response, such as macrophage inflammatory protein-1 α, tumor necrosis factor-α and inter leukin-6; genes associated with cell death, such as p53 and caspases; and genes associated with fibrosis, such as connective tissue growth factor. In contrast, hyperoxic conditions induced the dwon-regulation of vascular endothelial growth factor and hepatocyte growth factor. These hyperoxia-induced changes in gene expression were decreased in the IT group, but not in the IV group. Thus, local IT MSC transplantation was more effective than systemic IV MSC administration in protecting against neonatal hyperoxic lung injury. PMID:26305093

Selective reinnervation: a comparison of recovery following microsuture and conduit nerve repair.

PubMed

Evans, P J; Bain, J R; Mackinnon, S E; Makino, A P; Hunter, D A

1991-09-20

Selective reinnervation was studied by comparing the regeneration across a conventional neurorraphy versus a conduit nerve repair. Lewis rats underwent right sciatic nerve transection followed by one of four different nerve repairs (n = 8/group). In groups I and II a conventional neurorraphy was performed and in groups III and IV the proximal and distal stumps were coapted by use of a silicone conduit with an interstump gap of 5 mm. The proximal and distal stumps in groups I and III were aligned anatomically correct and the proximal stump was rotated 180 degrees in groups II and IV (i.e. proximal peroneal nerve opposite the distal tibial nerve and the proximal tibial nerve opposite the distal peroneal nerve). By 14 weeks, there was an equivalent, but incomplete return in sciatic function index (SFI) in groups I, III, and IV as measured by walking track analysis. However, the SFI became unmeasurable by 6 weeks in all group II animals. At 14 weeks, the percent innervation of the tibialis anterior and medial gastronemius muscles by the peroneal and tibial nerves respectively was estimated by selective compound muscle action potential amplitude recordings. When fascicular alignment was reversed, there was greater tibial (P = 0.02) and lesser peroneal (P = 0.005) innervation of the gastrocnemius muscle in the conduit (group IV) versus the neurorraphy (group II) group. This suggests that the gastrocnemius muscle may be selectively reinnervated by the tibial nerve. However, there was no evidence of selective reinnervation of the tibialis anterior muscle. Despite these differences, the functional recovery in both conduit repair groups (III and IV) was equivalent to a correctly aligned microsuture repair (group I) and superior to that in the incorrectly aligned microsuture repair (group II).

Effect of piracetam and nimodipine on full-thickness skin burns in rabbits.

PubMed

Sari, Elif; Dincel, Gungor C

2016-08-01

The potential of several drugs for full-thickness skin burns has been investigated, but the treatment of such burns remains a challenge in plastic surgery. The present study was designed to determine the effect of systemic and topical administration of piracetam and nimodipine on full-thickness skin burn wound healing. A total of 36 New Zealand male rabbits were divided into six groups. Full-thickness skin burns were produced in all the groups, except the control group. Piracetam was administered systemically (piracetam-IV) and topically (piracetam-C) for 14 days, and nimodipine was administered systemically (nimodipine-IV) and topically (nimodipine-C) over the burn wounds for 14 days. The sham group underwent burn injury but was not administered any drug. After 21 days, gross examination and histopathological analysis were performed and the results were compared statistically. Nimodipine-C and nimodipine-IV had no effect on burn wound healing. However, both piracetam-IV and piracetam-C significantly enhanced the healing of the full-thickness skin burn wounds, although the latter was more effective, useful and practical in burn wound healing. The histopathological features of the wounds in the piracetam-C group were closer to those of the control group than those of the other groups. Piracetam-C rather than piracetam-IV may promote full-thickness burn wound healing in rabbits. © 2015 Medicalhelplines.com Inc and John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Volumetric analysis of hand, reciprocating and rotary instrumentation techniques in primary molars using spiral computed tomography: An in vitro comparative study.

PubMed

Jeevanandan, Ganesh; Thomas, Eapen

2018-01-01

This present study was conducted to analyze the volumetric change in the root canal space and instrumentation time between hand files, hand files in reciprocating motion, and three rotary files in primary molars. One hundred primary mandibular molars were randomly allotted to one of the five groups. Instrumentation was done using Group I; nickel-titanium (Ni-Ti) hand file, Group II; Ni-Ti hand files in reciprocating motion, Group III; Race rotary files, Group IV; prodesign pediatric rotary files, and Group V; ProTaper rotary files. The mean volumetric changes were assessed using pre- and post-operative spiral computed tomography scans. Instrumentation time was recorded. Statistical analysis to access intergroup comparison for mean canal volume and instrumentation time was done using Bonferroni-adjusted Mann-Whitney test and Mann-Whitney test, respectively. Intergroup comparison of mean canal volume showed statistically significant difference between Groups II versus IV, Groups III versus V, and Groups IV versus V. Intergroup comparison of mean instrumentation time showed statistically significant difference among all the groups except Groups IV versus V. Among the various instrumentation techniques available, rotary instrumentation is the considered to be the better instrumentation technique for canal preparation in primary teeth.

BRCA1 expression and improved survival in ovarian cancer patients treated with intraperitoneal cisplatin and paclitaxel: a Gynecologic Oncology Group Study.

PubMed

Lesnock, J L; Darcy, K M; Tian, C; Deloia, J A; Thrall, M M; Zahn, C; Armstrong, D K; Birrer, M J; Krivak, T C

2013-04-02

Breast cancer 1, early onset (BRCA1) is a tumour-suppressor gene associated with familial epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC). Reduced BRCA1 expression is associated with enhanced sensitivity to platinum-based chemotherapy. We sought to examine the prognostic relevance of BRCA1 expression in EOC patients treated with intraperitoneal platinum/taxane. The GOG-172 was a phase III, multi-institutional randomised trial of intravenous paclitaxel and cisplatin (IV therapy) vs intravenous paclitaxel, intraperitoneal cisplatin plus paclitaxel (IP therapy) in patients with optimally resected stage III EOC. The BRCA1 expression was assessed with immunohistochemistry (IHC) staining blinded to clinical outcome in archival tumour specimens. Slides with 10% staining were defined as aberrant and >10% as normal. Correlations between BRCA1 expression and progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were analysed using Kaplan-Meier method and Cox regression analysis. Of the 393 patients, 189 tumours had aberrant expression, and 204 had normal BRCA1 expression. There was an interaction between BRCA1 expression and route of administration on OS (P=0.014) but not PFS (P=0.054). In tumours with normal BRCA1 expression, the median OS was 58 months for IP group vs 50 months for IV group (P=0.818). In tumours with aberrant BRCA1 expression, the median OS was 84 vs 47 months in the IP vs IV group, respectively (P=0.0002). Aberrant BRCA1 expression was an independent prognostic factor for better survival in women randomised to IP therapy (hazard ratio (HR)=0.67, 95% confidence interval (CI)=0.47-0.97, P=0.032). Similar survival was observed in the IV and IP patients with normal BRCA1 expression. Multivariate but not univariate modelling demonstrated that IV patients with aberrant vs normal BRCA1 expression had worse survival. Decreased BRCA1 expression is associated with a 36-month survival improvement in patients with EOC treated with IP chemotherapy. Although these results merit validation in future studies, the results suggest that decreased BRCA1 expression predicts for improved response to cisplatin-based IP chemotherapy with cisplatin and paclitaxel.

Efficacy of a near-infrared light device in pediatric intravenous cannulation: a randomized controlled trial.

PubMed

Perry, Andrew M; Caviness, Alison Chantal; Hsu, Deborah C

2011-01-01

To determine whether the use of a near-infrared light venipuncture aid (VeinViewer; Luminetx Corporation, Memphis, Tenn) would improve the rate of successful first-attempt placement of intravenous (IV) catheters in a high-volume pediatric emergency department (ED). Patients younger than 20 years with standard clinical indications for IV access were randomized to have IV placement by ED nurses (in 3 groups stratified by 5-year blocks of nursing experience) using traditional methods (standard group) or with the aid of the near-infrared light source (device group). If a vein could not be cannulated after 3 attempts, patients crossed over from one study arm to the other, and study nurses attempted placement with the alternative technique. The primary end point was first-attempt success rate for IV catheter placement. After completion of patient enrollment, a questionnaire was completed by study nurses as a qualitative assessment of the device. A total of 123 patients (median age, 3 years) were included in the study: 62 in the standard group and 61 in the device group. There was no significant difference in first-attempt success rate between the standard (79.0%, 95% confidence interval [CI], 66.8%-88.3%) and device (72.1%, 95% CI, 59.2%-82.9%) groups. Of the 19 study nurses, 14 completed the questionnaire of whom 70% expressed neutral or unfavorable assessments of the device in nondehydrated patients without chronic underlying medical conditions and 90% found the device a helpful tool for patients in whom IV access was difficult. First-attempt success rate for IV placement was nonsignificantly higher without than with the assistance of a near-infrared light device in a high-volume pediatric ED. Nurses placing IVs did report several benefits to use of the device with specific patient groups, and future research should be conducted to demonstrate the role of the device in these patients.

Hepatoprotective effect of Leucophyllum frutescens on Wistar albino rats intoxicated with carbon tetrachloride.

PubMed

Balderas-Renteria, Isaías; Camacho-Corona, Maria Del Rayo; Carranza-Rosales, Pilar; Lozano-Garza, Hector G; Castillo-Nava, Dalila; Alvarez-Mendoza, Francisco J; Tamez-Cantú, Elsa M

2007-01-01

Many hepatoprotective herbal preparations have been recommended in alternative systems of medicine for the treatment of hepatic disorders. No systematic study has been done on protective efficacy of Leucophyllum frutescens to treat hepatic diseases. Protective action of L. frutescens methanol extract (obtained by maceration) was evaluated in an animal model of hepatotoxicity induced by carbon tetrachloride (CCl(4)). Wistar albino rats were divided into five groups. Group I was normal control group; Groups II-V received CCl(4). After inducing hepatic damage, Group II served as control CCl(4); Group III was given silymarin as reference hepatoprotective; and Groups IV and V received different doses of plant extract. Liver marker enzymes were assayed in serum. Samples of livers were observed under microscope for the histopathological changes. Levels of marker enzymes such as alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) were increased significantly in CCl(4) treated rats (Group II). Groups IV and V intoxicated with CCl(4) and treated with L. frutescens methanol extract significant decreased the activities of these two enzymes. Also these groups resulted in less pronounced destruction of the liver architecture, there is not fibrosis and have moderate inflammation compared with Group II. The present study scientifically validated the traditional use of L. frutescens for liver disorders. In conclusion the methanol extract of L. frutescens aerial parts could be an important source of hepatoprotective compounds.

Salen- Zr(IV) complex grafted into amine-tagged MIL-101(Cr) as a robust multifunctional catalyst for biodiesel production and organic transformation reactions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hassan, Hassan M. A.; Betiha, Mohamed A.; Mohamed, Shaimaa K.; El-Sharkawy, E. A.; Ahmed, Emad A.

2017-08-01

The synthesis of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), porous coordination polymers with functional groups has received immense interest due to the functional groups can offer desirable properties and allow post-synthetic modification. Herein, for the first time, Zr(IV)-Sal Schiff base complex incorporated into amino-functionalized MIL-101(Cr) framework by salicylaldehyde condensing to amino group, and coordinating Zr(IV) ion have been successfully synthesized. The worthiness of the synthesized material as a catalyst has been examined for the esterification of oleic acid (free fatty acid) with methanol producing biodiesel (methyl oleate), Knoveonagel condensation reaction of aldehydes and Friedel-Crafts acylation of anisole. Our findings demonstrated that Salen-Zr(IV) grafted to framework of NH2-MIL-101(Cr) as a solid acid catalyst exhibited distinct catalytic performance for the production of biodiesel by esterification of oleic acid with methanol, Knoveonagel condensation and Friedel-Crafts acylation. These could be attributed to high surface area which allow high distribution of Zr(IV) species lead to a sufficient contact with the reactants species. Furthermore, the catalyst showed excellent recycling efficiency due to the strong interaction between the Zr(IV) ions and chelating groups in the NH2-MIL-101(Cr)-Sal.

Anisotropic planar Heisenberg model of the quantum heterobimetallic zigzag chains with bridged ReIV-CuII magnetic complexes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sobczak, P.; Barasiński, A.; Kamieniarz, G.; Drzewiński, A.

2011-12-01

An anisotropic quantum planar Heisenberg model is proposed and thoroughly analyzed within the numerical density-matrix renormalization group approach. The model takes into account the site-dependent alternating directions of the local coordination system for the ReIV ions and both the axial and the rhombic single-ion anisotropy terms. Thermodynamic properties of a simpler collinear model without the rhombic term and its Ising counterpart as well as some previous approximations for ReIV-ion-containing compounds are discussed to point out the importance of quantum effects and deficiencies of classical approaches. For the noncollinear model with the alternating uniaxial local z axis tilted by the angle θ from the global chain axis formed by copper ions, some symmetries for the single-crystal susceptibilities are found. In the strong-anisotropy limit some striking maxima in the corresponding single-crystal χT products are revealed and their relation to the experimental determination of the anisotropy parameters is emphasized. Some cases to which the collinear model for zigzag chains is fully applicable are indicated. Finally, fitting the reference experimental data for a powder sample of given chloro- and cyanobridged zigzag chains, the weaker magnetic coupling and the uniaxial single-ion anisotropy term parameters have been found. The corrected value of the ferromagnetic interaction parameter implies that for the cyanobridge compound the record of the highest superexchange through cyanide has not been beaten.

Comparison of intravenous versus topical tranexamic acid in total knee arthroplasty: a prospective randomized study.

PubMed

Patel, Jay N; Spanyer, Jonathon M; Smith, Langan S; Huang, Jiapeng; Yakkanti, Madhusudhan R; Malkani, Arthur L

2014-08-01

The purpose of this study was to compare the efficacy of topical Tranexamic Acid (TXA) versus Intravenous (IV) Tranexamic Acid for reduction of blood loss following primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA). This prospective randomized study involved 89 patients comparing topical administration of 2.0g TXA, versus IV administration of 10mg/kg. There were no differences between the two groups with regard to patient demographics or perioperative function. The primary outcome measure, perioperative change in hemoglobin level, showed a decrease of 3.06 ± 1.02 in the IV group and 3.42 ± 1.07 in the topical group (P = 0.108). There were no statistical differences between the groups in preoperative hemoglobin level, lowest postoperative hemoglobin level, or total drain output. One patient in the topical group required blood transfusion (P = 0.342). Based on our study, topical Tranexamic Acid has similar efficacy to IV Tranexamic Acid for TKA patients. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Diagnostic orphans: comparing self-report lifetime course to groups with DSM-IV alcohol abuse and dependence.

PubMed

McBride, Orla; Adamson, Gary; Bunting, Brendan; McCann, Siobhan

2009-01-01

Research has highlighted the significant alcohol symptoms and mental health problems experienced by diagnostic orphans - individuals who experience 1-2 criteria of DSM-IV alcohol dependence but do not meet the criteria for a DSM-IV alcohol use disorder. This study used a sub-sample (n=34827) from the National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions (NESARC), and formed mutually exclusive groups to compare the self-report retrospective course of diagnostic orphans to individuals with DSM-IV abuse and dependence. Multinomial logistic regressions were conducted to examine the associations between the groups and a range of demographic and clinical variables. Collectively, the findings demonstrate that diagnostic orphans shared similar characteristics to the abuse and dependence groups, but appeared to experience specific comorbid mental health problems. Orphan status has the potential to be a persistent condition and may result in significant dysfunction. In conclusion, diagnostic orphans represent a distinct group that may benefit from cost-effective treatment or intervention, designed to prevent the escalation of alcohol symptoms.

40 CFR Appendix IV to Part 600 - Sample Fuel Economy Labels for 2008 and Later Model Year Vehicles

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... 40 Protection of Environment 29 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false Sample Fuel Economy Labels for 2008 and Later Model Year Vehicles IV Appendix IV to Part 600 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (CONTINUED) ENERGY POLICY FUEL ECONOMY AND CARBON-RELATED EXHAUST EMISSIONS OF MOTOR VEHICLES Pt. 600, App. IV Appendix IV to Part 600...

The role of single immediate loading implant in long Class IV Kennedy mandibular partial denture.

PubMed

Mohamed, Gehan F; El Sawy, Amal A

2012-10-01

The treatment of long-span Kennedy class IV considers a prosthodontic challenge. This study evaluated the integrity of principle abutments in long Kennedy class IV clinically and radiographically, when rehabilitated with conventional metallic partial denture as a control group and mandibular partial overdentures supported with single immediately loaded implant in symphyseal as a study group. Twelve male patients were divided randomly allotted into two equal groups. First group patients received removable metallic partial denture, whereas in the second group, patients received partial overdentures supported with single immediately loaded implant in symphyseal region. The partial dentures design in both groups was the same. Long-cone paralleling technique and transmission densitometer were used at the time of denture insertion, 3, 6, and 12 months. Gingival index, bone loss, and optical density were measured for principle abutments during the follow-up. A significant reduction in bone loss and density were detected in group II comparing with group I. Gingival index had no significant change (p-value < 0.05). A single symphyseal implant in long span class IV Kennedy can play a pivotal role to improve the integrity of the principle abutments and alveolar bone support. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Effect of Different Anti-Oxidants on Shear Bond Strength of Composite Resins to Bleached Human Enamel

PubMed Central

Saladi, Hari Krishna; Bollu, Indira Priyadarshini; Burla, Devipriya; Ballullaya, Srinidhi Vishnu; Devalla, Srihari; Maroli, Sohani; Jayaprakash, Thumu

2015-01-01

Introduction The bond strength of the composite to the bleached enamel plays a very important role in the success and longevity of an aesthetic restoration. Aim The aim of this study was to compare and evaluate the effect of Aloe Vera with 10% Sodium Ascorbate on the Shear bond strength of composite resin to bleached human enamel. Materials and Methods Fifty freshly extracted human maxillary central incisors were selected and divided into 5 groups. Group I and V are unbleached and bleached controls groups respectively. Group II, III, IV served as experimental groups. The labial surfaces of groups II, III, IV, V were treated with 35% Carbamide Peroxide for 30mins. Group II specimens were subjected to delayed composite bonding. Group III and IV specimens were subjected to application of 10% Sodium Ascorbate and leaf extract of Aloe Vera following the Carbamide Peroxide bleaching respectively. Specimens were subjected to shear bond strength using universal testing machine and the results were statistically analysed using ANOVA test. Tukey (HSD) Honest Significant Difference test was used to comparatively analyse statistical differences between the groups. A p-value <0.05 is taken as statistically significant. Results The mean shear bond strength values of Group V showed significantly lower bond strengths than Groups I, II, III, IV (p-value <0.05). There was no statistically significant difference between the shear bond strength values of groups I, II, III, IV. Conclusion Treatment of the bleached enamel surface with Aloe Vera and 10% Sodium Ascorbate provided consistently better bond strength. Aloe Vera may be used as an alternative to 10% Sodium Ascorbate. PMID:26674656

Adipokine Profile in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Depends on Degree of Obesity

PubMed Central

Kocot, Joanna; Dziemidok, Piotr; Kiełczykowska, Małgorzata; Hordyjewska, Anna; Szcześniak, Grzegorz; Musik, Irena

2017-01-01

Background The fast pace of life, promoting fast food consumption and low physical activity, has resulted in obesity and/or diabetes as being serious social problems. The aim of the present study was to evaluate concentrations of selected adipokines (leptin, adiponectin, resistin, and visfatin) and to assess the leptin/adiponectin ratio in plasma of type 2 diabetes (T2D) patients in relation to degree of obesity. Material/Methods The study comprised 92 T2D subjects divided into 4 groups according to BMI value – I (normal body weight), II (overweight), III (obesity), and IV (severe obesity) – and 20 healthy volunteers (control group). Each group was divided into male and female subgroups. Plasma concentrations of adipokines were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results In women, leptin concentration was significantly higher in group IV, whereas in men it was higher in groups III and IV than in the control group and groups I and II. Irrespective of sex, a significant decrease in adiponectin level was observed in group III vs. control. There was no significant difference in resistin levels. In women visfatin was markedly enhanced in group III, whereas in men in groups II, III and IV vs. control. Leptin/adiponectin ratio was increased in groups III and IV vs. control in women, whereas in men vs. both control and group I. Conclusions The obese type 2 diabetic patients presented a disturbed adipokine profile, which seems to be an important link between obesity and T2D. The future studies concerning the question if regulating of adipokines’ concentrations could be a promising approach for managing metabolic disorders seem to be well-grounded. PMID:29049270

Prophylactic effects of intrathecal Meperidine and intravenous Ondansetron on shivering in patients undergoing lower extremity orthopedic surgery under spinal anesthesia

PubMed Central

Safavi, Mohammadreza; Honarmand, Azim; Negahban, Maryam; Attari, Mohammadali

2014-01-01

Objective: Intraoperative hypothermia is a common problem with anesthesia. Spinal anesthesia, the same as general anesthesia, affects the process of temperature regulation. The aim of this study was to compare the prophylactic effect of intravenous (IV) ondansetron with intrathecal (IT) meperidine on prevention of shivering during spinal anesthesia in patients underwent orthopedic surgery of the lower limb. Methods: In this study, 120 patients with American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status I to II, between the ages 16 and 65 were randomized into three groups. Group O and Group M were given IV ondansetron 8 mg and IT meperidine 0.2 mg/kg, before spinal anesthesia, respectively. Group C received IV saline 0.9%. The core and ambient temperatures, the incidence and intensity of shivering, blood pressure, heart rate, and maximum level of sensory block were recorded. Findings: Shivering was observed in 15%, 2.5%, and 37.5% of patients in Groups O, M, and C, respectively. There was a significant difference between Group O and M compared to Group C (P = 0.023 for Group O vs. Group C, P < 0.001 for Group M vs. Group C, P = 0.049 for Group M vs. Group O). Shivering incidence and intensity in Group M was significantly lower than Group O (P = 0.049 and P = 0.047, respectively). Twenty-two patients required additional IV meperidine among which 15 patients were from Group C (37.5%), six patients from Group O (15%) and one patient from Group M (2.5%). Conclusion: We concluded that IT meperidine and IV ondansetron comparably can decrease intensity and incidence of shivering compared to control group as well as decreasing the requirement to additional doses of meperidine for shivering the control without any hemodynamic side effect. PMID:25328899

Mitigating peroxynitrite mediated mitochondrial dysfunction in aged rat brain by mitochondria-targeted antioxidant MitoQ.

PubMed

Maiti, Arpan Kumar; Spoorthi, B C; Saha, Nimai Chandra; Panigrahi, Ashis Kumar

2018-05-17

Although reactive oxygen species mediated oxidative stress is a well-documented mechanism of aging, recent evidences indicate involvement of nitrosative stress in the same. As mitochondrial dysfunction is considered as one of the primary features of aging, the present study was designed to understand the involvement of nitrosative stress by studying the impact of a mitochondria-targeted antioxidant MitoQ, a peroxynitrite (ONOO - ) scavenger, on mitochondrial functions. Four groups of rats were included in this study: Group I: Young-6 months (-MitoQ), Group II: Aged-22 months (- MitoQ), Group III: Young-6 months (+ MitoQ), Group IV: Aged-22 months (+ MitoQ). The rats belonging to group III and IV were treated with oral administration of MitoQ (500 μM) daily through drinking water for 5 weeks. MitoQ efficiently suppressed synaptosomal lipid peroxidation and protein oxidation accompanied by diminution of nitrite production and protein bound 3-nitrotyrosine. MitoQ normalized enhanced caspase 3 and 9 activities in aged rat brains and efficiently reversed ONOO - mediated mitochondrial complex I and IV inhibition, restored mitochondrial ATP production and lowered mitochondrial membrane potential loss. To ascertain these findings, a mitochondrial in vitro model (iron/ascorbate) was used involving different free radical scavengers and anti-oxidants. MitoQ provided better protection compared to mercaptoethylguanidine, N-nitro-L-arginine-methyl ester and superoxide dismutase establishing the predominancy of ONOO - in the process compared to • NO and O 2 •- . These results clearly highlight the involvement of nitrosative stress in aging process with MitoQ having therapeutic potential to fight against ONOO - mediated aging deficits.

Comorbid Anxiety and Depression and Their Impact on Cardiovascular Disease in Type 2 Diabetes: The Fremantle Diabetes Study Phase II.

PubMed

Bruce, David G; Davis, Wendy A; Dragovic, Milan; Davis, Timothy M E; Starkstein, Sergio E

2016-10-01

The aims were to determine whether anxious depression, defined by latent class analysis (LCA), predicts cardiovascular outcomes in type 2 diabetes and to compare the predictive power of anxious depression with Diagnostic & Statistical Manual Versions IV and 5 (DSM-IV/5) categories of depression and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). Prospective observational study of 1,337 type 2 participants. Baseline assessment with the 9-item Patient Health Questionnaire and the GAD Scale; LCA-defined groups with minor or major anxious depression based on anxiety and depression symptoms. Cox modeling used to compare the independent impact of: (1) LCA anxious depression, (2) DSM-IV/5 depression, (3) GAD on incident cardiovascular events and deaths after 4 years. LCA minor and major anxious depression was present in 21.9 and 7.8% of participants, respectively, DSM-IV/5 minor and major depression in 6.2 and 6.1%, respectively, and GAD in 4.8%. There were 110 deaths, 31 cardiovascular deaths, and 199 participants had incident cardiovascular events. In adjusted models, minor anxious depression (Hazard ratio (95% confidence intervals): 1.70 (1.15-2.50)) and major anxious depression (1.90 (1.11-3.25)) predicted incident cardiovascular events and major anxious depression also predicted cardiovascular mortality (4.32 (1.35-13.86)). By comparison, incident cardiovascular events were predicted by DSM-IV/5 major depression (2.10 (1.22-3.62)) only and cardiovascular mortality was predicted by both DSM-IV/5 major depression (3.56 (1.03-12.35)) and GAD (5.92 (1.84-19.08)). LCA-defined anxious depression is more common than DSM-IV/5 categories and is a strong predictor of cardiovascular outcomes in type 2 diabetes. These data suggest that this diagnostic scheme has predictive validity and clinical relevance. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Ferulic acid combined with astragaloside IV protects against vascular endothelial dysfunction in diabetic rats.

PubMed

Yin, Yonghui; Qi, Fanghua; Song, Zhenhua; Zhang, Bo; Teng, Jialin

2014-08-01

Dysfunction of the endothelium is regarded as an important factor in the pathogenesis of vascular disease in diabetes mellitus (DM). Unfortunately, prevention of the progression of vascular complications of DM remains pessimistic. Ferulic acid and astragaloside IV, isolated from traditional Chinese medicine Angelica sinensis and Radix astragali respectively, exhibit potential cardio-protective and anti-hyperglycemic properties. In the present study, we investigated the protective effects and underlying mechanism of ferulic acid and astragaloside IV against vascular endothelial dysfunction in diabetic rats. After the diabetic rat model was established using streptozotocin, sixty rats were divided into 6 groups (control, model, ferulic acid, astragaloside IV, ferulic acid + astragaloside IV, and metformin) and treated for 10 weeks. Blood samples were collected to measure levels of hemoglobin A1c (HbAlc), triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), low density lipoproteins (Ox-LDL), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and creatinine (Cr), nitric oxide (NO) and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), and abdominal aorta tissue samples were collected for observing histological morphology changes of endothelium and detecting gene and protein expression of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) P65, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α). We found that ferulic acid combined with astragaloside IV was capable of improving the structure of the aortic endothelium wall, attenuating the increase of HbAlc, TG, TC, LDL-C and Ox-LDL, promoting the release of NO and eNOS, and inhibiting over-activation of MCP-1, TNF-α, and NF-κB P65, without damage to liver and kidney function. In conclusion, ferulic acid combined with astragaloside IV exhibited significant protective effects against vascular endothelial dysfunction in diabetic rats through the NF-κB pathway involving decrease of Ox-LDL, increase of NO and eNOS, and activation of NF-κB P65, MCP-1 and TNF-α.

Efficacy of induction therapy with ATG and intravenous immunoglobulins in patients with low-level donor-specific HLA-antibodies.

PubMed

Bächler, K; Amico, P; Hönger, G; Bielmann, D; Hopfer, H; Mihatsch, M J; Steiger, J; Schaub, S

2010-05-01

Low-level donor-specific HLA-antibodies (HLA-DSA) (i.e. detectable by single-antigen flow beads, but negative by complement-dependent cytotoxicity crossmatch) represent a risk factor for early allograft rejection. The short-term efficacy of an induction regimen consisting of polyclonal anti-T-lymphocyte globulin (ATG) and intravenous immunoglobulins (IvIg) in patients with low-level HLA-DSA is unknown. In this study, we compared 67 patients with low-level HLA-DSA not having received ATG/IvIg induction (historic control) with 37 patients, who received ATG/IvIg induction. The two groups were equal regarding retransplants, HLA-matches, number and class of HLA-DSA. The overall incidence of clinical/subclinical antibody-mediated rejection (AMR) was lower in the ATG/IvIg than in the historic control group (38% vs. 55%; p = 0.03). This was driven by a significantly lower rate of clinical AMR (11% vs. 46%; p = 0.0002). Clinical T-cell-mediated rejection (TCR) was significantly lower in the ATG/IvIg than in the historic control group (0% vs. 50%; p < 0.0001). Within the first year, allograft loss due to AMR occurred in 7.5% in the historic control and in 0% in the ATG/IvIg group. We conclude that in patients with low-level HLA-DSA, ATG/IvIg induction significantly reduces TCR and the severity of AMR, but the high rate of subclinical AMR suggests an insufficient control of the humoral immune response.

No infections in 1300 anterior cruciate ligament reconstructions with vancomycin pre-soaking of hamstring grafts.

PubMed

Phegan, Michael; Grayson, Jane E; Vertullo, Christopher J

2016-09-01

To investigate the pre-soaking of hamstring grafts in topical vancomycin, in addition to IV prophylaxis, during anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction to reduce the incidence of post-operative infection, and to describe an evidence-based diagnostic and treatment algorithm to facilitate early diagnosis and appropriate management of possible knee sepsis post-operatively after ACL reconstruction. This study is a controlled observational series comprising of 1585 individuals who underwent ACL reconstruction over a 13-year period. All surgeries were performed by a single surgeon at the same hospital. Group 1 consisted of 285 patients who received pre-operative IV antibiotics without topical graft pre-soaking. Group 2 consisted of 1300 individuals who received IV antibiotics and graft pre-soaking in a vancomycin solution of 5 mg/mL. In group 1, a total of four patients suffered a post-operative joint infection (1.4 %). Three out of the four were culture positive for Staphylococcus species. The fourth was culture negative but was managed as an acute infection. Group 2 suffered no post-operative infections (0 %). Statistical analysis of the vancomycin pre-soak with IV antibiotics group, compared with IV antibiotics-alone group, revealed a significantly reduced post-operative infection rate using a Fisher's exact test (P = 0.0011) and Chi-square test with Yates' correction (P = 0.0003). Pre-soaking of hamstrings grafts with topical vancomycin reduced the rate of post-operative infection when compared to IV antibiotics alone. This technique should be utilised by surgeons to reduce the overall incidence of knee sepsis post-ACL reconstruction. III.

Regulation of Hypothalamic Presympathetic Neurons and Sympathetic Outflow by Group II Metabotropic Glutamate Receptors in Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats.

PubMed

Ye, Zeng-You; Li, De-Pei; Pan, Hui-Lin

2013-08-01

Increased glutamatergic input in the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVN) plays an important role in the development of hypertension. Group II metabotropic glutamate receptors are expressed in the PVN, but their involvement in regulating synaptic transmission and sympathetic outflow in hypertension is unclear. Here, we show that the group II metabotropic glutamate receptors agonist (2S,2'R,3'R)-2-(2',3'-dicarboxycyclopropyl)glycine (DCG-IV) produced a significantly greater reduction in the frequency of spontaneous and miniature excitatory postsynaptic currents and in the amplitude of electrically evoked excitatory postsynaptic currents in retrogradely labeled spinally projecting PVN neurons in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs) than in normotensive control rats. DCG-IV similarly decreased the frequency of GABAergic inhibitory postsynaptic currents of labeled PVN neurons in the 2 groups of rats. Strikingly, DCG-IV suppressed the firing of labeled PVN neurons only in SHRs. DCG-IV failed to inhibit the firing of PVN neurons of SHRs in the presence of ionotropic glutamate receptor antagonists. Lowering blood pressure with celiac ganglionectomy in SHRs normalized the DCG-IV effect on excitatory postsynaptic currents to the same level seen in control rats. Furthermore, microinjection of DCG-IV into the PVN significantly reduced blood pressure and sympathetic nerve activity in SHRs. Our findings provide new information that presynaptic group II metabotropic glutamate receptor activity at the glutamatergic terminals increases in the PVN in SHRs. Activation of group II metabotropic glutamate receptors in the PVN inhibits sympathetic vasomotor tone through attenuation of increased glutamatergic input and neuronal hyperactivity in SHRs.

Effectiveness of external cold and vibration for procedural pain relief during peripheral intravenous cannulation in pediatric patients.

PubMed

Canbulat, Nejla; Ayhan, Fatma; Inal, Sevil

2015-02-01

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of external cold and vibration stimulation via Buzzy on the pain and anxiety level of children during peripheral intravenous (IV) cannulation. This study was a prospective, randomized controlled trial. The sample consisted of 176 children ages 7 to 12 years who were randomly assigned to two groups: a control group that received no peripheral IV cannulation intervention and an experimental group that received external cold and vibration via Buzzy. The same nurse conducted the peripheral IV cannulation in all the children, and the same researcher applied the external cold and vibration to all the children. The external cold and the vibration were applied 1 minute before the peripheral IV cannulation procedure and continued until the end of the procedure. Preprocedural anxiety was assessed using the Children's Fear Scale, along with reports by the children, their parents, and an observer. Procedural anxiety was assessed with the Children's Fear Scale and the parents' and the observer's reports. Procedural pain was assessed using the Wong Baker Faces Scale and the visual analog scale self-reports of the children. Preprocedural anxiety did not differ significantly. Comparison of the two groups showed significantly lower pain and anxiety levels in the experimental group than in the control group during the peripheral IV cannulation. Buzzy can be considered to provide an effective combination of coldness and vibration. This method can be used during pediatric peripheral IV cannulation by pediatric nurses. Copyright © 2015 American Society for Pain Management Nursing. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Comparison of the effects of IV administration of meloxicam, carprofen, and flunixin meglumine on prostaglandin E(2) concentration in aqueous humor of dogs with aqueocentesis-induced anterior uveitis.

PubMed

Gilmour, Margi A; Payton, Mark E

2012-05-01

To compare the effects of meloxicam, carprofen, and flunixin meglumine administered IV on the concentration of prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2)) in the aqueous humor of dogs with aqueocentesis-induced anterior uveitis. 15 adult dogs with ophthalmically normal eyes. Each dog was assigned to 1 of 4 treatment groups. Treatment groups were saline (0.9% NaCl) solution (1 mL, IV), meloxicam (0.2 mg/kg, IV), carprofen (4.4 mg/kg, IV), and flunixin meglumine (0.5 mg/kg, IV). Each dog was anesthetized, treatment was administered, and aqueocentesis was performed on each eye at 30 and 60 minutes after treatment. Aqueous humor samples were frozen at -80°C until assayed for PGE(2) concentration with an enzyme immunoassay kit. For all 4 treatment groups, PGE(2) concentration was significantly higher in samples obtained 60 minutes after treatment, compared with that in samples obtained 30 minutes after treatment, which indicated aqueocentesis-induced PGE(2) synthesis. For aqueous humor samples obtained 60 minutes after treatment, PGE(2) concentration did not differ significantly among groups treated with saline solution, meloxicam, and carprofen; however, the PGE(2) concentration for the group treated with flunixin meglumine was significantly lower than that for each of the other 3 treatment groups. Flunixin meglumine was more effective than meloxicam or carprofen for minimizing the PGE(2) concentration in the aqueous humor of dogs with experimentally induced uveitis. Flunixin meglumine may be an appropriate pre-medication for use prior to intraocular surgery in dogs.

Correlations between skin hydration parameters and corneocyte-derived parameters to characterize skin conditions.

PubMed

Masaki, Hitoshi; Yamashita, Yuki; Kyotani, Daiki; Honda, Tatsuya; Takano, Kenichi; Tamura, Toshiyasu; Mizutani, Taeko; Okano, Yuri

2018-03-30

Skin hydration is generally assessed using the parameters of skin surface water content (SWC) and trans-epidermal water loss (TEWL). To date, few studies have characterized skin conditions using correlations between skin hydration parameters and corneocyte parameters. The parameters SWC and TEWL allow the classification of skin conditions into four distinct Groups. The purpose of this study was to assess the characteristics of skin conditions classified by SWC and TEWL for correlations with parameters from corneocytes. A human volunteer test was conducted that measured SWC and TEWL. As corneocyte-derived parameters, the size and thick abrasion ratios, the ratio of sulfhydryl groups and disulfide bonds (SH/SS) and CP levels were analyzed. Volunteers were classified by their median SWC and TEWL values into 4 Groups: Group I (high SWC/low TEWL), Group II (high SWC/high TEWL), Group III (low SWC/low TEWL), and Group IV (low SWC/high TEWL). Group IV showed a significantly smaller size of corneocytes. Groups III and IV had significantly higher thick abrasion ratios and CP levels. Group I had a significantly lower SH/SS value. The SWC/TEWL value showed a decline in order from Group I to Group IV. Groups classified by their SWC and TEWL values showed characteristic skin conditions. We propose that the SWC and TEWL ratio is a comprehensive parameter to assess skin conditions. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Oxovanadium(IV)-catalysed oxidation of dibenzothiophene and 4,6-dimethyldibenzothiophene.

PubMed

Ogunlaja, Adeniyi S; Chidawanyika, Wadzanai; Antunes, Edith; Fernandes, Manuel A; Nyokong, Tebello; Torto, Nelson; Tshentu, Zenixole R

2012-12-07

The reaction between [V(IV)OSO(4)] and the tetradentate N(2)O(2)-donor Schiff base ligand, N,N-bis(o-hydroxybenzaldehyde)phenylenediamine (sal-HBPD), obtained by the condensation of salicylaldehyde and o-phenylenediamine in a molar ratio of 2 : 1 respectively, resulted in the formation of [V(IV)O(sal-HBPD)]. The molecular structure of [V(IV)O(sal-HBPD)] was determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction, and confirmed the distorted square pyramidal geometry of the complex with the N(2)O(2) binding mode of the tetradentate ligand. The formation of the polymer-supported p[V(IV)O(sal-AHBPD)] proceeded via the nitrosation of sal-HBPD, followed by the reduction with hydrogen to form an amine group that was then linked to Merrifield beads followed by the reaction with [V(IV)OSO(4)]. XPS and EPR were used to confirm the presence of oxovanadium(IV) within the beads. The BET surface area and porosity of the heterogeneous catalyst p[V(IV)O(sal-AHBPD)] were found to be 6.9 m(2) g(-1) and 180.8 Å respectively. Microanalysis, TG, UV-Vis and FT-IR were used for further characterization of both [V(IV)O(sal-HBPD)] and p[V(IV)O(sal-AHBPD)]. Oxidation of dibenzothiophene (DBT) and 4,6-dimethyldibenzothiophene (4,6-DMDBT) was investigated using [V(IV)O(sal-HBPD)] and p[V(IV)O(sal-AHBPD)] as catalysts. Progress for oxidation of these model compounds was monitored with a gas chromatograph fitted with a flame ionization detector. The oxidation products were characterized using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, microanalysis and NMR. Dibenzothiophene sulfone (DBTO(2)) and 4,6-dimethyldibenzothiophene sulfone (4,6-DMDBTO(2)) were found to be the main products of oxidation. Oxovanadium(IV) Schiff base microspherical beads, p[V(IV)O(sal-AHBPD)], were able to catalyse the oxidation of sulfur in dibenzothiophene (DBT) and 4,6-dimethyldibenzothiophene (4,6-DMDBT) to a tune of 88.0% and 71.8% respectively after 3 h at 40 °C. These oxidation results show promise for potential application of this catalyst in the oxidative desulfurization of crude oils.

The effects of sternal intraosseous and intravenous administration of amiodarone in a hypovolemic swine cardiac arrest model.

PubMed

Smith, Samuel; Borgkvist, Bradley; Kist, Teara; Annelin, Jason; Johnson, Don; Long, Robert

2016-01-01

This study compared the effects of amiodarone via sternal intraosseous (SIO) and intravenous (IV) routes on return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC), time to ROSC, concentration maximum (C max ), time to maximum concentration (T max ), and mean concentrations over time in a hypovolemic cardiac arrest model. Prospective, between subjects, randomized experimental design. TriService Research Facility. Yorkshire-cross swine (n = 28). Swine were anesthetized and placed into cardiac arrest. After 2 minutes, cardiopulmonary resuscitation was initiated. After an additional 2 minutes, amiodarone 300 mg was administered via the tibial intraosseous TIO or the IV route. Blood samples were collected over 5 minutes. The plasma concentrations were analyzed using high-performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry. ROSC, time to ROSC, C max , T max , and mean concentrations over time. A multivariate analyses of variance indicated that there were no significant differences in the SIO and IV groups in ROSC (p = 0.191), time to ROSC (p > 0.05), T max mean 88.1 ± 24.8 seconds versus 49.5 ± 21.8 seconds (p = 0.317), or C max mean 92,700 ± 161,112 ng/mL versus 64,159.8 ± 14,174.8 ng/mL (p = 0.260). A repeated analyses of variance indicated that there were no significant differences between the groups relative to concentrations over time (p > 0.05). The SIO provides rapid and reliable access to administer life-saving medications during cardiac arrest.

Is there any association between National Institute of Health category IV prostatitis and prostate-specific antigen levels in patients with low-risk localized prostate cancer?

PubMed

Doluoglu, Omer Gokhan; Ceylan, Cavit; Kilinc, Fatih; Gazel, Eymen; Resorlu, Berkan; Odabas, Oner

2016-01-01

We investigated the association between National Institute of Health category IV prostatitis and prostate-specific antigen levels in patients with low-risk localized prostate cancer. The data of 440 patients who had undergone prostate biopsies due to high PSA levels and suspicious digital rectal examination findings were reviewed retrospectively. The patients were divided into two groups based on the presence of accompanying NIH IV prostatitis. The exclusion criteria were as follows: Gleason score>6, PSA level>20ng/mL, >2 positive cores, >50% cancerous tissue per biopsy, urinary tract infection, urological interventions at least 1 week previously (cystoscopy, urethral catheterization, or similar procedure), history of prostate biopsy, and history of androgen or 5-alpha reductase use. All patient's age, total PSA and free PSA levels, ratio of free to total PSA, PSA density and prostate volume were recorded. In total, 101 patients were included in the study. Histopathological examination revealed only PCa in 78 (77.2%) patients and PCa+NIH IV prostatitis in 23 (22.7%) patients. The median total PSA level was 7.4 (3.5-20.0) ng/mL in the PCa+NIH IV prostatitis group and 6.5 (0.6-20.0) ng/mL in the PCa group (p=0.67). The PSA level was≤10ng/mL in 60 (76.9%) patients in the PCa group and in 16 (69.6%) patients in the PCa+NIH IV prostatitis group (p=0.32). Our study showed no statistically significant difference in PSA levels between patients with and without NIH IV prostatitis accompanying PCa.

Broadening of Generalized Anxiety Disorders Definition Does not Affect the Response to Psychiatric Care: Findings from the Observational ADAN Study

PubMed Central

Álvarez, Enrique; Carrasco, Jose L; Olivares, José M; López-Gómez, Vanessa; Vilardaga, Inma; Perez, María

2012-01-01

Objective: To elucidate the consequences of broadening DSM-IV criteria for generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), we examined prospectively the evolution of GAD symptoms in two groups of patients; one group diagnosed according to DSM-IV criteria and the other, according to broader criteria. Method: Multicentre, prospective and observational study conducted on outpatient psychiatric clinics. Patients were selected from October 2007 to January 2009 and diagnosed with GAD according to DSM-IV criteria (DSM-IV group) or broader criteria. Broader criteria were considered 1-month of excessive or non-excessive worry and only 2 of the associated symptoms listed on DSM-IV for GAD diagnosis. Socio-demographic data, medical history and functional outcome measures were collected three times during a 6-month period. Results: 3,549 patients were systematically recruited; 1,815 patients in DSM-IV group (DG) and 1,264 in broad group (BG); 453 patients did not fulfil inclusion criteria and were excluded. Most patients (87.9% in DG, 82.0% in BG) were currently following pharmacological therapies (mainly benzodiazepines) to manage their anxiety symptoms. The changes observed during the study were: 49.0% and 58.0%, respectively of patients without anxiety symptoms as per HAM-A scale at the 6 month visit (p=0.261) and 59.7% and 67.7%, respectively (p=0.103) of responder rates (> 50% reduction of baseline scoring). Conclusion: Broadening of GAD criteria does not seem to affect psychiatric care results in subjects with GAD, is able to identify the core symptoms of the disease according to the DSM-IV criteria and could lead to an earlier diagnosis. PMID:23173012

Ondansetron, orally disintegrating tablets versus intravenous injection for prevention of intrathecal morphine-induced nausea, vomiting, and pruritus in young males.

PubMed

Pirat, Arash; Tuncay, Senay F; Torgay, Adnan; Candan, Selim; Arslan, Gulnaz

2005-11-01

In this study we compared the efficacy of orally disintegrating tablets (ODT) and IV ondansetron for preventing spinal morphine-induced pruritus and postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) in healthy young male patients. Patients who received bupivacaine with 0.20 mg morphine for spinal anesthesia were randomly assigned to the ODT group (ODT ondansetron 8 mg, n = 50), the IV group (4 mg ondansetron IV, n = 50), or the placebo group (n = 50). Each individual was assessed for pruritus, postoperative nausea and vomiting, and pain at 0, 2, 6, 12, 18, and 24 h after surgery using three distinct visual analog scales. The frequencies of postoperative nausea and vomiting and frequencies of requirement for rescue antiemetic and antipruritic were recorded. There were no significant differences among the three groups with respect to incidence or severity of PONV or postoperative pain visual analog scale scores. The incidences of pruritus in the ODT (56%) and IV (66%) groups were significantly different from that in the placebo group (86%) (P < 0.02 for both). Only the ODT group had significantly lower mean pruritus visual analog scale scores at 0, 2, 6, and 12 h postsurgery than the placebo group (P < 0.023 for all). The frequency of requirement for rescue antipruritic was significantly less in the ODT group than the placebo group (P = 0.013). Both ODT ondansetron 8 mg and IV ondansetron 4 mg are more effective than placebo for preventing spinal morphine-induced pruritus, but neither form of this agent reduces spinal morphine-induced postoperative nausea and vomiting in this patient group.

Genetic Ablation of Apolipoprotein A-IV Accelerates Alzheimer's Disease Pathogenesis in a Mouse Model

PubMed Central

Cui, Yujie; Huang, Mingwei; He, Yingbo; Zhang, Shuyan; Luo, Yongzhang

2011-01-01

The link between lipoprotein metabolism and Alzheimer's disease (AD) has been established. Apolipoprotein A-IV (apoA-IV), a component of lipoprotein particles similar to apolipoprotein E, has been suggested to play an important role in brain metabolism. Although there are clinical debates on the function of its polymorphism in AD, the pathologic role of apoA-IV in AD is still unknown. Here, we report that genetic ablation of apoA-IV is able to accelerate AD pathogenesis in mice. In a mouse model that overexpresses human amyloid precursor protein (APP) and presenilin 1, genetic reduction of apoA-IV augments extracellular amyloid-β peptide (Aβ) burden and aggravates neuron loss in the brain. In addition, genetic ablation of apoA-IV also accelerates spatial learning deficits and increases the mortality of mice. We have found that apoA-IV colocalizes within Aβ plaques in APP/presenilin 1 transgenic mice and binds to Aβ in vitro. Subsequent studies show that apoA-IV in this model facilitates Aβ uptake in the Aβ clearance pathway mediated by astrocytes rather than the amyloidogenic pathway of APP processing. Taken together, we conclude that apoA-IV deficiency increases Aβ deposition and results in cognitive damage in the mouse model. Enhancing levels of apoA-IV may have therapeutic potential in AD treatment. PMID:21356380

[Comparison on Oral versus Intravenous Proton Pump Inhibitors for Prevention of Bleeding after Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection of Gastric Lesions].

PubMed

Jung, Yeoun Su; Kim, Kyeong Ok; Lee, Si Hyung; Jang, Byung Ik; Kim, Tae Nyeun

2016-02-01

Although intravenous proton pump inhibitor (PPI) has been used for the prevention of post endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) bleeding, the route of administration has not been confirmed. The aim of the present study was to compare the efficacy of intravenous and oral PPI administration for the prevention of delayed post ESD bleeding. Total 166 consecutive patients were randomly assigned to 30 mg lansoprazol twice a day (PO group) and 120 mg pantoprazole intravenous injection (IV group) for 48 hours. Finally, 65 patients in PO group and 87 patients in IV group were analyzed. After ESD, all patients underwent follow up endoscopy after 24 hours and were observed the symptoms of bleeding up to 60 days after ESD. Age, sex and use of anticoagulants were not different between groups. At follow up endoscopy after 24 hours, oozing and exposed vessel was noted in 4.6% of PO group and 8.0% of IV group and there was no significant difference. Delayed bleeding occurred in 4 of 65 patients (6.2%) in the PO group and 8 of 87 patients (9.2%) in the IV group (p>0.999). By multivariate analysis, oozing or exposed vessels at follow up endoscopy were risk factors for delayed bleeding (OR=17.5, p=0.022). There was no significant difference in the delayed bleeding, length of hospital stay according to the administration route. Bleeding stigmata at follow up endoscopy was risk factor of delayed bleeding. Oral PPI administration can cost-effectively replace IV PPI for prevention of post ESD bleeding.

Intravenous dexamethasone versus ketamine gargle versus intravenous dexamethasone combined with ketamine gargle for evaluation of post-operative sore throat and hoarseness: A randomized, placebo-controlled, double blind clinical trial

PubMed Central

Safavi, Mohammadreza; Honarmand, Azim; Fariborzifar, Arghavan; Attari, Mohammadali

2014-01-01

Background: Sore throat and hoarseness are the most frequent subjective complaints after tracheal intubation for general anesthesia. We conducted a prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled study to evaluate the efficacy of intravenous (IV) dexamethasone plus ketamine gargle for reducing the incidence and severity of post-operative sore throat (POST) and hoarseness. Materials and Methods: 140 patients (aged 16-65 year) scheduled for elective surgery were enrolled. Patients were randomly allocated into four groups of 35 subjects each: Group K, gargled 40 mg ketamine in 30 ml saline; Group D, were infused 0.2 mg/kg IV dexamethasone; Group KD, gargled 40 mg ketamine in 30 ml saline plus 0.2 mg/kg IV dexamethasone; Group P (placebo) that received saline (gargle and IV). POST was graded at 0, 2, 4, 8, 16 and 24 h after operation on a four-point scale (0-3). Results: The incidence and severity of POST were significantly lower in Group KD, compared with the other groups at all times after tracheal extubation for up to 24 h (P < 0.05). Also the incidence and severity of hoarseness were significantly lower in each Groups of KD and K and D compared with group placebo (P < 0.05). Conclusion: The prophylactic use of 0.2 mg/kg of IV dexamethasone plus ketamine gargle significantly reduced the incidence and severity of POST compared with using each of these drugs alone or using placebo. PMID:25371869

Direct Bandgap Group IV Materials

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-01-21

devices. In this project, we have accomplished (a) direct bandgap group IV materials of GeSn, (b) GeSn-based planar light - emitting diode operated at near...devices of planar light emitting diode , detector and laser ” 6/12/2015 PI and Co-PI information: - Name of Principal Investigators: Prof. H. H. Cheng...IV materials of GeSn, (b) GeSn-based planar light - emitting diode operated at near infrared with direct emission, and (c) the first planar

Viral kinetics in untreated versus treated acute HIV infection in prospective cohort studies in Thailand

PubMed Central

Ananworanich, Jintanat; Eller, Leigh Anne; Pinyakorn, Suteeraporn; Kroon, Eugene; Sriplenchan, Somchai; Fletcher, James LK; Suttichom, Duanghathai; Bryant, Christopher; Trichavaroj, Rapee; Dawson, Peter; Michael, Nelson; Phanuphak, Nittaya; Robb, Merlin L

2017-01-01

Abstract Introduction: The extent of viral replication during acute HIV infection (AHI) influences HIV disease progression. However, information comparing viral load (VL) kinetics with and without antiretroviral therapy (ART) in AHI is limited. The knowledge gained could inform preventive strategies aimed at reducing VL during AHI and therapeutic strategies to alter the viral kinetics that may enhance the likelihood of achieving HIV remission. Methods: The analysis utilized VL data captured during the first year of HIV infection from two studies in Thailand: the RV217 study (untreated AHI, 30 participants and 412 visits) and the RV254 study (treated AHI, 235 participants and 2803 visits). Fiebig stages were I/II (HIV RNA+, HIV IgM−) and Fiebig III/IV (HIV IgM+, Western blot-/indeterminate). Data were modelled utilizing spline effects within a linear mixed model, with a random intercept and slope to allow for between-subject variability and adjustment for the differences in variability between studies. The number of knots in the quadratic spline basis functions was determined by comparing models with differing numbers of knots via the Akaike Information Criterion. Models were fit using PROC GLIMMIX in SAS v9.3. Results: At enrolment, there were 24 Fiebig I/II and 6 Fiebig III/IV individuals in the untreated group and 137 Fiebig I/II and 98 Fiebig III/IV individuals in the treated group. Overall, the median age was 27.5 years old, most were male (89%), and CRF01_AE was the most common HIV clade (76%). By day 12 (4 days after ART in RV254), the untreated group had a 2.7-fold higher predicted mean VL level compared to those treated (predicted log VL 6.19 for RV217 and 5.76 for RV254, p = 0.05). These differences increased to 135-fold by day 30 (predicted log VL 4.89 for RV217 and 2.76 for RV254) and 1148-fold by day 120 (predicted log VL 4.68 for RV217 and 1.63 for RV254) (p < 0.0001 for both) until both curves were similarly flat at about day 150 (p = 0.17 between days 150 and 160). The VL trajectories were significantly different between Fiebig I/II and Fiebig III/IV participants when comparing the two groups and within the treated group (p < 0.001 for both). Conclusions: Initiating ART in AHI dramatically changed the trajectory of VL very early in the course of infection that could have implications for reducing transmission potential and enhancing responses to future HIV remission strategies. There is an urgency of initiating ART when acute infection is identified. New and inexpensive strategies to engage and test individuals at high risk for HIV as well as immediate treatment access will be needed to improve the treatment of acute infection globally. Clinical Trial Number: NCT00796146 and NCT00796263 PMID:28691436

Viral kinetics in untreated versus treated acute HIV infection in prospective cohort studies in Thailand.

PubMed

Ananworanich, Jintanat; Eller, Leigh Anne; Pinyakorn, Suteeraporn; Kroon, Eugene; Sriplenchan, Somchai; Fletcher, James Lk; Suttichom, Duanghathai; Bryant, Christopher; Trichavaroj, Rapee; Dawson, Peter; Michael, Nelson; Phanuphak, Nittaya; Robb, Merlin L

2017-06-26

The extent of viral replication during acute HIV infection (AHI) influences HIV disease progression. However, information comparing viral load (VL) kinetics with and without antiretroviral therapy (ART) in AHI is limited. The knowledge gained could inform preventive strategies aimed at reducing VL during AHI and therapeutic strategies to alter the viral kinetics that may enhance the likelihood of achieving HIV remission. The analysis utilized VL data captured during the first year of HIV infection from two studies in Thailand: the RV217 study (untreated AHI, 30 participants and 412 visits) and the RV254 study (treated AHI, 235 participants and 2803 visits). Fiebig stages were I/II (HIV RNA+, HIV IgM-) and Fiebig III/IV (HIV IgM+, Western blot-/indeterminate). Data were modelled utilizing spline effects within a linear mixed model, with a random intercept and slope to allow for between-subject variability and adjustment for the differences in variability between studies. The number of knots in the quadratic spline basis functions was determined by comparing models with differing numbers of knots via the Akaike Information Criterion. Models were fit using PROC GLIMMIX in SAS v9.3. At enrolment, there were 24 Fiebig I/II and 6 Fiebig III/IV individuals in the untreated group and 137 Fiebig I/II and 98 Fiebig III/IV individuals in the treated group. Overall, the median age was 27.5 years old, most were male (89%), and CRF01_AE was the most common HIV clade (76%). By day 12 (4 days after ART in RV254), the untreated group had a 2.7-fold higher predicted mean VL level compared to those treated (predicted log VL 6.19 for RV217 and 5.76 for RV254, p  = 0.05). These differences increased to 135-fold by day 30 (predicted log VL 4.89 for RV217 and 2.76 for RV254) and 1148-fold by day 120 (predicted log VL 4.68 for RV217 and 1.63 for RV254) ( p  < 0.0001 for both) until both curves were similarly flat at about day 150 ( p  = 0.17 between days 150 and 160). The VL trajectories were significantly different between Fiebig I/II and Fiebig III/IV participants when comparing the two groups and within the treated group ( p  < 0.001 for both). Initiating ART in AHI dramatically changed the trajectory of VL very early in the course of infection that could have implications for reducing transmission potential and enhancing responses to future HIV remission strategies. There is an urgency of initiating ART when acute infection is identified. New and inexpensive strategies to engage and test individuals at high risk for HIV as well as immediate treatment access will be needed to improve the treatment of acute infection globally. NCT00796146 and NCT00796263.

Structure activity relationship modelling of milk protein-derived peptides with dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPP-IV) inhibitory activity.

PubMed

Nongonierma, Alice B; FitzGerald, Richard J

2016-05-01

Quantitative structure activity type models were developed in an attempt to predict the key features of peptide sequences having dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPP-IV) inhibitory activity. The models were then employed to help predict the potential of peptides, which are currently reported in the literature to be present in the intestinal tract of humans following milk/dairy product ingestion, to act as inhibitors of DPP-IV. Two models (z- and v-scale) for short (2-5 amino acid residues) bovine milk peptides, behaving as competitive inhibitors of DPP-IV, were developed. The z- and the v-scale models (p<0.05, R(2) of 0.829 and 0.815, respectively) were then applied to 56 milk protein-derived peptides previously reported in the literature to be found in the intestinal tract of humans which possessed a structural feature of DPP-IV inhibitory peptides (P at the N2 position). Ten of these peptides were synthetized and tested for their in vitro DPP-IV inhibitory properties. There was no agreement between the predicted and experimentally determined DPP-IV half maximal inhibitory concentrations (IC50) for the competitive peptide inhibitors. However, the ranking for DPP-IV inhibitory potency of the competitive peptide inhibitors was conserved. Furthermore, potent in vitro DPP-IV inhibitory activity was observed with two peptides, LPVPQ (IC50=43.8±8.8μM) and IPM (IC50=69.5±8.7μM). Peptides present within the gastrointestinal tract of human may have promise for the development of natural DPP-IV inhibitors for the management of serum glucose. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Pharmacokinetics of cotinine in rats: a potential therapeutic agent for disorders of cognitive function

PubMed Central

Li, Pei; Beck, Wayne D.; Callahan, Patrick M.; Terry, Alvin V.; Bartlett, Michael G.

2016-01-01

Background Attention has been paid to cotinine (COT), one of the major metabolites of nicotine (NIC), for its pro-cognitive effects and potential therapeutic activities against Alzheimer's Disease (AD) and other types of cognitive impairment. In order to facilitate pharmacological and toxicological studies on COT for its pro-cognitive activities, we conducted a pharmacokinetic (PK) study of COT in rats, providing important oral and intravenously (IV) PK information. Methods In this study, plasma samples were obtained up to 48 hours after COT was dosed to rats orally and IV at a dose of 3 mg/kg. Plasma samples were prepared and analyzed using a sensitive liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) bioanalytical method, providing concentration profiles of COT and metabolites after oral and IV administrations. Results The data were fitted into a one-compartment model and a two-compartment model for the oral and IV groups, respectively, providing important PK information for COT including PK profiles, half-life, clearance and bioavailability. The results suggested fast absorption, slow elimination and high bioavailability of COT in rats. Conclusions Several important facts about the PK properties in rats suggested COT could be a potential pro-cognitive agent. Information about the pharmacokinetics of COT in rats revealed in this study is of great importance for the future studies on COT or potential COT analogues as agents for improving cognition. PMID:25933960

The Dental Solid Waste Management in Different Categories of Dental Laboratories in Abha City, Saudi Arabia

PubMed Central

Haralur, Satheesh B.; Al-Qahtani, Ali S.; Al-Qarni, Marie M.; Al-Homrany, Rami M.; Aboalkhair, Ayyob E.; Madalakote, Sujatha S.

2015-01-01

Aim: To study the awareness, attitude, practice and facilities among the different categories of dental laboratories in Abha city. Materials and Methods: A total of 80 dental technicians were surveyed in the study. The dental laboratories included in the study were teaching institute (Group I), Government Hospital (Group II), Private Dental Clinic (Group III) and Independent laboratory (Group IV). The pre-tested anonymous questionnaire was used to understand knowledge, attitude, facilities, practice and orientation regarding biomedical waste management. Results: The knowledge of biomedical waste categories, colour coding and segregation was better among Group I (55-65%) and Group II (65-75%). The lowest standard of waste disposal was practiced at Group IV (15-20%) and Group III (25-35%). The availability of disposal facilities was poor at Group IV. The continuous education on biomedical waste management lacked in all the Groups. Conclusion: The significant improvement in disposal facilities was required at Group III and Group IV laboratories. All dental technicians were in need of regular training of biomedical waste management. Clinical Significance: The dental laboratories are an integral part of dental practice. The dental laboratories are actively involved in the generation, handling and disposal of biomedical waste. Hence, it is important to assess the biomedical waste management knowledge, attitude, facilities and practice among different categories of dental laboratories. PMID:26962373

Abdominal 64-MDCT for suspected appendicitis: the use of oral and IV contrast material versus IV contrast material only.

PubMed

Anderson, Stephan W; Soto, Jorge A; Lucey, Brian C; Ozonoff, Al; Jordan, Jacqueline D; Ratevosian, Jirair; Ulrich, Andrew S; Rathlev, Niels K; Mitchell, Patricia M; Rebholz, Casey; Feldman, James A; Rhea, James T

2009-11-01

The objective of our study was to compare the diagnostic accuracy of IV contrast-enhanced 64-MDCT with and without the use of oral contrast material in diagnosing appendicitis in patients with abdominal pain. We conducted a randomized trial of a convenience sample of adult patients presenting to an urban academic emergency department with acute nontraumatic abdominal pain and clinical suspicion of appendicitis, diverticulitis, or small-bowel obstruction. Patients were enrolled between 8 am and 11 pm when research assistants were present. Consenting subjects were randomized into one of two groups: Group 1 subjects underwent 64-MDCT performed with oral and IV contrast media and group 2 subjects underwent 64-MDCT performed solely with IV contrast material. Three expert radiologists independently reviewed the CT examinations, evaluating for the presence of appendicitis. Each radiologist interpreted 202 examinations, ensuring that each examination was interpreted by two radiologists. Individual reader performance and a combined interpretation performance of the two readers assigned to each case were calculated. In cases of disagreement, the third reader was asked to deliver a tiebreaker interpretation to be used to calculate the combined reader performance. Final outcome was based on operative, clinical, and follow-up data. We compared radiologic diagnoses with clinical outcomes to calculate the diagnostic accuracy of CT in both groups. Of the 303 patients enrolled, 151 patients (50%) were randomized to group 1 and the remaining 152 (50%) were randomized to group 2. The combined reader performance for the diagnosis of appendicitis in group 1 was a sensitivity of 100% (95% CI, 76.8-100%) and specificity of 97.1% (95% CI, 92.7-99.2%). The performance in group 2 was a sensitivity of 100% (73.5-100%) and specificity of 97.1% (92.9-99.2%). Patients presenting with nontraumatic abdominal pain imaged using 64-MDCT with isotropic reformations had similar characteristics for the diagnosis of appendicitis when IV contrast material alone was used and when oral and IV contrast media were used.

Which is your choice for prolonging the analgesic duration of single-shot interscalene brachial blocks for arthroscopic shoulder surgery? intravenous dexamethasone 5 mg vs. perineural dexamethasone 5 mg randomized, controlled, clinical trial.

PubMed

Chun, Eun Hee; Kim, Youn Jin; Woo, Jae Hee

2016-06-01

The aim of this study was to compare the effect of intravenous (I.V.) dexamethasone with that of perineural dexamethasone on the prolongation of analgesic duration of single-shot interscalene brachial plexus blocks (SISB) in patients undergoing arthroscopic shoulder surgery. We performed a prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Patients undergoing elective arthroscopic shoulder surgery with ultrasound-guided SISB were enrolled and randomized into 2 groups. A total volume of 12 mL of the study drug was prepared with a final concentration of 0.5% ropivacaine. In the I.V. group, patients received SISB using ropivacaine 5 mg mL with normal saline (control) with dexamethasone 5 mg I.V. injection. In the perineural group, patients received SISB using ropivacaine 5 mg mL with dexamethasone 5 mg, with normal saline 1 mL I.V. injection. The primary outcome was the time to the first analgesic request, defined as the time between the end of the operation and the first request of analgesics by the patient. The secondary outcomes included patient satisfaction scores, side effects, and neurological symptoms. Patients were randomly assigned to 1 of the 2 groups using a computer-generated randomization table. An anesthesiologist blinded to the group assignments prepared the solutions for injection. The patients and the investigator participating in the study were also blinded to the group assignments. One hundred patients were randomized. Data were analyzed for 99 patients. One case in the I.V. group was converted to open surgery and was therefore not included in the study. Perineural dexamethasone significantly prolonged analgesic duration (median, standard error: 1080 minutes, 117.5 minutes) compared with I.V. dexamethasone (810 minutes, 48.1 minutes) (P = 0.02). There were no significant differences in side effects, neurological symptoms, or changes in blood glucose values between the 2 groups. Our results show that perineural dexamethasone 5 mg is more effective than I.V. dexamethasone 5 mg with regard to analgesic duration of SISB for arthroscopic shoulder surgery.

View from... Group IV Photonics: Industry meets academia

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pile, David

2012-12-01

Silicon photonics and devices based on group IV elements are overcoming the tough economic downturns that have rocked industry over the past 12 years. Cross fertilization between academia and industry may lead to new devices that are both innovative and profitable.

Deferiprone attenuates inflammation and myocardial fibrosis in diabetic cardiomyopathy rats

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Zou, Chunbo; Liu, Xiaogang; Xie, Rujuan

We attempted to investigate the therapeutic effects of deferiprone on DC rats and explore the underlying mechanism. Total 24 6-week-old male Wistar rats (weighing from 180 g to 220 g) were subjected to DC model construction and then randomly divided to three groups (8 rats per group): DC group, DC + 50 mg, and DC + 100 mg deferiprone treatment group. The 8 normal rats were considered as controls. After deferiprone treatment for 20 weeks, the blood samples were collected for the biochemical parameters test, including fasting glucose, HOMA-IR (homeostasis model assessment of the insulin resistance), serum iron, ferritin and transferrin saturation (TS). The oxidative stress was assessedmore » by detecting the level of malondialdehyde (MDA) and superoxide dismutase (SOD). Histopathologic changes were determined by Masson's trichrome staining and electron microscopy imaging. The expression levels of NF-κB (nuclear factor kappa B), COX2 (cytochrome c oxidase), tenascin C, collagen IV were measured by RT-PCR and western blotting. The expression of nitrotyrosine and MCP-1 (monocyte chemotactic protein 1) were determined by immunohistochemistry. Deferiprone treatment reduced iron deposition and IR in DC rats except for blood glucose. After deferiprone treatment, MDA level was significantly decreased and SOD level was increased significantly. The level of NF-κB, cyclooxygenase-2, tenascin C, collagen IV MCP-1 and nitrotyrosine were significantly reduced. There was no significant difference in the effect of deferiprone at 50 and 100 mg doses. Deferiprone showed therapeutic effects on DC by regulating the pro-inflammatory and pro-fibrotic factors. - Highlights: • The expression of serum iron, ferritin and TS were elevated in DC rats. • Oxidative stress related MDA and SOD were upregulated in DC rats. • NF-κB, COX2, tenascin C, collagen IV were accumulated in DC rats. • All the changes were reversed by deferiprone treatment.« less

The productivity of mental health care: an instrumental variable approach.

PubMed

Lu, Mingshan

1999-06-01

BACKGROUND: Like many other medical technologies and treatments, there is a lack of reliable evidence on treatment effectiveness of mental health care. Increasingly, data from non-experimental settings are being used to study the effect of treatment. However, as in a number of studies using non-experimental data, a simple regression of outcome on treatment shows a puzzling negative and significant impact of mental health care on the improvement of mental health status, even after including a large number of potential control variables. The central problem in interpreting evidence from real-world or non-experimental settings is, therefore, the potential "selection bias" problem in observational data set. In other words, the choice/quantity of mental health care may be correlated with other variables, particularly unobserved variables, that influence outcome and this may lead to a bias in the estimate of the effect of care in conventional models. AIMS OF THE STUDY: This paper addresses the issue of estimating treatment effects using an observational data set. The information in a mental health data set obtained from two waves of data in Puerto Rico is explored. The results using conventional models - in which the potential selection bias is not controlled - and that from instrumental variable (IV) models - which is what was proposed in this study to correct for the contaminated estimation from conventional models - are compared. METHODS: Treatment effectiveness is estimated in a production function framework. Effectiveness is measured as the improvement in mental health status. To control for the potential selection bias problem, IV approaches are employed. The essence of the IV method is to use one or more instruments, which are observable factors that influence treatment but do not directly affect patient outcomes, to isolate the effect of treatment variation that is independent of unobserved patient characteristics. The data used in this study are the first (1992-1993) and second (1993-1994) wave of the ongoing longitudinal study Mental Health Care Utilization Among Puerto Ricans, which includes information for an island-wide probability sample of over 3000 adults living in poor areas of Puerto Rico. The instrumental variables employed in this study are travel distance and health insurance sources. RESULTS: It is very noticeable that in this study, treatment effects were found to be negative in all conventional models (in some cases, highly significant). However, after the IV method was applied, the estimated marginal effects of treatment became positive. Sensitivity analysis partly supports this conclusion. According to the IV estimation results, treatment is productive for the group in most need of mental health care. However, estimations do not find strong enough evidence to demonstrate treatment effects on other groups with less or no need. The results in this paper also suggest an important impact of the following factors on the probability of improvement in mental health status: baseline mental health status, previous treatment, sex, marital status and education. DISCUSSION: The IV approach provides a practical way to reduce the selection bias due to the confounding of treatment with unmeasured variables. The limitation of this study is that the instruments explored did not perform well enough in some IV equations, therefore the predictive power remains questionable. The most challenging part of applying the IV approach is on finding "good" instruments which influence the choice/quantity of treatment yet do not introduce further bias by being directly correlated with treatment outcome. CONCLUSIONS: The results in this paper are supportive of the concerns on the credibility of evaluation results using observation data set when the endogeneity of the treatment variable is not controlled. Unobserved factors contribute to the downward bias in the conventional models. The IV approach is shown to be an appropriate method to reduce the selection bias for the group in most need for mental health care, which is also the group of most policy and treatment concern. IMPLICATIONS FOR HEALTH CARE PROVISION AND USE: The results of this work have implications for resource allocation in mental health care. Evidence is found that mental health care provided in Puerto Rico is productive, and is most helpful for persons in most need for mental health care. According to what estimated from the IV models, on the margin, receiving formal mental health care significantly increases the probability of obtaining a better mental health outcome by 19.2%, and one unit increase in formal treatment increased the probability of becoming healthier by 6.2% to 8.4%. Consistent with other mental health literature, an individual's baseline mental health status is found to be significantly related to the probability of improvement in mental health status: individuals with previous treatment history are less likely to improve. Among demographic factors included in the production function, being female, married, and high education were found to contribute to a higher probability of improvement. IMPLICATION FOR FURTHER RESEARCH: In order to provide accurate evidence of treatment effectiveness of medical technologies to support decision making, it is important that the selection bias be controlled as rigorously as possible when using information from a non-experimental setting. More data and a longer panel are also needed to provide more valid evidence. tion.

Combined Stimulant and Guanfacine Administration in Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder: A Controlled, Comparative Study

PubMed Central

McCracken, James T.; McGough, James J.; Loo, Sandra K.; Levitt, Jennifer; Del'Homme, Melissa; Cowen, Jennifer; Sturm, Alexandra; Whelan, Fiona; Hellemann, Gerhard; Sugar, Catherine; Bilder, Robert M.

2016-01-01

Objective Because models of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) therapeutics emphasize benefits of both enhanced dopaminergic and noradrenergic signaling, strategies to enhance D1 and alpha2A agonism may yield enhanced clinical and cognitive responses. The study tested the hypothesis that combined effects of a dopamine and noradrenergic agonist, d-methylphenidate extended-release (DMPH), with guanfacine (GUAN), an alpha2A receptor agonist, would be clinically superior to either monotherapy, and have equal tolerability. Method An 8-week, double-blind, three-arm comparative trial randomized 7- to 14-year-olds with DSM-IV ADHD to GUAN (1-3 mg/day), DMPH (5-20 mg/day), or the combination (COMB) with fixed-flexible dosing. Outcome measures were the ADHD Rating Scale IV (ADHD-RS-IV) and the Clinical Global Impression-Improvement (CGI-I) Scale. Adverse events and safety measures were obtained. Results 207 participants were randomized and received drug. Analyses showed significant treatment group main effects for ADHD-RS-IV ADHD total (p = .0001) and inattentive symptoms (p = .0001). COMB demonstrated small but consistently greater reductions in ADHD-RS-IV Inattentive subscale scores versus monotherapies (DMPH: p = .05; f2 = .02; and GUAN: p = .02; f2 = .02), and was associated with a greater positive response rate by CGI-I (p = .01). No serious cardiovascular events occurred. Sedation, somnolence, lethargy, and fatigue were greater in both guanfacine groups. All treatments were well tolerated. Conclusion COMB showed consistent evidence of clinical benefits over monotherapies, possibly reflecting advantages of greater combined dopaminergic and alpha2A agonism. Adverse events were generally mild to moderate, and COMB treatment showed no differences in safety or tolerability. PMID:27453079

Efficacy and safety of parecoxib in the treatment of acute renal colic: a randomized clinical trial.

PubMed

Glina, Sidney; Damiao, Ronaldo; Afif-Abdo, Joao; Santa Maria, Carlos Francisco; Novoa, Raúl; Cairoli, Carlos Eurico Dornelles; Wajsbrot, Dalia; Araya, Gaston

2011-01-01

Although non-selective non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (nsNSAIDs) and opioids are effective treatments for acute renal colic, they are associated with adverse events (AEs). As cyclooxygenase-2 selective NSAIDs may provide a safer alternative, we compared the efficacy and safety of parecoxib versus an nsNSAID in subjects with acute renal colic. Phase IV., multicenter, double-blind, noninferiority, active-controlled study: 338 subjects with acute renal colic were randomized to parecoxib 40 mg i.v. plus placebo (n = 174) or ketoprofen 100 mg IV plus placebo (n = 164). 338 subjects with acute renal colic were randomized to parecoxib 40 mg IV (n = 174) or ketoprofen 100 mg IV(n = 164) plus placebo. Subjects were evaluated 15, 30, 45, 60, 90 and 120 minutes after treatment start and 24 hours after discharge. Primary endpoint was the mean pain intensity difference (PID) at 30 minutes by visual analog scale (VAS) (per-protocol population). An ANCOVA model was used with treatment group, country, and baseline score as covariates. Non-inferiority of parecoxib to ketoprofen was declared if the lower bound of the 95% confidence interval (CI) for the difference between the two groups excluded the pre-established margin of 10 mm for the primary endpoint. Baseline demographics were similar. The mean (SD) mPID30 min was 33.84 (24.61) and 35.16 (26.01) for parecoxib and ketoprofen, respectively. For treatment difference (parecoxib-ketoprofen) the lower bound of the 95% CI was 6.53. The mean change from baseline in VAS 30 minutes after study medication was ~43 mm; AEs were comparable between treatments. Parecoxib is as effective as ketoprofen in the treatment of pain due to acute renal colic, is well tolerated, and has a comparable safety profile.

Cisplatin Pharmacokinetics in Nontumoral Pig Liver Treated With Intravenous or Transarterial Hepatic Chemoembolization

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Chabrot, Pascal, E-mail: pchabrot@chu-clermontferrand.fr; Cardot, Jean-Michel; Guibert, Pierre

Purpose: To evaluate cisplatin (CDDP) pharmacokinetics after its intravenous (IV) or intrahepatic arterial administration (IHA) in healthy pigs with or without embolization by absorbable gelatine. Material and Methods: We analysed plasmatic and hepatic drug concentration in four groups of six mini-pigs each according to the modality of administration of CDDP (1 mg/kg): IV, IHA, IHA with partial embolization using absorbable gelatine (IHA-Pe), and IHA with complete embolization (IHA-Te). Unbounded plasmatic and hepatic platinum concentrations were measured. Concentration and pharmacokinetics parameters were compared using analysis of variance. Results: For all groups, there was a rapid and biexponential decrease in free platinummore » concentration. Plasmatic terminal half-life (T{sub 1/2}) was significantly decreased after embolization at 191, 178, 42, and 41 min after IV, IHA, IHA-Pe, and IHA-Te administration, respectively. Maximal plasmatic concentration and systemic exposure to CDDP (AUC{sub 24}) values were significantly decreased after embolization (C{sub max}p = 0.0075; AUC{sub 24}p = 0.0053). Hepatic CDDP concentration rapidly peaked and then decreased progressively. After 24 h, the residual concentration represented 45, 47, 60, and 63 % of C{sub max}, respectively, after IV, IHA, IHA-Pe, and IHA-Te. Hepatic T{sub 1/2} and AUC{sub {infinity}} values were increased after embolization, but the differences were not statistically significant. Conclusion: This preliminary study confirms the feasibility of a pig model to study systemic and hepatic CDDP pharmacokinetics. Systemic exposure is lower after embolization, which could minimize systemic toxicity. Hepatic T{sub 1/2} elimination and hepatic exposition values are increased with IHA compared with IV administration.« less

Alfaxalone for maintenance of anaesthesia in ponies undergoing field castration: continuous infusion compared with intravenous boluses.

PubMed

Deutsch, Julia; Ekiri, Abel; de Vries, Annemarie

2017-07-01

To compare alfaxalone as continuous intravenous (IV) infusion with intermittent IV injections for maintenance of anaesthesia in ponies undergoing castration. Prospective, randomized, 'blinded' clinical study. A group of 33 entire male Welsh ponies undergoing field castration. After preanaesthetic medication with IV detomidine (10 μg kg -1 ) and butorphanol (0.05 mg kg -1 ), anaesthesia was induced with IV diazepam (0.05 mg kg -1 ) followed by alfaxalone (1 mg kg -1 ). After random allocation, anaesthesia was maintained with either IV alfaxalone 2 mg kg -1  hour -1 (group A; n = 16) or saline administered at equal volume (group S; n = 17). When necessary, additional alfaxalone (0.2 mg kg -1 ) was administered IV. Ponies were breathing room air. Using simple descriptive scales, surgical conditions and anaesthesia recovery were scored. Total amount of alfaxalone, ponies requiring additional alfaxalone and time to administration, time from induction to end of infusion and end of infusion to standing were noted. Indirect arterial blood pressure, pulse and respiratory rates, end-expiratory carbon dioxide partial pressure and arterial haemoglobin oxygen saturation were recorded every 5 minutes. Data were analysed using Student t, Mann-Whitney U and chi-square tests, where appropriate (p < 0.05). Total amount of alfaxalone administered after induction of anaesthesia (0.75 ± 0.27 versus 0.17 ± 0.23 mg kg -1 ; p < 0.0001) and time to standing (14.8 ± 4 versus 11.6 ± 4 minutes; p = 0.044) were higher in group A compared to group S. Ponies requiring additional alfaxalone boluses [four (group A) versus seven (group S)] and other measured variables were similar between groups; five ponies required oxygen supplementation [three (group A) versus two (group S)]. Continuous IV infusion and intermittent administration of alfaxalone provided similar anaesthesia quality and surgical conditions in ponies undergoing field castration. Less alfaxalone is required when used intermittently. Copyright © 2017 Association of Veterinary Anaesthetists and American College of Veterinary Anesthesia and Analgesia. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Effect of sugammadex on rocuronium induced changes in pancreatic mast cells.

PubMed

Kalkan, Yıldıray; Tumkaya, Levent; Bostan, Habib; Tomak, Yakup; Altuner, Durdu; Yilmaz, Adnan; Erdivanli, Başar; Bedir, Recep; Yalcin, Alper; Turan, Alparslan

2015-08-01

Mast cells play a vital role in hypersensitivity reactions. Rocuronium is known to cause mast cell mobilization, hypersensitivity, and pancreatitis. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of sugammadex on pancreatic changes due to rocuronium. A total of 42 Sprague-Dawley male rats were divided into six equal groups to receive either rocuronium 1 mg/kg intravenously (i.v., R group), rocuronium 1 mg/kg + sugammadex 16 mg/kg i.v. (RS16 group), rocuronium 1 mg/kg + sugammadex 96 mg/kg i.v. (RS96 group), sugammadex 16 mg/kg (S16), sugammadex 96 mg/kg i.v. (S96 group), or 0.9% sodium chloride (control group). Sugammadex was administered 5s later following rocuronium. In R group, mast count was higher, and the distribution rate of granules and nuclear changes were different compared with other groups. Distribution rate of granules in groups S16 and S96 were similar to the control group and lower compared with other groups. The amount of mast cells and granule density in groups RS16 and RS96 was lower compared with R group. The amount of mast cells in groups RS16 and RS96 was significantly lower compared with other treatment groups. These results suggest that sugammadex may have an inhibitory effect on mobilization and morphological changes in pancreatic mast cells induced by administration of rocuronium and sugammadex in rats. © The Author(s) 2013.

Long-term benefit of early pre-reperfusion metoprolol administration in patients with acute myocardial infarction: results from the METOCARD-CNIC trial (Effect of Metoprolol in Cardioprotection During an Acute Myocardial Infarction).

PubMed

Pizarro, Gonzalo; Fernández-Friera, Leticia; Fuster, Valentin; Fernández-Jiménez, Rodrigo; García-Ruiz, José M; García-Álvarez, Ana; Mateos, Alonso; Barreiro, María V; Escalera, Noemí; Rodriguez, Maite D; de Miguel, Antonio; García-Lunar, Inés; Parra-Fuertes, Juan J; Sánchez-González, Javier; Pardillos, Luis; Nieto, Beatriz; Jiménez, Adriana; Abejón, Raquel; Bastante, Teresa; Martínez de Vega, Vicente; Cabrera, José A; López-Melgar, Beatriz; Guzman, Gabriela; García-Prieto, Jaime; Mirelis, Jesús G; Zamorano, José Luis; Albarrán, Agustín; Goicolea, Javier; Escaned, Javier; Pocock, Stuart; Iñiguez, Andrés; Fernández-Ortiz, Antonio; Sánchez-Brunete, Vicente; Macaya, Carlos; Ibanez, Borja

2014-06-10

The goal of this trial was to study the long-term effects of intravenous (IV) metoprolol administration before reperfusion on left ventricular (LV) function and clinical events. Early IV metoprolol during ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) has been shown to reduce infarct size when used in conjunction with primary percutaneous coronary intervention (pPCI). The METOCARD-CNIC (Effect of Metoprolol in Cardioprotection During an Acute Myocardial Infarction) trial recruited 270 patients with Killip class ≤II anterior STEMI presenting early after symptom onset (<6 h) and randomized them to pre-reperfusion IV metoprolol or control group. Long-term magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was performed on 202 patients (101 per group) 6 months after STEMI. Patients had a minimal 12-month clinical follow-up. Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) at the 6 months MRI was higher after IV metoprolol (48.7 ± 9.9% vs. 45.0 ± 11.7% in control subjects; adjusted treatment effect 3.49%; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.44% to 6.55%; p = 0.025). The occurrence of severely depressed LVEF (≤35%) at 6 months was significantly lower in patients treated with IV metoprolol (11% vs. 27%, p = 0.006). The proportion of patients fulfilling Class I indications for an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) was significantly lower in the IV metoprolol group (7% vs. 20%, p = 0.012). At a median follow-up of 2 years, occurrence of the pre-specified composite of death, heart failure admission, reinfarction, and malignant arrhythmias was 10.8% in the IV metoprolol group versus 18.3% in the control group, adjusted hazard ratio (HR): 0.55; 95% CI: 0.26 to 1.04; p = 0.065. Heart failure admission was significantly lower in the IV metoprolol group (HR: 0.32; 95% CI: 0.015 to 0.95; p = 0.046). In patients with anterior Killip class ≤II STEMI undergoing pPCI, early IV metoprolol before reperfusion resulted in higher long-term LVEF, reduced incidence of severe LV systolic dysfunction and ICD indications, and fewer heart failure admissions. (Effect of METOprolol in CARDioproteCtioN During an Acute Myocardial InfarCtion. The METOCARD-CNIC Trial; NCT01311700). Copyright © 2014 American College of Cardiology Foundation. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Evaluation of total intravenous anesthesia with propofol-guaifenesin-medetomidine and alfaxalone-guaifenesin-medetomidine in Thoroughbred horses undergoing castration.

PubMed

Aoki, Motoki; Wakuno, Ai; Kushiro, Asuka; Mae, Naomi; Kakizaki, Masashi; Nagata, Shun-Ichi; Ohta, Minoru

2017-12-22

Anesthetic and cardiorespiratory effects of total intravenous anesthesia (TIVA) technique using propofol-guaifenesin-medetomidine (PGM) and alfaxalone-guaifenesin-medetomidine (AGM) were preliminarily evaluated in Thoroughbred horses undergoing castration. Twelve male Thoroughbred horses were assigned randomly into two groups. After premedication with intravenous (IV) administrations of medetomidine (5.0 µg/kg) and butorphanol (0.02 mg/kg), anesthesia was induced with guaifenesin (10 mg/kg IV), followed by either propofol (2.0 mg/kg IV) (group PGM: n=6) or alfaxalone (1.0 mg/kg IV) (group AGM: n=6). Surgical anesthesia was maintained for 60 min at a constant infusion of either propofol (3.0 mg/kg/hr) (group PGM) or alfaxalone (1.5 mg/kg/hr) (group AGM), in combination with guaifenesin (80 mg/kg/hr) and medetomidine (3.0 µg/kg/hr). Responses to surgical stimuli, cardiorespiratory values, and induction and recovery characteristics were recorded throughout anesthesia. During anesthesia induction, one horse paddled in group PGM. All horses from group AGM were maintained at adequate anesthetic depth for castration. In group PGM, 3 horses showed increased cremaster muscle tension and one showed slight movement requiring additional IV propofol to maintain surgical anesthesia. No horse exhibited apnea, although arterial oxygen tension decreased in group AGM to less than 60 mmHg. Recovery quality was good to excellent in both groups. In conclusion, TIVA using PGM and AGM infusion was available for 60 min anesthesia in Thoroughbred horses. TIVA techniques using PGM and AGM infusion provided clinically acceptable general anesthesia with mild cardiorespiratory depression. However, inspired air should be supplemented with oxygen to prevent hypoxemia during anesthesia.

Evaluation of total intravenous anesthesia with propofol-guaifenesin-medetomidine and alfaxalone-guaifenesin-medetomidine in Thoroughbred horses undergoing castration

PubMed Central

AOKI, Motoki; WAKUNO, Ai; KUSHIRO, Asuka; MAE, Naomi; KAKIZAKI, Masashi; NAGATA, Shun-ichi; OHTA, Minoru

2017-01-01

Anesthetic and cardiorespiratory effects of total intravenous anesthesia (TIVA) technique using propofol-guaifenesin-medetomidine (PGM) and alfaxalone-guaifenesin-medetomidine (AGM) were preliminarily evaluated in Thoroughbred horses undergoing castration. Twelve male Thoroughbred horses were assigned randomly into two groups. After premedication with intravenous (IV) administrations of medetomidine (5.0 µg/kg) and butorphanol (0.02 mg/kg), anesthesia was induced with guaifenesin (10 mg/kg IV), followed by either propofol (2.0 mg/kg IV) (group PGM: n=6) or alfaxalone (1.0 mg/kg IV) (group AGM: n=6). Surgical anesthesia was maintained for 60 min at a constant infusion of either propofol (3.0 mg/kg/hr) (group PGM) or alfaxalone (1.5 mg/kg/hr) (group AGM), in combination with guaifenesin (80 mg/kg/hr) and medetomidine (3.0 µg/kg/hr). Responses to surgical stimuli, cardiorespiratory values, and induction and recovery characteristics were recorded throughout anesthesia. During anesthesia induction, one horse paddled in group PGM. All horses from group AGM were maintained at adequate anesthetic depth for castration. In group PGM, 3 horses showed increased cremaster muscle tension and one showed slight movement requiring additional IV propofol to maintain surgical anesthesia. No horse exhibited apnea, although arterial oxygen tension decreased in group AGM to less than 60 mmHg. Recovery quality was good to excellent in both groups. In conclusion, TIVA using PGM and AGM infusion was available for 60 min anesthesia in Thoroughbred horses. TIVA techniques using PGM and AGM infusion provided clinically acceptable general anesthesia with mild cardiorespiratory depression. However, inspired air should be supplemented with oxygen to prevent hypoxemia during anesthesia. PMID:29057764

Comparison of sequential intravenous/oral ciprofloxacin plus metronidazole with intravenous ceftriaxone plus metronidazole for treatment of complicated intra-abdominal infections.

PubMed

Wacha, Hannes; Warren, Brian; Bassaris, Harry; Nikolaidis, Paul

2006-08-01

Intra-abdominal infections are a substantial clinical problem and an important cause of morbidity and death in the hospital. Optimal treatment requires both source control and antibiotic therapy. Sequential intravenous (IV) to oral therapy may improve patient convenience and reduce total health care costs. In this randomized, double-blind trial, the efficacy of sequential IV-to-oral ciprofloxacin plus metronidazole was compared with ceftriaxone plus metronidazole in adult patients with complicated intra-abdominal infections. The trial enrolled 531 patients, who began with IV therapy. Patients who improved clinically were switched to oral therapy on day three or later. The clinical and bacteriological responses four to six weeks after the end of therapy and the safety of the two regimens were assessed. To maintain blinding, the patients received placebo IV in the ciprofloxacin group or placebo orally in the ceftriaxone group. A total of 475 patients (235 ciprofloxacin plus metronidazole, 240 ceftriaxone plus metronidazole) were valid for evaluation of efficacy. All patients were included in the safety analysis. Of the patients valid for efficacy, 78% of the ciprofloxacin plus metronidazole group and 81% of the ceftriaxone plus metronidazole group were eligible for a switch to oral therapy. The clinical success rates were 98.9% and 96.9%, respectively, which were statistically equivalent. The clinical success rates for all patients, including those on continuous IV therapy, were 90.6% and 87.9%. Source control was achieved in more than 90% of the patients. The bacteriological eradication rates were similar in the two groups. Bacterial complications (e.g., surgical site infections, abscesses) were encountered more often in the ceftriaxone plus metronidazole group. Sequential ciprofloxacin plus metronidazole IV-to-oral therapy was statistically equivalent to ceftriaxone plus metronidazole. The switch to oral therapy with ciprofloxacin plus metronidazole was as effective and safe as continued IV therapy in patients able to tolerate enteral feeding.

Novel model of direct and indirect cost-benefit analysis of mechanical embolectomy over IV tPA for large vessel occlusions: a real-world dollar analysis based on improvements in mRS.

PubMed

Mangla, Sundeep; O'Connell, Keara; Kumari, Divya; Shahrzad, Maryam

2016-01-20

Ischemic strokes result in significant healthcare expenditures (direct costs) and loss of quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) (indirect costs). Interventional therapy has demonstrated improved functional outcomes in patients with large vessel occlusions (LVOs), which are likely to reduce the economic burden of strokes. To develop a novel real-world dollar model to assess the direct and indirect cost-benefit of mechanical embolectomy compared with medical treatment with intravenous tissue plasminogen activator (IV tPA) based on shifts in modified Rankin scores (mRS). A cost model was developed including multiple parameters to account for both direct and indirect stroke costs. These were adjusted based upon functional outcome (mRS). The model compared IV tPA with mechanical embolectomy to assess the costs and benefits of both therapies. Direct stroke-related costs included hospitalization, inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation, home care, skilled nursing facilities, and long-term care facility costs. Indirect costs included years of life expectancy lost and lost QALYs. Values for the model cost parameters were derived from numerous resources and functional outcomes were derived from the MR CLEAN study as a reflective sample of LVOs. Direct and indirect costs and benefits for the two treatments were assessed using Microsoft Excel 2013. This cost-benefit model found a cost-benefit of mechanical embolectomy over IV tPA of $163 624.27 per patient and the cost benefit for 50 000 patients on an annual basis is $8 181 213 653.77. If applied widely within the USA, mechanical embolectomy will significantly reduce the direct and indirect financial burden of stroke ($8 billion/50 000 patients). Published by the BMJ Publishing Group Limited. For permission to use (where not already granted under a licence) please go to http://www.bmj.com/company/products-services/rights-and-licensing/

Effect of Placenta-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells in a Dementia Rat Model via Microglial Mediation: a Comparison between Stem Cell Transplant Methods.

PubMed

Cho, Jae Sung; Lee, Jihyeon; Jeong, Da Un; Kim, Han Wool; Chang, Won Seok; Moon, Jisook; Chang, Jin Woo

2018-05-01

Loss of cholinergic neurons in the hippocampus is a hallmark of many dementias. Administration of stem cells as a therapeutic intervention for patients is under active investigation, but the optimal stem cell type and transplantation modality has not yet been established. In this study, we studied the therapeutic effects of human placenta-derived mesenchymal stem cells (pMSCs) in dementia rat model using either intracerebroventricular (ICV) or intravenous (IV) injections and analyzed their mechanisms of therapeutic action. Dementia modeling was established by intraventricular injection of 192 IgG-saporin, which causes lesion of cholinergic neurons. Sixty-five male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into five groups: control, lesion, lesion+ICV injection of pMSCs, lesion+IV injection of pMSCs, and lesion+donepezil. Rats were subjected to the Morris water maze and subsequent immunostaining analyses. Both ICV and IV pMSC administrations allowed significant cognitive recovery compared to the lesioned rats. Acetylcholinesterase activity was significantly rescued in the hippocampus of rats injected with pMSCs post-lesion. Choline acetyltransferase did not co-localize with pMSCs, showing that pMSCs did not directly differentiate into cholinergic cells. Number of microglial cells increased in lesioned rats and significantly decreased back to normal levels with pMSC injection. Our results suggest that ICV and IV injections of pMSCs facilitate the recovery of cholinergic neuronal populations and cognitive behavior. This recovery likely occurs through paracrine effects that resemble microglia function rather than direct differentiation of injected pMSCs into cholinergic neurons. © Copyright: Yonsei University College of Medicine 2018.

Adverse Impact of Diet-Induced Hypercholesterolemia on Cardiovascular Tissue Homeostasis in a Rabbit Model: Time-Dependent Changes in Cardiac Parameters

PubMed Central

Kertész, Attila; Bombicz, Mariann; Priksz, Daniel; Balla, Jozsef; Balla, Gyorgy; Gesztelyi, Rudolf; Varga, Balazs; Haines, David D.; Tosaki, Arpad; Juhasz, Bela

2013-01-01

The present study evaluates a hypothesis that diet-related hypercholesterolemia increases oxidative stress-related burden to cardiovascular tissue, resulting in progressively increased mortality, along with deterioration of electrophysiological and enzymatic function in rabbit myocardium. New Zealand white rabbits were divided into four groups, defined as follows: GROUP I, cholesterol-free rabbit chow for 12 weeks; GROUP II, cholesterol-free chow, 40 weeks; GROUP III, chow supplemented with 2% cholesterol, 12 weeks; GROUP IV, chow supplemented with 2% cholesterol, 40 weeks. At the 12 and 40 weeks time points, animals in each of the aforementioned cohorts were subjected to echocardiographic measurements, followed by sacrifice. Significant deterioration in major outcome variables measured in the present study were observed only in animals maintained for 40 weeks on 2% cholesterol-supplemented chow, with much lesser adverse effects noted in animals fed high cholesterol diets for only 12 weeks. It was observed that rabbits receiving high cholesterol diets for 40 weeks exhibited significantly increased mortality, worsened ejection fraction and general deterioration of cardiac functions, along with increased atherosclerotic plaque formation and infarct size. Additionally, myocardium of GROUP IV animals was observed to contain lower levels of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) and cytochrome c oxidase III (COX III) protein relative to the controls. PMID:24048247

The Effect of Intravenous Infiltration Management Program for Hospitalized Children.

PubMed

Park, Soon Mi; Jeong, Ihn Sook; Kim, Kyoung Lae; Park, Kyung Ju; Jung, Moon Ju; Jun, Seong Suk

2016-01-01

This study aimed to identify the effect of IV infiltration management program among hospitalized children. This was a quasi-experimental study with history comparison group design with 2,894 catheters inserted during 3 months comparison phase and 3,651 catheters inserted during 4 months experimental phase. The intervention was composed of seven activities including applying poster, documentation of catheter insertion, parents education, making infiltration report, assessment of vein condition before inserting catheter, appropriate site selection, and documentation of catheter insertion, and assessment of peripheral catheter insertion site every shift. Data were analyzed using of X2-test, Fisher's exact test. The infiltration incidence rate was 0.9% for experimental group and 4.4% for comparison group, which was significantly different (x2=80.42, p<.001). The catheter maintenance period (p=.035) and infiltration state (p=.039) were significantly different among participants with infiltration between comparison and experimental groups. IV Infiltration management program was founded to be effective in reducing the IV infiltration incidence rate and increasing early detection of IV infiltration. Considering the effect of IV Infiltration management program, we recommend that this infiltration management program would be widely used in the clinical settings. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Intravenous thrombolysis and endovascular therapy for acute ischemic stroke with internal carotid artery occlusion: a systematic review of clinical outcomes.

PubMed

Mokin, Maxim; Kass-Hout, Tareq; Kass-Hout, Omar; Dumont, Travis M; Kan, Peter; Snyder, Kenneth V; Hopkins, L Nelson; Siddiqui, Adnan H; Levy, Elad I

2012-09-01

Strokes secondary to acute internal carotid artery (ICA) occlusion are associated with extremely poor prognosis. The best treatment approach to acute stroke in this setting is unknown. We sought to determine clinical outcomes in patients with acute ischemic stroke attributable to ICA occlusion treated with intravenous (IV) systemic thrombolysis or intra-arterial endovascular therapy. Using the PubMed database, we searched for studies that included patients with acute ischemic stroke attributable to ICA occlusion who received treatment with IV thrombolysis or intra-arterial endovascular interventions. Studies providing data on functional outcomes beyond 30 days and mortality and symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage (sICH) rates were included in our analysis. We compared the proportions of patients with favorable functional outcomes, sICH, and mortality rates in the 2 treatment groups by calculating χ(2) and confidence intervals for odds ratios. We identified 28 studies with 385 patients in the IV thrombolysis group and 584 in the endovascular group. Rates of favorable outcomes and sICH were significantly higher in the endovascular group than the IV thrombolysis-only group (33.6% vs 24.9%, P=0.004 and 11.1% vs 4.9%, P=0.001, respectively). No significant difference in mortality rate was found between the groups (27.3% in the IV thrombolysis group vs 32.0% in the endovascular group; P=0.12). According to our systematic review, endovascular treatment of acute ICA occlusion results in improved clinical outcomes. A higher rate of sICH after endovascular treatment does not result in increased overall mortality rate.

Contribution of alpha3(IV)alpha4(IV)alpha5(IV) Collagen IV to the Mechanical Properties of the Glomerular Basement Membrane

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gyoneva, Lazarina

The glomerular basement membrane (GBM) is a vital part of the blood-urine filtration barrier in the kidneys. In healthy GBMs, the main tension-resisting component is alpha3(IV)alpha4(IV)alpha5(IV) type IV collagen, but in some diseases it is replaced by other collagen IV isoforms. As a result, the GBM becomes leaky and disorganized, ultimately resulting in kidney failure. Our goal is to understanding the biomechanical aspects of the alpha3(IV)alpha4(IV)alpha5(IV) chains and how their absence could be responsible for (1) the initial injury to the GBM and (2) progression to kidney failure. A combination of experiments and computational models were designed for that purpose. A model basement membrane was used to compare experimentally the distensibility of tissues with the alpha3(IV)alpha4(IV)alpha5(IV) chains present and missing. The experiments showed basement membranes containing alpha3(IV)alpha4(IV)alpha5(IV) chains were less distensible. It has been postulated that the higher level of lateral cross-linking (supercoiling) in the alpha3(IV)alpha4(IV)alpha5(IV) networks contributes additional strength/stability to basement membranes. In a computational model of supercoiled networks, we found that supercoiling greatly increased the stiffness of collagen IV networks but only minimally decreased the permeability, which is well suited for the needs of the GBM. It is also known that the alpha3(IV)alpha4(IV)alpha5(IV) networks are more protected from enzymatic degradation, and we explored their significance in GBM remodeling. Our simulations showed that the more protected network was needed to prevent the system from entering a dangerous feedback cycle due to autoregulation mechanisms in the kidneys. Overall, the work adds to the evidence of biomechanical differences between the alpha3(IV)alpha4(IV)alpha5(IV) networks and other collagen IV networks, points to supercoiling as the main source of biomechanical differences, discusses the suitability of alpha3(IV)alpha4(IV)alpha5(IV) networks to meet the mechanics and permeability needs of the GBM, and explores the role of biomechanics and enzymatic digestion in GBM remodeling.

Effect of exogenous melatonin and different photoperiods on oxidative status and antioxidant enzyme activity in Chhotanagpuri ewe.

PubMed

Choudhary, Pankaj Kumar; Ishwar, Ajay Kumar; Kumar, Rajesh; Niyogi, Debasish; Kumar, Mukesh

2018-02-01

The present study was conducted to evaluate the effect of exogenous melatonin under different photoperiods on oxidative status in Chhotanagpuri ewe. A total of 42 non-pregnant, non-lactating Chhotanagpuri ewe, having body weight ranging between 14.11±0.09 and 15.38±0.06 kg, were selected and were isolated from rams 2 months before melatonin administration. The selected animals were allocated randomly into seven groups, namely, Group I (normal control), Group II (long day [LD] control), Group III (LD+melatonin administration orally, 3 mg/day), Group IV (LD+melatonin administration subcutaneously, 1 mg/day), Group V (short day [SD] control), Group VI (SD+melatonin administration orally, 3 mg/day), and Group VII (SD+melatonin administration subcutaneously, 1 mg/day) comprising six animals in each group. Rams were then introduced into each group after completion of exogenous administration of melatonin. Blood samples with anticoagulant in vials were collected from each animal day before the start of the experiment and thereafter every month up to 5 th month. Hemolysate was prepared for estimation of oxidative stress parameters such as malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT). It was observed that the level of MDA was significantly (p<0.05) higher in LD groups (Group II, III and IV) in comparison to control and SD groups (VI and VII) at 1 st month. MDA concentration after exogenous administration of melatonin was significantly (p<0.05) decreased in Group IV and VI in comparison to 1 st month. SOD was significantly (p<0.05) higher in SD groups (V, VI, and VII) at the 1 st month in comparison to 0 day. After exogenous administration of melatonin, SOD concentration was significantly (p<0.05) higher in Groups III and IV in comparison to 1 st month. CAT was significantly (p<0.05) higher in SD groups (V, VI, and VII) in comparison to control and LD groups. After exogenous administration of melatonin, CAT concentration was significantly (p<0.05) higher in Groups III, IV, VI, and VIII in comparison to Groups I, II, and V. At the 3 rd month, CAT concentration significantly (p<0.05) decreased in Groups III, IV, VI, and VII in comparison to 2 nd month of experiment. However, a decreasing trend of CAT was observed in all the groups from 3 rd to 5 th month. The present experiment revealed that exogenous melatonin was able to reduce significantly the level of MDA and increased the activity of SOD and CAT in Chhotanagpuri ewe.

International VLBI Service for Geodesy and Astrometry 2000 Annual Report

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Vandenberg, N. R. (Editor); Baver, K. D. (Editor); Smith, David E. (Technical Monitor)

2000-01-01

This volume of reports is the 2000 Annual Report of the International Very Long Base Interferometry (VLBI) Service for Geodesy and Astrometry (IVS). The individual reports were contributed by VLBI groups in the international geodetic and astrometric community who constitute the permanent components of IVS. The IVS 2000 Annual Report documents the work of the IVS components for the period March 1, 1999 (the official inauguration date of IVS) through December 31, 2000. The reports document changes, activities, and progress of the IVS. The entire contents of this Annual Report also appear on the IVS web site at http://ivscc.gsfc.nasa.gov/publications/ar2000. This book and the web site are organized as follows: (1) The first section contains general information about IVS, a map showing the location of the components, information about the Directing Board members, and the report of the IVS Chair; (2) The second section of Special Reports contains a status report of the IVS Working Group on GPS phase center mapping, a reproduction of the resolution making IVS a Service of the International Astronomical Union (IAU), and a reprint of the VLBI Standard Interface (VSI); (3) The next seven sections hold the component reports from the Coordinators, Network Stations, Operation Centers, Correlators, Data Centers, Analysis Centers, and Technology Development Centers; and (4) The last section includes reference information about IVS: the Terms of Reference, the lists of Member and Affiliated organizations, the IVS Associate Member list, a complete list of IVS components, the list of institutions contributing to this report, and a list of acronyms. The 2000 Annual Report demonstrates the vitality of the IVS and the outstanding progress we have made during our first 22 months.

Acoustic stimulation promotes DNA fragmentation in the Guinea pig cochlea.

PubMed

Kamio, Tomonobu; Watanabe, Ken-Ichi; Okubo, Kimihiro

2012-01-01

Apoptosis can be described as programmed cell death. Apoptosis regulates cell turnover and is involved in various pathological conditions. The characteristic features of apoptosis are shrinkage of the cell body, chromatin condensation, and nucleic acid fragmentation. During apoptosis, double-stranded DNA is broken down into single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) by proteases. Acoustic trauma is commonly encountered in otorhinolaryngology clinics. Intense noise can cause inner ear damage, such as hearing disturbance, tinnitus, ear fullness, and decreased speech discrimination. In this study, we used immunohistochemical and electrophysiological methods to examine the fragmentation of DNA in the cochleas of guinea pigs that had been exposed to intense noise. Twenty-four guinea pigs weighing 250 to 350 g were used. The animals were divided into 4 groups: (I) a control group (n=6), (II) a group that was exposed to noise for 2 hours (n=6), (III) a group that was exposed to noise for 5 hours (n=6), and (IV) a group that was exposed to noise for 20 hours. The stimulus was a pure tone delivered at a frequency of 2 kHz. The sound pressure level was 120 dBSPL. No threshold shifts were apparent in group I. Group II showed a significant elevation of the hearing threshold (ANOVA, p<0.05(*)). The ABR threshold level was also significantly elevated immediately after the acoustic stimulation in groups III and IV (ANOVA, p<0.01(**)). In groups I, II, and IV, the lateral wall of the ear did not show immunoreactivity to ssDNA but did in group III. No immunoreactivity was apparent in the organ of Corti in group I or II. However, the supporting cells and outer hair cells in groups III and IV showed reactions for ssDNA. The fine structure of the organ of Corti had been destroyed in group IV. The lateral wall showed immunoreactivity for ssDNA only in group III, whereas the organ of Corti showed reactions for ssDNA in groups III and IV. Our study suggests that apoptotic changes occur in patients that suffer acoustic trauma. Once the apoptotic pathway has started, it is irreversible. Thus, early diagnosis and treatment are necessary. Earplugs should also be worn at rock concerts.

Fatigue-induced changes in group IV muscle afferent activity: differences between high- and low-frequency electrically induced fatigues.

PubMed

Darques, J L; Jammes, Y

1997-03-07

Recordings of group IV afferent activity of tibialis anterior muscle were performed in paralysed rabbits during runs of electrically induced fatigue produced by direct muscle stimulation at a high (100 Hz, high-frequency fatigue HFF) or a low rate (10 Hz, low-frequency fatigue LFF). In addition to analysis of afferent nerve action potentials, muscle force and compound muscle action potentials (M waves) elicited by direct muscle stimulation with single shocks were recorded. Changes in M wave configuration were used as an index of the altered propagation of membrane potentials and the associated efflux of potassium from muscle fibers. The data show that increased group IV afferent activity occurred during LFF as well as HFF trials and developed parallel with force failure. Enhanced afferent activity was significantly higher during LFF (maximal delta f(impulses) = 249 +/- 35%) than HFF (147 +/- 45%). No correlation was obtained between the responses of group IV afferents to LFF or to pressure exerted on tibialis anterior muscle. On the other hand, decreased M wave amplitude was minimal with LFF while it was pronounced with HFF. Close correlations were found between fatigue-induced activation of group IV afferents and decreases in force or M wave amplitude, but their strength was significantly higher with LFF compared to HFF. Thus, electrically induced fatigue activates group IV muscle afferents with a prominent effect of low-frequency stimulation. The mechanism of muscle afferent stimulation does not seem to be due to the sole increase in extracellular potassium concentration, but also by the efflux of muscle metabolites, present during fatiguing contractions at low rate of stimulation.

Fatigue-related firing of muscle nociceptors reduces voluntary activation of ipsilateral but not contralateral lower limb muscles.

PubMed

Kennedy, David S; Fitzpatrick, Siobhan C; Gandevia, Simon C; Taylor, Janet L

2015-02-15

During fatiguing upper limb exercise, maintained firing of group III/IV muscle afferents can limit voluntary drive to muscles within the same limb. It is not known if this effect occurs in the lower limb. We investigated the effects of group III/IV muscle afferent firing from fatigued ipsilateral and contralateral extensor muscles and ipsilateral flexor muscles of the knee on voluntary activation of the knee extensors. In three experiments, we examined voluntary activation of the knee extensors by measuring changes in superimposed twitches evoked by femoral nerve stimulation. Subjects attended on 2 days for each experiment. On one day a sphygmomanometer cuff occluded blood flow of the fatigued muscles to maintain firing of group III/IV muscle afferents. After a 2-min extensor contraction (experiment 1; n = 9), mean voluntary activation was lower with than without maintained ischemia (47 ± 19% vs. 87 ± 8%, respectively; P < 0.001). After a 2-min knee flexor maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) (experiment 2; n = 8), mean voluntary activation was also lower with than without ischemia (59 ± 21% vs. 79 ± 9%; P < 0.01). After the contralateral (left) MVC (experiment 3; n = 8), mean voluntary activation of the right leg was similar with or without ischemia (92 ± 6% vs. 93 ± 4%; P = 0.65). After fatiguing exercise, activity in group III/IV muscle afferents reduces voluntary activation of the fatigued muscle and nonfatigued antagonist muscles in the same leg. However, group III/IV muscle afferents from the fatigued left leg had no effect on the unfatigued right leg. This suggests that any "crossover" of central fatigue in the lower limbs is not mediated by group III/IV muscle afferents. Copyright © 2015 the American Physiological Society.

[Plasma citrulline concentration as a biomarker of intestinal function in short bowel syndrome and in intestinal transplant].

PubMed

Vecino López, R; Andrés Moreno, A M; Ramos Boluda, E; Martinez-Ojinaga Nodal, E; Hernanz Macías, A; Prieto Bozano, G; Lopez Santamaria, M; Tovar Larrucea, J A

2013-10-01

Citrulline is a non-essential amino acid produced solely in the enterocyte. The aim of this study was to analyse the role of serum citrulline as a biomarker of enterocyte load in children with intestinal failure due to short bowel syndrome (SBS) and its relationship to enteral adaptation. Plasma citrulline concentration was determined by chromatography (normal value>15 μmol/L) in 57 patients (age 0.5-18 years) admitted to our Intestinal Rehabilitation Unit with intestinal failure. Those who were dehydrated, with renal insufficiency, or other conditions able to modify the results were excluded. Patients were divided into 4 groups: group i: SBS totally dependent on parenteral nutrition (PN); group ii: SBS under mixed enteral-parenteral nutrition; group iii: IF weaned from PN after a rehabilitation period; group iv: small bowel transplanted patients weaned from PN and taking a normal diet. The mean ± SD plasma citrulline values were: group i (n=15): 7.1 ± 4.1; group ii (n=11): 15.8 ± 8.9; group iii (n=13): 20.6 ± 7.5; group iv (n=25): 28.8 ± 10.1. Values were significantly lower in group i in comparison with groups ii-iii-iv (P<.001), and in group ii in comparison with groups iii-iv (P<.001). A low citrulline was associated with remnant small bowel length (P<.001, r=0.85). In group iv citrulline levels decreased >50% in 3 patients who developed moderate-severe rejection, and in one patient who developed viral enteritis. 1. Plasma citrulline could be a sensitive and specific biomarker of the residual functional enterocyte load. 2. It is related to enteral feeding tolerance. 3. Its prognostic value in the process of intestinal adaptation and as a rejection marker in small bowel transplanted patients needs to be confirmed. Copyright © 2012 Asociación Española de Pediatría. Published by Elsevier Espana. All rights reserved.

Evaluation of the Various Drying Methods on Surface Hardness of Type IV Dental Stone

PubMed Central

Sudhakar, A; Srivatsa, G; Shetty, Rohit; Rajeswari, C L; Manvi, Supriya

2015-01-01

Background: Studies regarding the effect of various methods to increase the surface hardness of Type IV dental stone are not conclusive. Therefore, this study was carried out to evaluate the effect of air drying, micro oven drying and die hardener on surface hardness of Type IV dental stone. Materials and Methods: A standard metal die was fabricated; polyvinyl siloxane impression material was used to make the molds of metal die. A total of 120 specimens were obtained from two different die stones and were grouped as Group A (kalrock) and Group B (pearl stone), and were subjected to air drying for 24 h, micro oven drying and application of die hardener. These models were then subjected to surface hardness testing using the knoop hardness instrument. The obtained data were subjected to statistical analysis. Results: The hardness of Group A specimens was 64 ± 0.54 Knoop hardness number (KHN) after application of die hardener, 60.47 ± 0.41 KHN after 24 h air drying, 58.2 ± 0.88 after microwave oven drying and 24.6 ± 0.4 after 1 h air drying. The hardness of Group B specimens was 45.59 ± 0.63 KHN after application of die hardener, 40.2 ± 0.63 KHN after 24 h air drying, 38.28 ± 0.55 KHN after microwave oven drying and 19.91 ± 0.64 KHN after 1 h air drying. Conclusion: Group A showed better results than Group B at all times. Application of the die hardener showed highest hardness values followed in the order by 24 h air drying, microwave oven drying and 1 h air drying in both groups. The study showed that air drying the dies for 24 h followed by application of a single layer of the die hardener produced the best surface hardness and is recommended to be followed in practice. PMID:26124610

Body composition, diet, and physical activity: a longitudinal cohort study in preschoolers with cerebral palsy.

PubMed

Oftedal, Stina; Davies, Peter Sw; Boyd, Roslyn N; Stevenson, Richard D; Ware, Robert S; Keawutan, Piyapa; Benfer, Katherine A; Bell, Kristie L

2017-02-01

Altered body composition in children with cerebral palsy (CP) could be due to differences in energy intake, habitual physical activity (HPA), and sedentary time. We investigated the longitudinal relation between the weight-for-age z score (WZ), fat-free mass (FFM), percentage of body fat (%BF), and modifiable lifestyle factors for all Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) levels (I-V). The study was a longitudinal population-based cohort study of children with CP who were aged 18-60 mo (364 assessments in 161 children; boys: 61%; mean ± SD recruitment age: 2.8 ± 0.9 y; GMFCS: I, 48%; II, 11%; III, 15%; IV, 11%; and V, 15%). A deuterium dilution technique or bioelectrical impedance analysis was used to estimate FFM, and the %BF was calculated. Energy intake, HPA, and sedentary time were measured with the use of a 3-d weighed food diary and accelerometer wear. Data were analyzed with the use of a mixed-model analysis. Children in GMFCS group I did not differ from age- and sex-specific reference children with typical development for weight. Children in GMFCS group IV were lighter-for-age, and children in GMFCS group V had a lower FFM-for-height than those in GMFCS group I. Children in GMFCS groups II-V had a higher %BF than that of children in GMFCS group I, with the exception of orally fed children in GMFCS group V. The mean %BF of children with CP classified them as overfat or obese. There was a positive association between energy intake and FFM and also between HPA level and FFM for children in GMFCS group I. Altered body composition was evident in preschool-age children with CP across functional capacities. Gross motor function, feeding method, energy intake, and HPA level in GMFCS I individuals are the strongest predictors of body composition in children with CP between the ages of 18 and 60 mo. © 2017 American Society for Nutrition.

A novel technique for the treatment of stages III to IV hemorrhoids: Homemade anal cushion suspension clamp combined with harmonic scalpel.

PubMed

Lin, Guoqiang; Ge, Qiongxiang; He, Xiaokang; Qi, Haixin; Xu, Li

2017-06-01

To compare the efficacy of homemade anal cushion suspension clamp combined with harmonic scalpel (ACS) and Milligan-Morgan hemorrhoidectomy combined with electric knife (MMH) in the treatment of stages III to IV hemorrhoids. We conducted a retrospective study of 99 patients with stages III to IV hemorrhoids hospitalized from January to December in 2013. Among them, 51 patients were treated with ACS, while 48 patients received MMH. Data from clinical recording and follow-up included operative time, intraoperative blood loss, hospitalization information, postoperative pain, and postoperative complications. Operative time, intraoperative blood loss and hospitalization time in ACS group were significantly less than those in MMH group (P < .05). Compared with MMH group, ACS group had a lower postoperative static pain score from days 1 to 14 (P < .01). The patients in ACS group exhibited less postoperative defecation pain scores from days 3 to 20 than those of MMH group (P < .05). The incidence of postoperative anal edema and delayed wound healing in ACS group was lower than that in MMH group (P < .05). Compared with MMH, our novel technique ACS was more effective and had fewer postoperative complications in the treatment of stages III to IV hemorrhoids.

A novel technique for the treatment of stages III to IV hemorrhoids

PubMed Central

Lin, Guoqiang; Ge, Qiongxiang; He, Xiaokang; Qi, Haixin; Xu, Li

2017-01-01

Abstract To compare the efficacy of homemade anal cushion suspension clamp combined with harmonic scalpel (ACS) and Milligan–Morgan hemorrhoidectomy combined with electric knife (MMH) in the treatment of stages III to IV hemorrhoids. We conducted a retrospective study of 99 patients with stages III to IV hemorrhoids hospitalized from January to December in 2013. Among them, 51 patients were treated with ACS, while 48 patients received MMH. Data from clinical recording and follow-up included operative time, intraoperative blood loss, hospitalization information, postoperative pain, and postoperative complications. Operative time, intraoperative blood loss and hospitalization time in ACS group were significantly less than those in MMH group (P < .05). Compared with MMH group, ACS group had a lower postoperative static pain score from days 1 to 14 (P < .01). The patients in ACS group exhibited less postoperative defecation pain scores from days 3 to 20 than those of MMH group (P < .05). The incidence of postoperative anal edema and delayed wound healing in ACS group was lower than that in MMH group (P < .05). Compared with MMH, our novel technique ACS was more effective and had fewer postoperative complications in the treatment of stages III to IV hemorrhoids. PMID:28658138

[A novel method of multi-channel feature extraction combining multivariate autoregression and multiple-linear principal component analysis].

PubMed

Wang, Jinjia; Zhang, Yanna

2015-02-01

Brain-computer interface (BCI) systems identify brain signals through extracting features from them. In view of the limitations of the autoregressive model feature extraction method and the traditional principal component analysis to deal with the multichannel signals, this paper presents a multichannel feature extraction method that multivariate autoregressive (MVAR) model combined with the multiple-linear principal component analysis (MPCA), and used for magnetoencephalography (MEG) signals and electroencephalograph (EEG) signals recognition. Firstly, we calculated the MVAR model coefficient matrix of the MEG/EEG signals using this method, and then reduced the dimensions to a lower one, using MPCA. Finally, we recognized brain signals by Bayes Classifier. The key innovation we introduced in our investigation showed that we extended the traditional single-channel feature extraction method to the case of multi-channel one. We then carried out the experiments using the data groups of IV-III and IV - I. The experimental results proved that the method proposed in this paper was feasible.

Self-Administered Outpatient Antimicrobial Infusion by Uninsured Patients Discharged from a Safety-Net Hospital: A Propensity-Score-Balanced Retrospective Cohort Study.

PubMed

Bhavan, Kavita P; Brown, L Steven; Haley, Robert W

2015-12-01

Outpatient parenteral antimicrobial therapy (OPAT) is accepted as safe and effective for medically stable patients to complete intravenous (IV) antibiotics in an outpatient setting. Since, however, uninsured patients in the United States generally cannot afford OPAT, safety-net hospitals are often burdened with long hospitalizations purely to infuse antibiotics, occupying beds that could be used for patients requiring more intensive services. OPAT is generally delivered in one of four settings: infusion centers, nursing homes, at home with skilled nursing assistance, or at home with self-administered therapy. The first three-termed healthcare-administered OPAT (H-OPAT)--are most commonly used in the United States by patients with insurance funding. The fourth--self-administered OPAT (S-OPAT)--is relatively uncommon, with the few published studies having been conducted in the United Kingdom. With multidisciplinary planning, we established an S-OPAT clinic in 2009 to shift care of selected uninsured patients safely to self-administration of their IV antibiotics at home. We undertook this study to determine whether the low-income mostly non-English-speaking patients in our S-OPAT program could administer their own IV antimicrobials at home with outcomes as good as, or better than, those receiving H-OPAT. Parkland Hospital is a safety-net hospital serving Dallas County, Texas. From 1 January 2009 to 14 October 2013, all uninsured patients meeting criteria were enrolled in S-OPAT, while insured patients were discharged to H-OPAT settings. The S-OPAT patients were trained through multilingual instruction to self-administer IV antimicrobials by gravity, tested for competency before discharge, and thereafter followed at designated intervals in the S-OPAT outpatient clinic for IV access care, laboratory monitoring, and physician follow-up. The primary outcome was 30-d all-cause readmission, and the secondary outcome was 1-y all-cause mortality. The study was adequately powered for readmission but not for mortality. Clinical, sociodemographic, and outcome data were collected from the Parkland Hospital electronic medical records and the US census, constituting a historical prospective cohort study. We used multivariable logistic regression to develop a propensity score predicting S-OPAT versus H-OPAT group membership from covariates. We then estimated the effect of S-OPAT versus H-OPAT on the two outcomes using multivariable proportional hazards regression, controlling for selection bias and confounding with the propensity score and covariates. Of the 1,168 patients discharged to receive OPAT, 944 (81%) were managed in the S-OPAT program and 224 (19%) by H-OPAT services. In multivariable proportional hazards regression models controlling for confounding and selection bias, the 30-d readmission rate was 47% lower in the S-OPAT group (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR], 0.53; 95% CI 0.35-0.81; p = 0.003), and the 1-y mortality rate did not differ significantly between the groups (aHR, 0.86; 95% CI 0.37-2.00; p = 0.73). The S-OPAT program shifted a median 26 d of inpatient infusion per patient to the outpatient setting, avoiding 27,666 inpatient days. The main limitation of this observational study-the potential bias from the difference in healthcare funding status of the groups-was addressed by propensity score modeling. S-OPAT was associated with similar or better clinical outcomes than H-OPAT. S-OPAT may be an acceptable model of treatment for uninsured, medically stable patients to complete extended courses of IV antimicrobials at home.

Evaluating disease management programme effectiveness: an introduction to instrumental variables.

PubMed

Linden, Ariel; Adams, John L

2006-04-01

This paper introduces the concept of instrumental variables (IVs) as a means of providing an unbiased estimate of treatment effects in evaluating disease management (DM) programme effectiveness. Model development is described using zip codes as the IV. Three diabetes DM outcomes were evaluated: annual diabetes costs, emergency department (ED) visits and hospital days. Both ordinary least squares (OLS) and IV estimates showed a significant treatment effect for diabetes costs (P = 0.011) but neither model produced a significant treatment effect for ED visits. However, the IV estimate showed a significant treatment effect for hospital days (P = 0.006) whereas the OLS model did not. These results illustrate the utility of IV estimation when the OLS model is sensitive to the confounding effect of hidden bias.

Evaluation of the use of midazolam as a co-induction agent with ketamine for anaesthesia in sedated ponies undergoing field castration.

PubMed

Allison, A; Robinson, R; Jolliffe, C; Taylor, P M

2018-05-01

There are limited investigations comparing ketamine to a ketamine-midazolam co-induction. To compare quality and safety of general anaesthesia induced using ketamine alone with anaesthesia co-induced using ketamine and midazolam. Randomised, double blinded, placebo controlled trial. After i.v. detomidine (20 μg/kg) thirty-eight ponies undergoing field castration received either 0.06 mg/kg (0.6 mL/50 kg) midazolam (group M) or 0.6 mL/50 kg placebo (group P) with 2.2 mg/kg ketamine i.v. for anaesthetic induction. Quality of anaesthetic induction, endotracheal intubation, surgical relaxation and recovery were scored using combinations of simple descriptive and visual analogue scales. Time of sedation, induction, start of endotracheal intubation, first movement, sternal recumbency and standing were recorded, as were time, number and total quantity of additional i.v. detomidine and ketamine injections. Cardiorespiratory variables were assessed every 5 min. Adverse effects were documented. Data were tested for normality and analysed with a mixed model ANOVA, Fisher's exact test, unpaired Students' t test and Wilcoxon Rank-sum as appropriate; P<0.05 was considered significant. Group M had better scores for induction (P = 0.005), intubation (P<0.001) and surgical relaxation (P<0.001) and required fewer additional injections of detomidine and ketamine (P = 0.04). Time (minutes) from induction to first movement (P<0.001), sternal recumbency (P =< 0.001) and standing was longer (P = 0.05) in group M. Recoveries were uneventful with no difference in quality between groups (P = 0.78). Clinical study with noninvasive monitoring undertaken in field conditions. Ketamine-midazolam co-induction compared to ketamine alone improved quality of induction, ease of intubation and muscle relaxation without impacting recovery quality. © 2017 EVJ Ltd.

School Improvement in Petersburg: A Study of the Partnership for Achieving Successful Schools, Model IV Intervention Years One and Two?Evaluation Report

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Edwards, Joanna; Smith, Karen; Marr, Linda; Chadwick, Kristine

2004-01-01

The Model IV Intervention is one of four models that provide technical assistance to Virginia school divisions and that are now being tested by VDOE under the PA+SS project. The Model IV Intervention differs from Models I, II, and III because it is directed from the school division central office, includes a central office school improvement…

Ethanol extract of Moringa oliefera prevents in vitro glucose induced cataract on isolated goat eye lens.

PubMed

Kurmi, Raghvendra; Ganeshpurkar, Aditya; Bansal, Divya; Agnihotri, Abhishek; Dubey, Nazneen

2014-02-01

The aim of current work was to evaluate in vitro anticataract potential of Moringa oliefera extract. Goat eye lenses were divided into 4 groups; Group served as control, Group II as toxic control, Group III and Group IV were incubated in extract (250 μg/ml and 500 μg/ml of extract of M. oliefera) Group II, III and IV were incubated in 55 mM glucose in artificial aqueous humor to induce lens opacification. Estimation of total, water soluble protein, catalase, glutathione and malondialdehyde along with photographic evaluation of lens was done. Group II (toxic control) lenses showed high amount of MDA (Malondialdehyde), soluble, insoluble protein, decreased catalase and glutathione levels, while lenses treated with Moringa oliefera extract (Group III and Group IV) showed significant (FNx01 P < 0.05) reduction in MDA and increased level of catalase, glutathione, total and soluble protein. Results of present findings suggest protective effect of Moringa oliefera in prevention of in vitro glucose induced cataract.

Nedaplatin concurrent with three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy for treatment of locally advanced esophageal carcinoma.

PubMed

Shen, Ze-Tian; Wu, Xin-Hu; Li, Bing; Shen, Jun-Shu; Wang, Zhen; Li, Jing; Zhu, Xi-Xu

2013-12-28

To evaluate the efficacy and toxicity of nedaplatin (NDP) concurrent with radiotherapy in the treatment of locally advanced esophageal carcinoma. Sixty-eight patients with locally advanced esophageal carcinoma were randomized into either a NDP group (n = 34) or a cisplatin (DDP) group (n = 34). The NDP group received NDP 80-100 mg/m² iv on day 1 + leucovorin (CF) 100 mg/m² iv on days 1-5 + 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) 500 mg/m² iv on days 1-5. The DDP group received DDP 30 mg/m² iv on days 1-3 + CF 100 mg/m² on days 1-5 + 5-FU 500 mg/m² iv on days 1-5. The treatment was repeated every 4 wk in both groups. Concurrent radiotherapy [60-66 Gy/(30-33 f)/(6-7 wk)] was given during chemotherapy. There was no significant difference in the short-term response rate between the NDP group and DDP group (90.9% vs 81.3%, P = 0.528). Although the 1- and 2-year survival rates were higher in the NDP group than in the DDP group (75.8% vs 68.8%, 57.6% vs 50.0%), the difference in the overall survival rate was not statistically significant between the two groups (P = 0.540). The incidences of nausea, vomiting and nephrotoxicity were significantly lower in the NDP group than in the DDP group (17.6% vs 50.0%, P = 0.031; 11.8% vs 47.1%, P = 0.016; 8.8% vs 38.2%, P = 0.039). There was no significant difference in the incidence of myelosuppression, radiation-induced esophagitis or radiation-induced pneumonia between the two groups. NDP-based concurrent chemoradiotherapy is effective and well-tolerated in patients with locally advanced esophageal carcinoma. NDP-based regimen has comparable efficacy to DDP-based regimen but is associated with lower incidences of gastrointestinal and renal toxicity.

A randomized clinical trial of recombinant human hyaluronidase-facilitated subcutaneous versus intravenous rehydration in mild to moderately dehydrated children in the emergency department.

PubMed

Spandorfer, Philip R; Mace, Sharon E; Okada, Pamela J; Simon, Harold K; Allen, Coburn H; Spiro, David M; Friend, Keith; Harb, George; Lebel, Francois

2012-11-01

Alternative treatment of dehydration is needed when intravenous (IV) or oral rehydration therapy fails. Subcutaneous (SC) hydration facilitated by recombinant human hyaluronidase offers an alternative treatment for dehydration. This clinical trial is the first to compare recombinant human hyaluronidase-facilitated SC (rHFSC) rehydration with standard IV rehydration for use in dehydrated children. This Phase IV noninferiority trial evaluated whether rHFSC fluid administration can be given safely and effectively, with volumes similar to those delivered intravenously, to children who have mild to moderate dehydration. The study included mild to moderately dehydrated children (Gorelick dehydration score) aged 1 month to 10 years. They were randomized to receive 20 mL/kg of isotonic fluids using rHFSC or IV therapy over 1 hour and then as needed until clinically rehydrated. The primary outcome was total volume of fluid administered (emergency department [ED] plus inpatient hospitalization). Secondary outcomes included mean volume infused in the ED alone, postinfusion dehydration scores and weight changes, line placement success and time, safety, and provider and parent/guardian questionnaire. 148 patients (mean age, 2.3 [1.91] years]; white, 53.4%; black, 31.8%) were enrolled in the intention-to-treat population (73 rHFSC; 75 IV). The primary outcome, mean total volume infused, was 365.0 (324.6) mL in the rHFSC group over 3.1 hours versus 455.8 (597.4) mL in the IV group over 6.6 hours (P = 0.51). The secondary outcome of mean volume infused in the ED alone was 334.3 (226.40) mL in the rHFSC group versus 299.6 (252.33) mL in the IV group (P = 0.03). Dehydration scores and weight changes postinfusion were similar. Successful line placement occurred in all 73 rHFSC-treated patients and 59 of 75 (78.7%) IV-treated patients (P < 0.0001). All IV failures occurred in patients aged <3 years; rHFSC rescue was successful in all patients in whom it was attempted. Both treatments were well tolerated. Clinicians rated fluid administration as easy to perform in 94.5% (69 of 73) of the rHFSC group versus 65.3% (49 of 75) of the IV group (P < 0.001). Parents/caregivers were satisfied or very satisfied with fluid administration in 94.5% (69 of 73) of rHFSC-treated patients and 73.3% (55 of 75) of IV-treated patients. In mild to moderately dehydrated children, rHFSC was inferior to IV hydration for the primary outcome measure. However, rHFSC was noninferior in the ED phase of hydration. Additional benefits of rHFSC included time and success of line placement, ease of use, and satisfaction. SC hydration facilitated with recombinant human hyaluronidase represents a reasonable addition to the treatment options for children who have mild to moderate dehydration, especially those with difficult IV access. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT00773175. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier HS Journals, Inc. All rights reserved.

75 FR 42444 - Change in Bank Control Notices; Acquisition of Shares of Bank or Bank Holding Companies

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-07-21

... Governors. Interested persons may express their views in writing to the Reserve Bank indicated for that...; WLR Recovery Fund IV, L.P.; WLR IV Parallel ESC, L.P.; Invesco North America Holdings, Inc.; Invesco WLR IV Associates LLC; WLR Recovery Associates IV LLC; WL Ross Group L.P.; and EL Vedado LLC, all of...

Initial Construction of a Maladaptive Personality Trait Model and Inventory for DSM-5

PubMed Central

Krueger, Robert F.; Derringer, Jaime; Markon, Kristian E.; Watson, David; Skodol, Andrew E.

2012-01-01

Background DSM-IV-TR suggests that clinicians should assess clinically relevant personality traits that do not necessarily constitute a formal personality disorder, and should note these traits on Axis II, but DSM-IV-TR does not provide a trait model to guide the clinician. Our goal was to provide a provisional trait model and a preliminary corresponding assessment instrument, in our roles as members of the DSM-5 personality and personality disorders workgroup and workgroup advisors. Methods An initial list of specific traits and domains (broader groups of traits) was derived from DSM-5 literature reviews and workgroup deliberations, with a focus on capturing maladaptive personality characteristics deemed clinically salient, including those related to the criteria for DSM-IV-TR personality disorders (PDs). The model and instrument were then developed iteratively using data from community samples of treatment seeking participants. The analytic approach relied on tools of modern psychometrics (e.g., item response theory models). Results Twenty-five reliably measured core elements of personality description emerged that, together, delineate five broad domains of maladaptive personality variation: negative affect, detachment, antagonism, disinhibition, and psychoticism. Conclusions We developed a maladaptive personality trait model and corresponding instrument as a step on the path toward helping users of DSM-5 assess traits that may or may not constitute a formal PD. The inventory we developed is reprinted in its entirety in the supplementary materials, with the goal of encouraging additional refinement and development by other investigators prior to the finalization of DSM-5. Continuing discussion should focus on various options for integrating personality traits into DSM-5. PMID:22153017

Comparative scanning electron microscope analysis of diode laser and desensitizing toothpastes for evaluation of efficacy of dentinal tubular occlusion.

PubMed

Reddy, Guntakala Vikram; Akula, Sushma; Malgikar, Suryakanth; Babu, Palaparthy Raja; Reddy, Gooty Jagadish; Josephin, Johnson Juliet

2017-01-01

The present study aims to evaluate the efficacy of diode laser alone and in combination with desensitizing toothpastes in occluding dentinal tubules (both partially occluded and completely occluded tubules) by scanning electron microscope (SEM). Fifty human teeth were extracted, cervical cavities were prepared and etched with 17% ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, and smear layer was removed to expose the tubules. The teeth were divided into five groups: Group I - Application of NovaMin-formulated toothpaste, Group II - Application of Pro-Argin ™ -formulated toothpaste, Group III - Application of diode laser in noncontact mode, Group IV - NovaMin-formulated toothpaste followed by laser irradiation, and Group V - Pro-Argin ™ -formulated toothpaste followed by laser irradiation. After treatment, quantitative analysis of occluded dentinal tubules was done by SEM analysis. The mean values of percentages of total occlusion of dentinal tubules in Groups I, II, III, IV, and V were 92.73% ± 1.38, 90.67% ± 1.86, 96.57% ± 0.64, 97.3% ± 0.68, and 96.9% ± 6.08, respectively. Addition of diode laser (Groups III, IV, and V) yielded a significant occlusion of the dentinal tubules when compared to desensitizing toothpastes alone (Groups I and II). Diode laser (Group III) has shown more efficacy in occluding dentinal tubules when compared with desensitizing toothpastes which was statistically significant ( P < 0.05). Among the five groups, NovaMin + diode laser (Group IV) showed the highest percentage of occluded dentinal tubules.

Efficacy of oral hydration in the prevention of contrast-induced acute kidney injury in patients undergoing coronary angiography or intervention.

PubMed

Akyuz, Sukru; Karaca, Mehmet; Kemaloglu Oz, Tugba; Altay, Servet; Gungor, Baris; Yaylak, Baris; Yazici, Selcuk; Ozden, Kivilcim; Karakus, Gultekin; Cam, Nese

2014-01-01

Efficacy of intravenous (IV) volume expansion in preventing contrast-induced acute kidney injury (CI-AKI) is well known. However, the role of oral hydration has not been well established. The aim of this work was to evaluate the efficacy of oral hydration in preventing CI-AKI. We prospectively randomized 225 patients undergoing coronary angiography and/or percutaneous coronary intervention in either oral hydration or IV hydration groups. Patients who have at least one of the high-risk factors for developing CI-AKI (advanced age, type 2 diabetes mellitus, anemia, hyperuricemia, a history of cardiac failure or systolic dysfunction) were included in the study. All patients had normal renal function or stage 1-2 chronic kidney disease. Patients in the oral hydration group were encouraged to drink unrestricted amounts of fluids freely whereas isotonic saline infusion was performed by the standard protocol in the IV hydration group. CI-AKI occurred in 8/116 patients (6.9%) in the oral hydration group and 8/109 patients (7.3%) in the IV hydration group (p = 0.89). There was also no statistically significant difference between the two groups when different CI-AKI definitions were taken into account. Oral hydration is as effective as IV hydration in preventing CI-AKI in patients with normal kidney function or stage 1-2 chronic kidney disease, and who also have at least one of the other high-risk factors for developing CI-AKI. © 2014 S. Karger AG, Basel.

Oral Hypertonic Saline Is Effective in Reversing Acute Mild-to-Moderate Symptomatic Exercise -Associated Hyponatremia.

PubMed

Bridges, Eileen; Altherwi, Tawfeeq; Correa, José A; Hew-Butler, Tamara

2018-01-23

To determine whether oral administration of 3% hypertonic saline (HTS) is as efficacious as intravenous (IV) 3% saline in reversing symptoms of mild-to-moderate symptomatic exercise-associated hyponatremia (EAH) in athletes during and after a long-distance triathlon. Noninferiority, open-label, parallel-group, randomized control trial to IV or oral HTS. We used permuted block randomization with sealed envelopes, containing the word either "oral" or "IV." Annual long-distance triathlon (3.8-km swim, 180-km bike, and 42-km run) at Mont-Tremblant, Quebec, Canada. Twenty race finishers with mild to moderately symptomatic EAH. Age, sex, race finish time, and 9 clinical symptoms. Time from treatment to discharge. We successfully randomized 20 participants to receive either an oral (n = 11) or IV (n = 9) bolus of HTS. We performed venipuncture to measure serum sodium (Na) at presentation to the medical clinic and at time of symptom resolution after the intervention. The average time from treatment to discharge was 75.8 minutes (SD 29.7) for the IV treatment group and 50.3 minutes (SD 26.8) for the oral treatment group (t test, P = 0.02). Serum Na before and after treatment was not significantly different in both groups. There was no difference on presentation between groups in age, sex, or race finish time, both groups presented with an average of 6 symptoms. Oral HTS is effective in reversing symptoms of mild-to-moderate hyponatremia in EAH.

Screening and staging for non-small cell lung cancer by serum laser Raman spectroscopy.

PubMed

Wang, Hong; Zhang, Shaohong; Wan, Limei; Sun, Hong; Tan, Jie; Su, Qiucheng

2018-08-05

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide. Current clinical screening methods to detect lung cancer are expensive and associated with many complications. Raman spectroscopy is a spectroscopic technique that offers a convenient method to gain molecular information about biological samples. In this study, we measured the serum Raman spectral intensity of healthy volunteers and patients with different stages of non-small cell lung cancer. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the application of serum laser Raman spectroscopy as a low cost alternative method in the screening and staging of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The Raman spectra of the sera of peripheral venous blood were measured with a LabRAM HR 800 confocal Micro Raman spectrometer for individuals from five groups including 14 healthy volunteers (control group), 23 patients with stage I NSCLC (stage I group), 24 patients with stage II NSCLC (stage II group), 19 patients with stage III NSCLC (stage III group), 11 patients with stage IV NSCLC (stage IV group). Each serum sample was measured 3 times at different spots and the average spectra represented the signal of Raman spectra in each case. The Raman spectrum signal data of the five groups were statistically analyzed by analysis of variance (ANOVA), principal component analysis (PCA), linear discriminant analysis (LDA), and cross-validation. Raman spectral intensity was sequentially reduced in serum samples from control group, stage I group, stage II group and stage III/IV group. The strongest peak intensity was observed in the control group, and the weakest one was found in the stage III/IV group at bands of 848 cm -1 , 999 cm -1 , 1152 cm -1 , 1446 cm -1 and 1658 cm -1 (P < 0.05). Linear discriminant analysis showed that the sensitivity to identify healthy people, stage I, stage II, and stage III/IV NSCLC was 86%, 65%, 75%, and 87%, respectively; the specificity was 95%, 94%, 88%, and 93%, respectively; and the overall accuracy rate was 92% (71/77). The laser Raman spectroscopy can effectively identify patients with stage I, stage II or stage III/IV Non-Small Cell Lung cancer using patient serum samples. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Early outcome for the primary arterial switch operation beyond the age of 3 weeks.

PubMed

Ismail, Sameh R; Kabbani, Mohamed S; Najm, Hani K; Abusuliman, Riyadh M; Elbarbary, Mahmoud

2010-07-01

The arterial switch operation (ASO) for neonates is the standard management for transposition of the great arteries (TGA) with an intact ventricular septum (IVS). Patients presenting for late ASO are at risk due to the possibility of left ventricle (LV) involution. This study aimed to assess the early postoperative course and outcome for children with TGA/IVS and still conditioned LV presenting for late primary ASO. A retrospective study of all TGA/IVS patients who underwent a primary ASO between March 2002 and March 2008 was conducted. The cases were divided into two groups. Group A included all the cases of early ASO repaired before the age of 3 weeks, whereas group B included all the preslected cases of late ASO repaired after the age of 3 weeks. The demographics, intensive care unit (ICU) parameters, complications, and short-term outcomes of the two groups were compared. The study enrolled of 91 patients: 64 patients (70%) in group A and 27 patients (30%) in group B. The mean age was 11 +/- 4 days in group A and 37 +/- 17 days in group B (P < 0.001). The two groups showed no significant statistical differences in ICU parameters, complications, or mortality. For patients with TGA/IVS, ASO still can be tolerated beyond the first month of life in selected cases. Provided the LV still is conditioned, age should not be a limitation for ASO.

Cognitive profiles in bilingual children born to immigrant parents and Italian monolingual native children with specific learning disorders.

PubMed

Riva, Anna; Nacinovich, Renata; Bertuletti, Nadia; Montrasi, Valentina; Marchetti, Sara; Neri, Francesca; Bomba, Monica

2017-01-01

The aim of this study is to compare the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children ® - fourth edition IV (WISC IV) intellectual profile of two groups of children with specific learning disorder, a group of bilingual children and a group of monolingual Italian children, in order to identify possible significant differences between them. A group of 48 bilingual children and a group of 48 Italian monolingual children were included in this study. A preliminary comparison showed the homogeneity of the two groups regarding learning disorder typology and sociodemographic characteristics (age at WISC IV assessment, sex and years of education in Italy) with the exception of socioeconomic status. Socioeconomic status was then used as a covariate in the analysis. Even if the two groups were comparable in specific learning disorder severity and, in particular, in the text comprehension performance, our findings showed that the WISC IV performances of the bilingual group were significantly worse than the Italian group in Full Scale Intelligence Quotient ( P =0.03), in General Ability Index ( P =0.03), in Working Memory Index ( P =0.009) and in some subtests and clusters requiring advanced linguistic abilities. These results support the hypothesis of a weakness in metalinguistic abilities in bilingual children with specific learning disorders than monolinguals. If confirmed, this result must be considered in the rehabilitation treatment.

Dietary zinc modifies diabetic-induced renal pathology in rats

PubMed Central

Elsaed, Wael M.; Mohamed, Hazem Abdelhamid

2017-01-01

Abstract This study was conducted to investigate how far dietary zinc (Zn) modifies the histomorphological alterations induced by diabetes in rat kidneys. The animals were divided into negative control group (10 rats). Diabetes was induced in thirty animals by streptozotocin. After confirming diabetes, the animals were divided into three groups (n = 10). Group II served as the positive control group (fed on standard diet), group III was fed on Zn deficient diet, and group IV was fed on Zn supplemented diet. Caspase-3 immune staining was used to estimate the caspase activity. Stereological procedures were used to measure the quantity of the immune stain and the surface area of the Bowman’s space. The renal cortices of group II rats revealed apparent widening of Bowman’s spaces with few apoptotic figures. The filtration barrier showed thickening of the basement membrane. The proximal convoluted tubules showed patchy loss of the apical microvilli with swollen mitochondria. The distal convoluted tubules revealed area of irregular basal enfolding. The picture was aggravated by Zn deficiency in group III besides areas of cortical interstitial fibrosis. The histopathological alterations were minimal in the cortices of group IV. A significant increase of the Bowman’s space surface area in group II and IV while decrease in group III compared with group I. The expression of Caspase-3 density was significantly increased in group II and III compared with group I while in group IV was non significant. In conclusion, dietary Zn modulated renal cortical changes caused by diabetes in rats. PMID:27882813

Effects of ethanol on superovulation in the immature rat following pregnant mare's serum gonadotropin (PMSG) or PMSG and human chorionic gonadotropin treatment.

PubMed

Bo, W J; Krueger, W A; Rudeen, P K

1983-05-01

We sought to determine whether superovulation could occur in immature rats on a 5% ethanol diet and treated with pregnant mare's serum gonadotropin (PMSG) alone or with human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). Holtzman female rats were divided into five groups at 20 days of age. Six rats (Group I) were killed at that age. Ten rats (Group II) were placed on an ad libitum laboratory chow diet and killed on Day 33. Twenty-four rats (Group III) were placed on an ad libitum laboratory chow diet. Twenty-four rats (Group IV) were placed on 5% ethanol liquid diet, while 24 rats in Group V were pair-fed with the animals in Group IV. At 30 days of age, 12 rats from each Group, III, IV, and V, received 25 IU of PMSG s.c. and were killed 74-76 h later. The remaining 12 rats from each Group, III, IV and V, received 25 IU of PMSG and 54-56 h later received 10 IU of hCG and were killed 20 h later. Ovulation occurred in all the rats of Groups III and V that received PMSG alone or with hCG. In the ethanol-treated rats that received PMSG alone, 75% ovulated, while 92% ovulated that received PMSG and hCG. The number of ova shed in the ethanol-PMSG-treated rats was significantly less than in the ethanol-PMSG-hCG-treated animals and in the controls. The uterine weights and morphology of the animals in Group IV were similar to those in Groups III and V. The study indicates that ethanol does not have a direct gonadotoxic effect on the ovary but indicates that ethanol has an effect on the hypothalamus and/or the pituitary, thereby disrupting the synthesis and/or release of luteinizing hormone releasing hormone (LHRH) or luteinizing hormone (LH).

Factor structure of posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms in OEF/OIF veterans presenting to a polytrauma clinic.

PubMed

Maestas, Kacey Little; Benge, Jared F; Pastorek, Nicholas J; Lemaire, Ashley; Darrow, Rachel

2011-11-01

A significant number of Operation Iraqi Freedom/Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF/OIF) veterans are returning from deployment and presenting to Veterans Health Administration (VHA) polytrauma clinics with elevated rates of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI). Inherent to the accurate assessment and treatment of this diagnostically complex group of veterans is the assumption that the construct of PTSD is the same in this population as in other trauma groups. To our knowledge, no previous study has examined the structure of PTSD in this relevant and fast-growing population of treatment-seeking OEF/OIF veterans. Evidence suggests that the latent structure of PTSD symptoms is best represented by a four-factor model, rather than the three-factor model found in the current DSM-IV-TR. Thus, we examined the three and four-factor models using the PTSD Check List-Civilian (PCL-C) in a sample of treatment-seeking OEF/OIF veterans seen through a VHA polytrauma clinic. A chart review was conducted for OEF/OIF veterans (N = 361) seen through a VHA outpatient polytrauma clinic from September 2007 through August 2008. Participants completed the PCL-C as part of a comprehensive polytrauma evaluation. Confirmatory factor analyses showed that the DSM-IV-TR three-factor model did not fit the data well. A direct comparison showed that the four-factor model provided a superior fit relative to the three-factor model. Results extend the generalizability of the four-factor model to OEF/OIF veterans presenting to Veterans Health Administration (VHA) polytrauma clinics.

Lattice thermal expansion for normal tetrahedral compound semiconductors

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Omar, M.S.

2007-02-15

The cubic root of the deviation of the lattice thermal expansion from that of the expected value of diamond for group IV semiconductors, binary compounds of III-V and II-VI, as well as several ternary compounds from groups I-III-VI{sub 2}, II-IV-V{sub 2} and I-IV{sub 2}V{sub 3} semiconductors versus their bonding length are given straight lines. Their slopes were found to be 0.0256, 0.0210, 0.0170, 0.0259, 0.0196, and 0.02840 for the groups above, respectively. Depending on the valence electrons of the elements forming these groups, a formula was found to correlate all the values of the slopes mentioned above to that ofmore » group IV. This new formula which depends on the melting point and the bonding length as well as the number of valence electrons for the elements forming the compounds, will gives best calculated values for lattice thermal expansion for all compounds forming the groups mentioned above. An empirical relation is also found between the mean ionicity of the compounds forming the groups and their slopes mentioned above and that gave the mean ionicity for the compound CuGe{sub 2}P{sub 3} in the range of 0.442.« less

Biochemical and chemical characterization of pink-pigmented oxidative bacteria.

PubMed Central

Wallace, P L; Hollis, D G; Weaver, R E; Moss, C W

1990-01-01

The biochemical and chemical characteristics were determined for 156 clinical isolates of pink-pigmented bacteria that are similar to but distinct from Methylobacterium extorquens (synonymous with Pseudomonas mesophilica). These isolates were gram-negative, nonfermentative, usually nonvacuolated, coccoid rods; all grew at 35 degrees C and were catalase and urease positive; the majority grew on MacConkey agar and were variable for oxidase production and motility. On the basis of oxidation of xylose and mannitol and hydrolysis of esculin, these 156 strains were subdivided into four groups that were designated "pink coccoid" groups I, II, III, and IV. Groups I, II, and III are similar to an unnamed taxon described by Gilardi and Faur in 1984; only strains of group IV hydrolyze esculin. The cellular fatty acid compositions of strains of groups I, II, and III were essentially identical and differed from strains of group IV by the absence of 3-OH-C14:0 and the presence of C19:0 delta and 2-OH-C19:0 delta. The fatty acid composition of group IV strains was most similar to that of M. extorquens but differed by the presence of small amounts of two C17:1 acids, 3-OH-C16:0, and 2-OH-C18:1. PMID:2332467

Biochemical and chemical characterization of pink-pigmented oxidative bacteria.

PubMed

Wallace, P L; Hollis, D G; Weaver, R E; Moss, C W

1990-04-01

The biochemical and chemical characteristics were determined for 156 clinical isolates of pink-pigmented bacteria that are similar to but distinct from Methylobacterium extorquens (synonymous with Pseudomonas mesophilica). These isolates were gram-negative, nonfermentative, usually nonvacuolated, coccoid rods; all grew at 35 degrees C and were catalase and urease positive; the majority grew on MacConkey agar and were variable for oxidase production and motility. On the basis of oxidation of xylose and mannitol and hydrolysis of esculin, these 156 strains were subdivided into four groups that were designated "pink coccoid" groups I, II, III, and IV. Groups I, II, and III are similar to an unnamed taxon described by Gilardi and Faur in 1984; only strains of group IV hydrolyze esculin. The cellular fatty acid compositions of strains of groups I, II, and III were essentially identical and differed from strains of group IV by the absence of 3-OH-C14:0 and the presence of C19:0 delta and 2-OH-C19:0 delta. The fatty acid composition of group IV strains was most similar to that of M. extorquens but differed by the presence of small amounts of two C17:1 acids, 3-OH-C16:0, and 2-OH-C18:1.

Internal variability of a dynamically downscaled climate over North America

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Wang, Jiali; Bessac, Julie; Kotamarthi, Rao

This study investigates the internal variability (IV) of a regional climate model, and considers the impacts of horizontal resolution and spectral nudging on the IV. A 16-member simulation ensemble was conducted using the Weather Research Forecasting model for three model configurations. Ensemble members included simulations at spatial resolutions of 50 km and 12 km without spectral nudging and simulations at a spatial resolution of 12 km with spectral nudging. All the simulations were generated over the same domain, which covered much of North America. The degree of IV was measured as the spread between the individual members of the ensemblemore » during the integration period. The IV of the 12 km simulation with spectral nudging was also compared with a future climate change simulation projected by the same model configuration. The variables investigated focus on precipitation and near-surface air temperature. While the IVs show a clear annual cycle with larger values in summer and smaller values in winter, the seasonal IV is smaller for a 50-km spatial resolution than for a 12-km resolution when nudging is not applied. Applying a nudging technique to the 12-km simulation reduces the IV by a factor of two, and produces smaller IV than the simulation at 50 km without nudging. Applying a nudging technique also changes the geographic distributions of IV in all examined variables. The IV is much smaller than the inter-annual variability at seasonal scales for regionally averaged temperature and precipitation. The IV is also smaller than the projected changes in air-temperature for the mid- and late 21st century. However, the IV is larger than the projected changes in precipitation for the mid- and late 21st century.« less

Internal variability of a dynamically downscaled climate over North America

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Wang, Jiali; Bessac, Julie; Kotamarthi, Rao

This study investigates the internal variability (IV) of a regional climate model, and considers the impacts of horizontal resolution and spectral nudging on the IV. A 16-member simulation ensemble was conducted using the Weather Research Forecasting model for three model configurations. Ensemble members included simulations at spatial resolutions of 50 and 12 km without spectral nudging and simulations at a spatial resolution of 12 km with spectral nudging. All the simulations were generated over the same domain, which covered much of North America. The degree of IV was measured as the spread between the individual members of the ensemble duringmore » the integration period. The IV of the 12 km simulation with spectral nudging was also compared with a future climate change simulation projected by the same model configuration. The variables investigated focus on precipitation and near-surface air temperature. While the IVs show a clear annual cycle with larger values in summer and smaller values in winter, the seasonal IV is smaller for a 50-km spatial resolution than for a 12-km resolution when nudging is not applied. Applying a nudging technique to the 12-km simulation reduces the IV by a factor of two, and produces smaller IV than the simulation at 50 km without nudging. Applying a nudging technique also changes the geographic distributions of IV in all examined variables. The IV is much smaller than the inter-annual variability at seasonal scales for regionally averaged temperature and precipitation. The IV is also smaller than the projected changes in air-temperature for the mid- and late twenty-first century. However, the IV is larger than the projected changes in precipitation for the mid- and late twenty-first century.« less

Internal variability of a dynamically downscaled climate over North America

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Jiali; Bessac, Julie; Kotamarthi, Rao; Constantinescu, Emil; Drewniak, Beth

2018-06-01

This study investigates the internal variability (IV) of a regional climate model, and considers the impacts of horizontal resolution and spectral nudging on the IV. A 16-member simulation ensemble was conducted using the Weather Research Forecasting model for three model configurations. Ensemble members included simulations at spatial resolutions of 50 and 12 km without spectral nudging and simulations at a spatial resolution of 12 km with spectral nudging. All the simulations were generated over the same domain, which covered much of North America. The degree of IV was measured as the spread between the individual members of the ensemble during the integration period. The IV of the 12 km simulation with spectral nudging was also compared with a future climate change simulation projected by the same model configuration. The variables investigated focus on precipitation and near-surface air temperature. While the IVs show a clear annual cycle with larger values in summer and smaller values in winter, the seasonal IV is smaller for a 50-km spatial resolution than for a 12-km resolution when nudging is not applied. Applying a nudging technique to the 12-km simulation reduces the IV by a factor of two, and produces smaller IV than the simulation at 50 km without nudging. Applying a nudging technique also changes the geographic distributions of IV in all examined variables. The IV is much smaller than the inter-annual variability at seasonal scales for regionally averaged temperature and precipitation. The IV is also smaller than the projected changes in air-temperature for the mid- and late twenty-first century. However, the IV is larger than the projected changes in precipitation for the mid- and late twenty-first century.

Internal variability of a dynamically downscaled climate over North America

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Jiali; Bessac, Julie; Kotamarthi, Rao; Constantinescu, Emil; Drewniak, Beth

2017-09-01

This study investigates the internal variability (IV) of a regional climate model, and considers the impacts of horizontal resolution and spectral nudging on the IV. A 16-member simulation ensemble was conducted using the Weather Research Forecasting model for three model configurations. Ensemble members included simulations at spatial resolutions of 50 and 12 km without spectral nudging and simulations at a spatial resolution of 12 km with spectral nudging. All the simulations were generated over the same domain, which covered much of North America. The degree of IV was measured as the spread between the individual members of the ensemble during the integration period. The IV of the 12 km simulation with spectral nudging was also compared with a future climate change simulation projected by the same model configuration. The variables investigated focus on precipitation and near-surface air temperature. While the IVs show a clear annual cycle with larger values in summer and smaller values in winter, the seasonal IV is smaller for a 50-km spatial resolution than for a 12-km resolution when nudging is not applied. Applying a nudging technique to the 12-km simulation reduces the IV by a factor of two, and produces smaller IV than the simulation at 50 km without nudging. Applying a nudging technique also changes the geographic distributions of IV in all examined variables. The IV is much smaller than the inter-annual variability at seasonal scales for regionally averaged temperature and precipitation. The IV is also smaller than the projected changes in air-temperature for the mid- and late twenty-first century. However, the IV is larger than the projected changes in precipitation for the mid- and late twenty-first century.

AMD-like retinopathy associated with intravenous iron

PubMed Central

Song, Delu; Kanu, Levi N.; Li, Yafeng; Kelly, Kristen L.; Bhuyan, Rupak K.; Aleman, Tomas; Morgan, Jessica I. W.; Dunaief, Joshua L.

2016-01-01

Iron accumulation in the retina is associated with the development of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). IV iron is a common method to treat iron deficiency anemia in adults, and its retinal manifestations have not hitherto been identified. To assess whether IV iron formulations can be retina-toxic, we generated a mouse model for iron-induced retinal damage. Male C57BL/6J mice were randomized into groups receiving IV iron-sucrose (+Fe) or 30% sucrose (−Fe). Iron levels in neurosensory retina (NSR), retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), and choroid were assessed using immunofluorescence, quantitative PCR, and the Perls’ iron stain. Iron levels were most increased in the RPE and choroid while levels in the NSR did not differ significantly in +Fe mice compared to controls. Eyes from +Fe mice shared histological features with AMD, including Bruch’s membrane (BrM) thickening with complement C3 deposition, as well as RPE hypertrophy and vacuolization. This focal degeneration correlated with areas with high choroidal iron levels. Ultrastructural analysis provided further detail of the RPE/photoreceptor outer segment vacuolization and Bruch’s membrane thickening. Findings were correlated with a clinical case of a 43-year-old patient who developed numerous retinal drusen, the hallmark of AMD, within 11 months of IV iron therapy. Our results suggest that IV iron therapy may have the potential to induce or exacerbate a form of retinal degeneration. This retinal degeneration shares features with AMD, indicating the need for further study of AMD risk in patients receiving IV iron treatment. PMID:27565570

International VLBI Service for Geodesy and Astronomy

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Vandenberg, Nancy R. (Editor); Baver, Karen D. (Editor)

2004-01-01

This volume of reports is the 2003 Annual Report of the International VLBI Service for Geodesy and Astrometry (IVS). The individual reports were contributed by VLBI groups in the international geodetic and astrometric community who constitute the permanent components of IVS. The IVS 2003 Annual Report documents the work of the IVS components for the calendar year 2003, our fifih year of existence. The reports describe changes, activities, and progress of the IVS. Many thanks to all IVS components who contributed to this Annual Report. The entire contents of this Annual Report also appear on the IVS web site at http://ivscc.gsfc.nasa.gov/publications/ar2OO3

Preliminary investigation comparing a detomidine continuous rate infusion combined with either morphine or buprenorphine for standing sedation in horses.

PubMed

Potter, Joanna J; MacFarlane, Paul D; Love, Emma J; Tremaine, Henry; Taylor, Polly M; Murrell, Joanna C

2016-03-01

To compare sedative and analgesic properties of buprenorphine or morphine for standing procedures combined with a detomidine continuous rate infusion (CRI). Blinded, prospective, randomized clinical pilot study. Ten horses presented for dental or sinus procedures. Horses received 0.02 mg kg(-1) acepromazine intravenously (IV), followed 30 minutes later by detomidine 10 μg kg(-1) IV. Five minutes later, buprenorphine 0.01 mg kg(-1) (n = 6) or morphine 0.1 mg kg(-1) (n = 4) was administered IV. Detomidine was administered by CRI (0.2 μg kg(-1) minute(-1)) and adjusted to maintain appropriate sedation. Heart rate, respiratory frequency, gastrointestinal motility and rectal temperature were measured; pain, ataxia and sedation were scored. Sedation, pain scores and ataxia scores were analysed using a mixed linear model. Detomidine dose and procedure success scores were compared using Wilcoxon's rank sum test. Complications between groups were analysed using Fisher's exact test. Two horses had incomplete data. Weights and ages were not different between groups (p = 0.15 and p = 0.42, respectively). The dose rate for detomidine was not different between groups (0.33 ± 0.02 μg kg(-1) minute(-1) in the buprenorphine group and 0.33 ± 0.05 μg kg(-1) minute(-1), in the morphine group p = 0.89). Intraoperative visual analogue scale scores were greater after buprenorphine than morphine (mean ± SD, buprenorphine 48 ± 4, morphine 40 ± 5, p = 0.0497). Procedure duration was not different between groups (buprenorphine 142 ± 33, morphine 140 ± 12 minutes). All horses treated with buprenorphine experienced complications compared with none in the morphine group (p = 0.0286). At the doses used, buprenorphine produced greater sedation but more post-operative complications than morphine. However, Type I or Type II errors cannot be excluded and larger studies are required to confirm these findings. © 2015 Association of Veterinary Anaesthetists and the American College of Veterinary Anesthesia and Analgesia.

[Long-term Efficacy of Radiofrequency Ablation Combined with Chemotherapy 
in the Treatment of Patients with Advanced Non-small Cell Lung Cancer
--A Retrospective Study].

PubMed

Du, Shuhui; Qin, Da; Pang, Ruiqi; Zhang, Yeqing; Zhao, Siqi; Hu, Mu; Zhi, Xiuyi

2017-10-20

Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) combined with chemotherapy has a certain short-term therapeutic effect for the treatment of advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), but whether it can improve the long-term survival rate of patients is still controversy. This study retrospectively analyzed the difference of long-term efficacy between RFA combined with chemotherapy and chemotherapy alone in the treatment of patients with advanced NSCLC. A total of 77 patients with stage IIIb and stage IV NSCLC who underwent radiofrequency ablation and chemotherapy in the Department of Thoracic Surgery, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital University of Medical Sciences from September 2009 to December 2015 were enrolled as the treatment group. Chemotherapy with no radiofrequency ablation was performed in 56 patients with stage IIIb and stage IV NSCLC as the control group. Two groups of patients were followed up by telephone about their living conditions. "Survival" package of R software version 3.4.1 was used for statistical analysis. Two sets of data baseline levels were tested by chi-square test. The bias was processed by Cox regression model and the survival curve was plotted using covariate mean substitution method. The first-year survival rate of the treatment group was 70.74%, the two-year survival rate was 39.31% and the median survival time was 22.1 months. The one-year survival rate was 54.54% in the control group, the two-year survival rate was 19.49%, the median survival for 18.1 months. The long-term survival rate of the treatment group was better than that of the control group (P<0.05, OR=0.571). Radiofrequency ablation of lung cancer combined with chemotherapy can significantly improve the 2-year survival rate of patients with stage IIIb and stage IV NSCLC.

Intramuscular midazolam versus intravenous diazepam for treatment of seizures in the pediatric emergency department: a randomized clinical trial.

PubMed

Portela, J L; Garcia, P C R; Piva, J P; Barcelos, A; Bruno, F; Branco, R; Tasker, R C

2015-04-01

To compare the therapeutic efficacy of intramuscular midazolam (MDZ-IM) with that of intravenous diazepam (DZP-IV) for seizures in children. Randomized clinical trial. Pediatric emergency department. Children aged 2 months to 14 years admitted to the study facility with seizures. Patients were randomized to receive DZP-IV or MDZ-IM. Groups were compared with respect to time to treatment start (min), time from drug administration to seizure cessation (min), time to seizure cessation (min), and rate of treatment failure. Treatment was considered successful when seizure cessation was achieved within 5min of drug administration. Overall, 32 children (16 per group) completed the study. Intravenous access could not be obtained within 5min in four patients (25%) in the DZP-IV group. Time from admission to active treatment and time to seizure cessation was shorter in the MDZ-IM group (2.8 versus 7.4min; p<0.001 and 7.3 versus 10.6min; p=0.006, respectively). In two children per group (12.5%), seizures continued after 10min of treatment, and additional medications were required. There were no between-group differences in physiological parameters or adverse events (p=0.171); one child (6.3%) developed hypotension in the MDZ-IM group and five (31%) developed hyperactivity or vomiting in the DZP-IV group. Given its efficacy and ease and speed of administration, intramuscular midazolam is an excellent option for treatment of childhood seizures, enabling earlier treatment and shortening overall seizure duration. There were no differences in complications when applying MDZ-IM or DZP-IV. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier España, S.L.U. and SEMICYUC. All rights reserved.

Bioavailability and Preliminary Clinical Efficacy of Intrarectal Artesunate in Ghanaian Children with Moderate Malaria

PubMed Central

Krishna, Sanjeev; Planche, Tim; Agbenyega, Tsiri; Woodrow, Charles; Agranoff, Dan; Bedu-Addo, George; Owusu-Ofori, Alex K.; Appiah, John Adabie; Ramanathan, Surash; Mansor, Sharif M.; Navaratnam, Visweswaran

2001-01-01

We report the first detailed pharmacokinetic assessment of intrarectal (i.r.) artesunate (ARS) in African children. Artesunate was given intravenously (i.v.; 2.4 mg/kg of body weight) and i.r. (10 or 20 mg/kg formulated as 50- or 200-mg suppositories [Rectocaps]) in a crossover study design to 34 Ghanaian children with moderate falciparum malaria. The median relative bioavailability of dihydroartemisinin (DHA), the active antimalarial metabolite of ARS, was higher in the low-dose i.r. group (10 mg/kg) than in the high-dose i.r. group (20 mg/kg) (58 versus 23%; P = 0.018). There was wide interpatient variation in the area under the concentration-time curve after i.r. ARS administration (up to 9-fold in the high-dose group and 20-fold in the low-dose group). i.r. administered ARS was more rapidly absorbed in the low-dose group than the high-dose group (median [range] absorption half-lives, 0.7 h [0.3 to 1.24 h] versus 1.1 h [0.6 to 2.7 h] [P = 0.023]. i.r. administered ARS was eliminated with a median (range) half-life of 0.8 h (0.4 to 2.7 h) (low-dose group and 0.9 h (0.1 to 2.5 h) (high-dose group) (P = 1). The fractional clearances of DHA were 3.9, 2.6, and 1.5 liters/kg/h for the 20-mg/kg, 10-mg/kg and i.v. groups, respectively (P = 0.001 and P = 0.06 for the high-and low-dose i.r. groups compared with the i.v. groups, respectively). The median volumes of distribution for DHA were 1.5 liters kg (20 mg/kg, i.r. group), 1.8 liters/kg (10 mg/kg, i.r. group), and 0.6 liters/kg (i.v. group) (P < 0.05 for both i.r. groups compared with the i.v. group). Parasite clearance kinetics were comparable in all treatment groups. i.r. administered ARS may be a useful alternative to parenterally administered ARS in the management of moderate childhood malaria and should be studied further. PMID:11158748

A pilot outreach physiotherapy and dietetic quality improvement initiative reduces IV antibiotic requirements in children with moderate-severe cystic fibrosis.

PubMed

Ledger, Sean J; Owen, Elizabeth; Prasad, S Ammani; Goldman, Allan; Willams, Jane; Aurora, Paul

2013-12-01

At our hospital the current model of care for children with moderate-severe CF is focused on intensive inpatient intervention, regular outpatient clinic review and specialist outreach care as required. An alternative model providing more regular physiotherapy and dietetic outreach support, in addition to these specialist services, may be more effective. 16 children (4 male; 12 female; mean age 10.9±2.93; range 4-15 years) who required >40days of IV antibiotics in the 12-months pre-intervention were enrolled. Physiotherapy included weekly-supervised exercise sessions, alongside regular review of home physiotherapy regimens. Dietetic management included 1-2 monthly monitoring of growth, appetite, intake and absorption, and nutrition education sessions. There was a 23% reduction in inpatient IV antibiotic requirement and 20% reduction in home IV antibiotic requirement during the intervention year. Cost-benefit analyses showed savings of £113,570. VO(2Peak) increased by 4.9 ml·kg·min(-1) (95%CI 1.01 to 8.71; p=0.02), and 10 m-MSWT distance and increment achieved increased by 229 m (95%CI 109 to 350; p<0.001) and 2 levels (95%CI 1 to 3; p<0.002) respectively. No significant differences in physiological and patient reported outcomes were demonstrated, although there was a possible trend towards improvement in outcomes when compared to the pre-intervention year. This pilot programme demonstrated a reduction in IV and admission requirements with a cost benefit in a small group of children with moderate-severe CF. A fully powered clinical trial is now warranted. Copyright © 2013 European Cystic Fibrosis Society. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Topographic and biomechanical evaluation of cornea in patients with ichthyosis vulgaris.

PubMed

Kara, Necip; Yildirim, Yusuf; Demircan, Ali; Cankaya, Ilker; Kutlubay, Zekayi; Engin, Burhan; Serdaroglu, Server

2012-10-01

To compare the topographic and biomechanical properties of corneas in eyes of patients with ichthyosis vulgaris (IV) and eyes of healthy individuals. Thirty healthy individuals (control group) and 30 patients with IV (study group) were enrolled in this prospective study. Topographic measurements, including keratometry values, irregularity, and surface asymmetry index in the right eye of each participant were obtained using Scheimpflug camera with a Placido disc topographer (Sirius). Corneal hysteresis (CH), corneal resistance factor (CRF), corneal-compensated intraocular pressure (IOPcc) and Goldman-related intraocular pressure (IOPg) were measured using the Reichert Ocular Response Analyzer (ORA). Central corneal thickness (CCT) was also measured with ultrasonic pachymetry and the Sirius corneal topography system. Topographic parameters were not significantly different between both groups (p>0.05). Although mean CH was not significantly different between the groups, the CRF was significantly lower in patients with IV (p=0.249 and p=0.005, respectively). The CCT was significantly lower in patients with IV compared to healthy controls (p<0.001). The IOPg and IOPcc were significantly lower in the patients with ichthyosis than in healthy controls (p=0.001 and p=0.004, respectively). The study demonstrated that while the eyes of patients with IV had corneal topographic findings and corneal hysteresis similar to those of healthy controls, some of corneal biomechanical properties such CRF and CCT and IOP values such as IOPg and IOPcc were significantly lower in patients with IV. These results should be taken into account when planning a corneal refractive surgery and glaucoma screening for patients with IV. Copyright © 2012 British Contact Lens Association. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

DPP IV inhibitor treatment attenuates bone loss and improves mechanical bone strength in male diabetic rats.

PubMed

Glorie, Lorenzo; Behets, Geert J; Baerts, Lesley; De Meester, Ingrid; D'Haese, Patrick C; Verhulst, Anja

2014-09-01

Dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPP IV) modulates protein activity by removing dipeptides. DPP IV inhibitors are currently used to improve glucose tolerance in type 2 diabetes patients. DPP IV substrates not only increase insulin secretion but also affect bone metabolism. In this study, the effect of DPP IV inhibitor sitagliptin on bone was evaluated in normal and streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. This study included 64 male Wistar rats divided into four groups (n = 16): two diabetic and two control groups. One diabetic and one control group received sitagliptin through drinking water. Tibiae were scanned every 3 wk using an in vivo μCT scanner. After 6 and 12 wk, rats were euthanized for histomorphometric analysis of bone parameters. The mechanical resistance of femora to fracture was assessed using a three-point bending test, and serum levels of bone metabolic markers were measured. Efficient DPP IV inhibition was achieved in sitagliptin-treated groups. Trabecular bone loss, the decrease in trabecular number, and the increase in trabecular spacing was attenuated through sitagliptin treatment in diabetic rats, as shown by in vivo μCT. Bone histomorphometry was in line with these results. μCT analysis furthermore showed that sitagliptin prevented cortical bone growth stagnation in diabetic rats, resulting in stronger femora during three-point bending. Finally, the serum levels of the resorption marker CTX-I were significantly lower in sitagliptin-treated diabetic animals compared with untreated diabetic animals. In conclusion, sitagliptin treatment attenuates bone loss and increases bone strength in diabetic rats probably through the reduction of bone resorption and independent of glycemic management. Copyright © 2014 the American Physiological Society.

Assessment of the effect of Allium sativum on serum nitric oxide level and hepatic histopathology in experimental cystic echinococcosis in mice.

PubMed

Ali, Nehad Mahmoud; Ibrahim, Ayman Nabil; Ahmed, Naglaa Samier

2016-09-01

The current study was carried out to evaluate the prophylactic and therapeutic effects of Allium sativum on experimental cystic echinococcosis by measuring the serum nitric oxide level and studying hepatic histopathological changes. The experimental animals were divided into five groups, ten mice in each, group (I): prophylactic; group (II): therapeutic; group (III): prophylactic and therapeutic; group (IV): infected nontreated; group (V): non infected non treated. The results showed that serum nitric oxide was significantly increased as a result of infection in all infected groups compared to group V. Statistical significant difference was noted in serum nitrate level in group I at 1st and 8th week post infection compared to the same time interval in group IV. In group II, statistical significance was noticed only at the 1st week post infection. Statistical significant difference was noted in serum nitrate level in group III at 1st, 4th, 6th and 8th week post infection compared to same time interval in group IV. Hydatid cysts developed in livers of mice of group IV as early as 4 weeks of infection while no cysts were found in groups I,II and III. Histopathologically there were moderate pathological changes in group I and group II as hepatocytes showed moderate steatosis, moderate venous congestion and inflammatory cellular infiltrate with foci of degeneration and necrosis. While livers of mice of group III showed mild steatosis, mild venous congestion, mild inflammatory cellular infiltrate, no necrosis and no biliary hyperplasia. Accordingly, that garlic (Allium sativum) may be a promising phototherapeutic agent for cystic echinococcosis.

Observational Study to Assess the Therapeutic Value of Four Ovarian Hyperstimulation Protocols in IVF After Pituitary Suppression with GnRH Antagonists in Normally Responding Women.

PubMed

Ana, Monzó; Vicente, Montañana; María, Rubio José; Trinidad, García-Gimeno; Alberto, Romeu

2011-02-22

To compare the clinical results of four different protocols of COH for IVF-ICSI in normovulatory women, using in all cases pituitary suppression with GnRH antagonists. A single center, open label, parallel-controlled, prospective, post-authorization study under the approved conditions for use where 305 normal responders women who were candidates to COH were assigned to r-FSH +hp-hMG (n = 51, Group I), hp-hMG (n = 61, Group II), fixed-dose r-FSH (n = 118, Group III), and r-FSH with potential dose adjustment (n = 75, Group IV) to subsequently undergo IVF-ICSI. During stimulation, Group IV needed significantly more days of stimulation as compared to Group II [8.09 ± 1.25 vs. 7.62 ± 1.17; P < 0.05], but was the group in which more oocytes were recovered [Group I: 9.43 ± 4.99 vs. Group II: 8.96 ± 4.82 vs. Group III: 8.78 ± 3.72 vs. Group IV: 11.62 ± 5.80; P < 0.05]. No significant differences were seen between the groups in terms of clinical and ongoing pregnancy, but among patients in whom two embryos with similar quality parameters (ASEBIR) were transferred, the group treated with hp-hMG alone achieved a significantly greater clinical pregnancy rate as compared to all other groups [Group I: 31.6%, Group II: 56.4%, Group III: 28.7%, Group IV: 32.7%; P < 0.05]. Although randomized clinical trials should be conducted to achieve a more reliable conclusion, these observations support the concept that stimulation with hp-hMG could be beneficial in normal responders women undergoing pituitary suppression with GnRH antagonists.

[Surgical treatment of the primary tumor in stage IV breast cancer].

PubMed

Jiménez Anula, Juan; Sánchez Andújar, Belén; Machuca Chiriboga, Pablo; Navarro Cecilia, Joaquín; Dueñas Rodríguez, Basilio

2015-01-01

The aim of the study was to analyze the impact of loco-regional surgery on survival of patients with stage IV breast cancer. Retrospective study that included patients with breast cancer and synchronous metastases. Patients with ECOG above 2 and high-risk patients were excluded. The following variables were evaluated: age, tumor size, nodal involvement, histological type, histological grade, hormone receptor status, HER2 overexpression, number of affected organs, location of metastases and surgical treatment. The impact of surgery and several clinical and pathologic variables on survival was analyzed by Cox regression model. A total of 69 patients, of whom 36 (52.2%) underwent surgery (study group) were included. After a mean follow-up of 34 months, the median survival of the series was 55 months and no significant differences between the study group and the group of patients without surgery (P=0.187) were found. Two factors associated with worse survival were identified: the number of organs with metastases (HR=1.69, IC 95%: 1.05-2.71) and triple negative breast cancer (HR=3.49, IC 95%: 1.39-8.74). Loco-regional surgery, however, was not associated with survival. Loco-regional surgical treatment was not associated with improved survival inpacientes with stage IV breast cancer. The number of organs with metastases and tumors were triple negative prognostic factors for survival. Copyright © 2014 AEC. Publicado por Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.

The effect of propofol infusion with topical epinephrine on cochlear blood flow and hearing: An experimental study.

PubMed

Jang, Chul Ho; Cho, Yong Beom; Lee, Jun Sik; Kim, Geun Hyung; Jung, Won-Kyo; Pak, Sok Cheon

2016-12-01

Propofol is the most commonly used intravenous (IV) anesthetic agent and is associated with hypotension upon induction of anesthesia. Intravenous propofol infusion has several properties that may be beneficial to patients undergoing middle ear surgery. Topical application of concentrated epinephrine is a valuable tool for achieving hemostasis in the middle ear and during mastoid surgery. The purpose of the present study was to determine the effects of propofol infusion with topical epinephrine on cochlear blood flow (CBF) and hearing in rats. Twenty one male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into three groups. The rate of intravenous infusion of propofol was 4-6 ml/kg/hour. The first group (control group, n = 7) was given IV infusion of phosphate buffered saline (PBS) with topical application of PBS in the round window. In study group A (n = 7), the effect of topical phosphate buffered saline with IV infusion of propofol on CBF and hearing was evaluated. In study group B (n = 7), additional effects of topical epinephrine with IV infusion of propofol on CBF and hearing were evaluated. The laser Doppler blood flowmeter, CBF, and the mean arterial blood pressure (MAP) were measured and analyzed. Additionally, hearing test using auditory brainstem response (ABR) was performed in both groups. In both groups, infusion of propofol induced a time-dependent decrease in MAP. Approximately 30 min after the start of the propofol infusion, the CBF started to decrease slowly. The decrease in CBF was significantly greater in the study group compared to the control group. The threshold was elevated in the study group relative to the control group. During middle ear surgery, use of IV infusion of propofol with topical epinephrine cotton ball or cottonoid application is not recommended. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Antagonism of detomidine sedation in the horse using intravenous tolazoline or atipamezole.

PubMed

Hubbell, J A E; Muir, W W

2006-05-01

The ability to shorten the duration of sedation would potentially improve safety and utility of detomidine. To determine the effects of tolazoline and atipamezole after detomidine sedation. Administration of tolazoline or atipamezole would not affect detomidine sedation. In a randomised, placebo-controlled, double-blind, descriptive study, detomidine (0.02 mg/kg bwt i.v.) was administered to 6 mature horses on 4 separate occasions. Twenty-five mins later, each horse received one of 4 treatments: Group 1 saline (0.9% i.v.) as a placebo control; Group 2 atipamezole (0.05 mg/kg bwt i.v.); Group 3 atipamezole (0.1 mg/kg bwt i.v.); and Group 4 tolazoline (4.0 mg/kg bwt i.v.). Sedation, muscle relaxation and ataxia were scored by 3 independent observers at 9 time points. Horses were led through an obstacle course at 7 time points. Course completion time was recorded and the ability of the horse to traverse the course was scored by 3 independent observers. Horses were videotaped before, during and after each trip through the obstacle course. Atipamezole and tolazoline administration incompletely antagonised the effects of detomidine, but the time course to recovery was shortened. Single bolus administration of atipamezole or tolazoline produced partial reversal of detomidine sedation and may be useful for minimising detomidine sedation.

Interactions of vanadium( iv ) with amidoxime ligands: redox reactivity

DOE PAGES

Parker, B. F.; Hohloch, S.; Pankhurst, J. R.; ...

2018-01-01

Vanadium is the main competitor for uranium extraction from seawater, and V( iv ) comprises a minor but important portion of this. V( iv ) undergoes redox reactions with oximes and amidoxime ligands under seawater-relevant conditions, leading to V( v ) complexes and loss of oxime functional groups.

Carvacrol and Pomegranate Extract in Treating Methotrexate-Induced Lung Oxidative Injury in Rats

PubMed Central

Şen, Hadice Selimoğlu; Şen, Velat; Bozkurt, Mehtap; Türkçü, Gül; Güzel, Abdulmenap; Sezgi, Cengizhan; Abakay, Özlem; Kaplan, Ibrahim

2014-01-01

Background This study was designed to evaluate the effects of carvacrol (CRV) and pomegranate extract (PE) on methotrexate (MTX)-induced lung injury in rats. Material/Methods A total of 32 male rats were subdivided into 4 groups: control (group I), MTX treated (group II), MTX+CRV treated (group III), and MTX+PE treated (group IV). A single dose of 73 mg/kg CRV was administered intraperitoneally to rats in group III on Day 1 of the investigation. To group IV, a dose of 225 mg/kg of PE was administered via orogastric gavage once daily over 7 days. A single dose of 20 mg/kg of MTX was given intraperitoneally to groups II, III, and IV on Day 2. The total duration of experiment was 8 days. Malondialdehyde (MDA), total oxidant status (TOS), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and oxidative stress index (OSI) were measured from rat lung tissues and cardiac blood samples. Results Serum and lung specimen analyses demonstrated that MDA, TOS, and OSI levels were significantly greater in group II relative to controls. Conversely, the TAC level was significantly reduced in group II when compared to the control group. Pre-administering either CRV or PE was associated with decreased MDA, TOS, and OSI levels and increased TAC levels compared to rats treated with MTX alone. Histopathological examination revealed that lung injury was less severe in group III and IV relative to group II. Conclusions MTX treatment results in rat lung oxidative damage that is partially counteracted by pretreatment with either CRV or PE. PMID:25326861

SiP monolayers: New 2D structures of group IV-V compounds for visible-light photohydrolytic catalysts

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ma, Zhinan; Zhuang, Jibin; Zhang, Xu; Zhou, Zhen

2018-06-01

Because of graphene and phosphorene, two-dimensional (2D) layered materials of group IV and group V elements arouse great interest. However, group IV-V monolayers have not received due attention. In this work, three types of SiP monolayers were computationally designed to explore their electronic structure and optical properties. Computations confirm the stability of these monolayers, which are all indirect-bandgap semiconductors with bandgaps in the range 1.38-2.21 eV. The bandgaps straddle the redox potentials of water at pH = 0, indicating the potential of the monolayers for use as watersplitting photocatalysts. The computed optical properties demonstrate that certain monolayers of SiP 2D materials are absorbers of visible light and would serve as good candidates for optoelectronic devices.

Outcome Analysis of Patients With Oral Cavity Cancer and Extracapsular Spread in Neck Lymph Nodes

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Liao, Chun-Ta, E-mail: liaoct@adm.cgmh.org.tw; Department of Head and Neck Oncology Group, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan; Lee, Li-Yu

Purpose: Extracapsular spread (ECS) in neck lymph nodes is a major adverse prognostic factor in patients with oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). We conducted a retrospective analysis of prognostic factors in this patient group and tried to identify a subset of patients with a worse prognosis suitable for more aggressive therapeutic interventions. Methods and Materials: Enrolled in the study were 255 OSCC patients with ECS in neck nodes and without evidence of distant metastasis. All participants were followed-up for at least 2 years or censored at last follow-up. The 5-year rates of control, distant metastasis, and survival were themore » main outcome measures. Results: Level IV/V lymph node metastases and tumor depth {>=}12 mm were independent predictors of 5-year survival and identified three prognostic groups. In the low-risk group (no level IV/V metastases and tumor depth <12 mm), the 5-year disease-free, disease-specific, and overall survival rates were 60%, 66%, and 50%, respectively. In the intermediate-risk group (no level IV/V metastases and tumor depth {>=}12 mm), the 5-year disease-free, disease-specific, and overall survival rates were 39%, 41%, and 28%, respectively. In the high-risk group (evidence of level IV/V metastases), the 5-year disease-free, disease-specific, and overall survival rates were 14%, 12%, and 10%, respectively. Conclusions: Among OSCC patients with ECS, those with level IV/V metastases appear to have the worst prognosis followed by without level IV/V metastases and tumor depth {>=}12 mm. An aggressive therapeutic approach may be suitable for intermediate- and high-risk patients.« less

Comparison of Children's Venipuncture Fear and Pain: Randomized Controlled Trial of EMLA® and J-Tip Needleless Injection System®.

PubMed

Stoltz, Petronella; Manworren, Renee C B

Needle procedures, like venipuncture and intravenous (IV) catheter insertion, are recognized as a common cause of pain and fear for children in hospitals and emergency departments. The purpose of this study was to compare children's self-reported pain and fear related to IV insertion with administration of either the topical local anesthetic EMLA® or 1% buffered lidocaine delivered with the J-Tip Needleless Injection System® (J-Tip®). In this prospective, randomized trial, 150 consecutive pediatric patients 8 to 18years of age undergoing IV insertion were randomly assigned 1:1 to treatment group. Participants self-reported procedural pain using a Visual Analog Scale, and procedural fear using the Children's Fear Scale. Procedural pain scores were significantly lower in the EMLA® group (mean score 1.63+1.659) vs. the J-Tip® group (2.99±2.586; p<0.001). Post-procedure fear scores were significantly lower than pre-procedure fear scores in both treatment groups (p<0.002), but there was no difference in fear scores between the two treatment groups (p=0.314). EMLA® provided superior pain relief for IV insertion compared to J-Tip®. Although EMLA® use resulted in lower self-reported pain scores compared to J-Tip®, pain scores for both treatments were low and fear scores did not differ. When IV insertion can be delayed for 60-90min, EMLA® should be used. When a delay is contraindicated, J-Tip® may be a reasonable alternative to minimize procedural pain of IV insertion. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Effect of microwave disinfection on compressive and tensile strengths of dental stones.

PubMed

Robati Anaraki, Mahmood; Moslehifard, Elnaz; Aminifar, Soran; Ghanati, Hamed

2013-01-01

Although microwave irradiation has been used for disinfection of dental stone casts, there are concerns regarding mechanical damage to casts during the process. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of microwave irradiation on the compressive strength (CS) and diametral tensile strength (DTS) of stone casts. In this in vitro study, 80 cylindrical type III and IV stone models (20 × 40 mm) were prepared and divided into 8 groups of 10. The DTS and CS of the specimens were measured by a mechanical testing machine at a crosshead speed of 0.5 cm/min after 7 times of frequent wetting, irradiating at an energy level of 600 W for 3 minutes and cooling. Data were analyzed by Student's t-test. Microwave irradiation significantly increased DTS of type III and IV to 5.23 ± 0.64 and 8.17 ± 0.94, respectively (P < 0.01). According to the results, microwave disinfection increases DTS of type III and IV stone casts without any effects on their CS.

Respiratory Infections in the U.S. Military: Recent Experience and Control

PubMed Central

Cooper, Michael J.; Myers, Christopher A.; Cummings, James F.; Vest, Kelly G.; Russell, Kevin L.; Sanchez, Joyce L.; Hiser, Michelle J.; Gaydos, Charlotte A.

2015-01-01

SUMMARY This comprehensive review outlines the impact of military-relevant respiratory infections, with special attention to recruit training environments, influenza pandemics in 1918 to 1919 and 2009 to 2010, and peacetime operations and conflicts in the past 25 years. Outbreaks and epidemiologic investigations of viral and bacterial infections among high-risk groups are presented, including (i) experience by recruits at training centers, (ii) impact on advanced trainees in special settings, (iii) morbidity sustained by shipboard personnel at sea, and (iv) experience of deployed personnel. Utilizing a pathogen-by-pathogen approach, we examine (i) epidemiology, (ii) impact in terms of morbidity and operational readiness, (iii) clinical presentation and outbreak potential, (iv) diagnostic modalities, (v) treatment approaches, and (vi) vaccine and other control measures. We also outline military-specific initiatives in (i) surveillance, (ii) vaccine development and policy, (iii) novel influenza and coronavirus diagnostic test development and surveillance methods, (iv) influenza virus transmission and severity prediction modeling efforts, and (v) evaluation and implementation of nonvaccine, nonpharmacologic interventions. PMID:26085551

Comparison of Transversus Abdominis Plane Infiltration with Liposomal Bupivacaine versus Continuous Epidural Analgesia versus Intravenous Opioid Analgesia.

PubMed

Ayad, Sabry; Babazade, Rovnat; Elsharkawy, Hesham; Nadar, Vinayak; Lokhande, Chetan; Makarova, Natalya; Khanna, Rashi; Sessler, Daniel I; Turan, Alparslan

2016-01-01

Epidural analgesia is considered the standard of care but cannot be provided to all patients Liposomal bupivacaine has been approved for field blocks such as transversus abdominis plane (TAP) blocks but has not been clinically compared against other modalities. In this retrospective propensity matched cohort study we thus tested the primary hypothesis that TAP infiltration are noninferior (not worse) to continuous epidural analgesia and superior (better) to intravenous opioid analgesia in patients recovering from major lower abdominal surgery. 318 patients were propensity matched on 18 potential factors among three groups (106 per group): 1) TAP infiltration with bupivacaine liposome; 2) continuous Epidural analgesia with plain bupivacaine; and; 3) intravenous patient-controlled analgesia (IV PCA). We claimed TAP noninferior (not worse) over Epidural if TAP was noninferior (not worse) on total morphine-equivalent opioid and time-weighted average pain score (10-point scale) within first 72 hours after surgery with noninferiority deltas of 1 (10-point scale) for pain and an increase less of 20% in the mean morphine equivalent opioid consumption. We claimed TAP or Epidural groups superior (better) over IV PCA if TAP or Epidural was superior on opioid consumption and at least noninferior on pain outcome. Multivariable linear regressions within the propensity-matched cohorts were used to model total morphine-equivalent opioid dose and time-weighted average pain score within first 72 hours after surgery; joint hypothesis framework was used for formal testing. TAP infiltration were noninferior to Epidural on both primary outcomes (p<0.001). TAP infiltration were noninferior to IV PCA on pain scores (p = 0.001) but we did not find superiority on opioid consumption (p = 0.37). We did not find noninferiority of Epidural over IV PCA on pain scores (P = 0.13) and nor did we find superiority on opioid consumption (P = 0.98). TAP infiltration with liposomal bupivacaine and continuous epidural analgesia were similar in terms of pain and opioid consumption, and not worse in pain compared with IV PCA. TAP infiltrations might be a reasonable alternative to epidural analgesia in abdominal surgical patients. A large randomized trial comparing these techniques is justified.

Calcium bioavailability and kinetics of calcium ascorbate and calcium acetate in rats.

PubMed

Cai, Jianwei; Zhang, Qinmin; Wastney, Meryl E; Weaver, Connie M

2004-01-01

The objective was to investigate the bioavailability and mechanism of calcium absorption of calcium ascorbate (ASC) and calcium acetate (AC). A series of studies was performed in adult Sprague-Dawley male rats. In the first study, each group of rats (n = 10/group) was assigned to one of the five test meals labeled with (45)Ca: (i) 25 mg calcium as heated ASC or (ii) unheated ASC, (iii) 25 mg calcium as unheated AC, (iv) 3.6 mg Ca as unheated ASC, or (v) unheated AC. Femur uptake indicated better calcium bioavailability from ASC than AC at both calcium loads. A 5-min heat treatment partly reduced bioavailability of ASC. Kinetic studies were performed to further investigate the mechanism of superior calcium bioavailability from ASC. Two groups of rats (n = 10/group) received oral doses of 25 mg Ca as ASC or AC. Each dose contained 20 micro Ci (45)Ca. Two additional groups of rats (n = 10/group) received an intravenous injection (iv) of 10 micro Ci (45)Ca after receiving an unlabeled oral dose of 25 mg calcium as ASC or AC. Sequential blood samples were collected over 48 hrs. Urine and fecal samples were collected every 12 hrs for 48 hrs and were analyzed for total calcium and (45)Ca content. Total calcium and (45)Ca from serum, urine, and feces were fitted by a compartment kinetics model with saturable and nonsaturable absorption pathways by WinSAAM (Windows-based Simulation Analysis and Modeling). The difference in calcium bioavailability between the two salts was due to differences in saturable rather than passive intestinal absorption and not to endogenous secretion or calcium deposition rate. The higher bioavailability of calcium ascorbate was due to a longer transit time in the small intestine compared with ASC.

Antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory effect of sulfated polysaccharide fractions from Sargassum wightii and Halophila ovalis in male Wistar rats

PubMed Central

Neelakandan, Yuvaraj; Venkatesan, Arul

2016-01-01

Aim: The aim of this objective is to evaluate the antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory potential of sulfated polysaccharide purified fractions isolated from brown seaweed Sargassum wightii and seagrass Halophila ovalis in male Wistar rats. Subjects and Methods: Crude sulfated polysaccharide from S. wightii and H. ovalis was subjected to anion exchange chromatography, and the chemical composition was investigated. The antinociceptive activity of purified fractions was investigated using formalin and hot plate test. Carrageenan-induced paw edema, peritonitis model, and Freund's Complete Adjuvant-induced arthritis model were employed to determine the anti-inflammatory activity. Results: In the formalin test, there was a significant reduction in licking time in both phases of the test at a dose of 10 mg/kg. In the hot plate test, the antinociceptive effect was observed only in animals treated with 5, 10 mg/kg suggesting that the analgesic effect occurs through a central action mechanism. Sw FrIV and Ho FrIV significantly inhibited paw edema induced by carrageenan, especially at 3 h after treatment and potentially decreased neutrophil migration at 10 mg/kg, respectively. In Freund's adjuvant-induced arthritic rats, a significant reduction in paw volume was observed in Sw FrIV and Ho FrIV-treated groups (10 mg/kg). Conclusion: Purified components from S. wightii and H. ovalis have strong antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory effect on animal model. However, to determine the molecular mechanism, it is necessary to investigate the effect of purified fractions on inhibition of nitric oxide synthase expression mediated by inhibiting the phosphorylation of various signal proteins in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated RAW264.7 cells. PMID:27721544

Intravenous gestational nicotine exposure results in increased motivation for sucrose reward in adult rat offspring.

PubMed

Lacy, Ryan T; Hord, Lauren L; Morgan, Amanda J; Harrod, Steven B

2012-08-01

Prenatal tobacco smoke exposure is associated with alterations in motivated behavior in offspring, such as increased consumption of highly palatable foods and abused drugs. Animal models show that gestational nicotine (GN) exposure mediates changes in responding for sucrose and drug reward. A novel, intermittent low-dose intravenous (IV) exposure model was used to administer nicotine (0.05 mg/kg/injection) or saline 3×/day to rats on gestational days 8-21. Two experiments investigated the effect of IV GN on (1) the habituation of spontaneous locomotor activity and on (2) sucrose reinforced responding in offspring. For the operant experiments, animals acquired fixed-ratio (FR-3) responding for sucrose, 26% (w/v), and were tested on varying concentrations (0, 3, 10, 30, and 56%; Latin-square) according to a FR-3, and then a progressive-ratio (PR) schedule. Male and female adult offspring were used. IV GN did not alter birth or growth weight, or the number of pups born. No between-group differences in habituation to spontaneous locomotor activity were observed. FR testing produced an inverted U-shaped response curve, and rats showed peak responding for 10% sucrose reinforcement. Neither gestation nor sex affected responding, suggesting equivalent sensitivity to varying sucrose concentrations. PR testing revealed that GN rats showed greater motivation for sucrose reinforcement relative to controls. A low-dose, IV GN exposure model resulted in increased motivation to respond for sucrose reinforcement in adult offspring. This suggests that using a low number of cigarettes throughout pregnancy will result in increased motivation for highly palatable foods in adult, and perhaps, adolescent offspring. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Effects of low-level laser therapy on stem cells from human exfoliated deciduous teeth

PubMed Central

FERNANDES, Ana Paula; JUNQUEIRA, Marina de Azevedo; MARQUES, Nádia Carolina Teixeira; MACHADO, Maria Aparecida Andrade Moreira; SANTOS, Carlos Ferreira; OLIVEIRA, Thais Marchini; SAKAI, Vivien Thiemy

2016-01-01

ABSTRACT Low-Level Laser Therapy stimulates the proliferation of a variety of types of cells. However, very little is known about its effect on stem cells from human exfoliated deciduous teeth (SHED). Objective This study aimed to evaluate the influence of different laser therapy energy densities on SHED viability and proliferation. Material and Methods SHED were irradiated according to the groups: I (1.2 J/cm2 - 0.5 mW – 10 s), II (2.5 J/cm2 – 10 mW – 10 s), III (3.7 J/cm2 – 15 mW – 10 s), IV (5.0 J/cm2 – 20 mW – 10 s), V (6.2 J/cm2 – 25 mW – 10 s), and VI (not irradiated – control group). Cell viability was assessed 6 and 24 h after irradiation measuring the mitochondrial activity and using the Crystal Violet assay. Cell proliferation was assessed after 24, 48, and 72 h of irradiation by SRB assay. Results MTT assay demonstrated differences from 6 to 24 hours after irradiation. After 24 h, groups I and IV showed higher absorbance values than those of control group. Crystal Violet assay showed statistically differences in the absorbance rate from 6 to 24 h after irradiation for groups III and VI. At 24 h after irradiation, Group III absorbance rate was greater than that of groups I, II, and IV. Group VI absorbance rate was greater than that of groups I and IV. SRB assay showed that the group I had higher rates than those of groups II, III, V, and VI, at 24 h after irradiation. After 48 h, group I exhibited the greatest cell proliferation rate followed by groups III, V, and VI. After 72 h, group III exhibited the lowest cell proliferation rate than those of groups II, IV, and V. Conclusions The Low-Level Laser Therapy energy densities used in this study did not cause loss of cell viability and stimulated SHED proliferation within the parameters described in this study. PMID:27556203

Methods for synthesis of semiconductor nanocrystals and thermoelectric compositions

DOEpatents

Ren, Zhifeng [Newton, MA; Chen, Gang [Carlisle, MA; Poudel, Bed [Watertown, MA; Kumar, Shankar [Watertown, MA; Wang, Wenzhong [Newton, MA; Dresselhaus, Mildred [Arlington, MA

2007-08-14

The present invention provides methods for synthesis of IV VI nanostructures, and thermoelectric compositions formed of such structures. In one aspect, the method includes forming a solution of a Group IV reagent, a Group VI reagent and a surfactant. A reducing agent can be added to the solution, and the resultant solution can be maintained at an elevated temperature, e.g., in a range of about 20.degree. C. to about 360.degree. C., for a duration sufficient for generating nanoparticles as binary alloys of the IV VI elements.

Methods for synthesis of semiconductor nanocrystals and thermoelectric compositions

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chen, Gang (Inventor); Poudel, Bed (Inventor); Kumar, Shankar (Inventor); Dresselhaus, Mildred (Inventor); Ren, Zhifeng (Inventor); Wang, Wenzhong (Inventor)

2007-01-01

The present invention provides methods for synthesis of IV VI nanostructures, and thermoelectric compositions formed of such structures. In one aspect, the method includes forming a solution of a Group IV reagent, a Group VI reagent and a surfactant. A reducing agent can be added to the solution, and the resultant solution can be maintained at an elevated temperature, e.g., in a range of about 20.degree. C. to about 360.degree. C., for a duration sufficient for generating nanoparticles as binary alloys of the IV VI elements.

A comparison of levofloxacin and moxifloxacin use in hospitalized community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) patients in the US: focus on length of stay.

PubMed

Schein, Jeff; Janagap-Benson, Carmela; Grant, Richard; Sikirica, Vanja; Doshi, Dilesh; Olson, William

2008-03-01

Length of stay (LOS) and hospitalization costs were compared among patients admitted for community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) and initially treated with either levofloxacin 750 mg intravenous (IV) or with moxifloxacin 400 mg IV. Hospital-related complications and relationship of LOS and comorbidities were descriptively examined. A retrospective database study was conducted of adult patients admitted for CAP and given levofloxacin 750 mg IV or moxifloxacin 400 mg IV through the first 3 days of hospitalization, using the Premier Perspective comparative database. Cohorts were matched 1:1 by hospital geographic location, by coarse caliper propensity scores using all baseline covariates, and by Mahalanobis metric matching based on age and severity (All Patient Refined-Diagnosis-related Groups Severity of Illness (APR-DRG SOI) index). Comparisons between groups were further adjusted for characteristics that remained imbalanced after matching using generalized estimating equation methodology. The initial sample of 3868 patients (levofloxacin = 827; moxifloxacin = 3041) was reduced to 1594 (797 patients per treatment group) after matching. Analyses of matched cohorts showed that the mean hospital LOS was significantly shorter for patients treated with levofloxacin 750 mg IV than for those patients treated with moxifloxacin 400 mg IV (5.8 vs. 6.4 days, respectively; least squares mean difference = 0.54 days; p = 0.020). Hospitalization costs were also lower for the levofloxacin 750 mg IV-treated patients (least squares mean difference = US$129; p = 0.753). There were no significant differences in the percentage of patients experiencing complications. Although claims databases provide large sample sizes and reflect routine care, they do have several inherent limitations. Since randomization of subjects is not possible, adequate statistical techniques must be used to ensure treatment groups are balanced with respect to patient and clinical characteristics. In addition, data may be missing or miscoded. This retrospective study suggests that among patients hospitalized with CAP, initial treatment with levofloxacin 750 mg IV is associated with a significantly shorter mean hospital LOS compared with treatment with moxifloxacin 400 mg IV. The clinical implications of a shorter hospital LOS include improved patient and economic outcomes.

Internal validity of an anxiety disorder screening instrument across five ethnic groups.

PubMed

Ritsher, Jennifer Boyd; Struening, Elmer L; Hellman, Fred; Guardino, Mary

2002-08-30

We tested the factor structure of the National Anxiety Disorder Screening Day instrument (n=14860) within five ethnic groups (White, Black, Hispanic, Asian, Native American). Conducted yearly across the US, the screening is meant to detect five common anxiety syndromes. Factor analyses often fail to confirm the validity of assessment tools' structures, and this is especially likely for minority ethnic groups. If symptoms cluster differently across ethnic groups, criteria for conventional DSM-IV disorders are less likely to be met, leaving significant distress unlabeled and under-detected in minority groups. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses established that the items clustered into the six expected factors (one for each disorder plus agoraphobia). This six-factor model fit the data very well for Whites and not significantly worse for each other group. However, small areas of the model did not appear to fit as well for some groups. After taking these areas into account, the data still clearly suggest more prevalent PTSD symptoms in the Black, Hispanic and Native American groups in our sample. Additional studies are warranted to examine the model's external validity, generalizability to more culturally distinct groups, and overlap with other culture-specific syndromes.

Comparative scanning electron microscope analysis of diode laser and desensitizing toothpastes for evaluation of efficacy of dentinal tubular occlusion

PubMed Central

Reddy, Guntakala Vikram; Akula, Sushma; Malgikar, Suryakanth; Babu, Palaparthy Raja; Reddy, Gooty Jagadish; Josephin, Johnson Juliet

2017-01-01

Background: The present study aims to evaluate the efficacy of diode laser alone and in combination with desensitizing toothpastes in occluding dentinal tubules (both partially occluded and completely occluded tubules) by scanning electron microscope (SEM). Materials and Methods: Fifty human teeth were extracted, cervical cavities were prepared and etched with 17% ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, and smear layer was removed to expose the tubules. The teeth were divided into five groups: Group I – Application of NovaMin-formulated toothpaste, Group II – Application of Pro-Argin™-formulated toothpaste, Group III – Application of diode laser in noncontact mode, Group IV – NovaMin-formulated toothpaste followed by laser irradiation, and Group V – Pro-Argin™-formulated toothpaste followed by laser irradiation. After treatment, quantitative analysis of occluded dentinal tubules was done by SEM analysis. Results: The mean values of percentages of total occlusion of dentinal tubules in Groups I, II, III, IV, and V were 92.73% ± 1.38, 90.67% ± 1.86, 96.57% ± 0.64, 97.3% ± 0.68, and 96.9% ± 6.08, respectively. Addition of diode laser (Groups III, IV, and V) yielded a significant occlusion of the dentinal tubules when compared to desensitizing toothpastes alone (Groups I and II). Conclusion: Diode laser (Group III) has shown more efficacy in occluding dentinal tubules when compared with desensitizing toothpastes which was statistically significant (P < 0.05). Among the five groups, NovaMin + diode laser (Group IV) showed the highest percentage of occluded dentinal tubules. PMID:29398853

Analytical and Experimental Study to Improve Computer Models for Mixing and Dilution of Soluble Hazardous Chemicals.

DTIC Science & Technology

1982-08-01

Trajectory and Concentration of Various Plumes 59 IV.2 Tank and Cargo Geometry Assumed for Discharge Rate Calculation Using HACS Venting Rate Model 61...Discharge Rate Calculation Using HACS Venting Rate Model 62 IV.4 Original Test Plan for Validation of the Continuous Spill Model 66 IV.5 Final Test Plan...at t= 0. exEyEz = turbulent diffusivities. p = water density. Pc = chemical density. Symbols Used Only in Continuous-Spill Models for a Steady River b

Instrumental variable applications using nursing home prescribing preferences in comparative effectiveness research.

PubMed

Huybrechts, Krista F; Gerhard, Tobias; Franklin, Jessica M; Levin, Raisa; Crystal, Stephen; Schneeweiss, Sebastian

2014-08-01

Nursing home residents are of particular interest for comparative effectiveness research given their susceptibility to adverse treatment effects and systematic exclusion from trials. However, the risk of residual confounding because of unmeasured markers of declining health using conventional analytic methods is high. We evaluated the validity of instrumental variable (IV) methods based on nursing home prescribing preference to mitigate such confounding, using psychotropic medications to manage behavioral problems in dementia as a case study. A cohort using linked data from Medicaid, Medicare, Minimum Data Set, and Online Survey, Certification and Reporting for 2001-2004 was established. Dual-eligible patients ≥65 years who initiated psychotropic medication use after admission were selected. Nursing home prescribing preference was characterized using mixed-effects logistic regression models. The plausibility of IV assumptions was explored, and the association between psychotropic medication class and 180-day mortality was estimated. High-prescribing and low-prescribing nursing homes differed by a factor of 2. Each preference-based IV measure described a substantial proportion of variation in psychotropic medication choice (β(IV → treatment): 0.22-0.36). Measured patient characteristics were well balanced across patient groups based on instrument status (52% average reduction in Mahalanobis distance). There was no evidence that instrument status was associated with markers of nursing home quality of care. Findings indicate that IV analyses using nursing home prescribing preference may be a useful approach in comparative effectiveness studies, and should extend naturally to analyses including untreated comparison groups, which are of great scientific interest but subject to even stronger confounding. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Effectiveness of Cognitive-behavioral Program on Pain and Fear in School-aged Children Undergoing Intravenous Placement.

PubMed

Hsieh, Yi-Chuan; Cheng, Su-Fen; Tsay, Pei-Kwei; Su, Wen-Jen; Cho, Yen-Hua; Chen, Chi-Wen

2017-12-01

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of cognitive-behavioral program on pain and medical fear in hospitalized school-aged children receiving intravenous (IV) placement. This study used an quasi-experimental design. Thirty-five participants were assigned to the experimental group and 33 to the control group in the acute internal medicine ward of a children's hospital. The cognitive-behavioral program entailed having the patients read an educational photo book about IV placement before the procedure and having them watch their favorite music video during the procedure. The outcome measures were numeric rating scales for pain intensity and fear during the procedure. After applying the cognitive-behavioral program, the mean scores on pain and fear decreased in the experimental group. However, the difference in pain intensity between these two groups was nonsignificant. The intensity of fear in the experimental group was significantly lower than that in the control group. In this study, the cognitive-behavioral program used with school-aged hospitalized children promoted less fear during IV placement. The results of this study can serve as a reference for empirical nursing care and as care guidance for clinical IV injections involving children. Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Bupropion versus methylphenidate in the treatment of children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: randomized double-blind study.

PubMed

Jafarinia, Morteza; Mohammadi, Mohammad-Reza; Modabbernia, Amirhossein; Ashrafi, Mandana; Khajavi, Danial; Tabrizi, Mina; Yadegari, Noorollah; Akhondzadeh, Shahin

2012-07-01

To compare the safety and efficacy of bupropion with methylphenidate in children and adolescents with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). In a 6-week randomized double-blind study, 44 patients with a DSM-IV-TR diagnosis of ADHD were randomly assigned to receive bupropion 100-150 mg/day (100 mg/day for <30 kg and 150 mg/day for >30 kg) or methylphenidate 20-30 mg/day. Symptoms were assessed using Teacher and Parent Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Rating Scale-IV (ADHD-RS-IV) at baseline and weeks 3 and 6. Forty patients had at least one post-baseline measurement, and 38 patients completed the trial. No significant difference was found between the two groups on the Parent and Teacher ADHD-RS-IV scores ([F(1, 38) = 0.266, p = 0.609] and [F(1, 38) = 0.001, p = 0.972], respectively). By week 6, 18 patients (90%) in each group achieved response on the Parent scale (Fisher's exact test p-value = 1.0). With the Teacher ADHD-RS-IV used, eight (40%) patients in the bupropion group and 12 (60%) patients in the methylphenidate group achieved response by week 6 (χ(2) (1) = 1.600, p = 0.206). Headache was observed more frequently in the methylphenidate group. Frequency of other side effects was not significantly different between the two groups. Bupropion has a comparable safety and efficacy profile with methylphenidate in children and adolescents with ADHD. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

[Effect of diisobutyl phthalate on learning and memory behavior and apoptosis of hippocampus cells in mice].

PubMed

Ma, Ning; Liu, Shan; Gao, Peng; Cao, Pei; Xu, Haibin

2013-01-01

To give the original research of diisobutyl phthalate (DiBP) on learning and memory behavior, determine whether it can through blood-brain barrier and effect apoptosis of hippocampus cells in mice. Accommodating 60 Kunming mice to the animal house for 3 days, then dividing the mice into 5 groups according to their weights. That is, one control group and four experimental groups (I group, 50 mg/kg BW. II group, 250mg/kg BW. III group, 500 mg/kg BW. IV group, 1000 mg/kg BW). The mice were fed with the corn oil in control group, and the other groups were fed with the related dose of diisobutyl phthalate mixture by gavages last for 8 weeks. At the end of experimental time, passive avoidance response was examined, then all of mice were killed, and choosed the brain tissues to test the DiBP content and apoptosis rate of hippocampal cells and hippocampal ultrastructural alterations on electron microscopy. In the passive avoidance response test, the exposed animals of IV group showed learning impairment as compared to unexposed mice (P < 0.05). DiBP was detected in III group and IV group, the mean content of them were (1.27 +/- 0.56) and (1.96 +/- 0.42) microg/g. The apoptosis rate of hippocampal cells (IV group vs control group) increase significantly (P < 0.05). Hippocampal ultrastructural were damaged in all dose-groups. As a result, in the experiments, exposure to DiBP could exert passive avoidance neurobehavioral effects. DiBP could through blood-brain barrier after oral intake, and disordered the way of apoptosis of hippocampal cells, and morphologic change of mitochondria mybe is the main reason of changes of neuron apoptosis.

34 CFR 359.31 - What selection criteria does the Secretary use in reviewing applications under this program?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... ethnic minority groups; (ii) Women; (iii) Individuals with disabilities; and (iv) The elderly. (d... racial or ethnic minority groups; (ii) Women; (iii) Individuals with disabilities; and (iv) The elderly... costs are reasonable in relation to the objectives of the project; and (3) The budget for subcontracts...

Very low density lipoprotein triglyceride transport in type IV hyperlipoproteinemia and the effects of carbohydrate-rich diets.

PubMed

Quarfordt, S H; Frank, A; Shames, D M; Berman, M; Steinberg, D

1970-12-01

Transport of plasma-free fatty acids (FFA) and of fatty acids in triglycerides of plasma very low density lipoproteins (VLDL-TGFA) was studied in two normal subjects, five patients with type IV hyperlipoproteinemia, and two patients with type I hyperlipoproteinemia. After intravenous pulse-labeling with albumin-bound 1-palmitate-(14)C, specific radioactivity of plasma FFA and VLDL-TGFA were determined at intervals up to 24 hr. The results were analyzed using several different multicompartmental models each compatible with the experimental data. Fractional transport of VLDL-TGFA was distinctly lower (no overlap) in the type IV patients than in the control subjects, both on a usual balanced diet (40% of calories from carbohydrate) and on a high-carbohydrate diet (80% of calories). However, net or total transport of VLDL-TGFA in the type IV patients was not clearly distinguishable from that in the control subjects, there being considerable overlap on either diet. The results suggest that in this group of type IV patients the underlying defect leading to the increased pool size of VLDL-TGFA is not overproduction but a relative defect in mechanisms for removal of VLDL-TGFA. Since some of these type IV patients had only a moderate degree of hypertriglyceridemia at the time they were studied, and since it is not established that patients with the type IV phenotype constitute a biochemically homogeneous population, the present results should not be generalized. Four studies were done (in two control subjects and two type IV patients) in which the kinetic parameters in the same individual were determined on the balanced diet and on the high-carbohydrate diet. All subjects showed an increase in VLDL-TGFA pool size. Using two of the models for analysis, all showed an increase in net transport of VLDL-TGFA; using the third model, three of the four studies showed an increase in VLDL-TGFA transport. The results are compatible with the interpretation that the carbohydrate-induced increase in VLDL-TGFA, both in controls and type IV patients, is at least in part due to an increased rate of production of VLDL-TGFA. The magnitude of the increase was approximately the same in controls and patients. Thus, metabolic adjustment to a high-carbohydrate regimen in these type IV patients may not be basically different from that in normal controls; the higher levels of VLDL-TGFA reached may simply be another reflection of a defective removal mechanism. An alternative interpretation, compatible with the data, would involve both a carbohydrate-induced increase in fractional rate of release of VLDL-TGFA from liver to plasma and a decrease in fractional removal of VLDL-TGFA from plasma without increase in net production rate. The simpler hypothesis of a single primary effect on net VLDL-TGFA production from FFA seems more likely.

Ethanol extract of Moringa oliefera prevents in vitro glucose induced cataract on isolated goat eye lens

PubMed Central

Kurmi, Raghvendra; Ganeshpurkar, Aditya; Bansal, Divya; Agnihotri, Abhishek; Dubey, Nazneen

2014-01-01

Aim of Study: The aim of current work was to evaluate in vitro anticataract potential of Moringa oliefera extract. Materials and Methods: Goat eye lenses were divided into 4 groups; Group served as control, Group II as toxic control, Group III and Group IV were incubated in extract (250 μg/ml and 500 μg/ml of extract of M. oliefera) Group II, III and IV were incubated in 55 mM glucose in artificial aqueous humor to induce lens opacification. Estimation of total, water soluble protein, catalase, glutathione and malondialdehyde along with photographic evaluation of lens was done. Results: Group II (toxic control) lenses showed high amount of MDA (Malondialdehyde), soluble, insoluble protein, decreased catalase and glutathione levels, while lenses treated with Moringa oliefera extract (Group III and Group IV) showed significant (* P < 0.05) reduction in MDA and increased level of catalase, glutathione, total and soluble protein. Conclusion: Results of present findings suggest protective effect of Moringa oliefera in prevention of in vitro glucose induced cataract. PMID:24008789

Intraspecific bloom succession in the harmful dinoflagellate Cochlodinium polykrikoides (Dinophyceae) extended the blooming period in Korean coastal waters in 2009.

PubMed

Park, Bum Soo; Kim, Jin Ho; Kim, Joo-Hwan; Baek, Seung Ho; Han, Myung-Soo

2018-01-01

Although there have been extensive studies on dinoflagellate blooms in recent decades, the mechanism that allows the maintenance of blooms over long periods remains uncertain, and studies on genetically differentiated subpopulations may provide insights into this mechanism. In this study, the influence of two genetically distinct subpopulations of the dinoflagellate Cochlodinium polykrikoides, referred to as Group I and IV, on bloom duration in Korean coastal waters (KCW) was examined using a quantitative PCR (qPCR) assay. In this study, a C. polykrikoides bloom occurred over a longer period in 2009 (49 days), whereas the bloom period was shorter in 2010 (35 days). The qPCR results indicate that intraspecific bloom succession between Groups I and IV occurred in 2009, whereas only a single subpopulation (Group I) was responsible for the bloom in 2010. Based on the statistical analysis, the Group I and Group IV blooms occurred under significantly different environmental conditions (p ≤ 0.05) in terms of water temperature, pH, and phosphate concentration, and these subpopulations exhibited significantly different relationships with environmental factors, particularly water temperature (p < 0.01). This variability may allow blooms to continue through intraspecific bloom succession even after environmental conditions change. Southern KCW are affected by outer regions via the Tsushima Warm Current (TWC) every summer. Group IV (≤1108 ± 69 cells L -1 ) was primarily observed along the route of the TWC in summer 2009, when the bloom of this subpopulation occurred in southern KCW. These results suggest that Group IV transported via the TWC may have influenced the bloom dynamics of this subpopulation in summer 2009. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Effects of Prophylactic Foscarnet on Human Herpesvirus-6 Reactivation and Encephalitis in Cord Blood Transplant Recipients: A Prospective Multicenter Trial with an Historical Control Group.

PubMed

Ogata, Masao; Takano, Kuniko; Moriuchi, Yukiyoshi; Kondo, Tadakazu; Ueki, Toshimitsu; Nakano, Nobuaki; Mori, Takehiko; Uoshima, Nobuhiko; Nagafuji, Koji; Yamasaki, Satoshi; Shibasaki, Yasuhiko; Sakai, Rika; Kato, Koji; Choi, Ilseung; Jo, Yumi; Eto, Tetsuya; Kako, Shinichi; Oshima, Kumi; Fukuda, Takahiro

2018-06-01

Cord blood transplantation (CBT) is a distinct risk factor for human herpesvirus-6 (HHV-6) reactivation and HHV-6 encephalitis. In a prospective multicenter trial we investigated the effects of prophylactic foscarnet (90 mg/kg i.v. infusion from days 7 to 27 after CBT) on the occurrence of HHV-6 reactivation, HHV-6 encephalitis, and acute graft-versus-host disease (aGVHD) in CBT recipients. Between 2014 and 2016, 57 patients were included in a foscarnet-prophylaxis group. Outcomes were compared with an historical control group who received CBT between 2010 and 2014 (standard-treatment group, n = 63). The cumulative incidence of high-level HHV-6 reactivation, defined as plasma HHV-6 DNA ≥ 10 4 copies/mL, at 60 days after CBT was significantly lower in the foscarnet-prophylaxis group than in the standard-treatment group (18.3% versus 57.3%, P < .001). Multivariate analysis revealed that myeloablative preconditioning and standard treatment were significant risk factors for high-level HHV-6 reactivation. The cumulative incidence of HHV-6 encephalitis at 60 days after CBT was not different between the groups (foscarnet-prophylaxis group, 12.4%; standard-treatment group, 4.9%; P = .14). The cumulative incidences of grades II to IV and grades III to IV aGVHD at 60 days after CBT were not different between the groups (grades II to IV aGVHD: foscarnet-prophylaxis group, 42.0%; standard-treatment group, 40.5%; P = .96; grades III to IV aGVHD: foscarnet-prophylaxis group, 14.5%; standard-treatment group, 14.5%; P = 1.00). In the setting of this study foscarnet significantly suppressed systemic HHV-6 reactivation in CBT recipients but failed to prevent the development of HHV-6 encephalitis. Suppression of HHV-6 reactivation by foscarnet did not show any effects against the incidence of aGVHD. Copyright © 2018 The American Society for Blood and Marrow Transplantation. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Preliminary study of the effects of xylazine or detomidine with or without butorphanol for standing sedation in dairy cattle.

PubMed

Lin, Hui Chu; Riddell, M Gatz

2003-01-01

The sedative effect induced by administering xylazine hydrochloride or detomidine hydrochloride with or without butorphanol tartrate to standing dairy cattle was compared in two groups of six adult, healthy Holstein cows. One group received xylazine (0.02 mg/kg i.v.) followed by xylazine (0.02 mg/kg) and butorphanol (0.05 mg/kg i.v.) 1 week later. Cows in Group B received detomidine (0.01 mg/kg i.v.) followed by detomidine (0.01 mg/kg i.v.) and butorphanol (0.05 mg/kg i.v.) 1 week later. Heart rate, respiratory rate, and arterial blood pressure were monitored and recorded before drugs were administered and every 10 minutes for 1 hour after drug administration. The degree of sedation was evaluated and graded. Cows in each treatment group had significant decreases in heart rate and respiratory rate after test drugs were given. Durations of sedation were 49.0 +/- 12.7 minutes (xylazine), 36.0 +/- 14.1 (xylazine with butorphanol), 47.0 +/- 8.1 minutes (detomidine), and 43.0 +/- 14.0 minutes (detomidine with butorphanol). Ptosis and salivation were observed in cows of all groups following drug administration. Slow horizontal nystagmus was observed from three cows following administration of detomidine and butorphanol. All cows remained standing while sedated. The degree of sedation seemed to be most profound in cows receiving detomidine and least profound in cows receiving xylazine.

Group III/IV locomotor muscle afferents alter motor cortical and corticospinal excitability and promote central fatigue during cycling exercise

PubMed Central

Sidhu, Simranjit K.; Weavil, Joshua C.; Mangum, Tyler S.; Jessop, Jacob E.; Richardson, Russell S.; Morgan, David E.; Amann, Markus

2017-01-01

Objective To investigate the influence of group III/IV muscle afferents on the development of central fatigue and corticospinal excitability during exercise. Methods Fourteen males performed cycling-exercise both under control-conditions (CTRL) and with lumbar intrathecal fentanyl (FENT) impairing feedback from leg muscle afferents. Transcranial magnetic- and cervicomedullary stimulation was used to monitor cortical versus spinal excitability. Results While fentanyl-blockade during non-fatiguing cycling had no effect on motor-evoked potentials (MEPs), cervicomedullary-evoked motor potentials (CMEPs) were 13 ± 3% higher (P < 0.05), resulting in a decrease in MEP/CMEP (P < 0.05). Although the pre- to post-exercise reduction in resting twitch was greater in FENT vs. CTRL (−53 ± 3% vs. −39 ± 3%; P < 0.01), the reduction in voluntary muscle activation was smaller (−2 ± 2% vs. −10 ± 2%; P < 0.05). Compared to the start of fatiguing exercise, MEPs and CMEPs were unchanged at exhaustion in CTRL. In contrast, MEPs and MEP/CMEP increased 13 ± 3% and 25 ± 6% in FENT (P < 0.05). Conclusion During non-fatiguing exercise, group III/IV muscle afferents disfacilitate, or inhibit, spinal motoneurons and facilitate motor cortical cells. In contrast, during exhaustive exercise, group III/IV muscle afferents disfacilitate/inhibit the motor cortex and promote central fatigue. Significance Group III/IV muscle afferents influence corticospinal excitability and central fatigue during whole-body exercise in humans. PMID:27866119

Group III/IV locomotor muscle afferents alter motor cortical and corticospinal excitability and promote central fatigue during cycling exercise.

PubMed

Sidhu, Simranjit K; Weavil, Joshua C; Mangum, Tyler S; Jessop, Jacob E; Richardson, Russell S; Morgan, David E; Amann, Markus

2017-01-01

To investigate the influence of group III/IV muscle afferents on the development of central fatigue and corticospinal excitability during exercise. Fourteen males performed cycling-exercise both under control-conditions (CTRL) and with lumbar intrathecal fentanyl (FENT) impairing feedback from leg muscle afferents. Transcranial magnetic- and cervicomedullary stimulation was used to monitor cortical versus spinal excitability. While fentanyl-blockade during non-fatiguing cycling had no effect on motor-evoked potentials (MEPs), cervicomedullary-evoked motor potentials (CMEPs) were 13±3% higher (P<0.05), resulting in a decrease in MEP/CMEP (P<0.05). Although the pre- to post-exercise reduction in resting twitch was greater in FENT vs. CTRL (-53±3% vs. -39±3%; P<0.01), the reduction in voluntary muscle activation was smaller (-2±2% vs. -10±2%; P<0.05). Compared to the start of fatiguing exercise, MEPs and CMEPs were unchanged at exhaustion in CTRL. In contrast, MEPs and MEP/CMEP increased 13±3% and 25±6% in FENT (P<0.05). During non-fatiguing exercise, group III/IV muscle afferents disfacilitate, or inhibit, spinal motoneurons and facilitate motor cortical cells. In contrast, during exhaustive exercise, group III/IV muscle afferents disfacilitate/inhibit the motor cortex and promote central fatigue. Group III/IV muscle afferents influence corticospinal excitability and central fatigue during whole-body exercise in humans. Copyright © 2016 International Federation of Clinical Neurophysiology. All rights reserved.

Classification of pediatric functional gastrointestinal disorders related to abdominal pain using Rome III vs. Rome IV criterions.

PubMed

Edwards, Trent; Friesen, Craig; Schurman, Jennifer V

2018-03-17

The primary purpose of this study was to compare Rome III and IV evaluation criteria for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), functional dyspepsia (FD), and an overlap syndrome consisting of both IBS and FD by assessing the frequency of each diagnosis in a population of children with chronic abdominal pain. Frequencies of Rome IV FD subtypes of postprandial distress syndrome (PDS) and epigastric pain syndrome (EPS) were determined and FD/IBS overlap symptom associations were also assessed. We conducted a cross-sectional retrospective chart review of 106 pediatric patients who had completed standardized medical histories as part of their evaluation for chronic abdominal pain. The patients ranged from eight to 17 years of age and reported having abdominal pain at least weekly for 8 weeks. Patients whose evaluation revealed gastrointestinal disease were excluded. The patients' diagnoses were determined by a single pediatric gastroenterologist utilizing the specific criteria for Rome III and IV, respectively. Patients were significantly more likely to be diagnosed with FD (84.9% vs. 52.8%), IBS (69.8% vs. 34%), and FD/IBS overlap (58.5% vs. 17.9%) by Rome IV criteria, as compared to Rome III criteria. With regard to Rome IV FD subtypes, 81.1% fulfilled criteria for PDS, 11.1% fulfilled criteria for EPS, 6.7% fulfilled criteria for both, and 1.1% did not fulfill criteria for either. Finally, we found an increased frequency of diarrhea and pain with eating in the overlap group compared to the non-overlap group of Rome III, while only an increased frequency of diarrhea was found in the overlap group compared to the non-overlap group of Rome IV. Our data demonstrate that utilizing Rome IV criteria, as compared to Rome III, results in an increase in the diagnosis of FD, a two-fold increase in the diagnosis of IBS, and a three-fold increase in the diagnosis of FD/IBS overlap. Rome IV criteria appears to result in greater heterogeneity within diagnostic categories. It is important to determine whether Rome IV diagnoses are predictive of treatment response, and if so, whether assessing symptom variability within a diagnosis will enhance the ability to select patients for a particular treatment.

Doxorubicin: Comparison between 3-h continuous and bolus intravenous administration paradigms on cardio-renal axis, mitochondrial sphingolipids and pathology

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Kamendi, Harriet, E-mail: harriet_kamendi@kandih.com; Zhou, Ying, E-mail: yingzhou526@gmail.com; Crosby, Meredith, E-mail: Meredith.crosby@astrazeneca.com

Doxorubicin (DOX) is a potent and effective broad-spectrum anthracycline antitumor agent, but its clinical usefulness is restricted by cardiotoxicity. This study compared pharmacokinetic, functional, structural and biochemical effects of single dose DOX bolus or 3-h continuous iv infusion (3-h iv) in the Han–Wistar rat to characterize possible treatment-related differences in drug safety over a 72 h observation period. Both DOX dosing paradigms significantly altered blood pressure, core body temperature and QA interval (indirect measure of cardiac contractility); however, there was no recovery observed in the bolus iv treatment group. Following the 3-h iv treatment, blood pressures and QA interval normalizedmore » by 36 h then rose above baseline levels over 72 h. Both treatments induced biphasic changes in heart rate with initial increases followed by sustained decreases. Cardiac injury biomarkers in plasma were elevated only in the bolus iv treatment group. Tissue cardiac injury biomarkers, cardiac mitochondrial complexes I, III and V and cardiac mitochondrial sphingolipids were decreased only in the bolus iv treatment group. Results indicate that each DOX dosing paradigm deregulates sinus rhythm. However, slowing the rate of infusion allows for functional compensation of blood pressure and may decrease the likelihood of cardiac myocyte necrosis via a mechanism associated with reduced mitochondrial damage. - Highlights: • Despite damaging cardiomyocytes, continuous iv doxorubicin improves cardiovascular outcomes. • This study supports administration of doxorubicin via slow continuous iv infusion limits acute cardio-toxicity. • This study supports use of metabolomic-derived lipid biomarkers for improved quantification of cardiovascular risk. • This study supports systems-based physiological approach to generate a data that can greatly inform risk assessments.« less

Horizontal gene transfer is a significant driver of gene innovation in dinoflagellates.

PubMed

Wisecaver, Jennifer H; Brosnahan, Michael L; Hackett, Jeremiah D

2013-01-01

The dinoflagellates are an evolutionarily and ecologically important group of microbial eukaryotes. Previous work suggests that horizontal gene transfer (HGT) is an important source of gene innovation in these organisms. However, dinoflagellate genomes are notoriously large and complex, making genomic investigation of this phenomenon impractical with currently available sequencing technology. Fortunately, de novo transcriptome sequencing and assembly provides an alternative approach for investigating HGT. We sequenced the transcriptome of the dinoflagellate Alexandrium tamarense Group IV to investigate how HGT has contributed to gene innovation in this group. Our comprehensive A. tamarense Group IV gene set was compared with those of 16 other eukaryotic genomes. Ancestral gene content reconstruction of ortholog groups shows that A. tamarense Group IV has the largest number of gene families gained (314-1,563 depending on inference method) relative to all other organisms in the analysis (0-782). Phylogenomic analysis indicates that genes horizontally acquired from bacteria are a significant proportion of this gene influx, as are genes transferred from other eukaryotes either through HGT or endosymbiosis. The dinoflagellates also display curious cases of gene loss associated with mitochondrial metabolism including the entire Complex I of oxidative phosphorylation. Some of these missing genes have been functionally replaced by bacterial and eukaryotic xenologs. The transcriptome of A. tamarense Group IV lends strong support to a growing body of evidence that dinoflagellate genomes are extraordinarily impacted by HGT.

Horizontal Gene Transfer is a Significant Driver of Gene Innovation in Dinoflagellates

PubMed Central

Wisecaver, Jennifer H.; Brosnahan, Michael L.; Hackett, Jeremiah D.

2013-01-01

The dinoflagellates are an evolutionarily and ecologically important group of microbial eukaryotes. Previous work suggests that horizontal gene transfer (HGT) is an important source of gene innovation in these organisms. However, dinoflagellate genomes are notoriously large and complex, making genomic investigation of this phenomenon impractical with currently available sequencing technology. Fortunately, de novo transcriptome sequencing and assembly provides an alternative approach for investigating HGT. We sequenced the transcriptome of the dinoflagellate Alexandrium tamarense Group IV to investigate how HGT has contributed to gene innovation in this group. Our comprehensive A. tamarense Group IV gene set was compared with those of 16 other eukaryotic genomes. Ancestral gene content reconstruction of ortholog groups shows that A. tamarense Group IV has the largest number of gene families gained (314–1,563 depending on inference method) relative to all other organisms in the analysis (0–782). Phylogenomic analysis indicates that genes horizontally acquired from bacteria are a significant proportion of this gene influx, as are genes transferred from other eukaryotes either through HGT or endosymbiosis. The dinoflagellates also display curious cases of gene loss associated with mitochondrial metabolism including the entire Complex I of oxidative phosphorylation. Some of these missing genes have been functionally replaced by bacterial and eukaryotic xenologs. The transcriptome of A. tamarense Group IV lends strong support to a growing body of evidence that dinoflagellate genomes are extraordinarily impacted by HGT. PMID:24259313

Prostate Cancer Patients With Unmanaged Diabetes or Receiving Insulin Experience Inferior Outcomes and Toxicities After Treatment With Radiation Therapy.

PubMed

Zaorsky, Nicholas G; Shaikh, Talha; Ruth, Karen; Sharda, Pankaj; Hayes, Shelly B; Sobczak, Mark L; Hallman, Mark A; Smaldone, Marc C; Chen, David Y T; Horwitz, Eric M

2017-04-01

The purpose of the study was to determine the effect of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) on outcomes and toxicities among men with localized prostate cancer receiving definitive radiation therapy. We performed a retrospective review of 3217 patients, from 1998 to 2013, subdivided into 5 subgroups: (I) no T2DM; (II) T2DM receiving oral antihyperglycemic agent that contains metformin, no insulin; (III) T2DM receiving nonmetformin oral agent alone, no insulin; (IV) T2DM receiving any insulin; and (V) T2DM not receiving medication. Outcome measures were overall survival, freedom from biochemical failure (BF), freedom from distant metastasis, cancer-specific survival, and toxicities. Kaplan-Meier analysis, log rank tests, Fine and Gray competing risk regression (to adjust for patient and lifestyle factors), Cox models, and subdistribution hazard ratios (sHRs) were used. Of the 3217 patients, 1295 (40%) were low-risk, 1192 (37%) were intermediate-risk, and 652 (20%) were high risk. The group I to V distribution was 81%, 8%, 5%, 3%, and 4%. The median dose was 78 Gy, and the median follow-up time was 50 (range, 1-190) months. Group V had increased mortality (sHR, 2.1; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.66-1.54), BF (sHR, 2.14; 0.88-1.83), and cause-specific mortality (sHR, 3.87; 95% CI, 1.31-11). Acute toxicities were higher in group IV versus group I (genitourinary: 38% vs. 26%; P = .01; gastrointestinal: 21% vs. 5%; P = 001). Late toxicities were higher in groups IV and V versus group I (12%-14% vs. 2%-6%; P < .01). Men with T2DM not receiving medication and men with T2DM receiving insulin had worse outcomes and toxicities compared to other patients. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Pretreatment Blood Brain Barrier Damage and Post Treatment Intracranial Hemorrhage in Patients Receiving IV tPA

PubMed Central

Leigh, Richard; Jen, Shyian S.; Hillis, Argye E.; Krakauer, John W.; Barker, Peter B.

2014-01-01

Background and Purpose Early blood brain barrier (BBB) damage after acute ischemic stroke (AIS) has previously been qualitatively linked to subsequent intracranial hemorrhage (ICH). In this quantitative study, it was investigated whether the amount of BBB damage evident on pre-tPA MRI scans was related to the degree of post-tPA ICH in patients with AIS. Methods Analysis was performed on a database of patients with AIS provided by the STIR and VISTA Imaging Investigators. Patients with perfusion-weighted imaging (PWI) lesions >10mL and negative gradient-recalled echo (GRE) imaging prior to IV tPA were included. Post processing of the PWI source images was performed to estimate changes in BBB permeability within the perfusion deficit relative to the unaffected hemisphere. Follow-up GRE images were reviewed for evidence of ICH and divided into three groups according to ECASS criteria: no hemorrhage (NH), hemorrhagic infarction (HI), and parenchymal hematoma (PH). Results 75 patients from the database met the inclusion criteria, 28 of whom experienced ICH, of which 19 were classified as HI, and nine were classified as PH. The mean permeability (±standard deviations), expressed as an index of contrast leakage, was 17.0%±8.8 in the NH group, 19.4%±4.0 in the HI group, and 24.6%±4.5 in the PH group. Permeability was significantly correlated with ICH grade in univariate (p=0.007) and multivariate (p=0.008) linear regression modeling. Conclusions A PWI-derived index of BBB damage measured prior to IV tPA is associated with the severity of ICH after treatment in patients with AIS. PMID:24876245

Neuropsychiatric lupus: the prevalence and autoantibody associations depend on the definition: results from the 1000 faces of lupus cohort.

PubMed

Borowoy, Alan M; Pope, Janet E; Silverman, Earl; Fortin, Paul R; Pineau, Christian; Smith, C Douglas; Arbillaga, Hector; Gladman, Dafna; Urowitz, Murray; Zummer, Michel; Hudson, Marie; Tucker, Lori; Peschken, Christine

2012-10-01

The (ever) prevalence of neuropsychiatric systemic lupus erythematosus (NPSLE) can vary widely depending on the definition used. We determined the prevalence of NPSLE in 1000 Faces of Lupus, a large multicenter Canadian cohort. Adults enrolled at 10 sites who satisfied the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) classification for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) were included. NPSLE was defined as (i) NPSLE by ACR classification criteria (seizures or psychosis), (ii) ACR, SLEDAI (seizure, psychosis, organic brain syndrome, cranial nerve disorder, headache, and cerebrovascular accident (CVA)), SLAM (CVA, seizure, cortical dysfunction, and headache), and SLICC (cognitive impairment, psychosis, seizures, CVA, cranial or peripheral neuropathy, and transverse myelitis) with and (iii) without minor nonspecific NPSLE manifestations (including mild depression, mild cognitive impairment, and electromyogram-negative neuropathies), and (iv) by ACR and SLEDAI neuropsychiatric (NP) indexes alone. Factors associated with NPSLE were explored using regression models. Cohort size was 1253, with mean disease 12 ± 10 years, mean age 41 ± 16 years, and 86% female. Subgroup size was dependent on the specific definition of NPSLE. Prevalence of NPSLE was 6.4% in group (i), n = 1253 (n = 80); 38.6% in group (ii), n = 681(n = 263); 28.7% in group (iii), n = 586 (n = 168); and 10.2% in group (iv), n = 1125 (n = 115). In univariate analysis, Aboriginals had a nearly 2-fold increase in frequency of NPSLE in all groups. Education level and income were not associated with NPSLE (P = 0.32 and 0.03, respectively). As well, number of ACR criteria, SLAM, age at diagnosis, disease duration, and gender were not associated with NPSLE. Anti-Ro was significantly associated in groups (i) and (iv) and antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL) were increased in groups (i), (ii), and (iii); however, this lost significance when thromboembolic events were excluded from SLICC, SLEDAI, and SLAM indexes. In group (iv), absence of anti-Sm was significant. In multivariate analysis, anti-Ro and aPL (i) and anti-Ro+ and lack of anti-Sm (iv) were significant. NPSLE was not increased in those with +anti-DNA, La, or ribonucleoprotein (RNP), lupus anticoagulant (LAC), or anticardiolipin (aCL) antibody. The prevalence and factors associated with NPSLE varied depending on the definition used, was highest in Aboriginals, and may be higher if +anti-Ro or aPL are present. SLAM and SLICC include mild subjective disease manifestations, which contributed to a 10% higher prevalence of NPSLE compared to a more strict definition. NPSLE may be less in this database than other publications as its overall prevalence may be decreasing, or because of selection bias inherent to those who enter an observational cohort. NPSLE was associated with aPL and often anti-Ro and varied by ethnicity. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Pain control in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma treated by percutaneous radiofrequency ablation: comparison of the efficacy of one-shot and continuous intravenous fentanyl delivery.

PubMed

Yokoyama, Koichi; Ikeda, Osamu; Kawanaka, Koichi; Nakasone, Yutaka; Inoue, Seijiro; Tamura, Yoshitaka; Yamashita, Yasuyuki

2014-12-01

Hepatic percutaneous radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is usually performed with the patient under deep intravenous (i.v.) sedation or general anesthesia. Nonetheless, many patients report pain during and/or after the procedure. To perform a prospective study of pain control obtained by the i.v. one-shot delivery and the continuous i.v. infusion of fentanyl in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) treated by RFA. Between April 2007 and March 2010, 83 patients with 106 HCCs underwent percutaneous RFA. All HCCs were addressed by computed tomography (CT)-guided percutaneous RFA performed within 5 h of embolization of the tumor vessels with iodized oil and gelatin sponges. Standard anesthesia consisted of 10 mL of 1% lidocaine injected locally. For conscious sedation, group one patients (n = 41) were injected i.v. with 100 µg of fentanyl before and 100 µg of fentanyl 30 min after percutaneous RFA. In group two (n = 42) we delivered fentanyl by continuous i.v. infusion at 100 µg/h during RFA. Upon request, patients in both groups also received 5 mg of diazepam i.v. for pain during the RFA procedure. The severity of pain experienced by all patients was evaluated on a visual analogue scale (VAS) and complications elicited by the anesthesia regimens were recorded. We also assessed the effectiveness of the treatment on sequential follow-up CT and/or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at 3-month intervals. Percutaneous RFA was technically successful in all 83 patients. Two patients in group one (4.8%) and one patient in group two (2.4%) manifested residual enhancement 3 months post RFA. There was no significant difference in the local recurrence rate between the two groups. At 4.0 ± 1.8 for group one and 3.4 ± 1.9 for group two, the VAS score was not significantly different. Major fentanyl or diazepam toxicity was recorded in 11 patients (24.4%) in group one and two patients (4.8%) in group two; the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.01). The continuous infusion of fentanyl provided effective and safe analgesia in HCC patients undergoing percutaneous RFA. © The Foundation Acta Radiologica 2014 Reprints and permissions: sagepub.co.uk/journalsPermissions.nav.

Comparison of DSM-IV and DSM-5 criteria for alcohol use disorders in VA primary care patients with frequent heavy drinking enrolled in a trial.

PubMed

Takahashi, Traci; Lapham, Gwen; Chavez, Laura J; Lee, Amy K; Williams, Emily C; Richards, Julie E; Greenberg, Diane; Rubinsky, Anna; Berger, Douglas; Hawkins, Eric J; Merrill, Joseph O; Bradley, Katharine A

2017-07-18

Criteria for alcohol use disorders (AUD) in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th edition (DSM-5) were intended to result in a similar prevalence of AUD as DSM-IV. We evaluated the prevalence of AUD using DSM-5 and DSM-IV criteria, and compared characteristics of patients who met criteria for: neither DSM-5 nor DSM-IV AUD, DSM-5 alone, DSM-IV alone, or both, among Veterans Administration (VA) outpatients in the Considering Healthier drinking Options In primary CarE (CHOICE) trial. VA primary care patients who reported frequent heavy drinking and enrolled in the CHOICE trial were interviewed at baseline using the DSM-IV Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview for AUD, as well as questions about socio-demographics, mental health, alcohol craving, and substance use. We compared characteristics across 4 mutually exclusive groups based on DSM-5 and DSM-IV criteria. Of 304 participants, 13.8% met criteria for neither DSM-5 nor DSM-IV AUD; 12.8% met criteria for DSM-5 alone, and 73.0% met criteria for both DSM-IV and DSM-5. Only 1 patient (0.3%) met criteria for DSM-IV AUD alone. Patients meeting both DSM-5 and DSM-IV criteria had more negative drinking consequences, mental health symptoms and self-reported readiness to change compared with those meeting DSM-5 criteria alone or neither DSM-5 nor DSM-IV criteria. In this sample of primary care patients with frequent heavy drinking, DSM-5 identified 13% more patients with AUD than DSM-IV. This group had a lower mental health symptom burden and less self-reported readiness to change compared to those meeting criteria for both DSM-IV and DSM-5 AUD. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01400581. 2011 February 17.

The structure of DSM-IV-TR personality disorder diagnoses in NESARC: a reanalysis.

PubMed

Trull, Timothy J; Vergés, Alvaro; Wood, Phillip K; Sher, Kenneth J

2013-12-01

Cox, Clara, Worobec, and Grant (2012) recently presented results from a series of analyses aimed at identifying the factor structure underlying the DSM-IV-TR (APA, 2000) personality diagnoses assessed in the large NESARC study. Cox et al. (2012) concluded that the best fitting model was one that modeled three lower-order factors (the three clusters of PDs as outlined by DSM-IV-TR), which in turn loaded on a single PD higher-order factor. Our reanalyses of the NESARC Wave 1 and Wave 2 data for personality disorder diagnoses revealed that the best fitting model was that of a general PD factor that spans each of the ten DSM-IV PD diagnoses, and our reanalyses do not support the three-cluster hierarchical structure outlined by Cox et al. (2012) and DSM-IV-TR. Finally, we note the importance of modeling the Wave 2 assessment method factor in analyses of NESARC PD data.

Comparison of the Effect of Thiopental Sodium with Midazolam-ketamine on Post-tonsillectomy Agitation in Children.

PubMed

Toliyat, Maryam; Zangoee, Maliheh; Ahrari, Shahnaz; Zangoee, Reza

2015-10-01

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of thiopental sodium with that of midazolam-ketamine on relieving agitation after tonsillectomy in children. In a clinical trial, 50 children aged 5-10 years, candidates for tonsillectomy, were randomly divided into two 25-member groups. In the first group, thiopental sodium 5mg/kg/IV, and in the second group combination of midazolam 0.01 mg/kg/IV and ketamine 1 mg/kg/IV were used to induce anesthesia. The level of sedation was assessed after surgery with the Ramsay scale. There were no significant differences between the two groups in terms of heart rate, arterial oxygen pressure (PO2), and duration of anesthesia. The Ramsay sedation score was significantly higher in the thiopental sodium group than in the midazolam-ketamine group (P=0.01). Thiopental sodium can be more effective than the combination of midazolam-ketamine for controlling agitation after tonsillectomy in children.

Proprioception of foot and ankle complex in young regular practitioners of ice hockey, ballet dancing and running.

PubMed

Li, Jing Xian; Xu, Dong Qing; Hoshizaki, Blaine

2009-01-01

This study examined the proprioception of the foot and ankle complex in regular ice hockey practitioners, runners, and ballet dancers. A total of 45 young people with different exercise habits formed four groups: the ice hockey, ballet dancing, running, and sedentary groups. Kinesthesia of the foot and ankle complex was measured in plantarflexion (PF), dorsiflexion (DF), inversion (IV), and eversion (EV) at 0.4 degrees /s using a custom-made device. The results showed the following: (1) significantly better perceived passive motion sense in PF/DF was found as compared with the measurements in IV/EV within each group (P < .01); (2) ice hockey and ballet groups perceived significantly better passive motion sense in IV/EV than the running (P < .05) and the sedentary (P < .01) groups; and (3) no significant difference in the all measurements was found between running and sedentary groups. The benefits of ice hockey and ballet dancing on proprioception may be associated with their movement characteristics.

Effects of magnesium sulphate on intraoperative anaesthetic requirements and postoperative analgesia in gynaecology patients receiving total intravenous anaesthesia.

PubMed

Ryu, J-H; Kang, M-H; Park, K-S; Do, S-H

2008-03-01

This randomized, double-blind, prospective study was undertaken to evaluate the effects of magnesium sulphate on anaesthetic requirements and postoperative analgesia in patients undergoing total i.v. anaesthesia (TIVA). Fifty patients who underwent gynaecological surgery were randomly divided into two groups. Before induction of anaesthesia, the magnesium group (Group M) received magnesium sulphate 50 mg kg(-1) i.v. as a bolus and then 15 mg kg(-1) h(-1) i.v. by continuous infusion. The control group (Group S) received the same amount of isotonic saline. TIVA (propofol+remifentanil) was administered under bispectral index monitoring during anaesthesia induction and maintenance. Rocuronium was administered before orotracheal intubation and during surgery when the train-of-four count was 2 or more. After operation, patient-controlled analgesia with a solution of ketorolac and morphine was used and the consumption of this solution was recorded. Pain scores at rest and upon movement were evaluated 30 min, 4, 24, and 48 h after surgery. Patients in Group M required less rocuronium than those in Group S [mean (SD) 0.44 (0.09) vs 0.35 (0.07) microg kg(-1) min(-1), P<0.05]. The total amounts of propofol and remifentanil administered were similar in the two groups. Postoperative pain scores, cumulative analgesic consumption, and shivering incidents were significantly lower in Group M (P<0.05). Mean arterial pressure just after intubation and during the immediate postoperative period was also significantly lower in Group M (P<0.05). I.v. magnesium sulphate during TIVA reduced rocuronium requirement and improved the quality of postoperative analgesia.

Les Houches 2015: Physics at TeV Colliders Standard Model Working Group Report

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Andersen, J.R.; et al.

This Report summarizes the proceedings of the 2015 Les Houches workshop on Physics at TeV Colliders. Session 1 dealt with (I) new developments relevant for high precision Standard Model calculations, (II) the new PDF4LHC parton distributions, (III) issues in the theoretical description of the production of Standard Model Higgs bosons and how to relate experimental measurements, (IV) a host of phenomenological studies essential for comparing LHC data from Run I with theoretical predictions and projections for future measurements in Run II, and (V) new developments in Monte Carlo event generators.

Les Houches 2017: Physics at TeV Colliders Standard Model Working Group Report

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Andersen, J.R.; et al.

This Report summarizes the proceedings of the 2017 Les Houches workshop on Physics at TeV Colliders. Session 1 dealt with (I) new developments relevant for high precision Standard Model calculations, (II) theoretical uncertainties and dataset dependence of parton distribution functions, (III) new developments in jet substructure techniques, (IV) issues in the theoretical description of the production of Standard Model Higgs bosons and how to relate experimental measurements, (V) phenomenological studies essential for comparing LHC data from Run II with theoretical predictions and projections for future measurements, and (VI) new developments in Monte Carlo event generators.

75 FR 29340 - Formations of, Acquisitions by, and Mergers of Bank Holding Companies

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-05-25

...Gen Capital Group IV LLC and CapGen Capital Group IV LP, both of New York, New York; to become bank... FEDERAL RESERVE SYSTEM Formations of, Acquisitions by, and Mergers of Bank Holding Companies The companies listed in this notice have applied to the Board for approval, pursuant to the Bank Holding Company...

Printed-Circuit-Board Soldering Training for Group IV Personnel.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hooprich, E. A.; Matlock, E. W.

As part of a larger program to determine which Navy skills can be learned by lower aptitude personnel, and which methods and techniques would be most effective, an experimental course in printed circuit board soldering was given to 186 Group IV students in 13 classes. Two different training approaches--one stressing instructor guidance and the…

Magnetism in Mn-nanowires and -clusters as δ-doped layers in group IV semiconductors (Si, Ge)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Simov, K. R.; Glans, P.-A.; Jenkins, C. A.; Liberati, M.; Reinke, P.

2018-01-01

Mn doping of group-IV semiconductors (Si/Ge) is achieved by embedding nanostructured Mn-layers in group-IV matrix. The Mn-nanostructures are monoatomic Mn-wires or Mn-clusters and capped with an amorphous Si or Ge layer. The precise fabrication of δ-doped Mn-layers is combined with element-specific detection of the magnetic signature with x-ray magnetic circular dichroism. The largest moment (2.5 μB/Mn) is measured for Mn-wires with ionic bonding character and a-Ge overlayer cap; a-Si capping reduces the moment due to variations of bonding in agreement with theoretical predictions. The moments in δ-doped layers dominated by clusters is quenched with an antiferromagnetic component from Mn-Mn bonding.

Axis IV--psychosocial and environmental problems--in the DSM-IV.

PubMed

Ramirez, A; Ekselius, L; Ramklint, M

2013-11-01

The aim of this study was to further explore the properties of axis IV in the Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders, 4th edition (DSM-IV). In a naturalistic cross-sectional design, a group (n = 163) of young (18-25 years old) Swedish psychiatric outpatients was assessed according to DSM-IV. Psychosocial and environmental problems/axis IV were evaluated through structured interviewing by a social worker and by self-assessment on a questionnaire. Reliability between professional assessment and self-assessment of axis IV was examined. Concurrent validity of axis IV was also examined. Reliability between professional and self-assessed axis IV was fair to almost perfect, 0.31-0.83, according to prevalence and bias-adjusted kappa. Categories of psychosocial stress and environmental problems were related to the presence of axis I disorders, co-morbidity, personality disorders and decreasing Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF) values. The revised axis IV according to DSM-IV seems to have concurrent validity, but is still hampered by limited reliability. © 2013 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Sublingual administration of detomidine to calves prior to disbudding: a comparison with the intravenous route

PubMed Central

Hokkanen, Ann-Helena; Raekallio, Marja R; Salla, Kati; Hänninen, Laura; Viitasaari, Elina; Norring, Marianna; Raussi, Satu; Rinne, Valtteri M; Scheinin, Mika; Vainio, Outi M

2014-01-01

Objective To study the effects of oromucosal detomidine gel administered sublingually to calves prior to disbudding, and to compare its efficacy with intravenously (IV) administered detomidine. Study design Randomised, prospective clinical study. Animals Twenty dairy calves aged 12.4 ± 4.4days (mean ± SD), weight 50.5 ± 9.0 kg. Methods Detomidine at 80 μg kg−1 was administered to ten calves sublingually (GEL) and at 30 μg kg−1 to ten control calves IV (V. jugularis). Meloxicam (0.5 mg kg−1) and local anaesthetic (lidocaine 3 mg kg−1) were administered before heat cauterization of horn buds. Heart rate (HR), body temperature and clinical sedation were monitored over 240 minutes. Blood was collected from the V. cephalica during the same period for drug concentration analysis. Pharmacokinetic variables were calculated from the plasma detomidine concentration-time data using non-compartmental methods. Statistical analyses compared routes of administration by Student's t-test and linear mixed models as relevant. Results The maximum plasma detomidine concentration after GEL was 2.1 ± 1.2 ng mL−1 (mean ±SD) and the time of maximum concentration was 66.0 ± 36.9 minutes. The bioavailability of detomidine was approximately 34% with GEL. Similar sedation scores were reached in both groups after administration of detomidine, but maximal sedation was reached earlier in the IV group (10 minutes) than in the GEL group (40 minutes). HR was lower after IV than GEL from 5 to 10 minutes after administration. All animals were adequately sedated, and we were able to administer local anaesthetic without resistance to all of the calves before disbudding. Conclusions and clinical relevance Oromucosally administered detomidine is an effective sedative agent for calves prior to disbudding. PMID:24628898

Sublingual administration of detomidine to calves prior to disbudding: a comparison with the intravenous route.

PubMed

Hokkanen, Ann-Helena; Raekallio, Marja R; Salla, Kati; Hänninen, Laura; Viitasaari, Elina; Norring, Marianna; Raussi, Satu; Rinne, Valtteri M; Scheinin, Mika; Vainio, Outi M

2014-07-01

To study the effects of oromucosal detomidine gel administered sublingually to calves prior to disbudding, and to compare its efficacy with intravenously (IV) administered detomidine. Randomised, prospective clinical study. Twenty dairy calves aged 12.4 ± 4.4days (mean ± SD), weight 50.5 ± 9.0 kg. Detomidine at 80 μg kg(-1) was administered to ten calves sublingually (GEL) and at 30 μg kg(-1) to ten control calves IV (V. jugularis). Meloxicam (0.5 mg kg(-1) ) and local anaesthetic (lidocaine 3 mg kg(-1) ) were administered before heat cauterization of horn buds. Heart rate (HR), body temperature and clinical sedation were monitored over 240 minutes. Blood was collected from the V. cephalica during the same period for drug concentration analysis. Pharmacokinetic variables were calculated from the plasma detomidine concentration-time data using non-compartmental methods. Statistical analyses compared routes of administration by Student's t-test and linear mixed models as relevant. The maximum plasma detomidine concentration after GEL was 2.1 ± 1.2 ng mL(-1) (mean ±SD) and the time of maximum concentration was 66.0 ± 36.9 minutes. The bioavailability of detomidine was approximately 34% with GEL. Similar sedation scores were reached in both groups after administration of detomidine, but maximal sedation was reached earlier in the IV group (10 minutes) than in the GEL group (40 minutes). HR was lower after IV than GEL from 5 to 10 minutes after administration. All animals were adequately sedated, and we were able to administer local anaesthetic without resistance to all of the calves before disbudding. Oromucosally administered detomidine is an effective sedative agent for calves prior to disbudding. © 2014 The Authors Veterinary Anaesthesia and Analgesia published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Association of Veterinary Anaesthetists and the American College of Veterinary Anesthesia and Analgesia.

PM101: a cyclodextrin-based intravenous formulation of amiodarone devoid of adverse hemodynamic effects.

PubMed

Cushing, Daniel J; Kowey, Peter R; Cooper, Warren D; Massey, Bill W; Gralinski, Michael R; Lipicky, Raymond J

2009-04-01

Intravenous amiodarone (Amiodarone i.v.) is widely used to treat cardiac arrhythmias. The most frequent clinical adverse event associated with Amiodarone i.v. administration is systemic hypotension which has been attributed to the cosolvents used in the formulation, polysorbate 80 and benzyl alcohol. To minimize hypotension Amiodarone i.v. is diluted in 5% dextrose in water prior to administration and slowly infused. PM101 is a novel intravenous formulation that uses sulfobutylether-7-beta-cyclodextrin to solubilize amiodarone, and thus should be devoid of the untoward hemodynamic effects associated with polysorbate 80 and benzyl alcohol. Beagle dogs (n=7/group) were anesthetized with morphine and alpha-chloralose and instrumented to assess aortic blood pressure, cardiac output, cardiac contractility, and heart rate. Animals were treated with the U.S. approved human-equivalent loading dose (2.14 mg/kg) of Amiodarone i.v., PM101, and their respective vehicle controls. Administration of Amiodarone i.v. rapidly and significantly decreased mean aortic pressure, cardiac output, and cardiac contractility. A significant increase in heart rate was also observed as was a transient, but not significant, decrease in systemic vascular resistance. A similar pattern of rapid and significant hemodynamic changes was produced by the Amiodarone i.v. Vehicle (polysorbate 80/benzyl alcohol) alone. In marked contrast, PM101 and its vehicle produced no significant hemodynamic effects. This study provides a useful model for the continued search for a safe and effective intravenous amiodarone formulation devoid of the hypotensive risk associated with the current commercial formulation.

DSM-IV antisocial personality disorder and conduct disorder: evidence for taxonic structures among individuals with and without substance use disorders in the general population.

PubMed

Kerridge, Bradley T; Saha, Tulshi D; Hasin, Deborah S

2014-05-01

The categorical-dimensional status of DSM-IV (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition) conduct disorder (CD) and antisocial personality disorder (ASPD) is a source of controversy. This study examined whether the underlying structure of DSM-IV CD and ASPD was dimensional or categorical (taxonic) among individuals with and without substance use disorders. Using a national large representative survey of U.S. adults (n = 43,093), taxometric analyses of DSM-IV CD and ASPD diagnostic criteria were conducted on the total sample and among those with and without substance use disorders. Results of three taxometric procedures were consistent in showing that the structures underlying DSM-IV CD and ASPD were clearly taxonic in the total sample and among individuals with and without substance use disorders. Comparison curve fit indices exceeded 0.57 for each model. Taxonic findings of the present study were in contrast to the dimensional results of prior taxometric research among incarcerated samples with substantial comorbidity of antisocial syndromes and substance use disorders. Results supported the categorical representation and diagnostic thresholds of ASPD and CD as defined in DSM-IV and DSM-5. That the structure of ASPD and CD may be taxonic suggests that further research on these disorders use group comparative designs in which samples with and without these disorders are compared in terms of sociodemographic and clinical correlates, comorbidity, and treatment utilization. The taxonic structure of ASPD and CD may contribute to future research on causal processes through which these antisocial syndromes develop.

International VLBI Service for Geodesy and Astrometry 2013 Annual Report

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Baver, Karen D.; Behrend, Dirk; Armstrong, Kyla L.

2014-01-01

This volume of reports is the 2013 Annual Report of the International VLBI Service for Geodesy and Astrometry (IVS). The individual reports were contributed by VLBI groups in the international geodetic and astrometric community who constitute the permanent components of IVS. The IVS 2013 Annual Report documents the work of the IVS components for the calendar year 2013, our fifteenth year of existence. The reports describe changes, activities, and progress of the IVS. Many thanks to all IVS components who contributed to this Annual Report. With the exception of the first section and the last section, the contents of this Annual Report also appear on the IVS Web site at http://ivscc.gsfc.nasa.gov/publications/ar2013.

International VLBI Service for Geodesy and Astrometry 2012 Annual Report

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Baver, Karen D.; Behrend, Dirk; Armstrong, Kyla L.

2013-01-01

This volume of reports is the 2012 Annual Report of the International VLBI Service for Geodesy and Astrometry (IVS). The individual reports were contributed by VLBI groups in the international geodetic and astrometric community who constitute the permanent components of IVS. The IVS 2012 Annual Report documents the work of the IVS components for the calendar year 2012, our fourteenth year of existence. The reports describe changes, activities, and progress ofthe IVS. Many thanks to all IVS components who contributed to this Annual Report. With the exception of the first section and parts of the last section (described below), the contents of this Annual Report also appear on the IVS Web site athttp:ivscc.gsfc.nasa.gov/publications/ar2012

Intravenous parecoxib sodium as an analgesic alternative to morphine in acute trauma pain in the emergency department.

PubMed

Baharuddin, Kamarul Aryffin; Rahman, Nik Hisamuddin Na; Wahab, Shaik Farid Abdull; Halim, Nurkhairulnizam A; Ahmad, Rashidi

2014-01-03

Parecoxib sodium is the first parenteral COX-2 inhibitor used for pain management licensed for postoperative pain. However, no study has assessed the usage of parecoxib for acute traumatic pain in the emergency department (ED). The objective of this study was to investigate a potential alternative analgesic agent in the ED by determining the mean reduction of pain score between acute traumatic pain patients who were administered with intravenous (IV) parecoxib sodium versus IV morphine sulfate. The onset of perceptible analgesic effect and side effects were also evaluated. A randomized, double-blinded study comparing IV parecoxib 40 mg versus IV morphine at 0.10 mg/kg was conducted in adult patients presented with acute traumatic pain with numeric rating scale (NRS) of 6 or more within 6 hours of injury. Patients were randomized using a computer-generated randomization plan. Drug preparation and dispensing were performed by a pharmacist. Periodic assessment of blood pressure, pulse rate, oxygen saturation, and NRS were taken at 0, 5, 15, and 30 minute intervals after the administration of the study drug. The primary outcome was the reduction of NRS. Side effect and drug evaluation was conducted within 30 minutes of drug administration. There was no statistically significant difference in the reduction of mean NRS between patients in the IV parecoxib group or IV morphine group (P = 0.095). The mean NRS for patients treated with IV morphine were 7.1 at 0 minutes, 4.5 at 5 minutes, 3.1 at 15 minutes, and 2.0 at 30 minutes. Whereas mean NRS for patients who received IV parecoxib were 7.8 at 0 minutes, 5.7 at 5 minutes, 4.7 at 15 minutes, and 3.9 at 30 minutes. The onset of perceptible analgesic effects could be seen as early as 5 minutes. Dizziness was experienced in 42.9% of patients who received IV morphine compared to none in the parecoxib group. There was non-significant trend toward superiority of IV morphine over IV parecoxib. Looking at its effectiveness and the lack of opioid-related side-effects, the usage of IV parecoxib sodium may be extended further to a variety of cases in the ED.

Intravenous parecoxib sodium as an analgesic alternative to morphine in acute trauma pain in the emergency department

PubMed Central

2014-01-01

Background Parecoxib sodium is the first parenteral COX-2 inhibitor used for pain management licensed for postoperative pain. However, no study has assessed the usage of parecoxib for acute traumatic pain in the emergency department (ED). The objective of this study was to investigate a potential alternative analgesic agent in the ED by determining the mean reduction of pain score between acute traumatic pain patients who were administered with intravenous (IV) parecoxib sodium versus IV morphine sulfate. The onset of perceptible analgesic effect and side effects were also evaluated. Methods A randomized, double-blinded study comparing IV parecoxib 40 mg versus IV morphine at 0.10 mg/kg was conducted in adult patients presented with acute traumatic pain with numeric rating scale (NRS) of 6 or more within 6 hours of injury. Patients were randomized using a computer-generated randomization plan. Drug preparation and dispensing were performed by a pharmacist. Periodic assessment of blood pressure, pulse rate, oxygen saturation, and NRS were taken at 0, 5, 15, and 30 minute intervals after the administration of the study drug. The primary outcome was the reduction of NRS. Side effect and drug evaluation was conducted within 30 minutes of drug administration. Results There was no statistically significant difference in the reduction of mean NRS between patients in the IV parecoxib group or IV morphine group (P = 0.095). The mean NRS for patients treated with IV morphine were 7.1 at 0 minutes, 4.5 at 5 minutes, 3.1 at 15 minutes, and 2.0 at 30 minutes. Whereas mean NRS for patients who received IV parecoxib were 7.8 at 0 minutes, 5.7 at 5 minutes, 4.7 at 15 minutes, and 3.9 at 30 minutes. The onset of perceptible analgesic effects could be seen as early as 5 minutes. Dizziness was experienced in 42.9% of patients who received IV morphine compared to none in the parecoxib group. Conclusions There was non-significant trend toward superiority of IV morphine over IV parecoxib. Looking at its effectiveness and the lack of opioid-related side-effects, the usage of IV parecoxib sodium may be extended further to a variety of cases in the ED. PMID:24386899

In vitro bond strength of an epoxy resin-based root canal sealer to root dentin irradiated with high-power lasers and adhesive interface analyses.

PubMed

Araujo, Vanessa Lessa C; Cruvinel, Pedro Basto; Palma-Dibb, Regina Guenka; Gariba-Silva, Ricardo

2018-02-01

The aim of this study was to evaluate in vitro the influence of high-power lasers (Nd:YAG and diode 980 nm) associated with mineral coal as fotopotencializer on bond strength of an epoxy resin-based root canal sealer to root dentin, using the pushout test, and on the dentin/filling material interface, using confocal laser microscopy. For this purposes, 50 canines were instrumented with Mtwo rotary system up to #50.04 instrument and randomly assigned to five groups (n = 10): group I-control EDTAC; group II-EDTAC and Nd:YAG laser; group III-EDTAC and diode laser 980 nm; group IV-EDTAC, Nd:YAG laser and mineral coal 5 g/100 mL; and group V-EDTAC, diode laser 980 nm and mineral coal 5 g/100 mL. All data were analyzed by ANOVA (at 5% significance level) following the Kruskal-Wallis, Dunn and Tukey tests. The group I increased more bond strength of the sealer to root dentin that treated with only EDTAC 17% (17.21 ± 21.75 MPa), similar to the group II (12.21 ± 18.20 MPa) and group IV (14.92 ± 28.06 MPa), both treated with Nd:YAG laser, with the exception of group IV, which was added to mineral coal. The group V (8.75 ± 13.42 MPa) had similar results to the groups II and IV, but the same similarity were found when compared with group III (7.11 + 11.28 MPa), with lower results. Regarding the root thirds, the apical third (23.27 ± 29.21 MPa) presented a statistically higher value on bond strength than the cervical third (5.92 ± 5.33 MPa) and middle third (6.93 ± 7, 11 MPa) (p > 0.05). Group II (86.27 μm) showed the highest tags penetration values, with a statistically difference to the group III (51.57 μm), IV (36.77 μm) and V (32.37 μm) (p < 0.05). Group I (71.63 μm) was statistically similar to groups II and III (p > 0.05). Group IV had the lowest values and was statistically similarity to groups III and V (p > 0.05). It was concluded that the treatment with Nd:YAG laser provides better results than the diode 980 nm laser, except when was added mineral coal. The control and diode 980 nm laser groups presented less adhesive failures and more mists failures than the other groups. Both lasers did not interfere negatively compared to the control group.

How the Change in IBS Criteria From Rome III to Rome IV Impacts on Clinical Characteristics and Key Pathophysiological Factors.

PubMed

Aziz, Imran; Törnblom, Hans; Palsson, Olafur S; Whitehead, William E; Simrén, Magnus

2018-06-08

The diagnostic criteria for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) have recently been updated from Rome III to Rome IV. Whereas in Rome III a diagnosis of IBS entailed chronic abdominal pain or discomfort at least 3 days per month, in Rome IV the term discomfort has been removed and the frequency of abdominal pain increased to at least 1 day per week. We examined how this change in IBS criteria impacts on clinical characteristics and pathophysiological factors. A total of 542 Swedish subjects with Rome III IBS completed a baseline questionnaire enquiring for the number of abdominal pain days in the last 10 days; this was subsequently used as a surrogate marker to identify Rome IV IBS, in that (a) those with 0 or 1 day of pain were classed as Rome IV-negative, and (b) those with ≥2 days of pain were classed as Rome IV-positive. Comparisons were made between Rome IV-positive and -negative IBS groups for demographics, IBS subtype, gastrointestinal and psychological symptoms, somatisation, fatigue, disease-specific quality of life, rectal sensitivity, and oro-anal transit time. Overall, 85% of Rome III IBS patients fulfilled the Rome IV criteria for IBS, but 15% did not. Rome IV-positive subjects were significantly more likely to be female, have poorer quality of life, greater pain severity, bloating, somatisation, fatigue, and rectal sensitivity than Rome IV-negative subjects. There were no differences in severity of anxiety or depression, IBS subtypes, bowel habit dissatisfaction, or oro-anal transit time. Finally, increasing number of pain days correlated positively with symptoms and visceral hypersensitivity. Most Rome III-positive IBS patients seeking healthcare fulfil the Rome IV IBS criteria. They constitute a more severe group than those who lose their IBS diagnosis.

Antibacterial properties and healing effects of Melipona scutellaris honey in MRSA-infected wounds of rats.

PubMed

Medeiros, Vanessa de Fátima Lima Paiva; Azevedo, Ítalo Medeiros; Rêgo, Amália Cínthia Meneses; Egito, Eryvaldo Sócrates Tabosa do; Araújo-Filho, Irami; Medeiros, Aldo Cunha

2016-05-01

To investigate the antimicrobial, immunological and healing effects of Melipona scutellaris honey on infected wounds of rat skin. Twenty four Wistar rats were distributed in four groups (6-each). The uninfected skin wounds of group I rats were treated daily with saline for 7 days. Uninfected wounds (group II) rats were treated with honey. In group III (treated with saline) and group IV (treated with honey) wounds were inoculated with MRSA ATTC43300. The first bacterial culture was performed 24 hours later. In the 7th day new culture was done, and wound biopsies were used for cytokines dosage and histopathology. In group I and III rats the CFU/g count of S. aureus in wounds was zero. In group II rats the CFU/g counts in the wound tissue were significantly higher than in wounds of group IV rats. The density histopathological parameters and the expression of TNF-α, IL1-β, Il-6 were significantly higher on wounds of group IV then in the other groups. Honey of Melipona scutellaris was effective in the management of infected wounds, by significant bacterial growth inhibition, enhancement of cytokine expression, and positively influenced the wound repair.

A New Harmonized Approach to Estimate Busulfan Exposure Predicts Survival and Toxicity after Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation in Children and Young Adults: a Multicenter Retrospective Cohort Analysis

PubMed Central

Bartelink, I.H.; Lalmohamed, Arief; van Reij, Elisabeth M.L.; Dvorak, Chris C.; Savic, Rada M.; Zwaveling, Juliette; Bredius, Robbert. G.M.; Egberts, Antoine C.G.; Bierings, M.; Kletzel, M.; Shaw, Peter J.; Nath, Christa E.; Hempel, George; Ansari, M.; Krajinovic, M.; Theoret, Yves; Duval, Michel; Keizer, Ron J.; Bittencourt, Henriette; Hassan, Moustapha; Güngör, Tayfun; Wynn, Robert F.; Veys, Paul; Cuvelier, Geoff D.E.; Marktel, Sarah; Chiesa, Robert; Cowan, Morton J.; Slatter, Mary A.; Stricherz, Melisa K.; Jennissen, Cathryn; Long-Boyle, Janel R.; Boelens, Jaap Jan

2016-01-01

Background Intravenous-busulfan (IV-busulfan) combined with therapeutic drug monitoring to guide dosing improves outcomes after allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (allo-HCT). The best method to estimate busulfan exposure and the optimal exposure in children/young adults remains unclear. We therefore evaluated three approaches to estimate IV-Bu exposure (expressed as cumulative-area-under-the-curve; AUC) and associated busulfan-AUC with clinical outcomes in children/young adults undergoing allo-HCT. Methods In this retrospective analysis, patients (0.1–30.4 years) receiving busulfan-based conditioning regimen from 15 centers were included. Cumulative AUC was calculated by numerical integration using non-linear mixed effect modeling (AUCNONMEM), non-compartmental analysis (AUC0-infinity and AUC to the end of the dose interval AUC0-tau) and by individual centers using a variety of approaches (AUCcenter). Main outcome of interest was event-free survival (EFS). Other outcomes of interest were overall survival, graft-failure, relapse, transplantation related mortality (TRM), acute toxicity (veno-occlusive disease (VOD) and/or acute graft versus-host disease (aGvHD), chronic GvHD (cGvHD) and cGVHD-free event-free survival (GEFS). Propensity score adjusted cox proportional hazard models, Weibull models, and Fine-Gray competing risk regressions were used. Results 674 patients were included (41% malignant, 59% non-malignant) Estimated 2-year EFS was 69.7%. The median busulfan AUCNONMEM was 74.4 mg*h/L (CI95% 31.1–104.6 mg*h/L). The median AUCNONMEM correlated poorly with AUCcenter (R2 = 0.254). Patients with optimal IV-busulfan AUC of 78–101 mg*h/L showed 81% EFS at 2 years compared to 66.1% and 49.5% in the low (<78 mg*h/L) and high (>101 mg*h/L) busulfan AUC group respectively (P=0.011). Graft-failure/relapse occurred more frequently in the low AUC group (HR=1.75 P<0.001). Acute toxicity, cGvHD and TRM was significantly higher in the high AUC group (HR 1.69, 2.99 and 1.30), independent of indication. Interpretation These results demonstrate that improved clinical outcomes may be achieved by targeting the busulfan-AUC to 78–101 mg*h/L using a new validated pharmacokinetic-model for all indications. PMID:27746112

International VLBI Service for Geodesy and Astrometry: 1999 Annual Report

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Vandenberg, Nancy R. (Editor)

1999-01-01

This volume of reports is the 1999 Annual Report of the International VLBI Service for Geodesy and Astrometry -IVS. The individual reports were contributed by VLBI groups in the international geodetic community who constitute the components of IVS. The 1999 Annual Report documents the work of the IVS components for the year ending March 1, 1999, the official inauguration date of IVS. As the newest of the space technique services, IVS decided to publish this Annual Report as a reference to our organization and its components. The entire contents of this Annual Report also appear on the IVS website at: http://ivscc.gsfc.nasa.gov/pub/arl999. The IVS 1999 Annual Report will be a valuable reference for information about IVS and its components. This Annual Report will serve as a baseline from which we can measure the anticipated progress of IVS in coming years.

Linear Epitopes in Vaccinia Virus A27 Are Targets of Protective Antibodies Induced by Vaccination against Smallpox.

PubMed

Kaever, Thomas; Matho, Michael H; Meng, Xiangzhi; Crickard, Lindsay; Schlossman, Andrew; Xiang, Yan; Crotty, Shane; Peters, Bjoern; Zajonc, Dirk M

2016-05-01

Vaccinia virus (VACV) A27 is a target for viral neutralization and part of the Dryvax smallpox vaccine. A27 is one of the three glycosaminoglycan (GAG) adhesion molecules and binds to heparan sulfate. To understand the function of anti-A27 antibodies, especially their protective capacity and their interaction with A27, we generated and subsequently characterized 7 murine monoclonal antibodies (MAbs), which fell into 4 distinct epitope groups (groups I to IV). The MAbs in three groups (groups I, III, and IV) bound to linear peptides, while the MAbs in group II bound only to VACV lysate and recombinant A27, suggesting that they recognized a conformational and discontinuous epitope. Only group I antibodies neutralized the mature virion in a complement-dependent manner and protected against VACV challenge, while a group II MAb partially protected against VACV challenge but did not neutralize the mature virion. The epitope for group I MAbs was mapped to a region adjacent to the GAG binding site, a finding which suggests that group I MAbs could potentially interfere with the cellular adhesion of A27. We further determined the crystal structure of the neutralizing group I MAb 1G6, as well as the nonneutralizing group IV MAb 8E3, bound to the corresponding linear epitope-containing peptides. Both the light and the heavy chains of the antibodies are important in binding to their antigens. For both antibodies, the L1 loop seems to dominate the overall polar interactions with the antigen, while for MAb 8E3, the light chain generally appears to make more contacts with the antigen. Vaccinia virus is a powerful model to study antibody responses upon vaccination, since its use as the smallpox vaccine led to the eradication of one of the world's greatest killers. The immunodominant antigens that elicit the protective antibodies are known, yet for many of these antigens, little information about their precise interaction with antibodies is available. In an attempt to better understand the interplay between the antibodies and their antigens, we generated and functionally characterized a panel of anti-A27 antibodies and studied their interaction with the epitope using X-ray crystallography. We identified one protective antibody that binds adjacent to the heparan sulfate binding site of A27, likely affecting ligand binding. Analysis of the antibody-antigen interaction supports a model in which antibodies that can interfere with the functional activity of the antigen are more likely to confer protection than those that bind at the extremities of the antigen. Copyright © 2016, American Society for Microbiology. All Rights Reserved.

Randomized clinical trial of oral and intravenous versus intravenous antibiotic prophylaxis for laparoscopic colorectal resection.

PubMed

Ikeda, A; Konishi, T; Ueno, M; Fukunaga, Y; Nagayama, S; Fujimoto, Y; Akiyoshi, T; Yamaguchi, T

2016-11-01

The use of oral prophylactic antibiotics for the prevention of surgical-site infection (SSI) in patients undergoing laparoscopic surgery for colorectal cancer is controversial. The aim of this RCT was to evaluate whether intravenous perioperative antibiotics are inferior to combined preoperative oral and perioperative intravenous antibiotics in this setting. Patients undergoing elective laparoscopic colorectal resection in a single cancer centre were assigned randomly to combined preoperative oral antibiotics (metronidazole and kanamycin) and perioperative intravenous antibiotics (cefmetazole) (oral/IV group) or to perioperative intravenous antibiotics (cefmetazole) alone (IV-only group). Patients were stratified for the analyses based on type of operation (colonic surgery, anterior resection or abdominoperineal resection), preoperative use of mechanical bowel preparation, preoperative chemoradiotherapy and the presence of diabetes mellitus. The primary endpoint was the overall rate of SSI. Secondary endpoints were the rates of incisional site infection, organ/space infection, anastomotic leakage, intra-abdominal abscess, adverse events and postoperative complications. Of 540 patients offered participation in the trial in 2013-2014, 515 agreed to take part and were randomized. Some 256 patients in the IV-only group and 255 in the oral/IV group completed the treatment per protocol. The overall rate of SSI was 7·8 per cent (20 of 256) in the IV-only group and 7·8 per cent (20 of 255) in the oral/IV group, confirming that perioperative administration of intravenous antibiotics alone was not inferior to the combined regimen (P = 0·017). There were no differences in rates of incisional site infection (5·5 versus 5·9 per cent respectively), organ/space infection (2·3 versus 2·0 per cent) or other secondary endpoints between the two groups. Intravenous perioperative antimicrobial prophylaxis alone is not inferior to combined preoperative oral and intravenous perioperative prophylaxis with regard to SSI in patients with colorectal cancer undergoing elective laparoscopic resection. Registration number: UMIN000019339 ( http://www.umin.ac.jp/ctr/). © 2016 BJS Society Ltd Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Tumor blood vessel "normalization" improves the therapeutic efficacy of boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT) in experimental oral cancer.

PubMed

Molinari, Ana J; Pozzi, Emiliano C C; Monti Hughes, Andrea; Heber, Elisa M; Garabalino, Marcela A; Thorp, Silvia I; Miller, Marcelo; Itoiz, Maria E; Aromando, Romina F; Nigg, David W; Trivillin, Verónica A; Schwint, Amanda E

2012-01-01

We previously demonstrated the efficacy of BNCT mediated by boronophenylalanine (BPA) to treat tumors in a hamster cheek pouch model of oral cancer with no normal tissue radiotoxicity and moderate, albeit reversible, mucositis in precancerous tissue around treated tumors. It is known that boron targeting of the largest possible proportion of tumor cells contributes to the success of BNCT and that tumor blood vessel normalization improves drug delivery to the tumor. Within this context, the aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of blood vessel normalization on the therapeutic efficacy and potential radiotoxicity of BNCT in the hamster cheek pouch model of oral cancer. Blood vessel normalization was induced by two doses of thalidomide in tumor-bearing hamsters on 2 consecutive days. All studies in thalidomide-treated animals were performed 48 h after the first dose of thalidomide, previously established as the window of normalization. Biodistribution studies were performed with BPA at a dose of 15.5 mg (10)B/kg in thalidomide-treated (Th+) and untreated (Th-) tumor-bearing hamsters. The effect of blood vessel normalization prior to BPA administration on the efficacy of BNCT was assessed in in vivo BNCT studies at the RA-3 Nuclear Reactor in tumor-bearing hamsters. Group I was treated with BPA-BNCT after treatment with thalidomide (Th+ BPA-BNCT). Group II was treated with BPA-BNCT alone (Th- BPA-BNCT). Group III was treated with the beam only after treatment with thalidomide (Th+ BO), and Group IV was treated with the beam only (Th- BO). Groups I and II were given the same dose of BPA (15.5 mg (10)B/kg), and all groups (I-IV) were exposed to the same neutron fluence. Two additional groups were treated with the beam only at a higher dose to exacerbate mucositis in precancerous tissue and to explore the potential direct protective effect of thalidomide on radiation-induced mucositis in a scenario of more severe toxicity, i.e. Group V (Th+ hdBO) and Group VI (Th- hdBO). The animals were followed for 28 days. Biodistribution studies revealed no statistically significant differences in gross boron content between Th+ and Th- animals. Overall tumor control (complete response + partial response) at 28 days post-treatment was significantly higher for Group I (Th+ BPA-BNCT) than for Group II (Th- BPA-BNCT): 84 ± 3% compared to 67 ± 5%. Pretreatment with thalidomide did not induce statistically significant changes in overall tumor control induced by the beam only, i.e. 15 ± 5% in Group III (Th+ BO) and 18 ± 5% in Group IV (Th- BO), or in overall tumor control induced by the high-dose beam only, i.e. 60 ± 7% in Group V (Th+ hdBO) and 47 ± 10% in Group VI (Th- hdBO). BPA-BNCT alone (Group II) induced mucositis in precancerous tissue that reached Grades 3-4 in 80% of the animals, whereas pretreatment with thalidomide (Group I) prevented mucositis Grades 3 and 4 completely. Beam-only Group III (Th+ BO) exhibited only Grade 1 mucositis in precancerous tissue, whereas 17% of the animals in beam-only Group IV (Th- BO) reached Grade 2 mucositis. High-dose beam-only group V (Th+ hdBO) exhibited only Grade 2 mucositis, whereas high-dose beam-only group VI (Th- hdBO) reached Grade 3 mucositis in 83% of the animals. In all cases mucositis in precancerous tissue was reversible. No normal tissue radiotoxicity was observed with any of the protocols. Pretreatment with thalidomide enhanced the therapeutic efficacy of BNCT and reduced precancerous tissue toxicity.

A comparison of two treatment protocols in the management of exercise-associated postural hypotension: a randomised clinical trial.

PubMed

Anley, Cameron; Noakes, Timothy; Collins, Malcolm; Schwellnus, Martin P

2011-11-01

To investigate which of two commonly used treatment protocols for exercise-associated postural hypotension (EAPH) resulted in earlier discharge from the medical facility. This randomised clinical field trial was undertaken at two Ironman Triathlon competitions and one ultra-distance footrace. All collapsed athletes admitted to the medical facilities were considered for the trial. Following clinical assessment and special investigations to confirm the diagnosis of EAPH, 28 athletes were randomly assigned to an oral fluid and Trendelenburg position (OT=14) or an intravenous fluid (IV=14) treatment group. Following admission fluid intake was recorded, and all athletes were assessed clinically (blood pressure, heart rate, level of consciousness) every 15 min until discharge criteria were met. The main measure of outcome was the time to discharge (min). On admission, subjects in the OT and IV groups were similar with respect to age, systolic blood pressure, heart rate and serum sodium concentration. There were no significant differences in heart rate, systolic and diastolic blood pressure between groups and over time until discharge. The fluid intake during the treatment period was significantly greater in the IV group (IV 1045 ± 185 ml, OT 204 ± 149 ml; p<0.001). The average time to discharge for the OT group (58 ± 23 min) was similar to that of the IV group (52.5 ± 18 min; p=0.47). Endurance athletes with EAPH can be treated effectively using the Trendelenburg position and oral fluids and the administration of intravenous fluids does not reduce the time to discharge. The findings of this study support the hypothesis that EAPH is a result of venous pooling due to peripheral vasodilatation, rather than dehydration.

Comparison of different administration of ketamine and intravenous tramadol hydrochloride for postoperative pain relief and sedation after pediatric tonsillectomy.

PubMed

Yenigun, Alper; Et, Tayfun; Aytac, Sirin; Olcay, Betul

2015-01-01

Tonsillectomy is the oldest and most frequently performed surgical procedure practiced by ear, nose, and throat physicians. In this study, our aim was to compare the analgesic effects of peritonsillar, rectal, as well as intravenous infiltration of ketamine and intravenous tramadol hydrochloride infiltration for postoperative pain relief and sedation after tonsillectomy in children. This randomized controlled study evaluated the effects of peritonsillar, intravenous, and rectal infiltration of ketamine in children undergoing adenotonsillectomy. One hundred twenty children who were categorized under American Society of Anesthesiologists classes I to II were randomized to 4 groups of 30 members each. Group 1 received intravenous (IV) ketamine (0.5 mg/kg), group 2 received rectal ketamine (0.5 mg/kg), group 3 received local peritonsillar ketamine (2 mg/kg), and the control group received IV tramadol hydrochloride infiltration (2 mg/kg). Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Pain Scale scores and Wilson sedation scale were recorded at minutes 1, 15, 30, 60 as well as hours 2, 12, and 24 postoperatively. The patients were interviewed on the day after the surgery to assess the postoperative pain and sedation. All the routes of infiltration of ketamine were as effective as those of tramadol hydrochloride (P > 0.05). A statistically significant difference was observed between IV infiltrations and all groups during the assessments at hours 6 and 24. The analgesic efficacy of IV ketamine was found especially higher at hours 6 and 24 (P(6) = 0.045, P(24) = 0.011). Perioperative, low-dose IV, rectal, or peritonsillar ketamine infiltration provides efficient pain relief without any adverse effects in children who would undergo adenotonsillectomy.

Cost analysis of surgically treated pressure sores stage III and IV.

PubMed

Filius, A; Damen, T H C; Schuijer-Maaskant, K P; Polinder, S; Hovius, S E R; Walbeehm, E T

2013-11-01

Health-care costs associated with pressure sores are significant and their financial burden is likely to increase even further. The aim of this study was to analyse the direct medical costs of hospital care for surgical treatment of pressure sores stage III and IV. We performed a retrospective chart study of patients who were surgically treated for stage III and IV pressure sores between 2007 and 2010. Volumes of health-care use were obtained for all patients and direct medical costs were subsequently calculated. In addition, we evaluated the effect of location and number of pressure sores on total costs. A total of 52 cases were identified. Average direct medical costs in hospital were €20,957 for the surgical treatment of pressure sores stage III or IV; average direct medical costs for patients with one pressure sore on an extremity (group 1, n = 5) were €30,286, €10,113 for patients with one pressure sore on the trunk (group 2, n = 32) and €40,882 for patients with multiple pressure sores (group 3, n = 15). The additional costs for patients in group 1 and group 3 compared to group 2 were primarily due to longer hospitalisation. The average direct medical costs for surgical treatment of pressure sores stage III and IV were high. Large differences in costs were related to the location and number of pressure sores. Insight into the distribution of these costs allows identification of high-risk patients and enables the development of specific cost-reducing measures. Copyright © 2013 British Association of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Impact of the Timing of Metoprolol Administration During STEMI on Infarct Size and Ventricular Function.

PubMed

García-Ruiz, Jose M; Fernández-Jiménez, Rodrigo; García-Alvarez, Ana; Pizarro, Gonzalo; Galán-Arriola, Carlos; Fernández-Friera, Leticia; Mateos, Alonso; Nuno-Ayala, Mario; Aguero, Jaume; Sánchez-González, Javier; García-Prieto, Jaime; López-Melgar, Beatriz; Martínez-Tenorio, Pedro; López-Martín, Gonzalo J; Macías, Angel; Pérez-Asenjo, Braulio; Cabrera, José A; Fernández-Ortiz, Antonio; Fuster, Valentín; Ibáñez, Borja

2016-05-10

Pre-reperfusion administration of intravenous (IV) metoprolol reduces infarct size in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). This study sought to determine how this cardioprotective effect is influenced by the timing of metoprolol therapy having either a long or short metoprolol bolus-to-reperfusion interval. We performed a post hoc analysis of the METOCARD-CNIC (effect of METOprolol of CARDioproteCtioN during an acute myocardial InfarCtion) trial, which randomized anterior STEMI patients to IV metoprolol or control before mechanical reperfusion. Treated patients were divided into short- and long-interval groups, split by the median time from 15 mg metoprolol bolus to reperfusion. We also performed a controlled validation study in 51 pigs subjected to 45 min ischemia/reperfusion. Pigs were allocated to IV metoprolol with a long (-25 min) or short (-5 min) pre-perfusion interval, IV metoprolol post-reperfusion (+60 min), or IV vehicle. Cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) was performed in the acute and chronic phases in both clinical and experimental settings. For 218 patients (105 receiving IV metoprolol), the median time from 15 mg metoprolol bolus to reperfusion was 53 min. Compared with patients in the short-interval group, those with longer metoprolol exposure had smaller infarcts (22.9 g vs. 28.1 g; p = 0.06) and higher left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) (48.3% vs. 43.9%; p = 0.019) on day 5 CMR. These differences occurred despite total ischemic time being significantly longer in the long-interval group (214 min vs. 160 min; p < 0.001). There was no between-group difference in the time from symptom onset to metoprolol bolus. In the animal study, the long-interval group (IV metoprolol 25 min before reperfusion) had the smallest infarcts (day 7 CMR) and highest long-term LVEF (day 45 CMR). In anterior STEMI patients undergoing primary angioplasty, the sooner IV metoprolol is administered in the course of infarction, the smaller the infarct and the higher the LVEF. These hypothesis-generating clinical data are supported by a dedicated experimental large animal study. Copyright © 2016 American College of Cardiology Foundation. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Criterion validity and clinical usefulness of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Rating Scale IV in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) as a function of method and age.

PubMed

López-Villalobos, José A; Andrés-De Llano, Jesús; López-Sánchez, María V; Rodríguez-Molinero, Luis; Garrido-Redondo, Mercedes; Sacristán-Martín, Ana M; Martínez-Rivera, María T; Alberola-López, Susana

2017-02-01

The aim of this research is to analyze Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Rating Scales IV (ADHD RS-IV) criteria validity and its clinical usefulness for the assessment of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) as a function of assessment method and age. A sample was obtained from an epidemiological study (n = 1095, 6-16 years). Clinical cases of ADHD  (ADHD-CL) were selected by dimensional ADHD RS-IV and later by clinical interview (DSM-IV). ADHD-CL cases were compared with four categorical results of ADHD RS-IV provided by parents (CATPA), teachers (CATPR), either parents or teachers (CATPAOPR) and both parents and teachers (CATPA&PR). Criterion validity and clinical usefulness of the answer modalities to ADHD RS-IV were studied. ADHD-CL rate was 6.9% in childhood, 6.2% in preadolescence and 6.9% in adolescence. Alternative methods to the clinical interview led to increased numbers of ADHD cases in all age groups analyzed, in the following sequence: CATPAOPR> CATPRO> CATPA> CATPA&PR> ADHD-CL. CATPA&PR was the procedure with the greatest validity, specificity and clinical usefulness in all three age groups, particularly in the childhood. Isolated use of ADHD RS-IV leads to an increase in ADHD cases compared to clinical interview, and varies depending on the procedure used.

Evaluation of engraftment of superparamagnetic iron oxide-labeled mesenchymal stem cells using three-dimensional reconstruction of magnetic resonance imaging in photothrombotic cerebral infarction models of rats.

PubMed

Shim, Jaehyun; Kwak, Byung Kook; Jung, Jisung; Park, Serah

2015-01-01

To evaluate engraftment by visualizing the location of human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hBM-MSCs) three-dimensionally in photothrombotic cerebral infarction (PTCI) models of rats. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of an agarose block containing superparamagnetic iron oxide (SPIO)-labeled hBM-MSCs was performed using a 3.0-T MRI, T2-(T2WI), T2(*)-(T2(*)WI), and susceptibility-weighted images (SWI). PTCI was induced in 6 rats, and 2.5 × 10(5) SPIO-labeled hBM-MSCs were infused through the ipsilateral internal carotid artery (ICA group) or tail vein (IV group). MRI was performed on days 1, 3, 7, and 14 after stem cell injection. Dark signal regions were confirmed using histology. Three-dimensional MRI reconstruction was performed using the clinical workflow solution to evaluate the engraftment of hBM-MSCs. Volumetric analysis of the engraftment was also performed. The volumes of SPIO-labeled hBM-MSCs in the phantom MRI were 129.3, 68.4, and 25.9 µL using SWI, T2(*)WI, and T2WI, respectively. SPIO-labeled hBM-MSCs appeared on day 1 after injection, encircling the cerebral infarction from the ventral side. Dark signal regions matched iron positive cells and human origin (positive) cells. The volume of the engraftment was larger in the ICA group on days 1, 3, and 7, after stem cell injection (p < 0.05 on SWI). SWI was the most sensitive MRI pulse sequence (p < 0.05). The volume of infarction decreased until day 14. The engraftment of SPIO-labeled hBM-MSCs can be visualized and evaluated three-dimensionally in PTCI models of rats. The engraftment volume was larger in the ICA group than IV group on early stage within one week.

Morphology of the Dentin-resin Interface yielded by Two-step Etch-and-rinse Adhesives with Different Solvents.

PubMed

Ferreira, João C; Pires, Patrícia T; de Azevedo, Álvaro F; Arantes-Oliveira, Sofia; Silva, Mário J; de Melo, Paulo R

2017-10-01

The study aimed to analyze the morphology of the dentin-resin interface yielded by two-step etch-and-rinse adhesive systems with different solvents and compositions. A total of 32 dentine disks were prepared and randomly assigned to four groups of one-bottle etch-and-rinse adhesive systems containing different solvents: group I, Adper Scotchbond-IXT™ (ethanol/water); group II, XP-Bond™ (tertiary butanol); group III, Prime and Bond NT ® (acetone); and group IV, One Coat bond® (5% water). Adhesive systems were applied onto dentin disks, which were then thermal cycled, divided into two hemi-disks (n = 16), and prepared for field-emission scanning electron microscopy to examine the dentin-resin interdiffusion zone. Microphotographs were scanned and data were processed. Data were compared with analysis of variance multivariant test after Kolmogorov-Smirnov and Shapiro-Wilk tests using Statistic Package for the Social Sciences. The adhesive layer thickness average found was group I: 45.9 ± 13.41 urn, group II: 20.6 ± 16.32 urn, group III: 17.7 ± 11.75 urn, and group IV: 50.7 ± 27.81 urn. Significant differences were found between groups I and IV and groups II and III (p < 0.000). Groups I (3.23 ± 0.53 μm) and II (3.13 ± 0.73 μm) yielded significantly thicker hybrid layers than groups III (2.53 ± 0.50 μm) and IV (1.84 ± 0.27 μm) (p < 0.003). Group III presented a less homogeneous hybrid layer, with some gaps. Tag length average was greater in groups II (111.0 ± 36.92 μm) and IV (128.9 ± 78.38 μm) than in groups I (61.5 ± 18.10 μm) and III (68.6 ± 15.84 μm) (p < 0.008). Adhesives systems with different solvents led to significant differences in the dentin-resin interface morphology. Solvents role in adhesives bond strength should be considered together with the other adhesive system components. The adhesive containing tertiary butanol, in addition, seems to originate a good-quality hybrid layer and long, entangled tags and also appears to have greater ability to originate microtags, which may indicate higher bond strength.

Preemptive carprofen for peri-operative analgesia in dogs undergoing Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy (TPLO): a prospective, randomized, blinded, placebo controlled clinical trial.

PubMed

Bufalari, A; Maggio, C; Cerasoli, I; Morath, U; Adami, C

2012-03-01

Eighteen client-owned dogs undergoing Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy (TPLO) were included in this blinded clinical study and randomly assigned to one of two treatment groups. Group C (carprofen) received intravenous (IV) carprofen, 4 mg/kg, prior to anesthesia, whereas group P (placebo) received IV saline. General anesthesia was maintained with isoflurane in oxygen and a constant rate infusion (CRI) of sufentanyl IV. Intra-operatively, assessment of nociception was based on changes in physiological parameters and on the analgesics requirement, whereas in the post-operative period evaluation of pain was performed by using a Hellyer and Gaynor pain score and by comparing the doses of rescue buprenorphine required by the two treatment groups. Although no statistically significant differences in intra-operative sufentanyl doses were found between treatment groups, group C had superior cardiovascular stability, and lower post-operative pain scores and rescue buprenorphine doses than group P. Our results indicate that administration of carprofen prior to surgery was effective in improving peri-operative analgesia in dogs undergoing TPLO.

Eliminating the use of intravenous glass bottles using a FOCUS-PDCA model and providing a practical stability reference guide.

PubMed

Maraiki, Fatma; Farooq, Faiyaz; Ahmed, Mohamed

2016-08-01

To identify the intravenous (IV) medications that are prepared in glass bottles at the institution and establish which of these medications can be prepared in flexible IV bags such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or non-PVC instead of glass bottles. The cost implication of switching from glass bottles to flexible IV bags was calculated. A study using FOCUS-PDCA model to identify IV medications prepared in glass bottles and establish which of these medications could be prepared in IV bags (PVC or non-PVC). The cost impact of switching from glass bottles to IV plastic bags (including PVC or non-PVC) was calculated. The stability data obtained were used as a reference for updating pharmacy internal IV preparation charts. A total of 17 IV medications were found to be prepared in IV glass bottles. Of these 17 medications, only 8 (47%) were prepared in IV glass bottles due to incompatibility with PVC bags. For 7 (41%) of the medications, of which 6 were monoclonal antibodies (MABs), the reason for preparation in glass bottles was unclear as these medications are compatible with either PVC or non-PVC or both. The potential cost savings associated with switching all of the identified medications to IV plastic bags (either non-PVC or PVC) exceeded $200 000. The elimination of glass bottles within the institution resulted in a significant cost saving. The use of FOCUS-PDCA model can help healthcare institution achieve significant improvements in process and realize significant cost savings. © 2016 Royal Pharmaceutical Society.

Effect of temporary cements on the shear bond strength of luting cements

PubMed Central

FIORI-JÚNIOR, Marco; MATSUMOTO, Wilson; SILVA, Raquel Assed Bezerra; PORTO-NETO, Sizenando Toledo; SILVA, Jaciara Miranda Gomes

2010-01-01

Objective The purpose of this study was to evaluate, by shear bond strength (SBS) testing, the influence of different types of temporary cements on the final cementation using conventional and self-etching resin-based luting cements. Material and Methods Forty human teeth divided in two halves were assigned to 8 groups (n=10): I and V (no temporary cementation); II and VI: Ca(OH)2-based cement; III and VII: zinc oxide (ZO)based cement; IV and VIII: ZO-eugenol (ZOE)-based cement. Final cementation was done with RelyX ARC cement (groups I to IV) and RelyX Unicem cement (groups V to VIII). Data were analyzed statistically by ANOVA and Tukey's test at 5% significance level. Results Means were (MPa): I - 3.80 (±1.481); II - 5.24 (±2.297); III - 6.98 (±1.885); IV - 6.54 (±1.459); V - 5.22 (±2.465); VI - 4.48 (±1.705); VII - 6.29 (±2.280); VIII - 2.47 (±2.076). Comparison of the groups that had the same temporary cementation (Groups II and VI; III and VII; IV and VIII) showed statistically significant difference (p<0.001) only between Groups IV and VIII, in which ZOE-based cements were used. The use of either Ca(OH)2 based (Groups II and VI) or ZO-based (Groups III and VII) cements showed no statistically significant difference (p>0.05) for the different luting cements (RelyXTM ARC and RelyXTM Unicem). The groups that had no temporary cementation (Groups I and V) did not differ significantly from each other either (p>0.05). Conclusion When temporary cementation was done with ZO- or ZOE-based cements and final cementation was done with RelyX ARC, there was an increase in the SBS compared to the control. In the groups cemented with RelyX Unicem, however, the use of a ZOE-based temporary cement affected negatively the SBS of the luting agent used for final cementation. PMID:20379679

Cost-effectiveness of oral ibandronate compared with intravenous (i.v.) zoledronic acid or i.v. generic pamidronate in breast cancer patients with metastatic bone disease undergoing i.v. chemotherapy.

PubMed

De Cock, E; Hutton, J; Canney, P; Body, J J; Barrett-Lee, P; Neary, M P; Lewis, G

2005-12-01

Ibandronate is the first third-generation bisphosphonate to have both oral and intravenous (i.v.) efficacy. An incremental cost-effectiveness model compared oral ibandronate with i.v. zoledronic acid and i.v. generic pamidronate in female breast cancer patients with metastatic bone disease, undergoing i.v. chemotherapy. A global economic model was adapted to the UK National Health Service (NHS), with primary outcomes of direct healthcare costs and quality-adjusted life years (QALYs). Efficacy, measured as relative risk reduction of skeletal-related events (SREs), was obtained from clinical trials. Resource use data for i.v. bisphosphonates and the cost of managing SREs were obtained from published studies. Hospital management and SRE treatment costs were taken from unit cost databases. Monthly drug acquisition costs were obtained from the British National Formulary. Utility scores were applied to time with/without an SRE to adjust survival for quality of life. Model design and inputs were validated through expert UK clinician review. Total cost, including drug acquisition, was pound 386 less per patient with oral ibandronate vs. i.v. zoledronic acid and pound 224 less vs. i.v. generic pamidronate. Oral ibandronate gained 0.019 and 0.02 QALYs vs. i.v. zoledronic acid and i.v. pamidronate, respectively, making it the economically dominant option. At a threshold of pound 30,000 per QALY, oral ibandronate was cost-effective vs. zoledronic acid in 85% of simulations and vs. pamidronate in 79%. Oral ibandronate is a cost-effective treatment for metastatic bone disease from breast cancer due to reduced SREs, bone pain, and cost savings from avoidance of resource use commonly associated with bisphosphonate infusions.

Cordyceps cicadae extracts ameliorate renal malfunction in a remnant kidney model*

PubMed Central

Zhu, Rong; Chen, Yi-ping; Deng, Yue-yi; Zheng, Rong; Zhong, Yi-fei; Wang, Lin; Du, Lan-ping

2011-01-01

Background and Objectives: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a growing public health problem with an urgent need for new pharmacological agents. Cordyceps cicadae is widely used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and has potential renoprotective benefits. The current study aimed to determine any scientific evidence to support its clinical use. Methods: We analyzed the potential of two kinds of C. cicadae extract, total extract (TE) and acetic ether extract (AE), in treating kidney disease simulated by a subtotal nephrectomy (SNx) model. Sprague-Dawley rats were divided randomly into seven groups: sham-operated group, vehicle-treated SNx, Cozaar, 2 g/(kg∙d) TE SNx, 1 g/(kg∙d) TE SNx, 92 mg/(kg∙d) AE SNx, and 46 mg/(kg∙d) AE SNx. Renal injury was monitored using urine and serum analyses, and hematoxylin and eosin (HE) and periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) stainings were used to analyze the level of fibrosis. The expression of type IV collagen (Col IV), fibronectin (FN), transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1), and connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) was detected by immunohistochemistry. Results: Renal injury, reflected in urine and serum analyses, and pathological changes induced by SNx were attenuated by TE and AE intervention. The depositions of Col IV and FN were also decreased by the treatments and were accompanied by reduced expression of TGF-β1 and CTGF. In some respects, 2 g/(kg∙d) of TE produced better effects than Cozaar. Conclusions: For the first time, we have shown that C. cicadae may inhibit renal fibrosis in vivo through the TGF-β1/CTGF pathway. Therefore, we conclude that the use of C. cicadae could provide a rational strategy for combating renal fibrosis. PMID:22135152

The hemodynamic effects of intravenous paracetamol (acetaminophen) vs normal saline in cardiac surgery patients: A single center placebo controlled randomized study

PubMed Central

Churilov, Leonid

2018-01-01

The hemodynamic effects of intravenous (IV) paracetamol in patients undergoing cardiac surgery are unknown. We performed a prospective single center placebo controlled randomized study with parallel group design in adult patients undergoing elective cardiac surgery. Participants received paracetamol (1 gram) IV or placebo (an equal volume of 0.9% saline) preoperatively followed by two postoperative doses 6 hours apart. The primary endpoint was the absolute change in systolic (SBP) 30 minutes after the preoperative infusion, analysed using an ANCOVA model. Secondary endpoints included absolute changes in mean arterial pressure (MAP) and diastolic blood pressure (DPB), and other key hemodynamic variables after each infusion. All other endpoints were analysed using random-effect generalized least squares regression modelling with individual patients treated as random effects. Fifty participants were randomly assigned to receive paracetamol (n = 25) or placebo (n = 25). Post preoperative infusion, paracetamol decreased SBP by a mean (SD) of 13 (18) mmHg, p = 0.02, compared to a mean (SD) of 1 (11) mmHg with saline. Paracetamol decreased MAP and DBP by a mean (SD) of 9 (12) mmHg and 8 (9) mmHg (p = 0.01 and 0.02), respectively, compared to a mean (SD) of 1 (8) mmHg and 0 (6) mmHg with placebo. Postoperatively, there were no significant differences in pressure or flow based hemodynamic parameters in both groups. This study provides high quality evidence that the administration of IV paracetamol in patients undergoing cardiac surgery causes a transient decrease in preoperative blood pressure when administered before surgery but no adverse hemodynamic effects when administered in the postoperative setting. PMID:29659631

The hemodynamic effects of intravenous paracetamol (acetaminophen) vs normal saline in cardiac surgery patients: A single center placebo controlled randomized study.

PubMed

Chiam, Elizabeth; Bellomo, Rinaldo; Churilov, Leonid; Weinberg, Laurence

2018-01-01

The hemodynamic effects of intravenous (IV) paracetamol in patients undergoing cardiac surgery are unknown. We performed a prospective single center placebo controlled randomized study with parallel group design in adult patients undergoing elective cardiac surgery. Participants received paracetamol (1 gram) IV or placebo (an equal volume of 0.9% saline) preoperatively followed by two postoperative doses 6 hours apart. The primary endpoint was the absolute change in systolic (SBP) 30 minutes after the preoperative infusion, analysed using an ANCOVA model. Secondary endpoints included absolute changes in mean arterial pressure (MAP) and diastolic blood pressure (DPB), and other key hemodynamic variables after each infusion. All other endpoints were analysed using random-effect generalized least squares regression modelling with individual patients treated as random effects. Fifty participants were randomly assigned to receive paracetamol (n = 25) or placebo (n = 25). Post preoperative infusion, paracetamol decreased SBP by a mean (SD) of 13 (18) mmHg, p = 0.02, compared to a mean (SD) of 1 (11) mmHg with saline. Paracetamol decreased MAP and DBP by a mean (SD) of 9 (12) mmHg and 8 (9) mmHg (p = 0.01 and 0.02), respectively, compared to a mean (SD) of 1 (8) mmHg and 0 (6) mmHg with placebo. Postoperatively, there were no significant differences in pressure or flow based hemodynamic parameters in both groups. This study provides high quality evidence that the administration of IV paracetamol in patients undergoing cardiac surgery causes a transient decrease in preoperative blood pressure when administered before surgery but no adverse hemodynamic effects when administered in the postoperative setting.

Pulmonary toxicity of chronic exposure to tobacco and biomass smoke in rats.

PubMed

Dogan, Omer Tamer; Elagoz, Sahande; Ozsahin, Sefa Levent; Epozturk, Kursat; Tuncer, Ersin; Akkurt, Ibrahim

2011-01-01

The objective of this study was to examine the separate and combined effects of tobacco and biomass smoke exposure on pulmonary histopathology in rats. In addition to smoking, indoor pollution in developing countries contributes to the development of respiratory diseases. Twenty-eight adult rats were divided into four groups as follows: control group (Group I, no exposure to tobacco or biomass smoke), exposed to tobacco smoke (Group II), exposed to biomass smoke (Group III), and combined exposure to tobacco and biomass smoke (Group IV). After six months the rats in all four groups were sacrificed. Lung tissue samples were examined under light microscopy. The severity of pathological changes was scored. Group II differed from Group I in all histopathological alterations except intraparenchymal vascular thrombosis. There was no statistically significant difference in histopathological changes between the subjects exposed exclusively to tobacco smoke (Group II) and those with combined exposure to tobacco and biomass smoke (Group IV). The histopathological changes observed in Group IV were found to be more severe than those in subjects exposed exclusively to biomass smoke (Group III). Chronic exposure to tobacco and biomass smoke caused an increase in severity and types of lung injury. Exposure to cigarette smoke caused serious damage to the respiratory system, particularly with concomitant exposure to biomass smoke.

PPH versus THD: a comparison of two techniques for III and IV degree haemorrhoids. Personal experience.

PubMed

Verre, L; Rossi, R; Gaggelli, I; Di Bella, C; Tirone, A; Piccolomini, A

2013-12-01

The aim of our study was to evaluate, through prospective randomized study, the outcome and the immediate and late complications of the two types of surgery most widely used for degree III-IV haemorrhoids. A total of 122 patients with degree III and IV hemorrhoids were elected for surgical intervention and, randomly, underwent surgery for PPH or THD. We assessed the most common immediate postoperative complications. The patients have been followed for three months with a mean follow-up at 1 month and 3 months after surgery. Parameters taken into consideration were: bleeding, pain at rest and after evacuation, soiling, constipation and tenesmus. Five patients in PPH group (7.9%) had a major postoperative bleeding, whereas no such episode occurred in THD group (P=ns). In percentage terms, VAS score was lower in THD group than in PPH group, although the difference was not statistically significant. Finally parameters values observed, during the follow-up, proved to be lower for THD group compared to PPH group. PPH and THD are two surgical treatments for degree III and IV haemorrhoids with low perioperative complications and good results in the short term. However, our experience shows that better results in terms of pain and fewer postoperative complications are obtained after THD surgery, such surgery is less invasive and more adaptable to the needs of day surgery.

Caffeic acid treatment alters the extracellular adenine nucleotide hydrolysis in platelets and lymphocytes of adult rats.

PubMed

Anwar, Javed; Spanevello, Roselia Maria; Pimentel, Victor Camera; Gutierres, Jessié; Thomé, Gustavo; Cardoso, Andreia; Zanini, Daniela; Martins, Caroline; Palma, Heloisa Einloft; Bagatini, Margarete Dulce; Baldissarelli, Jucimara; Schmatz, Roberta; Leal, Cláudio Alberto Martins; da Costa, Pauline; Morsch, Vera Maria; Schetinger, Maria Rosa Chitolina

2013-06-01

This study evaluated the effects of caffeic acid on ectonucleotidase activities such as NTPDase (nucleoside triphosphate diphosphohydrolase), Ecto-NPP (nucleotide pyrophosphatase/phosphodiesterase), 5'-nucleotidase and adenosine deaminase (ADA) in platelets and lymphocytes of rats, as well as in the profile of platelet aggregation. Animals were divided into five groups: I (control); II (oil); III (caffeic acid 10 mg/kg); IV (caffeic acid 50 mg/kg); and V (caffeic acid 100 mg/kg). Animals were treated with caffeic acid diluted in oil for 30 days. In platelets, caffeic acid decreased the ATP hydrolysis and increased ADP hydrolysis in groups III, IV and V when compared to control (P<0.05). The 5'-nucleotidase activity was decreased, while E-NPP and ADA activities were increased in platelets of rats of groups III, IV and V (P<0.05). Caffeic acid reduced significantly the platelet aggregation in the animals of groups III, IV and V in relation to group I (P<0.05). In lymphocytes, the NTPDase and ADA activities were increased in all groups treated with caffeic acid when compared to control (P<0.05). These findings demonstrated that the enzymes were altered in tissues by caffeic acid and this compound decreased the platelet aggregation suggesting that caffeic acid should be considered a potentially therapeutic agent in disorders related to the purinergic system. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Effects of intravenous and topical laryngeal lidocaine on heart rate, mean arterial pressure and cough response to endotracheal intubation in dogs.

PubMed

Thompson, Kate R; Rioja, Eva

2016-07-01

To compare the effects of intravenous (IV) and topical laryngeal lidocaine on heart rate (HR), mean arterial pressure (MAP) and cough response to endotracheal intubation (ETI) in dogs. Prospective, randomized, blinded clinical study. Forty-two client-owned dogs (American Society of Anesthesiologists class I and II status) undergoing elective orthopaedic surgery. Dogs were randomized to three groups. Dogs in group SALIV received 0.1 mL kg(-1) IV saline. Dogs in group LIDIV received 2 mg kg(-1) IV 2% lidocaine. Dogs in group LIDTA received 0.4 mg kg(-1) topically sprayed laryngeal 2% lidocaine. All dogs were premedicated with methadone (0.2 mg kg(-1) IV). After 30 minutes, IV propofol was administered to abolish the lateral palpebral reflex and produce jaw relaxation. The allocated treatment was then administered and, after 30 seconds, further propofol was administered to abolish the medial palpebral reflex and facilitate ETI. HR and MAP were measured at four time-points using cardiac auscultation and automated oscillometry, respectively. The cough response at ETI was recorded. One-way anova and post hoc Tukey adjustment were used to analyse parametric data. The Kruskal-Wallis test was used to analyse non-parametric data. Odds ratios were calculated for the cough response. A p-value of ≤0.05 was considered to indicate statistical significance. In response to ETI, changes in MAP differed significantly between groups. In SALIV, MAP increased (4 ± 6 mmHg), whereas it decreased in LIDIV (6 ± 13 mmHg) (p = 0.013) and LIDTA (7 ± 11 mmHg) (p = 0.003). Dogs in SALIV were almost 10 times more likely to cough than dogs in LIDIV (odds ratio 9.75, 95% confidence interval 0.98-96.60; p = 0.05). In propofol-anaesthetized dogs, IV and topical laryngeal lidocaine attenuated the pressor response to ETI, whereas IV lidocaine reduced the cough response. © 2015 Association of Veterinary Anaesthetists and the American College of Veterinary Anesthesia and Analgesia.

Postoperative analgesic effects of intravenous, intramuscular, subcutaneous or oral transmucosal buprenorphine administered to cats undergoing ovariohysterectomy.

PubMed

Giordano, Tatiana; Steagall, Paulo V M; Ferreira, Tatiana H; Minto, Bruno W; de Sá Lorena, Sílvia Elaine Rodolfo; Brondani, Juliana; Luna, Stelio P L

2010-07-01

To compare the postoperative analgesic effects of intravenous (IV), intramuscular (IM), subcutaneous (SC) or oral transmucosal (OTM) buprenorphine administered to cats undergoing ovariohysterectomy. Randomized, prospective and blinded clinical trial. 100 female cats. Cats were assigned to receive 0.01 mg kg(-1) of buprenorphine administered by the IV, IM, SC or OTM route (n = 25/group). Buprenorphine was made up to 0.3 mL with 0.9% saline. DIVAS (0-100 mm) and simple descriptive scale (SDS) (from 0 to 4) pain and sedation scores were assigned to each cat before and 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 12 and 24 hours after ovariohysterectomy. Buprenorphine and carprofen were administered for rescue analgesia. Data were analyzed using anova and Fisher's exact test (p < 0.05). There were no significant differences between groups for breed, body weight, anesthetic time or surgery time (p > 0.05). There were no significant differences between groups for sedation scores at any time. SDS pain scores did not detect any differences between groups (p > 0.05). DIVAS pain scores after OTM administration were significantly higher than IV and IM administration at 1 hour and at 3, 4, 6, 8 and 12 hours, respectively (p < 0.05). DIVAS pain scores after SC administration were significantly higher than IV and IM administration at 2 hours and at 2, 3, 4, 8, 12 and 24 hours (p < 0.05), respectively. Six, four, 13 and 17 cats that received IV, IM, SC and OTM buprenorphine required rescue analgesia, respectively. There was a significantly higher incidence of treatment failure in cats that received SC and OTM buprenorphine compared with cats that received IV and IM buprenorphine (p < 0.05). IV and IM administration of buprenorphine provided better postoperative analgesia than SC or OTM administration of the drug and these routes of administration should be preferred when buprenorphine is administered to cats.

Serotype IV and invasive group B Streptococcus disease in neonates, Minnesota, USA, 2000-2010.

PubMed

Ferrieri, Patricia; Lynfield, Ruth; Creti, Roberta; Flores, Aurea E

2013-04-01

Group B Streptococcus (GBS) is a major cause of invasive disease in neonates in the United States. Surveillance of invasive GBS disease in Minnesota, USA, during 2000-2010 yielded 449 isolates from 449 infants; 257 had early-onset (EO) disease (by age 6 days) and 192 late-onset (LO) disease (180 at age 7-89 days, 12 at age 90-180 days). Isolates were characterized by capsular polysaccharide serotype and surface-protein profile; types III and Ia predominated. However, because previously uncommon serotype IV constitutes 5/31 EO isolates in 2010, twelve type IV isolates collected during 2000-2010 were studied further. By pulsed-field gel electrophoresis, they were classified into 3 profiles; by multilocus sequence typing, representative isolates included new sequence type 468. Resistance to clindamycin or erythromycin was detected in 4/5 serotype IV isolates. Emergence of serotype IV GBS in Minnesota highlights the need for serotype prevalence monitoring to detect trends that could affect prevention strategies.

40 CFR Appendix IV to Part 600 - Sample Fuel Economy Labels for 2008 Through 2012 Model Year Vehicles

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... 40 Protection of Environment 31 2013-07-01 2013-07-01 false Sample Fuel Economy Labels for 2008 Through 2012 Model Year Vehicles IV Appendix IV to Part 600 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (CONTINUED) ENERGY POLICY FUEL ECONOMY AND GREENHOUSE GAS EXHAUST EMISSIONS OF MOTOR...

40 CFR Appendix IV to Part 600 - Sample Fuel Economy Labels for 2008 Through 2012 Model Year Vehicles

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... 40 Protection of Environment 31 2012-07-01 2012-07-01 false Sample Fuel Economy Labels for 2008 Through 2012 Model Year Vehicles IV Appendix IV to Part 600 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (CONTINUED) ENERGY POLICY FUEL ECONOMY AND GREENHOUSE GAS EXHAUST EMISSIONS OF MOTOR...

International VLBI Service for Geodesy and Astrometry 2005 Annual Report

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Behrend, Dirk (Editor); Baver, Karen D. (Editor)

2006-01-01

This volume of reports is the 2005 Annual Report of the International VLBI Service for Geodesy and Astrometry (IVS). The individual reports were contributed by VLBI groups in the international geodetic and astrometric community who constitute the components of IVS. The 2005 Annual Report documents the work of these IVS components over the period January 1, 2005 through December 31, 2005. The reports document changes, activities, and progress of the IVS. The entire contents of this Annual Report also appear on the IVS Web site at http://ivscc.gsfc.nasa.gov/publications/ar2005.

International VLBI Service for Geodesy and Astrometry

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Vandenberg, Nancy R. (Editor); Baver, Karen D. (Editor)

2001-01-01

This volume of reports is the 2000 Annual Report of the International Very Long Base Interferometry (VLBI) Service for Geodesy and Astrometry (IVS). The individual reports were contributed by VLBI groups in the international geodetic and astrometric community who constitute the components of IVS. The 2000 Annual Report documents the work of these IVS components over the period March 1, 1999, through December 31, 2000. The reports document changes, activities, and progress of the IVS. The entire contents of this Annual Report also appear on the IVS web site at http://ivscc.gsfc.nasa.gov/publications/ar2000.

International VLBI Service for Geodesy and Astrometry 2007 Annual Report

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Behrend, D. (Editor); Baver, K. D. (Editor)

2008-01-01

This volume of reports is the 2007 Annual Report of the International VLBI Service for Geodesy and Astrometry (IVS). The individual reports were contributed by VLBI groups in the international geodetic and astrometric community who constitute the components of IVS. The 2007 Annual Report documents the work of these IVS components over the period January 1, 2007 through December 31, 2007. The reports document changes, activities, and progress of the IVS. The entire contents of this Annual Report also appear on the IVS Web site at http://ivscc.gsfc.nasa.gov/publications/ar2007.

International VLBI Service for Geodesy and Astrometry 2008 Annual Report

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Behrend, Dirk; Baver, Karen D.

2009-01-01

This volume of reports is the 2008 Annual Report of the International VLBI Service for Geodesy and Astrometry (IVS). The individual reports were contributed by VLBI groups in the international geodetic and astrometric community who constitute the components of IVS. The 2008 Annual Report documents the work of these IVS components over the period January 1, 2008 through December 31, 2008. The reports document changes, activities, and progress of the IVS. The entire contents of this Annual Report also appear on the IVS Web site at http://ivscc.gsfc.nasa.gov/publications/ar2008.

International VLBI Service for Geodesy and Astrometry 2011 Annual Report

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Baver, Karen D. (Editor); Behrend, Dirk

2012-01-01

This volume of reports is the 2011 Annual Report of the International VLBI Service for Geodesy and Astrometry (IVS). The individual reports were contributed by VLBI groups in the international geodetic and astrometric community who constitute the components of IVS. The 2011 Annual Report documents the work of these IVS components over the period January 1, 2011 through December 31, 2011. The reports document changes, activities, and progress of the IVS. The entire contents of this Annual Report also appear on the IVS Web site at http://ivscc.gsfc.nasa.gov/publications/ar2011.

Naphthalocyanine-complexes as potential photosensitizers for PDT of tumors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shopova, Maria; Woehrle, Dieter; Mantareva, Vanya; Mueller, Silke

1999-07-01

In the present paper information about the synthesis and results on the pharmacokinetic and experimental photodynamic therapy (PDT) of naphthalocyanines are given. The photodynamic activity of differently substituted zinc(II)- and silicon(IV)-naphthalocyanines using liposomes or Cremophor EL as drug-delivery systems is shown on different tumor models. For the evaluation of the phototherapeutic effect different assessment criteria were used, including light and electron microscope observations. The main conclusions which can be arrived at on the basis of our findings are the following: silicon(IV)-naphthalocyanine seems to be not a very effective tumor sensitizer, especially in the treatment o pigmented melanoma, while zinc(II)-naphthalocyanines appear to be very promising for PDT of tumors. Their selective targeting and slow clearance from tumor tissue, fast clearance from skin and pronounced phototherapeutic effect on different tumor models and especially at melanotic tumors, even after application of low drug doses, make this group of photosensitizers very attractive for successful PDT of cancer.

Attenuation of acute plasma cortisol response in calves following intravenous sodium salicylate administration prior to castration.

PubMed

Coetzee, J F; Gehring, R; Bettenhausen, A C; Lubbers, B V; Toerber, S E; Thomson, D U; Kukanich, B; Apley, M D

2007-08-01

Pain associated with castration in cattle is an animal welfare concern in beef production. This study examined the effect of oral aspirin and intravenous (i.v.) sodium salicylate on acute plasma cortisol response following surgical castration. Twenty bulls, randomly assigned to the following groups, (i) uncastrated, untreated controls, (ii) castrated, untreated controls, (iii) 50 mg/kg sodium salicylate i.v. precastration and (iv) 50 mg/kg aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid) per os precastration, were blood sampled at 3, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50 min and 1, 1.5, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10 and 12 h postcastration. Samples were analyzed by competitive chemiluminescent immunoassay and fluorescence polarization immunoassay for cortisol and salicylate, respectively. Data were analyzed using noncompartmental analysis, a simple cosine model, anova and t-tests. Intravenous salicylate V(d(ss)) was 0.18 L/kg, Cl(B) was 3.36 mL/min/kg and t(1/2 lambda) was 0.63 h. Plasma salicylate concentrations above 25 microg/mL coincided with significant attenuation in peak cortisol concentrations (P = 0.029). Peak salicylate concentrations following oral aspirin administration was <10 microg/mL and failed to attenuate cortisol response. Once salicylate concentrations decreased below 5 microg/mL, cortisol response in the castrated groups was significantly higher than uncastrated controls (P = 0.018). These findings have implications for designing drug regimens to provide analgesia during routine animal husbandry procedures.

Effect of Sea buckthorn on liver fibrosis: A clinical study

PubMed Central

Gao, Ze-Li; Gu, Xiao-Hong; Cheng, Feng-Tao; Jiang, Fo-Hu

2003-01-01

AIM: To appraise the effect of sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides) on cirrhotic patients. METHODS: Fifty cirrhotic patients of Child-Pugh grade A and B were randomly divided into two groups: Group A as the treated group (n = 30), taking orally the sea buckthorn extract, 15 g 3 times a day for 6 mo. Group B as the control group (n = 18), taking vitamin B complex one tablet, 3 times a day for 6 mo. The following tests were performed before and after the treatment in both groups to determine LN, HA, collagens types III and IV, cytokines IL-6 and TNFα, liver serum albumin, total bile acid, ALT, AST and prothrombin time. RESULTS: The serum levels of TNFα, IL-6, laminin and type IV collagen in group A were significantly higher than those in the control group. After a course of sea buckthorn treatment, the serum levels of LN, HA, collagen types III and IV, total bile acid (TBA) decreased significantly as compared with those before and after treatment in the control group. The sea buckthorn notably shortened the duration for normalization of aminotransferases. CONCLUSION: Sea buckthorn may be a hopeful drug for prevention and treatment of liver fibrosis. PMID:12854177

The Role of Independent V&V in Upstream Software Development Processes

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Easterbrook, Steve

1996-01-01

This paper describes the role of Verification and Validation (V&V) during the requirements and high level design processes, and in particular the role of Independent V&V (IV&V). The job of IV&V during these phases is to ensure that the requirements are complete, consistent and valid, and to ensure that the high level design meets the requirements. This contrasts with the role of Quality Assurance (QA), which ensures that appropriate standards and process models are defined and applied. This paper describes the current state of practice for IV&V, concentrating on the process model used in NASA projects. We describe a case study, showing the processes by which problem reporting and tracking takes place, and how IV&V feeds into decision making by the development team. We then describe the problems faced in implementing IV&V. We conclude that despite a well defined process model, and tools to support it, IV&V is still beset by communication and coordination problems.

Career Education. Administrators and Counselors Implementation Model. Module IV--Planning. (4.1) Develop Plans for Curriculum Preparation and Infusion.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Thompson, John A.; Chock, Mona K.O.

Part of a 13-volume series designed to be used as a group inservice or a self-learning system to train school administrators and counselors for their role in career education, this first section (4.1) of module 4 (Planning) is designed to assist principals and other school administrators to develop plans for curriculum preparation and infusion of…

Serotype IV Sequence Type 468 Group B Streptococcus Neonatal Invasive Disease, Minnesota, USA.

PubMed

Teatero, Sarah; Ferrieri, Patricia; Fittipaldi, Nahuel

2016-11-01

To further understand the emergence of serotype IV group B Streptococcus (GBS) invasive disease, we used whole-genome sequencing to characterize 3 sequence type 468 strains isolated from neonates in Minnesota, USA. We found that strains of tetracycline-resistant sequence type 468 GBS have acquired virulence genes from a putative clonal complex 17 GBS donor by recombination.

Group IV nanocrystals with ion-exchangeable surface ligands and methods of making the same

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Wheeler, Lance M.; Nichols, Asa W.; Chernomordik, Boris D.

Methods are described that include reacting a starting nanocrystal that includes a starting nanocrystal core and a covalently bound surface species to create an ion-exchangeable (IE) nanocrystal that includes a surface charge and a first ion-exchangeable (IE) surface ligand ionically bound to the surface charge, where the starting nanocrystal core includes a group IV element.

Two-electron high potential and high capacity redox active molecules for energy storage applications

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Huang, Jinhua; Zhang, Lu; Burrell, Anthony K.

A non-aqueous redox flow battery includes a catholyte including a compound of formula (I), a compound of formula (II), or a compound of formula (III): ##STR00001## wherein two R groups have the formula X, wherein X is X, wherein X is a group of formula IV-A or IV-B; ##STR00002##

The Development and Evaluation of Training Methods for Group IV Personnel. 1. Orientation and Implementation of the Training Methods Development School (TMDS).

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Steinemann, John H.

The investigation is part of continuing Navy research on the Trainability of Group IV (low ability) personnel intended to maximize the utilization and integration of marginal personnel in the fleet. An experimental Training Methods Development School (TMDS) was initiated to provide an experimental training program, with research controls, for…

Helping General Physical Educators and Adapted Physical Educators Address the Office of Civil Rights Dear Colleague Guidance Letter: Part IV--Sport Groups

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lieberman, Lauren; Lucas, Mark; Jones, Jeffery; Humphreys, Dan; Cody, Ann; Vaughn, Bev; Storms, Tommie

2013-01-01

"Helping General Physical Educators and Adapted Physical Educators Address the Office of Civil Rights Dear Colleague Guidance Letter: Part IV--Sport Groups" provides the the following articles: (1) "Sport Programming Offered by Camp Abilities and the United States Association for Blind Athletes" (Lauren Lieberman and Mark…

The effectiveness of a near-infrared vascular imaging device to support intravenous cannulation in children with dark skin color: a cluster randomized clinical trial.

PubMed

van der Woude, Olga C P; Cuper, Natascha J; Getrouw, Chavalleh; Kalkman, Cor J; de Graaff, Jurgen C

2013-06-01

Poor vein visibility can make IV cannulation challenging in children with dark skin color. In the operating room, we studied the effectiveness of a near-infrared vascular imaging device (VascuLuminator) to facilitate IV cannulation in children with dark skin color. In the operating room of a general hospital in Curacao, all consecutive children (0-15 years of age) requiring IV cannulation were included in a pragmatic cluster randomized clinical trial. The VascuLuminator was made available to anesthesiologists at the operating complex in randomized clusters of 1 week. Success at first attempt was 63% (27/43, 95% confidence interval [CI], 47%-77%) in the VascuLuminator group vs 51% (23 of 45 patients, 95% CI, 36%-66%) in the control group (P = 0.27). Median time to successful cannulation was 53 seconds (interquartile range: 34-154) in the VascuLuminator group and 68 seconds (interquartile range: 40-159) in the control group (P = 0.54), and hazard ratio was 1.12 (95% CI, 0.73-1.71). The VascuLuminator has limited value in improving success at first attempt of facilitating IV cannulation in children with dark skin color.

Study of the relationship between mononuclear inflammatory infiltrate and Ki-67 and basement membrane and extracellular matrix protein expression in radicular cysts.

PubMed

Mourão, R V C; Júnior, E C Pinheiro; Barros Silva, P G; Turatti, E; Mota, M R L; Alves, A P N N

2016-05-01

To evaluate the relationship between mononuclear inflammatory infiltrate and the expression of a proliferative immunomarker (Ki-67) as well as to evaluate basement membrane and extracellular matrix proteins (laminin and collagen type IV) in radicular cysts and dentigerous cysts (DC). Immunohistochemical analyses were performed in heavily inflamed radicular cysts (HIRC), slightly inflamed radicular cysts (SIRC) and DC (n = 20) using Ki-67 (Dako(®) , 1 : 50), anticollagen type IV (DBS(®) , 1 : 40) and antilaminin (DBS(®) , 1 : 20). The data were analysed using anova/Tukey's test (Ki-67) and Kruskal-Wallis/Dunn's test (collagen type IV and laminin) (P < 0.05). The immunoexpression of Ki-67 was significantly greater in the SIRC group compared with the HIRC and DC (P = 0.0040). Likewise, the immunoexpression of collagen type IV in the basement membrane of the SIRC group was significantly more continuous (P = 0.0475) than in the HIRC group. DC had significantly less collagen type IV in extracellular matrix immunoexpression than HIRC and SIRC (P = 0.0246). Laminin was absent in the basement membrane in the SIRC and DC groups, and the extracellular matrix of the HIRC was weak and punctate. The presence of inflammatory factors in the radicular cyst wall modified the expression of proliferation factors in the epithelial lining and the expression of collagen type IV and laminin in the basement membrane, but did not modify extracellular matrix behaviour in radicular cysts. © 2015 International Endodontic Journal. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Blood-brain barrier permeability assessed by perfusion computed tomography predicts hemorrhagic transformation in acute reperfusion therapy.

PubMed

Kim, Taewon; Koo, Jaseong; Kim, Seong-Hoon; Song, In-Uk; Chung, Sung-Woo; Lee, Kwang-Soo

2018-06-16

Hemorrhagic transformation (HT) is one of the most feared complications of acute recanalization therapies. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether blood-brain barrier permeability (BBBP) imaging can predict HT in the setting of acute recanalization therapy and to determine the sensitivity and specificity of BBBP for the prediction of HT according to the type of reperfusion therapy. We assessed a total of 46 patients who received recanalization therapy (intravenous (IV) recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (tPA), mechanical thrombectomy with a stent retriever or both) for acute ischemic stroke within the internal carotid artery or middle cerebral artery. BBBP above the threshold was significantly associated with HT after adjustment for confounding factors in all patients (OR 45.4, 95% CI 2.9~711.2, p = 0.007), patients who received IV tPA (OR 20.1, 95% CI 1.2-336.7, p = 0.037), and patients who received endovascular therapy (OR 47.2, 95% CI 1.9-1252.5, p = 0.022). The sensitivity and specificity of the initial BBBP measurement as a predictor of HT in the overall 46 patients were 80 and 71%, respectively. These values were 75 and 64% in only IV tPA group, 100 and 80% in only endovascular group, 77 and 67% in IV tPA with or without endovascular therapy group, and 86 and 76% in endovascular therapy with or without bridging IV tPA therapy group. Increased pretreatment BBBP values were significantly associated with HT after acute recanalization therapy. This correlation with HT was stronger in patients receiving endovascular mechanical thrombectomy than in patients receiving IV rtPA.

Chemical Basis for Qualitative and Quantitative Differences Between ABO Blood Groups and Subgroups: Implications for Organ Transplantation.

PubMed

Jeyakanthan, M; Tao, K; Zou, L; Meloncelli, P J; Lowary, T L; Suzuki, K; Boland, D; Larsen, I; Burch, M; Shaw, N; Beddows, K; Addonizio, L; Zuckerman, W; Afzali, B; Kim, D H; Mengel, M; Shapiro, A M J; West, L J

2015-10-01

Blood group ABH(O) carbohydrate antigens are carried by precursor structures denoted type I-IV chains, creating unique antigen epitopes that may differ in expression between circulating erythrocytes and vascular endothelial cells. Characterization of such differences is invaluable in many clinical settings including transplantation. Monoclonal antibodies were generated and epitope specificities were characterized against chemically synthesized type I-IV ABH and related glycans. Antigen expression was detected on endomyocardial biopsies (n = 50) and spleen (n = 11) by immunohistochemical staining and on erythrocytes by flow cytometry. On vascular endothelial cells of heart and spleen, only type II-based ABH antigens were expressed; type III/IV structures were not detected. Type II-based ABH were expressed on erythrocytes of all blood groups. Group A1 and A2 erythrocytes additionally expressed type III/IV precursors, whereas group B and O erythrocytes did not. Intensity of A/B antigen expression differed among group A1 , A2 , A1 B, A2 B and B erythrocytes. On group A2 erythrocytes, type III H structures were largely un-glycosylated with the terminal "A" sugar α-GalNAc. Together, these studies define qualitative and quantitative differences in ABH antigen expression between erythrocytes and vascular tissues. These expression profiles have important implications that must be considered in clinical settings of ABO-incompatible transplantation when interpreting anti-ABO antibodies measured by hemagglutination assays with reagent erythrocytes. © Copyright 2015 The American Society of Transplantation and the American Society of Transplant Surgeons.

The effectiveness of individual placement and support for people with mental illness new on social benefits: a study protocol

PubMed Central

2013-01-01

Background In Switzerland, people with a severe mental illness and unable to work receive disability benefits (‘IV-pension’). Once they are granted these benefits, the chances to regain competitive employment are usually small. However, previous studies have shown that individual placement and support (IPS) supports a successful reintegration into competitive employment. This study focuses on the integration of newly appointed IV-pensioners, who have received an IV-pension for less than a year. Method/design The present pilot project ZHEPP (Zürcher Eingliederungs-Pilot Projekt; engl.: Zurich integration pilot project) is a randomized controlled trial (RCT). The 250 participants will be randomized to either the intervention or the control group. The intervention group receives support of a job coach according to the approach of IPS. Participants in the control group do not receive IPS support. Participation takes a total of two years for each participant. Each group is interviewed every six months (T0-T4). A two-factor analysis of variance will be conducted with the two factors group (intervention versus control group) and outcome (employment yes/no). The main criterion of the two-factor analysis will be the number of competitive employment contracts in each group. Discussion This study will focus on the impact of IPS on new IV-pensioners and aims to identify predictors for a successful integration. Furthermore, we will examine the effect of IPS on stigma variables and recovery orientation. Trial registration ISRCTN54951166 PMID:23883137

Early absorption of enteral ranitidine after major laparotomy.

PubMed

Kulber, D A; Bentt, L; Repique, E; Dubin, S B; Wittman, M; Treiman, R; Shabot, M M

1991-12-01

Thirty-six patients were studied following abdominal aortic surgery to determine if a commonly used medication could be absorbed from the gastrointestinal (GI) tract in the early postoperative period. Patients were randomized into two groups: Group I received ranitidine elixir 3 mg/kg via nasogastric tube every 12 hours; Group II received intravenous (IV) ranitidine 1 mg/kg every 8 hours. Ranitidine serum levels were measured with high performance liquid chromatography 1 hour after administration of the first three doses. Gastric pH was measured every 4 hours. It was found that serum ranitidine levels generally regarded as clinically effective were achieved in both groups. Although the levels were significantly higher following intravenous (IV) administration (Group II), there were no differences in average gastric pH. The authors conclude that within 24 hours of aortic surgery enterally administered ranitidine is effectively absorbed and provides prophylaxis equivalent to IV administration of the drug at lower cost. Other medications might be deliverable via the GI tract in the early postoperative period.

Metal-organic coordination-enabled layer-by-layer self-assembly to prepare hybrid microcapsules for efficient enzyme immobilization.

PubMed

Wang, Xiaoli; Jiang, Zhongyi; Shi, Jiafu; Liang, Yanpeng; Zhang, Chunhong; Wu, Hong

2012-07-25

A novel layer-by-layer self-assembly approach enabled by metal-organic coordination was developed to prepare polymer-inorganic hybrid microcapsules. Alginate was first activated via N-ethyl-N'-(3-dimethylaminopropyl) carbodiimide (EDC) and N-hydroxy succinimide (NHS) coupling chemistry, and subsequently reacted with dopamine. Afterward, the dopamine modified alginate (Alg-DA) and titanium(IV) bis(ammonium lactato) dihydroxide (Ti(IV)) were alternatively deposited onto CaCO3 templates. The coordination reaction between the catechol groups of Alg-DA and the Ti(IV) allowed the alternative assembly to form a series of multilayers. After removing the templates, the alginate-titanium hybrid microcapsules were obtained. The high mechanical stability of hybrid microcapsules was demonstrated by osmotic pressure experiment. Furthermore, the hybrid microcapsules displayed superior thermal stability due to Ti(IV) coordination. Catalase (CAT) was used as model enzyme, either encapsulated inside or covalently attached on the surface of the resultant microcapsules. No CAT leakage from the microcapsules was detected after incubation for 48 h. The encapsulated CAT, with a loading capacity of 450-500 mg g(-1) microcapsules, exhibited desirable long-term storage stability, whereas the covalently attached CAT, with a loading capacity of 100-150 mg g(-1) microcapsules, showed desirable operational stability.

Zirconium-carbon hybrid sorbent for removal of fluoride from water: oxalic acid mediated Zr(IV) assembly and adsorption mechanism

PubMed Central

Halla, Velazquez-Jimenez Litza; Hurt Robert, H; Juan, Matos; Rene, Rangel-Mendez Jose

2014-01-01

When activated carbon (AC) is modified with zirconium(IV) by impregnation or precipitation, the fluoride adsorption capacity is typically improved. There is significant potential to improve these hybrid sorbent by controlling the impregnation conditions, which determine the assembly and dispersion of the Zr phases on carbon surfaces. Here, commercial activated carbon was modified with Zr(IV) together with oxalic acid (OA) used to maximize the zirconium dispersion and enhance fluoride adsorption. Adsorption experiments were carried out at pH 7 and 25 °C with a fluoride concentration of 40 mg L−1. The OA/Zr ratio was varied to determine the optimal conditions for subsequent fluoride adsorption. The data was analyzed using the Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm models. FTIR, XPS and the surface charge distribution were performed to elucidate the adsorption mechanism. Potentiometric titrations showed that the modified activated carbon (ZrOx-AC) possesses positive charge at pH lower than 7, and FTIR analysis demonstrated that zirconium ions interact mainly with carboxylic groups on the activated carbon surfaces. Moreover, XPS analysis demonstrated that Zr(IV) interacts with oxalate ions, and the fluoride adsorption mechanism is likely to involve –OH− exchange from zirconyl oxalate complexes. PMID:24359079

A domain swapping approach to elucidate differential regiospecific hydroxylation by geraniol and linalool synthases from perilla.

PubMed

Sato-Masumoto, Naoko; Ito, Michiho

2014-06-01

Geraniol and linalool are acyclic monoterpenes found in plant essential oils that have attracted much attention for their commercial use and in pharmaceutical studies. They are synthesized from geranyl diphosphate (GDP) by geraniol and linalool synthases, respectively. Both synthases are very similar at the amino acid level and share the same substrate; however, the position of the GDP to which they introduce hydroxyl groups is different. In this study, the mechanisms underlying the regiospecific hydroxylation of geraniol and linalool synthases were investigated using a domain swapping approach and site-directed mutagenesis in perilla. Sequences of the synthases were divided into ten domains (domains I to IV-4), and each corresponding domain was exchanged between both enzymes. It was shown that different regions were important for the formation of geraniol and linalool, namely, domains IV-1 and -4 for geraniol, and domains III-b, III-d, and IV-4 for linalool. These results suggested that the conformation of carbocation intermediates and their electron localization were seemingly to be different between geraniol and linalool synthases. Further, five amino acids in domain IV-4 were apparently indispensable for the formation of geraniol and linalool. According to three-dimensional structural models of the synthases, these five residues seemed to be responsible for the different spatial arrangement of the amino acid at H524 in the case of geraniol synthase, while N526 is the corresponding residue in linalool synthase. These results suggested that the side-chains of these five amino acids, in combination with several relevant domains, localized the positive charge in the carbocation intermediate to determine the position of the introduced hydroxyl group. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

New evidence showing that the destruction of gut bacteria by antibiotic treatment could increase the honey bee’s vulnerability to Nosema infection

PubMed Central

Evans, Jay D.; Li, Wen Feng; Zhao, Ya Zhou; DeGrandi-Hoffman, Gloria; Huang, Shao Kang; Li, Zhi Guo; Hamilton, Michele; Chen, Yan Ping

2017-01-01

It has become increasingly clear that gut bacteria play vital roles in the development, nutrition, immunity, and overall fitness of their eukaryotic hosts. We conducted the present study to investigate the effects of gut microbiota disruption on the honey bee’s immune responses to infection by the microsporidian parasite Nosema ceranae. Newly emerged adult workers were collected and divided into four groups: Group I—no treatment; Group II—inoculated with N. ceranae, Group III—antibiotic treatment, and Group IV—antibiotic treatment after inoculation with N. ceranae. Our study showed that Nosema infection did not cause obvious disruption of the gut bacterial community as there was no significant difference in the density and composition of gut bacteria between Group I and Group II. However, the elimination of gut bacteria by antibiotic (Groups III and IV) negatively impacted the functioning of the honey bees’ immune system as evidenced by the expression of genes encoding antimicrobial peptides abaecin, defensin1, and hymenoptaecin that showed the following ranking: Group I > Group II > Group III > Group IV. In addition, significantly higher Nosema levels were observed in Group IV than in Group II, suggesting that eliminating gut bacteria weakened immune function and made honey bees more susceptible to Nosema infection. Based on Group IV having displayed the highest mortality rate among the four experimental groups indicates that antibiotic treatment in combination with stress, associated with Nosema infection, significantly and negatively impacts honey bee survival. The present study adds new evidence that antibiotic treatment not only leads to the complex problem of antibiotic resistance but can impact honey bee disease resistance. Further studies aimed at specific components of the gut bacterial community will provide new insights into the roles of specific bacteria and possibly new approaches to improving bee health. PMID:29125851

Data Combination and Instrumental Variables in Linear Models

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Khawand, Christopher

2012-01-01

Instrumental variables (IV) methods allow for consistent estimation of causal effects, but suffer from poor finite-sample properties and data availability constraints. IV estimates also tend to have relatively large standard errors, often inhibiting the interpretability of differences between IV and non-IV point estimates. Lastly, instrumental…

The role of oxidative stress in streptozotocin-induced diabetic nephropathy in rats.

PubMed

Fernandes, Sheila Marques; Cordeiro, Priscilla Mendes; Watanabe, Mirian; Fonseca, Cassiane Dezoti da; Vattimo, Maria de Fatima Fernandes

2016-10-01

The objective of this study was to evaluate the role of oxidative stress in an experimental model of streptozotocin-induced diabetic nephropathy in rats. Wistar, adult, male rats were used in the study. Animals were divided in the following groups: Citrate (control, citrate buffer 0.01M, pH 4.2 was administrated intravenously - i.v - in the caudal vein), Uninephrectomy+Citrate (left uninephrectomy-20 days before the study), DM (streptozotocin, 65 mg/kg, i.v, on the 20th day of the study), Uninephrectomy+DM. Physiological parameters (water and food intake, body weight, blood glucose, kidney weight, and relative kidney weight); renal function (creatinine clearance), urine albumin (immunodiffusion method); oxidative metabolites (urinary peroxides, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, and thiols in renal tissue), and kidney histology were evaluated. Polyphagia, polydipsia, hyperglycemia, and reduced body weight were observed in diabetic rats. Renal function was reduced in diabetic groups (creatinine clearance, p < 0.05). Uninephrectomy potentiated urine albumin and increased kidney weight and relative kidney weight in diabetic animals (p < 0.05). Urinary peroxides and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances were increased, and the reduction in thiol levels demonstrated endogenous substrate consumption in diabetic groups (p < 0.05). The histological analysis revealed moderate lesions of diabetic nephropathy. This study confirms lipid peroxidation and intense consumption of the antioxidant defense system in diabetic rats. The association of hyperglycemia and uninephrectomy resulted in additional renal injury, demonstrating that the model is adequate for the study of diabetic nephropathy.

Clinical efficacy and pharmacokinetics of meloxicam in Mediterranean buffalo calves (Bubalus bubalis)

PubMed Central

Cagnardi, Petra; Villa, Roberto; D’Andrea, Luigi; Di Loria, Antonio; Ferrante, Maria Carmela; Borriello, Giuliano; Zicarelli, Luigi; Ciaramella, Paolo

2017-01-01

The aims of the investigation were to establish for the first time (i) clinical efficacy and (ii) pharmacokinetic profile of meloxicam intravenously (IV) administered in male Mediterranean buffalo calves after surgical orchiectomy. The study was performed on 10 healthy buffalo calves, between 4 and 5 months old and between 127 and 135 kg of body weight (b.w.). An IV injection of 0.5 mg/kg b.w. of meloxicam was administered in six calves (treated group, TG) immediately after surgery; the other four animals were used as untreated control group (CG). The clinical efficacy of meloxicam was evaluated pre- and post-surgery by monitoring respiratory rate (RR), heart rate (HR), rectal temperature (T°C), serum cortisol levels (SCL) and pain score (PS). Significant inter-groups differences were detected at sampling times (T): 4 hour (h) for RR (P<0.05), at T1-4-6-8 h for PS (P<0.05) and at T4-6-8 h for SCL (P < 0.0001). Regarding the mean intra-group values observed pre (T0) and post-surgery (from T15 min to T72 h), significant difference between the groups were found for RR (P<0.01), PS and SCL (P<0.05). The pharmacokinetic profile was best fitted by a two-compartmental model and characterized by a fast distribution half-life and slow elimination half-life (0.09 ± 0.06 h and 21.51 ± 6.4 h, respectively) and meloxicam mean concentrations at 96 h was of 0.18 ± 0.14 μg/mL. The volume of distribution and clearance values were quite low, but reasonably homogenous among individuals (Vdss 142.31 ± 55.08 mL/kg and ClB 4.38 ± 0.95 mL/kg/h, respectively). The IV administration of meloxicam in buffalo calves shows encouraging effects represented by significant and prolonged analgesic effects, significant reduction of SCL as well as similar pharmacokinetic profile to bovine calves. PMID:29077759

Feature Extraction and Classification of Magnetic and EMI Data, Camp Beale, CA

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-05-01

and non-specialists. However, as part of ESTCP 1004 we are presently working on transitioning our inversion algorithms to an API that will be...10 0 Time (ms) Cell 663 - Target 1965 - Model 1 (SOI) ISO IVS 0.001 0.005 10 0 Time (ms) Cell 1104 - Target 2532 - Model 1 (SOI) ISO IVS...0.0 1 0.005 10 0 Time (ms) Cell 663 - Target 1965 - Model 1 (SOI) ISO IVS 0.0 1 0.005 10 0 Time (ms) Cell 1104 - Target 2532 - Model 1 (SOI

[Prospective randomized study of HMVP, MVP, and HVP regimens in treatment of advanced non-small cell lung cancer].

PubMed

Gao, Jian-Fei; Li, Chang-Sheng; Zhang, Bi-Cheng; Du, Guang-Zu; Zhang, Xin-Hua; Wang, Jun; Zhu, Yu-Ze; Ou, Wu-Ling; Yang, Bo

2004-04-01

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is hyposensitive to the normal first and second-line chemotherapy regimens. Camptothecin derivative is becoming a hot point in the treatment of advanced NSCLC. The objective of this article was to evaluate the response, toxicity, and survival time of HMVP, MVP, and HVP regimens (detail in below) in the treatment of advanced NSCLC. A total of 134 cases with advanced NSCLC was randomized into three groups: HMVP group [46 patients, hydroxycamptothecin (HCPT) 12 mg/m(2) from d1 to d5, mitomycin C (MMC) 6 mg/m(2) d1, vindesine (VDS) 2.5-3 mg/m(2) d1 and d8, cisplatin (DDP) 50 mg/m(2) d2 and d3], MVP group (44 patients, MMC, VDS and DDP were the same as HMVP group) and HVP group (44 patients, HCPT, VDS, DDP were the same as HMVP group). The response rates were 39.54% (17/43), 35.57% (15/42), and 26.19% (11/42) in HMVP, MVP, and HVP groups, respectively; no significant difference was detected among the three groups (P >0.05). No significant difference was detected in the median time of remission, median survival time, and 1-, 2-year survival rates among the three groups. Moreover, no significant difference was detected in grade III-IV leukopenia, grade III-IV thrombocytopenia, grade III-IV nausea and vomiting and grade III-IV constipation among the three groups. The response rate of MVP regimen is slightly lower than that of HMVP regimen, but HMVP regimen do not show obvious superiority. It may increase toxicities such as leukopenia, nausea/vomiting, and constipation. The response rate of HVP regimen is slightly lower than that of MVP regimen.

Pediatric appendicitis and need for antibiotics at time of discharge: Does route of administration matter?

PubMed

Acker, Shannon N; Hurst, Amanda L; Bensard, Denis D; Schubert, Anna; Dewberry, Lindel; Gonzales, Danielle; Parker, Sarah K; Tong, Suhong; Partrick, David A

2016-07-01

Following complicated appendicitis, there are limited data available to guide the surgeon regarding antibiotic selection, specifically in regards to route of administration. We hypothesized that among children with appendicitis who are discharged home with antibiotic therapy, the post-discharge readmission and complication rates do not differ between those children who receive IV antibiotics and those who receive PO antibiotics. We performed a retrospective review of all children discharged home on antibiotics following appendectomy at a single institution between 11/10-10/14. We compared outcomes including ED and hospital readmission rates, and development of postoperative complications, between those children who were discharged on IV antibiotics and those discharged on PO antibiotics. 325 children were discharged with antibiotics following appendectomy (n=291 PO antibiotics group; n=34 IV group). On both univariate and multivariate analysis, rate of each complication did not differ between the two groups including inpatient readmission (5% PO vs. 6% IV; p=0.8), ED readmission (10% vs. 11%; p=0.8), postdischarge complications related to the operation (10% vs. 15%; p=0.4), or abscess development post-discharge (4% vs. 3%; p=1). Among children with complicated appendicitis who are discharged home with ongoing antibiotic therapy, our data demonstrate no differences in outcomes between those children who receive IV and PO antibiotics. Further data, collected in a prospective fashion, are needed to clarify the role of IV and PO antibiotics among children with perforated appendicitis. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Doxycycline Attenuates Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Microvascular Endothelial Cell Derangements.

PubMed

Wiggins-Dohlvik, Katie; Stagg, Hayden W; Han, Min Suk; Alluri, Himakarnika; Oakley, Ryan P; Anasooya Shaji, Chinchusha; Davis, Matthew L; Tharakan, Binu

2016-06-01

Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) is known to induce vascular derangements. The pathophysiology involved therein is unknown, but matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) may be an important mediator. We hypothesized that in vitro LPS provokes vascular permeability, damages endothelial structural proteins, and increases MMP activity; that in vivo LPS increases permeability and fluid requirements; and that the MMP inhibitor doxycycline mitigates such changes. Rat lung microvascular endothelial cells were divided into four groups: control, LPS, LPS plus doxycycline, and doxycycline. Permeability, structural proteins β-catenin and Filamentous-actin, and MMP-9 activity were examined. Sprauge Dawley rats were divided into sham, IV LPS, and IV LPS plus IV doxycycline groups. Mesenteric postcapillary venules were observed. Blood pressure was measured as animals were resuscitated and fluid requirements were compared. Statistical analysis was conducted using Student's t-test and ANOVA. In vitro LPS increased permeability, damaged adherens junctions, induced actin stress fiber formation, and increased MMP-9 enzyme activity. In vivo, IV LPS administration induced vascular permeability. During resuscitation, significantly more fluid was necessary to maintain normotension in the IV LPS group. Doxycycline mitigated all derangements observed. We conclude that LPS increases permeability, damages structural proteins, and increases MMP-9 activity in endothelial cells. Additionally, endotoxemia induces hyperpermeability and increases the amount of IV fluid required to maintain normotension in vivo. Doxycycline mitigates such changes both in vitro and in vivo. Our findings illuminate the possible role of matrix metalloproteinases in the pathophysiology of lipopolysaccharide-induced microvascular hyperpermeability and pave the way for better understanding and treatment of this process.

Intravenous Acetaminophen Does Not Decrease Persistent Surgical Pain After Cardiac Surgery.

PubMed

Turan, Alparslan; Karimi, Nika; Zimmerman, Nicole M; Mick, Stephanie L; Sessler, Daniel I; Mamoun, Negmeldeen

2017-12-01

The authors investigated the hypothesis that perioperative acetaminophen reduces incisional pain at 30 and 90 days. This was a prospective, randomized, double-blind trial. Tertiary-care hospital (single center) cardiac surgery unit. Patients undergoing cardiac surgery via median sternotomy. Patients were assigned randomly to intravenous (IV) acetaminophen or IV placebo. Patients were given 4 doses of 1 g of IV acetaminophen or an equal volume of saline placebo over 15 minutes every 6 hours for 24 hours starting in the operating room after sternal closure. Study participants were assessed by phone for incisional pain severity 30 and 90 days after surgery. Those reporting any incisional pain were asked to complete the Neuropathic Pain Questionnaire-Short Form and the modified Brief Pain Inventory. Patients were compared on 30- and 90-day incisional pain severity using separate multivariable linear regression models. IV acetaminophen had no effect on 30- and 90-day incisional pain, with an estimated difference in means (confidence interval) of 0.06 (-0.87 to 0.99) at 30 days (p = 0.88) and 0.07 (-0.71 to 0.86) at 90 days (p = 0.83). Low pain severity, neuropathic pain, and interference at both 30 and 90 days after surgery, regardless of treatment group, were observed. IV acetaminophen did not reduce the incidence or intensity of incisional pain at 30 days and 90 days after surgery. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Integrative analysis of differentially expressed microRNAs of pulmonary alveolar macrophages from piglets during H1N1 swine influenza A virus infection

PubMed Central

Jiang, Pengfei; Zhou, Na; Chen, Xinyu; Zhao, Xing; Li, Dengyun; Wang, Fen; Bi, Lijun; Zhang, Deli

2015-01-01

H1N1 swine influenza A virus (H1N1 SwIV) is one key subtype of influenza viruses with pandemic potential. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are endogenous small RNA molecules that regulate gene expression. MiRNAs relevant with H1N1 SwIV have rarely been reported. To understand the biological functions of miRNAs during H1N1 SwIV infection, this study profiled differentially expressed (DE) miRNAs in pulmonary alveolar macrophages from piglets during the H1N1 SwIV infection using a deep sequencing approach, which was validated by quantitative real-time PCR. Compared to control group, 70 and 16 DE miRNAs were respectively identified on post-infection day (PID) 4 and PID 7. 56 DE miRNAs were identified between PID 4 and PID 7. Our results suggest that most host miRNAs are down-regulated to defend the H1N1 SwIV infection during the acute phase of swine influenza whereas their expression levels gradually return to normal during the recovery phase to avoid the occurrence of too severe porcine lung damage. In addition, targets of DE miRNAs were also obtained, for which bioinformatics analyses were performed. Our results would be useful for investigating the functions and regulatory mechanisms of miRNAs in human influenza because pig serves as an excellent animal model to study the pathogenesis of human influenza. PMID:25639204

Thermoregulation and stress hormone recovery after exercise dehydration: comparison of rehydration methods.

PubMed

McDermott, Brendon P; Casa, Douglas J; Lee, Elaine; Yamamoto, Linda; Beasley, Kathleen; Emmanuel, Holly; Anderson, Jeffrey; Pescatello, Linda; Armstrong, Lawrence E; Maresh, Carl

2013-01-01

Athletic trainers recommend and use a multitude of rehydration (REHY) methods with their patients. The REHY modality that most effectively facilitates recovery is unknown. To compare 5 common REHY methods for thermoregulatory and stress hormone recovery after exercise dehydration (EXDE) in trained participants. Randomized, cross-over, controlled study. Twelve physically active, non-heat-acclimatized men (age = 23 ± 4 years, height = 180 ± 6 cm, mass = 81.3 ± 3.7 kg, VO2max = 56.9 ± 4.4 mL·min(-1)·kg(-1), body fat = 7.9% ± 3%) participated. Participants completed 20-hour fluid restriction and 2-hour EXDE; they then received no fluid (NF) or REHY (half-normal saline) via ad libitum (AL), oral (OR), intravenous (IV), or combination IV and OR (IV + OR) routes for 30 minutes; and then were observed for another 30 minutes. Body mass, rectal temperature, 4-site mean weighted skin temperature, plasma stress hormone concentrations, and environmental symptoms questionnaire (ESQ) score. Participants were hypohydrated (body mass -4.23% ± 0.22%) post-EXDE. Rectal temperature for the NF group was significantly greater than for the IV group (P = .023) at 30 minutes after beginning REHY (REHY30) and greater than OR, IV, and IV + OR (P ≤ .009) but not AL (P = .068) at REHY60. Mean weighted skin temperature during AL was less than during IV + OR at REHY5 (P = .019). The AL participants demonstrated increased plasma cortisol concentrations compared with IV + OR, independent of time (P = .015). No differences existed between catecholamine concentrations across treatments (P > .05). The ESQ score was increased at REHY60 for NF, AL, OR, and IV (P < .05) but not for IV + OR (P = .217). The NF ESQ score was greater than that of IV + OR at REHY60 (P = .012). Combination IV + OR REHY reduced body temperature to a greater degree than OR and AL REHY when compared with NF. Future studies addressing clinical implications are needed.

Identification of Novel Human Dipeptidyl Peptidase-IV Inhibitors of Natural Origin (Part II): In Silico Prediction in Antidiabetic Extracts

PubMed Central

Guasch, Laura; Sala, Esther; Ojeda, María José; Valls, Cristina; Bladé, Cinta; Mulero, Miquel; Blay, Mayte; Ardévol, Anna; Garcia-Vallvé, Santiago; Pujadas, Gerard

2012-01-01

Background Natural extracts play an important role in traditional medicines for the treatment of diabetes mellitus and are also an essential resource for new drug discovery. Dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPP-IV) inhibitors are potential candidates for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus, and the effectiveness of certain antidiabetic extracts of natural origin could be, at least partially, explained by the inhibition of DPP-IV. Methodology/Principal Findings Using an initial set of 29,779 natural products that are annotated with their natural source and an experimentally validated virtual screening procedure previously developed in our lab (Guasch et al.; 2012) [1], we have predicted 12 potential DPP-IV inhibitors from 12 different plant extracts that are known to have antidiabetic activity. Seven of these molecules are identical or similar to molecules with described antidiabetic activity (although their role as DPP-IV inhibitors has not been suggested as an explanation for their bioactivity). Therefore, it is plausible that these 12 molecules could be responsible, at least in part, for the antidiabetic activity of these extracts through their inhibitory effect on DPP-IV. In addition, we also identified as potential DPP-IV inhibitors 6 molecules from 6 different plants with no described antidiabetic activity but that share the same genus as plants with known antidiabetic properties. Moreover, none of the 18 molecules that we predicted as DPP-IV inhibitors exhibits chemical similarity with a group of 2,342 known DPP-IV inhibitors. Conclusions/Significance Our study identified 18 potential DPP-IV inhibitors in 18 different plant extracts (12 of these plants have known antidiabetic properties, whereas, for the remaining 6, antidiabetic activity has been reported for other plant species from the same genus). Moreover, none of the 18 molecules exhibits chemical similarity with a large group of known DPP-IV inhibitors. PMID:23028712

A Formal Palliative Care Service Improves the Quality of Care in Patients with Stage IV Cancer and Bowel Obstruction.

PubMed

Gabriel, Emmanuel; Kukar, Moshim; Groman, Adrienne; Alvarez-Perez, Amy; Schneider, Jaclyn; Francescutti, Valerie

2017-02-01

Patients with stage IV cancer and bowel obstruction present a complicated management problem. The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of the palliative care service (PC) in the management of this complex disease process. A retrospective analysis was conducted of all patients admitted to Roswell Park Cancer Institute with stage IV cancer and bowel obstruction from 2009 to 2012 after the institution of a formal PC. This cohort was matched to similar patients from 2005 to 2008 (no palliative care service or NPC). Patient characteristics and outcomes included baseline demographics, comorbid conditions, do-not-resuscitate (DNR) status, laboratory parameters, medical and surgical management, length of stay, symptom relief, and disposition status. A total of 19 patients were identified in the PC group. Based on the PC group baseline characteristics, 19 patients were identified for the NPC group using matched values. Regarding outcomes, there were significant differences in the medication regimens (narcotics, octreotide, and Decadron) between the 2 groups. In the PC group, 14 of 19 patients showed improvement compared to 9 of 19 in the NPC group. Nearly 60% of patients in the PC group had a formal DNR order versus 10.5% in NPC ( P = .002). A significantly higher percentage of patients were discharged to hospice in the PC group (47.4% vs 0.0%, P = .006). Palliative care consultation improves the quality of care for patients with stage IV cancer and bowel obstruction, with particular benefits in symptom management, end-of-life discussion, and disposition to hospice.

A new group in the Leptospirillum clade: cultivation-independent community genomics, proteomics and transcriptomics of the new species Leptospirillum group IV UBA BS.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Goltsman, Daniela; Dasari, Mauna; Thomas, BC

Leptospirillum spp. are widespread members of acidophilic microbial communities that catalyze ferrous iron oxidation, thereby increasing sulfide mineral dissolution rates. These bacteria play important roles in environmental acidification and are harnessed for bioleaching-based metal recovery. Known members of the Leptospirillum clade of the Nitrospira phylum are Leptospirillum ferrooxidans (group I), Leptospirillum ferriphilum and Leptospirillum rubarum (group II), and Leptospirillum ferrodiazotrophum (group III). In the Richmond Mine acid mine drainage (AMD) system, biofilm formation is initiated by L. rubarum; L. ferrodiazotrophum appears in later developmental stages. Here we used community metagenomic data from unusual, thick floating biofilms to identify distinguishing metabolicmore » traits in a rare and uncultivated community member, the new species Leptospirillum group IV UBA BS. These biofilms typically also contain a variety of Archaea, Actinobacteria, and a few other Leptospirillum spp. The Leptospirillum group IV UBA BS species shares 98% 16S rRNA sequence identity and 70% average amino acid identity between orthologs with its closest relative, L. ferrodiazotrophum. The presence of nitrogen fixation and reverse tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle proteins suggest an autotrophic metabolism similar to that of L. ferrodiazotrophum, while hydrogenase proteins suggest anaerobic metabolism. Community transcriptomic and proteomic analyses demonstrate expression of a multicopper oxidase unique to this species, as well as hydrogenases and core metabolic genes. Results suggest that the Leptospirillum group IV UBA BS species might play important roles in carbon fixation, nitrogen fixation, hydrogen metabolism, and iron oxidation in some acidic environments.« less

Ultrasound-guided transversus abdominal plane block with multimodal analgesia for pain management after total abdominal hysterectomy.

PubMed

Gasanova, Irina; Grant, Erica; Way, Megan; Rosero, Eric B; Joshi, Girish P

2013-07-01

Transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block has been shown to provide pain relief after abdominal procedures. However, TAP block combined with multimodal analgesia technique have not been assessed in a randomized controlled trial. This randomized, controlled, observer-blinded study was designed to evaluate the analgesic efficacy of bilateral ultrasound-guided TAP blocks with or without acetaminophen and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) combination. Patients undergoing total abdominal hysterectomy were randomized to one of three groups. Group 1 (n = 25) received a TAP block and ketorolac 30 mg, IV at the end of surgery and then ketorolac plus paracetamol 650 mg, orally, every 6 h for 24 h. Group 2 (n = 24) received only TAP block at the end of surgery. Group 3 (n = 25) received ketorolac 30 mg, IV at the end of surgery and then ketorolac plus paracetamol 650 mg, orally, every 6 h for 24 h. All patients received IV-PCA morphine for 24-h, postoperatively. All patients received a standardized general anaesthetic technique and dexamethasone 4 mg and ondansetron 4 mg, IV for antiemetic prophylaxis. There were no statistically significant differences in pain at rest between the groups. However, the pain on coughing (dynamic pain) in Group 1 was significantly less variable, compared with the other two groups (P = 0.012). Opioid consumption and occurrences of nausea, vomiting, and rescue antiemetic were similar in three the groups. The combination of TAP block and acetaminophen and NSAID provided less variability in dynamic pain compared with either treatment alone.

I.V. infusion of magnesium sulphate during spinal anaesthesia improves postoperative analgesia.

PubMed

Hwang, J-Y; Na, H-S; Jeon, Y-T; Ro, Y-J; Kim, C-S; Do, S-H

2010-01-01

In a randomized, double-blind, prospective study, we have evaluated the effect of i.v. infusion of magnesium sulphate during spinal anaesthesia on postoperative analgesia and postoperative analgesic requirements. Forty patients undergoing total hip replacement arthroplasty under spinal anaesthesia were included. After the induction of spinal anaesthesia, the magnesium group (Group M) received magnesium sulphate 50 mg kg(-1) for 15 min and then 15 mg kg(-1) h(-1) by continuous i.v. infusion until the end of surgery. The saline group (Group S) received the same volume of isotonic saline over the same period. After surgery, a patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) device containing morphine and ketorolac was provided for the patients. Postoperative pain scores, PCA consumption, and the incidences of shivering, postoperative nausea, and vomiting were evaluated immediately after surgery, and at 30 min, 4, 24, and 48 h after surgery. Serum magnesium concentrations were checked before the induction of anaesthesia, immediately after surgery, and at 1 and 24 h after surgery. Postoperative pain scores were significantly lower in Group M at 4, 24, and 48 h after surgery (P<0.05). Cumulative postoperative PCA consumptions were also significantly lower in Group M at 4, 24, and 48 h after surgery (P<0.05). Postoperative magnesium concentrations were higher in Group M (P<0.05 at 4, 24, and 48 h after surgery), but no side-effects associated with hypermagnesemia were observed. Haemodynamic variables and the incidences of shivering, nausea, and vomiting were similar in the two groups. I.V. magnesium sulphate administration during spinal anaesthesia improves postoperative analgesia.

Enteral Contrast in the Computed Tomography Diagnosis of Appendicitis

PubMed Central

Drake, Frederick Thurston; Alfonso, Rafael; Bhargava, Puneet; Cuevas, Carlos; Dighe, Manjiri K.; Florence, Michael G.; Johnson, Morris G.; Jurkovich, Gregory J.; Steele, Scott R.; Symons, Rebecca Gaston; Thirlby, Richard C.; Flum, David R.

2014-01-01

Objective Our goal was to perform a comparative effectiveness study of intravenous (IV)-only versus IV + enteral contrast in computed tomographic (CT) scans performed for patients undergoing appendectomy across a diverse group of hospitals. Background Small randomized trials from tertiary centers suggest that enteral contrast does not improve diagnostic performance of CT for suspected appendicitis, but generalizability has not been demonstrated. Eliminating enteral contrast may improve efficiency, patient comfort, and safety. Methods We analyzed data for adult patients who underwent nonelective appendectomy at 56 hospitals over a 2-year period. Data were obtained directly from patient charts by trained abstractors. Multivariate logistic regression was utilized to adjust for potential confounding. The main outcome measure was concordance between final radiology interpretation and final pathology report. Results A total of 9047 adults underwent appendectomy and 8089 (89.4%) underwent CT, 54.1% of these with IV contrast only and 28.5% with IV + enteral contrast. Pathology findings correlated with radiographic findings in 90.0% of patients who received IV + enteral contrast and 90.4% of patients scanned with IV contrast alone. Hospitals were categorized as rural or urban and by their teaching status. Regardless of hospital type, there was no difference in concordance between IV-only and IV + enteral contrast. After adjusting for age, sex, comorbid conditions, weight, hospital type, and perforation, odds ratio of concordance for IV + enteral contrast versus IV contrast alone was 0.95 (95% CI: 0.72–1.25). Conclusions Enteral contrast does not improve CT evaluation of appendicitis in patients undergoing appendectomy. These broadly generalizable results from a diverse group of hospitals suggest that enteral contrast can be eliminated in CT scans for suspected appendicitis. PMID:24598250

40 CFR Appendix IV to Part 600 - Sample Fuel Economy Labels for 2008 and Later Model Year Vehicles

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... 40 Protection of Environment 30 2011-07-01 2011-07-01 false Sample Fuel Economy Labels for 2008... PROTECTION AGENCY (CONTINUED) ENERGY POLICY FUEL ECONOMY AND CARBON-RELATED EXHAUST EMISSIONS OF MOTOR VEHICLES Pt. 600, App. IV Appendix IV to Part 600—Sample Fuel Economy Labels for 2008 and Later Model Year...

WISC-IV and Clinical Validation of the Four- and Five-Factor Interpretative Approaches

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Weiss, Lawrence G.; Keith, Timothy Z.; Zhu, Jianjun; Chen, Hsinyi

2013-01-01

The purpose of this study was to determine the constructs measured by the WISC-IV and the consistency of measurement across large normative and clinical samples. Competing higher order four- and five-factor models were analyzed using the WISC-IV normative sample and clinical subjects. The four-factor solution is the model published with the test…

Near Infrared Photoimmunotherapy Targeting EGFR Positive Triple Negative Breast Cancer: Optimizing the Conjugate-Light Regimen

PubMed Central

Nagaya, Tadanobu; Sato, Kazuhide; Harada, Toshiko; Nakamura, Yuko; Choyke, Peter L.; Kobayashi, Hisataka

2015-01-01

Aim Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is considered one of the most aggressive subtypes of breast cancer. Near infrared photoimmunotherapy (NIR-PIT) is a cancer treatment that employs an antibody-photosensitizer conjugate (APC) followed by exposure of NIR light for activating selective cytotoxicity on targeted cancer cells and may have application to TNBC. In order to minimize the dose of APC while maximizing the therapeutic effects, dosing of the APC and NIR light need to be optimized. In this study, we investigate in vitro and in vivo efficacy of cetuximab (cet)-IR700 NIR-PIT on two breast cancer models MDAMB231 (TNBC, EGFR moderate) and MDAMB468 (TNBC, EGFR high) cell lines, and demonstrate a method to optimize the dosing APC and NIR light. Method After validating in vitro cell-specific cytotoxicity, NIR-PIT therapeutic effects were investigated in mouse models using cell lines derived from TNBC tumors. Tumor-bearing mice were separated into 4 groups for the following treatments: (1) no treatment (control); (2) 300 μg of cet-IR700 i.v., (APC i.v. only); (3) NIR light exposure only, NIR light was administered at 50 J/cm2 on day 1 and 100 J/cm2 on day 2 (NIR light only); (4) 300 μg of cet-IR700 i.v., NIR light was administered at 50 J/cm2 on day 1 after injection and 100 J/cm2 of light on day 2 after injection (one shot NIR-PIT). To compare different treatment regimens with a fixed dose of APC, we added the following treatments (5) 100 μg of cet-IR700 i.v., NIR light administered at 50 J/cm2 on day 1 and 50 μg of cet-IR700 i.v. immediately after NIR-PIT, then NIR light was administered at 100 J/cm2 on day 2, which were performed two times every week (“two split” NIR-PIT) and (6) 100 μg of cet-IR700 i.v., NIR light was administered at 50 J/cm2 on day 1 and 100 J/cm2 on day 2, which were performed three times per week (“three split” NIR-PIT). Result Both specific binding and NIR-PIT effects were greater with MDAMB468 than MDAMB231 cells in vitro. Tumor accumulation of cet-IR700 in MDAMB468 tumors was significantly higher (p < 0.05) than in MDAMB231 tumors in vivo. Tumor growth and survival of MDAMB231 tumor bearing mice was significantly lower in the NIR-PIT treatment group (p < 0.05). In MDAMB468 bearing mice, tumor growth and survival was significantly improved in the NIR-PIT treatment groups in all treatment regimens (one shot NIR-PIT; p < 0.05, “two split” NIR-PIT; p < 0.01, “three split” NIR-PIT; p < 0.001) compared with control groups. Conclusion NIR-PIT for TNBC was effective regardless of expression of EGFR, however, greater cell killing was shown with higher EGFR expression tumor in vitro. In all treatment regimens, NIR-PIT suppressed tumor growth, resulting in significantly prolonged survival that further improved by splitting the APC dose and using repeated light exposures. PMID:26313651

Near Infrared Photoimmunotherapy Targeting EGFR Positive Triple Negative Breast Cancer: Optimizing the Conjugate-Light Regimen.

PubMed

Nagaya, Tadanobu; Sato, Kazuhide; Harada, Toshiko; Nakamura, Yuko; Choyke, Peter L; Kobayashi, Hisataka

2015-01-01

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is considered one of the most aggressive subtypes of breast cancer. Near infrared photoimmunotherapy (NIR-PIT) is a cancer treatment that employs an antibody-photosensitizer conjugate (APC) followed by exposure of NIR light for activating selective cytotoxicity on targeted cancer cells and may have application to TNBC. In order to minimize the dose of APC while maximizing the therapeutic effects, dosing of the APC and NIR light need to be optimized. In this study, we investigate in vitro and in vivo efficacy of cetuximab (cet)-IR700 NIR-PIT on two breast cancer models MDAMB231 (TNBC, EGFR moderate) and MDAMB468 (TNBC, EGFR high) cell lines, and demonstrate a method to optimize the dosing APC and NIR light. After validating in vitro cell-specific cytotoxicity, NIR-PIT therapeutic effects were investigated in mouse models using cell lines derived from TNBC tumors. Tumor-bearing mice were separated into 4 groups for the following treatments: (1) no treatment (control); (2) 300 μg of cet-IR700 i.v., (APC i.v. only); (3) NIR light exposure only, NIR light was administered at 50 J/cm2 on day 1 and 100 J/cm2 on day 2 (NIR light only); (4) 300 μg of cet-IR700 i.v., NIR light was administered at 50 J/cm2 on day 1 after injection and 100 J/cm2 of light on day 2 after injection (one shot NIR-PIT). To compare different treatment regimens with a fixed dose of APC, we added the following treatments (5) 100 μg of cet-IR700 i.v., NIR light administered at 50 J/cm2 on day 1 and 50 μg of cet-IR700 i.v. immediately after NIR-PIT, then NIR light was administered at 100 J/cm2 on day 2, which were performed two times every week ("two split" NIR-PIT) and (6) 100 μg of cet-IR700 i.v., NIR light was administered at 50 J/cm2 on day 1 and 100 J/cm2 on day 2, which were performed three times per week ("three split" NIR-PIT). Both specific binding and NIR-PIT effects were greater with MDAMB468 than MDAMB231 cells in vitro. Tumor accumulation of cet-IR700 in MDAMB468 tumors was significantly higher (p < 0.05) than in MDAMB231 tumors in vivo. Tumor growth and survival of MDAMB231 tumor bearing mice was significantly lower in the NIR-PIT treatment group (p < 0.05). In MDAMB468 bearing mice, tumor growth and survival was significantly improved in the NIR-PIT treatment groups in all treatment regimens (one shot NIR-PIT; p < 0.05, "two split" NIR-PIT; p < 0.01, "three split" NIR-PIT; p < 0.001) compared with control groups. NIR-PIT for TNBC was effective regardless of expression of EGFR, however, greater cell killing was shown with higher EGFR expression tumor in vitro. In all treatment regimens, NIR-PIT suppressed tumor growth, resulting in significantly prolonged survival that further improved by splitting the APC dose and using repeated light exposures.

The stability of personality traits in individuals with borderline personality disorder

PubMed Central

Hopwood, Christopher J.; Newman, Daniel A.; Donnellan, M. Brent; Markowitz, John C.; Grilo, Carlos M.; Sanislow, Charles A.; Ansell, Emily B.; McGlashan, Thomas H.; Skodol, Andrew E.; Shea, M. Tracie; Gunderson, John G.; Zanarini, Mary C.; Morey, Leslie C.

2012-01-01

Although stability and pervasive inflexibility are general criteria for DSM-IV personality disorders (PD), borderline PD (BPD) is characterized by instability in several domains including interpersonal behavior, affect, and identity. We hypothesized that such inconsistencies notable in BPD may relate to instability at the level of the basic personality traits that are associated with this disorder. Five types of personality trait stability across 4 assessments over 6 years were compared for BPD patients (N = 130 at first interval) and patients with other PDs (N = 302). Structural stability did not differ across groups. Differential stability tended to be lower for Five Factor Model traits in the BPD group, with the strongest and most consistent effects observed for neuroticism and conscientiousness. Growth curve models suggested that these two traits also showed greater mean-level change, with neuroticism declining faster and conscientiousness increasing faster, in the BPD group. The BPD group was further characterized by greater individual-level instability for neuroticism and conscientiousness in these models. Finally, the BPD group was less stable in terms of the ipsative configuration of FFM facet-level profiles than was the other PD group over time. Results point to the importance of personality trait instability in characterizing BPD. PMID:19899850

Bone density, body composition, and psychopathology of anorexia nervosa spectrum disorders in DSM-IV vs DSM-5

PubMed Central

Schorr, Melanie; Thomas, Jennifer J.; Eddy, Kamryn T.; Dichtel, Laura E.; Lawson, Elizabeth A.; Meenaghan, Erinne; Paskal, Margaret Lederfine; Fazeli, Pouneh K.; Faje, Alexander T.; Misra, Madhusmita; Klibanski, Anne; Miller, Karen K.

2016-01-01

Objective DSM-5 revised diagnostic criteria for anorexia nervosa (AN) by eliminating the amenorrhea requirement, liberalizing weight and psychological criteria, and adding the formal diagnosis of “atypical AN” for individuals with AN psychological symptoms without low weight. We sought to determine whether bone density (BMD) is impaired in women diagnosed with AN using the new, more liberal DSM-5 criteria. Method Cross-sectional study of 168 women, 18–45y: 1) AN by DSM-IV (DSM-IV)(n=37), 2) AN by DSM-5 but not DSM-IV criteria (DSM-5)(n=33), 3) atypical AN (ATYPICAL)(n=77), 4) healthy comparison group (HC)(n=21). Measurements included dual energy x-ray absorptiometry, Eating Disorder Examination-Questionnaire, Eating Disorder Inventory-2, Hamilton Depression and Anxiety Rating Scales. Results BMD Z-score <−1.0 was present in 78% of DSM-IV, 82% of DSM-5, and 69% of ATYPICAL. Mean Z-scores were comparably low in DSM-IV and DSM-5, intermediate in ATYPICAL, and highest in HC. Lack of prior low weight or amenorrhea was, but history of overweight/obesity was not, protective against bone loss. Mean lean mass and percent fat mass were significantly lower in all AN groups than HC. DSM-IV, DSM-5 and ATYPICAL had comparable psychopathology. Discussion Despite liberalizing diagnostic criteria, many women diagnosed with AN and atypical AN using DSM-5 criteria have low BMD. Presence or history of low weight and/or amenorrhea remain important indications for DXA. Loss of lean mass, in addition to fat mass, is present in all AN groups, and may contribute to low BMD. The deleterious effect of eating disorders on BMD extends beyond those with current low weight and amenorrhea. PMID:27527115

Liposome bupivacaine for improvement in economic outcomes and opioid burden in GI surgery: IMPROVE Study pooled analysis.

PubMed

Cohen, Stephen M; Vogel, Jon D; Marcet, Jorge E; Candiotti, Keith A

2014-01-01

Postsurgical pain management remains a significant challenge. Liposome bupivacaine, as part of a multimodal analgesic regimen, has been shown to significantly reduce postsurgical opioid consumption, hospital length of stay (LOS), and hospitalization costs in gastrointestinal (GI) surgery, compared with intravenous (IV) opioid-based patient-controlled analgesia (PCA). Pooled results from open-label studies comparing a liposome bupivacaine-based multimodal analgesic regimen with IV opioid PCA were analyzed. Patients (n=191) who underwent planned surgery and received study drug (IV opioid PCA, n=105; multimodal analgesia, n=86) were included. Liposome bupivacaine-based multimodal analgesia compared with IV opioid PCA significantly reduced mean (standard deviation [SD]) postsurgical opioid consumption (38 [55] mg versus [vs] 96 [85] mg; P<0.0001), postsurgical LOS (median 2.9 vs 4.3 days; P<0.0001), and mean hospitalization costs (US$8,271 vs US$10,726; P=0.0109). The multimodal analgesia group reported significantly fewer patients with opioid-related adverse events (AEs) than the IV opioid PCA group (P=0.0027); there were no significant between-group differences in patient satisfaction scores at 30 days. A liposome bupivacaine-based multimodal analgesic regimen was associated with significantly less opioid consumption, opioid-related AEs, and better health economic outcomes compared with an IV opioid PCA-based regimen in patients undergoing GI surgery. This pooled analysis is based on data from Phase IV clinical trials registered on the US National Institutes of Health www.ClinicalTrials.gov database under study identifiers NCT01460485, NCT01507220, NCT01507233, NCT01509638, NCT01509807, NCT01509820, NCT01461122, NCT01461135, NCT01534988, and NCT01507246.

Differences in Active Avoidance Conditioning in Male and Female Rats with Experimental Anxiety-Depressive Disorder.

PubMed

Khlebnikova, N N; Krupina, N A; Kushnareva, E Yu; Orlova, I N

2015-07-01

Using rat model of experimental anxiety-depressive disorder caused by postnatal administration of methionyl-2(S)-cyanopyrrolidine, an inhibitor of dipeptidyl peptidase IV, we compared conditioned active avoidance response and memory retention in males and females. In experimental males and females, conditioning was impaired in comparison with the control. In experimental groups, females were worse learners than males, while in control groups, females were better learners than males. Memory retention in experimental animals did not differ from that in controls 24 h after learning. Two months after learning, control females demonstrated better retention than control males.

The Second International Celestial Reference Frame (ICRF2)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ma, Chopo

2010-01-01

The ICRF2 catalog was constructed by the IERS/IVS Working Group with oversight by the IAU Working Group. Derived using data from August 1979 through March 2009, it is a great improvement over the original ICRF with 3414 extragalactic radio source positions, a noise floor of 40 microarcsec, and axis stability of 10 microarcsec. Significant refinements were made in the selection of defining sources, modeling, and the integration of CRF, TRF, and EOP. The adoption of the ICRF2 was approved by the IAU in Resolution B3 at the XXVII IAU General Assembly and became effective 1 January 2010.

[Relationship between the changes in ischemia/reperfusion cerebro-microvessel basement membrane injury and gelatinase system in senile rat].

PubMed

Li, Jian-sheng; Liu, Ke; Liu, Jing-xia; Wang, Ming-hang; Zhao, Yue-wu; Liu, Zheng-guo

2008-11-01

To study the relationship of cerebro-microvessel basement membrane injury and gelatinase system after cerebral ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) in aged rats. Cerebral I/R injury model was reproduced by intraluminal silk ligature thrombosis of the middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO). Rats were divided randomly into sham control and I/R groups in young rats [ischemia 3 hours (I 3 h) and reperfusion 6 hours (I/R 6 h), 12 hours (I/R 12 h), 24 hours (I/R 24 h), 3 days (I/R 3 d), 6 days (I/R 6 d)], and sham control group and I/R group in aged rats (I 3 h and I/R 6 h, I/R 12 h, I/R 24 h , I/R 3 d, I/R 6 d). The change in cerebro-cortex microvessel basement membrane structure, basement membrane type IV collagen (Col IV) and laminin (LN) contents, matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases (TIMPs) expression in every group were determined with immunohistochemical method and zymogram analysis. With the increase in age, Col IV and LN contents of the microvessel basement membrane were increased, and MMP-2 and MMP-9 expressions were stronger. With prolongation of I/R, the degradation of microvessel basement membrane components (Col IV and LN) was positively correlated with the duration of cerebral I/R. MMP-2 expression was increased gradually, and MMP-9 and TIMP-1 expression increased at the beginning and decreased subsequently. Col IV(I 3 h, I/R 6 h , I/R 12 h), LN (I 3 h, I/R 6-24 h), MMP-2 (I 3 h, I/R 6 h-6 d) and MMP-9 (I 3 h, I/R 6-24 h) expression level in aged rats with I/R injury were higher, and TIMP-1 (I/R 24 h) expression was lower than those in young rats (P<0.05 or P<0.01). In addition, changes in MMP-2 and MMP-9 contents as determined by zymogram analysis method coincided with their immunoexpression. With the increase of age, alteration in membrane components of cerebro-microvessel basement membrane in rats is related with MMPs and TIMP. Cerebro-microvessel basement membrane injury is more serious in aged rats than that of young rats. Changes in cerebro-microvessel basement membrane injury in aged rats is related with gelatinase system change.

Comparison of the Effect of Addition of Cyanoacrylate, Epoxy Resin, and Gum Arabic on Surface Hardness of Die Stone.

PubMed

Tripathi, Arvind; Gupta, Ashutosh; Bagchi, Soumyojeet; Mishra, Lallan; Gautam, Abhina; Madhok, Riti

2016-04-01

To observe the effects of incorporating cyanoacrylate, epoxy resins, and gum arabic on the abrasion resistance of type IV gypsum die materials. Forty specimens were prepared and divided into four groups (10 specimens in each group), namely group A (control), group B (die stone mixed with cyanoacrylate), group C (die stone mixed with epoxy resin), group D (die stone mixed with gum arabic). All the specimens were subjected to abrasion testing, wear volume analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), and scanning electron microscope (SEM) analysis. Abrasion testing showed maximum wear in the control group and minimum wear in the gum arabic group. Intergroup differences were statistically significant (p < 0.001). The largest mean difference was between control and gum arabic. The lowest was between cyanoacrylate and the control group. The mean wear volume was lowest in the gum arabic group (4.23 mm(3) ) and highest in the control group (6.78 mm(3) ). The FT-IR graphs of the gum arabic models showed the presence of CH2 , which is responsible for its binding activity. SEM revealed that the irregular particles of gum arabic display an interlocking arrangement. This jigsaw puzzle pattern results in stronger physical bond formation. Observations from this study showed that the addition of gum arabic increases resistance to abrasion in type IV gypsum. Cyanoacrylates are good adhesives as well, but a major drawback is that they have very low resistance to chemical action with water and physical actions such as sunlight. Epoxy resins are powerful adhesives, but they attain their full efficiency when cured with heat. Cyanoacrylate and epoxy resin displayed poor physical bonding, primarily because of inhomogeneity. © 2015 by the American College of Prosthodontists.

Anger is a distinctive feature of epilepsy patients with depression.

PubMed

Mori, Yasuhiro; Kanemoto, Kousuke; Onuma, Teiichi; Tanaka, Masaki; Oshima, Tomohiro; Kato, Hiroko; Tachimori, Hisateru; Wada, Kazumaru; Kikuchi, Takashi; Tomita, Tetsu; Chen, Lei; Fang, Liu; Yoshida, Shuichi; Kato, Masaaki; Kaneko, Sunao

2014-02-01

Controversy exists regarding the similarity between depression as seen in patients with epilepsy and in those with idiopathic major depression. The objective of this study was to examine whether anger is a distinctive feature of depression in epilepsy. Participants included 487 adult patients with epilepsy (study group) and 85 patients with idiopathic major depression according to Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fourth Edition (DSM-IV) criteria, and without other neurological complications (control group). All participants completed the Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology Self-Report (IDS-SR) and the Buss-Perry Aggression Questionnaire (BAQ). The IDS-SR is a self-report questionnaire that measures depression severity and assesses all symptoms of depression as defined by the DSM-IV. The BAQ is a self-rating scale designed for assessing aggression. After examining potential confounding factors (i.e., demographic and clinical variables) using a multivariate linear regression model, BAQ scores were compared between the study (n = 85) and control groups (n = 54) for patients with moderate or severe depression using established cut-off points (IDS-SR score > 25). BAQ scores were significantly higher in the study group (P = 0.009). Among the BAQ subscales, only anger showed a statistically significant difference (P = 0.013). Although a significant correlation was revealed between the IDS-SR and BAQ scores in the study group, no such correlation was found in the control group. Thus, anger might be a constituent component of depression among epilepsy patients, but not among idiopathic major depression patients.

Effects of pretreatment with dexamethasone or levothyroxine sodium on endotoxin-induced alterations in glucose and insulin dynamics in horses.

PubMed

Tóth, Ferenc; Frank, Nicholas; Geor, Raymond J; Boston, Raymond C

2010-01-01

To investigate the effects of dexamethasone or levothyroxine sodium on endotoxin-induced alterations in glucose and insulin dynamics. 24 horses. Horses were randomly allocated to 3 treatment groups and received 48 mg of levothyroxine mixed with 200 g of oats, 20 mg of dexamethasone plus oats, or oats alone (control) for 15 days, followed by IV infusion of lipopolysaccharide (20 ng/kg) while individually housed in stalls. Frequently sampled IV glucose tolerance tests were performed prior to pretreatment, after pretreatment, and 20 hours after lipopolysaccharide administration. Area under the curve for plasma glucose and serum insulin concentrations was calculated, and minimal model analyses were performed. Significant treatment-by-time effects were detected for insulin sensitivity (SI) and area under the curve for glucose and insulin in the 15-day pretreatment period. Insulin sensitivity significantly decreased over time in all treatment groups, with the largest decrease detected in the dexamethasone group. Administration of lipopolysaccharide further decreased mean SI by 71% and 63% in the dexamethasone and control groups, respectively, but did not affect horses in the levothyroxine group. Mean SI was the lowest in the dexamethasone group, but percentage reduction was the same for dexamethasone and control groups. Insulin sensitivity decreased during the pretreatment period in all 3 groups, indicating that hospitalization affected glucose and insulin dynamics. Dexamethasone significantly lowered SI, and endotoxemia further exacerbated insulin resistance. In contrast, there was no additional effect of endotoxemia on SI in horses pretreated with levothyroxine, suggesting that this treatment prevented endotoxemia-induced insulin resistance.

N-acetylcysteine does not prevent post-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography hyperamylasemia and acute pancreatitis

PubMed Central

Milewski, Janusz; Rydzewska, Grazyna; Degowska, Malgorzata; Kierzkiewicz, Maciej; Rydzewski, Andrzej

2006-01-01

AIM: Acute pancreatitis (AP) is the most common and often severe complication of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). The early step in the pathogenesis of acute pancreatitis is probably the capillary endothelial injury mediated by oxygen-derived free radicals. N-acetylcysteine - a free radical scavenger may be potentially effective in preventing post-ERCP acute pancreatitis and it is also known that N-acetylcysteine (ACC) can reduce the severity of disease in experimental model of AP. METHODS: One hundred and six patients were randomly allocated to two groups. Fifty-five patients were given N-acetylcysteine (two 600 mg doses orally 24 and 12 h before ERCP and 600 mg was given iv, twice a day for two days after the ERCP). The control group consisted of 51 patients who were given iv. isotonic saline twice a day for two days after the ERCP. Serum and urine amylase activities were measured before ERCP and 8 and 24 h after the procedure. The primary outcome parameter was post-ERCP acute pancreatitis and the secondary outcome parameters were differences between groups in serum and urine amylase activity. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in the rate of post-ERCP pancreatitis between two groups (10 patients overall, 4 in the ACC group and 6 in the control group). There were also no significant differences in baseline and post-ERCP serum and urine amylase activity between ACC group and control group. CONCLUSION: N-acetylcysteine fails to demonstrate any significant preventive effect on post-ERCP pancreatitis, as well as on serum and urine amylase activity. PMID:16773694

N-acetylcysteine does not prevent post-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography hyperamylasemia and acute pancreatitis.

PubMed

Milewski, Janusz; Rydzewska, Grazyna; Degowska, Malgorzata; Kierzkiewicz, Maciej; Rydzewski, Andrzej

2006-06-21

Acute pancreatitis (AP) is the most common and often severe complication of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). The early step in the pathogenesis of acute pancreatitis is probably the capillary endothelial injury mediated by oxygen-derived free radicals. N-acetylcysteine - a free radical scavenger may be potentially effective in preventing post-ERCP acute pancreatitis and it is also known that N-acetylcysteine (ACC) can reduce the severity of disease in experimental model of AP. One hundred and six patients were randomly allocated to two groups. Fifty-five patients were given N-acetylcysteine (two 600 mg doses orally 24 and 12 h before ERCP and 600 mg was given iv, twice a day for two days after the ERCP). The control group consisted of 51 patients who were given iv. isotonic saline twice a day for two days after the ERCP. Serum and urine amylase activities were measured before ERCP and 8 and 24 h after the procedure. The primary outcome parameter was post-ERCP acute pancreatitis and the secondary outcome parameters were differences between groups in serum and urine amylase activity. There were no significant differences in the rate of post-ERCP pancreatitis between two groups (10 patients overall, 4 in the ACC group and 6 in the control group). There were also no significant differences in baseline and post-ERCP serum and urine amylase activity between ACC group and control group. N-acetylcysteine fails to demonstrate any significant preventive effect on post-ERCP pancreatitis, as well as on serum and urine amylase activity.

Efficacy of Probiotics and Smectite in Rats with Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease.

PubMed

Kobyliak, Nazarii; Abenavoli, Ludovico; Falalyeyeva, Tetyana; Beregova, Tetyana

2018-01-01

Today probiotics have been suggested as a treatment for the prevention of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Smectite is a natural silicate that binds to digestive mucous and has the ability to bind endo- and exotoxins. The present study was designed to determine whether probiotics plus smectite is superior to probiotic alone on the monosodium glutamate (MSG) induced NAFLD model in rats. We included 60 rats divided into 4 groups 15 animals in each. Rats of group I were intact. Newborns rats of groups II-IV were injected with MSG. The III (Symbiter) group received 2.5 ml/kg of multiprobiotic "Symbiter" containing concentrated biomass of 14 probiotic bacteria genera. The IV (Symbiter+Smectite) groups received "Symbiter Forte" combination of probiotic biomass with smectite gel (250 mg). In both interventional groups reduction of total NAS score as compared to MSG-obesity was observed. Indeed similar values of steatosis score (0.93 ± 0.22 vs. 0.87 ± 0.16) in both treatment groups, we observed that lower total score for Symbiter+ Smectite are associated with more pronounced reduction of lobular inflammation (0.13 ± 0.09 vs. 0.33 ± 0.15) as compared to administration of probiotic alone. This data accompanied with significant reduction of IL-1 and restoration of IL-10 between these 2 groups. Additional to alive probiotic administration of smectite gel due to his absorbent activity and mucus layer stabilization properties can impact on synergistic enhancement of single effect which manifested with reduction of lobular inflammation and at list partly steatohepatitis prevention.

Comparing personality disorder models: cross-method assessment of the FFM and DSM-IV-TR.

PubMed

Samuel, Douglas B; Widiger, Thomas W

2010-12-01

The current edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV-TR; American Psychiatric Association, 2000) defines personality disorders as categorical entities that are distinct from each other and from normal personality traits. However, many scientists now believe that personality disorders are best conceptualized using a dimensional model of traits that span normal and abnormal personality, such as the Five-Factor Model (FFM). However, if the FFM or any dimensional model is to be considered as a credible alternative to the current model, it must first demonstrate an increment in the validity of the assessment offered within a clinical setting. Thus, the current study extended previous research by comparing the convergent and discriminant validity of the current DSM-IV-TR model to the FFM across four assessment methodologies. Eighty-eight individuals receiving ongoing psychotherapy were assessed for the FFM and the DSM-IV-TR personality disorders using self-report, informant report, structured interview, and therapist ratings. The results indicated that the FFM had an appreciable advantage over the DSM-IV-TR in terms of discriminant validity and, at the domain level, convergent validity. Implications of the findings and directions for future research are discussed.

Comparing Personality Disorder Models: Cross-Method Assessment of the FFM and DSM-IV-TR

PubMed Central

Samuel, Douglas B.; Widiger, Thomas A.

2010-01-01

The current edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV-TR; American Psychiatric Association, 2000) defines personality disorders as categorical entities that are distinct from each other and from normal personality traits. However, many scientists now believe that personality disorders are best conceptualized using a dimensional model of traits that span normal and abnormal personality, such as the Five-Factor Model (FFM). However, if the FFM or any dimensional model is to be considered as a credible alternative to the current model, it must first demonstrate an increment in the validity of the assessment offered within a clinical setting. Thus, the current study extended previous research by comparing the convergent and discriminant validity of the current DSM-IV-TR model to the FFM across four assessment methodologies. Eighty-eight individuals receiving ongoing psychotherapy were assessed for the FFM and the DSM-IV-TR personality disorders using self-report, informant report, structured interview, and therapist ratings. The results indicated that the FFM had an appreciable advantage over the DSM-IV-TR in terms of discriminant validity and, at the domain level, convergent validity. Implications of the findings and directions for future research are discussed. PMID:21158596

Face-to-face instruction combined with online resources improves retention of clinical skills among undergraduate nursing students.

PubMed

Terry, Victoria R; Terry, Peter C; Moloney, Clint; Bowtell, Les

2018-02-01

There is growing evidence that online resources used to develop clinical skills among students in the healthcare professions can produce equivalent learning outcomes to traditional face-to-face training methods. Whether clinical competence is retained equally well for online and face-to-face training methods is not yet established. The objective of the study was to compare retention of competence in using an IV infusion pump among nursing students trained in its use using three different protocols. A quasi-experimental design was used. The study was conducted in the School of Nursing and Midwifery at a regional university in Queensland, Australia. Participants were 102 first year nursing students (female=89, male=13) enrolled in a medications course, ranging in age from 18 to 44years. Three groups of participants were trained in the use of an IV infusion pump and competence was assessed following a 26-week period of no access to the pump. Group 1 participants (ONL; n=34) were trained online using an Intravenous Pump Emulator (IVPE); Group 2 participants (ONC; n=38) were trained on campus using an actual IV pump in a traditional face-to-face setting; Group 3 participants (ONL+ONC; n=30) were trained both on campus using the actual IV pump and online using the IVPE. As hypothesised, no significant differences in learning outcomes, measured by assessment scores out of 80 points, were found between the ONL (M=68.7±5.9) and ONC (M=65.5±11.5; p>0.05) groups. The ONL+ONC group recorded the highest mean assessment score (M=70.0±5.0) and completed the assessment task significantly faster (p<0.001) than the other two groups. This study suggests that nursing students retained clinical competence in preparing and administrating IV infusions better when face-to-face and online learning were combined. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

An Item Response Theory Modeling of Alcohol and Marijuana Dependences: A National Drug Abuse Treatment Clinical Trials Network Study*

PubMed Central

Wu, Li-Tzy; Pan, Jeng-Jong; Blazer, Dan G.; Tai, Betty; Stitzer, Maxine L.; Brooner, Robert K.; Woody, George E.; Patkar, Ashwin A.; Blaine, Jack D.

2009-01-01

Objective: The aim of this study was to examine psychometric properties of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition (DSM-IV), diagnostics criteria for alcohol and marijuana dependences among 462 alcohol users and 311 marijuana users enrolled in two multisite trials of the National Drug Abuse Treatment Clinical Trials Network. Method: Diagnostic questions were assessed by the DSM-IV checklist. Data were analyzed by the item response theory and the multiple indicators–multiple causes method procedures. Results: Criterion symptoms of alcohol and marijuana dependences exhibited a high level of internal consistency. All individual symptoms showed good discrimination in distinguishing alcohol or marijuana users between high and low severity levels of the continuum. In both groups, “withdrawal” appeared to measure the most severe symptom of the dependence continuum. There was little evidence of measurement nonequivalence in assessing symptoms of dependence by gender, age, race/ethnicity, and educational level. Conclusions: These findings highlight the clinical utility of the DSM-IV checklist in assessing alcohol- and marijuana-dependence syndromes among treatment-seeking substance users. PMID:19371493

Efficacy of Guanfacine Extended Release in the Treatment of Combined and Inattentive Only Subtypes of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder

PubMed Central

Kollins, Scott H.; Wigal, Timothy L.

2012-01-01

Abstract Background Extended-release guanfacine (GXR) is approved for the treatment of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children and adolescents aged 6–17 years. This post-hoc analysis further examines the effects of GXR on hyperactivity-impulsivity and inattentiveness. Method Data from two large double-blind placebo-controlled pivotal trials of GXR in the treatment of ADHD were analyzed. Using the pooled population to provide sufficient sample size and associated statistical power, the impact of GXR treatment on core ADHD symptoms was examined by comparing ADHD Rating Scale IV (ADHD-RS-IV) total scores in the overall GXR and placebo groups in subjects with each of the three ADHD subtypes. ADHD-RS-IV Hyperactivity-Impulsivity and Inattentiveness subscale scores in the overall study population by randomized dose group (vs. placebo) were also examined. Results The full analysis set included 631 subjects aged 6–17 years (GXR: n=490; placebo: n=141). Among subjects with the predominantly inattentive subtype of ADHD, differences in least squares (LS) mean reductions from baseline in ADHD-RS-IV total scores were significantly greater in GXR-treated subjects (n=127) than in placebo-treated subjects (n=38) at treatment weeks 3 through 5 and end point (p≤0.020). Among subjects with combined type ADHD, differences in LS mean ADHD-RS-IV total score reductions from baseline were significantly greater in the GXR group (n=354) than in the placebo group (n=100) at treatment weeks 1 through 5 and end point (p≤0.011). The dearth of predominantly hyperactive-impulsive type subjects (n=12) precluded analysis of this subgroup. Each randomized GXR dose group in each trial demonstrated significantly greater reductions from baseline in ADHD-RS-IV Hyperactivity-Impulsivity and Inattentiveness subscale scores than did the respective placebo group at end point (p≤0.05 for all). Conclusions The results support the use of GXR in the treatment of core ADHD symptoms as defined in the American Psychiatric Association Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th ed., Text Revision, including hyperactivity, impulsivity, and inattention. PMID:22612526

Using Clinician-Rated Five-Factor Model Data to Score the DSM–IV Personality Disorders

PubMed Central

Miller, Joshua D.; Maples, Jessica; Few, Lauren R.; Morse, Jennifer Q.; Yaggi, Kirsten E.; Pilkonis, Paul A.

2013-01-01

Proposals suggest that many or all of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (4th ed. [DSM–IV]; American Psychiatric Association, 1994) personality disorders (PDs) may be omitted from the DSM (5th ed.; DSM–V ) and replaced with a dimensional trait model of personality pathology (Krueger, Skodol, Livesley, Shrout, & Huang, 2007; Skodol, 2009). Several authors have expressed concerns that this may be difficult for clinicians and researchers who are more comfortable with the extant PD diagnoses. In this study, we tested whether clinician ratings of traits from the Five-factor model (FFM; Costa & McCrae, 1990) can be used to recreate DSM–IV PDs. Using a sample of 130 clinical outpatients, we tested the convergent and discriminant validity of the FFM PD counts in relation to consensus ratings of the DSM–IV PDs. We then examined whether the FFM and DSM–IV PD scores correlate in similar ways with self-reported personality traits from the Schedule for Nonadaptive and Adaptive Personality (Clark, 1993). Finally, we tested the clinical utility of the FFM PD counts in relation to functional impairment. Overall, the FFM PD counts, scored using clinician ratings of the FFM traits, appeared to function like the DSM–IV PDs, thus suggesting that the use of a dimensional trait model of personality in the DSM–V may still allow for an assessment of the DSM–IV PD constructs. PMID:20552504

[Diagnostic values of serum type III procollagen N-terminal peptide in type IV gastric cancer].

PubMed

Akazawa, S; Fujiki, T; Kanda, Y; Kumai, R; Yoshida, S

1985-04-01

Since increased synthesis of collagen has been demonstrated in tissue of type IV gastric cancer, we attempted to distinguish type IV gastric cancer from other cancers by measuring serum levels of type III procollagen N-terminal peptide (type III-N-peptide). Mean serum levels in type IV gastric cancer patients without metastasis were found to be elevated above normal values and developed a tendency to be higher than those in types I, II and III gastric cancer patients without metastasis. Highly positive ratios were found in patients with liver diseases including hepatoma and colon cancer, biliary tract cancer, and esophageal cancer patients with liver, lung or bone metastasis, but only 2 out of 14 of these cancer patients without such metastasis showed positive serum levels of type III-N-peptide. Positive cases in patients with type IV gastric cancer were obtained not only in the group with clinical stage IV but also in the groups with clinical stages II and III. In addition, high serum levels of type III-N-peptide in patients with type IV gastric cancer were seen not only in the cases with liver, lung or bone metastasis but also in cases with disseminated peritoneal metastasis alone. These results suggest that if the serum level of type III-N-peptide is elevated above normal values, type IV gastric cancer should be suspected after ruling out liver diseases, myelofibrosis and liver, lung or bone metastasis.

The analgesic effects of intrathecal xylazine and detomidine in sheep and their antagonism with systemic atipamezole.

PubMed

Christina Haerdi-Landerer, M; Schlegel, Urs; Neiger-Aeschbacher, Gina

2005-09-01

To evaluate the analgesic and adverse side effects of intrathecal (IT) xylazine (XYL) and detomidine (DET) and the subsequent effects of two doses of intravenous (IV) atipamezole (ATI). Prospective, randomized, cross-over. Five adult healthy female sheep with mean body mass of 55 +/- 2.3 kg. Material and methods Each sheep underwent four treatments: 1) 50 microg kg(-1) XYL IT and 5 microg kg(-1) ATI IV, 2) 50 microg kg(-1) XYL IT and 2.5 microg kg(-1) ATI IV, 3) 10 microg kg(-1) DET IT and 5 microg kg(-1) ATI IV, 4) 10 microg kg(-1) DET IT and 2.5 microg kg(-1) ATI IV. Pain threshold (TH) was tested by applying pulsed and stepwise incremental direct current to the skin overlying the pastern. The current at the point of foot lift was recorded as the TH. Heart rate (HR), mean arterial pressure, arterial oxygen (PO(2)) and carbon dioxide (PCO(2)) tensions were monitored. Outcomes were derived as differences between baseline assessment and measurements after treatment. Two-way anova was used to analyse drug effects, treatment differences between groups were examined with an F-test or Wilcoxon's rank sum test in case of non-parametric data distribution. p was set at 0.05. Both drugs increased the pain TH, caused small increases in PCO(2), and small decreases in HR, the latter was only significant for XYL recipients. Xylazine produced a significantly higher TH, more rapidly and for longer than DET. Atipamezole only significantly affected PaCO(2) in the XYL group 2. The pain TH was not affected in either group after IV ATI. At the doses used, IT XYL, and to a lesser extent DET, induced pastern analgesia. Atipamezole 5 microg kg(-1) IV antagonized some side effects without affecting analgesia. Intrathecal XYL may be useful as an analgesic in sheep. Its safety is increased because IV ATI antagonizes side effects, but not analgesia.

Reduction of severity of pruritus after elective caesarean section under spinal anaesthesia with subarachnoid morphine: a randomised comparison of prophylactic granisetron and ondansetron.

PubMed

Tan, T; Ojo, R; Immani, S; Choroszczak, P; Carey, M

2010-01-01

The incidence of pruritus after elective caesarean section under spinal anaesthesia with subarachnoid morphine may be 60-100%, and is a common cause of maternal dissatisfaction. Ondansetron has been shown to reduce pruritus but the effect is short-lived. The objective of this randomized double-blind trial was to evaluate the anti-pruritic efficacy of granisetron compared with ondansetron. Eighty ASA I or II women undergoing elective caesarean section received spinal anaesthesia with 0.5% hyperbaric bupivacaine 10 mg, fentanyl 25 microg and preservative-free morphine 150 microg. After delivery of the baby and clamping of the umbilical cord, they were randomised to receive granisetron 3mg i.v. (group G) or ondansetron 8 mg i.v. (group O). The two groups were similar for age, gestational age, height and weight. According to visual analogue pruritus scores, patients in group G experienced less pruritus at 8h (P=0.003) and 24h (P=0.01). Fewer patients in group G (n=8) than group O (n=18) required rescue anti-pruritic medication (P=0.03). Satisfaction scores were also higher in group G than in group O (P=0.03). There was no difference in overall incidence of pruritus, nausea and vomiting, and visual analogue pain scores between the two groups. Administration of granisetron 3mg i.v. reduces the severity of pruritus and the use of rescue anti-pruritic medication, and improves satisfaction but does not reduce the overall incidence of pruritus in women who have received subarachnoid morphine 150 microg compared to ondansetron 8 mg i.v. Copyright 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Oral or intravenous proton pump inhibitor in patients with peptic ulcer bleeding after successful endoscopic epinephrine injection

PubMed Central

Tsai, Jai-Jen; Hsu, Yao-Chun; Perng, Chin-lin; Lin, Hwai-Jeng

2009-01-01

AIMS We aimed to assess the clinical effectiveness of oral vs. intravenous (i.v.) regular-dose proton pump inhibitor (PPI) after endoscopic injection of epinephrine in patients with peptic ulcer bleeding. METHODS Peptic ulcer patients with active bleeding, nonbleeding visible vessels, or adherent clots were enrolled after successful endoscopic haemostasis achieved by epinephrine injection. They were randomized to receive either oral rabeprazole (RAB group, 20 mg twice daily for 3 days) or i.v. omeprazole (OME group, 40 mg i.v. infusion every 12 h for 3 days). Subsequently, the enrolled patients receive oral PPI for 2 months (rabeprazole 20 mg or esomeprazole 40 mg once daily). The primary end-point was recurrent bleeding up to 14 days. The hospital stay, blood transfusion, surgery and mortality within 14 days were compared as well. RESULTS A total of 156 patients were enrolled, with 78 patients randomly allocated in each group. The two groups were well matched for factors affecting the clinical outcomes. Primary end-points (recurrent bleeding up to 14 days) were reached in 12 patients (15.4%) in the OME group and 13 patients (16.7%) in the RAB group [95% confidence interval (CI) of difference −12.82, 10.22]. All the rebleeding events occurred within 3 days of enrolment. The two groups were not different in hospital stay, volume of blood transfusion, surgery or mortality rate (1.3% of the OME group and 2.6% of the RAB group died, 95% CI of difference −5.6, 3.0). CONCLUSIONS Oral rabeprazole and i.v. regular-dose omeprazole are equally effective in preventing rebleeding in patients with high-risk bleeding peptic ulcers after successful endoscopic injection with epinephrine. PMID:19523014

Local infiltration analgesia for total knee arthroplasty: should ketorolac be added?

PubMed

Andersen, K V; Nikolajsen, L; Haraldsted, V; Odgaard, A; Søballe, K

2013-08-01

Adequate postoperative analgesia with minimal side-effects is essential for early mobilization and recovery in patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty (TKA). High-volume local infiltration analgesia (LIA) with ropivacaine has been introduced, but effects of adjuvants are still debated. We tested the hypothesis that the addition of ketorolac to LIA significantly improves analgesia after TKA. Sixty patients undergoing TKA were randomized to receive intraoperative LIA (ropivacaine 300 mg and epinephrine 0.5 mg) combined with either ketorolac 30 mg (ketorolac group) or saline (control group). After surgery, eight bolus doses of ropivacaine 100 mg combined with either ketorolac 15 mg (ketorolac group) or saline (control group) were administered every 6 h via an intra-articular catheter. The primary outcome was postoperative consumption of i.v. morphine patient-controlled analgesia (PCA). Secondary outcomes were time to first request of i.v. morphine PCA, pain intensity, side-effects, and readiness for hospital discharge. Consumption of i.v. morphine PCA was lower in the ketorolac group vs control group {0-6 h: 0 (0-0) vs 5 (0-10) mg, P<0.0001; 0-48 h: 10 (0-22.5) vs 48.75 (30-82.5) mg, P<0.0001 [median (inter-quartile range, IQR)]}. Time to first request of i.v. morphine PCA was longer in the ketorolac group vs the control group [490 (248-617) vs 223 (115-319) min, P=0.02, median (IQR)]. Early postoperative pain (<48 h) and readiness for hospital discharge were also significantly reduced in the ketorolac group. LIA with ketorolac results in reduced morphine consumption, reduced pain intensity, and earlier readiness for hospital discharge.